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lSt^«2
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Portrait and biographical album
of Jefferson and Van Buren ...
Lake City Publishing Company
1
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CHICAGO:
LAKE CITY PUBLISHING CO.
1890.
': ptejijizedrljy VjOOQIC
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
734281
A8T0R, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R 1916 L
• ■ • • •
. • • • *
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pF^Ep/l?E.
^HE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers. oi
the present century, has said : "The history of a country is best told in a record of the
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biooraphical
Album of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
ndustry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,'' content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and jxjace
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them-
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph-
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.
The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while othera were indifferent. Occasionally some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.
Chicago, November, 1890.
Lake City Publishing Co.
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OF THE
GOVERNORS of IOWA,
AND OF THE
OF THE
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COPYRIGHTED M ,^
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fTHE NEW YORK 1
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FIRST FRESID^NT.
19
GEOM6E WASHINGTON.
HE Father of our Country was
born in Westmorland G)., Va.,
Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
were Augustine and Mary
^« (Ball) Washington. The family
to which he belonged has not
been satisfactorily traced in
England. His great-grand-
father, John Washington, em-
igrated to Virginia about 1657,
and became a prosperous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and had three children, John,
Augustine and Mildred. Augus-
tine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augu:;tine Washington, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left the parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools aftbrded, save for a short time after he left
scho«il, when he received private instruction in
niathemai^cs. His spelling was rather defective.
Remarkable stories are told of his great physica*
strength and devel6pment at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair-
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.
When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years of
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of
nxajor in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon*
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her dennise the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.
Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuren^
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia wae
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili-
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac-
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro-
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North-
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand,
and the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The
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GEORGE WASHINGTON.
trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com-
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
were disabled early in the action, and Washington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through
my coat» and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him.
After having been ^s^ years in the military service,
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he
look advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
CO resign his commission. Soon after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.
When the British Parliament had closed the port
^f Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all."
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con-
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila-
delphia, Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash-
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con-
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com-
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under ever}* possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and aftqr seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his
commission as commander-in-chief of the army 10
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public life.
In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part
of other governments; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owmgto the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to
al tacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.
At the expiration of his first term he was unani-
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi-
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France-
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose his sub-
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2, he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh-
teenth his body was borne with military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.
Of the character of Washington it is impossible to^
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad-
miration. The more we see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal-
ent and character, which have been able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na-
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.
The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry.
He commanded respect without any appearance of
haughtiness, and ever serious without b«in^ dulL
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THF NEW YORK
Pf-T Lie LIBRARY
TILDv N P'
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SECOND PEESIDENT.
'^3
lai
for
ms
nd
' tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
'school of affliction," from which he endeavored to
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned fromUhis by what he
cermed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,*'
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
ready and fluent of s^^eech, and having quick percep-
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
iteps toward holdin^, a town meeting, and the resolu-
tes
iss,
;elt
id-
:be
ed
ies
He
ive
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.
On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with ths
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife
which, as we read k now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, * that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde«
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows*
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24
JOHN ADAMS.
[;ames, s[X)rts, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
ho. 11 one end of the continent to the other, from this
lime forward for ever. You will think me transported
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to
maintain this declaration, and support and defend
ihe^e States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is
wurth more than all the means; and that posterity
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not."
In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms ^nd money
from the French Government. This was a severe trial
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home,
coin[)ellcd him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex-
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis-
ers, wlio were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
ctiosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi-
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet
might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He
sailed for France in November, from there he went to
H)ll:ind, where he negotiated imix)rtaut loans and
formed i:nportant commercial treaties.
Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con-
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of
B.ith. While in England, still drooping and despond-
ing, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip.
February 24, 1785., Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long re-
garded him as a traitor. As England did not
condescend to appoint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
nis own country, where he arrived in June, 1788.
When Washington was first chosen President, John
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again
at the second election of Washington as President,
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash-
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was
elected President,though not without much opposition.
Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by
Mr. Jefferson, his oppcment in politics.
T/hile Mr. Adams was Vice President the great
French Revolution shook the continent of Euroj)e,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or-
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ-
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.
The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strenj^th
of his life to the public good, without the deepest,
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and
supporring. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest
station in the gift of the people.
The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In-
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor-
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re-
signed his spnit into the hands of his God.
The personal appearance and manners of Mr.
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face,
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres-
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous.
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson.
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THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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THIRD PRESIDENT.
«7
OMAS JEFFERSON.
HOMAS JEFFERSON was
born April 2, 1743, at Shad-
well, Albermarle county, Va.
His parents were Peter and
Jane (Randolph) Jefferson,
the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon-
don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav-
ing been kept diligently at school
from the time he was five years of
age. In 1760 he entered William
Old Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion
and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and'irreproacha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences,that he was not ruined. In the sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls ; and '
there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.
Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued in the
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin-
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer. But the times called for greater action.
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
him into active political life. In 1769 he was cho^r.
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow
Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye*
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguished resort in our land.
In 1775 ^^ was sent to the Colonial Congress
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important committees;
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw-
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com-
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con-
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4, 1776, What must have been the feelings of that
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28
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
soverign and independent. It is one of the most re-
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.
In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
• Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef-
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses-
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of 1782 she died.
Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet This position he resigned
Jan. T, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later^was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.
The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra-
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con-
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This has been generally supposed
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been
generally known what his real plans were, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character.
In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
forty years, he had been continually before the pub-
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de-
voted the best part of his life to the service of his
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare-
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello.
Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses, —
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses, — and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a
fashionable watering-place.
The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver-
sary of the Declaration of American Independence,
great preparations were made in every part of the
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer.
and one of the it^ surviving signers of the Declara-
tion, to participate in their liestivities. But an ill-
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.
On the second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the nex*
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha.
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day which his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life.
Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to l>ear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper-
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a
century they had labored together for the good of
the country; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.
In person Mr, Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after hfe became
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage ; and his command of tem-
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un-
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver-
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is
discemable the care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.
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FOURTH PRESIDENT.
3^
PEQES n]^DIS01].«^
AMES MADISON, "Father
of the Constitution," and fourth
President of the United States,
was bom March i6, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
June 28, 1836. The name of
James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that, heroic period of our
country during which the founda-
tions of this great republic were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to be called to his eternal
reward.
The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesa-
peake but 15 years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing upon a very fine es-
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until death.
The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here he applied himself to study with the most im-
prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 1, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf •
quent career.
Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso-
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten-
tion to theological studies. Endowed Mrith a mind
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.
In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-loving voters, and
conseqyendy lost his election ; but those who had
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his
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JAMES MADISON,
intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most conspicuous positions among them.
For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.
No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na-
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis-
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention ; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.
The Consritution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little power at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven-
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
vientatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs, Todd, a
young widow of remarkable power of fascination,
whom l\e married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Mndison.
Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. ^
British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought
to, uix)n the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal-
ance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects ; orders them do^n the
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun-
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.
On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4tli
of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered ui.xjn his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan .
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
18 13, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.
The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit-
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa-
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladen s-
burg, upon Washington.
The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the Wiiite
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer tc
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the oflficers
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of Ijei? g
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.
The war closed after two years of fighting, and or.
Feb. 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.
On the 4th of March, 18 17, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau-
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi-
son died July 12, 1849.
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THE NKW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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FIFTH PRESIDENT,
35
AMES MONROE, the fifth
Presidentof The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Q).,
Va., April 28, 1758. His early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. His ancestors had for
ay years resided in the prov-
2 in which he was born. When,
[7 years of age, in the process
completing his education at
im and Mary College, the Co-
Congress assembled at Phila-
ia to deliberate upon the un-
md manifold oppressions of
Britian, declared the separa-
>f the Colonies, and promul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enlisted among the patriots.
He joined the army when everything looked hope-
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con-
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife
for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel-
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg-
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder.
As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro-
moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam-
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefi"erson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun-
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.
In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
lx>dy he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,
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36
JAMES MONROE.
he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
the G^ngress of the Uniltfd States.
Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
ihinking, with many others of the Republican party,
that it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re-
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction be-
tween the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep-
arated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England,
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could possibly
authorize.
The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In
building up this majestic nation, which is destined
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com-
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the
right equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de-
nounced as almost a demon.
Washington was then President. England had es-
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi-
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be-
tween these contending powers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres-
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.
Washington, who could^ appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appoinring that very James Monroe, who was de-
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.
Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three yeais. He was again sent to Prance to
co-oi^erate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob-
tained from Spain. Tneir united efforts were suc-
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world.
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-
tain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng-
land on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State under
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return ol
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex-
|)iration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.
Among the important measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine/*
This famous doctrine, since known as the ** Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that
time the United States had recognized the independ-
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European powers longer attempting to sub-
due ixjrtions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European powers to extend their sys-
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.
At the end of his second term Mr Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived unril 1850,
when he went to New York to live with his son-m-
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 1831
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SIXTH PRESIDENl,
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jm QniQ6Y ^D^EQS.
OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
Stales, was born in the rural
home of his honored father.
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass.,
on the I ith of July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhooci
during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When but
eight years of age, he stood with
his mother on an eminence, listen-
ing to the booming of the great bat-
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow-
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.
When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his fainer for Europe,
through a fleet ot hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.
Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
cour.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again
Tohn Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to Jtudy; then accom pained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in 178 1, when the manly boy was but fourteen
yea^s of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min-
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.
In this school of incessant labor and of enobling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence^
in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father tc
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the most distinguished men on the Continent
examining arcnitectural remains, galleries of paintings
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again
became associated with the most illustrious men of
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind Afte^
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world,
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir-
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre-
ferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.
Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty,
he studied l«^w for three years. In June, 1794, be-
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap-
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached
London in October, where he was immediately admit-
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney,
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Great Brilian. After thus spending a fortnight in
London, he proceeded to the Hague.
In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal;
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. While waiting he was married to ar.
American lady to whom he had been previously en-
gaged,— Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul In I/Dndon ;
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accbm-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in X,u\
elevated sphere for which sb^ w^ls deslin^
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40
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful-
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his
recall.
Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most promiitlent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern-
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach-
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in-
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.
In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign-
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.
While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu-
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he
kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an important
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.
On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in June, 18 19, 'for the United States. On the
1 8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon-
roe s administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary
of State.
Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re-
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty-one ; Henry Clay, thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
^^ past history of our country than the abuse which
was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con-
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun-
try, than that of John Quincy Adams ; and never, per-
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu-
lously and outrageously assailed.
Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab-
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast,
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.
On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi-
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un-
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re-
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre-
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to
do brave battle* for freedom, and winning the title of
" the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in Its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination :
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.
It has been said of President Adams, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before
he slept, the praj er which his mother taught him in
his infant years.
On the 2istof February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly-
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious-
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the end of earth ;"then after a moment s
pause he added, ^^I am content.*' These were the
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent."
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SEVENTH PRESIDENT.
^$
''N4fijCi2/©ig'»*<2.iAS«$.:
^vciij2i2XiM6^*^^''^***
NDREW JACKSON, the
seventh President of the
United States, was born in
VVaxhaw settlement, N. C,
March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw set-
tlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un-
gainly; and there was but very
Kttle in his character, made visible, which was at-
tractive.
When only thirteen years old he joined the volun-
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.
The brute drew his sword, and aimed a des|)erate
Dlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear-
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and re-
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother was successful vn ctbtaining their exchange.
and took her sick boys home. After a long illnoss
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.
Andrew supported himself in various ways,s \z\\ as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
witn the Sharp Knife.
In 179 1, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur-
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.
During these years he worked hard at his profes-
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec-
ially disgraceful.
In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con-
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.
The new State was entitled to but one member in.
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack-I
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its
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ANDREW JACKSON,
sesiioas, — a distance of about eight hundred miles.
Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Deino-
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
ik)naparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took his seat, Gjn. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expinng, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
** wise, firm and patriotic."
Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held for six years.
When the war of 181 2 with Great Britian com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con-
ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.
As the British were hourly expected to make an at-
tack uix)n New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev-
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him
golden opinions; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of** Old Hickory."
Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brother of Benton s was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set-
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De-
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis-
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of aa
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama.
The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
oneof the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the cen-
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horsc-shoc, on the 27th of March. 1814- The bend
of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast-
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suply of arms were assembled.
The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en-
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn-
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war-
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace.
This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con-
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.
Late in August, with an anny of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.
The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men-
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devorion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.
His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party,
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, 1845. The last ye;ars of Mr. Jack-
son s life were that of a devoted Christian man.
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EIGHTH PRESIDENT.
47
ARTIN VAN BUREN, the
eighth President of the
United States, was bom at
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
place, July 24, 1862. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, un horde red
or unbounded by shrub or flower.
There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His an-
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligerxce and exemplary piety.
A^ was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un-
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of him
^fore he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
d. lofty ambition, and conscious of his ix)wers, he pur-
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending six years in an office in his native village,
he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his
studies for the seventh year.
In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil-
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
JelTerson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed-
eral party held the supremacy both in his town
and State.
His success and increasing ruputation led him
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th<;
county seat of his county. Here he spent ^even years
constantly gaining strength by contending in tht.
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump-
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In t8i 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 18 15, he was ap-
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.
While he was acknowledged as one of the most
piominent leaders of the Democratic party, be had
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MAKTJN VAN BV'KHtsf.
— i,^
the moral courage to ^vow that true democracy did
not require that " universal suffrage *' which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State.
In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.
In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
* State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.
Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re-
garded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians,
Zt was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
io touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to
organize a ix>litical army which would, secredy and
Fte.-'lthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.
When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned
home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor-
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re-
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."
His administration was filled with exciting events-
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer-
cial panic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at-
tributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that lie
failed of re-election.
With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil** Democrats, in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.
He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
j)atriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, se-
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From hi^ fine estate at Lindenwald,
he still exerted a powerful influence u^xdu the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life-
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NINTH PRESIDENT.
J'
ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of
the United States, was born
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri-
son, was in comparatively op-
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, was early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har-
rison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
si>eaker.
Mr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
was twice re-elected. His son,
William Henry, of course enjoyed
b childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough common-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with honor soon after the death of his father. He
then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
thelnstructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
lobert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
ligners of the Declaration of Independence.
JlX)n the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the »emons«Tances of his friends, he
ai)andoned his medical studies and entered the army,
.laving obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi-
1
dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap-
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory was then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
lx)sition.
In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now. embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called ** The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil .
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap
ix)inted by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in-
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi-
dent Madison.
When he began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Abou*
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WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit-
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting-
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
an orator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which
they dwelt.
But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was,
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Spirit.
Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short" conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.
But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes-
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night s en-
campment, he took every precaution against surprise.
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept
upon their arms.
The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa-
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi-
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets.
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide-
ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be-
fore them, and completely routing the foe.
Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending from theCan-
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation which even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive.
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra-
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison
was appointed by President Madison commander-in-
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.
It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the position,
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re
s^xinsibilities.
He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.
In 1 8 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ol
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested
the attention of all the members.
In 1 8 19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the United States*Senate.
In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison s election ; but
his triumph was signal.
The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most
brilliant with which any President had ever been
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin-
istration,more flattering, or the hopes of the country
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick-
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after
his mauguration as President of the United States,
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TENTH PRESIDENT
55
OHN TYLER, the tenth
Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He
was the favored child of af-
fluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of
twelve, John entered William
and Mary College and grad-
uated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted him-
with great assiduity to the
ly of law, partly with his
er and partly with Edmund
dolph, one of the most distin-
hed lawyers of Virginia,
t nineteen years of age, ne
menced the practice of law.
success was rapid and aston-
ig. It is said that three
iths had not elapsed ere there
scarcely a case on the dock-
I et of the court in which he was
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his county.
When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
bank« internal improvements by the General ^vem-
ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con-
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in promoting public works of great utility. With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a suc-
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election.
John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph s wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his op[x>nent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor.
In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi-
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren-
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist-
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen-
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nuUifiers, had
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record
in perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.
Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of
bis profession. There was a cplit in the Democratic
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JOHN TYLER,
party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef-
tersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli-
uients upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con-
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri-
vate aifairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan-
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children ; and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.
By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
7839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har-
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili-
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres-
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa-
thy with the Whig party in the Noith : but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre-
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap-
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.
In 1 84 1, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month frojii
that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thu3 -cund himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been
opposed to the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, hone3t man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun-
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own ? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har-
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
Felected to retain their seats. He reccomm ended a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto. Hr tucgested, however, that he would
approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proiX)sed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and. he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now exultingly received the Presi-
dent into their. arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. AH the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, 'held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.
Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra-
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. W^higs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.
On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife,
Miss Ledria Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.
The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For-
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.
When the great Rebellion rose, which the State-
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal-
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed-
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress ;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died*
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PLTLlCLiBRARYl
AST OR. IFNOX j
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ELEVENTH PRESIDENT.
S9
AMES K. POLK, the eleventh
jPresident of the United States,
was born in Mecklenburg Co.,
N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. ^is par-
ents were Samuel and Jane
(Knox) Polk, the former a son
of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the
first pioneers, in 1735.
In the year 1S06, with his wife
and children, and soon after fol-
lowed by most of the members of
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi-
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
of the Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau-
ry Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
hard toil of a new farm in the wil-
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood and
youth. His father, adding the pur-
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth until
he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.
Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to* obtain
a liberal education. His mother s training had made
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct-
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing that he might not be abl^ tQ ensure a
I
sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.
This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.
He graduated in 18 18, with the highest honors, be*
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
slightly acquainted before.
Mr. Polk's father was a Jeflfersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi-
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man Qf unblemished mprals, genial and
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/AMES K. POLK.
courterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the joys and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.
In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul-
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, until 1 839, he was con-
tinuec^ in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.
During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused,
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk [per-
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac-
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, 1839.
In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo-
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can-
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.
On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur-
ated President of the United States. The verdict of
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig-
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.
In his first message. President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re-
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the
Other States, In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent
with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.
The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa:
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,'
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.
* To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal-
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right : there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.
On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even-
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good. With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge— was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.
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THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRAR7I
AfiTOR. LFNOX
TIlO N P >U' DATIOMS
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TWELFTH PRESIDENT.
63
ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth
President of the United States,
^was born on the 24th of Nov.,
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His
father. Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis-
tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In this front-
ier home, away from civilization and
all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan-
tages. When six years of age he attended a common
school and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.
Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder-
ness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
jcd by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken
company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.
Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their
approach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the antici-
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.
The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap-
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor-
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc-
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses*
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, bafiled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.
Until the close of the war, Major Taylor was placed
in such situations that he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
best could. There were no books, no society, no in-
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ZACIfAjRy TAYLOR,
tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black -Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.
For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re-
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
iiac^ promised they should do. The services rendered
heie secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
tc 'Jie rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
mand of the United States troops in Florida.
After two years of such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
and was stationed over the Department of the South-
west. This field embraced lx)uisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
imposed upon him.
In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palm a. Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
Was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded.
His careless habits of dress and his unaffected
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
the sobriquet of " Old Rough and Ready.'
The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
•pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one s lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder-
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it ; de-
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had net cast a vote. It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
who had been long years in the public service found
tl.^ir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name
had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re-
marked, *' It is a nomination not fit to be made."
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
wnter His friends took possession of him, and pre-
pared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri-
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, —
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren.
Th&ugh he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians.
In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the 9lh of July, 1850.
His last words were, '* I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un-
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.
Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of hisjcharacter: — ** With a good st%re of
common sense, Gen. Taylor s mind had not been en-
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse-
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. • His sim-
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju-
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hit
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out -
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the
offender to,be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
* touch with a pair of tongs.*
"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil-
worth s spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In shori^
few men have ever had a more comfortable, lal)oi-
saving contempt for learning of every kind."
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THE NF'V YCRK
IPUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX
TILDLN FOUNDATIONS
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THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT
(^7
^MILLflHE FILLMflHE.^
^»aiM»^»3«:»:^»3ii:»:j
^«®«®»^
^1^
ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth President of the United
States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 7th of Januarj', 1800. His
father was a fanner, and ow-
ing to misfortune, in humble cir-
cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been
said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1831 ; having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished prom-
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.
In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad-
vantages for education in his early years. The com-
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char-
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he
was about to enter. He was a plain fanner s boy ;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some
enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied ^'\x\\
books. His thirst fur knowledge became insatiate
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history,
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en-
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be-
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-in formed,
educated man.
The young clothier had now attained the age of
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint-
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him and that his previous educa-
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so mucji confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him such
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
ofier was accepted.
There is in many minds a strange delusion about
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hall >
Hnd then enters a Uw gflSee, whQ is by nq me«n« ^i
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MILLARD FILLMORE.
well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing-
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in-
tense mental culture.
In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.
His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties,
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degree the respect of his associates.
In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.
His term of two years closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep-
utation and success* After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re-
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe-
rience as a representative gave him stiength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener-
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every
measure received his impress.
Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,
h? ws^s ^l^ctc^ Comptroller of the State.
Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con-
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi-
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.
Under the influence of these considerations, the
namesofZachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became
the rallying- cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.
On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inaugura-
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.
Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly in-
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in-
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
Fillmcre s adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill-
more, having served one term, retired.
In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres-
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were en-
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874.
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FO UR TEE NTH PRESIDENT
71
e.
is
B-
is
dent, affectionate, Christian wom-
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.
Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen-
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.
When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and
:e
5e
3f
le
is
U
1-
i-
11
n.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.
In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty,
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.
In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member in
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was hongied. Of the
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7*
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
three sons who were bom to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.
In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce s health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847.
He took an important part in this war, proving him-
self a brave and true soldier.
When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo-
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo-
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political ques-
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa-
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin-
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'*
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.
On the 1 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session^
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas-
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
5t§it^s on the ifth 0^ March, 1853.
His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy be-
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point. It became evident that there was
an " irrepressible conflict " between I hem, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad-
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South-
ern breeze.
Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien-
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad-
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo-
cated those measures of Government which they ap-
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.
On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.
When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di-
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen-
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al-
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns*
people were often gladened by his material bounty.
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IPUBLIC LIBRARY
AF.rnn. ij
TILP ' '
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I^IFTEENTH PRESIDENT.
75
-mf^
<j^i^<^i^t^<^<i^<i^<i^<^i^i^<^<^^K^^>^^^t^^^»^t;^<^t^
AMES BUCHANAN, the fif-
|teenth President of the United
States, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha-
nies, in Franklin Q)., Penn., on
the 23d of April, 1 7 91. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father stood was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild and ro-
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His father
was a native of the north of Ireland ;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
1783, with little property save his
Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder-
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per-
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
U> study was intense, and yet his native powers en-
own strong arms.
abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility.
In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 181 2, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very .rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc-
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-
crative practice.
In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In 1 831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.
Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster.
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas*
ures pioposed by President Jackson, of m.ilr/ng lepii-
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76
JAMES BUCHANAN,
sals against France, to enforce the payment of our
clainis against that country ; and defended the course
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the sup-
porters of his administration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnesdy he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.
As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo-
cated that they should be respectfully received ; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no pov^er to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now exists."
Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Government pursued in that
movement.
Mr. Buchanan identified himself thorqughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50,
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan with the mission to England.
In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side ; all the advocates of its re-
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
reived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th5 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years ancj
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in political principles and action for years, were
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose comer-stone should be human slavery.
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be-
wildftied He could not, with his long-avowed prin-
ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United States,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws,
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub-
lic. He therefore did nothing.
The opponents of Mr. Bachanan s administration
nominated Abraham Lmcoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con-
trol of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede Cratm the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National O^tol at
Washington, and the lion s share of the territory of
the United States.
Mr. Buchanan s sympathy with the pro-slavery
party was such,, that he had been willing to offer them
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the
South had professed to ask of the North was non-
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu*
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co-
operation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.
As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow-
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im-
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, " The
Union must and shall be preserved!"
South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston \ Fort Sumpter
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.
The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak-
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver-
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter.
The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled Us billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our coimtry's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion.
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, i868.
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SIXTEENTH PRESIDEISTT
79
RAHAM LINCOLN, the
jcteenth President of the
nited States, was lx)rn in
[ardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
809. About the year 1780, a
an by the name of Abraham
incoln left Virginia with his
^ and moved into the then
of Kentucky. Only two years
this emigration, still a young
while working one day in a
was stealthily approached by
in and shot dead. His widow
in extreme poverty with five
ildren, three boys and two
Thomas, the youngest of the
is four years of age at his
death. This Thomas was
er of Abraham Lincoln, the
* .x,^.v*v,.it of the United States
whose name must henceforth fo'-ever be enrolled
with the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of course no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none ; he could never either read
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend-
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
laborer in the fields of others.
When twenty-eight years of age he built a log-
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi-
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
"All *hat I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate-
ful son •* I owe to my angel-mother . "
When he was eight years of age, his father sold his
cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana^ Where
two years later his mother died.
Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated
community around him. He could not have had a
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader. The
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read
and re-read until they were almost committed to
memory.
As the yeais rolled on, the lot of this lowly family
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar-
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830,
and emigrated to Macon Co., III.
Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with com, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
home, and to go out into the world and seek hi% for-
tune. Litde did he or his friends imagine how bril-
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of
education, and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate ; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.
Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat.
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis-
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin-
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfacticn to his employers. In this adven-
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ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
cure his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his return tney placed a store and mill under his care.
In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as-
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.
In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr, Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of
;he Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con-
test, but won a far higher prize.
The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on th^ i6th of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him :
and as little did he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second
only, if second, to that of Washington.
Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good
and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were aUfterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti-
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to
take him from HarrisL^urg, through Baltimore, at an
unex[>ected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi-
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.
During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibiUties so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, bo»:h personal and national Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in i86r, however, plans had l>een
made for his assassination,and he at last fell a victim
to one of them. April r4, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would be present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock^
Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will filly become a
model. His name as the savior of his country will
live with that of Washington's, its father; hisco«:ntry-
men being unable to decide which U the i{reatec.
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SEVENTEENTH PRESIDEI\/T.
Sj
NDREW JOHNSON, seven-
teenth President of the United
^States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
the record of poverty, destitu-
tion and friendlessness. He
was born December 29, 1808,
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class of the
*poor whites " of the South, i»ere
in such circumstances, that they
' could pot confer even the slight-
est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.
He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was ap-
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion-
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often
read from the speeches of distinguished British states-
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native ability, became much interested
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.
He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and
with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen,
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle-
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,
pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book,
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed 01*
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreation to devote such time as he could to
reading.
He went to Tennessee m 1826, and located at
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos
sessed some education. Under her instructions he
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or-,
ganized a working man s party, which elected him
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.
He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes^
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Tan
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos^
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.
In r84i, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important post for ten years. In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these responsible posi^
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abiV
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S4
ANDRE W JOHNSON.
ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.
Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob-
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
and become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com-
promise measures, the two essentiaHeatures of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the free States of the North should return to the
South persohs who attempted to escape from slavery.
Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. " Sir,"
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav-
ior was the son of a carpenter."
In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of 1800, ne
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South-
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
5tand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost.'* He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In
1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,
1865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, " The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished ; that the Government will not
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter iiKonsistency with, and the most violent
opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech.
In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char-
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginning of 1868, on account of »" high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten-
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre-
ferred against him, and the tri^l began March 23.
It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces-
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac-
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.
The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though im potently,
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi-
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-
alleled since the days of Washington around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
Presidents chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im-
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an excittng
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten-
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con-
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, ^^^ ex- President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach-
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.
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EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT.
LYSSES S. GRANT, the
eighteenth President of the
United States, was bom on
the 29th of April, 1822, of
Christian parents, in a humble
ime, at Point Pleasant, on the
nks of the Ohio. Shortly after
5 father moved to George-
vn. Brown Co., O. In this re-
)te frontier hamlet, Ulysses
:eived a common-school edu-
tion. At the age of seven-
n the year 1839, he entered
lilitary Academy at West
Here he was regarded as a
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in-
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis-
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians.
The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am-
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the anira^l, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.
From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha-
pultepec.
At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re-
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im-
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States ; and having married, entered upon the cultiva-
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercanrile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga^
lena. III. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."
He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of
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ULYSSES S. GRANT.
June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol-
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.
He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the be-
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur-
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a Major-General, and the military
iistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him.
Like all great captains. Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He imniediately
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas-
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter upon Ih** duties of his new office.
Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
ihe army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de-
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as-
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en-
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur-
render of Lee, April 9, 1865.
The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal-
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.
At the Republican Convention held at Chicago.
May 2r, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294
electoral votes.
The National Convention of the Republican party
whichmet at Philadelphia on the 5 th of June, 1872,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati-
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292
electoral votes being cast for him.
Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized world,
and was everywhere received with such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
as well as public and official, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States.
He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
name of Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
1885, the nation wenr in mourning over the death of
^ the illustrious General.
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NINETEENTH PRESIDENT
91
..-»sar«.
?=^-
^^CJ^^><^<^C^<^C^i^i^^i^\^'^e^i!?^W:^i^'^^^
M^TBS.
UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
the United States, was born in
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al-
most three months after the
death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief-
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor-
tane 01^ <?f faking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George waii bom in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was bom in 1724, and was a manufac-
turer of scythci; at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel ai/d grandfather of President Hayes, was
bom in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Veraiont at an ui/known date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was
born. He was married, in September, 181 3, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi-
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industrious,
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me-
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock*
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day.
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be-
reavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Ver-
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.
Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the
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^UTHEItPORD S. ^ITA YES^^
subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes* baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
boy's big head, and the mother s assiduous care of
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if he would really come to something yet."
" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. ** You
'vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.
The boy was seven years old before he w^nt to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
fister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo-
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.
His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest
in his education; and as the boy's health had iqj-
proved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown,*Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.
Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study ip
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re-
mained two years.
In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re-
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro-
fession.
In 1849 he nldved to Cincinnati, where his ambi-
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how-
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse-
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Qub, a body embracing among its
members such men as^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase,
Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman^
hood. The Literary CIud brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high char-
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and
modesty.
In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judg3 of
theCourtof Common Pleas; but he declined to ac-
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office o^
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council
elected him for the unexpired term.
In 1 861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was ar
the zenith of his professional lif ,. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take uo
arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright and illustrious. In
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the ygtli Ohio
regiment, but he refused \x> leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.
Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times
In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long bsen Dem-
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I
shall never come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.
In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.
In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub-
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
aue;urated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, htwever, with satisfaction to his party,
but his admin^tration was an average on?
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TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT.
05
AMES A. GARFIELD, twen-
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1831, in the woods of Orange,
Cuyahoga Co., O His par-
ents were Abram and Eliza
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami-
lies well known in the early his-
tory of that section of our coun-
try, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment.
The house in which James A. was
born was not unlike the houses of
f poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
^ds about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
vween the logs filled with clay. His father was a
:iard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built,
f he household comprised the father and mother and
'Jieir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
"ames. In May, 1823^ the father, from a cold con-
:racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
fell how much James was indebted to his biother s
ceil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car-
penter work, chopped wood^ or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother in he** struggles to keep the little family to-
gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug-
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor,
the humblest fjiend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.
The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtaic
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city
Afier making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time when he wen^:
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of School in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon-
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem-
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his reli^on :
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JAMES A. GARFIELD.
"President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
my judgmenc there is no more interesting feature of
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few *wise and mighty
and noble who are called ' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian communions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political sig-
nificance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
church of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec-
tarian charity for all * who love our Lord in sincerity.*"
Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ii, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.
Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856,
m Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet-
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study l^w at Cleveland,
and in 1 86 1 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re-
ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, 1 861. He was immediately put into active ser-
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed-
ily-accomplished, although against great odds. Pres-
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."
The military Wstory of Gen. Garfield closed with
his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he woe
the stars of the Major-General.
Without an effort on his part Gev Garfield wa»
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for sixty years
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in thai
body. Ther« he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Sincfc
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question whicl.
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before l
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whicL
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu.
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."
Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad-
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre-
liminary work of his administration and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com-
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting nofarthei
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc-
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop* ^
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surjxiss-
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe-
cuted, in one year after he committed the fouT deed.
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TWENTY^FIRST PRESIDENT.
99
IM^IFMM ^. ^JESWiE
HESTER A, ARTHUR,
twenty-first PresjV.^iiL \^i the
United States, was born in
Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on
the fifthofOdober, 1830, and is
the oldest of a family of two
sons and five daughters. His
father was the Rev. Dr. William
Arthur, a Baptist d'.rgy man, who
emigrated to tb.s countrj' from
the county Antnm, Ireland, in
his 18th year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, neai Albany, after a
long and successful ministry.
Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, S( henectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af-
ter his graduation he taught school
in Vennont. for two years, and at
the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his ix)cket,
and entered the oflfice of ex- Judge
E. D. Culver as student. After
being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success-
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward mfiurp<»d the daughter of Lieutenant
Hemdon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two
children.
Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit,
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon^
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided
that they could not be held by the owner under the
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal.
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the People, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Charles 0*Conor here espoused the cause
of the slave-holders^ but he too was beaten by Messrs
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward
the emancipation of the black race.
Another great service was rendered by General
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa^
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly
7JU281
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CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave-
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per-
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.
General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov-
erm»r Moi;gan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec-
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas-
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan s term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the finn. The legal prac-
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra-
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.
He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc-
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.
Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the hading politicians of the Re-
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven-
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re-
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election. .
Finally the election came and the country's choice
♦vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
March 4, 188 1, as President and Vice-President.
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin s bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moment* of
ivnxipus suspense, wh^r tb^ hearts of all civilised na-
tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re-
covery of the noble, the good President The remark-
able patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf-
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God-
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr.
Arthur s every move was watched, and be it said to his
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi-
ciously beguh. Not a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.
At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its history over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, 1 88 1. The position was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se-
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,
and many important measures were to be immediately
decided by him ; and srill farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely that but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was
a popular candidate before his party for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the con-
vention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidatesj he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life car-
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo-
ple, whom he had served in. a manner satisfactory
to them and with credit to himself.
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A^^OR. LENOX
TlLPr N FuUNDATlO^ia
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TWENTY^ECOND PRESIDENT.
103
<^y>
TEPHEN GR0V1ER CLEVE-
LAND, the twenty- second Pres-
ident of the United States, was
born in 1837, in the obscure
town of Caldwell, Essex Co.,
N. J., and in a little two-and-a-
half-story white house which is still
standing, characteristically to mark
the humble birth-place of one of
America's great men in striking con-
trast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in
origin and born in the cradle of
wealth. When the subject of this
sketch was three years of age, his
father, who was a Presbyterian min-
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved,
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles from
Pompey Hill, where Grovernor Seymour was born.
At the last mentioned place young Grover com-
menced gping to school in the " good, old-fashioned
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the
capacity of the village school and expressed a most
emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to
become self-supporting by the quickest possible
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed
to be a position in a country store, where his father
and the large family on his hands had considerable
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com-
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness
that his employers desired to retain him for an in-
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex-
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy.
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette-
ville, he went with the family in their removal to
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a
high school. Here he industriously pursued his
studies until the family removed with him to a point
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica,
M. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a
small salary, the position of *^ under-teacher " in an
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his
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5. GROVER CLEVELAND.
calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as
there was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
»sk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not
speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do,
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply, " Good gracious ! " remarked
ihe old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put
that into your head ? How much money have you
got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got
any."
After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a
place temporarily as assistant herd- keeper, at $50 a
year, while he could "look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he
wanted. A number of young men were already en-
gaged in the office, but Grover s persistency won, and
He was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
Have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for
his board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service here, his senior em-
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ;
Dut in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do
it," was practically his motto.
The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated ; and in such capacity it fell
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two
criminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference tQ the bringing about certain reforms
in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his
performance of duty has generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui-
tous street-cleaning contract : " This is a time for
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme
to betray the interests of the people and to worse
than squander the people's money." The New Yo4
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve«
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made very public throughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
II, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F.
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4lh of
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.
The silver question prefcipitated a controversy be-
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr.
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his
inauguration.
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P'JI^'LICLIEKARY
AS^OR.
LtNOX
TILD^ N FOUnDA' (ON8 ]
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TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT.
107
-©♦o-©X®-«*«^
Benjamin harrison, the
twenty-third President, is
the descendant of one of the
historical families of this
country. The head of the
family was a Major General
Harrison, one of Oliver
Cromwell's trusted follow-
ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom-
well's power it became the duty of this
Harrison to participate in the trial of
Charles I, and afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subse-
quently paid for this with his life, being
hung Oct. 13, 1660. His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
min Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the years i 774-5-6, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.
Gen William Henry itarrison, the son of the
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc-
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812,
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North-
western Territory, was elected President of the
United States in 1840. His career was cut short
by death within one month after his inauguration.
President Harrison was born at North Bend,
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. !>0, 1833. His life up to
the time of his graduation by the Miami University,
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun-
tr}'^ lad of a family of small means. His father was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He became engaged while at college to tlie
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en-
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin
cinnati and then read law for two years. At thfc
expiration of that time young Harrison received th^
only inheritance of his life ; his aunt dying left iiim
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as a
fortune, and decided to get married at once, taka
this money and go to some Eastern town an ^. be-
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the money in his pocket, he started out witu his
young wife to fight for a place in the world* 11%
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108
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at
that time a town of promise. He met with slight
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything
the first year. He worked diligently, applying him-
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro-
x'ession. He is the father of two children.
In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan liis experience as a stump speakei He can-
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His
regiment was composed of the rawest of material,
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
•when he therefore came to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen-
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most
complimentary terms.
During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
lie Supreme Court declared the office of the Su-
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leav-
irg Indiana with bis regiment until the fall of 1864
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been
nominated that year for the same office, he got a
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher-
man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
ilever, and after a most trying siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
incidents of the war.
In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined c. re-election as
jeporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876
Xie was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
eated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him
a National reputation, and he was much sought, es-
pecially in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
ds usual, he took an active part in the campaign,
and was elected to the United States Senate. Here
he served six years, and 77aa known as one of the
Ablest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in
that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial
term he returned to the practice of his profession,
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in
the State.
The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country. The
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, was great in every partic-
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as*
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr.
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move-
ment became popular, and from all sections of the
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly
increased on account of the remarkable 8i>eeches
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega-
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were
his speeches that they at once placed him in the
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen.
On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonly early age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began to agitate
the country. He was an uncompromising anti
slavery man, and was matched against some of llie
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State.
'So man who felt the touch of his blade derired to
be pitted with him again. With all his eloquence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purely American in his ideas and is a splec
did type of the American statesman. Gifted witlt
quick i>erception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers in the Nation. Miuiy of these speeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi-
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement,
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brilliant orator o^" tiic day
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CiOVKUNOllS OF IOWA,
in
■ ^CO ,
"cS55"
NSEL BRTGGS, the first
gentleman chosen to fill the
gubernatorial chair of Iowa
after its organization as a
State, was a native of Ver-
mont, and was bom Feb. 3,
1806. His parents, who likewise
were New Englanders, were Ben-
jamin and Electa Briggs. The
boyhood of our subject was
I)assed in his native 8tiite,and in at-
tendance upon the common schools
he received a fair education which
was subsequently improved by a
term at Norwich Academy. When
a young man he removed with his
parents to Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio, where
young Briggs engaged in the work of estiiblishing
stage lines. He also here embarked in political
afiEairs and as a \Miig run for the office of County
And i tor but was defeated by John Ferguson, a
Jackson Democrat.
After remaining in Ohio for six years, the glow-
ing accounts of the fair fields and the fertile prairies
of the Territory of Iowa, led him westward across
the Father of Waters. He had previously united
hif fortunes in life with Nancy M. Dunlap, daugh-
ter of Major Dunkp, an officer in the W^arof 1812.
Even prior to this marriage he had chosen a wife,
f^ hu\y who was bom on the same day and year as
himself, but of whom he was soon bereft. He
jrought with him to Iowa his little family and lo-
tated at Andrew, iji -Wkson County. Seeing the
opportunity here for resuming his former business,
he began opening up st'ige lines, frequently driving
the old stage coach himself. He made several con-
tracts with the Postoffice Department for carrying
the United States mails weekly between Dubuque
and Davenix)rt, Dubuque and Iowa City and other
routes, thus opening up and carrying on a very im-
IX)rtant enterprise. Politically, Gov. Briggs was a
Democrat, and on coming to Iowa identified him-
self with that party. In 1842 he was chosen a
member of the Territorial House of Representatives
from Jackson County, and subsequently was elected
Sheriff of the same county. He had taken a lead-
ing part in public affairs, and upon the formation of
the State Government in 1846, he became a prom-
inent candidate for Governor, and though his com-
ixjtitors in his own part}*^ were distinguished and
well-known citizens, Mr. Briggs received the nom-
ination. The convention was held in Iowa City,
on Thursday, Sept. 24, 1846, and assembled to
nominate State officers and two Congressmen. It
was called to order by F. D. Mills, of Des Moines
County. W^illiam Thompson, of Heiu*y County,
presided, and J. T. Fales, of Dubuque, was Secre-
tary. Tho vote for Govemor in the convention
stood: Briggs, sixty-two; Jesse Williams, thirty-
two, and William Thompson, thirty-one. Tho two
latter withdrew, and Briggs was then chosen by ac-
clamation. Elisha Cutler, Jr., of Van Buren Coun-
ty, was nominated for Secretary of State; Joseph
T. Fales, of Linn, for Auditor, and Morgan Reno,
of Johnson, for Treasurer. S. C. Hastings ftnd
Sheperd Leffier were nominated for Congress. The
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112
ANSEL BRIGGS.
election was held Oct. 28, 1846, the entire Demo-
cratic ticket being successful. Briggs received
7,G2() votes and his competitor, Thomas McKnight,
the Whig candidate, 7,379, giving Briggs a major-
ity of 247.
The principal question between the two leading
parties, the Democratic and the Whig, at this period,
was that of the banking system. It is related that
i short time prior to the meeting of the conven-
tion which nominated Mr. Briggs, that in offering
I toast at a banquet, he struck the key-note which
made him the popular man of the hour. He said,
" No banks but earth and they well tilled." This
was at once caught up by his pai-ty and it did more
to secure him the nomination than anything else.
His administration was one void of any special in-
terest. He labored in harmonious accord with his
party, yet frequently exhibited an independence of
principle, chamcteristic of his nature. The Mis-
souri boundary question which caused a great deal
of excited controversy at this period, and even a
determination to resort to arms, was handled by
him with great ability.
On his election as Executive of the State, Gov.
Briggs sold out his mail contract, but after the ex-
piration of his term of service he continued his
residence in Jackson County. In 1870 he removed
to Council Bluffs. He had visited the western
part of the State before the day of railroads in that
section, making the trip by carriage. On the occa-
sion he enrolled himself as one of the founders of
the town of Florence on the Nebraska side of the
river and six miles above Council Bluffs, and which
for a time was a vigorous rival of Omaha. Dur-
ing the mining excitement, in 1860, he made a trip
to Colorado, and three years later, in company
with his son John and a large party, went to
Montana, where he remained until the year
1865, when he returned to his home in Iowa.
As above stated. Gov. Briggs was twice married,
his first wife being his companion for r. brief time
only. His second wife bore him eight children, all
of whom died in infancy save two, and of these lat-
ter, Ansel, Jr., died May 15, 1867, aged twenty-
five years. John S. Briggs, the only survivor of
the family, is editor of the IdaJio Herald, published
at Blackfoot, Idaho Territory. Mrs. Briggs died
Dec. 30, 1847, while her husband was Governor of
the State. She was a devoted Christian lady, a
strict member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
woman of strong domestic tastes. She was highly
educated, and endowed by nature with that
womanly tact and grace which enabled her to adorn
the high position her husband had attained.
She dispensed a bounteous hospitality, though her
home was in a log house, and was highly esteemed
and admired by all who met her.
Gov. Briggs went in and out among his people
for many years after his retirement from the execu-
tive office, and even after his retiu*n from the Mon-
tana expedition. He was admired for his able
services rendered so unselfishly during the pioneer
period of the now great and populous State. His
last illness, ulceration of the stomach, was of brief
duration, lasting only five weeks, indeed only three
days before his death he was able to be out. His
demise occurred at the residence of his son, John
S. Briggs, in Omaha, Neb., at half -past three of the
morning of May 5, 1881. His death was greatly
mourned all over the State. Upon the following
day. Gov. Gear issued a proclamation reciting his
services to the State, ordering half-hour guns to be
fired and the national flag on the State capitol to
be put at half-mast during the day upon which
the funeral was held, which was the following Sun-
day succeeding his death.
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aOVEIilSOltS OK IOWA.
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TEPHEN HEMPSTEAD, sec^
ond Governor of Iowa, is a
native of Connecticut, where,
at New London, he was bom
Oct. 1, 1812. He resided in
that State with his parents
until 1828, when the family
came West, locating upon a farm
near Saint Louis. This was the
home of young Steplien until 1830,
when he went to Galena, 111., where
he served in the capacity of a clerk
in a commission house for a time.
He was there during the exciting
period of the Black Hawk troubles,
and was an officer in an artillery
eorapany which had been organized for the protec-
tion of Galena. After the defeat of Black Hawk
and the consequent termination of Indian troubles,
he entered the Illinois College at Jacksonville,
where he remained for about two years. On ac-
count of difficulties which he got into about
8ect?riani3in and abolitionism, he left the college
and ret;rned to Missouri. He shortly afterward
entered the office of Charles S. Hempstead, a prom-
inent lawyer of Galena, and began the study of the
profession in which he afterward became quite pro-
ficient. In 1836 he was admitted to practice in all
the courts of the Territory of Wisconsin, which at
the time embraced the Territory of Iowa, and the
same year located at Dubuque, being the first law-
yer who began the practice of his profession at that
place.
As might be expected in a territory but thinly
populated, but one which was rapidly settling up,
the services of an able attorney would be in de-
mand in order to draft the laws. Upon the organ-
ization of the Territorial Government of Iowa in
1838, he was, with Gen. Warner Lewis, elected to
represent the northern portion of the Territory in
the Legislative Council, which assembled in Bur-
lington that year. He was Chairman of the Com-
mittee Judiciary, and at the second session of that
body was elected its President. He was again
elected a member of the Council, in 1845, over
which he also presided. In 1844 he was elected
one of the delegates of Dubuque County, for the
first convention to frame a constitution for the
State. In 1848, in company with Judge Cnarles
Mason and W. G. Woodward, he was appointed
by the Legislature Commissioner to revise the laws
of the State, which revision, with a few amend-
ments, was adopted as the code of Iowa in 1851.
In 1850 Mr. Hempstead was elected Governor of
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116
STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD.
the State, and served with ability for four years,
that being the full term- under the Constitution at
the time. He received 13,486 votes against 11,-
403 cast for his opponent, James L. Thompson.
After the vote had been canvassed a committee
was appointed to inform the Governor-elect that
the two Houses of the Legislature were ready to re-
ceive him in joint convention, in order that he
might receive the oath prescribed by the Constitu-
tion. Gov. Hempstead, accompanied by the retir-
ing Executive, Gov. Briggs, the Judges of the Su-
preme Court and the officers of State, entered the
hall of the House where the Governor-elect deliv-
ered his inaugural message, after which the oath
was administered by the Chief Justice of the Su-
preme Court. This was an important period in the
history of the State, being at a time when the pub-
lic aflfairs were assuming definite shai)e, and indeed
it was what might be termed the formative period.
The session of the Legislature passed many import-
ant acts which were approved by the Governor, and
during his term there were fifty-two new counties
formed. Gov. Hempstead in his message to the
Fourth General Assembly in December, 1852,
stated that among other things, the population of
the State according to the Federal census was 192,-
214, and that the State census showed an increase
for one year of 37,786. He also stated that the re-
sources of the State for the coming two years
would be sufficient to cancel all that part of funded
debt which was payable at its option.
Among the numerous counties organized was one
^amed Buncombe, which received its name in the
.following way-. The Legislature was composed of a
iirge majority favoring stringent corporation laws
and the liability of individual stockholders for cor-
-oara'a debts. This sentiment, on account of the
agitation of railroad enterprises then being inaugu-
rated, brought a large number of prominent men
sO the capital. To have an effect upon the Legis-
^ture, they organized a " lobby Legislature " and
iloctei as Governor, Verplank Van Antwerp, who
delivered to the self-constituted body a lengthy
message in which he sharply criticized the regular
General Assembly. Some of the members of the
latter were in the habit of making long and useful
speeches much to the hindrance of business. To
these he especially referred, charging them with
speaking for " Buncombe," and recommended that
as a lasting memorial a county should be called by
that name. This suggestion was readily seized on
by the Legislature, and the county of Buncombe
was created with few dissenting voices. However,
the General Assembly, in 1862, changed the name
to Lyon, in honor of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon who was
killed in the early pai*t of the Civil War.
The season of 1851 was one of great disappoint-
ment to the pioneers of Iowa, and much suffering
was the result of the bad season of that year. By
the year 1854, the State had fully recovered from
the depression thus produced, and that year as well
as the following, the emigration from the East was
unprecedented. The prairies of Illinois were lined
day after day with a continuous caravan of emi-
grants pushing on toward Iowa. During a single
month 1743 wagons bound for Iowa passed through
Peoria. So remarkable had been the influx of peo-
ple into the State, that in an issue of the Burling-
ton Telegraph appeared the following statement:
" Twenty thousand emigrants have passed through
the city within the last thirty days, and they are
stiU crossing the Mississippi at the rate of 600 a day."
At the expiration of his term of service, which
occurred in the latter part of the year 1854, Gov.
Hempstead returned to his old home at Dubuque.
In 1855 he was elected County Judge of Dubuque
County, and so acceptably did he serve the people
that for twelve years he was chosen to fill that posi-
tion. Under his administration the principal
county building, including the jail, poorhouse, as
well as some valuable bridges, were erected.
Owing to ill-health he was compelled to retire from
public life, passing the remainder of his days in
quietude and repose at Dubuque. There he lived
until Feb. 16, 1883, when, at his home, the light of
his long and eventful life went out. The record
he has made, which was an honorable and distin-
guished one, was closed, and Iowa was called upon
to mourn the loss of one of her most distinguished
pioneer citizens. He )iad been an unusually iiseful
man of the State and his services, which were able
and wise, were rendered in that unselfish spirit
which distinguished so many of the early residents
of this now prosperous State.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
119
AMES W. GRIMES, the
third gentleman to fill the
Executive Chair of the State
of Iowa, was born in the
town of Deering, Hillsbor-
ough Co., N. H., Oct. 20,
6. His parents, John and
:abeth (Wilson) Grimes, were
► natives of the same town,
\ former wajs born on the 11 th
igust, 1772, and the mother
I 19, 1773. They became the
bs of eight children, of whom
; was the youngest and be-
one of the most distinguished
as of Iowa. He attended the
district schools, and in early childhood evinced an
unusual taste for learning. Besides attending the
district schools, the village pastor instructed him
in Greek and Latin. After completing his prepar-
ations for college, which he did at Hampton Acad-
emy, he entered Dartmouth College, in August,
1832, which was in the sixteenth year of his age.
He was a hard student, advanced rapidly, and in
February, 1835, bid adieu to the college halls, and
with James Walker, of Peterborough, N. H., he be-
gan the study of hid chosen profession.
Feeling that his native State afforded too limited
advantages, and, in tact, being of a rather advent-
urous disposition, as well as ambitious, he desired
broader fields in which to carve for himself a fort-
une. He accordingly left the home that had
sheltered him during his boyhood days, and turn-
ing his face Westward proceeded until he had
crossed the great Father of Waters. It was in
1836, and young Grimes was indeed young to thus
take upon himself such responsibilities; but pos-
sessing business tact, determination and tenacity,
as well as an excellent professional training, he de-
termined to open an office in the then new town of
Burlington, Iowa. Here he hung out his shingle,
and ere long had established a reputation which
extended far beyond the confines of the little city.
In April, 1837, he was appointed City Solicitor,
and entering upon the duties of that oflSce he
assisted in drawing up the first police laws of that
town. In 1838 he was appointed Justice of the
Peace, and became a law partner of WiUiam W.
Chapman, United States District Attome}' for
Wisconsin Territory. In the early part of the year
1841 he formed a partnership with Henry W. Starr,
Esq., which continued twelve years. This firm
stood at the head of the legal profession in Iowa.
Mr. Grimes was widely known as a counselor with
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JAMES W. GRIMES.
superior knowledge of the law, and with a clear
sense of truth and justice. He was chosen one of
the Representatives of Des Moines County in the
first Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa,
which convened at Burlington, Nov. 12, 1838; in
the sixth, at Iowa City, Dec. 4, 1843; and in the
fourth General Assembly of the State, at Iowa City,
Dec. 6, 1852. He early took front rank among the
public men of Iowa. He was Chairman of the
Judiciary Committee in the House of Representa-
tives of the first Legislative Assembly of the Ter-
ritory, and all laws for the new Territory passed
through his hands.
Mr. Grimes had become prominently identified
with the Whig party, and being distinguished as an
able lawyer, as well as a fair-minded, conscientious
man, he was a prominent candidate for Governor
before the corvention which met in February, 1854.
It was the largest convention of that party ever
held in Iowa and the last. He was chosen as a nom-
inee for Governor, was duly elected,' and in Decem-
ber, 1854, assumed the duties of the oflftce. Shortly
after his election it was proposed that he should go
to the United States Senate, but he gave his ad-
mirers to understand that he was determined to fill
the term of oflSce for which he had been chosen.
This he did, serving the full term to the entire sat-
isfaction of all parties. He was a faithful party
leader, and so able were his services that, while at
the time of his election as Governor Democracy
reigned supreme in the State and its representatives
in Congress were allied to the slave power, he
turned the State over to the Republican party.
His term of oflftce expired Jan. 14, 1858, when
he retired from the Executive Chair, only, how-
ever, to assume the responsibilities of a United
States Senator. Upon the 4th of March of the fol-
lowing year he took his seat in the Senate and was
placed upon the Committee on Naval Affairs, upon
which he remained during his Senatorial career,
serving as Chairman of that important committee
from December, 1864. Jan. 16, 1864, Mr. Grimes
was again chosen to represent Iowa in the Senate
of the United States, receiving all but six of the
votes of the General Assembly in joint convention.
His counsel was often sought in matters of great
moment, and in cases of peculiar difficulty. Al-
ways ready to promote the welfare of the State, he
gave, unsolicited, land worth $6,000 to the Congre-
gational College, at Grinnell. It constitutes the
" Grimes foundation," and " is to be applied to the
establishment and maintenance in Iowa College,
forever, of four scholarshii)s, to be awarded by the
Trustees, on the recommendation of the faculty, to
the best scholars, and the most promising, in any
department, who may need and seek such aid, and
without any regard to the religious tenets or opin-
ions entertained by any person seeking either of
said scholarships." These terms were imposed by
Mr. Grimes, and assumed July 20, 1865, by the
Trustees. He received the honorary degree of
LL.D. in 1865 from Dartmouth College, and also
from Iowa College. He also aided in founding a
public library in Burlington, donating $5,000, which
was expended in the purchase of costly books, and
subsequently sent from Europe 256 volumes in the
German language, and also contributed 600 vol-
umes of public documents.
In January, 1869, he made a donation of $5,000
to Dartmouth College, and $1,000 to the "SoSfal
Friend," a literaiy society of which he was a mem-
ber when in college.
His health failing, Mr. Grimes sailed for Europe,
April 14, 1869, remaining abroad two years,
reaching home Sept. 22, 1871, apparently in im-
proved health and spirits. In November he cele-
brated his silver wedding, and spent the closing
months of his life with his family. He voted at
the city election, Feb. 5, 1872, and was suddenly
attacked with severe pains in the region of the
heart, and died after a few short hours of intense
suffering.
Senator Grimes was united in marriage at Bur-
lington, la., Nov. 9, 1846, with Miss Sarah Elizabeth
Neally. Mr. Grimes stood in the foremost ranks
among the men of his time, not only in the State
but of the nation. The young attorney who left
the granite hills of New Hampshire for the fertile
prairies of the West, distinguished himself both as
an attorney and a statesman. His personal history
is so inseparably interwoven in that of the history
of the State that a sketch of his life is indeed but a
record of the history of his adopted State during
the years of his manhood and vigor.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
123
■■»*»
-©♦o-©?>^1©-«4o*
^ALPH P. LOWE, the fourth
Governor of the State of
Iowa, was born in Ohio in
the year 1 808, and like many
others of the distinguished
men of Iowa, came within her
borders in early pioneer
times. He was a young man
but a little over thirty years
of age when he crossed the great
Father of Waters, settling upon its
western bank at the then small vill-
age of Muscatine. He at once
identified himself with the interests
of the growing city, and ere long
became quite prominent in local
affairs and of recognized ability in
questions of public policy. He was shortly after-
ward chosen as a representative from Muscatine
County to the Constitutional Convention of 1844,
which framed the Constitution which was rejected
by the people.
After this constitutional convention, Mr. Lowe
took no further part in public matters for a num-
ber of years. He removed to Lee County about
1 849 or *50, where he became District Judge as a
successor to George H. Williams, who was after-
ward famous as President Grant's Attorney Gen-
eral. He was District Judge five years, from 1852
to 1857, being succeeded by Judge Claggett. In
the summer of 1857 he was nominated by the Re-
publicans for Governor of Iowa, with Oran Faville
for Lieutenant-Governor, The Democracy put in
-jV*»
the field Benjamin M. Samuels for Governor and
George Gillaspy for Lieutenant-Governor. There
was a third ticket in the field, supported by the
American or " Know-Nothing '* party, and bearing
the names of T. F. Henry and Easton Morris.
The election was held in October, 1857, and gave
Mr. Lowe 38,498 votes, against 36,088 for Mr.
Samuels, and 1,006 for Mr. Henry.
Hitherto the term of office had been four 3^ears
but by an amendment to the Constitution this was
now reduced to two. Gov. Lowe was inaug-
urated Jan. 14, 1858, and at once sent his first
message to the Legislature. Among the measures
passed by this Legislature were bills to incorporate
the State Bank of Iowa ; to provide for an agricult-
ural college; to authorize the business of banking;
disposing of the land gi*ant made by Congress to
the Des Moines Valley Railroad; to provide for
the erection of an institution for the education of
the blind, and to provide for taking a State census.
No events of importance occurred during the
administration of Gov. Lowe, but it was not a
period of uninterrupted prosperity. The Governor
said in his biennial message of Jan. 10, 1860,
reviewing the preceeding two years : " The period
that has elapsed since the last biennial session has
been one of great disturbing causes, and of anxious
solicitude to all classes of our fellow-citizens. The
first year of this period was visited with heavy and
continuous rains, which reduced the measure of
our field crops below one-half of the usual product,
whilst the financial revulsion which commenced
upon the Atlantic coast in the autumn of 1857, did
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RALPH P. LOWE.
not reach its climax for evil in our borders until
the year just past."
lie referred at length to the claim of the State
•igainst the Federal Government, and said that he
iiad appealed in vain to the Secretary of the Inte-
rior for the jmyment of the 5 per cent ujwn the
military land warrants that the State is justly en-
titled to, which then approximated to a million of
dollai-s. The pa}Tncnt of this fund, he said, " is
not a mere favor which is asked of the General
Government, but a subsisting right which could be
enforced in a court of justice, were there a tribunal
of this kind clothed with the requisite jurisdiction."
The subject of the-Des Moines River grant re-
ceived from the Governor sj^cial attention, and he
gave a history of the operations of the State author-
ities in reference to obtaining the residue of the
lands to which the State was entitled, and other in-
formation as to the progress of the work. He also
.remarked " that under the act authorizing the Gov-
eiTior to raise a company of mounted men for de-
fense and protection of our frontier, approved
Feb. 9, 1858, a company of thirty such men, known
as the Frontier Guards, armed and equipped as re-
quired, were organized and mustered into service
under the command of Capt. Henry B. Martin, of
Webster City, about the 1st of March then follow-
ing, and were divided into two companies, one
stationed on the Little Sioux River, the other at
Spirit Lake. Their presence afforded security and
gave quiet to the settlements in that region, and
after a service of four months they were disbanded.
•'Late in the fall of the yeai', however, great
alarm and consternation was again felt in the
region of Spirit Lake and Sioux River settlements,
produced by the appearance of large numbei*s of
Indians on the border, whose bearing was insolent
and menacing, and who were charged with clan-
destinely running off the stock of the settlers.
The most urgent appeals came from these settlers,
invoking again the protection of the State. From
representations made of the imminence of their
danger and the losses already sustained, the Gov-
ernor summoned into the field once more the
frontier guards. After a service of four or five
months they were again discharged, and paid in the
manner prescribed in the act under which they were
called out."
Gov. Lowe was beaten for the renomination
by Hon. S. J. Kirkwood, who was considered
much the stronger man. To compensate him for
his defeat for the second term. Gov. Lowe
was appointed one of the three Judges under the
new Constitution. He drew the short term, which
expired in 1861, but was returned and served, all
told, eight years. He then returned to the prac-
tice of law, gradually working into a claim busi-
ness at Washington, to which city he i*emoved
about 1874. In that city he died, on Saturday,
Dec. 22, 1883. He had a large family. Carleton,
one of his sons, was an officer in the Third Iowa
Cavalry during the war.
Gov. Lowe was a man of detail, accurate and
industrious. In private and public life he was
pure, upright and honest. In religious faith he
was inclined to be a Spiritualist.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
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amtiel ^^ ^irlfUOood.
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HE fifth Governor of Iowa
was Samuel J. Kirkwood.
He was born in Hartford
County, Md., on his father's
farm, Dec. 20, 1813. His
father was twice married,
first to a lady named Coulson,
who became the mother of two
sons. After the death of this
companion, the elder Kirkwood
was united in marriage with
Mary Alexander, who bore him
three children, all of whom were
sons. Of this little family Samuel
I was the youngest, and when ten
yeare of age was sent to Washington City to at-
tend a school taught by John McLeod, a relative of
the family. Here he remained for four years, giv-
ing diligent attention to his studies, at the close of
which time he entered a drug store at Washington
as clerk. In this capacity he continued with the
exception of eighteen months, until he reached his
majority. During the interval referred to, young
Kirkwood was living the life of a pedagogue in
York County, Pa.
In the year 1835, Samuel quit Washington and
came westward to Richland County, Ohio. His
father and brother had preceded him from Mary-
land, locating upon a timbered farm in the Buckeye
State. Here Samuel lent them valuable assistance
in clearing the farm. He was ambitious to enter
the legal profe98ion, and in the year X841, an oppor-
tunity was afforded him to enter the office of
Thomas W. Hartley, afterward Governor of Ohio.
The following two years he gave diligent applica-
tion to his books, and in 1843, was admitted to
practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He was
then fortunate enough to form an association in
the practice of his profession with his former pre-
ceptor, which relations continued for eight years.
From 1845 to 1849 he served as Prosecuting
Attorney of his county. In 1849 he was elected
as a Democrat to represent his county and district
in the Constitutional Convention. In 1851 Mr.
Bartley, his partner, having been elected to the
Supreme Judiciary of the State, Kirkwood formed
a partnership with Barnabas Bams, with whom he
continued to practice until the spring of 1855,
when he removed to the West.
Up to 1854 Mr. Kirkwood had acted with the
Democratic party. But the measures proposed and
sustained that year by the Democracy in Congress,
concentrated in what was known as the Kansas-
Nebraska Act, drove him with hosts of anti-slavery
Democrats out of the party. He was besought by
the opposition in the " Richland Disti'ict " to be-
come their candidate for Congress, but declined.
In 1855 he came to Iowa and settled two miles
northwest of Iowa City, entering into a partnership
with his brother-in-law, Ezekiel Clark, in the mill-
ing business, and kept aloof from public affairs.
He could not long conceal his record and abilities
from his neighbors, however, and in 1856 he was
elected to th^ State Senate from the district QQxa-
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SAMUKL J. KIRKWOOD.
iX)sed of the counties of Iowa and Johnson, and
served in the last session of the Legislature held at
Iowa City and the first one held at Des Moines.
In 1859 Mr. Kirkwood was made the standard-
bearer of the Republicans of Iowa, and though he
had as able and popular a competitor as Gen. A.
C. Dodge, he was elected Governor of Iowa by a
majority of over 3,000. He was inaugurated Jan.
11,1860. Before the expiration of his first term
came the great Civil War. As Governor, during
the darkest days of the Rebellion, he performed an
exceedingly imix)rtant duty. lie secured a prompt
response by volunteers to all requisitions by the
Federal Government on the State for troops, so
that during his Governorship no "draft" took
place in Iowa, and no regiment, except the first,
enlisted for less than three years. At the same
time he maintained the State's financial credit.
The Legislature, at its extra session in 1861,
authorized the sale of $800,000 in bonds, to assist
in arming and equipping troops. So frugally was
this work done, that but *300,000 of the bonds
were sold, and the remaining $500,000 not having
been required, the bonds representing this amount
were destroyed b}^ order of the succeeding Legis-
lature.
In October, 1861, Gov. Kirkwood was, with com-
parativelv' little opiX)sition, re-elected — an honor
accorded for the fii-st time in the histor}' of the
vState. His majority was about 18,000. During
his second term he was appointed by President
Lincoln to be Minister to Denmark, but he declined
to enter upon his dii)lomatic duties until the expu--
fition of his term as Governor. The position was
kept open for him until that time, but, when it
came, pressing private business compelled a declin-
ation of the oflice altogether.
In January, 1866, he was a prominent candidate
before the Legislature for United States Senator.
Senator Harlan had resigned the Senatorship uix)n
his appointment to the office of Secretary of the
Interior by President Lincoln, just before hia
death, but had withdrawn from the cabinet soon
after the accession of Mr. Johnson to the Presi-
dency. In this way it hapi>ened that the Legisla-
ture had two terms of United States Senator to fill,
a short term of two years, to fill Harlan's unexpired
term, and a long term of six years to immediately
succeed this ; and Harlan had now become a candi-
date for his own successorship, to which Kirkwoml
also aspired. Ultimately, Kirkwood was elected
for the first and Harlan for the second term. Dur-
ing his brief Senatorial service, Kirkwood did not
hesitate to measure swords with Senator Sumner,
whose natural egotism had begotten in him an ar-
rogant and dictatorial manner, borne with humbly
until then by his colleagues, in deference to his
long experience and eminent ability, but unpalata-
ble to an independent Western Senator like Kirk-
wood.
At the close of his Senatorial term, March 4,
1867, he resumed the practice of law, which a few
years later he relinquished to accept the Presidency
of the Iowa City Savings Bank. In 1875 he was
again elected Governor, and was inaugurated Jan.
13, 1876. He served but little over a year, as
early in 1877 he was chosen United States Senator.
He filled this position four years, resigning to be-
come Secretary of the Interior in President Gar-
field's Cabinet. In this office he was succeeded,
April 17, 1882, by Henry M. Teller, of Colorado.
Gov. Kirkwood returned to Iowa City, his home,
where he still resides, being now advanced in 3'ears.
He was married in 1843, to Miss Jane Clark, a na-
tive of Ohio. ;
In 1886 Mr. Kirkwood was nommated for Con-
gress by the Republicans of his district. Consider-
able interest was manifested in the contest, as both
the Labor and Democratic parties had popular can-
didates in the field.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
131
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ILLIAM M. STONE, the
sixth Governor of Iowa, was
born Oct. 14, 1827. His
parents, Truman and La-
vina (North) Stone, who
were of Englisli ancestry,
moved to Lewis Count}^ N.
Y., when William was but a
year old. William's grandfather, Aaron
Stone, was in the second war with En-
gland. When our subject was six years
of age his parents moved into Ohio, lo-
cating in Coshocton County. Like many
other self-made men, William M. had few
advantages. He never attended a school
of any kind more than twelve months.
In boyhood he was for two seasons a team-driver
on the Ohio Canal. At seventeen he was appren-
ticed to the chairmaker's trade, and he followed
that business until he was twenty-three years of
age, reading law meantime during his spare hours,
wherever he happened to be. He commenced at
Coshocton, with James Mathews, who afterward
became his father-in-law; continued his reading
with Gen. Lucius V. Pierce, of Akion, and finished
with Ezra B. Taylor, of Ravenna. He was admitted
to the bar in August, 1851, by Peter Hitchcock
and Ruf us P. Ranney, Supreme Judges, holding a
teim of court at Ravenna,
After practicing three years at Coshocton with
his old preceptor, James Mathews, he, in November,
1854, settled in Knoxville, which has remained 'his
home since. The year after locating here Mr.
Stone purchased the Knoxville Journal, and wa^
one of the i)rime movers in forming the Republican
party in Iowa, being the first editor to suggest a
State Convention, which met Feb. 22, 1856, and
completed the organization. In the autumn of the
same year he was a Presidential elector on the Re-
publican ticket.
In April, 1857, Mr. Stone was chosen Judge of
the Eleventh Judicial District. He was elected
Judge of the Sixth Judicial District when the new
Constitution went into ojDeration in 1858, and was
serving on the bench when the American flag was
stricken down at Fort Sumter. At that time,
April, 1861, he was holding court in Fairfield,
Jefferson County, and when the news came of the
insult to the old flag he immediately adjounied
court and prepared for what he believed to be more
important duties — duties to his country.
In May he enlisted as a private ; was made Cap
tain of Co. B, Third Iowa Inf., and was subsc
quently promoted to Major. With that regiment
he was at the battle of Blue Mill, Mo., in Septem-
ber, 1861, where he was wounded. At Shiloh, the
following spring, he commanded the regiment and
was taken prisQuer, By order of Jeffersou Davia
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WILLIAM M. STONE.
he was paroled for the time of forty days, with
orders to repair to Washington, and if possible
secure an agreement for a cartel for a general ex-
change of prisoners, and to return as a prisoner if
he did not succeed. Failing to secure that result
within the period specified, he retunied to Rich-
mond and had his parole extended fifteen days ; re-
pairing again to Washington, he effected his pur-
pose and was exchanged.
In August, 1862, he was appointed by Gov.
Kirkwood Colonel of the Twenty-second Iowa
Infantry, which rendezvoused and organized at
Camp Pope, Iowa City, the same month. The
regiment was occupied for several months in guard-
ing supply stores and the railroad, and escorting
supply trains to the Army of the Southeast Mis-
souri until Jan. 27, 1863, when it received orders
to join the army under Gen. Davidson, at West
Plains, Mo. After a march of five days it reached
its destination, and was brigaded with the Twent}'-
first and Twenty-third Iowa regiments. Col. Stone
commanding, and was designated the First Brigade,
First Division, Army of Southeast Missouri. April
I found Col. Stone at Milliken's Bend, La., to assist
Grant in the capture of Vicksburg. lie was now
in immediate command of his regiment, which
formed a part of a brigade under Col. C. L. Harris,
of the Eleventh Wisconsin. In the advance upon
Port Gibson Col. Harris was taken sick, and Col.
Stone was again in charge of a brigade. In the
battle of Port Gibson the Colonel and his com-
mand distinguished tht^mselves, and were successful.
The brigade was in the reserve at Champion Hills,
and in active skirmish at Black River.
On the evening of May 21 Col. Stone receive<i
Gen. Grant's order for a general assault on the
enemy's lines at 10 A. M. on the 22d. In this
charge, which was unsuccessful. Col. Stone was
again wounded, receiving a gunshot in the left
forearm. Col. Stone commanded a brigade until
the last of August, when, being ordered to the Gulf
Department, he resigned. He had become very
popular with the people of Iowa.
He was nominated in a Republican convention,
held at Des Moines in June, 1863, and was elected
by a very large majority. He was breveted Brig-
adier-General in 1864, during his first year as Gov-
ernor. He was inaugurated Jan. 14, 1864, and was
re-elected in 1 865, his four years in oflSce closing
Jan. 16, 1868. His majority in 1863 was nearly
30,000, and in 1865 about 16,500. His diminished
vote in 1865 was due to the fact that he was very
strongly committed in favor of negro suffrage.
Gov. Stone made a very energetic and efidcient
Executive. Since the expiration of his gubernatorial
term he has sought to escape the public notice, and
has given his time to his private business interests.
He is in partnership with Hon. 0. B. Ayres, of
Knoxville, in legal practice.
He was elected to the General Assembly in 1877,
and served one term.
In May, 1 857, he married Miss Carioact Matbews,
a native of Ohio, then residing in Knoxville. They
have one son — William A.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
185
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-ofo-@X^©..o4o-
AMUEL MERRILL, Govenior
from 18G8 to 1872, was bom
in Oxford County, Maine,
Aug. 7, 1822. He is a de-
scendant on his mother's side
of Peter Hill, who came from
England and settled in Maine
in 1653. From this ancestry have
sprung most of the Hills in Ameri-
ca. On his father's side he is a de-
cendant of Nathaniel Merrill, who
came from England in 1636, and lo-
cated in Massachusetts. Nathaniel
had a son, Daniel, who in turn had
a son named John, and he in turn
begat a son called Thomas. The
latter was born Dec. 18, 1708. On the 4th of Aug-
ust, 1728, was bom to him a son, Samuel, who was
married and had a family of twelve children, one of
whom, Abel, was taken by his father to Boston in
1750. Abel was married to Elizabeth Page, who
liad five children, one of whom, Abel, Jr., was the
father of our subject. He married Abigail Hill
June 25, 1809, and to them were born eight chil-
dren, Samuel being the youngest but one. At the
age of sixteen Samuel moved with his parents to
Buxton, Maine, the native place of his mother,
where his time was employed in turns in teaching
and attending school until he attained his majority.
Having determined to make teaching a profession,
and feeling that the South offered better opportu-
nities, he immediately set out for that section. He
remamed, however, but a short time, as he says " he
was born too far North." Suspicion having been
raised as to his abolition principles and finding the
element not altogether congenial, he soon abandoned
the sunny South and went to the old Granite State,
where the next several years were spent in farming.
In 1847 he moved to Tamworth, N. H., where he
engaged in the mercantile business in company with
a brother, in which he was quite successful. Not
being satisfied with the limited resources of North-
ern New England he determined to try his good
fortune on the broad prairies of the fertile West.
It was in the year 1^56 that Mr. Merrill turned
his face toward the setting sun, finding a desirable
location near McGregor, Iowa, where he established
a branch house of the old firm. The population in-
creased, as also did their trade, and their house be-
came one of the most extensive wholesale establish-
ments on the Upi^er Mississippi. During all these
years of business Mr. Merrill took an active part in
politics. In 1854 he was chosen on the abolition
ticket to the Legislature of New Hampshire. The
following year he was again returned to the Legis-
lature, and doubtless had he remained in that State
would have risen still higher. In coming to Iowa
his experience and ability were demanded by his
neighbors, and he was here called into public serv-
ice. He was sent to the Legislature, and though
assembled with the most distinguished men of his
time, took a leading part in the impoii;ant services
demanded of that body. The Legislature was con-
vened in an extra session of 1861, to provide for
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SAMUEL MERRILL.
the exigencies of the Rebellion, and in its deliber-
ations Mr. Merrill took an active part.
In the summer of 1862, Mr. Merrill was commis-
sioned Colonel of the 21st Iowa Infantry, and im-
mediately went to the front. At the time Marma-
duke was menacing the Union forces in Missouri,
which called for prompt action on the part of the
Union Generals, Col. Merrill was placed in com-
mand, with detachments of the 21st Iowa and 99th
Illinois, a portion of the 3d Iowa Cavalry and two
pieces of artillery, with orders to make a forced
march to Springfield, he being at the time eighty
miles distant. On the morning of Jan. 11, 1863,
he came across a body of Confederates who were
advancing in heavy force. Immediate preparations
for battle were made by Col. Aferrill, and after brisk-
ly firing for an hour, the enemy fell back. Merrill
then moved in the direction of Hartville, where he
found the enemy in force under Marmaduke, being
about eight thousand strong, while Merrill had but
one-tenth of that number. A hot struggle ensued
in which the Twenty-first distinguished itself. The
Confederate loss was several officers and three hun-
dred men killed and wounded, while the Union loss
was but seven killed and sixty-four wounded. The
'olio wing winter the regiment performed active
service, taking part in the campaign of Vicksburg.
It fought under McClemand at Port (Jibson, and
while making the famous charge of Black River
Bridge, Col. Merrill was severely wounded through
the hip. He was laid up from the 17th of May to
January, when he again joined his regiment in
Texiis, and in June, 1864, on account of suffering
from his wound, resigned and returned to Mc-
(iregor. In 1867 Mr. Merrill was chosen Gov-
ernor of the State, being elected upon the Repub-
lican ticket. He served with such satisfaction, that
in 1860 he was re-nominated and accordingly
elected.
Under the administration of Gov. Merrill,
the movement for the erection of the new State
House was inaugurated. The Thirteenth General
Asseml)ly provided for the building at a cost of
$1,500,000, and made an ai)proi)riation with which
to begin the work of % 150,000. With this sum the
work was begun, and Nov. 23, 1871, the comer
stone was hid in the presence of citizens from all
parts of the State. On this occasion the Governor
delivered the address. It was an historical view of
the incidents culminating in the labors of the day
It was replete with historical facts, showed patient
research, was logical and argumentative, and at times
eloquent with the fire and genius of American i>a-
triotism. It is a paper worthy of the occai>ion,
and does justice to the head and heart that con-
ceived it.
During the gubernatorial career of Gov. Mer-
rill, extending through two terms, from Janu-
ary, 1868, to January, 1872, he was actively en-
gaged in the discharge of his oflicial duties, and
probably no incumbent of that office ever devoted
himself more earnestly to the public good, stand-
ing by the side of Gov. Fairchild, of Wisconsin.
The two were instrumental in placing the slack-
water navigation between the Mississippi and the
Lakes in the way of ultimate and certain success.
The Governor treated this subject to great length
and with marked ability in his message to the Thir-
teenth General Assembly, and so earnest was he in
behalf of this improvement, that he again discussed
it in his message to the Fourteenth General Assem-
bly. In the instigation of the work the Governors
of the diflferent States interested, called conventions,
and through the deliberations of these assembhes
the aid of the General Government was secured.
Samuel Merrill was first married to Catherine
Thomas, who died in 1847, fourteen months after
their marriage. In January, 1851, he was united
in marriage with a Miss Hill, of Buxton, Maine.
She became the mother of four children, three of
whom died young, the eldest living to be only two
and a half years old.
After the expiration of his public service he re-
turned to McGregor, but shortly afterward removed
to Des Moines, where he is now residing, and is
President of the Citizens' National Bank.
Thus briefly have been pointed out the leading
features in the life of one of Iowa's most promi*
nent citizens, and one who has made an honorable
record both in public positions and private enter-
prises. He is highly esteemed in the city where he
resides and is regarded as one of the faithful rep-
resentatives of the sons of New England. In stat-
ure he is fully six feet high and finely proportioned.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
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^ YRUS CLAY CARPENTER,
Governor of Iowa from 1872
to 1875, inclusive, was born
in Susquehanna County, Pa.,
Nov. 24, 1829. He was left^
an orphan at an early age, his
mother dying when he was at
the age of ton years, and his father two
years later. He was left in destitute
circumstances, and went first to learn
the trade of a clothier, which, however,
he abandoned after a few months, and
engaged with a farmer, giving a term
in the winter, however, to attendance
upon the district school. When eighteen
he began teaching school, and the fol-
lowing four years divided his time between teach-
ing and attending the academy at Hartfoi'd. At
the conclusion of this period he went to Ohio,
where he engaged as a teacher for a year and a
half, spending the summer at farm work.
In the year 1854 Mr. Carpenter came further
westward, visiting many points in Illinois and
Iowa, arriving at Des Moines, then a village of
some 1 ,200 inhabitants. This place, however, not
offering a favorable location, he proceeded on his
journey, arriving in Fort Dodge June 28, 1854.
Owing to his being without funds he was compelled
to travel on foot, in which way the journey to Fort
Dodge was made, with his entire worldly posses-
sions in a carpet-sack which he carried in his hand.
He soon found employment at Fort Dodge, as as-
sistant to a Government surveyor. This work be-
Mf I I Jh
ing completed, young Carpenter assisted his land'
lord in cutting hay, but soon secured another
position as a surveyor's assistant. In the early
part of the following January he engaged in teach-
ing school at Fort Dodge, but in the spring was
employed to take charge of a set of surveyors in
surveying the counties of P^mmet and Kossuth.
On his return to Fort Dodge he found the land-
office, which had been established at that place,
was about to open for the sale of land. Being
familiar with the country and the location of the
best land, he opened a private land-office, and
found constant and profitable employment for the
following three years, in platting and surveying
lands for those seeking homes. During this period
he became extensively known, and, being an active.
Republican, he was chosen as a standard-bearer for
his section of the State. He was elected to the
Legislature in the autumn of 1857. In 1861, on
the breaking out of the Rebellion, he volunteered
and was assigned to duty as Commissary of Sub-
sistence, much of the time being Chief Commissary
of the left wing of the 16th Army Corps. In 1864
he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and assigned
to duty on the staff of Gen. Logan, as Chief Com-
missary of the 15th Army Corps. He continued in
the service until the close of the war, and in
August, 1865, was mustered out.
Upon the close of his service to his country he
returned to his home at Fort Dodge, but, owing to
so many changes which had taken place, and suck
an influx of enterprising men into the city, he
found his once prosperous business in the hands of
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OYHOft CLAV CARPKirrEE.
others. He turned his attention to the improve-
ment of a piece of land, where he remained until
his election, in the autumn of 1866, as Register of
the State Land-Office. He was re-elected in 1868,
and refused the nomination in 1870. This position
took him to Des Moines, but in 1870 he returned
to Fort Dodge. During the summer of the follow-
ing year he was nominated by the Republican party
for Governor. He was elected, and inaugurated as
Chief Executive of Iowa Jan. 11, 1872. In 1873
he was renominated by his party, and October 14
Df that year was re-elected, his inauguration taking
place Jan. 27, 1874. Gov. Carpenter was an able,
popular and faithful Executive, and was regarded
as one of the most honest, prominent and unselfish
officials the State ever had. Plain, unassuming,
modest, he won his public position more through
iie enthusiasm of his friends than by any personal
effort or desire of his own. Everywhere, at all
times and upon all occasions, he demonstrated that
the confidence of his friends was justified. He took
an active part in the great question of monopolies
and transportation evils, which during his adminis-
tration were so prominent, doing much to secure
wise legislation in these respects.
Gov. Carpenter has been regarded as a public
speaker of more than ordinary ability, and has
apon many occasions been the orator, and always
appreciated by the people.
At the expiration of his second term as Governor
Mr. Carpenter was appointed Second Comptroller
of the United States Treasury, which position he
resigned after a service of fifteen months. This
step was an evidence of his unselfishness, as it was
taken because another Bureau officer was to be dis-
missed, as it was held that Iowa had more heads of
Bureaus than she was entitled to, and his resigning
in office of the higher grade saved the position to
another. Ip 1881 he was elected to Congress, and
served with ability, and in the Twentieth General
Assembly of Iowa he represented Webster County.
G( -*. Carpenter was married, in March, 1864, to
Miss Susan Burkholder, of Fort Dodge. No chQ-
dren have been bom to them, but they have reared
a niece of Mrs. Carpenter's.
During his entire life Mr. Carpenter has been de-
moted to the principles of Reform and the best
interests of all classes of citizens who, by adoDtion
or by birth-right, are entitled to a home upon our
soil and the protection of our laws, under the great
charter of " Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Hap-
piness." In an address in 1852 he took advanced
views upon the leading subjects of public interest
He had already laid the foundation for that love of
freedom which afterwards found an ample field of
labor with the Republican party. There was noth-
ing chimerical in his views. He looked at everj'
strata of human society, and, from the wants of the
masses, wisely devined duty and prophesied destiny.
He would have the people of a free Republic edu-
cated in the spirit of the civilization of the age.
Instead of cultivating a taste f c c a species of liter-
ature tending directly to degrade the mind and
deprave the heart, thereby leading back to a state
of superstition and consequent barbarism, he would
cultivate principles of temperance, industry and
economy in every youthful mind, as the indispens-
able ingredients of good citizens, or subjects upon
whose banner will be inscribed Liberty, Equality.
Fraternity.
Thus early in life Mr. Carpenter saw the destined
tendency of our American institutions, and the ad-
vancing civilization of the age. He saw it in the
peace congress, whose deliberations have made the
Rhine thrice immortal. He saw it in the prospect-
ive railway, which he believed would one day
unite the shores of the Atlantic with those of the
Pacific — a fact realized by the construction of the
great continental railway.
It was thus early that he began to study the
wants of the world, and with what clearness and
directness may be seen by the correctness of his
vision and the accomplishment of what he consid-
ered an inevitable necessity.
Thus, growing up into manhood, and passing on%
ward in the rugged pathway of time, disciplined in
political economy and civil ethics in the stem
school of experience, he was prepared to meet every
emergency with a steady hand ; to bring order out
of discord, and insure harmony and prosperity.
Gov. Carpenter is now engaged in the quiet pur-
suits of farm life, residing at Fort Dodge, where
he is highly esteemed as one of her purest minded
and most upright citizens,
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GOVERNOttS OF IOWA.
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OSHUA G. NEWBOLD, the
ninth Governor of Iowa, is
a native of Pennsylvania.
He comes from that excellent
stock known as the P'riends,
who very early settled in
New Jersey. Joshua G. is the
son of Barzilla and Catherine
(House) Newbold, and was born
in Fayette County, May 12,
1830. He was bom a farmer's
boy and was reared in the vigor-
ous employment of farm work.
When he was eight years of age the
family moved to Westmoreland
County, Pa., where, in the common
scliools and in a select school or academy, young
Xewbold received his education. When sixteen
years of age he accompanied the family on their re-
turn to Fayette County. Here for the following
eight years he assisted his father in running a flour-
ing-mill as well as devoting much of his time to
teaching school. When about nineteen years of
age our subject began the study of medicine, de-
voting much of his time while teaching to his med-
ical books. He, however, abandoned the idea of
becoming a physician and turned his attention to
different walks in life.
In the month of March, 1854, Mr. Newbold re-
moved to Iowa, locating on a farm, now partly in
the corporation of Mount Pleasant, Henry County.
At the end of one year he removed to Ceda.
Township, Van Buren County, there merchandising
and farming till about 1860, when he removed to
Hillsboro, Henry County, and pursued the same
callings.
In 1862, when the call was made for 600,000 men
to finish the work of crushing the Rebellion, Mr.
Newbold left his farm in the hands of his family
and his store in charge of his imrtner, and went into
the army as Captain of Company C, 25th Regiment
of Iowa Infantry. He served nearly three years,
resigning just before the war closed, on account of
disability. During the last two or three months he
served at the South he filled the position of Judge
Advocate, with headquarters at Woodville, Ala.
Ilis regiment was one of those that made Iowa
troops famous. It amved at Helena, Ark., in
November, 1862, and sailed in December following
on the expedition against Vicksburg by way of
Chickasaw Bayou. At the latter place was its first
engagement. Its second was at Arkansas Post, and
there it suffered severely, losing in killed and
wounded more than sixty.
After Lookout Mountain it joined in the pursuit
of Bragg's flying forces to Ringgold, where it en-
gaged the enemy in their strong works, November
27, losing twenty-nine wounded. The following
year it joined Sherman in his Atlanta Campaign,
then on the famous march to the sea and through
the Carolinas.
On returning to Iowa he continued in the mer-
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144
JOSHUA G. NEWBOLD.
cantile trade at Ilillsboro for three or four years,
and then sold out, giving thereafter his whole at-
tention to agriculture, stock raising and stock-deal-
ing, making the stock department an important
factor in his business for several years. Mr. New-
bold was a member of the 13th, 14th and 15th Gen-
eral Assemblies, representing Henry Count^^, and
was Chairman of the School Committee in the 1 4th,
and of the committee on appropriations in the 15th
General Assembly. In the 15th (1874) he was tem-
porary Speaker during the deadlock in organizing
the House. In 1875 he was elected Lieutenant
Governor on the Republican ticket with Samuel J*
Kirkwood.
His Democratic competitor was E. D. Woodward,
who received 93,060 votes. Mr. Newbold received
134,166, or a majority of 31,106. Governor Kirk-
wood being elected United States Senator "during
that session, Mr. Newbold became Governor, taking
the chair Feb. 1, 1877, and vacating it for Gov.
Gear in January, 1878.
Gov. Newbold's message to the Legislature
'n 1878, shows painstaking care and a clear, busi-
ness-like view of the interests of the State. His
recommendations were carefully considered and
largely adopted. The State's finances w^ere then in
a less creditable condition than ever before or
since, as there was an increasing floating debt, then
amounting to $340,826.56, more than $90,000 in
excess of the Constitutional limitation. Said Gov.
Newbold in his message: "The commonwealth
ought not to set an example of dilatoriness
in meeting its obligations. Of all forms of indebt-
edness, that of a floating character is the most ob-
jectionable. The uncertainty as to its amount will
invariably enter into any computation made by per-
sons contracting with the State for supplies, mater-
ial or labor. To remove the present difliculty, and
to avert its recurrence, I look upon as the most im-
portant work that will demand your attention."
One of the greatest problems before statesmen is
that of equal and just taxation. The following
recommendation shows that Gov. Newbold was
abreast with foremost thinkers, for it proposes a
step which yearly finds more favor with the people :
" The inequalities of the personal-property valu-
ations of the several counties suggest to my mind
^the propriety of so adjusting the State's levy as to
require the counties to pay into the State treasury
only the tax on realty, leaving the corresponding
tax on personalty in the county treasury. This
would rest with each county the adjustment of its
own personal property valuations, without fear that
they might be so high as to work injustice to itself
in comparison with other counties."
Gov. Newbold has always aflSliated with the
Republican party, and holds to its great cardinal
doctrines, having once embraced them, with the
same sincerity and honesty that he cherishes his re-
ligious sentiments. He has been a Christian for
something like twenty-five years, his connection be-
ing with the Free- Will Baptist Church. He found
his wife, Rachel Farquhar, in Fayette County, Pa.,
their union taking place on the 2d of May, 1850.
They have had five children and lost two. The
names of the living are Mary Allene, Emma
Irene and George C.
The Governor is not yet an old man, and may
serve his State or county in other capacities in the
coming years.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
147
OHN H. GEAR, the tenth
gentleman to occupy the
Executive Chair of Iowa, is
still a resident of Burlington.
He is a native of the Empire
State, where in the city of
Ithica, April 7, 1 825, he was born.
Rev. E. G. Geai, his father, was
bom in New London, Conn., in
1 792, and became a distinguished
clergyman of the Pi-otestant
Episcopal Church. His family had
removed with him, while he was
still young, to Pittsfield, Mass., and
in the year 1816, after his ordina-
tion as a clergyman of the Episco-
pal Church, he went to New York
and located at Onondaga Hill near
the city of Syracuse. Shortly after
this settlement, the young minister
was united in marriage with Miss
Miranda E. Cook. After serving
various congregations in Western
New York for many years, he de-
termined to become a pioneer in
Northern Illinois, which at the time, in the year
1836, was being rapidly settled up. He found a
desirable location at Galena where he remained un-
til 1838, when he received the appointment as
Chaplain in the United States army while located
at Fort Snelling, Minn. He lived a long and act-
ive life, doing much good, quitting his labors in
the year 1874, at the advanced age of eighty- two
years.
The only son born to Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Gear
was J. H., afterward the distinguished Governor of
Iowa. As above stated the birth occurred in 1 825.
In 1843, when still a young man, he came West to
Burlington, where he has since continued to reside,
her most distinguished citizen. Shortly after his
arrival in the young city, he embarked in his mer-
cantile career, engaging at the time with the firm
of Bridgman & Bros., in the capacity of a clerk.
Remaining with this firm for a little over a year,
he left them for an engagement with W. F. Cool-
baugh, who at one time was President of the
Union National Bank, of Chicj^o, and who at that
early period was the leading merchant of Eastern
Iowa. He served Mr. Coolbaugh so faithfully, and
with such marked ability for the following five
years, that, when desirous of a partner in his busi-
ness, the wealthy merchant could find no one in
whom he could place greater confidence and with
whom he could trust his extensive business rela-
tions that pleased him better than the young clerk.
Accordingly he was associated as a partner under
the firm name of W. F. Coolbaugh <fe Co. Under
this arrangement the firm did a prosperous busi-
ness for the following five years, when Mr. Gear
purchased the entire business, which he carried on
with marked success until he became kno\^Ti as the
oldest wholesale grocer in the State. He is at present,
besides filling other prominent busine55 relations,
President of the Rolling Mill Co., of Galesburg^^
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148
4I)UW a GEAtt.
Mr. Gear has been honored by his fc^low-citizens
with many positions of trust. In 1852 he was
elected Alderman; in 1863 was elected Mayor
over A. W. Carpenter, being the first Republican
up to that time who had been elected in Burlington
on a party issue. In 1867 the Burlington, Cedar
Rapids & Minnesota Railroad Company was organ-
ized, and he was chosen as its President. His ef-
forts highly contributed to the success of the enter-
prise, which did much for Burlington. lie was
also active in promoting the Burlington & South-
western Railway, as well as the Burlington <fe North-
western narrow-gauge road.
He has always acted with the Republican party,
and in 1871 was nominated and elected a member
of the House of Representatives of the 14th
General Assembly. In 1873 he was elected to the
15th General Assembly. The Republican cau-
cus of the House nominated him for Speaker by
acclamation, and after a contest of two weeks he
wae chosen over his opponent, J. W, Dixon. He
filled the position of Speaker very acceptably, and
at the close of the session all the members of the
House, independent of party affiliations, joined in
ciguing their names to a resolution of tlianks, which
was engraved and presented to him. In 1875 he
was the third time nominated to the Assembly by
the Republican party, and while his county gave a
large Democratic vote he was again elected. He
was also again nominated for Speaker by the Re-
publican caucus, and was elected by a handsome
majority over his competitor, Hon. John Y. Stone.
He is the only man in the State who ever had the
honor of being chosen to this high position a sec-
ond time. He enjoys the reputation of being an
able parliamentarian, his rulings never liaving been
appealed from. At the close of the session he
again received the unanimous thanks of the House
of Representatives for his courtesy and impartiality,
and for the able and satisfactory manner in which
he had presided over that body.
In 1877 he was nominated for Governor by the
Republican convention which met at Des Moines,
June 28, and at the election held the following
October he received 121,546 votes, against 79,353
for John P. Irish, 10,639 for Elias Jessup and 38,-
V2o for D. P. Stubbs, His plurality over Irish
was 42,193. He was inaugurated Jan. 17, 1878,
and served four years, being re-elected in 1879 by
the following handsome vote: Gear, 157,571
Trimble, 85,056 ; Campbell, 45,439; Dungan, 3,258,
Gear's majority over all competitors, 23,828. His
second inauguration occurred in January of the
year 1880.
Gov. Gear's business habits enabled him to dis
charge the duties of his oflSce with marked abil:*;y
He found the financial condition of the State at r
low ebb, but raised Iowa's credit to that of the
best of our States. In his last biennial message he
was able to report: "The warrants out-standing,
but not bearing interest, Sept. 30, 1881, amounted
to 122,093.74, and there are now in the treasury
ample funds to meet the current expenses of the
State. The war and defense debt has been paid,
except the warrants for $125,000 negotiated by the
Executive, Auditor and Treasurer, under the law
of the 18th General Assembly, and $2,500 of
the original bonds not yet presented for jmy-
ment. The only other debt owing by the State
amounts to $245,435.19, due to the permanent
school fund, a portion of which is made irredeem
able by the Constitution. These facts place Iowa
practically among the States which have no debt,
a consideration which must add much to her rcpu
tation. The expenses of the State for the last two
years are less than those of any other period since
1869, and this notwithstanding the fact that the
State is to-day sustaining several institutions not
then in existence; namely, the hospital at Inde-
pendence, the additional penitentiary, the Normal
School and the asylum for the feeble-minded chil-
dren, besides the girl's department of the reform
school. The State also, at present, makes provision
for fish culture, for a useful weather service, to
sanitary suj^ervision by a Board of Health, for en
couraging immigration to the State, for the insi>ec
tion of coal mines by a State Insi^ector, and liber-
ally for the military arm of the Government."
Gov. Geai' is now in the sixty-first year of his
age, and is in the full vigor of both his mental and
physical faculties. He was married in 1852 to
Harriet S. Foot, formerly of the town of Middle-
bury, Vermont, by whom he has had four children,
two of whom are living.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
Ui
H
\E of the most distinguished
gentlemen who wjis ever
honored with the position
of Chief Executive of the
State is Buren R. Sherman,
the eleventh Governor of
ho is a native of New York.
In the town of Phelps, in On-
)unt3", that he was born to his
Phineas L. and Eveline
on) Sherman, on the 28th of
^36, and was the third son of
iguished family of children,
mts were likewise natives of
the P^mpirc State. Buren R. attended the public
schools of his neighborhood, but was subsequentl}'^
given advantages of the schools at Almira, N. Y.,
where he acquired a very thorough knowledge of
the English branches. His father, who was a me-
chanic, advised him at the close of his studies to
apprentice kimself to learn some trade. He ac-
cordingly made such arrangements with S. Ayers, of
Almira, to learn the trade of a watchmalcer. In
1H;>5, however, he left this position and joined his
family on their removal to the then new State of
Iowa. They settled upon a piece of unbroken prai-
rie land on whnt is now Gcneseo Township, Tama
County, his father having previously purchased
land from the Government. Here Buren R. labored
diligentl}^ in developing his father's fields, devoting,
however, leisure hours which he was granted, to the
study of law. Before leaving his Eastern home he
had decided upon that profession and began its
study while yet in Almira. He soon secured a po-
sition as a book-keeper in a neighboring town, aaci
with the wages earned there, materially assisted hi*
father in the development of their home farm. ir.
the meantime he had applied himself diligently tc
the study of his books, and so studious had he
been that in the summer of 1859, he was enabled
to pass a creditable examination and to be admitted
to the bar. The following spring the young attor-
ney moved to Vinton, hung out his shingle and be-
gan the practice of his profession. He was associated
with Hon. William Smyth, formerly District Judge,
and J. C. Traer, under the firm name of Smyth;
Traer cfe Sherman. The new firm rapidly grew into
prominence, building up a prosperous practice,
when Mr. Sherman withdrew to tender his services
to the Government in defense of her integrity and
honor.
It was early in 1861, directly after the enemy had
assaulted the American flag on Sumter, that the
young attorney enlisted in Co, G, 13th Iowa Vol,
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BUREN R. SHERMAN.
Inf., and immediately went to the front. lie
entered the service as Second Sergeant, and in
February, 1862, was made Second Lieutenant of
Company E. On the Gth of April following he was
i^ery seveielj' wounded at the battle of Pittsburgh
Landing, and while in the hospital was promoted to
the rank of Captain, lie returned to his company
while yet obliged to use his crutches, and remained
on duty till the summer of 18G3, when, by reason of
his wound, he was compelled to resign and retuni
home. Soon after returning from the army hQ was
elected County Judge of Benton Count}^ and re-
elected without opposition in 18G5. In the autumn
of 18G6 he resigned his judgeship and accepted the
office of Clerk of the District Court, to which he
was re-elected in 18G8, 1870 and 1872, and in
December, 1874, resigned in order to accept the
office of Auditor of State, to which office he had
been elected by a majority of 28,425 over J. M.
King, the "anti-monopoly '* candidate. In 1876 he
was renominated and received 50,272 more votes
than W. Growneweg (Democrat) and Leonard
Browne (Greenback) together. In 1878 he was
again chosen to represent the Republican party
in that office, and this time received a major-
it}' o^ 7,164 over the combined votes of Col.
E'^-'^i^eck (Democrat) and G. V. Swearenger (Green-
back). In the six years that he held this office, he
was untiring in his faithful application to routine
work and devotion to his special share of the State's
business. He retired with such an enviable record
that it was with no surprise the people learned,
June 27, 1881, that he was the nominee of the Re-
publican party for Governor.
The campaign was an exciting one. The General
Assembly had submitted to the people the prohibi-
tory amendment to the Constitution. This, while
not a partisan question, became uppermost in the
mind of the public. Mr. Sherman received 133,-
330 votes, against 83,214 for Kinne and 28,112 for
D. M. Clark, or a plurality of 50,086 and a major-
ity of 21,974. In 1883 he was re-nominated by
the Republicans, as well as L. G. Kinne by the
Democrats. The National party offered J. B.
Weaver. During the campaign these candidates
iield a number of joint discussions at different
j)oints in the State. At the election the vote was :
Sherman, 164,182; Kinne, 139,093- Weaver, 23,.
089 ; Sherman's plurality, 25,089 ; majority. 2,000
In his second inaugural Gov. Sherman said :
" In assuming, for the second time, the office o\
Chief Magistrate for the State, 1 Ifully reahze ;i»y
grateful obligations to the people of Iowa, throur^li
whose generous confidence I am here. I am aware
of the duties and grave responsibilities of this ex-
alted position, and as well what is expected of me
therein. As in the past I have given my undivided
time and serious attention thereto, so in the future
I promise the most earnest devotion and untiring
effort in the faithful performance of my official re-
quirements. I have seen the State grow from in-
fancy to mature manhood, and each year one of
substantial betterment of its previous position.
" With more railroads than any State, save two ;
with a school interest the grandest and strongest,
which commands the support and confidence of all
the people, and a population, which in its entirety
is superior to any other in the sisterhood, it is
not strange the pride which attaches to our people.
When we remember that the results of our efforts iu
the direction of good government have been
crowned with such magnificent success, and to-day
we have a State in most perfect physical and finan-
cial condition, no wonder our hearts swell in honest
pride as we contemplate the past and so confidently
hope for the future. What we may become de-
pends on our own efforts, and to that future 1 look
with earnest and abiding confidence."
Gov. Sherman's terra of office continued until Jan.
14, 1886, when he was succeeded by William Larra-
bee, and he is now, temporarily, perhaps, enjoying
a well-earned rest. He has been a Republican since
the organization of that party, and his services as a
campaign speaker have been for many years in
great demand. As an officer he has been able to
make an enviable record. Himself honomble and
thorough, his management of public business has
been of the same character, and such as has com-
mended him to the approval of his fellow-citizens.
He was married, Aug. 20, 1862, to Miss Lena
Kendall, of Vinton, Iowa, a young lady ot rare ac-
complishments and strength of character. Their
union has been happy in every respect. They have
two children — Lena Kendall and Oscar Eugene,
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
\bb
^ <K>o
"o<i55"
ILLIAM LARRABEE, the
present able Governor of
Iowa, and the twelfth gen-
tleman selected hy; the
people as the Chief Magis-
trate of the gi'eat Com-
"•^ monwealth, is a native of
Connecticut. Ilis ancestors
were among the French Huguenots who
came to America early in the seventeenth
century and located in Connecticut. At
that time they bore the name of d*Larra-
bee. Adam Larrabee, the father of Will-
iam, was bom March 14, 1787, and was
one of the early graduates of the West
Point Military Academy. He served his
country during the War of 1812, with distinction,
holding the position of Second Lieutenant, to which
he was commissioned March 1, 1811. He was pro-
moted to the Captaincy of his company Feb. 1,
1814, and on the 30th of the following March, at
the battle of Lacole Mills, during Gen. Wilkinson's
eam|)aign on the Saint Lawrence River, he was
severely wounded in the lung. He eventually re-
covered from the injury and was united in mar-
riage to Hamiah G. Lester. This much esteemed
lady was bom June 3, 1798, and died on the loth of
March, 1837. Capt. Larrabee lived to an ad-
vanced age, dying in 1869, at the age of eighty-
two years.
As above mentioned, William, our subject, was
bom in Connecticmt, the town of Ledyard being
the place of his birth and Jan. 20, 1 832, the date.
He was the seventh child in a family of nine chil-
dren, and passed the early years of his life upon a
rugged New England farm, enjoying very meager
educational advantages. He attended, during the
winter seasons, the neighboring district schools
until he reached the age of nineteen years, when,
during the following two winters, he filled the posi-
tion of schoolmaster. He was ambitious to do
something in life for himself that would bring fort-
une and distinction, but in making his plans for the
future he was embarrassed by a misfortune which
befell him when fourteen years of age. In being
trained to the use of firearms under his father's
direction, an accidental discharge resulted in the
loss of the sight in the right eye. This conse-
quently unfitted him for many employments usually
sought by ambitious young men. The famil3'
lived near the seashore, only two miles away, and
in that neighborhood it wa& the custom for at least
one son in each family to go upon the sea as a
sailor. The two eldest brothers of our subject had
chosen this occupation while the third remained in
charge of the home farm. William was thus left
free to chose for himself and, like many of the
youths of that day, he wisely turned his face West-
ward. The year 1853 found him on this journey
toward the setting sun, stopping only when he
came to the broad and fertile prairies of the new
State of Iowa, He first joined his elder sister, Mjs
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156
WILLIAM LARRABEE.
E. H. Williams, who was at that time living at
Gamavillo, Clayton County. It was this circum-
stance which led the young boy from Connecticut
to select his future home in the northeastern por-
tion of Iowa. He resumed his occupation as a
pedagogue, teaching, however, but one winter,
which was passed at Hardin. The following three
years he was employed in the capacity of foreman
on the Grand Meadow farm of his brother-in-law,
Judge Williams.
In 1857 he bought a one- third interest in the
Clermont Mills, and located at Clermont, Fayette
County. He soon was able to buy the other two-
thirds, and within a year found himself sole owner.
He operated this mill until 1874 when he sold to
S. M. Leach. On the breaking out of the war he
offered to enlist, but was rejected on account of
the loss of his right eye. Being informed he might
ix)ssibly be admitted as a commissioned officer, he
raised a company and received a commission as
First Lieutenant, but was again rejected for the
same disability.
After selling the mill Mr. Larrabee devoted him-
self to farming, and started a private bank at Cler-
mont. He also, experimentally, started a large
nursery, but this resulted only in confirming the
belief that Northern Iowa has too rigorous a cli-
mate for fruit-raising.
Mr. Larrabee did not begin his political career
until 1867. He was reared as a Whig and became
a Republican on the organization of that imrty.
While interested in politics he generally refused
local offices, serving only as Treasurer of the
School Board prior to 1867. In the autumn of
that year, on the Republican ticket, he was elected
to represent his county in the State Senate. To
this high position he was re-elected from time to
time, so that he served ad Senator continuously for
eighteen years before being promoted to the high-
est office in the State. He was so popular at home
that he was generally re-nominated by acclamation,
and for some years the Democrats did not even
make nominations. During the whole eighteen
years Senator Larrabee was a member of the prin-
cipal committee, that on Ways and Means, of which
he was generally Chairman, and was also a member
of other committees. In the pursuit of the duties
thus devolving upon him, he was indefatigable.
It is said that he never missed a committee meet-
ing. Not alone in this, but in private and public
business of all kinds, his uniform habit is that ol
close application to work. Many of the importanV
measures passed by the Legislature owe their ex-
istence or present form to him.
He was a candidate for the gubernatorial nomina-
tion in 1881, but entered the contest too late, as
Gov. Sherman's following had been successfully
organized. In 1885 it was generally conceded be-
fore the meeting of the convention that he would
be nominated, which he was, and his election fol-
lowed as a matter of course. He was inaugurated
Jan. 14, 1886, and so far has made an excellent
Governor. His position in regard to the liquor
question, that on which political fortunes are made
and lost in Iowa, is that the majority should rule.
He was i)ersonally in favor of high license, but
having been elected Governor, and sworn to up«
hold the Constitution and execute the laws, he pro-
poses to do so.
A Senator who sat beside him in the Senate de
Clares him to be '- a man of the broadest compre-
hension and information, an extraordinarily clear
reasoner, fair and conscientious in his conclusions,
and of Spartan firmness in his matured judgment,"
and says that " he brings the practical facts and
philosophy of human nature, the science and his-
tory of law, to aid in his decisions, and adheres with
the earnestness of Jefferson and Sumner to the
fundamental principles of the people's rights."
Gov. Larrabee was married Sept. 1 2, 1 86 1 , at Cler-
mont, to Anna M. Appelman, daughter of Capt.
G. A. ApjDelman. Gov. Larrabee has seven chil-
dren— Charles, Augusta, Julia, Anna, William,
Frederic and Helen.
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GOVERNORS OF IOWA.
Ib'J
CE BOIES, GoTernor
f Iowa, is a lawyer by
rofession, and a resident
f the city of Waterloo,
f this State, where he
as been in active prac-
April, 1867. Governor
on of Eber and Hettie
Boies, and was born in
ie County, N. Y., on the
December, 1827. His
I farmer by occupation,
lerate circumstances, and
as reared 'under the
nd moral influences of
farm life. He attended the public schools, as op-
portunity afforded, until sixteen years of age, when
being inspired with an ambition to see more of the
world than had been possible for him within the
narrow limits of his native town, with the added
variety of an occasional visit to Buffalo, he per-
suaded his parents to consent to his departure for
the West. Passage was secured on a steamer at
Buffalo, which was bound up the lakes, and in due
time he landed at the little hamlet of Racine, Wis.
This was in the spring of 1843, while Wisconsin
was a Territory and but sparsely settled. The total
cash assets of the youthful emigrant amounted to
but seventy-five cents, which necessitated strict
economy and immediate employment. Not finding
a favorable opening at Racine he struck out on
foot in search of work among the farmers, which
he secured with a settler near Rochester, and some
twenty miles from Racine. His employer proved
a hard task-master and kept the boy hard at the la-
borious work of ditch digging, while he stinted
him at meals. After a month spent in a half-
starved condition, and over-worked, the subject of
our sketch received the sum of $10 for his services,
and broken down in health, moved on a few miles,
where he luckily fell in with a family that had
moved from the neighborhood of his home. They
proved true friends and kindly cared for him
through a long illness, that was the legitimate con-
sequence of his previous month of hardship and
starvation.
On recovering his health, young Boies continued
at farm work until a year had elapsed since he had
left his home. He then returned to his native
town, having learned the useful lesson of self-re-
liance, which in after years enabled him to more
easily overcome the difl3culties that beset the way
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160
HORACE BOIES.
of him who has to hew out his own road to success.
On his return to Aurora, Mr. Boies pursued a
course of study at the Aurora Academy, and later
spent one winter in teaching school in Boone
County, 111. Returning to New York, he was mar-
ried in Aurora, on the 18th of April, 1848, to Miss
Adela King, a daughter of Darius and Hannah
King. Mrs. Boies was born in Erie County, N. Y.
Three children were born of their union, of whom
only one is now living, a daughter, Adela, who was
the wife of John W. Carson, now deceased. Mrs.
Carson resides at Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
In 1850 Mr. Boies began the study of law in Au-
rora and pursued it in that place and also in Bos-
ton, of Erie County; and was admitted to the bar
at Buffalo, at the general term of the Supreme
Court in November, 1852. He pursued the prac-
tice of his profession in Buffalo and vicinity with
marked success, and in the fall of 1857 was chosen
to represent his district in the New York House of
Representatives, for the session of 1858.
In the autumn of 1855 Mr. Boies was called to
mourn the loss of his wife, who died in November,
of that year. He was married again in December,
1858, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Miss Versalia M. Bar-
ber, a daughter of Dr. P. J. Barber. Mrs. Boies
was born in Boston, Erie County, N. Y., and had
removed to Iowa six months prior to her marriage.
Slie died in April, 1%77, leaving three children, a
daughter and two sons. Earl L., the eldest, was
graduated at Cornell College, studied law with his
father, was admitted to the bar in 1886, and is now
his father's partner. Jessie, the only daughter, is
her father's companion and housekeeper. Herbert
B., the youngest, is a law student, reading law in
his father's office.
Mr. Boies after pursuing the practice of his pro-
fession at Buffalo and vicinity for fifteen years, re-
moved to Iowa, and settled at Waterloo, in April,
1867. He at once formed a law partnei-ship with H.
B. Allen, and for a time the firm was Boies <fe Allen,
then Carlton F. Couch, the present district judge,
was admitted to membership, and the firm name be-
came Boies, Allen <fe Couch. That connection was
continued until 1878, when Mr. Allen, on account of
failing health, was obliged to withdraw. The firm
continued under the style of Boies <k Couch until
1884, when Mr. Couch was elected Judge of the
Ninth Judicial District. Mr. Boies was then alone
in business for a short time, until joined by his
"eldest son, E. L. In 1886 Mr. James L. Husted
was admitted to membership in the firm, which has
since continued under the name of Boies, Husted
& Boies, and which is widely known as a leading
law firm of Eastern Iowa.
Gov. Boies was a Whig in early life, and on the
disruption of that party and the formation of the
Republican party, he joined the latter. But he was
never ambitious to serve in official positions, and
with the exception of one term in the New York
Legislature and one term as City Attorney at Wa-
terloo, he held no office of consequence until elected
Governor of Iowa in the fall of 1889. He main-
tained his connection with the Republican party
until 1882, since which time he has affiliated with
the Democrats. Gov. Boies enjoys the distinction
of being the first Governor of Iowa elected by the
Democratic party for a period of thirty-five years,
and was the only successful candidate of his party
on the State ticket at the late election. Consider-
ing the fact that the State was carried the year pre-
vious in the Presidential election, by a majority of
thirty-five thousand in favor of the Republicans,
the success of Gov. Boies may be said to have been
a marked compliment to him as a man and a leader,
without disparaging the splendid campaign work of
his party managers, or ignoring the effect of the evi-
dent change in popular political sentiment in Iowa.
As a lawyer, Gov. Boies has won prominence by
his ability and well-grounded knowledge of law,
an earnest and conscientious regard for the inter-
ests of his clients, and the confidence and respect
he never fails to command in addressing the court
or jury. His life has been a busy one, and success
has been achieved by indefatigable industry, close
study, and strict integrity of character. He is not
a politician in the common acceptation of the term,
and the nomination for Governor came to him un-
sought and was only accepted through a sense of
duty to the party with whose principles he was in
close sympathy. He enters upon the discharge of
his official duties under peculiar circumstances, but
with the confidence of all parties that his ad minis*
trrXion will be able, honest and fair.
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INTRODUCTORY.
|>^>'S*V>*V%*>*>/%^>^%^^^«^^^^^^^N*^*V^»N/N/"
HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent lime owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserv^id. Surely and rapidly
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re-
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days
Df settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.
To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough,
in spite of their best works and the most earnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
Th-i pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people
to perpetuate the memory of tReir achievements.
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea —
to leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the ex-
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.
It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un-
limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and
this is through the art of printing.
To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, though
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.
The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.
To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to
publish to the world the history of those whose lives
are unworthy of public record.
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THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A8T0R. LENOX
TILDfcN POUNDATIONft
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
169
?»0N. JAMES F. WILSON,
United States Senator
from Iowa. Among the
many eminent statesmen
of America wlio liave
won prominence and dis-
tinction through their own unaided
efforts, rising from humble stations
in life where educational advan-
tages were limited, to high places
of public honor and trust, must be
classed the Senator whose name
heads this sketch. The story of
the successful growth in political
influence and power of such men
as Lincoln, Garfield, Henry Wilson, Kirkwood, and
James F. Wilson, with numerous others, touches the
honest pride of the true American heart and rouses
to a spirit of emulation the ambition of those who,
conscious of the possession of superior talents and
natural ability, find themselves hampered by the
accident of birth in advantages of education.
James F. Wilson was born in Newark, Ohio, on
the 1 9th of October, 1828, and is a son of David
S. and Kitty A. (Bramble) Wilson. His rather, a
native of Morgan town, Va., was born in 1800, of
Scotch ancestry, and was a contractor and builder
by trade. In Newark, Ohio, he married Miss
Kitty A. Bramble, who was born in Chillicothe, of
that State, on the 16th of November, 1810. His
death occurred in 1839, leaving three small chil-
dren to the care of the mother. The parents were
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr.
Wilson taking an active part in everything that
pertained to the advancement of the cause. Polit-
ically, he was a Whig. Their family numbered
five children but only three lived to mature years,
namely : James F., Mary J., wife of Dr. Blair, and
David B. The mother died at the home of her
daughter in Fairfield, January 28, 1875.
As our subject was the eldest of the children, at
the death of his father, although then but eleven
years of age, he was required to assist his mother
in providing for the support of the family. Soon
after his father's death, he was apprenticed to a
saddle and harness maker, serving a term of several
years. Under those circumstances, his educational
advantages were necessarily limited, but by per-
sistent effo»*t and self culture and with the aid of
several friends giving him private instructions at
their homes, he succeeded in acquiring a good edu-
cation, including some of the languages. His am-
bition was to qualify himself to enter the profession
of the law and that fact coming to the knowledge
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of W. B. Woods, afterwards one of the Associate
Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States,
he took a warm interest in the future of the young
harness -maker, loaned him books and acted as his
instructor. Mr. Wilson pursued his early law
studies as he had his literary studies-while working
at his trade. In 1851, he quit the bench to devote
his time to preparation for his chosen work. In
1852, he was admitted to the bar in his native
town and there began the practice of his profession.
There Mr. Wilson was also married on tte 25th
of November, 1852, the lady of his choice being
Miss Mary A. K. Jewett, a native of Newark,
Ohio, and a daughter of Alpheus Jewett. Soon af-
terward he removed with his wife to Iowa and set-
tled in Fairfield where he entered upon the practice
of his profession. Three children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, two sons and a daughter —
Rollin J., the eldest, is the senior partner of the
law firm of Wilson <fe Hinkle of Fairfield ; Mary
Blair, the only daughter, was educated^at Fairfield
and resides with her parents; James F., Jr., was
born May 23, 1867, educated at Parsons College, in
Fairfield, and in October, 1889, engaged in the
boot and shoe business at that city^ AJl were born
in Fairfield. The Senator and his family attend
the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Wilson
and the children are members.
In addition to his law practice, Mr. Wilson, soon
after coming to Fairfield, participated in the edi-
torial charge of the organ of his party and the able
and vigorous manner in which he wielded the pen
soon attracted attention and favorable comment
from the public. He rapidly won prominence both
as a lawyer and a writer, and in 1856, was chosen
a member of the convention to revise the State
Constitution of Iowa and proved one of the most
active and useful members of that body. In 1857
he was appointed by the Governor of Iowa, Assist-
ant Commissioner of the Des Moines River Im-
provement, then the most important work of the
interior public improvements in the State. During
the same year he was chosen to represent his dis-
trict in the Lower House of the State Legislature
and was made chairman of the Committee on
Ways and Means. In 1859, he was elected a mem-
ber of the State Senate and served on the Judiciary
Committee through whose hands passed the revis-
ion of 1860. In 1861 he was chosen President of
the Senate and during the same year was electe<i
to Congress to fill a vacancy caused by the resig-
nation of Samuel R. Curtis. After serving the un-
expired term of Gen. Curtis, Mr. Wilson was
re-elected without opposition in any of the nomi-
nating conventions, to the Thirty-eighth, Thirty-
ninth and Fortieth Congresses and declined a
further renomi nation. When he entered Congress
he was placed on the Judiciary Committee of the
House of the Thirty- seventh Congress, and in all
probability was the youngest man ever placed on
that committee, being only thirty-three years of
age at that time. He continued to serve on that
committee during the succeeding terms of his mem-
bership in the House and for six years was chair-
man of the committee. During that period the
important judicial questions arising from the late
war and consequent reconstruction of the relations
between the States lately in rebellion and the gov-
ernment, made the duties of the Judiciary Com-
mittee mure arduous and important than at any
lime since the formation of the government. How
ably and faithfully he discharged the duties which
devolved upon him is a matter of history. That
he remained uninterruptedly at its bead and that
no measure favorably reported on by the commit-
tee failed in the House,is the best assurance of that
that confidence placed by Congress in his work.
Originally an anti-slavery Whig, Mr. Wilson
Joined the anti Nebraska party on the repeal of the
Missouri Compromise and soon afterwards took an
active part in the organization of the Republican
party in Iowa. He at onee took prominence in the
new party and was recognized as one of its most
zealous and consistent adherents. '-During his
whole political career, whether in contests in his
own State or the councils of the Nation, he has
been a pronounced and unswerving friend of equal
rights to all, without regard to race, color, or creed.
He was an original advocate of the proposition to
erase the word ''white*' from the State Constitution
and persevered in his efforts in that direction un-
til the final triumph of the measure in the canvass
of 1868." 'On December 7, 1863, the first day of
the session of the Thirty-eighth Congress, Mr, WiU
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171
son gave notice in the House of his intention to in-
troduce a joint resolution for an amendment to the
Constitution aholishing slavery. This was the first
notice looking to that end ever given in the Con-
gress of the United States. Shortly after he re-
peated the resolution from the Judiciary Committee
and on the 19th of March following, sustained it
by a speech in the House, considered one of his
ablest and most effective efforts.** Mr. Wilson ad-
vocated, also, during this Congress, the employ-
ment of negro troops. He had no prejudices to
conquer in this direction and was anxious to accept
the services of the blacks in defense of the Union.
He was a zealous and efflcient worker in behalf of
the repeal of the fugitive slave law, as of all other
measures calculated to do away with the institution
of slavery. Shortly after the assembling of the
Thirty-ninth Congress, he reported, from the Ju-
diciary Committee, a joint resolution proposing an
amend mjBnt to the constitution to forever forbid
the payment of any portion of the rebel debt.
The resolution passed the House and altliough it
was not acted upon in the Senate, its substance
was imbcdied in the Fourteenth Constitutional
Amendment.*' **Hatred of oppression, sympathy
with the lowly, is as firmly ingrafted into Mr. Wil-
son's nature as it was in that of Lincoln or Gar-
field and springs as naturall}*^ as theirs from the
rugged experiences of his early struggle with pov-
erty and toil.'*
On entering Congress in December. 1861, the
first resolution offered in that body by Mr. Wilson
was one to instruct the committee on military affairs
to report an additional article of war, prohibiting
the use of the United States forces to return fugi-
tive slaves. The first bill ever reported to Congress
for the enfranchisement of the colored people of the
District of Columbia was reported byhim. He re-
reported and carried through the House a bill giving
freedom to the wives and children of colored union
soldiers. He reported and carried through the House
the great Civil Rights Bill and fought earnestly, un-
tiringly and successfully to engraft upon the con-
stitution and to make alive and active in the
Nation's statutes the principles of political and
civil equality. In the second session of the Thir-
ty-ninth Congress, when the question of the im-
peachment of President Johnson came up for
consideration and was continued in the Fortieth
Congress, Mr. Wilson, as a member of the Judic-
iary Committee, reported on behalf of the minority
against impeachment and carried his proposi-
tion through the House after a spirited debate.
When the subject came again before the House on
new charges, Mr. Wilson was made one of the man-
agers appointed by tiie House to carry the articles
of impeachment that were found against the Presi-
dent before the Senate, and to prosecute them there-
in this instance, there was, in his Judgment, no
doubt about the power and duty of Congress. In
his view a penal enactment of Congress had been
violated, clearly, knowingly, intentionally and de-
fiantly. Acting upon his convictions he gave to
the prosecution of the case his most earnest and ac-
tive efforts.
On the 4th of March, 1869, when U. S. Grant
was inaugurated President, James F. Wilson was
serving his last day in Congress, and had de-
termined to retire to private life. But on that day
the new President sent for him and tendered, him
the first place in his cabinet, that of Secretary of
State. After consideration, becoming so important
a proposition and of certain circumstances bearing
on the subject of which it is not necessary here to
speak, Mr. Wilson declined the appointment. Presi-
dent Grant pressed him to accept one of two other
cabinent positions but he declined to serve in either
and returned to private life.
One of the principal reasons given by Mr. Wil-
son for refusing such an honorable appointment
was that he wished to spend his time with his fam-
ily from whom he had been so long separated
while in the public service. Accordingly, in the
spring of 1869, he returned to his home in Fair-
field and resumed the practice of his profession.
Shortly afterwards he was appointed by Grant as
one of the Government Directors of the Union Pa-
cific Railroad Company and served eight years in
that capacity. He enjoyed during the succeeding
twelve years after leaving Congress, a large and
lucrative law practice and accu adulated a comfort-
able fortune. AV'hile refusing to accept public of-
fice he took an active part in campaign work and
was prominent and influential in the conventions
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of his party. In 1881, he announced himself as
a candidate for United States Senator, and in sup-
port of his claims made one of the most remarkable
canvasses known in the political history of the
country. It was a novelty in Iowa politics, or of
any other State, for a candidacy for the Senate to
be, not a fusilade between rival candidates, bat a
process of public education. Mr. Wilson delivered
eight written addresses on subjects of deep inter-
est to the people, on topics scientific, literary, theo-
logical, historical and political. The character of
these several addresses suggested thorough study,
. deep research and a broad and diversified knowledge
that enlightened the people of Iowa as to the capa-
bilities of the man, and won for him an election to
the Senate of the United States without opposition.
At the close of his term of office he was re-elected
unanimously and is now serving his second term
in the highest branch of the National Congress. To
the liberality and personal efforts of Mr. Wilson,
is largely due the perfection and importance of the
Fairfield Public Library, the largest library of mis-
cellanous works in the State and one which pos-
sesses a museum of natural curiosities, Indian relics,
Roman antiquities, etc. which is not equaled in
variety or extent west of the Mississippi. The li-
brary contains one of the most complete set of pub-
lic documents, including reports of Congressional
proceedings from the Continental Congress to the
present time.
Mr, Wilson not only contributed liberally in
time and means to the cause, but through his influ-
ence secured generous contributions from people
outside of Iowa. He has also taken an active in-
terest in support of the cause of temperance, and
the friends of reform in this direction in Iowa,
have never had reason to doubt his sincerity, but
have always been sure of his earnest co-operation.
He is the author of the bill which recently passed
the Senate and is known in common parlance 9S the
original package bill. He reported said bill from
the judiciary committee of wliich he is a member
and had charge of its consideration in that body
and until its first passage. He is always to be found
in the van of every movement of great public in-
terest, which has the welfare of the people as its
object. By the purity of his life, both public and
private; his splendid talents as a statesmaaand his
industry and fidelity to every trust reposed in him,
Mr. Wilson has won a place in the hearts of the
people of which his friends may well be proud.
DETER DAHLBURG, for the long period of
) forty-two years, has been a resident of Van
; ' Buren County and is both widely and fav.
i \ orably known throughout the community.
He is of Swedish birth, but Iowa has but few beU
ter citizens. He was born on the 7th of June, 1802,
and in his native land grew to manhood. At length,
having attained to mature years, he was united
in marriage with Miss Ingar Nelson who was also
born in Sweden, the date of her birth being De-
cember 20, 1807. Having lived for some years after
their marriage in Sweden, Mr. and Mrs. Dahl-
burg, accompanied by their children, in 1845
crossed the Atlantic to America with thb intention
of making a permanent location on this side of the
water. Landing on the shores of the New World
they at once continued their journey until having
arrived in Iowa, when they located in .leflferson
County. After a short sta}', however, they re-
moved to Keokuk, and the year 1848, witnessed
their arrival in Van Buren County, where they
have since made their home.
A family of ten children, eight of whom are liv-
ing, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dahlburg, namely:
Cecilia, wife of J. D. Irish, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this work; Elsie, wife of Peter Lo
Greslcy of Henry County, Iowa; Ellen, widow of
Frank Metz who was killed during the late war in
the engagement at Ft. Donelson ; Joanna, widow
of George N. Thomas: Robert N., who served as
one of the boys in blue and is now engaged in car-
pentering in Pittsburg; Charlotte, wife of Aaron
Mort of Kansas; Amanda M., wife of James W.
Pace of Knoxville, who also followed the flag dur-
ing the Rebellion; and Charles L., a shorthand
reporter of Des Moines.
The parents of this family are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and are highly re-
spected citizens in the community where they have
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173
80 long made their home. They have been witnes-
ses of almost the entire growth and development
of Van Buren County, have seen the progress made,
have aided in its advancement and have the honor
of being numbered among the pioneer settlers.
Mr. and Mrs. Dahlburg were married in Febru-
ary, 1827, and have now lived together as man and
wife for upwards of sixty- three years.
^
N. WESLEY WALKER. The history of
f&n Buren County would be incomplete
hould the sketch of Mr. Walker be omitted,
or few have longer been residents of the
community and none are more widely or favorably
known. In the pursuit of his business he has ai(ted
immeasurably in the upbuilding of the county, and
with a desire to promote the general welfare, though
himself receiving no benefit, he has supported all
worthy enterprises, and, with others, should receive
the lasting gratitude of the citizens of the county
for ages to come. We can hardly realize what is
due the pioneers, yet we can cherish their mem-
ory while we perpetuate their lives by written rec-
ord. They were the founders of the county, and
the work which they performed cannot be meas-
ured by a common standard.
Wesley Walker was born in York County, Pa.,
on the nth of June, 1820, and is a son of Joseph
and Lydia (Bell) Walker, who were also natives of
the same county, the former born in 1787, the lat-
ter in 1788. The grandfather of our subject,
Abel Walker, was one of the early settlers of York
County. He married Ann Vale, daughter of Capt.
Robert Vale, who accompanied William Penn on
his second voyage to America. For valuable serv-
ices rendered, William Penn presented him with
one thousand acres of land in York County, where
the Walkers also owned large possessions. Both
families belonged to the Society of Friends, but
Joseph Walker was dismissed from the church on
account of having served in the War of 1812, the
sect being strongly opposed to warfare.
Our subject was one of nine children, all of
whom grew to mature years — Joel, who settled in
Keosauqua, in 1839, died in 1881 ; John is a car-
riage-maker, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Josiah has
been a resident of Van Buren County since 1860;
Wesley is the fourth in order of birth; Abel is still
living in his native State; Eliza is the widow of
Adam Freeze, of Springfield, Mass.; Jane, widow
of John P. Wolfe, died in Cumberland County,
Pa., in 1872; Louisa, who resides in Nebraska, is
the widow of John Pyles; Lucinda is the wife of
John P. Shively, of Cumberland County, Pa. The
parents of this family both died in York County,
Pa. They were honest, upright people, members
of the Methodist Church, and their consistent-lives
won them host of friends.
Wesley Walker acquired his education in the
subscription schools of the early day, and at the
age of eighteen years began learning the carpen-
ter's trade. Possessing a natural aptitude for me-
chanics, he soon mastered the business and became
a proficient workman. With a desire to benefit his
financial condition and with the hope of securing
for himself a comfortable home, he followed the
course of human emigration, which was steadily
drifting westward, and in the spring of 1839 landed
in Van Buren County, Iowa. On the 20th of June
he made a claim in Des Moines Township, but did
not locate upon the land, as he believed it would
be to his advantage to devote himself to carpen-
tering. Yearly the number of emigrations increased
and his labors were in constant demand. On the
17th of June, 1846, he was united in marriage
with Miss Rosa A. Robins, who was born in Leb-
anon County, Pa., in 1827, and was a danghter of
William Robins. Three years later, in March,
1849, with his father-in-law, he started for Cali-
fornia. In Keokuk they were delayed nine days
on account of the river being frozen over. At the
expiration of that time they boarded a steamer and
sailed down the Mississippi to New Orleans and
across the Gulf to Panama. On reaching the op-
posite side of the Isthmus they embarked in a
steamer ,''Capaka,*' but ninety -three days had passed
ere they reached Monterey, Cal., during that time
the supply of provisions was exhausted, and they
also suffered from thirst, only a pint of water being
allowed each passenger per day. Some idea of the
suffering will be obtained from the knowledge of
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tlie fact that Mr. Walker on starting out weighed
one hundred and sixty-five pounds, but his weight
on reaching Monterey, Cal., was only one hundred
and twenty-five pounds. After some tirae spent
in travel, and three months in which he engaged in
mining, he made his way to Sacramento, where he
followed the car[ientc'r*8 trade. He was in that
city at the time of the great overflow, and suc-
ceeded in saving the life of his father-in-law, who
was sick at the time. Tliey made a claim on the site
of the Capitol building and remained in California
till the fall of 1 850, when they returned b}' the same
route which they had before traveled. On reaching
Van Buren County, Mr. Walker once more resumed
carpentering, in which line of business he has since
continued operations. Many of the important
structures of the city and community were erected
by him or under his immediate supervision. He
built the first frame house in Ottumwa, which at
the time consisted of two log cabins, and made the
fust coffin, in which was laid to rest Mary Ann
Hall, the first buried at that place.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walker were born five chil-
dren, yet living — Mary, wife of John McPherron,
of Northville, Spink County, S. D.; Willie, who
is a miller of Keokuk County, Iowa; Flora, wife
of Ed Petei*son, who also makes his home in North-
ville; Emma, wife of John Rank, of Chadron, Neb.;
and Morris, who is a resident of Kansas City. The
mother of this family was called to her final rest
on the 29th of August, 1873. She was a member
of the Christian Church and a lady greatly be-
loved for her many excellencies of character. On
the 3d of June, 1886, Mr. Walker was again mar-
ried, his second union being with Mrs. Sarah Mc-
Nee, widow of William McNee.
In political sentiment Mr. Walker is independ-
ent, casting his ballot for the man and not the
party. He was honored by his fellow-citizens with
the office of Mayor, which be filled acceptably and
with credit to himself and his constituents. How-
ever, he has never sought political preferment as
his business occupies his entire time and attention.
Quietly and faithfully he performs the duties of
citizenship, and by his upright life and honorable
course wins the respect of all with whom becomes in
contact. As a pioneer h^ baa lived to witness the
vast changes which have taken place, has partici-
pated in the wonderful growth and development,
and has the honor of being known as one of the
fathers of the county, where for more than half a
century he has made his home.
-m=
=»-
f SAAC C. GILLETT, a pioneer of Fairfield, now
,1 a resident of Sigourney, K^kuk County,
iii Iowa, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y.,
January 19, 1825, and is a son of Samuel Gillett,
who was born March 28, 1799. In 1822 he mar-
ried and afterwards removed to Cattaraugus
County, and thence, in 1837, to Iroquois County,
III. In January, 1838, the family removed to
Franklin County, Ohio, and in the spring of 1846
came to Iowa, locating in Jefiferson County, near
Fairfield, on the farm now owned by W. E. GroflP.
The mother died August 16, 1846, and the father
departed this life on the 18th of January, 1848.
Isaac C. Gillett accompanied his parents in their
migrations until they settled in Iowa. He was
reared on a farm and was married near Birming-
ham, Van fiuren County, February 17, 1848, to
Miss Maria Groesbeck, a daughter of Peter and
Mary Groesbeck. Mrs. Gillett was born in Wash-
ington County, N. Y., June 1, 1827. Their union
was blessed with five children, three sons and two
daughters, as follows: Mary, born November 22,
1848, is now the wife of William Gann of Sig-
ourney, Iowa; Sarah M., born August 12, 1850,
died in infancy; Orlando G., bom October 14,
1853, died in infancy; Bert, born July 14, 1856,
married Miss Virginia E. RatcUfif and is now a
photographer of Fairfield; Edmund M., born May
11, 1858, is single and resides in Fairfield.
Mr. Gillett, the father of this family, is a wagon-
maker by trade and carried on business in Birming-
ham, Van Buren County, for several years. In the
fall of 1856 he moved to Monroe County, Iowa,
where he engaged in farming with good success
until 1859. He then returned to Birmingham and
at that place made his home until 1873, when he
removed to Sigourney, his present place of resi-
dence, He ia a Republican in politics and with
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175
his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. So-
cially, Mr. Gillett is a member of Sigourney Lodge,
No. 98, 1. O. O. F. and is hio^Iily respected by all
who know him.
ENRY FRUSH, deceased, was born in Balti-
more County, Md., October 15, 1802, and
died at his home, in Jefiferson County, on
the 22d of August, 1874. He was a sub-
stantial farmer, and was respected by all who knew
him. The family to which he belonged was of
German origin. When about eight years of age,
his parents removed to Belmont County, Ohio,
where he grew to manhood. In Wheeling, Va., on
the 6th of December, 1830, he wedded Miss Mary
Shepherd, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, born
August 7, 1810, and a daughter of William and
Catherine (Rippeth) Shepherd. Her parents were
natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively,
and were married and lived for some time in Jef-
ferson County, Ohio, after which they removed to
Tuscarawas County. Mr. Shepherd laid out the
town of LeesvlUe, built the first house in it, and
made other improvements. The dwelling which
he erected is still standing. He engaged in mer-
chandising for a livelihood. About 1840 he re-
moved with his family to Van Buren County, Iowa,
where his wife died at the age of fifty-two yearS)
leaving eleven children. Afterward he was again
married and removed to Appanoose County, Iowa,
where his death occurred at the age of seventy-
five years. By his last wife he had three children.
Mrs. Frush is the third in order of birth in the
family of eleven children. Upon her marriage with
our subject, they settled on a farm in Belmont
County, Ohio, but later removed across the line
into Monroe County, where the husband owned
and improved a good farm. In 1850 they cast their
lot with the early settlers of Jefferson County, Iowa,
at the same time purchasing three hundred acres of
land two miles north of Fairfield, of which Mrs.
Frush still owns one hundred and sixty acres. They
lived in the city until a house of the pioneer style
could be built on their land, and then removed to
their new home. Mr. Frush was a stirring and
successful farmer, who accomplished whatever he
undertook. Politically, he was a Whig in early
life, and later was a Republican, but took no
prominent part in political affairs. The Methodist
Church of the community h^^ no more zealous
member, and that organization also finds in his
wife an earnest worker. The final summons came
to Mr. Frush on the 22d of August, 1874, and amid
the sorrows and regrets of many friends, he was
laid to rest. Though quiet and unassuming in man-
ner, he was an honor to his calling and a blessing
to the community in which he lived.
£leven children were born of the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Frush, as follows: George W., who served
three years in the Union army during the late war,
and died about three years after his discharge by
disease contracted while in the service; William A.,
a legal practitioner of Kansas ; Amanda M., widow
of Johnson Moore; Sarah A., at home; Martha J.,
wife of John W. Quillem, a wool buyer of Fair-
field ; Isabel, wife of John R. McElderry, of Fair-
field; Mary, widow of John Tansey, who died some
years after his return from the late war; James,
who served nine months in putting down the Re-
bellion, and is now on a ranch in Montana; Louisa,
wife of Eugene Freeman, a resident of Kansas;
Caroline, wife of Burdett Spencer, of Peoria;
John H., a farmer of this county. In addition to
her own family, Mrs! Frush has reared two children.
— Angeline Hampson, wife of Asbury Shepherd,
brother of Mrs. Frush ; and Martha J. Hampson,
wife of James C. Smith.
Although she has attained the age of four-score
years, Mrs. Frush is still vigorous and retains pos-
session of her faculties to a remarkable degree.
She has lived forty years in this county and is
blessed with a good home, children and many
friends.
WILLIAM FRANK PUMPHREY, deceased,
was an early settler of Jefferson County.
In the latter part of the eighteenth century,
three brothers of that name, natives of England,
braved the dangers of an ocean voyage and located
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
in Virginia, where they became wealthy citizens.
One of their number joined Harrison in his Indian
campaign, and another brother was the father of
our subject. He emigrated from Virginia to Knox
County, Ohio, where in the midst of a heavily tim-
bered region he deycloped a fine farm. His mother
was a Cromwell and a relative of Oliver Cromwell.
He married Edith Wells and died when the subject
of this sketch was seventeen years of age.
Thus thrown on his own resources, William, in
order to provide for his own maintenance, learned
the carriage-maker's trade, but after following that
business a few years, began the manufacture of
windmills. About that time, in Alexandria, Ohio,
on the 16th of January, 1851, he wedded Miss
Mnry J. Morgan, who was born at St. Albans,
Licking County, Ohio, December 22, 1825, and
is the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kinsloe,
nee Suit) Morgan. Her grandfather, Josepb Mor-
gan, a brother of Gen. Morgan, of Revolutionary
fame, emigrated to this country from Scotland,
lii:> native land. Mrs. Pumphrey's father was born
on the 10th of February, 1781, near Trenton, N.
J., and emigrated to Pennsylvania, where he mar-
ried Mrs. Kinsloe. She was born near Philadelphia,
Pa., March 18, 1785, and was of Holland descent.
From the Kejstone State they emigrated to Ohio,
and settling in Licking County, made a farm in
the heavy beech woods. He was one of the sub-
stantial men of the county, and was widely known
throughout the region roundabout. At the time
of Ids death he was seventy-five years of age and
his wife had attained her eighty- first year when
she was called to her final rest. They were the par-
ents of eight children, but only three of the num-
ber are now living.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Pumphrey accom-
panied by his brother, went to Boyle County, Ky.,
and during the succeeding eight years engaged in
the manufacture of fanning mills in that State and
Tennessee. He then continued the same enterprise
in Danville and Duquoin, III. In 1860, we find
him in Iowa. Landing in Jefferson County on the
4th of May, he made a purchase of a quarter sec-
tion of land, the greater part of which is now
comprised within the city limits of Fairfield. He
also owned an additional seven hundred acres and |
in connection with the manufacture of fanning^
mills which he still continued, he carried on farm-
ing. As will be seen he was aq energetic and en-
terprising man and by the exercise of those charac-
teristics combined with good business principles, he
won for himself and family a comfortable compe-
tence.
The death of Mr. Pumphrey occurred on the 16th
of September, 1883, and his loss was felt through-
out the entire community. In his political aflSlia-
tions he was first a Whig and afterwards a Repub-
lican and socially was a member of the Masonic
fraternity. For many years he held membership
with the Methodist Church, was an earnest laborer
for its interests and gave liberally for its support
and for the advancement of all other worthy inter-
ests.
Mrs. Pumphrey still survives her husband and
also belongs to the Methodist Church. In their
family were four children — Ora B.,who was born
in Kentucky, is the wife of Gideon B. Walters;
Henry P„ born in Ohio, is the next 3'ounger ; Leon
C, was born in Tennessee; and Rosa, is a native of
Fairfield. Since the death of the father, Henry
and Leon have managed the business affairs. Like
Mr. Pumphre}*, they are industrious, energetic and
successful in all their undertakings. They raise
fruit, manufacture bee hives and deal in ice, and
well deserve to be ranked among the representative
and wide-awake business men of Jefferson County.
The Pumphrey family is ranked among the old set-
tlers of the community and is well worthy a place
in a work preserving their lives and deeds.
^' LFRED L. CRUMLY, a member of the
(@0| firm of Crumly Bros. <k Co., millers of
I A) Pleasant Plain, is a native of Johnson
Q^ County, Mo., and a son of Isaac H. and
Rebecca Crumly, who are mentioned elsewhere in
this volume. He was born on the 21st of Sep-
tember, 1846, and was brought by his parents to
Iowa when a babe of two years. He received a
good English education in the district and subscrip-
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177
tion schools, and in his youth was inured to tlie
hard labor of the farm, but thereby developed a
self-reliance and spirit of determination which have
been important factors in his success in after life. At
the age of twenty-two, he bought a farm of Ofty
acres, which he operated for ten years, adding many
valuable improvements, but in 1879, he sold out,
removing to the village of Pleasant Plain. He then
formed a partnership with his father as a member
of the 6rm of I. H. Crumly & Son, lumber and
grain dealers. The connection continued about
two years, when he bought out his father's interest
in the business which he h^ since controlled. A
liberal patronage has rewarded his efforts, and he
now has a large trade, selling from twelve to fif-
teen car-loads of lumber per year. On the 5th of
April, 1887, he became a member of the firm of
Crumly Bros. <fe Co., which was composed of
the following named gentlemen: A. L. Crumly,
C. J. Ma3^er, and W. A. Crumly. Later Isaac
Crumly purchased the interest of Mr. Mayer, and
the firm is now composed of the three Crumly
gentlemen. They are the owners of the fine Centen-
nial Mill with a complete medium roller process,
the capacity of which is sixty-five barrels of flour
per day. Mr. Crumly gives his personal super-
vision to the mill, while his son superintends the
lumber business.
On the 14th of February, 1870, in Pleasant Plain,
Mr. Crumly was united in marriage with Mrs.
Mary J. Hull, widow of Samuel Hull, by whom she
had one child, a daughter, Lottie M., who is now
the wife of A. C. Crumly. By the union of our
subject and his worthy wife, there was born a son,
Edward N., whose birth occurred November 24,
1870. He has received liberal educational advan-
tages, was a student in the Pleasant Plain Acad-
emy, and is a young man of much promise. He
has already displayed business abilit}' of a superior
order, and will doubtless in time become one of the
leading citizens of the county.
Mr. Crumly and his family are members of the
Society of Friends, and are liberal supporters of
the cause, and give freely toward the advancement
of the work. In political sentiment, he is a stal-
wart Republican, inflexible in his adherence to the
party principles. Since casting his first vote for
President Grant, he has never" failed to deposit a
bnllot for the Republican candidate/]^ He has often
represented hisltownshipin the county conventions,
and is an influential member in those assemblies, yet
is not a politician in the sense of oflSce seeking, car-
ing nothing for the honors or emolument of public
otlice. On the solicitation of friends, however, he
accepted the position of Township Clerk, which he
filled acceptably for four years. Mr. Crumly is a
man well informed on all questions of general in-
terest, whether political or otherwise, and is; ac-
counted one of the worthy and valued citizens of
the community in which he makes his home. Asa
business man he is far-sighted and sagacious, con-
siders well before taking a step in any direction,
and is the soul of honor in all his dealings. The
greatest confidence is manifested by his patrons,
who know him to be a man of sterling worth, in-
capable of low or little actions. His family occupies
a high position in the social world, and their home
is always open for the reception of their many
friends who are numbered among the best citizens
of Pleasant Plain and vicinity.
^f OSEPH P. ROBERTS, deceased, was born in
Wayne County. Ind., August 23, 1819, and
his parents were among the early settlers of
that Stale. At the early age of fifteen yearg
he began life for himself, following t9aming be-
tween Richmond and Cincinnati, and while thus
engaged he formed the acquaintance of Miss Janet
Young, with whom he was united in marriage in
Butler County, Ohio, on the 4th of September, 1851.
That was her native county, her birth having oc-
curred September 2, 1831. Her family had long
been connected with the history of that commun-
ity. Her paternal grandfather, James Young, in a
very early day emigrated from Pennsylvania to
Butler County, where he built the first house in the
community and also the first mill. Her maternal
grandfather was also one of the pioneer settlers of
that region and her parents, Andrew P, and Rebecca
(Kirkpatrick) Young, were born in Butler County.
Their entire lives they spent in their native State,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
and in the community where they made their home
they were highly respected citizens. Mr. Young
served as a Colonel in the Mexican War and was
honored with the oflSces of Postmaster and Mayor
of Collinsville. • He took a prominent part in local
politics, was an influential citizen in the community
and had a wide acquaintance throughout the sur-
rounding country. His business was that of mer-
chandising for many years but in his later life he
followed farming. His generous impulses, his
benevolence and liberal support of all that could
benefit the community made him a valued citizen
and won him the confidence and high regard of the
entire community. He was initiated into the high-
est degree of Odd Fellowship, was a Whig and
Republican in politics, and in his religious associa-
tions was a follower of the doctrines advocated by
the Seceder Presbyterian Church. His wife died
on the 16th of February, 1851, and six years later
he married Mrs. Maria Hucheson, who is slill liv-
ing. His death occurred on the 12th of February,
1884.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Roberts took his bride
to Richmond, Ind., where for three years they made
their home. The West, with its promises of rapid
growth and development having attracted his at-
tention,^ he determined to seek a location bej^ond
the Mississippi and in the autumn of 1854 came to
Fairfield for the purpose of bettering his financial
condition. For some five years he engaged in
teaming and then removed to a farm, but that sea-
son crops were bad and he soon returned to the
city, where he devoted his attention to the livery
business for three years, again returning to farm
life; twelve years he was engaged in agricultural
pursuits and as a stock dealer became widely known.
He introduced into the county the first Poland-
China hog and also the Scotch Clyde horses, and
did not a little for the advancement of the grade
of stock in the community. In 1873 we again find
him in Fairfield dcTOting his time and energies
to the coal business, in connection with which he
was also engaged in buying and shipping stock.
His death occurred on the 26th of August, 1878,
and was the occasion of much regret throughout
the community, for the county had lost one of its
best citizens, his neighbors a faithful friend and his
wife a kind and devoted husband. He was a stir-
ring and energetic business man who was ever
ready to aid in the advancement of any enterprise
calculated to benefit the com m unity ,and in his politi-
cal aflSliations he was a stanch supporter of Repub-
lican principles. During the Civil War he held the
oflace of Deputy United States Marshal for the dis-
trict. Mrs. Roberts, who still survives her husband,
is a member of the Methodist Church and a most
estimable lady.
^ AMES F. CRAWFORD, a leading grocer of
Fairfield, has been continuously engaged in
his present line of business since 1862, cov
ering a period of twenty- eight consecutive
years. He is a Virginian by biith and is of Scotch
and English descent. His father, James Crawford,
was a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., and
married Margaret Fletcher, who was born in Butler
County of the same State. Their marriage, how-
ever, was celebrated in Virginia, whither they had
removed with their respective families in youth.
By trade Mr. Crawford was a blacksmith and fol-
lowed that business as a means of support until
his death, which occurred, from cholera, in 1834,
at which time three of his sons also died from the
same disease. Some years later, in 1849, his widow
removed with their family to Fairfield, Iowa, where
she spent the remainder of her days, dying at the
age of eighty-two years.
Our subject was born in Brook County, Va, now
West Virginia, on the 28th of June, 1833, and spent
his boyhood days in his native State. When a
youth of seventeen years he started for the West,
whither his mother had preceded him, auii journey-
ing by boat at length reached the Iowa shore and
proceeded on his way to Fairfield. Arrived at his
destination, he entered the employ of his brother-
in-law, Joel E. Campbell, with whom he remained
as general salesman for six years. At the expira-
tion of that time, forming a partnership with G. M.
Chilcott, he bought out his employer. Three
months later the stock was divided, Mr. Chilcott
taking it to Nebraska, where he traded it for real
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
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estate, but the property proved of little value and
caused a fall of the house in the financial crash of
1857. Mr. Crawford gathered what he could from
the ruins and once more embarked in business, his
location being Salina, Iowa. One year later he again
traded for real estate, and on his return from the
West secured a position as salesman with Daniel
Young, a dry -goods merchant. When the war
broke out he enlisted in Company E, Second Iowa
Infantry, but when the regiment was mustered in
he was rejected. Soon afterwards he received an
appointment from President Lincoln as Postmaster
of Fairfield, and held the position during a portion
of Johnson's administration, his term covering a
|)eriod of six years. In the meantime, in 1862, in
company with David Acheson, he embarked in the
grocery business, which he has continued up to the
present time with fair success. About 1863 he en-
listed in the Forty -fifth Iowa Infantry (one hundred
day men) and served until the expiration of his term.
His partner, David Acheson, carried on the gro-
cery business in his absence, but after his return
from the war the connection was discontinued, Mr.
Crawford Laving since been alone in business.
In Fairfield, Iowa, in the month of May, 1867,
Mr. Crawford led to the marriage altar Miss Cliar-
lotte A. Shaffer, daughter of William Shaffer, and
a native of Zanesville, Ohio. Unto them has been
born one child, a daughter, Margaret, who is now
the wife of Harry W. Medes, of Fairfield. Mrs.
Crawford is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In political sentimetit Mr. Crawford is a
stanch RepubHcan,having supported that party since
its organization. In addition to the ofl3ce of Post-
master he has served in various official positions,
was nine terms City Treasurer, was also Alderman
several times and Township Trustee. Socially, ho
is a member of the Legion of Honor, the Red
Cross and the Odd Fellows fraternity.
In his business ventures Mr. Crawford has been
quite successful, notwithstanding he has met with
several drawbacks. In 1883 his store building and
residence were destroyed by fire and the insurance
being small he lost heavily, about $3,500. With
characteristic energy, however, he rebuilt and was
fast gaining his old position, when he had the mis-
fortune to lose $2,600 in a bank failure. Industry,
enterprise and determination, however, have over-
come these obstacles, and his business is now in a
flourishing condition, his annual sales amounting
to from 130,000 to $40,000. He is regarded as one
of the leading business men of Fairfield, is genial
and courteous in disposition and wins hosts of
friends.
lf(» ON. HENRY BLAKE MITCHELL,a widely
l< known and highly respected pioneer of Jef-
yf^ ferson County, whose residence here covers
half a century, is a native of New Hamp-
shire. He was born in the town of Claremont, Sulli-
van County, on the 5th of July, 181 8, and is a son of
William and Dolly Mitchell. His father was born
in Boston, Mass., in 1768, of English parentage,
and in early life became a farmer amidst the rug-
ged hills of the old Granite State. Henry B. was
reared on a farm, and in the district schools of
the neighborhood acquired his education. He was
trained from his youth to habits of industry and
frugality, and learned at an early day to cultivate
a spirit of independence and self-reliance that has
characterized his more mature years. At the age
of fourteen he lost his father, and from that time
was obliged to make his way in the world unaided.
He worked awhile in a paper mill until he had ob-
tained a fair knowledge of that trade, and when he
had reached his majority, set out for the West.
Not being blessed with any great amount of wealth,
he traveled as economically as possible. He made
the first stage of his journey from his home in New
Hampshire to Troy, N. Y. on a wagon, thence
to Buffalo by canal, and by boat from Buffalo to
Cleveland, where he again traveled by canal to
Portsmouth, and down the Ohio and up the Missis-
sippi Rivers by boat to the Iowa Territory, loca-
ting in Keokuk. He at once joined his brother
Thomas, who had made a claim at a point two and
a half miles west of the city of Fairfield, Jefferson
County, his settlement dating from November 1,
1840. They erected a frame house on their claim,
the first west of Fairfield. The timbers, including
rafters, were all cut and hewed from native trees,
and the clapboards were split from the same ma-
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terial. In 1844, on the 14th of February, the broth-
ers selecteda site on Camp Creek for a tavern, where
they erected three houses, two being block houses,
and the other a log cabin. On the completion of
the buildings, they opened a tavern which was
known as the Mitchell, and became a famous half
way stopping place on the route between the bound-
ary line of the '^Indian land" and Ft. Des Moines,
and was on the direct road between Des Moines,
Keokuk and Iowa City. Mr. Mitchell continued
with his brother two years and nine months, and
then returned to the old claim in Fairfield, whicii
thej' had entered, and which he still owns, having
made his home thereon until March, 1 890, when he
removed to the city.
On the 26th of October 1847, at what is now
kjiown as Tool's Point, Jasper County, Iowa, Mr.
Mitchell was joined in wedlock with Miss Marie E.,
daughter of Adam Tool. Mrs. Mitchell was born
in Washington County, Va., now West Virgina,
and came to Iowa with her parents in 1842. They
had spent a few years in Illinois on their way West
from Virginia, and were early pioneers of Jasper
County, this State. Tool's Point was named in
honor of her father. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have
nine children living, and have lost one — Susan
Dolla, the eldest, was born September 4, 1848, and
is the wife of L. L. Wilkins, of Fairfield; Effie I.,
who was born July 20, 1850, is now the wife of
Dorr J. Dixon, of Olmsted County, Minn. ; John
I), was born February 26, 1853, is unmarried, and
resides with his parents in Fairfield ; Helen E., born
May 22, 1858, is the wife of D. W. Ingram, of Os-
ceola, Iowa; Marietta and Henrietta, twins, who
were born August 11, 1860, became the wives of
F. M. Albaugh, of New Cumberland, Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, and U. B. Rogers, of Fairfield, Iowa,
respectively; Cora Adeline, who was born April 5,
1863, married Charles H. Corbett, of Fairfield
Township; Carrie T. was born March 17, 1866;
Thomas A., September 12, 1870. William H., who
was born October 17, 1864, died at the age of ten
years.
In politics, Mr. Mitchell was a Whig in early
life, and in 1852, was elected by that party to the
House of Representatives of Iowa, becoming a
member of the Fourth General Assembly. Since
the organization of the Republican party, he has
been identified with that body, and is numbered
among its active and influential supporters. For
nine years he has been a member of the Jefferson
County Board of Supervisors, and with the excep-
tion of one year has been Chairman of that body.
He was also President of the Board of Directors of
Fairfield Township school district, for seventeen
years. During his term of service as Chairman of
the County Board, he had the supervision of the
construction of one hundred and forty- five bridges
for the county. In 1886, Mr. Mitchell was again
elected to the Legislature, when he was forcibly re-
minded of the progress his State had made in the
period of thirty-six years that had elapsed since he
was first a member of the House. The magnificent
Capitol building and the large representation; the
difference in style of dress and the manner of the
roembers, made a striking contrast to the humble
quarters in Iowa City, where the young State gov-
ernment first met, and where the modest but cool-
headed pioneer and backwoodsman for the first time
perhaps, found himself bearing the responsibility
of a law-maker.
Mr. Mitchell assisted in organizing the Jefferson
County Agricultural Society, and was its President
for fifteen years. He was one of the founders of
the State Agricultui-al Society at Fairfield, where
the exhibitions were held the first two j'ears. He
and his family attend the Episcopal Church, but
he has always been a liberal contributor to various
other denominations. All matters of public inter-
est pertaining to Fairfield or Jefferson County,
have received his attention and been benefited
thereby. He has always been prompt to act, and
liberal in his support of all deserving enterprises.
He is possessed of good executive ability and sound
judgment, and his services in public capacities have
been sought and appreciated by his fellow-citizens.
His strict integrity and fidelity to every trust re-
posed in him have won for him the utmost confi-
dence and respect of all, regardless of party ties.
While a resident of the city, Mr. Mitchell still owns
his fine farm of two hundred and ninety-five acrea,
one of the best improved and most valuable tracts
of land in Jefferson County. His brother Thomas,
of whom former mention has been made, is still liv-
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ing near the old tavern stand of pioneer times, but
in the midst of a thriving little city that bears his
name, or the name of Mitchell vi lie. He is looked
up to with great veneration as the leading spirit
amoB^ the old settlers of Polk County, where he
has resictjed nearly half a century.
/^
^ OSEPH DRAKES, deceawi, who for some
years was numbered among ibe respected
citizens of Van Biiren County, was born in
Lincolnshire, England, March 15, 1809, and
died at his home in Harrishurg Township, on the
5th of March, 1881. His parents, Thomas an«(
Mary (Hill) Drakes, were also natives of England,
and unto them was born a family of nine chil-
dren, of whom he was fifth in order of birth. His
father engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in con-
sequence the days of his boyhood and youth were
spent upon the farm, where he became acquainted
with the business in all its details. He acquired a
common -school education and remained at home
until attaining his majority, when h^, resolved to
seek his fortune in the land across the waters. In
a slow-going sailshlp in 1830, he embarked for the
New World, and after a voyage of several weeks
arrived at his destination. For four years he was
in the employ of Harry Livingston as private
coachman, and for a number of years served in the
same capacity for the illustrious Daniel Webster,
one of America's great statesmen.
In 1841, while in Pennsylvania, Mr. Drakes was
united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss
Jane Nixon, and located in the western part of the
State, where he drove a stage coach belonging to
the Good Intent stage line until the autumn of
1848. Hearing favorable reports from the new
State of Iowa, and the excellent opportunities and
advantages afforded its new settlers, he then de-
termined to make his home in that far western re-
gion,and accompanied by his wife, at length reached
Van Burcn County. They settled on a farm, which
is still occupied by Mrs. Drakes, and purchased
eighty acres of wild land, which has since been
transformed into a most comfortable home. Year
by year saw improvements added, the work of cul-
tivation carried forward and industry and enter-
prise changing the once unfruitful regions into
fields of rich fertility, which paid a golden tribute
to the care and cultivation of the owner. Mr.
Drakes lived to see much of the growth and devel-
opment of the county. He was a valued citizen,
and one that took an active interest in all that per-
tained to the welfare of the community. As before
stated, he died on the 5th of March, 1881, respected
by all who knew him. He was an active Repub-
lican in politics and served for many years as
Justice of the Peace. He was reared in the faith
of tje Church of England and adhered to its prin-
ciples throughout life.
Mrs. Drakes, who still survives her husband, was
born in Fayette County, Pa., March 12, 1819, and
is a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Brian) Nixon.
In a family of fourteen children, of which she is
the eldest,elcven grew to monhood and womanhood)
and eight of the number still abide, namely: Mrs.
Drakes; Nancy, wife of J, A. Jones, of Osceola,
Clark County, Iowa; Mariar L., widow of William
Spaw, of Wayne County, Iowa; Mrs. Juliet Israel,
deceased; Mary, now Mrs. Henry Keck, of Harris-
burg Township; Eliza A., wife of Cary Stevens,
who makes his home in Adams County, Iowa;
Sarah, wife of E. B. Campbell, a resident farmer
of Cedar Township, Van Buren County; Clariuda,
who wedded A. J. Jacobs, of the same township;
Ella T., wife of J. W. Ellerton, of Aurora, Neb.;
Phoebe A., deceased wife of R. B. Junk; Joseph C,
who was a member of Company C, Eighth Iowa
Cavalry, and was killed at the battle of Frank-
lin, Teun.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Drakes was never
blessed with children of their own, but they reared
as an own son Leroy Junk, son of George A.
Junk, who was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Drr.kf o and
died in Anderson ville Prison, September 13, 1864,
having been captured while on the Stoneman raid
through Georgia. Leroy grew up on the farm,
surrounded by the loving care and attention of
Mr. and Mrs. Drakes, and in October, 1883, was
united in marriage with Miss Florence, daughter of
Daniel and Lavina (Warner) Boerstler, of this
county. After spending three or four years in
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Nebraska, thej- returned to Van Buren County,
and Leroy has now taken charge of the homestead
fsLvm of Mrs. Drakes, and will in future here re-
side. Unto the young couple have been born three
children — George A.. Edith and Ethel.
wmt^
^P^HOMAS S. TILSON, deceased, was for some
(r(^)\ years a successful business man of Fairfield,
^Vi;^ and as one of its representative citizens we
are pleased to record this sketch. The family is of
English origin. The parents of our subject, Joseph
and Elizabeth (Dilkes) Tilson, were both natives
of Leicestei^shire, England, where they were mar-
ried. Seven children were born unto them in that
country, and after their emigration to America,
which occurred in 1842, the family circle was in-
creased by the birth of five children. On their
arrival in this country, Mr. and Mrs. Tilson made
a location in New Jersey and during their five
years* residence in that State our subject was born,
he first opening his eyes to the light of day in
Newark on the 26th of April, 1846. The following
year witnessed the removal of the family to Ohio,
and in 1854, we find them located in FairfieM, Iowa,
where Mr. Tilson engaged in blacksmithing. His
wife died in the sixty-first year of her age, after
which he seemed to become possessed of a spirit of
unrest and spent much or his time in traveling,
crossing the ocean between England and the L^nited
States eight times. His death occurred in his na-
tive land at the age of seventy -seven years.
In his father's shop, Thomas S. Tilson learned the
blacksmith's trade, which he followed for some
years. It was his desire to enter the service of his
country immediately after the breaking out of the
late war, but he was restrained from doing so by
his father. However, on the 21st of September,
1863, feeling that the need of his country was
greater than his father's restraining powers, he ran
away from home and enlisted in Company I, of the
Ninth Iowa Cavalry, serving almost three years «s
a blacksmith. From hard work and exposure he
contracted disease from which he never recovered,
but he had the consciousness of knowing he had done
what he believed to be his duty and that he had
served his country faithfully and well. He received
his discharge on the 15th of March, 1866, in Little
Rock, Ark.
On being mustered out, Mr. Tilson at once re-
turned to his home and on the 2d of October he led
to the marriage altar Miss Maria Young, daughter
of Andrew P. and Rebecca (Kirkpatrick) Young.
Mrs. Tilson was born in Butler County, Ohio, June
27, 1846, and came to Jefferson County when about
fourteen years of age. Upon his marriage, Mr.
Tilson settled in Fairfield and a few years later
formed a partnership with L. L. Wilkins in the liv-
ery business. This connection, which originated
in 1872, continueii unbroken until the death of Mr.
Tilson on the 5th of Februar}-, 1887. The firm
gained great popular it}', was noted for its prompt-
ness and correctness in filling all orders and forllie
genial and courteous treatment of its patrons. Mr.
Tilson was an acknowledged business man of merit
and an esteemed citizen. In politics he was a sup-
porter of the Republican party and felt a deep in-
terest in its success and welfare. To the church and
other benevolent interests he was a liberal contrib-
utor, and his loss was felt in many ways through-
out the county.
The family of Mr. Tilson consists of wife and
three children: llarr\' G., who is associated with
J. E. Wilkins in the livery business; Hattie G.,wife
of Albert C. Jones, a druggist of Fairfield, and
Nettie E., who is with her mother, Mrs. Tilson still
makes her home in Fairfield and is an active mem-
ber of the Methodist Church.
=^.r
A-
^?AMES EDWARD WILKINS, who is en-
gnged in the livery business in Fairfield, Jef-
ferson County, was born in Sussex County,
Del., September 15, 1829, and is a son of
one of the heroes of the War of 1812. His father,
Elijah Wilkins, was also a native of Delaware,
learned the blacksmith's trade in his youth, and fol-
lowed that occupation the greater part of his life.
He wedded Miss Mary Lock wood, who was also a
native of Delaware, and the daughter of a Revolu-
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185
tionary soldier. Tbey removed to Eaton, Preble
Count}', Ohio, about 1836, and aftcrnineteen years'
residence in the Buckeye State, in 1855, made their
way to Keokuk, Iowa. Both are now deceased.
The father died at the age of sixty-five years, but
his wife reached the advanced a^c of eigiity-one
years. Their remains now lie buried in the ceme-
tery of Sandusky, Lee County, Iowa. Both were
membeis of the Methodist Church, and led earnest,
consistent Christian lives. Mr. Wilkins cast his
ballot with the Whig part}'.
The subject of this sketch was the fifth in a fam-
ily of eight children, who lived to mature years,
and of whom four yet abide. When only eight
years of age he entered his father's shop, being then
so small that in order to strike the anvil, he had to
stand upon a box. His family were in limited cir-
cumstances, and in consequence he received no edu-
cational privileges, never having been permitted to
attend school more than four months. He may
truly be called a self-made man, for at the age of
thirteen years he began to make his own way in the
world, depending upon his own resources for a
livelihood. He engaged in freighting between
Cincinnati, Richmond, Ind., and Dayton, Ohio,
driving a six-horse team for $8 per month. This
he continued for some eight years, when he turned
his attention to other pursuits.
In Butler County, Ohio. March 10, 1853, Mr.
Wilkins was united in marriage with Barbara E.
Young, who was born in the county, where their
union was celebrated. He then engaged in farming
for a time, and in 1854 he badegoodby to his
old home, and emigrated to P^airfield. Some time
later, he purchased a farm, to the cultivation of
which he devoted his time and attention until Au-
gust, 1861, when feeling that his country needed
bis services, he responded to the call for troops, and
donned the blue, becoming a member of Company
F, Third Iowa Cavalry. He was detailed as wagon-
master, and served in that capacity for three years,
after which he spent eleven months in charge of a
provision train which supplied the forces of Wil-
son on his raid from Grand Springs, Ala. to At-
lanta, Ga.
On receiving his discharge from the service, Mr.
Wilkins returned home and once more resumed
farming, which he continued until 1881, when he
came to Fairfield. The succeeding five years he
spent m the liver}', and then devoted two years
to the ice business, after which he resumed opera-
tions in the former line. When embarking upon
that pursuit he was associated with his brother,
L. L. Wilkins, but is now a partner of T. S. Tdson.
Mr. Wilkins is one of the most experienced horse-
men in the county, and since thirteen years of age,
in freighting as wagon-master, in farming, and as
liveryman, he has been constantly handling that
noble animal. All that he has is the result of his
own eflforts, and his possessions comprise a good
farm and his stable with its horses and attachments.
Mr. Wilkins supports the principles of the Repub-
lican party, and for two years served as Alderman
of Fairfield.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Wilkins as follows: Alonzo E., who is associated
with his father in the livery business; Kdwin A., a
railroad employe; William L., who is a traveling
salesman for the Buckeye Company; Ada M., wife
of Lee R. Van Patton ; and Kittie, who is still with
her parents.
ERT GILLETT, the leading photographer
of Fairfield, and one of its wide-awake and
J enterprising young citizens, has spent the
greater part of his life in this State. He
was born in Birmingham,Van Buren County, Iowa,
on the 14th of July, 1856, and is a son of Isaac C.
and Maria (Groesbeck) Gillett, who were early
settler? of Van Buren County, and are now living
in Keokuk County.
The early life of our subject passed uneventfully,
unmarked by any event of special importance. His
primary education, acquired in the public schools,
was supplemented by a course in the academy of
Birmingham and in 1873, he accompanied his par-
ents to Sigourney, Iowa, where he learned the busi-
ness in which he is at present engaged. He opened
a gallery in Nickerson, Kan., in 1882, and after-
ward engaged in the same pursuit in Emporia and
Clay Center, of the same State. Three years have
passed since he located in Fairfield and in that time
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lie has succeeded in securing a liberal patronage
such as is deserved by ids merit and ability. His
studio is situated in the new brick buihiing just
erected by F. W. Junken, at the southwest corner of
the square and contains all the appurtenances and
improvements known to that branch of business.
The marriage of Mr. Gillett was celebrated in
Fairfield on Christmas Day of 1878, Miss Virginia
K. Ratcliff becoming his wife. The lady is a na-
tive of the city which she now makes her home
and is a daughter of R. F. Ratcliff. Two interest-
ing children graced their union, a son and daughter,
but the former, Robert Clyde, died at the age of
ten years. The daughter is Bessie Maud.
Mr. GiUett is an Odd Fellow, belonging to
Sigourney Lodge. No. 98, I. O. O. F. and his wife
holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. He
has been in business in his present line for eight
years and is an expert and popular artist.
-ss-
r
^IJOHN T. ELLYSON, one of the leading bus-
iness men of Pleasant Plain, is now carrying
on a wagon and repair shop in that thriving
little village. He was born in Cass County,
Mich., June 6, 1852, his parents being Zachariah
and Esther C. (Talbot) Ellyson. His father was
born in Virginia on the 5th of February, 1794.
He volunteered for the War of 1812, but the com-
pany in which he enlisted was not called out. He
learned the trade of a mill-wright and mechanic
and followed those pursuits during the greater part
of his life. He was twice married. In Virginia he
was joined in wedlock with Miss Nancy Talbert
and with his young wife removed from that State
to Ohio, where he resided until 1848, when he be-
came a resident of Michigan. After eleven years*
residence in the latter State, we find him located
in 1859 in Washington County, Iowa, and three
years later he became a resident of Jefferson
County, where he spent his remaining days, his
death occurring in Pleasant Plain, December 3,
1867. During the Civil War his patriotic impulses
prompted him to offer his services in defense of
the Union, but on account of his age he was re-
jected. When the Greybeard Regiment was being
organized, he again tendered his services,wben much
to his disappointment he was again rejected.
By the first marriage of Zachariah Ellyson twelve
children were born, ten of whom grew to maturity
during the residence of the family in Ohio. The
other two died in childhood. In Cass County,
Mich., in 1850, Mr. Ellyson was again married, his
second union being with Miss Esther C. Talbot,
daughter of John and Mary (McClure) Talbot
Her mother was a daughter of William and Martha
(Chaffin) McClure, of Grayson County, Va., where
Mrs. Talbot died. The mother of our subject was
born December 1, 1812, in Virginia, and her death
occurred at Pleasant Plain, Jefferson County, Iowa,
on the 28th of October, 1871. She was reared a
member of the Society of Friends, but early in life
she joined the Methodist Church and continued a
consistent member of that body until her death.
By her marriage with Mr. Ellyson she became the
mother of two children — John T., whose name
heads this sketch, and Lydia Ellen, born December
7, 1854, who is now the wife of Frank L. Eck, a
prosperous merchant of Pleasant Plain. Zachariah
Ellyson was reared in the faith of the Society of
Friends but was expelled from the church on ac-
count of his marriage with one not of that belief.
In his latter years he joined the Methodist Church
and remained, until his death, a faithful and con-
sistent member, alive to the interests of the cause.
From childhood he was opposed to the institution
of slavery, did all in his power in opposition lo
the evil, and when the combination known as the
Underground Railroad was formed, he opened his
home as one of its stations. He joined the Repub-
lican party on its organization and became one of
its stalwart supporters.
John T. Ellyson, whose name heads this sketch,
spent his early boyhood days in Michigan, and
after coming to Iowa obtained a common -school
education. At the age of sixteen years he began
life for himself, and has since made his own way in
the world. He learned the trade of wagon -makinjf,
and in the intervals of hard labor obtained bis
education by attending school for about three
months each winter. In 1877, he embarked in
business for himself, opening a wagon nnd repair
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187
shop in Pleasant Plain, where he has carried on
operations eontiouously since. He does general
repairing, wagon- making and machine work, and
also conducts an undertaking establishment. He
started in life a poor boy with a cash capital of only
$200, but he possessed industry and thrift, and the
satisfactory manner in which he performed his la-
bors won the confidence of the public and secured
a liberal patronage. He is now numbered among
the substantial citizens of the community and
would pro re an addition of importance to any lo-
cality in which he might choose to locate.
On the 26th of October, 1881, Mr. Ellyson was
united in marriage with Miss Cora B. Smith, a
daugliter of Samuel and Margaret £. (Ream) Smith,
who were pioneers of Van Buren County, where
she was born, February 23, 1857. One child was
born unto them but died in infancy. In political
sentiment, Mr. Ellyson is a stanch Republican but
is not a politician in the sense of office-seeking.
However, he keeps himself well posted on political
isbues and on all other topics of general interest.
Socially, he is a member of Pleasant Plain Lodge,
No. 411, 1. O. O. F. Mrs. Ellyson is a member of
the Congregational Church.
^EORGE KLISE makes farming and stock-
|i ^— . raising his life occupation, following those
^^S pursuits on section 8. Harrisburg Township,
Van Buren County, where he has a pleasant home,
and all of the equipments and improvements neces-
sary to a well-regulated farm of the nineteenth cen-
tury. His father engaged in the same business
before him, and like his son, was reputed to be a
man of thrift and enterprise.
George Klise is the youngest of a family of seven
children bom of the union of John and Louisa
(Coon) Klise. His father was born and reared in
Maryland, and on leaving his native State went to
New York, where he formed the acquaintance of
Miss Coon, whose hand he sought in marriage. His
wooing being successful, they were joined in the
holy bonds of wedlock, and, as before stated, be-
came the parents of seven children. In the sum-
mer of 1841 they came to the Territory of Iowa
and in what is now Van Buren County made a lo-
cation, Mr. Klise purchasing and improving a
farm of about two hundred acres, on which he lived
until his dtath, in 1864. His wife survived him
several years, passing away in 1871. She was an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and lived a consistent Christian lifo.
The birth of our subject occurred on the 8th of
August, 1842, on the old homestead of the familj,
where he was also reared to manhood. His early
life passed uneventfully, but the year previous to
his attaining to man's estate he responded to his
country's call for troops to put down the rebellion,
enlisting, in August, 1862, as a member of Com-
pany' I, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, under the com-
mand of Capt. S. Payne. He was mustered into
service at Keokuk and assigned to the Thirteenth
Army Corps, with which he participated in the
battle of Prairie Grove and the siege of Vicks-
burg,after which orders came to march South to New
Orleans. While on a scouting expedition in Louisi-
ana he was captured by the rebels at Sterling Farm,
and for ten months was held prisoner, being incar-
cerated at Tyler, Tex., and Shreveport, La., where
he experienced all the hardships of the Southern
prison. After almost a year of such life he was
exchanged, and rejoined his regiment in time to
participate in the capture of Spanish Fort. Soon
afterward the war was brought to a close and in
Mobile, Ala., on the 28th of July, 1865, he was
honorably discharged.
On the cessation of hostilities and the return of
peace Mr. Klise once more sought his home and
resumed the occupation of farming on the old
homestead. In October of the following year he
married Miss Rachel Downard, whose parents, John
and Mary (Price) Downard, were early settlers of
the county. Her father died in 1852, but her
mother is still living. Nine children have been
born unto Mr. and Mrs. Klise, as follows: Eda,
wife of Harry L. Hooper; Carrie, Lydia, Laura,
Stella, Charlie, Worthy, Newton and Grant, and all
are at home, the family circle having never yet
been broken by death. In his political affiliations
Mr. Klise is a Republican, and manifests a deep in-
terest in the success of his party. He keeps him-
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self well informed on all topics of general interest,
whether political or otherwise, and is a valued citi-
zen of the community. Socially, he is a member
of Shriver Post, No. 177, G. A. R, of Vernon.
^I^OBERT E. |ELY, a representative farmer
|lU^ an« stock-raiser of Van Buren County, rc-
IE\ siding on section 8, Harrisburg Township,
^ is a native of West Virginia. He was born
in Hampshire County, that State, on the 14th of
October, 1852, and is the eldest child of John W.
and Mary (Edwards) Ely, who were also natives
of the same State. When he was four years of age
his parents started for the West and made a loca-
tion in Knox County, 111., where they remained for
twelve years,when they came to Van Buren County,
Iowa. Therefore, since his sixteenth year, Robert
E. Ely has been a citizen of this community. He
received a good English education in the common
schools and was also for two terms a student in the
Mt. Pleasant University. On attaining to man's
estate, he began life for himself, and has since been
entirely dependent upon his own resources. For a
number of years he devoted his time to the pro-
frssion of teaching during the winter season and
to the occupation of farming through the summer
months. Thus alternating his time, he labored on
until he had acquired sufficient capital to make an
investment in farming Tands. He now owns a half
interest in a fine farm of one hundred and sixty
acres, his father being his partner, which he has
operated since the year 1875. He is a practical
yet enterprising farmer, as a glance at the home-
stead will attest, and is an adept at the raising
of stock. In both branches of his business he is
now meeting with good success, and in course of
time will doubtless be ranked among the pros-
perous and substantial farmers of Van Buren
County.
In 1875 Mr. Ely was united in marriage with
Miss Belle Keck, of Van Buren County, daugh-
ter of J. A. Keck, a resident farmer of Cedar
Township. The young couple began their domes-
tic life on the farm which is still their home and
their union has been blest with an interesting
family of three children, two sons and one daugh-
ter, namely: Harold, Raymond and Mary. The
parents are widel}' known throughout the commu-
nity in which they make their home, and have
many warm friends among its best citizens. In
politics Mr. Ely adheres to the Democratic party,
having been a supporter of its principles since
attaining his majority. In 1880 he was nominated
by that party for the office of Recorder of Van
Buren County and polled a strong vote consider-
ing the large Republican majority. He now holds
the office of Township Clerk, and by the prompt
and faithful discharge of his duties proves that
he is a capable official. Both Mr. Ely and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of Utica, in which he holds the position
of Steward.
ISAAC H. CRUMLY, one of the most promi-
, nent citizens of Jcfforson County, is engaged
_\ in farming on section 9, Penn Township. He
was born in East Tennessee on December 24, 1 820,
and traces his ancestry back to early Colonial days
when hit great-grandfather, William Crumly, re-
sided in Virginia. He was a large slaveholder of
that State and served his country in the Revolu-
tionary War. His son William was a farmer and
removed to Tennessee when that country was first
settled. His son Abraham was born in Greene
County, Tenn., in 1787. His educational advan-
tages were very limited, but by natuie he was en-
dowed with considerable oratorical power and was
also a fluent writer. He was one of five sons. His
eldest brother Isaac, now deceased, was a circuit
rider in the Methodist Church and resided in Greene
County, Iowa; Aaron died in Tennessee; William
died in Missouri, and Samuel died in Arkansas.
Abraham Crumlj', who was the father of our
subject, remained at home assisting his father in
farm labor until he had attained his majority. He
married Miss Elizabeth Marshall, who was born on
the 26th of June, 1796, and was a naughter of
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189
Abram and Martha Marshall. Mrs. Crmnly's death
occurred on the 29th of March, 1827. By her mar-
ringe she became the mother of six children: Anna,
wife of Phiiieas Thompson, died in Missouri; Mary,
widow of Thomas Jones, is living in Pleasant
Plain; Isaac H. whose name heads this sketch, is
the third in order of birth; Samuel M. makes his
home in Nebraska; Martha became the wife of
Ohadiali Jonos, but is now deceased ; Asa G. died in
Missouri. After the death of his first wife, Mr.
Crumly was again married, his second union being
with Jane McNeice. Six children were also born
unlothero — Arita and Elizabeth who are living in
Tennessee; William who died in Jefferson County,
Iowa; James G., a resident of Missouri; Aaron who
makes his home in Tennessee, and Rhoda who died
in that State.
The father of this family was reared in the faith
of the Methodist Church but ere his marriage he
j«>ined the Society of Friends to which his wife be-
longed. He became one of its most faithful mem-
bers and active workers and went as a companion
to Isaac Hammer on his preaching tours. He la-
bored in the church in the line of the ministry, was
overseer of the congregation and did a:ll in his
power for the advancement of the cause and the
bettering of humanity. Heentertained the strongest
views in regard to the question of slavery, being an
inflexible Abolitionist. He was an associate of
Lundy, the original Abolitionist, and took a promi-
nent part in agitating and discussing the question
of slavery but never lived to see the curse banished
from the land. He died in Tennessee in 1846.
Isaac H. Crumly, whose name heads this sketch,
is inseparably connected with the history of Jeffer-
son County. His life record is that of a self-made
man and abounds in examples well worthy of imi-
tation by the youth of the present day. His mother
died when he was a lad of seven years and he then
left home to make his own way in the world. He
worked at farm labor during the summer months
and when it was possible attending school during
the winter season but his educational advantages
were indeed very limited and at the age of twenty
he had only reached the single rule of three in
arithmetic. After attaining his majority, he at-
tended school in Blount County, Tenn., and studied
surveying, which branch of learning he completed
by private study after coming to Iowa and it has
proved a useful knowledge to him. In 1841, he
came West and entered land in xMissouri, where he
developed a farm and remained four years. Dur-
ing that time, however, he returned to Tennessee
and in 1844, was joined in wedlock with Miss Re-
becca L. Hackney. Four years later, having sold
his farm in Missouri, he came to Jefferson County,
and made purchase of eighty acres of land upon
which he still makes his home. A rude log cabin
had been built thereon but other improvements
there were none. He had to break the land, clear
it of brush and perform the entire work of devel-
opement and cultivation but the work of transfor-
mation is certainly complete; at least, we would
never recognize in the fine farm of to day the
original eighty acres of unimproved land upon
which not a furrow had been turned. Its boundar-
ies have also been extended until he is now owner
of three hundred acres of arable land together with
a number of lots in Pleasant Plain and an interest
in the Centennial Mill of that place. A commodious
and pleasant residence is surrounded by good barns
and outbuildings which in turn are enclosed by
waving fields of grain. The latest improved ma-
chinery lessens the labor attendant upon the culti-
vation of a farm and good grades of stock are there
found.
The sun of prosperity shone upon Mr. Crumly
and everything passed along pleasantly until the
month of May, 1854, when he was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife who died leaving four
children, but only one of the number now survives,
Alfred who is a miller of Pleasant Plain. Two
died in childhood and Elizabeth T. who became
the wife of , Aaron Burgess is also deceased. On
the 20th of June, 1859, Mr. Crumly married Miss
Rachel Beals, daughter of Thomas and Margaret
Beals of Tennessee, who were also members of
the Society of Friends. Her mother died in the
State of her nativity but her father came to Iowa
with his sons. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crumly have
been born seven children: William A., born March
14,1 860,is an engineer in the mill at Pleasant Plain ;
Wendell P., born February 18, 1862; Marian B.
December 29, 1H63; Emeline C, April 7, 1866;
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Harvey D., February 2, 1868; Flora A., February
6, 1870, and Isaac N., April 6, 1872. Greatly
regretting the lack of educational advantages in
his earl}' youth, Mr. Crumly decided that his
children should not have to contend with the
same obstacle and provided them with liberal op-
portuniti*»8. All have been students and two have
graduated from the academy of Pleasant Plain, and
Marian is now in attendance at the college of Os-
kaloosa.
Probably no man in the county has done more
for the interests of its citizens than Isaac H. Crum-
ly and certainly he deserves great credit for the
efforts he has put forth in its behalf. In an official
capacity his services have been effective. As before
mentioned, he learned surveying and on coming
to the county surveyed his own land, after which
he became assistant of the County Surveyor. In
1868, he was elected County Surveyor and held the
office for ten consecutive years. A period of four
yenrs then elapsed after his retirement, when he
was again elected and served two years. For one
term he was a member of the Board of County
Supervisors (the second term after the Board was
organized) and has also filled all the minor offices.
Mr. Crumly was one of the early Abolitionists, and
while living in Missouri freely declared his senti-
menls unmindful of the threats which were made
n^^ainst him. lie voted for the Freesoil candidate
when only sixteen votes were cast in the township
in support of that party. On the formation of the
Republican party he joined its rank» and has since
been a stanch supporter of its principles. He is
also a radical Prohibitionist and was instrumental
in no little degree in the successful passage of the
prohibitory amendment. Mr. Crumly has also
done much to favor the cause of education and has
put more money into the academy of Pleasant
Plain than any other one man. In 1870, he bought
thirty acres of land adjoining the then village of
Pleasant Plain. He took into partnership in this
purchase Thomas Jones. They laid it out in park
lots and deeded ten acres to the railroad company
with the condition that said company should erect
a depot thereon. Mr. Cruml}'^ subsequently bought
out Jones' interest, and sub-dividod it into town
lots, and it is pow known as Crumly's addition
to Pleasant Plain. In 1876, with others, he formed
a company which founded the Pleasant Plain
Academy and since its organization he has been one
of its Directors and for several years was chairman
of the board. Any public enterprise which has
for its object the upbuilding and advancement of
the community is sure of his support. He and bis
family are all members of the Friends' Church, of
which he has served as overseer. He is also a
member of the Peace Association and devoirs seme
of his means to the spread of its doctrine and hff
wife is Superintendent of the peace work in Pleas-
ant Plain. Years may come and go but Isaac H.
Crumly will be remembered by the citizens of
Jefferson County as one of her benefactors and
founders.
^AMES D. IRISH is numbered among the
early settlers of Van Buren County, and is a
respected citizen of Ke<»8auqua. Not only
in this county, but in other counties he has
lived the life of a pioneer and could we give a
complete record of his career it would constitute a
story of thrilling interest. He was born in Lick-
ing County, Ohio, on the 10th of November, 1825,
and is a son of James M. Irish, whose ancestors
emigrated from Holland to America during colon-
ial days. His mother^ whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Dibble, was a native of Connecticut and
the two young people with their respective families
removed to Rensselear County, N. Y., where they
became acquainted and were married. The year
1816 witnessed their emigration to the wilds of
Licking County, Ohio, where they resided for
eleven years. Having a taste for pioneer pursuits
and being by nature ably fitted for the hardshipv
of frontier life, Mr. Irish, in 1827, resumed his
westward journey and located in Madison County,
in the Territory of Indiana. That region was
then thought to be almost beyond tlie borders of
civilization. In fact, the Irish family was one of
three first families to locate within the county, two
other gentlemen by the names of Makepeace and
Allen, with their wives and children, having set-
tled in the community aboqt the same time. Time
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passed on and the county became more thickly in-
habited but it was many years before the comforts
and luxuries of the East found their way to those
far western homes. Many hardships and diflScul-
tii*s were endured, including the arduous task of
developing a farm from the hitherto unbroken land.
Mr. Irish was a man of more than ordinary' ability,
and his labors in behalf of the upbuilding of the
county should be remcinbered with gratitude by
its residents of to- day. He aided not a little in its
advancement and progress and was the foundei of
several of its early enterprises, having built the
first saw and grist mills and also erected and oper-
ated the first woolen mill in Madison Count}'. He
was quite eccentric also. His bank consisted of
barrels of grain stored away in his chamber, in
which he de^wsited his surplus cash. He would
not loan money, preferring rather to give it away,
yet he was generous and open hearted and his pe-
culiarities added rather a charm than a drawback
to his character. His death occurred at the age of
eighty- four years while he was visiting in Texas.
His wife, who was reared a Missionary Baptist and
was a sincere Christian lady, died in Indiana in the
eighty-third year of her age.
A family consisting of thirteen children, nine of
whom lived to be adults, were born unto this
worthy couple. Samuel, the eldest, died in Madi-
son County, Ind.; Elizabeth, married Cromwell
Wheeler and both are now deceased; Hannah be-
came the wife of Alfred Makepeace, the marriage
ceremony, the first in Madison County, Ind., being
performed by Mr. A lien, before mentioned,who had
been a Justice of the Peace in Ohio and claimed
that his jurisdiction reached into the Territory of
Indiana. Clarissa A., the next younger, became
the wife of Joseph G. S . Hay ward, of Richland
County, Wis.; William C,,died in Madison County,
Ind., at the age of twenty-eight years; C. W., is
supposed to have been killed during the War of the
Rebellion; Maria A., wedded Garrett McAllister
and both died in Madison County, Ind.; James D.,
whose name heads this sketch, is the next in order
of birth; Alvira, is the wife of Capt. T. W. Rich-
mond, a soldier of the late war now residing in
Scotland, Mo.
As will be seen, Jaqaeg D. Irish, is the only mem-
ber of the family residing in Van Buren County.
His boyhood days were passed in Indiana amid the
wild scenes of pioneer life and in the log school-
house with its puncheon floor and slab seats he ac-
quired his education. An aperture made in the
logs and covered with oiled paper served to let in
the light and a huge fireplace occupied almost the
entire end of the building. While the scholars
were engaged in recitation or the preparation of
their lessons, which, by the way, they studied
aloud, the teacher would employ his hands in mak-
ing split brooms or ax helves, while his brain was
intent on the progress of his pupils and their con-
duct. Mr. Irish remained at home assisting his
father in the labors of the farm until twenty- four
years of age when he was married and sought a
home of his own. On the 18th of February, 1849,
he was joined in wedlock with Miss Orlena J. An-
trim, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio,
August 7, 1830. Four children graced their union
— Florence A., now the widow of George H. Brick-
ley; Elizabeth M., widow of William L. Tyson;
Alonzo W., of Oklahoma; and Samuel E., an at-
torney at law of Keosauqua.
In June, 1853, Mr. Irish accompanied by his
family came to Van Buren County, and after a
short stay in Keosauqua, went to Milton, where he
built the first mill in that township. The following
year he sold out to Miller Bros., and in 1856, in
company with Judge Mayne, he erected a saw-mill
four miles below Keosauqua but the same year sold
his interest to his partner and returning to Milton,
repurchased a half interest in the mill property in
that place. Early in 1859, his wife died and he
again married, his present wife, being Cecilia Dahl-
burg, daughter of Peter and Ingar (Nelson) Dahl-
burg, who were natives of Sweden. Many enter-
prises have occupied the attention of Mr. Irish in
Van Buren County. In 1861, he removed to Keo-
sauqua where he embarked in the grocery business
and in 1863 he settled upon a farm, engaging in its
cultivation for four years when he returned to the
county seat, having made a contract to carry mail
between that place and Memphis, Mo. Twelve
years ho spent in that manner, when in March,
1876, he removc'l to his present home where he has
since resided, By bis second marriage there are
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four children — Curtis F., a court reporter of De^j
Moines, Iowa; H. Walter, who is also a court re-
porter and stands at the head of his profession in
the State; J. Sherman, assistant book-keeper and
stenographer for the Des Moines Buggy Company;
and Charles T.,who is employed as a carriage trim-
mer in Des Moines.
Mr. Irish is a Republican in politics and enter-
tains strong prohibition sentinienls. Both he and
his wife are earnest workers in the cause of temper-
ance and Mrs. Irish is a charter member of the
Woraans Christian Temperance Union and was the
first President of the county organization. She is
interested in any form of temperance or social pur-
ity work, together with all other branches of Chris-
tian, philanthropic and reformatory measures. In
his social relations Mr. Irish is an Odd Fellow.
During the early days of his manhood he became
identified with that orgiuazation as. a member of
Pendleton Lodge, of Indiana, and since coming
W^•^t, he has held membership in Keosauqua Lodge,
No. 3, I. O. O. F. Ills wife has been initiated into
the Rebecca degree of that order and was honored
witl. the position of N. G. Both are members of
Methodist Episcopal Church and throughout the
city and surrounding country where they have so
long made their home, they are known as upright
and honorable people, worthy of the high regard of
all with whom they come in contact.
ROF. JOHN HENRY LANDES, County
Superintendent of Schools of Van Buren
County, and one of the leading residents
of Keosauqua, was born in Putnam County,
Ind., on the 6th of October, 1850. His father, Ana-
nias Landes, was a native of Virginia, born in
Augusta in 1826. When a lad of twelve summers
he emigrated with his parents to Indiana, the fam-
ily locating in Putnam County, where he grew to
manhood. His school training was in advance of
that which most boj^s of his day received. He ac-
quired a collegiate education and thus having fitted
himself for the duties of life he embarked upon a
mercantile career in Green Castle, continuing in
that line of business with good success until 1860,
when he decided to make his home in Iowa. He
chose Davis County as the scene of his future la-
bors and there spent several years and then re-
moved to Clarke County, Iowa, where he passed
the remainder of his days. In whatever community
he resided he became a prominent citizen on ac-
count of his worth and ability. He was a man well
informed on all public affairs and exerted an in-
fluence in behalf of the best interests and worthy
enterprises of the county. In political sentiment,
he was first a Whig, later a Know Nothing and on
the organization of the Republican party joinetl its
ranks, continuing a faithful adherent of its princi-
ples until his death.
In Putnam County, Ind., Ananias Landes was
united in marriage with Miss Anker Boyd, a native
of that State and a daughter of Robert Boyd. They
became parents of six children, the eldest of whom
is John H.; Margaret A. is the wife of O. C. Macy
of Missouri; Albert Cary, a graduate of the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons of Des Moines,
Iowa, is now engaged in the practice of his profes-
sion in Clarke County; Robert S. is living in West-
erville, Decatur County, Kan.; Augusta A. and
Emma M. complete the family. The father died
in Clarke County, Iowa, in 1878, and the mother
departed this life in 1889. The^' were Presbyterians,
lived consistent Christian lives and died in the faith
of that church.
John Henry Landes is a self made man who by
his own efforts has risen from a humble position to
one of honor. In early life he displayed an aptitude
for learning and soon mastered the branches taught
in the common schools. He desired then to further
continue his studies but his father being unable to
grant his wish, he was thus thrown upon his own
resources and working as a farm hand he obtained
the monej^ which defrayed his expenses while a
student in the Troy Academy of Davis County.
He then engaged in teaching and performed any
other honest labor that might replenish his ex-
hausted exchecquer and thereby enabled him to pur-
sue a course in the Iowa State University. Industry
and perseverance overcame the obstacles in his
pith and accomplished that result?. In 1878, after
leaving the University, he received a call to the
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193
high school of Keosauqua, of which he remained
principal for nine years. A short time convinced
the citizens of this community that he was capable
of filling his position and would faithfully dis-
charge his every duty, which led to them retaining
him in the position until he was called upon, in the
autumn of 1887, to fill a. vacancy in the office of
Countj' Superintendent of Schools. The following
autumn he was elected to that office on the Repub-
lican ticket and two years later was re-elected, still
continuing in the office, the duties of which he dis-
charges with credit to himself and to the satisfac-
tion of his constituents.
In 1879, a marriage ceremony was performed in
Troy, Iowa, which united the destinies of Prof.
Landes and Miss Callie Cunningham. The lady is
a native of Davis County, and a daughter of
Obadiah and Cynthia Cunningham. Three children
have been born of their union, sons, Don Henry,
Carl C. and Gene. The Professor and his estimable
wife hold a high position in the social world and
have won the respect of all who known them. He
is a me mber of Keosauqua Lodge, No. 23, 1. 0. O. F.
and in political sentiment is a Republican. Al-
thougli he feels an interest in political affairs, he has
never been an office seeker,believing rather that the
position should seek the man. It was thus in his
case and the wisdom of the people in their choice
has long since become evident.
-4«C^—
AMES A. BECK, proprietor of the Leggett
House of Fairfield, and of the Summit
House of Creston, Iowa, is a native of the
former city. He was born on the 6th of
April, 1849, his parents being William G. and
Margaret (Ramsay) Beck, who were among the
pioHeer settlers of Jefferson County. His father
was born in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., March
9, 1819, and with his parents removed to Wheeling,
W. Va., in his youth. On the 4th of March, 1847,
he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Alexander
Ramsay of Washington County, Pa., and the bridal
tour of the 3*oung couple consisted of a trip to
Fairfield, Iowa, where they had determined to lo-
cate. In 1851, Mr. Beck was employed as route
agent for the Western Stage CompanJ', and in 1854,
engaged in farming in Jefferson County. After
two years spent in that line he sold out and removed
with his family to Owen County, Ky., but three
years later returned to Fairfield and resumed his
former occupation, which he carried on successfully
until May, 1889. In that year he changed his place
of residence to Montana and is now engaged in
ranching near Virginia City, that State.
Mr. and Mrs. Beck arc the parents of seven
children, four sons and three daughters: James A.,
of this sketch, is the elde3t; Willie died in child-
hood; David R. married Mrs. Stedman, and resides
in Virginia City, Mont.; Mollie died at the age of
fourteen; Charles, who is single, resides in Omaha:
Fannie is the wife of Alfred Wei day, of Des
Moines; Richard died at the age of eleven years,
and Katie, who completes the family', was fourteen
years of age at the time of her death. Mr. Beck,
the father, is a Democrat, and stood firm in sup-
port of his party during the dark days of its his-
tory in Iowa. He and his wife are members of
the Congregational Church and are highly re-
spected in the community where they so long
resided.
James A. Beck was educated in the city schools
and at the Fairfield University. When seventeen
years of age he began clerking in a grocery and in
1870, when twenty one years old, began business
for himself in the same line in Fairfield as a
partner of Thomas Bell, the gentlemen carrying
on operations under the firm name of Bell <fe Beck.
That connection continued two years, after which <
Mr. Beck carried on business alone until 1883.
In August of that year he leased the Leggett
House, of Fairfield, for ten years and has since
conducted it with marked success. In May, 1889,
he leased the Summit House, of Creston, lowa,^
the leading hotel of that city of ten thousand
inhabitants, of which he personally supervises the
management. The Summit House has ample room
to accommodate one hundred guests and under
Mr. Beck's management is becoming one of the
most popular hotels in Iowa. The Leggett House,
which is the only hotel of consequence in Fair-
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field, be manages through Jameft Long and the
house is a credit to both proprietor and manager.
Mr. Beck was married in Fairfield, February 26,
1880, to Miss Etta McKesson, daughter of Robert
McKesson. The lady was born near Northfield,
Ohio, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
la politics, Mr. Beck is a Democrat but has
never been ambitious of offic'al preferment. With
the exception of four years, from 1856 until 1860,
which time he spent with his parents in Kentucky,
he has always made his home in Fairfield and
has ever been accounted one of its leading and
enterprising citizens. In addition to the hotel
business he is one of the proprietors of the bus
line conducted under the business stjic of F. S.
Heck & Co., having been interested in the same
since 1887. Mr. Beck is widely known as a suc-
cessful and popular hotel keeper. Both the Summit
and Leggett Houses are really without competition
in their respective towns and unlike most men
who have a monopoly in a certain line of business,
he is just as careful to give satisfaction to bis
patrons and to use them fairly, as though he was
competing for tlieir custom. The result is that
all are well pleased, and that the Leggett House
and the Summit House have many warm friends
among the traveling public. Mr. Beck is a genial,
courteous gentleman and those who have known
him from his boyhood, as well as his acquaintances
of later years, speak of him in highest terms.
-•n
JONATHAN HARRIS, a farmer residing
on section 7, Locust Grove Township, claims
an honor of which few men of his age can
boast, that of being a native of Jefferson
County. He first opened his eyes to the light of
day in 1845, his parents being Reuben and Mary
Harris. His father is a native of Tennessee, be-
came a resident of Hancock County-, 111., when a
lad of some twelve summers and was there married.
The year 1843 witnessed the arrival of himself and
family in Jefferson County, Iowa, and on section 7,
Locust Grove Township, he took up his residence,
there making his home until 1881, when he re-
moved to Batavia, where he aud his wife ar» mow
living a retired life. lie assisted in organizing the
county, identified himself with its best interests,
was prominently connected with its development
and justly merits the title of an honored citizen
and worthy pioneer. In the family of Reuben and
Mary Harris were eleven children. William R.,
the eldest, is married and lives in Ottumwa, Iowa;
Miranda, now Mrs. Espy, is living in Seattle,
Wash.; Jason is married and resides in Locust
Grove Township; Serilda, now Mrs. Bi"0wn, is liv-
ing in Wapello County; Jonathan is the fifth in
order of birth.
He was reared to farm life and in his youth bad
a taste of developing the wild land, his father clear-
ing and improving six hundred and forty acres.
He was educated in the subscription schools, com-
mon at that day, aud remained under the parental
roof until he attained his majority, when he started
out in life for himself. The occupation to which he
was reared, he has made his life work and he began
his efforts in Locust Grove Township. In Wap-
ello County in 1866, Mr. Harris led to the mar-
riage altar Miss Paulina A. Williams, who was born
in Wapello County, and is a daughter of William
II. and Julia (Lumpkins) Williams. Her parents
were born, reared and married in Kentucky and in
1845 emigrated to Wapello County, Iowa, where
upon a farm they made their home until 1884 since
which time they have bc6n residents of Batavia,
Jefferson County.
Mr. Harris has spent his entire life upon one
farm and those who have known him from child-
hood are numbered among his stanchest friends,
for they have witnessed the development of an up-
right moral character which wins the regard of all
with whom he comes in contact. His memory goes
back to the days when this community was hut
sparsely settled, when F'airfield was a mere trading
post and the nearest markets were at Burlington
and Keokuk, when no fences impeded the progress
of one driving across the country and when travel-
ers made their journey by stage or by private con-
veyance. He has witnessed the introduction of the
railroad, the telegraph and the telephone, has
watched the growth of the county seat, has seen
many of the now thriving villages of the county
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spring into existence and the once wild land trans-
formed into rich and fertile farms. His farm cm-
braces sixty-six and two-thirds acres of highly
improved land, forty of which are situated on sec-
tion 7, and twenty-six and two-thirds acres on sec-
tion 18, Locust Grofre Township. In his political
aflSliations, Mr. Harris is a Democrat, and for the
third time has been elected Justice of the Peace.
He has also been a member of the School Board
and has ever taken an active interest in eductional
matters. Socially he is a non-affilinted Odd Fel-
low, having been a member of Brookville Lodge
during its existence. He and his wife hold mem-
bership with the Christian Church of Bladensburg,
Wapello County.
Ten children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Harris — Henry Harvey, a resident of Ottumwa;
Miranda, now Mrs. Jamison of Seymour, Wayne
County, Iowa; Robert, Julia, Jasper, Mary E.,
Leverett,Carroll R., Edith and Orville. The Harris
household is noted for its hospitality and the mem-
bers of the family hold a high position in the social
world.
J'"" AMES T. HUTCHIN, one of the prominent
and successful farmers of Jefferson County,
resides on section 2, Black Hawk Township,
and the story of his life is as follows: He
was born in Preble County^ Ohio, April 2, 1835,
being a son of Joel G. and Rachel (Tapscott)
Hutchin. History says that the family was foun-
ded in America by John Hutchin, who, accom-
panied by his brother, left his English liome and
crossed the water to America, settling in New Jer-
sey about the year 1730. William Hutchin, son
of John, was born November 11, 1759. and served
in Lee's Legion in the Revolutionary War, during
which he killed a British officer at the battle of
Cowpens. His wife, whose maiden name was
Nancy De Robine, was born February 2, 1758, and
was of French descent. Her father narrowly es-
caped death during the Revolution. He was in a
blockhouse in Paoli when it was sacked by the
Indians and British, and was shot in the eye and
left for dead, but afterward recovered. The chil-
<lren biirn to William and MaryjHutchin were:
Thomas: born March 11, 1782; Moses, February
16, 1784; Henry W., March 22, 1786; Isaac,
March 13, 1788; Moses, September 18, 1790;
Charles, May 20, 1793; Joel Gibbs, May 22, 1795,
and Maria, December 1, 1797.
Joel Gibbs Hutchin, the father of our subject,
received the usual educational advantages afforded
farmers' sons at tl:at early day, and spent his boy-
hood in his native State, but on reaching manhood
he removed with his parents to Ohio, where he
lived the life of an industrious farmer. On the
21st of December, 1820, he married Rachel H.
Tapscott, a daughter of James and Mary Tapscott,
who were natives of New Jersey, the former
born September 22, 1770, and the latter April
13, 1772. Her father was of Scottish descent,
and was a merchant of Bordentown, N. J. His
wife was a daughter of Geisbert and Elizabeth
P. Hendrickson, who were married October 25,
1728. The parents of Mrs. Hendrickson were
Stoffil Longstreet and Abigail Delereaux, who were
born prior to the 3'ear 1690. Thus we see that on
the maternal side our subject traces his ancestry
back to the latter part of the seventeenth century,
and on the paternal side to the early part of the
eighteenth century.
Joel G. Hutchin, the father of our subject, made
his home for some time in Butler County, Ohio,
and then removed with his family to Preble
County, where he developed a farm and spent the
greater part of his life. He came to Iowa in 1855
and bought four hundred acres of land in Jefferson
County, but his death occurred three years later,
at the age of sixty-three years. His wife survived
him until April 14, 1861, when her remains were
laid by the side of her husband in Richland ceme-
tery. No family in the community was more
highly respected than that of Mr. Hutchin, and in
every way he and his estimable" wife were worthy
of the love and confidence accorded them. They
were both members of the Society of Friends, and
in the councils of the church Mr. Hutchin's opin-
ion was received with honor and deference. He
labored for the interest of the cause and made his
religion a part of his daily life. Generous and
free-hearted, he was a benefactor to the poor and
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needy, a friend to the oppressed, and a companion
to all in need of sympathy or aid. In common
with those of his church he was a strong opposer
to the institution of human slavery, and was among
the first to espouse the cause of the Republican
party, which was forme(i to prevent its introduc-
tion into Northern States. Although he always
refused to accept public office himself, he took a
deep interest in political affairs, and was well
versed in the same. He was also a represeptative
business man, progressive and enterprising, and in
company with Marmaduke Green, in 1855, in-
troduced into Iowa the first Poland-China hogs
brought to the State, the breed being then known
as the McGee hog.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hutcliin were born a family
of six children : Isaac, who was born December 8,
1823, and is living a retired life in Colorado
Springs; Henry W., who was born November 1,
1 825, and engaged in merchandising in Fountain,
Iowa, met his death in an explosion which occurred
May 30, 1888; Ann, born February 19, 1828, is
the wife of Dr. A. H. Stevens, of Ohio, who was
one of the leading surgeons in the army during the
late war; Caroline, born June 17, 1830, in Coffee
County, Kan., married Peter S. Patton, one of the
early pioneers of Jefferson County; Mary T., born
April 25, 1833, is the wife of Amos H. Terrill, of
Colorado Springs.
James T. Hutchin, whose name heads this sketch,
completes the family. He spent his early life in
the State of his nativity, and received a good Eng-
lish education in the common schools, which was
supplemented by three terms attendance at Earl-
ham College, of Richmond, Ind. His summers
were spent at hard labor on the farm, but such
trials arc often the means of bringing out the ma-
terials in a person's character, and so it proved
with Mr. Hutchin, for in his youth he developed a
spirit of self-reliance ftnd zeal which have been im-
portant factors in his success in after life. At the
age of twenty years he accompanied his parents to
Jefferson County, and lemained under the parental
roof until twenty-two years of age, when on the
17th of September, 1857, he wedded Miss Mary
Hadley and removed to a farm given him by his
father. It was an eighty- acre tract, ten acres of
which had been broken and upon which a small
house had been l)uilt. He fenced and improved
the land, and made his home tkereon until 1869,
when he purchased one hundred and fifty-one
acres, on section 2, Black Hawk Township — his
present home. Twenty- one years have since passed,
and in that time a wonderful transformation has
been wrought. Fertile fields now yield abundant
harvests as the reward for his labors ; he has a
comfortable residence, good buildings, and every-
thing bespeaks care and attention. Just and fair
in all his dealings, he has won the confidence of all
with whom he has come in contact, and by the ex-
ercise of correct business principles, combined with
zealous labor, he has acquired a handsome compe-
tence.
Mrs. Hutchin was a daughter of Joshua Hadley,
who was born in North .Carolina in 1816, is one
of the pioneers of Keokuk County, Iowa, and a land
owner of Jefferson County. He came to Jefferson
County in 1841, at which time he purchased land.
To -Mr. and Mrs. Hutchin have been born six chil-
dren, but only one of the number is now living.
Emily Luella, born November 3, 1858, died on the
8th of January, 1860; Ernest Leon, born Novem-
ber 22, 1860, died March 12, 1883; he had been
provided with excellent educational advantages,
and possessed extraordinary oratorical power; his
character was such as to win him the respect of all
with whom he came in contact, and the entire com-
munity assembled to pay the last tribute of love
and esteem for the dead. Anna Susan, born March
16, 1864, died March 7, 1883; Lydia Eva, born
December 2, 1866, died March 21, 1868; Joel Al-
fred, born August 10, 1870, was a student of the
Pleasant Plain Academy, and is a young man of
much promise; Corilla, the youngest, born Septem-
ber 3, 1878, died January 12, 1880.
Mr. Hutchin and his wife are members of the
Society of Friends, although he leans toward the
Unitarian doctrine. He gives liberally for the suj)-
port of the work, however, and is always rea('y to do
his part in any enterprise calculated to benefit the
community. He is a man well informed on all gen-
eral topics, is a great reader and an entertaining
conversationalist, bqing able to express his ideas
fluently and well. When he takes his stand for or
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1H2 NEW YORK j
-'^iSLlCLlBRARV
ASTOR. LENOX
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ROBERT SLOAN.
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199
against any measure he can always give an excel-
lent reason for so doing, and when he believes
himself to be in the right nothing can swerve him
from his determination to pursue that course. In
his earlier years he supported the Republican party,
casting his first vote for Fremont, but when Grant
and Greeley were opposing candidates he cast liis
ballot for the latter. Ilis ideas on the tariff ques
tion being out of harmony with the Republican
parly, he then connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, but has independence enough to vote
for the men who represent the best interests of the
country without regard to party associations. Mr.
llut^chin ran on the Democratic ticket for County
Supervisor. As is well known, Jefferson County is
strongly Republican, yet his popularity is plainly
shown by the fact that he carried his own township
by the largest ma jority ever given when there was
any opposition. He has been Township Clerk, and
has served two terms as Assessor, but is no wise an
office-seeker. No one stands higher in the esteem
of their fellow-men than Mr. Hutchin,and it is with
pleasure we record his sketch in this volume.
^'>*^^>i;i^fi^fi!if^^^^
UDGE ROBERT SLOAN. Few counties,
if any, in Iowa can boi^t of a larger list
of talented men than Van Buren. Her sons,
natural and adopted, hare distinguished
themselves in every avocation of life, and espe-
cially in the learned professions. Among those
she delights to honor is the well-known jurist and
attorney, Robert Sloan. Descended from Scotch-
Irish ancestry, he has inherited ths mental and
moral qualities peculiar to that people. His pater-
nal great-grandfather served as a Lieutenant under
Gen. Bra.ldock in the French and Indian War, but
when the Colonies declared their independence he
espoused the cause of liberty 'and rose to the rank of
Captain. Robert Sloan, Sr., the father of Judge
Sloan, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and
when seven years of age came to the United
States with his parents, who settled near Phila-
delphia, Pa. On reaching mature years, he wedded
^i
Miss Elizabeth Steaploton, with whom he moved to
Columbiana County, Ohio, where he engaged in
farming. The spring of 1853 witnessed the re-
moval of the family to Davis County, Iowa.
Judge Sloan was born October 21, 1835, and
was, therefore, nearly eighteen years of age at the
time of his removal to this State. His scholastic
training was confined to the common school and
a year's course in the New Lisbon High School.
Such was his diligence in the pursuit of knowledge
that, with these meagre advantages, he qualified
himself for the profession of teaching, which he
followed after coming to Iowa until 1860, with
the exception of about two years spent in mercan-
tile life in lowaville. In the above-mentioned year
he began to read law under Judge George G.
Wright, then of Keosauqua, and was admitted to
the bar in March following. The young attorney
soon took a front rank among his professional
brethren, and his reputation as a judge of law be-
came established. At the general election of 1868
he was chosen Judge for the First Circuit of the
Second Judicial District. Four years later he was
elected Circuit Judge of the Second Judicial Dis-
trict, and re-elected in 1876. Thus it will be seen
that Judge Sloan has filled a judicial chair for twelve
consecutive years, and this is the highest possible
compliment to his ability and popularity. After
leaving the bench he became a member of the
law firm of Sloan, Work & Brown, and has since
devoted himself assiduously to the practice of his
profession.
On the loth of July, 1863, Judge Sloan wedded
Miss Mary Brown, a native of County Westmeath,
Ireland, born January 11, 1838. Her parents, Will-
iam and FAizsL (Alexander) Brown, were both na-
tives of Scotland, but in early life emigrated to Ire-
land, where the mother died when Mrs. Sloan was
a child of three summers. In 1847 Mr. Brown
came to the L^nited States and soon afterward lo-
cated on a farm in Van Buren County, where he
passed his remaining days, dying November 12,
1854. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan are the parents of seven
children— Stella B., born November 26, 1864;
Hugh B., September 1, 1866; Tede, September 13,
1868; Mary E., October 21, 1870; Delia, born
July 17, 1873, died November 29, 1878; lo. G.,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
born July 14, 1876; and Robert E., February 4,
1878.
Mr. ind Mrs. Sloan are members of the Congre-
gational Church. Politically, he has been a Re-
publican since the organization of the party. For
nearly thirty years he has been a member of the
Keosauqua bar and the place he there occupies is
second to none. Before a jury he is a forcible ad-
vocate, not so much on account of "honeyed elo-
quence" as the weight of character he brings to
bear. Above the petty tricks of the profession, he
is candid, dignified and earnest. But it is as a
counselor and judge of law that he is best known
and most highly appreciated.
^Mt-
f<^^>^
)
^f/OHN C. THORNE, a leading dry-goods
merchant of Fairfield, has been engaged in
his present line of business in that city since
1880, but for thirty years he has been a
resident of the Hawkeye State. However, he
claims Pennsylvania as the State of his nativity,
his birth having occurred in Butler County,August
26, 1851. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth S.
(Calhoun) Thome. When he was a lad of six years
his father died,and two 3'ears later he came to Iowa
to make his home with his maternal grandfather
who was then living in the northeastern part of
Van Buren County. His boyhood days were spent
in the usual manner of farmer lads, and when not
employed in labors connected with the farm he at-
tended the public schools where he received a good
English education. This was supplemented by at-
tendance at the academy of Birmingham, and after-
ward he pursued a course in the Commercial Col-
lege of Keokuk. In 1870, Mr. Thome made his
way to Tennessee and for a time engaged in clerk-
ing in Manchester. There he gained a fair knowl-
edge of business principles and in 1874 returned to
Fairfield, where he was employed for one year as
dry goods clerk in the house of Mr. Risk. He then
secured a like position with J. E. Roth, with whom
he remained five years, when in the spring of 1880,
he embarked in business for himself. In the ten
years which have since elapsed he has found ample
reward for the efforts he has put forth and is now
doing a large business which is annually increasing.
In 1880, he started in business in company with E.
M. Gage, under the firm name of Thome k Gage.
This connection continued for three years when
Mr. Thorne bought his partner's interest, and since
that time he has continued the business alone.
During his service as salesman the public had found
that it would receive courteous treatment, prompt
attention and fair' dealing from Mr. Thorne, and
was glad of an opportunity to show its appreciation
of his faithfulness which it does by :i liberal pat-
ronage.
On the 12th of April, 1877, Mr. Thorne led to
the marriage altar Miss Rose Pitkin, daughter of
E. Pitkin, now of Fayetteville, Ark. The lady is
a native of Van Buren County, Iowa, and unto
them has been born one child, Harry Pitkin, born
March 18, 1879. The parents attend the Presby-
terian Church and in political sentiment Mr.
Thorne is a Republican. He is one of the enter-
prising and wide-awake merchants of Fairfield,
popular with the public and highly esteemed
throughout the county.
(^ IfelLSON T. ABRAHAM,who devotes his time
\f\ll and attention to farming and stock-raising
^^^ on section 12, Locust Grove Township, is
a representative of one of the pioneer families of
Jefferson County. He was born on the farm which
is still his home and which has witnessed his boy-
hood efforts and business enterprises of his maturer
years. Ilis father, Charles Abraham, was a native
of Ohio, and his mother, whose maiden name wai}
Elizabeth Howell, was born in Indiana. They were
married in the latter State and came to Jefferson
County in 1842. A farm was deveioj)ed and im-
proved by the husband, who by bis industry and
perseverance made a good home for his family and
secured a comfortable competence. He died in
1877, respected by all who knew him, and his wife,
a most estimable lady, passed away in 1882.
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201
The old timeschoolsof thatearly day afforded our
subject tbe educational privileges he received. The
years of his boyhood and youth were devoted to
farm work and on attaining to mature years he began
life for himself, embarking in the pursuit to, which
he was reared. Throughout his entire life he was
engaged in farming and stock-raising, and his
labors have been confined to the operation of the
old bomestesu). He chose as a helpmate and com-
panion on life's journey Miss Laura Hutton, their
union being celebrated in December, 1878, in Jef-
ferson County (the birthplace of Mrs. Abraham).
Her parents, Levi and Nancy (Holslnger) Hutton,
were natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania respect-
tively, and came to Iowa in an early day, settling
in Liberty Township, JeffersQn County. Both are
now deceased, having been called to their final rest
some years ago, Mr. Hutton dying in 1860 and
Mrs. Hutton in 1867.
Mr. Abraham aided in developing the homestead
farm and is now the owner of eighty-five acres of
it, and in connection with its cultivation, raises
some stock of good grades. He keeps himself well
informed on all subjects of the day and casts his
ballot with the Democratic party, but has never
sought or desired public office. He was, however,
induced to fill the position of Township Trustee,
and was elected Supervisor but did not consent to
serve. The cause of education claims him as a
friend and the moral and social interests of the
community rank him among their supporters. He
discourages all unworthy interests, giving his sup-
lK)rt to those which will benefit the community and
promote the general welfare.
Mt "■^■?t]|'C*S'* *"
^
\f] OHN L. BROWN, a veteran of the late war
and an early settler of Van Buren County,
Iowa, now residing in Fairfield, Jefferson
County, was born in the town of Yellowbud,
R^ County, Ohio. February 1, 1838, and is a son
of G. Washington and Mary (Long) Brown. His
father, the youngest of eleven children, was born in
Huntingdon, Pa., in the year 1811, and was of
Scotch and German descent. He came to Iowa with
his family in 1846, settled in Van Buren County,
and is now a resident of Keosauqua. The mother
was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1809, and
was descended from English ancest^-y.
Our subject was a lad of eight years when he
accompanied his parents to Iowa, reaching Keosau-
qua at Christmas time. The family settled on a
farm in Vernon Township, Van Buren County,
where he was reared to manhood, receiving his ed^u-
cation in the public schools. Responding to his
country's call for troops he enlisted for the late
war on the 1st of August, 1861, as. a member of
Company G, Third Iowa Cavalry, was promoted
from Third Corporal to First Sergeant and, in June,
1864, was comiuissioned First Lieutenant in the
Freedmeu*8 Bureau Service and assumed staff duty,
serving until that department was closed out in
1866. Lieut. Brown took part in many important
engagements, including the battles of Tupelo,
Guntown, Selma, Columbia, Little Rock, Hartsville,
Grierson's raid, Moore's Mill and in skirmishes too
numerous to mention. He was in command of the
provost guard at Memphis at the time of Forrest's
celebrated raid on that city. Toward the close of his
service he received an injury in the left hip which
at first took the form of a tumor and at times
caused him much pain, unfitting him for duty.
After his return from the war his ailment increased
and eventually resulted in an abcess which affected
first the left leg and then the right until their use-
fulness, as a means of locomotion, was virtually
destroyed. Mr. Brown has now been a sufferer
for nearly twenty-five years, and from the rugged
man of six feet, three inches in height, weighing
two hundred and thirty pounds, he is reduced to
one hundred and fifty-six pounds in weight and is
perceptably lessened in stature. However, not-
withstanding his physical aflflictions he is cheerful
and makes the best of his misfortune.
On the 25th of February, 1864, in Fairfield, Mr.
Brown was united in marriage with Miss Martha
Bell, daughter of Asahel Brown, an early pioneer
of Jefferson County, whose sketch appears else-
where in this work. Mrs. Brown was born in
Huntingdon, Pa., and came to Fairfield, Iowa, with
her parents in July, 1844. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown
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lias been born one child, a daughter, Lulu Z., who
is now the wife of George Colburn, of Des Moines.
Mrs. Brown and her daughter are members of the
Ba[)tist Church. Mr. Brown is a Republican in
politics and a member of George Strong Post, No.
19, G. A. R. His father was also a soldier of the
late war, joining the regiment known as the Iowa
Gray beards, in 18(^3 and, after nine months serv-
ice, was discharged on account of physical dis-
ai)ility. Our subject continued to reside in Van
Buren County until 1871, when he removed to
Fairfield where he has since resided. He has made
many warm friends throughout the community
and is held in high esteem by all who know him.
^1^
\|]OHN ALEXANDER RAINES, of Fairfield,
was born in Scott County, Ky., near Lexing-
ton, on the 9th of November, 1835, and is a
j son of Waller and Lavina R. (Lloyd) Raines.
His father was a native of Virginia, born in Orange
County, and was descended from English ancestry.
The family was founded in America during the old
Colonial days, and was represented from both sides
in the war of the Revolution. Mr. Raines' father
emigrated to Kentucky in 1810, making the jour-
ney on foot in company with his friend, Anthony
Hughes. He enlisted in the War of 1812, and at
its close returned to his home in Kentucky, where
he was engaged in farming. His wife, the mother
of our subject, was born in Loudoun County, Va.,
and was of Welsh and German descent. Possessed
of most excellent judgment and earnest piety, and
practical in her methods, she trained her family,
numbering six sons and three daughters, with a
view to making them useful and respected mem-
bers of society. Her death occurred in 1858. Af-
ter the death of Mrs. Raines, Mr. Raines lived with
his family in Kentucky until about the time of the
breaking out of the late war, when he came to
Marshall County, 111., where he remained two years,
after which he went to Greenfield, Ind., with his
son, Rowan W., with whom he made his home un-
til his death, which occurred about 1 869, when he
had passed his eighty-sixth year. He was a man
of powerful ph3'sique, and possessed great endur-
ance and fortitude. He was never sick, but death
resulted from old age.
John A. Raines is the youngest member of the
family of nine, of whom seven are now living. All
were reared to habits of industry and frugality, aod
their after lives show the wisdom of their training.
Their parents had no use for drones, and never per-
mitted that condition to exist which is said to be
favorable to wickedness.
Our subject received such education as he could
obtain in his day and place of residence. Having
a taste for mechanical pursuits, he learned the
wagon-maker*8 trade, and in 1855 went to Wood-
ford County, III., where he followed his chosen oc-
cupation, and also acquired a knowledge of carpen-
tering. Two years later, in that county, he was
united in marriage with Miss Maria, daughter of
George W. and Martha (Adams) Bocock. The
lady was born in Fulton County, III., near Canton,
and their union was blessed with three children, one
son and two daughters: EflSe F., who is now the
wife of Robert J. Raines, a distant cousin and resi-
dent of Fairfield Township, Jefferson County; Os-
car Y., who died at the age of twenty-one years;
and Maria J., who died in infancy. The mother
was called to her final rest September 22, 1 862.
In early manhood, Mr. Raines became a zealous
member of the Christian Church, and in 1858 be-
gan preaching the gospel. He possesses a good
command of language, and a gift of oratory coup-
led with a fervent zeal in the cause of Christian-
ity, that has made him an interesting and popular
preacher. While in Illinois, he was variously em-
ployed. For several years he was a merchant's
clerk in Lacon, and served as Police Magistrate
and Justice of the Peace. In the political cam-
paign of 1860, when Lincoln was elected to the
Presidency, he took an active part in Republican
politics, and has since voted and labored for the
interests of the party.
On the 8th of October, 1863, Mr. Raines was
again married, his second union being with Miss
Martha J. Bocock, a sister of his former wife, and
a native of Fulton County. III. Three children,
daughters, were born of the second marriage — Lu-
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203
tbia Alice, Martha Olga, and Nora Junia. The
two elder have just graduated from the Fairfield
High-schf>ol.
Mr. Raines has served as Pastor of the Christian
Church of Belle Plaine, Bath, Chandlerville, and
Washington, 111., and at intervals between his pas-
toral duties has engaged in mechanical work. In
1873, he came to Iowa, locating in Osage, Mitchell
County, where he was local pastor. In 1878, he
hecame interested in the insurant^e business, and
has continued in that line ever since, doing more
or less work all the time in the line of the minis-
try. During the twelve years in which he has de-
voted his time to the insurance business, he has
been connected with only three companies, and al-
ways as general agent. For the past two years
he has been general agent for the German Fire In-
surance Company of Peoria, 111. Hecame to Fair-
Geld, on the 22d of January, 1878, and for six
months occupied the pulpit of the Christian Church
of the cit}', since which time he has served as one
of its elders. He has done a great deal of minis-
terial work as supply preacher, and has been an in-
defatigable laborer in all matters pertaining to
church or Sunday-school work. Mr. Raines is
blessed with a noble wife and intelligent and inter-
esting children, all of whom are devoted to the
cause of Christianity.
^/AMES S. BECK,, who is now living a retired
life in Fairfield, has spent forty-seven years
in Iowa, and with the exception of three
I years of that period has been a merchant of
Jeiferson County. He was born in Fayette County,
Pa., in 1821, and is a son of James and Sarah
(Evans) Beck. On the paternal side he is of Irish
descent, his father having emigrated to America
from the North of Ireland. His mother however,
was born in Lancaster County, Pa. During the
early childhood of our subject, the parents removed
with their family to Wheeling, Va., where the fa-
ther died about 1830.
In Wheeling our subject was reared to manhood,
and at the age of nineteen years went to Kentucky,
whence he afterward made his way to Delavan, 111.
Later we find him in Springfield, III., and in the
autumn of 1844, he came to Keokuk, Iowa, and in
1848 joined the Des Moines River expedition.
For a time he engaged in farming in Lee County,
and in 1 846 he came to Fairfield.
Thus far since attaining to mature years, Mr. Beck
had traveled the journey of life alone, but on the
1st of March, 1849, he was united in marriage with
Miss Narcissa Junken, who was born in Wheeling,
Va., and with her parents, whose sketch is given on
another page of this volume, came to Fairfield in
1841. Their union was blessed with one daughter,
Lucy H., who is now the wife of John H. Atkin-
son, of Webster City, Iowa.
In political sentiment, Mr. Beck is a Democrat,
and by that party was twice elected Sheriff of Jef-
ferson County, holding the olHce four years, from
1867 until 1871. The opposing party had a major-
ity of six or seven hundred, but his personal popu-
larity combined with his ability, won for him the
office, and it is needless to say the duties were faith-
fully performed. In his btisiness enterprises, Mr.
Beck has been quite successful. For about ten
years he was engaged in merchandising in Fairfield,
eight years of which time he carried on operations
as a partner of J. J. Gibson, under the firm name
of Gibson <k Beck. At length having acquired an
ample competency to enable him to spend his de-
clining years in rest from the arduotis cares and
duties of business life, he disposed of his interest in
the store, and is now living in retirement. Socially,
he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His
wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Not the least interesting period in the life of Mr.
Beck has been his pioneer experience. He is one
of the honored early settlers of Jefferson County,
shared in the hardships and trials incident to life
on the frontier, and was also a partaker of its pleas-
ures, many of which are unknown at this day. He
helped to build the first house in Omaha in 1853,
ran a ferr}^ at that place, and in 1857 sold goods
in Council Bluffs. The years 1859 and 1860, he
spent at Pike's Peak, Colo. In his journeyings, his
genial manner and gentlemanly deportment, his
courteous treatment of all, won him many friends,
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and the same characteristics displayed throughout
his residence in Jefferson County have ma<le him
one of her best known and most highly respected
citizens. Years may come and go, but James S.
Beck will be long remembered by those who had
ttie pleasure of his acquaintance.
rSAIIEL HERRINGTON BROWN, de-
ll ceased, is numbered among the honored
>4i pioneers of Jefferson County, where he lo-
cated in August, 1844. He was born in Hunting-
don County, Pa., April 21, 1795, and was a son of
Daniel Brown. In his native State he was reared to
manhood and later was employed on the State works
and also engaged in farming. On the 1 1th of Feb-
ruary, 1819, in the county of his nativity, he wed-
ded Miss Isabella Steele, who was born in
Huntingdon County, Pa., July 15, 1797, and was
the daughter of Samuel Steele. Their union was
blessed with ten children as follows: Nancy E.,
who is now the wife of Thomas E. Brinkley, of
Muscatine, Iowa; Isaac H., who married Miss Ellen
Fee and is living in Nebraska; Martha J., who died
in girlhood; Ellen A., who became the wife of Dr.
W. B. Ogden and died in December, 1865; James,
who died in childhood; Sarah Jane, who wedded
Thomas A. Parkinson and died July 15, 1869;
Temperance, wife of William A. Van Doru, died
February 15, 1880; William Steele, died September
16, 1846; M. Isabel is the wife of J. L. Brown, of
Fairfield, Iowa, and Dan W. married Emma Pass
more and is living in Chicjigo.
As before stated, the residence of Mr. Brown in
Jefferson County dates back to August, 1844, when,
accompanied by his family, he left his Eastern
home and emigrated to Iowa, locating in Fairfield
City on a lot now owned by his daughter, Mrs. J.
L. Brown. He was ever regarded as one of the
representative and enterprising citizens of the com-
munity and the part which he bore in public affairs,
the enterprise and industry which^ was displayed
for the advancement of the county's best inter-
ests, is well worthy of mention in this volume.
During the Territorial days of Iowa he held the of-
fice of Collector, and for several years served as
Postmaster of Fairfield and whs also Justice of the
Peace for some time. He made wagon-makiofi^ bis
business and did a flourishing trade in that line,
continuing operations until almost the close of his
life. He was a large man and his death resulted from
a severe fall on an icy walk. The accident oc-
curred on the 5th of February, 1884, and hepasse<1
away on the 30th of March following, at the age of
nearly eighty-nine years. His wife, whose death
occurred some years previous, passed away Novem-
ber 23, 1871, in the seventy-fifth year of her age.
Mr. Brown was a man of more than average
ability in many respects. He retained both his
mental and physical faculties almost unimpaired,
and for seven years prior to his death had not even
used glasses, yet would read for hours at a time.
He was remarkably well informed on all topics of
general Interest and was also a great Bible student.
All church work found in him a hearty sympa-
thizer and from the time of its organization until
his death he filled the office of Deacon in the Bap-
tist Church, in which his wife was also an active
member. In his earlier years he was a member of
the Sons of Temperance and, throughout his entire
life, was an inflexible opponent of the liquor traf-
fic. The Whi<2: party, and afterwards the Abolition
party, received his support in early days, but on
the organization of the Republican part>' he joined
its ranks. Mr. Brown was devoted to his family
and friends and was ever faithful to any trust re-
posed in him. His kindly acts, his generous dis-
position and his charity fol* all, won him hosts of
friends and his earnest Christian life might well be
taken as an example by others.
-^ —
-^
ENRY PICKARD, one of the prominent
young farmers and representative citizens
of Jefferson County, was born and reared
in Penn Township, where he yet makes his
home. His fine farm comprising one hundred and
forty acres of arable land is situated on section 9,
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and has all the improvements and accessories of a
nineteenth century country home. We have no
record of the origin of the family, but his paternal
grandparents, Henry and Eleanor Pickard, were
natives of North Carolina, in which State their
marriage was celebrated. They became residents
of Iowa in 1844, locating in Lee County where
their last davs were si)ent.
William Pickard, their son, and father of our
subject, was born in Bartholemew County, Ind., in
1817, and was reared in the usual manner of farmer
lads in that day. his educational advantages being
limited to a few terms attendance at the district
school of the neighborhood during the winter sea-
son. With the desire to make for himself a home
and gain for himself a comfortable competence, he
came to Iowa in 1 839 and made a location on sec-
tion 2, Penn Township, Jefferson County, which
continued to be his home until his life on earth was
ended. His cash capital on his arrival consisted of
the munificent sum of 13 and his possessions were
a light wagon and team, but indolence and idleness
were utterly foreign to his nature and, as the re-
sult of unceasing activity, industry, economy and
good management, he acquired a handsome prop-
erty and became one of the substantial citizens
of the community. He was widely and favor-
ably known and any good work or enterprise was
sure of his sanction and support. On the 1st of
June, 1842, he wedded Mary J. Bell, who was born
in Chillicothe, Ohio, February 3, 1818, and is the
daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Bell, who re-
moved with their family to Iowa in 183^9. For
some years they were residents of Penn Township,
but were living in Grundy County, Mo., at the
time of their deaths. Mr. Bell served under Jack-
son during the War of 1812. He was a farmer by
occupation and was a member of the Society of
Friends.
The Pickard family were also believers in the
doctrines of that society and the marriage of the
parents of our subject was performed in the
Friends' Church in accordance with their rites.
Shortly after their wedding was celebrated they re-
turned to Indiana, but after eighteen months again
came to Iowa and, purchasing land, began life in
earoe^t in this then far Western Territory. The
death of Mr. Pickard occurred on the 16th of Sep-
tember, 1886, caused by being thrown from a
horse. However, he lived to see his children all
married and settled around him in comfortable
homes. His wife, who is a most estimable lady, still
survives him and is living with her son Henry.
Like her husband, she has been a life- long member
of the Friends Society. He was one of the most
active workers in that church; served as Trustee for
a quarter of a century and did everything in bis
power toward the advancement of its interests. The
cause of education also found in him a friend and
he was one of the founders of the Pleasant Plain
Academy, of which he served as director for many
years. He also filled a number of township ofl3ces,
but never sought political preferment as he always
found his time was well taken up with his business
and church work. He first cast his ballot with the
Whig party, then became a Freesoiler and, on the
organization of the Republican party, joined its
rankp. He was a successful business man and one
of the most highly respected citizens of Jefferson
County. Like her husband, Mrs. Pickard has lived
a truly consistent Christian life and made for her-
self many warm friends. The family of this worthy
couple numbers the following children: Eleanor,
wife of I. J. Gh:een, of Freeport, Ohio; Rebecca,
wife of Eli Jones, of Pleasant Plain; Ruth, wife of
Sanford Bray, of Blackhawk Township; Alexander
married Miss F. R. Groves, and is engaged in farm-
ing in Penn Township; Henry, whose name heads
this sketch, is the next younger; Martha is the wife
of William Jones; Aaron wedded Sina E. Gatlin,
and is a farmer of Penn Township; James B., who
married Ada May Clarridge, lives on the old home-
stead.
In recording the sketch of Henry Pickard, we
present to our readers the life of a citizen of Penn
Township whom many feel a deep interest in, for he
was reared in their midst and his friends in the
community are many. He was born on the Pickard
homestead, August 1,1853, and the days of his
boyhood and youth were spent in assisting his
father in the labors of the farm and acquiring his
education, which he obtained in the public schools
and the Pleasant Plain Academ3^ On the 20th of
Deceipber, 1877, he left the parental roof and was
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united in marriage with Miss Hattie E. Brown, a
native of Jefferson County. His father then gave
him a farm and he settled down near the old home,
beginning life in earnest. In 1884 he purchased
his present home, where he has engaged in culti-
vating one hundred and forty acres of rich land
and in feeding stock. He owns a fine imported
Norman horse, and for the care of his stock has
erected good barns and outbuildings. His home
is a pleasant residence surrounded by noble shade
trees and it has been blessed by two bright boys —
Hugh, born October 19, 1879; and Leonard W.,
born July 28, 1888.
Since casting his first Presidential vote for Gen.
Grant, Mr. Pickard has never swerved in his alle-
giance to the Republican party, but feels an active
interest in its success and lends his support and in-
fluence for its advancement. He is always a member
of the county c(^nventions, has also been a candi-
date to the State Republican conventions and was
twice in the judicial conventions. He held the of-
fice of Township Trustee for six consecutive years,
at the end of which time he refused a renomina-
tion. His efficiency and ability are clearly indi-
cated by his long service. Socially, he is a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows lodge of Pleasant Plain
and his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian
Church of that village. Those who know these
worthy young people hold them in the highest es-
teem and their lives have been such as to merit
the sincere regard of the community.
j^ILLIAM T. HARRIS, M.D., one of the
leading medical practitioners of Keosau-
qua, Iowa, was born in Stanford, Lincoln
County, Ky., on the 18th of September, 1841, and
is the son of the Rev. Ralph and Mary (Wilson)
Harris. His father, a native of Virginia, was born
in 1812, and acquired his education in the Cent<>r
College, of Danville, Ky. In his youth he deter-
mined to devote his life to the ministry, and fol-
lowed that profession for a number of years, but
in 1849, after his emigration to the West, he turned
his attention to other pursuits, yet has ever mani-
fested a deep interest in religious work and aided
not a little in the advancement of the cause in the
community where he . makes his home. He was
married on the Slst of May, 1837, to Miss Wilson,
whose birth occurred in 1818. As before stated,
he removed to the West in 1849, locating in Ma-
comb, 111., and shortly afterward commenced read-
ing medicine, which study he supplemented by a
course in Hahnemann College, in Chicago. After
his graduation from that school, he entered upon
the practice of the medical profession, which he
still continues, but being now an old man he has
to some extent laid aside its more arduous duties.
Both he and his wife are still living and make their
home in Macomb, where they are highly respected
people. At the time of the Rebellion, Dr. Harris
was appointed Chaplain of the Eighty-fourth Illi-
nois Infantry and served about one year. He has
been prominently connected with church work,
being a Presbyterian in faith, and was the first
President of the McDonough Presbyterian College.
Our subject passed his boyhood days in a man-
ner usual to lads similarly circumstanced. He ac-
quired his literary education in the McDonough
College, and then, having determined to follow the
same pursuit in which his father was engaged, he
began reading medicine. In the winter of 1866-
67 he attended lectures at the Keokuk Medical
College, and during the following spring com-
menced practice in Blandinsville, 111. He also at-
tended lectures at the Hanhnemann Medical Col-
lege of Chicago, but was graduated from the
Missouri Medical College, located in St. Louis.
Dr. Harris displayed his loyalty to the Govern-
ment during the late war by faithful service in the
field. In June, 1861, he became a member of the
Seventh Regiment, Missouri State Militia, serving
until March, 1862, and in June, 1862, he enlisted
in the Eighty-fourth Infantry. He was mustered
in at Quincy as a private of Company C, and with
his command participated in the battles of Perry-
ville. Wild Cat Mountain and Stone River. Dur-
ing the latter engagement he was severely wounded,
a ball passing through his face and tearing away a
part of his tongue and jaw bone, so that for almost
a year he was deprived of speech. Being thus
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disabled for duty, he was discharged on the 5?3d
of February, 1863, but when again able to enter
llie service he rejoined his old comrades and was
commissioned First Lieutenant of his company.
Ho served as one of the body guard of Gen. Rosen-
crans, and at the close of the war was honorably
discharged.
Not long after his return home, in 1867, Dr.
Harris was united in marriage with Miss Lottie
Herrick, daughter of Amos and Phoebe Herrick,
the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter
of New Brunswick. They settled in Adams
County, 111., in 1836, and are numbered among the
pioneers of that community. Unto the Doctor
and his wife were born two children, but Ralph
Flint, the elder, died at the age of four years. The
daughter is Lenna Pearl. This family have l^een
residents of Keosauqua for the past six years.
Previously they had resided in Fairmount, Mo.,
where for fifteen years the Doctor had engaged in
the practice of his profession with marked success.
Although his residence in V^an Buren County is of
short duration, his worth and ability have secured
recognition by a liberal patronage, and among the
better class of the county's citizens he has won
high regard and confidence. He is now a mem-
ber of the United States Pension Medical Examin-
ing Board.
\|'OHN SIMMONS, residing on section 35, Lo-
cust Grove Township, is a representative
farmer and stock- raiser of Jefferson County
and one of the pioneers of 1844. He was
born in Maryland in 1828, and is a son of Joel
and Catherine (Nuisbaum) Simmons, who were
also natives of Maryland, the former of English
and the latter of German descent. Both his pater-
nal and maternal grandfathers were born in a for-
eign country ,and for their transportation to America
worked for seven years. Joel Simmons emigrated
from his native State to Pennsylvania in an early
day, where he carried on farming although he was
mi
a millwright by trade. He lived to the advanced
age of ninety years, and spent his last days in the
Keystone State. His wife died at about the age of
sixty years. Their son, whose name heads this
sketch, was educated in the schools of Pennsyl-
vania, and on attaining to mature years, in 1853,
was united in the hol}'^ bonds of matrimony with
Miss Mary Good. The lady of his choice was also
a native of the Keystone State, as were her parents,
Samuel and Nancy (Roberts) Good. They became
residents of Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1846, set-
tling in Des Moines Township, where Mr. Good
carried on farming until 1850, when, attracted by
the discovery of gold on the Pacific Coast, he
made an overland trip to California. Twenty-two
years he spent in that State, returning to Jeffer-
son County in 1872. His death occurred in Gage
County, Neb., in 1887. His wife, who was a most
estimable lady, died in 1852, during their residence
in this county. The maternal grandparents of Mrs.
Simmons, Levi and Elizabeth Roberts, are also
numbered among the pioneer settlers of Jefferson
County, where they located in 1846. They after-
ward returned to Pennsylvania, however, where
both long since passed away. Her great-grand-
father was a Revolutionary soldier.
Mr. and Mrs. Simmons entered upon life's jour-
ney together in Pennsylvania, where he followed
farming for some years. As before ^ated, he ar-
rived in Iowa in the spring of 1844, and, with the
hope of making a comfortable home for himself
and family, he entered forty acres of land, which
he improved. Afterward, however, he disposed
of that property and purchased eighty acres of tim-
ber land, which, when under a high state of culti-
vation he increased until there is now within the,
boundaries of his farm one hundred and fourteen
acres of well-cultivated soil. He keeps on hand a
good grade of stock, the latest improved machinery
and his barns and outbuildings are all that are nec-
essary to a model farm of the nineteenth 'century.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Simmons were born thirteen
children — Benjamin, the eldest, is married and
carries on farming in Wayne County, Iowa; Cor-
nelius, a widower, resides at home; Jerry is still
living on the old homestead ; George is married and
resides in Liberty Township; Thaddeus is mar-
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ried and makes bis home in South Dakota; Samuel,
a widower, is located in Keokuk fJounty, Iowa;
John is married and resides in Fairfield; Phoebe is
now Mrs. Hill, of Wyoming; Elsie is now Mrs.
Henderson, of Hebron, Neb.; Mary is now Mrs.
Vaughn, of Galesburg, III.; Sarah is now Mrs.
Barnett, of Fairfield; Jane died at the age of
eighteen years; and another child died in infancy.
In political sentiment Mr. Simmons is independ-
ent, voting for the man and not the party. He
supports those measures which he thinks will bene-
fit the greatest number of people, regardless of the
throats or persuasions of those who wish his sup-
port. While residing in Des Moines Township he
served as Road Supervisor, and in this township
was a member of the School Board, in which of-
fice he did not a little for the cause of education,
in which he feels a s|)ecial interest. Few liave so
long been residents of this community, and as an
honercd pioneer, a representative farmer and worthy
citizen, he deserves representation in this volume.
**^^s
If
C. CHF^NEY. For twenty-two consecutive
years upon a farm on section 33, Harrisburg
Township, Van Buren County, Mr. Cheney
has resided, a respected citizen of the community,
and for thirt}' years his home has been in this
neighborhood. His parents, Jonathan and L3'dia
(Tuttle) Cheney, were both natives of New Hamp-
shire, were there married and in that State were
born unto them four children, the eldest of whom
is the subject of this sketch, his birth occurring
August 9, 1821. His mother is still living at the
advanced age of over ninety years, but his father
died in this county in 1862.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood
days in his native State, but began his business ca-
reer while in his teens in a grocery house in Lowell,
Mass. It soon became evident that he possessed
excellent business qualifications, and with the thrift
and enterprise characteristic of the Yankee he ap-
plied himself to his business ^d at the age of
twenty. two years had ^aved a sufl9cient sum to em-
bark in business for himself, which he did, engag-
ing in the manufacture of boots and shoes in
Campton, N. H. He soon worked up a good trade,
his patronage requiring the employment of ten or
twelve hands. Continuing his career of prosperity
he soon became known as one of the substantial
citizens of the community, and while there residing
was made Captain of the militia company, and was
also for a number of years Clerk of the township.
In 1844, Mr. Cheney led to the marriage altar
Miss Betsy A. Smith, of Tilton, N. H., and in the
old Granite State there was born unto them a fam-
ily of four children, the record of whom we here
append. George, the eldest, who is engaged in
carpentering in York, Neb., married Miss Sarah
Sherman, of Bonaparte, Iowa, by whom he has one
child — Elsie; Daniel, who married Miss Elizabeth
J. Cheney, of Hancock, 111., was for about fifteen
years a station agent in the employ of the Rock
Island Railroad, but is now living on the old farm,
his home being brightened by the presence of two
little daughters — Juniatta and Winnefred May;
Alice E. is now the wife of Dr. W. E. Lee, a prac-
ticing physician of Beatrice, Neb., and unto them
have been born two children — Frank and Gussie;
Edwin L. married Miss Estella Bugbee, of Lake
Village, N. H., where he is engaged in the grocery
business. They have three children— Fern, Allie
Wilber and an infant daughter.
In November, 1860, having severed his business
connections in the East, Mr. Cheney emigrated to
Iowa and purchased a partly improved farm of one
hundred and forty-five acres in Harrisburg Town-
ship, where he continued to make his homo for
seven years, when he exchanged it for his present
farm, consisting of one hundred and seventy-five
acres. The entire amount he has placed uncier ex-
cellent cultivation and added many useful and
ornamental improvements. He also keeps the latest
improved machinery and raises a good grade of
stock. In fact everything connected with and sur-
rounding his home is in No. 1 order and bespeaks
the typical Eastern farmer, whose shrewd business
qualities and untiring industry have made him
known almost all over the world. In political sen-
timent Mr. Cheney is a Democrat, but has never
aspired to public office. He holds the position of
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President of the Mt. Zion Farfners* Alliance, and
his son Daniel is Secretary of the same order.
The death of Mrs. Cheney occurred very unex-
pectedly on the 17th of January, 1887, caused by
heart disease. She had many warm friends who
mourned her loss and shared in the deep bereave-
ment of the family.
-'«>•^^!:^.iS^€?'«<^-C5tf^
ylLLIAM MEEK, deceased. Probably no
man deserves more credit for the present
^ ^ prosperity of Van Buren County, and more
especially of Bonaparte, than the gentleman of
whom we write, for his history is much of the his-
tory of the progress and business prosperity of the
community. He was a native of Pennsylvania,but
in early life removed to Virginia, where he became
acquainted with and married Elizabeth Johnson, who
was born in that State. They removed to Wayne
County, Ohio, where they lived some fifteen years.
They became the parents of nine children, eight of
whom lived to adult age. Accompanied by his
family, in 1829, Mr. Meek emigrated westward, lo-
cating in St. Joseph County, Mich., where fur some
eight years he engaged in farming and milling.
The month of July, 1837, witnessed the arrival of
William Meek in what is now Bonaparte, Van
Buren County, Iowa, but then formed a part of the
Territory of Wisconsin. The county was then but
sparsely settled but by the business facilities and
enterprise of its new citizens it has rapidly in-
creased in importance. He secured the water power
at this place and in company with his sons, Robert
and William, built the first grist and saw mill in
the county, both of which were under one roof.
These he operated until 1844, when the old build-
ings were torn down and in company with three
sons, Robert, William and Isaiah, he erected what
is now known as the Bonaparte Mills, but in that
early day was called the Meek Mills. For fifty miles
around people came to give them their patronage
and often the work so accumulated that persons
were obliged to camp out two weeks, awaiting
their turn to be served. Although in the mean-
time, the father died, the niill was operated by the
sons until 1878, when it was torn down and re-
placed by a brick structure 40x50 feet and three
stories high with basement. It is furnished with
the latest improved machinery and modem con-
veniences and has a capacity of seventy-five barrels
per day. The grist mill was attended with such
prosperity, that in 1853, Mr. Meek and his sons
were enabled to build what was known as the Bon-
aparte Woolen Mills, the first mills of the kind in
Southern Iowa. The building in which they car-
ried on operations was a stone and brick structure,
but in July, 1863, it was consumed by fire. How-
ever, with characteristic energy', the brothers began
to rebuild it and the result is their present factory
of stone and brick, the dimensions of which are
50x85 feet and three stories in height, with an attic
and basement. The cost of the building was ^12,-
000 and the purchase price of the machinery was
$40,000. This mill furnishes employment to some
eighty. five persons and manufactures cassimere,
blankets, flannels and stocking yarn. Isaiah Meek
& Sons also own and operate a pants factory which
was put in operation in May, 1889, and which
furnishes employment to some fifty hands and
where the pants are made from the cassimere man-
ufactured from their own looms. Altogether one
hundred and thirty-three persons receive work at
the hands of this firm, one hundred and thirty
being employed in the mills, the remaining three
doing duty as traveling salesmen. In connection
with their business, they also own two thousand
acres of land, one thousand of which is under culti-
vation.
William Meek, the father of the family was a
pioneer in three States. His record is that of a
self-made man, who without capital began life's
battle and by hard work, perseverance and good
business ability came off victorious. Of indomit-
able will and energy he overcame all obstacles and
difficulties, labored on untiringly and as a result his
efforts were crowned with success. The benefit his
business enterprises have been to this community
cannot be estimated, but with gratitude will be re-
membered by the citizens of the county for years
to come.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. WilH^^m Meek cob*
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sisled of the following cliildren : Johnson, a resident
of Lee County, Iowa; Elizabetli, wife of A. H.
Woods of Van Buren County ; Robert and William,
partners in the extensire milling interests; Ann,
widow of Thomas Charlton of Dauphin County,
Neb.; Isaiah, also interested in the business ; Rachel
J. who became the wife of A. J. Poe and died in
Missouri; Benjamin who died in 1838, when a child ;
Joseph is also a resident of Bonaparte. The parents
of this family were members of the Baptist Church
and were numbered among the best citizens and
most highly respected people of the community.
Their acquaintance was extensive and their friends
were almost numberless. The mother was called
to her final rest in 1850, and after a long and use-
ful life Mr. Meek passed to his reward in 1863.
Isaiah Meek, one of the proprietors of the Bona-
parte woolen and grist mills, was born in Wayne
County, Ohio, January 31, 1821, and at the age of
eight years accompanied his parents to St. Joseph
County. Mich., where he acquired a common-school
education. At the age of sixteen, he accompanied
his parents to Van Buren County, Iowa, and as-
sis'.ed in building up the large and prosperous
milling business of Bonaparte, the leading industry
of the place. He has always taken an active and
commendable interest in anything pertaining to the
welfare of the community and has done not a little
toward bringing about its present prosperity and
placing the county on a par with the sister counties
in this vast commonwealth. His business ability is
of a superior order and the upright way in which
everything connected with the business has been
carried on, has won for himself and the other mem-
hers of the firm the respect and confidence of the
community and secured to them a liberal patron-
age.
In 1844, Mr. Meek was joined in wedlock with
Miss Cynthia Ann Ingalls, a native of Ohio, born
in 1827. They became parents of six children:
Nancy A., wife of T. W. Boyer, a merchant of
Bonaparte; Phoebe L., wife of J. 8. Moore,of Keo-
kuk, Iowa; H. H. who is associated with his father
in business ;'Mary E., wife of William B. Daniels, of
Keokuk; Byron F., a partner of the Bonaparte
Woolen & Grist Mill Company, and Kirk who is
also of the same company.
In political sentiment, Mr. Meek is a stanch
Democrat and feels a deep interest in the success of
the party but has never been a politician in the
sense of office seeking. He was, however, elected to
the position of 8u[>ervi8or but not through his own
seeking. When we look back over the past and see
the wonderful changes which time and civilization
have made we cannot but exclaim *'Surely the age
of wonders is upon us." The prosperity of the
community is due greatly to its pioneers and
knowing this to be true we would question, what
would Van Buren County have been had it not
been for the Meek family. We give them all honor
for the noble work which they have done and take
pleasure in thus presenting a brief record of their
career to the readers of this Album.
yHARLES REED, M. D., of Fairfield, who
^^^ for many years engaged in farming in Jef-
f^ son County, but is now living a retired life,
is a self-made man in every respect, and it is with
pleasure that we present to the readers of the Al-
bum this brief sketch of his life, which is as fol-
lows. He was born in Portage County, Ohio,
June 18, 1812, on the day that United States de-
clared war against Great Britain. The Reed fam-
ily is an old Scotch famil}- that settled in New
England at an early day. His father, Charles
Reed, was born in Ellington, Conn,, May 1, 1783,
and was reared to farm life, which he ever after-
ter wards followed. He wedded Rejoice Diver, who
was born April 30, 1790, in Blandford, Mass., and
was of Holland descent. With their respective
families both emigrated to the Western Reserve,
and settled in Portage County, where, on the 6th
of July, 1806, they were married. They began
their domestic life upon a farm, and Mr. Reed be-
came a successful farmer and stock-raiser, owning
considerable tracts of hind beside valuable stock.
He served his country in the War of 1812, and in
political sentiment was a Jackson Democrat, but
when his boys grew up they all became Whigs,
and he joined them, politically, and afterward sup-
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211
ported the Republican party. Both lie and his wife
were members of the Methodist Church and both
died on the old homestead farm in Portage Count}'.
The wife was called to her final rest July 12, 1867,
and while caring for her grave he contracted a
severe cold, which terminated his earthly career
on the 4th of September. They were the parents
of ten children, but of that once numerous family
only two are now living — the Doctor, and Harriet,
wife of Dr. Jonathan Gibbs. One brother. Dr. Silas
Reed, formerly of St. Louis, Mo., was appointed
Surve^^or General for Missouri and Iowa, by Presi-
dent W. H. Harrison, subsequent!}" served as a sur-
geon in the late war and during President Grant's
administration was appointed Surveyor for Wyo-
ming.
Our subject was the third child of the family.
On his father's farm the days of his boyhood and
youth were spent, and until seventeen years of age
he attended the common schools, when he entered
an academy at Middlebury, Ohio. On the com*
pletion of his academic education he began fitting
himself for the medical profession by reading for
three years in Deerfield and Canton. He then took
his first course of lectures at the Medical College
of Ohio, in Cincinnati. When he first went to that
city he had but a few dollars acquired by teaching
school, but cholera broke out, and he had all the
practice he could attend to, so that in the fall when
college opened he had a nice little sum accumu-
lated. In the spring of 1835 he was graduated
from the Cincinnati Medical College, after which,
he opened an office in New Philadelphia, Ohio,
where he practiced successfully lor thirteen years.
He then removed toMassillon, Ohio, where he con
tinned to engage in professional work until his
emigration to Iowa.
In New Philadelphia, on the 3d of February,
1839, Dr. Reed was joined in wedlock with Anna
C. Canfield, who waa born in that place, January
8, 1819, and is a daughter of George W. and Kittie
A. (Clark) Canfield. Her father was born in Mor-
istown, N. J., November 7, 1793, and her mother
in SVellsburg, Va., December 27, 1798. They be-
came acquainted after their emigration to Ohio and
were united in marriage March 10, 1818. Mr.
Canfield was a man who stood high in the commu-
nity and took a prominent part in all local affairs.
He was a Whig in political sentiment and for
many years held the offices of Clerk of the Court
and Recorder. He died on the 26th of October,
1820, after which his widow was appointed Post-
mistress of New Philadelphia, by Gen. Jackson,
holding the oflflce for twenty-five years, at the
expiration of which time she resigned. She S{)ent
her last days with her children and departed this
life in Erie, Pa., July 11, 1861. The daughters of
the family, three in number, still live, but the only
son is now deceased. The sisters of Mrs. Reed are:
Harriet, wife of Prof. J. C. Zachos, a native of
Greece; and Catherine M., wife of Nathan Blich-
ensderfer.
In 1855, abandoning his profession on account
of failing health, Dr. Reed sought a home in Iowa.
It was his intention to locate at Des Moines, but,
stopping over Sunda}^ with Thomas Mitchell, of
Mitchellville, he learned of a good farm within
a mile and a half of the city of Fairfield and made
purchase of about six hundred acres, for which he
paid J 10,000. The farm was noted for its many
fine improvements of that early time, to which the
Doctor also added. In 1856 he located on bis
purchase, where he made his home until 1881,
when he removed to Fairfield, selling the farm for
twice what he paid for it, or $20,000.
To Mr. and Mrs. Reed were born six children —
Charles J., who was married and died at the age of
forty-four years, leaving two children, served some
six years as Government Surveyor; Mary H. died
at the age of nine years; George C, who is en-
gaged in banking in Yumi, Col., was appointed
by President Harrison, Receiver of Moneys at the
land office of Akron, Col.; Frederick P. is a miller
of Ashford, Neb.; Frank W. is engaged in the
banking business with his brother George; and the
Rev. Elmer E. is a minister in the Presbyterian
Church. Both the Doctor and his wife are mem-
bers of that churchy and in politics he is now a
Republican. He cast his first Presidential vote for
the Whig candidate in 1836, and continued to
support that party until its dissolution. The career
of Dr. Reed is in many ways worthy of emulation,
especially the exercise of such characteristics as
perseverance, energy and zeal, which have marked
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
bis entire life. He entered upon manhood with no
capital; he made his own way through college;
he hegan his business caree/ without the aid of in-
fluential friends and, step by step, he climbed
steadily upward until he has reached an enviable
position in the esteem of his fellow-citizens. While
engaged in the practice of medicine he was ever
found in the front rank of his professional brethren,
and as a farmer, he was distinguished by an energy
and industry which made his home an object of in-
terest and attractiveness to all passers-by.
-^0^
x^..|>^ t.-^^0^^-f
F. ELY. who resides on section 6, Harris
burg Township, is one Of the leading stock
(f^)r reisers of Van Buren County, and to him
^^^^^ great credit is due for the advanced grades
of stock which we now find in the community. His
farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres,
one hundred of which is under a good state of cul-
tivation, while the remainder is limber land. He
is also one of the early settlers of the county and
has been a witness of much of its growth and de-
velopment.
The life record of Mr. Ely is as follows. He was
born in Hampshire County,W. Va., August 27,1854,
and is the second son of J. W. and Mary E. (Ed-
wards) Ely, who were natives of the Old Dominion.
Only two years of his life,however, were spent in his
native State, for when he was a babe of two sum-
mers, his parents removed to Illinois where he was
reared to farm life, receiving such educational ad-
vantages as the common schools of the neighbor-
hood afforded. At the age of twenty-one years he
began the battle with the world for position and
prosperity and by the exercise of industry, enter-
prise and good business ability, he has met with
fair success. In partnership with his father he first
purchased a farm of one hundred acres, but after
operating the same for three years they sold out
and became owners of his present home.
In the spring of 1884, Mr. Ely was united in
marriage with Miss Ida J. Steadman, of Knox
County, III., daughter of V. C. and A. J. Steadman,
who were natives of the Empire State. The union
of the young people was celebrated on the 26th of
March, and has been blessed with three children —
May, Lester F. and Maud, and they also lost one.
Mr. Ely was reared in the faith of the Methodist
Church and holds membership with the organiza-
tion in rtica. His wife is a member of the Bap-
tist Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat
but has never sought or desired the honors or emol-
uments of public office, preferring to devote his
entire attention to his business interests. As he is
succeeding in his undertakings and as his social
relations are most pleasant in character, he will
probably make Van Buren County his permanent
home and thereby the community gains a worthy
citizen.
J. W. Ely, who is living on section 7, Harris-
burg Township, was born in Virginia, in 1831, his
parents being Beniamin and Rose A.(Powelson)Ely.
His father was a miller by trade and made that his
business during the greater part of his life. J. W.
was reared to manhood under the parental roof
and learned the trade which occupied his father's
attention, following the same for five or six years
after reaching man's estate. In 1856, he left his
home in Virginia and emigrated to Illinois, where
he believed better opportunities were afforded for
a prosperous career than in the older and more
thickly populated States along the Atlantic coast.
He had but $50 in his pocket at that time but
although his cash capital was small he possessed an
unbounded supply of energ3% vitality and consid-
erable business ability. He at first rented land but
in the course of ten years, aside from meeting all
expenses had saved enough to purchase a good
farm. Three years longer he remained in Illinois,
when in the autumn of 1869, he sought a home in
Van Buren County, Iowa, locating on section 7,
Harrisburg Township, where he still resides.
In 1850, Mr. Ely formed a matrimonial alliance
with Miss Mary Edwards of Virginia, daughter of
Robert and Eva (Hawkins,) Edwards,both of whom
were of German descent. Unto them have been bom
four children — Robert, who lives on section 8, Har-
risburg Township; B. F., whose sketch is given
above; Ann C, wife of A. W. Warner of Washing-
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213
ton Township; and James A., who is engaged in
agricultural pursuits in Harrisburg Township. Mr.
and Mrs. Ely are members of the Methodist Church
of Utica, to which they give liberal support and in
which they are active workers. All laudable en-
terprises are sure to find in Mr. Ely a friend, for he
is always willing to aid in the advancement of any
interest beneficial to his town and county. He is
an inflexible adherent of the Democracy and a pro-
nounced supporter of the free-trade principles. lie
and his son, B. F., rank among the leading stock
raisers of the county. They make a specialty of
horses, keeping on hands only the best grades and
these they are constantly improving. They are
shrewd, sagacious business men and the success
which has crowned their efforts is but a just re-
ward of their laboi*s.
-in>*-^5P55>^,3^»«^«5g^.«i;eb*
^ OSEPH F. PERKINS is one of the substiin-
tial farmers and stock- raisers of Van Buren
County,his home being in Bonaparte. In pre-
senting his sketch to the readers of the Album
we record not only the life of an honorable pioneer
but also that of a self-made man whose example of
industry, enterprise and zeal can hardly be excelled.
He overcame the difficulties caused by limited ed-
ucation, surmounted the barriers of poverty and
working his way upward, step by step, at length
reached a position of affluence.
Mr. Perkins was born in Pocahontas County ,Va.,
July 21, 1816, and belonged to a family number-
ing four sons and four daughters, the parents be-
ing Francis and Mary Perkins, who were also
natives of the Old Dominion. Elizabeth, his eld-
est sister died in California; Joseph, is the second
in order of birth ; Robert, makes his home in Cali-
fomia: William died in Van Buren County; Dor-
athea became the wife of B. F. Myer, and died
in Oregon; Eveline, widow of Charles Flowers, is
living in California; George W., makes his home
in New Castle, Cal,; Rebecca, is the wife of George
W. Cavitt who is living near Sacramento City; and
Mary Frances died in Virginia in youth. In 1843
Mr. Perkins came with his family to Van Buren
County, but his death occurred three years later.
In politics he was a Jackson Democrat and served
as Clerk of the court in his native State. During
the War of 1812 he entered the service but while
on his way to the front, hostilities were brought to
a close. After the death of her husband Mrs. Per-
kins went to California where she spent her last
days.
The subject of this sketch, Joseph F. Perkins,
was reared, until seventeen years of age, in his na-
tive State and as his family were in limited circum-
stances his educational advantages were not of the
best. Experience and observation, however, have
been to him excellent teachers and he has stored
away a fund of useful information, practical in char-
acter, which he would probably not have acquired
had he been enabled to attend school more regularly.
In 1832, at the time of the Black Hawk War, he
went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but cholera was preval-
ent in the city at that time and he continued on to
Lima, Ind. On his twentieth birthday, the 13th of
June, 1836, he arrived in Van Buren County,which
then formed a part of the Territory of Wisconsin.
At that time the entire Gtate was but little in-
habited and its bright future could have never been
been dreamed of, much less realized. In fact, it
was thought to be almost beyond the borders of
civilization. Such men as Mr. Perkins, who were
among the early comers and bore the hardships
and privations of pioneer life, laid the foundation
for its present prosperity and to them we owe un-
bounded gratitude. The land was unsurveyed and
in Van Buren County there were only a few houses,
situated along the river. Mr. Perkins made $ claim
in Farmington Township, near Bonaparte, and when
the land came into market went to Burlington in
1839 and secured the title, paying $1.25 per acre
for sixty-three acres, which he made by working
for William Meek at seventy-five cents per day.
To this he has since added by subsequent purchase
until now a highly cultivated farm of four hun-
dred acres pays a golden tribute to the care and la-
bor which he bestows upon it. The entire amount
is under fence and there are seen all modern im-
provements.
Mr. Perkins has been twice married. The year
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
succeeding his arrival in this county he was joined
in wedlock with Miss Eliza Maxwell and unto them
were born two children who lived to adult age,
namely: Mary F., wife of John B. Edwards, a res-
ident of Bonaparte; and Joseph W., who makes his
home in Ketchum, Idaho. The death of the mother
occurred in 1844 and for a second wife Mr. Perkins
chose Miss Eliza Myers. Their union was blessed
with seven children, four of whom are living —
Sarah, who married Andrew Petrie of Van Buren
County; Robert who died at the age of twen-
ty-four years; William, of Van Buren County;
James, who is engaged in farming: Jane deceased
wife of Thomas B. Johnson; Ellen, who married
Noah Moler; and Allen, who is also living in
Van Buren County. Mrs. Perkins was called
to her last rest in 1 885 and her death was the
occasion of deep regret on the part of many friends.
In connection with the cultivation of his land
Mr. Perkins devotes considerable attention to
stock-raising, making a specialty of horses. He has
some very fine animals on his farm of tlie Norman
Clyde and Morgan breeds. In political sentiment,
Mr. Perkins is a Democrat, and a stanch supporter
of party principles. Though seventy-five years
of age he is fresh in appearance, active in move-
ment and bright in intellect.
)>>ILLIAM B. FLEMING, Clerk of the courts
^ Nil ^^^^^" Buren County, has been connected
'Sp^J. with that position cither as superior officer
or as deputy for eleven years. He is a resident of
Keosauqua and is numbered among its representa-
tive and influential citizens. Mr. Fleming was
born in Franklin County, Pa., on the 30th of De-
cember, 1838, and is a son of Charles and Mar-
garet (Boggs) Fleming. In his boyhood he mani-
fested a spirit of perseverance and energy which
have been among his important characteristics
throughout life. Not content with the limited
educational advantages which he had roceived, he
set to work to acquire the money with which to
continue his studies, and in that manner paid his
tuition in an academy, where he became proficient
in all the English branches. He then turned his
attention to school teaching, and was quite success-
ful in the prosecution of that profession, but aban-
doned it at the breaking out of the late war.
Among the first to respond to the President's
call for troops to put down the rebellion in its in-
fancy, was William Fleming. Hardly had the guns
of Ft. Sumter ceased their reverberations until,
as a member of Company D, Twenty-fifth Ohio In-
fantry, he donned the blue. The date of his en-
listment was April 27,1861, and, with his regiment,
he was mustered into service at Columbus, Ohio,
where the troops remained a short time, after which
they were forwarded to West Virginia. Their first
duty was the guarding of the Baltimore <fe Ohio
Railroad near Grafton, and the first engagement
in which they participated occurred at Briar Hill,
opposing the rebel forces under Gen. Lee. About
this time Company D was transferred to the
Twelfth Independent Ohio Battery; in fact, it be-
came the nucleus of the same. At its organization
Mr. Fleming was commissioned Second Lieutenant,
and soon afterward was promoted to be First Lieu-
tenant. This battery participated in a number of
important engagements, including the battles of
Franklin and Jackson and the second battle of Bull
Run, where it took the field one hundred and fif-
ty-five strong, but returned with only sixty men.
Besides this great loss of life all their horses and
guns were captured. With his command, Mr. Flem-
ing fought at the battles of Fredericksburg and
Chancellorsville, after which, in the winter of
18G3, he resigned on account of ill-health. As soon
as he had somewhat regained his usual strength, he
once more enlisted as a private in his former com-
mand, joining the battery at Nashville, Tenn.,
whence the forces were sent to Murfreesboro,
where they remained until the close of the war,
being mustered out of servic^ on the 10th of July,
1865.
On the cessation of hostilities and the restora-
tion of peace to the country, Mr. Fleming returned
to his home in Ohio, but in the spring of 1 867
came to Van Buren County, Iowa, locating in
Milton, where he followed his old profession of
teaching. Some twelve years later he abandoned that
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ii. k --' ]
f
i — ^^i^i^KAHY,
'^bucubI,^;;,
Li'
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WILLIAM BARKER.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
217
pursuit, having been appointed, in January, 1879,
to the position of Deputy Clerk of the Court, under
James;Gillespie. For six years he held that office
and then received the nomination for Clerk of the
Court, to which he has three times been elected,
and when his present term shall hare expired will
have been connected with the office for twelve
years, a fact which certainly indicates that his
duties have ever been discharged in a prompt and
faithful manner and to the satisfaction of all con-
cerned. He attends to his business in a quiet and
unassuming manner, but through his fidelity to
every trust has won hosts of friends. Socially, he
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging
to Keosauqua Lodge, No. 10, A. F. <k A. M., and
to Moore Chapter, No. 28, R. A. M.
On the 11th of March, 1872, in Van Buren
County, Mr. Fleming was united in marriage with
Miss Florence Kent, daughter of Daniel Kent, of Ft.
Madison. They have now a family of three chil-
dren living, two sons and one daughter — Carl,
Craicr and Etiiel.
> '>NN<' ^-
« ji^ILLIAM ANDERSON BARKER, who
\/\l// ^^"^® ^^^^ ^*® ^^^^ * resident of Van
y^ Buren County, now resides on section 6,
Van Buren Township, in a magnificent home, where
comforts and luxuries abound as the result of his
own enterprise and industry. His occupation is
that of farming and stock-raising, and by the exer-
cise of good business principles he has become one
of the substantial citizens of the community. The
history of his life is as follows.
Mr. Barker was born on the 3d of July, 1833, in
Carroll County, Ohio, being the sixth child of Jo-
seph and Anna (Manchester) Barker. VVc have no
authentic record concerning the early history of
the family. His father, however, was a native of
Washington County, Pa., where he grew to man-
hood receiving a limited education as far as schools
were concerned, but by self culture he became a
well-informed man. He learned the carpenter's
trade in his y<^uth and followed that occupation as
a means of livelihood until he had accumulated
enough to purchase a farm, when he turned his at-
tention to agricultural pursuits, continuing that
business during the remainder of his life. When
about twenty -one years of age he left his native
State and removed to Ohio, where he shortly after-
ward married Miss Anna Manchester, who was born
in 1 808, and was the daughter of Joseph and Sarah
Manchester. The fruits of this union were seven-
teen children, fourteen of whom grew to maturity,
while ten of the number are still living. Alfred,
the eldest, died in infancy ; Eunice died at the age
of seventeen years; Elizabeth died aged five years;
Eliza J. became the wife of Henry Shaffer, and
died in Davis County, Iowa, about 1857, leaving
two children; Mrs. Mary Hootman, of Van Buren
Township, is the mother of ten children; W. A., of
this sketch is the next younger; Mrs. Hannah Sher-
od died in 1863, leaving three children; Almira,
now Mrs. Freshwaters, is living in Van Buren
County; Mrs. Isabel Calhoun, makes her home in
Birmingham, Union Township, Van Buren County;
Mrs. Sarah Smith, now a widow, is living in Van
Buren Township; Arnold C. is engaged in farming
in Washington Township; Joseph A. died in Leba-
non, Mo., while in the United States' service in
1863; John S. is engaged in farming in Davis
County; Catharine is the wife of William Bott, of
Lick Creek Township; Maria T. is the wife of L.
Sherod, of Union Township, and Hugh B. is a mer-
chant of Mt. Zion, and another died in infancy.
The father of this family, Joseph Barker, is
numbered among the pioneer settlers of Van Buren
County of 1839, in which year he and his family
took up their residence upon a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres of Government land which he
had entered. He became one of the prominent citi-
zens of the community, and took an active part in
both politics and church work. In 1854 he iden-
tified himself with the Republican party and con-
tinued one of its stanch supporters until his death.
He was also a zealous member of the Presbyterian
Church. He died in November, 1882, at the ago
of eighty-three years. His wife, whose death oc-
cured the year previous, was a devout Christian
woman and a follower of the Calvanist doctrine.
Amid the wild scenes of pioneer life W. A. Bar-
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ker was reared to manhood. His advantages were
necessarily limited and he was obliged to assist in
the arduous labors of farm life in those early days.
From 1840 until 1854, during the winter seasons,
he attended school in a log schoolhouse, and at
the age of twenty started out in life for himself.
The discovery of gold in California had awakened
hopes in his breast and with the desire of rapidly
acquiring wealth he crossed the plains to the
Golden State. He gave a cow and |15 in cash for
the privilege of driving an ox-team, and was six
months in making the trip. He remained on the
Pacific Slope until November, 1859, engaged in
mining and farming, but not meeting with the suc-
cess he anticipated he decided to return. Once more
he resumed farming in Van Buren County, and dur-
ing the thirty-one years which have since elapsed
has continued that occupation. His first purchase
of land consisted of an eighty-acre tract only par-
tially improved, upon which he raised corn and
hogs, but the boundaries of his farm have since
been extended until he now owns eight hundred
and fifty acres, the greater part of which is situated
in one body. For the past five years he has engaged
in sheep-raising, keeping on hand an average of
about eight hundred head of a good grade. He
also raises horses, cattle and hogs, and no inferior
animal will be seen in the whole lot. He takes a
pride in raising fine stock, and has done not a little
to advance the grades of stock in this county. As be-
fore intimated,he has met with success in his under-
Ukings and in the years of industry and ceaseless
activity which have passed since his return from
California, he has worked his way upward to a po-
sition of wealth and affluence. As a citizen, he is
highly esteemed and is regarded as a leading mem-
ber of the Republican party in this communHy.
Bnt notwithstanding he has ever felt a deep inter-
est in the success and welfare of the party he has
never aspired to official distinction, preferring to
devote his time and attention to his business inter-
ests.
In 1860 Mr. Barker married Miss Rebecca D.,
daughter of Wesley and Sarah (Sherod) True, both
of whom were natives of Ohio. Her mother died
when she was an infant but her father is still living
and makes his home in Miami County, Kan. By
their union there have been bom ten children, seven
of whom are yet living: Frank, born in 1861, died
at the age of fourteen months; Zora, born m 1863,
is at home; Elna L., born in 1864, is the wife of
T. L. Workman, of Van Buren Township, and the
mother of two children — Blanche and Hazel; Delia,
born in 1866, is still with her parents; Walter G.,
born in 1869, died at the age of two years; Lelia
O. was born in 1871; Bessie L., in 1873; Wilda A.,
in 1876; William W.,in 1878; Claude, who was
born in 1883 and died in 1888, completes the fam-
ily. Mr. and Mrs. Barker, together with several of
their children, are members of the Presbyterian
Church, of Mt. Zion, in which the father holds the
office of Elder. He gives liberally to the support
of the church, is an active worker for its interests,
and is also a warm friend to the cause of education.
The home of this family, whose members we have
just individually mentioned, is probably the finest
in Van Buren County. The large and elegant brick
dwelling, which is neat and tasty in architectural
designs and elegant in finish, and which is also
furnished handsomely, though not gaudily, is sur-
rounded by a large and well-kept lawn and beauti-
ful shade trees. Outlying buildings indicate that
ample provision has been made for the care of the
stock, and the farm may truly be called a model
one.
NTHONY T. PREWITT, deceased, was a
native of Kentucky, his birth having oc-
(fi curred on the 25th of October, 1810.
While growing to manhood he learned
the tanner's trade and worked thereat until he came
West. Prior to leaving his native State he was
united in marriage with Sophrona J. Latimer, and,
accompanied by his young bride, emigrated to Lee
County, Iowa, in a very early day. About 1843
they removed to Van Buren County, where Mrs.
Prewitt died November 9, 1845, leaving four chil-
dren to mourn her loss, namely : Goldson, who is
engaged in carpentering; James D., a farmer by
occupation; Sarah J., wife of James Stuckey; and
Ann M., wife of C. C. Reynolds.
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21i^
On the 14th of October, 1846, Mr. Prewitt was
again married, his second union being with Nancy
C, daughter of James and Mary A. (Miller) Rut-
ledge, both of whom were of Southern birth, the
former born May 11, 1781, and the latter October
21, 1787. The place of their nativity is not cer-
tainl}' known, butthe}^ lived in South Carolina and
Georgia, prior to emigrating to Pike County, III.
About 1824 they removed to Sangamon, now Me-
nard County, 111., where Mr. Rutledge built and
operated a mill for some time. He afterward kept
a tavern in New Salem and subsequently settled
on a farm, where he died December 3, 1835. He
and his wife were members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, and were intelligent and in-
dustrious citizens, well respected by all. Their
family numbered nine children, as follows: Jane
0., John M., Anna Mayes, David H., Robert B.,
Nancy C, Margaret A., William B. and Sarah F.
The third child, known in history as Ann Rut-
ledge, was the lady to whom President Lincoln was
engaged, and whose death, at the age of twenty-
three, spread such a gloom over the young lawyer's
life. In 1838 Mrs. Rutledge, with six of her chil-
dren, removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, locat-
ing near the Jefferson County line. She died in
Birmingham, that county, December 26, 1878,
being over ninety-one years of age at the time of
her death.
Mrs. Prewitt was born in White County, 111., on
the 10th of February, 1821, and, with her family,
settled in Van Buren County, as above stated.
After her marriage she lived on the farm in that
county, making it her home until 1880, when she
became a resident of Fairfield, which is still her
home.
The death of Mr. Prewitt occurred on the 9th
of February, 1864, and was the cause of deep re-
gret throughout the entire community. He was a
man that looked with wistful ejes to the moral
advancement of the community and in every way
possible aided in the triumph of right over wrong.
He served as an Elder in the Cumberland Presby-
terian Church and made his religion a part of his
life. Politically, he was a Republican, but he loved
the quiet of his home more than the excitement of
a public career, and in consequence never sought
political distinction. He was not of a grasping dis-
position, but always strove to make his family
comfortable, and was ever ready to lend a helping
hand to those in need.
The rearing and educating of the children fell
largely upon Mrs. Piewitt, who tenderly and care-
fully performed the duty thus left to her. The
record of her children, four in number, is as fol-
lows; David, the eldest, died at the age of twenty-
four years, leaving a wife and two children; Mary
E. died in infancy ; Anthony M. is a minister of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now engaged
in pastoral work in California; and William S., an
expert stenographer, is court reporter for the dis-
trict. Mrs. Prewitt and her youngest son are mem-
bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
ipvOBERT MEEK is numbered among tlje
IL^ honored pioneer settlers of Van Buren
L \V County, Iowa, and well deserves represen-
\i^j tation in this volume for he has been prom-
inently identified with the growth and upbuilding
of the county and the advancement of its interests.
By written record we can perpetuate the memor^'^
of the founders of the county and make them and
their lives known to coming generations who, with
gratitude, should honor them for the noble work
which they have performed.
. Robert Meek was born in Wayne County, Ohio,
on the 25th of January, 1815, and there spent the
first fourteen years of his life. He then accompanied
his parents on their emigration to St. Joseph, Mich.
Near that city his father laid out the town of Con-
stantine. In 1835, in company with his father, and
brother, Johnson Meek, he went on a prospecting
tour to the South, visiting in Louisiana and Texas,
but the latter was overrun with brigands, and
not caring to make a location in the former, they
returned to the North and in 1836 visited Lee
County, Iowa, where Johnson made a location.
Although the county was then in its infancy It gave
promise of rapid growth and development, and
Mr. Meek determined here to locate, so after se-
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lecting land, in the spring of 1837, he retraced his
step8'"to St. Joseph, Mich., in order to remove wfth
the family to their new home. With the exception
of one son, Johnson, all came to Van Buren County,
Iowa, and with the history of this communit}' the
name of Meek has since been inseparably con-
nected. The family located in what is now the town
of Bonaparte, but the place had not then been
founded. The county was wild, contained but few
settlers and the greater part of the land was still in
its primitive condition. The first meal of victuals
our subject ate was in the home of James Jordan,
andat^the same table sat the celebrated Indian chief.
Black Hawk.
Robert Meek was three times married. In 1838
he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Ann Al-
len, and of their union were born four children,
three of whom liVed to mature years. Elizabeth
Ann, bom in 1839, is the wife of Joseph Sanders,
of Bonaparte; Sarah Jane is the wife of J. F. Leach,
of Milton, Van Buren County; and Alvira, who
became the wife of J. W. Miller, died at her home
in this county in 1884. The mother of this family
went to her final rest October 3, 1845, and for his
second wife Mr. Meek chose Miss Nancy Flint, a
native of New York. Their union was blessed
with four children, two sons and two daughters, but
one of the latter died in infancy. Alinda P. is the
wife of S. E. Foster, of Jackson Township, Van
Buren County; William married Miss Alice Sharp,
who died leaving two jchildren, Alden and Efl9e,
and for his second wife wedded Miss Maggie M.
Johnson, by whom he had four children — Shirley,
Charlotte, Georgia and William. This family now
resides in Denver, Col. R. Flint married Miss
Gertie Christy, who is now deceased, and unto
them were born four sons, of whom three are living
— Carl, Harry and R. Guy.* Mrs. Nancy Meek
died June 1, 1853, and a third time Mr. Meek was
married, that union being with Mrs. Abigail P.
Barber, widow of Dudley C. Barber. She was born
in St. Lawrence County N. Y., and by her second
union became the mother of four children — Alma
I., who died at the age of five years; Lewis Cass,
of Bonaparte; Robert E., who is living in this
county ; and Oscar L., of Polk County, Iowa.
Robert Meek, whose name heads this sketch, was
identified with many of the leading interests of
Van Buren County. Being among its earliest set-
tlers, he shared in the trials and hardships of pio-
neer life. Ho made his home in the community
when the Indians far outnumbered his white neigh-
bors, when wild animals, such as wolves, were fre-
quently seen and when deer and other wild game
was found in abundance. The growth of the
county he witnessed, watching its transformation
from an unbroken wilderness to a tract of rich fer-
tility, whose well-cultivated farms are equal to any
in the State. He saw the pioneer log cabins re-
placed by commodious and substantial residences,
villages transformed into cities and towns springing
up on every hand, while churches and schools have
been built, thus showing the onward march of
civilization.
-^^
^^
HARLES P. SIPPEL, of Fairfield, Jeflferson
County, has been Clerk of the District Court
since 1883, and during the seven years in
which he has discharged the duties of that office,
has won hosts of fiiends, alike for his courteous
treatment and the able manner in which he fills the
position. He is of German birth, and a son of Jus-
tus P. and Gertrude (Dippel) Sippel, who were also
natives of the same country, and passed their en-
tire lives in that land.
Our subject was born on the 3d of March, 1841,
in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and when a lad of six-
teen years, bidding good- by to home and father-
land, he sailed for the New World, determined to
try his fortune in the country of whose prospects
and opportunities he had so often heard. He spent
the succeeding year after his arrival in New York,
and then went to Lebanon County, Pa., where he
remained until the war. The condition of the slaves
in the South appealed to his sympathies, and seeing
that his country's honor and freedom were im-
periled, he resolved to strike a blow in her defense.
Enlisting in September, 186], he was assigned to
Company G, of the Ninety-third Pennsylvania In-
fantry, and served for three years, receiving hisdis-
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charge in September, 1864. Soon after his enlist-
ment he was made First Sergeant, and on the 27th
of December, 1862, was commissioned Captain of
Company G, with which he continued until mus-
tered out of the service. His command became a
part of the Army of the Potomac, and with that
force participated in many important battles, in-
cluding the engagements at Fair Oaks, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Seven Days Battle of the Wilder-
ness, and the hard fought battle of Gettysburg. He
was also under fire in most of the engagements from
that time until the siege of Petersburg, including
the battles of the Shenandoah Valley, the engage-
ment at Winchester, September 19, 1864, and the
battle of Fisher's Hill on the 21st of September.
Nine days later, his term having expired, he was
mustered out of the service. He was once slightly
wounded, during the battle of Spottsylvania Court
House, May 12, 1864, but otherwise escaped unin-
jured. He was always found at his post, leading
his men where duty called, and proved his loj'alty
to his adopted land by his faithfulness, heroism and
bravery.
On his return from the South, Mr. Sippel again
located in Lebanon County, Pa., where he contin-
ued to make his home until the spring of 1869.
That year witnessed his arrival in Jetferson County,
and, embarking in farming, he continued that pur-
suit in Polk Township until 1879, when he was ap-
pointed Deputy Clerk of the District Court. Three
years later, in the fall of 1882, he was elected to his
present position, and entered upon the duties of
his ofl3ce January 1, 1883. Thrice has he been re-
elected, and at the expiration of his present term
will have held the office eight years. Faithful to
every trust reposed in him, he has merited the con-
fidence of the people, and has proved a worthy offi-
cial.
In this county, on the 21st of September, 1871,
Mr. Sippel led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah J.
Leisure, a daughter of James M. Leisure, and a na-
tive of Greenfield, Ind. Three children have been
born of their union, one son and two daughters:
Maggie G., wife of A. U. Cornell, of Fairfield;
James Adolph and Lula, who are still at home. The
parents and oldest daughter are members of the
Christian Church, and the family is highly regarded
by those who know them. In political sentiment,
Mr. Sippel is a Republican. He takes great interest
in civic societies, and is an influential member of
several lodge organizations, including the Masonic,
the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the
Grand Army Post. His membership is with Clin-
ton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. <fe A. M.; Jefferson Lodge,
No. 4, I. O. O. F. ; Forest City Lodge, No. 37, K.
of P.; and George Strong Post, No. 19, G. A. R.
-^
AVID WALLACE TEMPLETON, a grain
dealer of Fairfield, claims Ohio as the State
of his nativity, his birth having occurred in
Fayette County, on the 6th of February, 1828.
The family is originally of Scotch origin, but the
grandfather of our subject, David Templelon, was
born in the North of Ireland, and when a lad of
nine years accompanied his parents to America,
locating in Chester County, Pa. He aided his
adopted country in her struggle for Independence,
and afterward became a resident of Washington
County, Pa., whence he removed to Fayette
County, Ohio. Robert R. Templeton, the father of
David Wallace, was born in Washington County,
Pa., in 1794, and at the age of eighteen years we
find •him in the Buckeye State, where he became
acquainted with and married Miss Jane Beatty, a
native of Northumberland County, Pa. Her birth
occurred in the same year in which her husband
was born, and during her girlhood she accompa-
nied her parents to Fairfield County, Ohio. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Templeton made a
location in Fayette County, Ohio, and there lived
during the remainder of their lives. He was an in-
dustrious and enterprising man, and in the Buckeye
State developed and improved an excellent farm.
In his political affiliations he was first a Whig, later
a Free-soiler, and on the organization of the Repub-
lican party he joined its ranks. Both he and his
wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.
The husband died in 1 882, having survived Mrs.
Templeton eleven years. Of their family of eight
children, which numbered four sons and four
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daughters, the sons and one daughter, are yet liv-
ing— John B., a farmer of Kansas; Robert R., who
is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Nebraska;
James C, who is similarly employed in Ohio; and
Eliza J., wife of J. C. McCoy, of Washington,
Iowa.
David W. Temple ton was the fourth in order of
birth in the family. He received such opportuni-
ties as were afforded farmer lads of that day, ac-
quiring his primary education in the common
schools, which he supplemented, after reaching
manhood, by a course of study in Greenfield, Ohio.
He remained at home and assisted his father in the
labors of the farm until he had attained to mature
years, when he started out in life for himself, de-
voting his time and attention to farm work in the
summer months and to school-teaching in the winter
season. On'the 10th of March, 1858, he was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Lucas, who was
born in Highland County, Ohio, November 6,
1833. Her paternal grandfather, Isaac Lucas, was
a prominent citizen both of Massachusetts and
Ohio. From Plymouth, Mass, accompanied by
Gen. Putnam, he made his wa> to the Buckeye
State and became' one of the first settlers of Ma-
rietta. His son Ezra, the father of Mrs. Templeton,
born about 1789, was the first white child born in
the State, unless we except some Moravian mis-
sionaries. This people have been noted for their
loyalty to the Government. The grandfather was
a patriotic soldier of the Revolutionary War,
and his discharge bears the handwriting of Gen.
Washington, while the father enlisted and served
in the War of 1812. He was a farmer by occupa-
tion, and married Miss McKinzie, and they became
the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom
grew to mature years.
Mr. and Mrs. Templeton began their domestic
life in Fayette County, Ohio, where they made
their home for two years, when, in 1860, they
came to Jefferson County, Iowa, arriving on the
1st of March. Purchasing a farm of one hundred
and forty acres, he engaged in its cultivation for
five years, when he came to Fairfield and embarked
in the grain business in a small way. Meeting
with success in his undertaking, he was at length
enabled in 1871 to erect the first elevator of the
city, which was buill riear Ihe Q depot at a cost
of about $5,500. Five years later he built the ele-
vator now owned by Mr. Jordan, the cost of con-
struction being the same as that of the other. In
1879 he began operations on the Rock Island Rail-
road, where a small elevator stood, but increased
business soon demanded enlarged facilities, and
tearing down the same, he erected an elevator at
a cost of $4,500 with storage capacity for twenty-
five thousand bushels of small grain and twenty
thousand bushels of corn.
Mr. Templeton ranks among the substantial and
representative business men of the county. He
began life with limited capital, but by the exercise
of such talents as were given him, he has made his
career a prosperous one and is now doing a flour-
ishing business, receiving a handsome income as
the result of his efforts.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Templeton were born four
sons, but three of the number died in early chil-
hood. The only survivor is John E., an employe
of A. M. Henderson, a commission merchant of
Chicago. Both parents are members of the Con-
gregational Church, and in his social relations, Mr.
Templeton is a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen. He cast his first Presidential
vote for Johh P. Hale, and on the organization
of the Republican party joined its ranks and has
since continued to fight under its banner.
ANIEL MENDENHALL, an honored pio.
neer of Fairfield, Jefferson County, now
deceased, was born in Guilford County, N.
C, December 12, 1819, and died at his home in
this city, on the 9th of November, 1873, respected
by all who knew him. During his youth he re-
moved from his native State to Indiana, where on
the 23d of August, 1841, he was united in marriage
with Miss Sussannah Pierce, a native of that State,
and a daughter of JohnUnd Anna Pierce,of Wayne
County.
The succeeding year Mr. Mendenhall came with
his young wife to Iowa with the hope of bettering
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223
his 6nancial couditlon and providing a comfortable
home for himself and family. He chose Fairfield as
the scene of his operations and in a little log house
which marked the site upon which the Presbyterian
Church now stands, he began life on the western
prairies. He was a gunsmith by trade and for a
number of years did an extensive business in that
line, as bis services were much in demand in the
early days when guns were needed to procure the
wild game which would furnish a meal, or for de-
fense against wild animals, such as wolves, etc.,
which were still seen In the neighborhood. His
guns gained for him a wide reputation which ex-
tended even as far west as California. During the
period that he worked at his trade, Mr. Menden-
hall also speculated in wild lands and in that way
accumulated some capital. On abandoning his
chosen occupation, he engaged in the commission
business on the line of what was then called the
Burlington & Mississippi Railroad, now the Chi-
cago, Burlington <fe Quincy. He established com-
mission bouses at Fairfield, Ottumwa and other
stations and also along the line of the Des Moines
Valley Railroad, now a part of the Rock Island <fe
Pacific Railroad. Later he was connected with the
First National Bank as its Vice-President.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall consisted
of eight children, three sons and five daughters as
follows: Esther A., born November 22, 1842, is
the wife of C. F. George of Fairfield; Sarah J., now
Mi*s. C. C. Morris of Fairfield, was born January 17,
1845; Lewis, born February 20, 1849, is a minister
of the Free Methodist Church and resides in Fair-
field; William, born January 8, 1852, died at the age
of four years; Mary E., born August 15, 1855,isthe
deceased wife of J. C. Mount; Annie, born May 15,
1859,is the wife of Rev. F. E. Hall of Keokuk Jowa;
Laura, born August 31, 1862, died at the age of
seventeen years, and one son died in early infancy.
Mr. Mendenhall was a life-long Democrat and
held some minor oflSces of public tf ust. In early
life he was converted and joined the Methodist
Episcopal Church, with which he retained member-
ship until a short time prior to his death, when he
united with the Free Methodist Church. Industry
and energy were among his marked characteristics
and in consequence he was quite successful in his
business career. He believed that work was the
golden key which unlocked the door to the fortress
of success and therefore was never idle. Upright
and honorable in all his dealings, he took no undue
advantages but paid to all their just dues and ex-
pected like treatment in return. However > his
course was so open and above board that he won the
confidence and esteem of all. He never had any
litigation but always managed to avoid law suits
and business complications. He gave largely of
his means to churches, colleges and public enter-
prises and being a practical yet progressive man, his
opinions in such matters carried great weight with
them.
"^iettsK
DETER NESBIT WOODS, M. D., deceased,
) was one of the honored early settlers of Jef-
r ferson Count}^ and one of her ablest physi-
] \ cians. His friends were many, his enemies
few and therefore we know that a record of his life
will be of interest to the readers of this Album. He
was the fifth child in a family of eight children
born unto James and Hester A. ( Blake) Woods, and
his birth occurred in Greenville, Stark County,
Ohio, on the 8th of September, 1829. His paternal
great-grandfather emigrated from his native land,
Germany, to America when aj'outh and during his
early life settled in Harrisburg, Pa. His father,
James Woods, was left an orphan at an early age
and reared by his paternal grandfather. His trade
was that of a gunsmith, to which he served a term
of apprenticeship, but during the latter years of
his life he devoted his attention to farming.
Dr. Woods, the subject of this sketch, was reared
to manhood under the parental roof but at the age
of eighteen years left home to complete his educa-
tion. By teaching he made his way through the
Vermillion Institute of Hayesville, Ohio, and the
year 1850-51, he spent as a student in the Ohio
Wesleyan University. Having made choice of the
medical profession as a business which he believed
would prove both profitable and pleasant, he en-
tered the oflBce of Dr. O. J. Rotsel, of Rome, Rich-
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land County, where he remained three years, and in
1854, was graduated from the Eclectic School of
Medicine, in Cincinnati, Ohio. For one year he
engaged in practice as a partner of his preceptor
who then retired, leaving the husiness in his charge.
On the 14th of September, 1855, Dr. Woods was
joined in wedlock with Miss Mary, (daughter of
John and Mary (Graham) Wolph, both of whom
were natives of Pennsylvania, although in early
life they emigrated to Tuscarawas County, Ohio,
and later in life went to Nebraska, where the death
of Mr. Wolph occurred at the age of sixty-six
years, his wife departing this life at the age of
eighty-three years. Mrs. Woods was the eighth in
a family of ten children and her birth occurred in
Richland Count}', Ohio, November 10, 1832.
The Doctor and his wife in May, 1856, landed in
Fairfield and from that time until his death he had
an extensive practice in the city and vicinity. In
1861 he was appointed Medical Examiner of Jef-
ferson County, under the direction of the War De-
partment and in September, 1862, was commissioned
Surgeon of the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry; but to
accommodate a friend of the Colonel of that regi-
ment he took the same position in the Thirty-ninth
Iowa Infantry, and was with his command during
the battles of Jackson, Parker's Cross Roads, Tus-
cumbia. Bear Creek and Town Creek. In the win-
tor of 1863, he was made Surgcon-in-Chief of his
division with headquarters in Pulaski, Tenn. He
accompanied Sherman to Atlanta, and in July, 1864,
was made Surgeon of the Division Hospital, in
Rome, Ga., having the care of the wounded after
the battle of Altoona. He then accompanied the
forces of Sherman on the celebrated March to the
Sea and at Savannah, Ga., was put in charge of a
branch of the general hospital. After being re-
Ireved from that position he was ordered to Blair's
Landing at Buford, S. C, and made Surgeon-in-
Chief of Gen. Sherman's division, in which capa-
city he served until the army was disbanded et
Raleigh, N. C. In June, 1805, he was mustered
out of seryice, having discharged his duty most
faithfully.
No citizen of Fairfield has taken a more active
interest in her advancement and progress than did
Dr. Woods. Whatever call of a public nature was
made to him, if it was a worthy object, he gave of
.;Jliis time and means unsparingly. Soon after his
return from the army he and a brother built the
Fairfield Woolen Mills, and he held the position of
Chairman of the Building Committee under whose
direction the Union Schoolhouse was erected. He
was a leading Mason and a Past Grand in Odd
Fellowship. Politically, he was a stanch Republi-
can and both he and his wife were consistent and
faithful members of the Methodist Church. He
was called to the home beyond, on the 19th of
March, 1886. As a physician, he stood at the
head of his profession and as a citizen and friend,
he won the highest esteem.
His wife and two sons, Dr. Harry E. and George
C, compose his family. The former was born five
miles east of Fairfield, on the 30th of April, 1857.
After attending the city schools, he pursued the
classical course in Parsons College, from which he
was graduated in 1 880. Thereupon, he commenced
the study of his profession with his father and in
February, 1883, he graduated from the Rush Med-
ical College, of Chicago, and engaged in practice
with his father until that worthy man was called
from this life. Save about fifteen months spent in
Liberty ville, he has since continued practiceiin this
cit}'. He is a member of the Jefferson County
Medical Society, and in politics is a Republican.
Though unostentatious and unassuming. Dr. Woods
is possessed of a decision and firmness of character
that makes him especially fitted^for his profession.
^^^^
kEVI GANTZ, one of the prominent farmers
of Black Hawk Township, Jeflferson County,
residing on section 32, was born in Wash-
ington Count\% Pa., September 4, 1832, and was
the youngest child in a family of four children,
whose parents were John and Christine (Bruner)
Gantz. His father owned a mill, a distillery and a
farm, all of which were operated under his immedi-
ate supervision. He was a man of great energy
and, possessing a robust constitution, accomplished
a great amount of work. He met his death in 1^33
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225
by falling through the hatchway in the roof of the
mill. His wife survived him many years and
about 1839, was again married. Her death oc-
curred near the close of the late war. The children
of her first marriage were David, who enlisted in
the Thirtieth Iowa Regiment and died in the serv-
ice; Sarah, widow of Edward Van Kirk, of Pcnn-
sylvanin; Samuel, a miller of Washington County,
Pa.; and Levi, of this sketch.
The last named child, our subject, was a babe of
six months when the death of his father occurred.
In his youth he was inured to farm labor and when
a lad of sixteen years he began life for himself as
a farm hand, receiving as a compensation for his
services the meagre sum of $10 per month. After
working in that capacity for six years, at the age
of twenty-two, he was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah Pall, a native of Pennsylvania, and the fol-
lowing spring came to Iowa to seek a locution for
a home. He entered land in Madison County, but
decided to remain in Pennsylvania, where he soon
afterward purchased a farm and then sold his Iowa
pro|)erty. However, in 1858, we again find him
en route for Iowa accompanied by his wife and
children. It was his intention to make a location
in Madison County, but on account of the mud,
traveling was made so difiScult that he stopped in
Jefferson County. , After renting land for two or
three years he bought a quarter section in Black
Hawk Township, upon which had been built a frame
house while ninety acres were fenced. Then began
the work of developing and improving a farm, and
as his financial resources were increased, he ex-
tended the boundaries of his land until five hun-
dred acres now pay tribute to his care and
cultivation, and he is recognized as one of the
leading and progressive farmers of the community.
His home, a commodious dwelling valued at $3,000
is surrounded by good barns and outbuildings, and
all this splendid success is due to the energy and en-
terprise of a man who started out in life a penniless
boy. In connection with general farming he also
devotes considerable attention to stock-raising,
making a specialty of the breeding of fine cattle,
and his horses are also of good grades.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gantz have been born eight
children — John Andrew, who is now engaged in
farming in Black Hawk Township, Jefferson
County; William, who died at the age of fourteen
years; Annie Jane, wife of Ed Hewitt, of Fairfield
Township; Laura, who graduated from Parsons*
College of Fairfield, and is now a successful teacher
in the county; Ella, wife of Ed Lyons, a resident
fa»'mer of Black Hawk Township; Ida May, who
completed the preparatory course in Parsons Col-
lege and is a musician of considerable ability;
James, who died In infancy; and EflSe, who is also
qualified as a teacher. As will have been seen, the
children have all been provided with good educa-
tional advantages, thus being fitted for the duties
of life and all are now useful members of society
in the various commiftiities where they make their
homes.
Although a strong advocate of Republican prin-
ciples, Mr. Gantz does not possess that partisan
spirit which so largely predominates in this day.
He has never accepted public oflSee, preferring to
devote his time and attention to his business in-
terests, of which he has made a decided success.
By his fellow-men he is honored and respected as a
citizen and neighbor, and in the social world his
family occupies a high position.
ILLIAM R, BLOSS, one of the oldest car-
\/\j// penters in years of experience, in Fairfield,
^^^ was born in Rockingham County, Va., De-
cember 3, 1822, and claims an almost pure Ger-
manic origin. His parents, Conrad and Margaret
(Reinhardt) Bloss, were both born in the Shenan-
doah Valley, in Virginia, the father in 1797, the
mother in 1805. His maternal grandfather owned
a powder mill, and during the War of 1812, made
powder for the United States troops. About 1828,
Conrad Bloss and wife removed from Virginia to
Ohio, locating in Preble County, where he followed
farming until his emigration to Iowa. In 1835, he
made a tour westward, visiting several of the coun-
ties in this State, but making no location. Sixteen
years lat^r he and all hia family went to Des Moines
County, improved a farm, ind there lived pntil
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about 1863, when he came to Fairfield, where he
spent his last days. He died at xhe age of eighty,
after suffering eighteen years with rheumatism, the
last nine of which he was entirely helpless. His
wife is still living in Fairfield at the advanced age
of eighty- five years, but is very much enfeebled by
paralysis, of which she has had two attacks. Both
were zealous members of the Methodist Church for
many years, and it was their daily endeavor to fol-
low in the footsteps of him whom they acknowl-
edged as their Saviour. There is a remarkable fact
connected with their family, which consisted of
eight daughters and three sons, all being yet alive
save the youngest, who died at the age of forty
years.
William R. Bloss is the eldest of the family. He
was reared to farm life, and as at an early age he
had to aid in the support of his younger brothers
and sisters, he had but little time to devote to edu-
cation. Only a few months was he permitted to
devote to study, and that in the old time subscrip-
tion schools. Like a dutiful son, he gave his ser-
vices to his father until he ha<l attained to mature
years, when he began work in his own interests.
Learning the carpenter's trade, he worked at the
same for $8 per month until 1848, when he came
to Iowa, and located a land warrant of the Mexican
War, in Pcnn Township, Jefferson County. He then
resumed his labors as a carpenter, but while en-
gaged in work, by accident he cut his knee, and
was unable to do anything through the winter.
Thoroughly discouraged, he started for Ohio, bid-
ding, as he supposed, an everlasting farewell to
Iowa, but on reaching Ohio, the old State seemed
so rough and uninviting, that he accompanied the
family to Dcs Moines County, in 1851. His first
work was to build a house on his father's place, af-
ter which he secured a fair share of the work to be
done in the neighborhood. After four years spent
in Des Moines County, became to Fairfield in 1855,
and has hero engaged in carpenter work continu-
ousl}' since. His first labors in this city was to
build the Henn House, now the home of the Presi-
dent of Parson's College. He also erected Risk's,
Bright's and Steele's business blocks, and has done
the stair work on some of the finest residences in
the city, being accounted a superior workman in
that line. He is indeed proficient in all branches of
the business, and well deserves the trade which is
given him.
In Dos Moines County, in March, 1857, Mr. Bloss
wedded Mrs. Mary Robinson, a native of Ohio. Her
maiden name was Coleby, and by her first marriage
she had one son, Frank Robinson. By her second
union were born four children: Estella, deceased
wife of A. Kendall; Harry, who is employed on the
railroad; Elizabeth, who died at the age of three
years; and William H., who is employed in the
Fairfield Furniture Factory. In 1870, the mother
of this family died, and three years later Mr. Hloss
married Miss Mary E. Hayes, a native of Mary-
land. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and Mr. Bloss is a member of the Methodist Church,
to which his first wife also belonged. Since 1886,
he has in connection with his other business, car-
ried on a greenhouse, the best in the cit}'. He has
lived some thirty-five years in Fairfield, where he
has a pleasant home, and is in comfortable circum-
stances. He cast his first Presidential vote for Van
Buren, and coritinued to support the Democratic
party until 1884, since which time he has voted
with the Prohibition party.
--^>-^^>^;!^^fi^)<f^<-<-
AVID H. STEVER, M. D., one of the oldest
Jjf) practicing physicians now in Fairfield, Jef-
(^Ji!^' ferson County, was born near this city,
September 16, 1845, and is a son of Adam
and Elizabeth (Parks) Stever. The family is of
German origin. The paternal grandparents of our
subject were founders of the family in this country.
Emigrating from Germany, they settled in Berks
County, Pa., where the husband engaged in farm-
ing. On that old homestead Adam Stever was
born. In his youth he learned the gunsmith's trade,
which he followed during the greater part of his
life, though he also carried on farming. In the
family is preserved a rifle that he made, a sample
of his workmanship. With his parents he removed
to Huntingdon County, Pa., where he became ac-
quainted with and wedded Miss Parks, a native of
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Maryland, born on the 3d of August, 1803. Her
father was of German descent, and her mother of
^ Scotch origin. In an early day, her family also be-
came residents of Huntingdon County, Pa. In 1 844,
the Doctor's parents, with the view of bettering
their financial condition, came to the West, and se-
lecting Jefferson County, Iowa, as a favorable lo-
cation, entered land a mile west of Fairfield. Upon
that farm, Mr. Stever resided until his death, which
occurred in the month of August, 1858. He was a
successful farmer, and succeeded in acquiring four
hundred and twenty acres of land which paid to
him a golden tribute for the care and labor he be-
stowed upon it. Politically, he was a Whig, but,
though he felt an interest in the success of the part}^,
never aspired to oflacial positions. He was an ac-
tive worker in the Lutheran Church, as is also his
wife, who still survives him. Although she has at-
tained the advanced age of eighty-seven years, she
is in full possession of her faculties. Her own fam-
ily consisted of twelve children, five sons and seven
daughters, of whom ten are now living, one son
and one daughter having departed this life, and in
addition she has tenderlj' reared ten orphan chil-
dren. Her motherly heart went out in sympathy
to the friendless little ones, and she has made a
lasting record as a benefactor. Long after she will
have passed away, her memory will be tenderly
cherished, and her deeds of kindness held in loving
remembrance.
The Doctor was the youngest of the family, and
is the only one that was born in Jefferson County.
His early life was spent in the usual manner of far-
mer lads, and after attending the common schools,
he pursued a two years' course in Fairfield College,
then under the management of Rev. Andrew Ax-
line, an able edu^tor, and preacher. His literary
education being completed, he read medicine with
Dr. P. N. Woods, of Fairfield for three years, and
then took three courses of lectures at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, gradu-
ating from the institution in the Class of '76.
Thereupon, he opened an office in Fairfield, and,
in contradiction to the old saying that one must
leave home in order to make a success in life, he
has enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice
since. He has embraced the opportunities offered
by the several medical societies, of coming in con-
tact with the ablest minds of the profession, being
a member of the Jefferson County, of the Dee
Moines Valley, and of the State Medical Societies.
He does a general practice, but is making a special
study of diseases of children. Three students are
now reading under his direction.
On the 7th of December, 1879, the Doctor was
united in marriage with Miss H. AUie Shaw, daugh-
ter of Enos B. Shaw, a prominent farmer of Jeffer-
son County. Mrs. Stever was born in Iowa County,
Iowa, November 11, 1855, and like her husband, is
held in high esteem throughout the community.
Politically, Dr. Stever is a Republican, with strong
prohibition principles, and is a member of the Luth-
eran Church.
flOHN P. STAATS, one of the early settlers
of Jefferson County, residing on section 1,
Black Hawk Township, traces his ancestry
^ back through several generations to Peter
Staats, of Holland, who in Colonial days left his na-
tive land and crossed the Atlantic to America, set-
tling in New Jersey, where he engaged in farming.
His son, Peter Jr., enlisted as a private in the Revo-
lutionary War, but ere the close of the struggle had
been promoted to the rank of Captain for merito-
rious conduct. He participated in the hard fought
battle of Monmouth. His son, Peter P. Staats,
who became the father of our subject, was born in
New Jersey, acquired a good commercial education
and in the early years of his manhood engaged in
the mercantile business in Western New York. On
the 7th of September, 1809, he married Miss Cath-
erine Voorhees, of New Jersey, who was of Dutch
descent. He afterwards laid aside mercantile pur-
suits and engaged in farming until old age caused
him to lay aside the more arduous duties of life,
which were then taken up by his son John, who
operated the farm for his father for some years.
In 1839, Peter Staats removed with his family to
Jersey County, 111., where he purchased a farm
which his sons managed and which continued to be
his home until his death, which occurred in 1871,
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He bad survived his wife several years. Both
w«re members of tbe Dutch Reformed Chuieb. In
politics he was a stanch Democrat, taking an active
part in political work and for a number of years
served as Justice of the Peace. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Staats were born five children: John P., of this
siietch; Abram, now deceased; James M., an Illi-
nois farmer, who died in 1883; Susan, deceased
wife of James Quick; and Peter A., a farmer of
Texas.
John P. Staats, whose name heads this sketch,
was born on the 19th of November, 1813, in New
Jersey, and in his youth received an academic edu-
cation. Although reared to agricultural pursuits,
he fitted himself for a seafaring life and obtained
a midshipman's commission, but when he was about
ready to sail, an uncle of his met his death on the
ocean, which accident aroused the fears of his par-
ents who induced him to give up his cherished
plan. He then remained at home until November
14, 1833, when he was united in marriage with
JSIiss Maria Barcalow of New Jersey. The young
couple began their domestic life upon a rented
farm, but after a year he purchased land in his na-
tive State and engaged in its cultivation until 1838,
when disposing of his interests in New Jersey, he
emigrated to Illinois, investing his capital in land
patents. By an act of legislation these patents
afterwards became worthless and he lost almost
everything. He bought land for 1;3 per acre and
continued his residence in Illinois until 1853, when
he crossed the Father of Waters into the new State
of Iowa and made a location in Jefferson County.
For thirty-seven 3'ears he has made his home on
section 1, Black Hawk Township. On his arrival
he purchased eighty-seven and one-half acres of land
from which he developed a good farm, devoting
himself to its cultivation until within a few years
past, since which time he has lived a retired life,
his son operating the homestead. Mr. Staats may
truly be called a self-made man. He began life
with no capital save a young man's bright hope of
the future, yet to-day is numbered among the sub-
stantial citizens of the community. Industry and
thrift were the means used to accomplish that end
and without which success can never be attained.
During tbe residence of the family in Hlinois,
Mrs. Staats was called to her final home, leaving
seven children, the eldest of whom, Catherine, is
now the widow pf Daniel Lee, of Adair County,
Iowa; Clara is the wife of Fred Funston, of Rich-
land; Farrington B. is a farmer of Missouri;
Theresa is the wife of Jason Squires, of Des Moines;
Susan wedded James W. Donovan, contractor of
the capital city; George makes his home in Black
Hawk Township; Yoorhees is living near Ft. Scott,
Kan. Mr. Staats was a second time married, in
Iowa, in November, 1854, when he became the*
husband of Mrs. Agnes Bonser. By her former
marriage the lady had two daughters, Laura and
Orpha and by the present marriage three children
were born: Chester L., at home; Agnes M., wife of
William Hicks, of Washington County, Iowa; and
John, who is employed as telegraph operator on the
Rock Island Railroad and is now in Colorado.
Mrs. Staats is a member of the Baptist Church
and Mr. Staats contributes liberally to its support,
as he does to other charitable and benevolent in-
terests. On attaining his majority, he cast bis first
Presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson and voted
with the Democratic party until the question of
slavery became an issue, when, in the election of
1856, he supported Fremont. He then continued
his connection with the Republican party until
President Grant's second election, when he once
more joined the ranks of the Democrac3% of which
he has ever since been a stalwart advocate. He has
attendee! conventions of his party and has served
as Township Trustee and in other minor offices.
Ip^^ERRY KING is a grocer of Fairfie.d, Iowa.
• I J] He carries a general line of groceries, pro-
1^ visions and crockery, and since he cstab-
j , lished business in 1880, his trade has steadily
increased until he has become one of the leading
merchants of the place. Mr. King was born on the
26th of May, 1844, in Highland County, Ohio,
and is the twelfth in a family of thirteen children,
whose parents were Morris and Susannah King.
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His father, a native of New Jersey, died in 1851
when our subject was a lad of six years. He mar-
ried Susaunah Landes, who was born in North Caro-
lina in March, 1802. During her childhood she
removed thence to Kentucky and when a maiden of
twelve summers, accompanied her family to Ohio,
where she is still living at the advanced age of
eighty-eight years. She still enjoys a fair degree
of health and, in 1889, made a visit from Ohio to
Mr. King in' Fairfield. The family is worthy of
special mention for various reasons. It con8iste<l
of six sons and seven daughters, all of whom lived
to mature years and were married. None of the
sons ever used whiskey or tobacco, three of the
number wore the blue in the late war. one was
killed in Missouri by deserters from the Union
army during the war, one is a farmer in O'Brien
County, Iowa, and the other was a teacher of prom-
inence, and died in Fairfield while visiting friends
in that place.
We now turn to the personal history of our sub-
ject which we feel will he received with interest
by many of our readers. As before stated, he is a
native of Ohio and, in the common and select
schools' of the Buckeye State, he acquired his edu-
cation. At the early age of sixteen years he began
teaching and followed that profession continuously
for a fifth of a century, or until his removal to
Fairfield in 1880. It seems almost unnecessary to
say that he met with success in this line as his long
continued service plainly indicates that fact. Just
prior to his removal to Iowa he was the principal
of the Lynchburg schools of Highland County,
Ohio, his native county. His labors as an instructor
were only once interrupted, and that, when he was
engaged in his country's service. He served for
one month in the State Militia of Ohio, and then
enlisted on the 2d of May, 1864, in Company B,
of the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio In-
fantry, in which he served until the 8th of
September following. At Cynthiana, Ky., seven
companies of the regiment were captured, but our
subject succeeded in making his escape.
Mr. King was married in Highland County,
Ohio, May 4, 1865, to Miss Phoebe Ann Berry, a
native of that county and a daughter of John
Berry. Their union is blessed with five children,
two sons and three daughters, all of whom were
born in Highland County, Ohio. In the order of
birth they are as follows: Emma Edna, Mary
Ellen, Lina C, Wirt B. and Lee A. The three
daughters are graduates of the Fairfield Union
School, and Emma E. and Mary E. are now
students in Parsons College of Fairfield. The
mother died on the 4th of October, 1889. She was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
her loss was felt by many outside of her immediate
family.
In politics. Mr. King is a Republican and is a
man well informed on all mattera of general in-
terest, both ]X)litical and otherwise. He takes an
active interest in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and belongs to Jefferson Lodge, No. 4, of
Fairfield. He has twice been sent as representative
to the Grand Lodge and is President of the South-
eastern Association, I. 0.0. F., comprising six
counties. He takes a lively interest in educational
affairs, has been President of the Fairfield School
Board for three j^ears, and for five years has been
connected with the library, and is serving as Presi-
dent pro tem. of the same during the absence of
Senator James F. Wilson.
^^^
'^^
r/AMES M. HINKLE of the law firm of
Wilson <fe Hinkle, of Fairfield, and Mayor
of the cit}', is a native of Indiana. His
father was born in Jackson County, that
State, and his mother, whose maiden name was
Nancy Day, was a native of Mississippi. The
family came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1853,
and settled in Round Prairie Township, where Mr.
Hinkle, Sr. engaged m farming until 1887, when,
retiring to private life, he became a resident of
Fairfielvi. The following year he was called upon
to mourn the loss of his wife who died on the 8th
of December. In 1888, he removed to Wayne
County, Mo., where he is now living.
The subject of this sketch was born in Jackson
County, Ind., December 21, 1852, and was there-
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fore but a small child when brought by hie parents
to Iowa. Thus we see that almost his entire life
has been spent in Jefferson County. Many of his
fellow citizens have known him from boyhood, have
witnessed the progress which he lias made, and be-
coming familiar with his merits and ability thoy
have honored him with the highest office within
their power. His education was acquired at Fair-
field University and Parsons College, and on the
completion of his school life he engaged in teach-
ing. In fact, he began his career as a teacher at
the early age of sixteen years and continued that
line of work for sixteen terms with most excellent
success, during which time he has occupied a num-
ber of important positions. With the desire of
engaging in law practice, after the duties of the
school room were over, he devoted his time to the
perusal of text books on that subject, his reading
being directed by Messrs. Wilson & Rutherford,
with whom he remained two years. He was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1879 and soon afterwards
formed the existing partnership with Mr. Wilson.
Two years later he was admitted to practice in the
Supreme Courts of Iowa and in 1887 to the Fed-
eral Courts.
Mr. H inkle, in Fairfield, on the 31st of October,
1882, was united in marriage with Miss Alma Belle
Young.a daughter of William Young,and a native of
Jefferson County. Hi»rparents,emigrating from Indi-
ana, settled in Jefferson County in an early day.
Two children have been born of their union, Clara
Dell and Fred Raymond.
In the spring of 1887 on receiving the election
returns, it was found that Mr. Uinkle was elected
to the office of Mayor of Fairfield by a handsome
majority, and so well pleased were the people with
his administration, that on his renomination in 1889
only seven votes were cast against him and he will
therefore continue to hold the office until 1891.
Socially, he is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 15,
A. F. (fe A. M.; Jefferson Lodge, No. 4, 1. O. O. F.;
Forest City Lodge, No. 37, K. P.; Fairfield Camp,
No. 146, M. W. A.; and Fairfield Lodge, No. 52,
A. O. U. W. It will thus be seen from the fact
that he is connected with so many organizations,
that Mr. Hinkle is greatly interested in civic socie-
ties and in the orders with which he holds member-
ship he has held many important positions. Mr.
Hinkle has made a very popular mayor and the city
of Fairfield has been materiall}' improved, finan-
cially and otherwise, under his administration of
the office. The fact that only seven votes wero
cast against him at the last election, speaks volumes
as to public sentiment and is a compliment to his
popularity of which he may well be proud. The
law firm of which he is a member, is one of the live
law firms of the State and has already won promi-
nence in the ranks of the profession.
APT. BENJAMIN F. CRAIL. Of the
"^ representative men of Jeflferson County^
^^J none are more worthy of mention in this
volume than the soldier and citizen, Capt. Crail.
His paternal grandfather, one of the sturdy farmers
of Maryland, served as an officer in the Revolution-
ary War. Having emigiated to Pennsylvania he
died at the advanced age of ninety-three years.
The father of our subject, whose name was also
Benjamin, was born in Beaver County, Pa., in 1793,
and in his youth was apprenticed to one DeHaven,
to learn the millwright's trade, but on the breaking
out of the War of 1812, he ran away and enlisted
in the army. On the cessation of hostilities, when
peace was declared, he returned to his native State
and there married Nancy Dougherty, by whom he
had ten children, five sons and five daughters. The
former all became ship carpenters. The father died
in 1846, and subsequently the mother removed to
Winterset, Iowa, where she passed away at the ripe
old age of eighty-eight years. Both were zealous
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
desirous that their children should embrace that
faith, taught them lessons of piety and honesty.
Though himself not an educated man Mr. Crail
clearly saw the advantages of education and built
a schoolhouse near his home in order that his chil-
dren might have the best possible advantages.
Capt. Crail, whose name heads this sketch, was
the fifth child of the family. He was born in Beaver
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281
County, Pa., March 19, 1831, and after attending
select schools took a course in a business college of
Pittsburg, Pa. TAt the age of seventeen years he
engaged with an uncle in Freedom, Pa., to learn
the ship carpenter's trade, working for him about
two years. He then[re paired to McKey sport, where
a ship was being built that was to sail to Califor-
nia. Full of the youthful spirit of adventure he
wished to sail with the crew, but through the per-
suasion of his mother he] was restrained from doing
so. He worked at his trade in the principal towns
along the Ohio River and spent the years of 1850
and 1851, in the navy yard in Memphis, Tenn. Re-
turning to the North, h§ and a brother took a boat-
load of merchandise down the river, trading as they
went, to Shawneetown, 111., where they sold out.
Capt. Crail was married in 1852, to Miss Char-
lotte McCaske}', a native of Washington County,
Pa., after which he removed with his bride to New
Cumberland, Va., where he started a boat-yard
which he>an some four years, after which he estab-
lished a yard in his native town. He constructed
a keel boat and ran it over the rapids when the
water was too low for steamboats to pass o^cr.
While operating his boat 3'ard he was also engaged
as carpenter on board a vessel and served as mate.
In April, 1859, Capt. Crail sent his wife by rail to
Fairfield, Iowa, while he made the trip by water.
The following year he drove an ox-team to Pike's
Peak, returning just in time to vote for President
Lincoln, and until the breaking out of the war he
served as <leputy recorder under J. A. McKemey.
On the 13th of August, 1861, Mr. Crail enlisted
as private of Company F, Third Iowa Cavalry.
Keokuk was the rendezvous. Toward the close of
the month, the Captain of Company F, was sent
with a squad of men to (rapture some rebels at
Alexandria, Mo., and in charging across a field fell
over some obstacle. Left without a commander
private Crail led the charge, and was successful
in capturing the enemy. On account of the valor
displayed on this occasion he was soon after elected
and commissioned First Lieutenant.
Having spent some time in Benton Barricks, the
forces were ordered into the field December 12, 1861.
The winter was spent in capturing ammunition,
supplies, and in dispersing rebels. On April 1, 1862,
Lieut. Crail was promoted to the captaincy of his
company, and at Botts' Farm, Calloway County,
Mo., while engaged in battle, he was twice wounded,
04ie slug striking him in the chest ranged ;down ward
into the integuments of his stomach where it re-
mained fifty-two days,taking hina almost to death's
door; the other he still carries. After five months
of careful nursing he was able to resume command.
The year 1862, and a part of 1863, was Tspent in
fighting guerrillas. His command was [engaged
with Marmaduke near Pilot Knob, some three or
four days or until he crossed the St. Francis River,
and on July 1, 1863, the Third Iowa started for
Little Rock, fighting ^ they went. After the cap-
ture of the city, Capt. Crail was assigned to a posi-
tion at Benton, Ark., and participated in two raids
which resulted in the capture of Arkadelphia and
Hot Springs. Returning to Little Rock, he veteran-
ized in January, 1864, after which he spent a
month at his home in Fairfield. Repairing to St.
Louis, preparations were made to go by boat to
Memphis, but just before the departure trouble
arose between some of the soldiers and a private
citizen. The city police pursued the soldiers to the
boat and were going aboard to arrest them, but at
this juncture Capt. Crail came on the scene. Learn-
ing the trouble, he told the police it would be im-
possible for them to arrest the guilty parties in the
presence of their comrades, but that he would have
them arrested and taken ashore for trial. Instead
of receiving the courteous treatment which he de-
served, a policeman struck at him with his club but
the blow was fortunately warded off. For a few
minutes policemen fell like ripe June apples in a
gale and it was only by the coolness and decision of
Capt. Crail, that a bloody riot was averted. From
Memphis the forces were ordered to West Tennes-
see and Northern Mississippi, and skirmished over a
stretch of one hundred and ten miles during which
they participated in the battles of Ripley and Gun-
town. For three days and nights, Capt. Crail was
not out of his saddle for sleep or rest. He was in
the two days fight at Tupelo, and also took part in
the G.rierson Raid through Mississippi, where from
December 21, until January 5, fighting was an
every day business. Having been sent to take five
hundred prisoners to Cairo, 111., Capt. Crail went
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on with his company to Louisville, K3\. where
they received a fresh supply of horses and went on
to participate in the brilliant raid of Gen. Wilson.
Our Captain, in command of two companies, started
two days in advance of the army. Skirmishes were
frciuent but he was successful in sweeping tlie
enem}* before him. Having crossed a bridge on
Mohen Creek, the rebels made a desperate effort to
hold the bridge and in the struggle Capt. Craii had
his right arm shattered near the shoulder and was
taken in an ambulance to Selma, Ala. Thus glori-
ously ended his military career. He was mustered
out August 9, 1865, at Atlanta,Ga., and discharged
on the 23d of the same month, at Davenport, Iowa.
Many of the above factfl were gleaned from the
Adjutant-General's report.
In August, 1873, Capt. Crail was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife, who left six children:
James B., a merchant of Washington, Iowa; Wil-
liam H., who is agent on the California Southern
Railroad; Susan S., wife of E. W. Steele; Robert
M., who is connected with a hotel at Junction City,
Kas. ; David E„ who runs a dairy in Fairfleld, and
Frank A. On March 5, 1877, the Captain wedded
Mrs. Steele, whose maiden name was Nancy S. Mc-
Cracken, and unto them have been born twin boys,
Joe S. and Charles S., who are as near alike as the
Antipholuses in Shakespeare's **Comedy of Errors."
Captain Crail is a Republican in politics and
both he and his wife are members of the Christian
Church. He was Deputy Surveyor under Isaac
Crumly and Judge Fulton, served as Deputy
Sheriff several terms, and since 1883, has been Sur-
veyor of the county proving an able and efficient
officer.
^!:^-
C. BARKER, who resides on section 4,
Washington Township, is a representative
ijl ift of one of the pioneer families of Van Buren
(^J County, his parents being Joseph and Anna
(Manchester) Barker, whose sketch appears on an-
other page of this work. He was born on the old
homestead, where he still resides, March 18, 1842,
and the days of his boyhood and 3'outh were spent
in the usual manner of farmer lads. After attend-
ing the district schools of the neighborhood, at the
age of nineteen years he responded to his country's
call for troops, enlisting in the United States service
as a member of Company H, Third Iowa Cavalry,
under Capt. Jesse Hughes in September, 1861. He
was mustered in at Keokuk and the regiment was
assigned to the Third Army Corps, in the Army of
the Tennessee. His company being detailed to
skirmish duty made several raids through Northern
Missouri, at one time capturing one hundred and
seventy- two kegs of powder and at another, five
hundred kegs of the same article. They spent the
first winter In Mexico, Mo. Afterwards Mr. Barker
participated in the battle of Moore's Mills, where
he received a gun shot wound through the left jaw
which unfitted him for duty for two weeks. On re-
joining his command he participated in the battle
of Little Rock, Ark., and Guntown, Miss. At the
latter place he was dismounted by his horse giving
out and made a forced march on foot to White
Station, Tenn., a distance of sixty miles which he
covered in ten hours. He was also with the Wilson
raid through Tennessee and Alabama, and was mus-
tered out in Atlanta, Ga., on the 9th of August,
1865, after four years of faithful service on South-
ern battle fields.
Returning home at the close of the war Mr. Bar-
ker purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land
and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His boyhood
training had fitted him for his chosen occupation
and with the passage of time his possessions have
been increased until he is now the owner of a fine
farm of three hundred and forty-seven acres — ^a
portion of the old homestead. The entire amount
is under a good st^te of cultivation and well im-
proved, and the owner takes rank among the en-
terprising agriculturists of the community.
As a companion on life's Journey Mr. Barker
chose Miss Martha M. Van Eman, their union being
celebrated on the 2d of February, 1871 . Her father.
Rev. George Van Eman, was born in Washington
County, Pa., January 29, 1823, and her mother,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Poage, is a na-
tive of Pocahontas County, Va. Both parents are
still living at this writing in 1890, and make their
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borne in Vernon, Tex., where Mr. Van Eman has
charge of a church. Mrs. Barker was born in
Missouri, December 3, 1852. She was the second
in a famil}' of seven children as follows: Ella, now
deceased; James A., a resident of Wilburger, Tex.;
Mrs. Mary R. Gray, of St. Paul, Neb.; Joseph,
who is living in the Lone Star State; Edward E., of
Baltimore, Md.; and Mrs. Stella Hicks, of Texas.
The Barker family consists of eight children as fol-
lows: George v., born December 29, 1871; John
H., September 8, 1873; MaujJ O., Jul^ 31, 1875;
Nellie, November 22, 1876; William R., May 18,
1878; Josie E., August 6, 1880; A. C, June 15,
1883; and Manchester, August 12, 1886. Mr. and
Mrs. Barker and their four older children are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church of Mt. Zion, in
which the father holds the office of Elder. He con-
tributes lil)erally to the support of church and
charitable institutions and all laudable enterprises,
feeling a deep interest in anything which pertains
to the welfare of the community. In politics he is
a supporter of Republican principles.
neers.
R8. ELLIS WOODS, who is familiarly called
"Aunty" Woods, and is thus better known
to the citizens of the community, is one
of Jeflferaon County's most honored pio-
8he was born on the banks of Lake Cham-
plain, in Georgia, Chittenden County, Vt., Septem-
ber 28, 1813, and is the youngest of five children
born to Julius and Hettie (Cassel) Owen. Her
father was a native of Salisbury, Conn., and an
uncle of the noted Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary
fame. Her family was of AVelsh origin and de-
scended from one of two brothers who came to
America during Colonial days, and who took an
active part in the War for Independence. Hor
grandfather, Owen, was a man of remarkable lon-
j^evity, having lived to past the century mile post.
The father emigrated from Connecticut to Ver-
mont, where he married Miss Cassel, a lady of
French origin, her people having come to this
country with Gen. LaFayette. She died in Ver-
mont, and the husband married again. Patriotic
blood flowed in his veins, and following the example
of his illustt-ious Revolutionary ancestors, he served
in the War of 1812. Having removed westward to
Harvard, 111., he there spent his last days, attain-
ing almost the age of one hundred years. Of his
children only two are now living — Mrs. Eliza
Dickens, of San Francisco, Cal., and Mrs. Woods.
Our subject received a very limited education.
Her mother having died when she was quite small
and her father marrying again, at the age of twelve
years she went to live in the home of a Mr.
Mears, a Deacon in the Congregational Church,
thus to make a living with her own hands. Later
she went to the home of a sister, with whom she
removed to New York, and about 1835 she joined
another sister in Harvard, 111. There she met and
married G. M. Fox, a native of Ohio, of English
descent, and a carpenter by tr«de. In 1839 they
started for Fairfield, Iowa, arriving on the day of
the first election in this city — June 27. Mr. P'ox
purchased a lot, and the following year erected
thereon the house in which Mrs. Woods now lives,
which was then known as the '^big house." He
was a first-class mechanic and erected many dwell-
ings for the early settlers, besides assisting in the
erection of the first court-house. The first house,
however, in which they lived was a primitive log
dwelling with a stick chimney. Mr. Fox died in
1844, and three years later she married Parish
Ellis, an early settler, and also a mechanic. He
lived but four years. In 1857 she wedded Joel
Woods. Though a tailor by trade he was a man
of splendid natural endowments and a well-trained
mind. In 1858 he went to Colorado and engaged
in mining, and so won the esteem of his fellow-
miners that he was elected to the Legislature.
While hunting in Arizona he was shot and killed
by mistake. His remains were buried at Ft.
Whipple.
Though left alone in the world, Mrs. Woods
found a broad and useful field for her activities.
The war at length commenced and several severe
battles had been fought. The Iowa ''boys in blue'*
sick and wounded, had been sent to the hospital at
Keokuk, and realizing how much those who had left
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comfortable homes needed some one to take the
place of a mother, she sacrificed her personal inter-
ests and gave her time and best efforts to the noble
work of alleviating the sufferings of Iowa's soldiers,
especially those from Jefferson County. Backed
by the loyal women at home, she did a work that
is gratefully remembered by the soldiers and spoken
of at their reunions, and that will live on the pages
of history. On the 3d of April, 1862, she took a
quantity of sanitary supplies to distribute among
the sick and wounded in the hospital at Keokuk,
where she remained during the greater part of the
summer to care for the afflicted troops. Having
received three passes — one from Gen. Curtis, for
the department oi the Northwest; the second, from
Gen. Thomas, and the third from the war depart-
ment, she made nine trips, taking cargoes that
varied from t«n to thirty-seven tons. In Novem-
ber, 1862, she started with the first supplies to
Springfield, Mo., but finding it impracticable for
her to go farther she placed her stores in charge of
another at St. Louis and returned. In March of
the following year she started with a large cargo
for Missouri an(> ministered to the Third Iowa Cav-
alry, at Pilot Knob, and the Fourth Iowa Cavalry,
at Helena, Ark. Soon afterward she made her first
trip down the Mississippi into the heart of the Con-
federacy. Her plan was to travel incognito, letting
her business be known only to the proper authori-
ties. When asked where she was going, she would
reply: ''To see my sons, all of whom are in the
army." Though she had no son, she was a mother
to many, and the Iowa boys learned to call her by
that sacred name, a custom which they still con-
tinue. To show how extensive was the field over
which she operated, it is but proper to give the
dates of transportation to a number of the places
visited: Little Rock, Ark., March 14, 1864; Chat-
tanooga, Tenn., May 16, 1864: Memphis, Tenn.,
November 23, 1 864 ; and Milliken's Bend, in April,
1865. In the rear of Vicksburg she was twice under
fire, but escaped uninjured. Her last trip was made
under the auspices of the United States Sanitary
Commission. With thirty-seven tons of supplies
she proceeded to New Orleans, there to take a boat
for Baraucus Island, off the coast of Louisiana. A
sanitary officer advised her not to venture, sajing
that she could not reach her destination and that
the vessel in which she was going was unsafe. If
she would turn over her stores to him he would see
to their proper distribution. Mrs. Woods insisted
upon going, whereupon he became irate and said
she should not, but she replied that she had a pass
from the Government. The ofl^cer then went so
far as to say that she could not go if she "had a pass
from Heaven," but when she drew forth the instru-
ment and said no power on earth should keep her
from going, the fellow's assumed authority shriv-
eled up like a "catterpillar on a hot shovel." Ar-
riving at the island, she found her assistance much
needed. Several thousands of disabled soldiers were
left there, while the able-bodied went to assist iu
the capture of Mobile. Mrs. Woods remained a
month, and on Christmas Day had one of the most
enjoyable feasts ever served, consisting of the
crackers and fresh butter taken from Iowa and the
large fresh oysters gathered from the ocean.
Since the war Mrs. Woods has led a quiet life,
unconscious of the great honors and gratitude she
has won. Of the following societies she is an hon-
orary member: Eastern Star, A. F. & A. M.; Re-
becca Degree, I. O. O. F. ; the Grand Army of the
Republic; Agassiz Society, and the Alethean Lit-
erary Society, of Parsons College. The Fairfield
Hose Company is named in her honor, and to
its members she gives a royal banquet each year.
In 1886 she was a State delegate to the National
Encampment at San Francisco. Unknown and un-
solicited on her part, her friends secured for her a
pension of 125 per month, of which she is truly
worthy. For fifty one years Mrs. Woods has been
a resident of Fairfield, and no citizen of the county
is more tenderly loved or held in higher esteem.
^=^EORGE SNIDER is one of the pioneers of
III (= Jefferson County and a prominent farmer
'^^ of Black Hawk Township, residing on sec-
tion 6. The home of this worthy gentleman is one
of the finest in the township. A commodious and
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287
tasty frame residence, surrounded by good barns
and other necessary outbuildings sheltering fine
stock, and the whole encircled by waving fields of
grain, all indicate to the passer-by that the owner is
a man of thrift and industry and his neighbors will
tell a similar story of his unceasing labor and en-
terprise.
Mr. Snider was born in Bavaria, on Christmas
Day, of 1821, and is a son of John and Phcebe
Snider. His father, who was also a farmer by occu-
pation, emigrated with his family to America in
1829. Making a location in Westmoreland County,
Pa., he purchased a farm which continued to be
bis home for some twenty-one years, when in 1851,
he again took up the line of march and made his
way to Jefferson County, Iowa. With his son
George, who had previously located in the county,
he found a home, but about a month after his arrival
was called to the final home, djing <m the 17th of
May, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, v/ho
survived him about thirty years, died in March,
1880, and her remains were then placed by the side
of him who had gone before. John Snider and his
wife were parents of four children — Jacobannia,
deceased wife of Charles Shy; John, Jr., also de-
ceased; George, of this sketch, and Lizzie, who be-
came the wife of Andrew Altman, and died in
Kansas. Mr. Snider and his family were faithful
members of the Lutheran Church. He took great
interest in church work and did what he could for
the promotion of the cause. In politics, he was a
firm supporter of the Democratic party. A worthy
citizen, a kind friend and neighbor, and a gen-
erous and noble-hearted man, the entire community
mourned his death.
Upon George Snider devolves the duty of per-
petuating the family history as father, mother,
brother and sisters have all been called home, leav-
ing him the only survivor of a once happy and
united family circle. The advantages which he
received in his youth were limited, especially as
regards education, for the only schooling he ob-
tained was in the old country prior to his emigra-
tion to America, which occurred when he was a lad
of eight years. However, since coming to this
country he has mastered the English language and,
being a lover of books, has devoted much time to
reading, thus acquiring a fund of information
which many having better advantages might well
envy. He was brought up to the labor of the
farm and remained at homo with his parents until
twenty-five years of age, when he assumed the man-
agement of the old homestead and continued in
charge of affairs until 1851, when he decided to cast
his lot with the early settlers of Jefferson County.
On reaching his destination he made purchase of
eighty acres of land, paying $400 for the same.
Only twenty acres of the entire amount had been
broken and a log house constituted the improve-
ments. A wonderful transformation has since been
wrought and the once barren prairie is now a rich
and fertile farm furnished with good buildings, the
latest improved machinery, and stocked with an ex-
cellent grade of horses and cattle. He gives special
attention to the raising of horses, keeping on hand
a number of good work horses. He also buys colts
which he raises and then puts on the market. The
competence which now places Mr. Snider in a com-
fortable position and surrounds him with all that
goes to make life worth the livings was not acquired
in a day, however, but is the result of patient toil,
perseverance and industry. He not only began
life in the West with little capital but had to en-
dure many of the hardships and disadvantages of
pioneer life. The little log cabin, which was the
first home of himself and wife in Iowa, was not
furnished with many luxuries; a goods box consti-
tuted the tabic, the other furniture was of a like
primitive character; they had to journey several
miles to mill and market and often the roads were
almost impassible, but nevertheless, Mr. Snider
declares those were among his happiest days. He
was a great hunter and the woods furnished
ample opportunity to indulge his liking for that
sport. Other pleasures added to the enjoyment of
pioneer life and, as the years rolled along, the
financial resources were increased so that many
comforts took the place of what were before incon-
veniences.
On the llth of January', 1842, Mr. Snider was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Kistler,
whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania. By
their union were bom eleven children — Mary, born
June 8, 18'46, is the wife of Abe Herman, of Black
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Hawk Township, Jefferson County; John, born
September 27, 1851, is a resident farmer of Black
Hawk Township; Sophia, born November 23, 1853,
is the wife of Frank Herman, of the same town-
ship; Lydia A., born April 14, 1856, is the wife of
James Iset, of Kansas; Charles, born February 11,
1858, is his father's assistant on the home farm;
Sarah Jane, born October 25, 1862, is the wife of
Albert Steel, of Richland, Keokuk County; William
A., born July 27, 1867, married Miss Nora Kist-
ler, is a farmer and miner and resides near the old
homestead; Martin Luther, born June 16, 1870, is
also a miner, and George AV., born August 17,
1872, is at home. ♦
Mr. Snider and his family are faithful members
of the Lutheran Church and he is always ready to
give of his means for the support of the work; yet
he does not confine his generosity to his own
church alone, but gives liberally to all churches in
the neighborhood and to every enterprise worthy
of the support of honorable citizens. He cast his first
Presidential vote for James K. Polk and is a stanch
Democrat in politics. He formerly took an active
part in political affairs, being well posted on all
questions pertaining to the same, but has some-
what retired from that work. He was a member
of the Grange during the existence of that society
and is a member of the Old Settlers Society.
-^*
' LLEN KING is one of the oldest grocery
merchants of Fairfield, his career in that
line covering a period of eighteen years.
(^ From the time when he established business
up to the present, he has been recognized as one of
the leading merchants of the city and by the liberal
patronage which he receives, we know that he has
won the confidence and respect of his patrons as the
result of his courteous treatment, fair dealing and
prompt attention to the wants of his customers.
Mr. King is a native of Ohio, his birth having
occured in Highland County. January 27, 1837.
Morris King, his father, was born in New Jerse}' in
1800, and w^as of Scotch descent, while his mother,
whose maiden name was Susannah Landess, was
born in North Carolina in 1 802, of German parent-
age. The youth and maiden emigrated with their
respective families to Ohio when Cincinnati was a
small town. Mr. King was u hard- working man
and cleared and developed two farms in the midst
of the timbered regions of the Buckeye State. He
was a member of the Christian Church, a supporter
of the Democratic party and his death occurred in
1851. His wife is still living at the advanced age
of eighty-eight years and is still remarkably active.
Their union was blessed with a family of thirteen
children, six sons and seven daughters, of whom
ten arc yet living. Two of the sons, Allen and
Perry, are merchants of Fairfield.
The former, who has been prominently connected
with the grocery interests of the city, is the fourth
in order of birth. In his youth he was inured to
the labors and liardships of farm life on the western
frontier, having to assist in the clearing and devel-
opment of lands, which in a timbered country was
no easy task. He attended the old time schools
where ''lickin' and larnin' " went hand in hand, and
where it was believed to ''spare the rod" was to
'*spoil the child." At the age of eighteen years
he started out in life for himself and made his way
to Iowa, where he hoped to secure a good business
opening and be independent of all outside assist-
ance. He arrived in Jefferson County in Decbm-
ber, 1855, and though only a boy, he was engaged
as teacher of a school in Cedar Township for |20
per month. That was his first attempt in imparling
kuowledge to others. The following summer he
attended school and through the succeeding twelv^e
years he devoted his energies to farming during
the summer months and teaching in the winter sea-
son. He procured a farm for himself of fifty acres,
which he sold on coming to Fairfield. On the 21st
of September, 1856, Mr. King was united in mar-
riage with Sarah E. Smith, a native of Tennessee,
and they became parents of ten children, seven of
whom are yet living, namely: Jelina E., wife of
Thomas Ward; Henry A., Clara I., Arie L., Frank
T., Maud S. and Lydia A.
On the nth of August, 1862, Mr. King entered
the service of his country as a member of Corn-
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239
pany G, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, but after a year
was discharged on account of lung trouble. He
continued his farna labors until 1872, when with
his family he removed to Fairfield and as before
stated embarked in the grocery business, ns a part-
ner of James F. Crawford. That connection con-
continued a year and a half when Mr. King
sold out and formed a partnership with R. F.
McCashlin, they doing business together for three
years. He was then alone for the same length of
time, after which the firm of King Bros, was formed
and under that name the business was carried on
until 1888, since which time our subject has again
been alone. On the 22d of March, 1890, the store
in which he did business burned, losing him over
$1100. All recognize in Mr. King a trustworth}',
enterprising, business man.
On the 8th of January, 1881, Mrs. King was
called to her final rest and June 8, 1882, Mr. King
married Mrs. Mary E. (Shamp) Davis, who was
born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 31, 1844, and
is a daughter of Moses C. and Mary L. (Richart)
Shamp. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, born
March 2, 1801, was of German descent and her
mother, who is of Irish descent, was born in the
same State, July 9, 1 805. Their marriage was cele-
brated in Lycoming County, Pa., in 1824, after
which they removed to Wayne County, Ohio, and
in 1846 came to Jefferson Count}'. While in Wayne
County, Mr. Shamp served for several j'^ears as
Sheriflf, He was a shoemaker by trade, but in Iowa
followed farming a short time and then engaged in
photography. He died October 22, 1876, and his
wife still survives and is living in Nebraska. Like
her husband she is a member of the Methodist*
Church. Seven of their family, which once num-
bered eleven children, are yet living, but Mrs. King
is the only one living in Iowa.
From the lowest round of the ladder of life Mr.
King has mounted step by step until he has reached
a position of prominence and affluence. When he
was married he was $25 in debt and whatever suc-
cess he has met with in life is due to his own efforts,
industry, good management and the exercise of cor-
rect business principles. Mr. and Mrs. King are
both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In political sentiment he is a Democrat, though he
has never sought political distinction. He held the
office of County Recorder from 1884 until 1886,
having been elected to the position by a majority
of one hundred in a county which has four hundred
Republican majority, a fact which indicates his
personal popularity. He is a member of the Ma-
sonic order and of the Easter Star Branch of the
same.
,EV. LEWIS MENDENHALL, a minister
of the Free Methodist Church, claims the
^ \\\ honor of being a native of Fairfield, of which
^ city he is now a resident. His birth here
occurred on the 20th of February, 1849, he being
the son of Daniel and Susannah (Pierce) Menden-
hall — whose sketch appears on another page of this
work — who are numbered among the pioneer set-
tlers of Jefferson County. They emigrated west-
ward, becoming residents of Iowa in 1842, during
the territorial days of the State which in many
respects is now equal to any in the Union.
Our subject silent the days of his bo3^hood and
youth in his native citj' and, having acquired his
primary education in the public schools, became a
student m the Fairfield University. Later he
further pursued his studies in the Iowa Weslej^an
College, of Mt. Pleasant, and ended his school days
in Wheaton College, of Wheaton, III. In his youth
he was converted and desiring to devote his life to
the work of the ministry, carefully prepared himself
for that life, and in 1869, when only twenty years
of age, was licensed to preach. His first charge
was at Belvidere and Marengo, III. While in that
State, on the 5th of October, 1873, he was ordained
Deacon in the Illinois Conference and on the 11th
of September, 1876, was ordained Elder in the
Iowa Conference. The greater part of his pastoral
work has been accomplished in Iowa and has been
pro<luctive of much good. For two years he was
pastor of the church in his native city, for one year
had charge of the congregation in Cedar Rapids,
and the following year the church in Marion. A
year later he preached in Ottumwa. Afterwards
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he preached in Birmingham, where he spent two
years engaged in pastoral labor. He still resided at
FairOeld during his ministerial work at Ottumwa
and Birmingham. Mr. Mendenhail has also done
considerable work in supplying pulpits and as a
locnl preacher. Wherever located, people of the
community learned to love and esteem him for his
upright life and the influence for good wh\ch he
exerted. Since 1887 he has not been engaged in
regular work, but his love for the cause still con-
tinues, and is manifested by the active interest
which he feels in his home church and those of ad-
joining towns.
In Fairfield, on the 20th of March, 1877, Mr.
Mendenhail led to the marriage altar Miss Alberta
Smithburg. a daughter of Charles P. and Annie C.
Smithburg. She was born in Sweden and came to
America with her parents when two years of age.
Their union was blessed with three children, sons,
but the youngest is now deceased .William Wesley
was born August 8, 1878; Harry Edgar, De-
cember 10, 1882; and Charlie Christian, who was
born June 16, 1886, died December 27, 1889.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Mendenhail is a
Republican when voting on matters of local or
State interest, but at the last two Presidential elec-
tions he cast his ballot with the Piohibition party,
believing the question of the prohibition of the
liquor trafl3c to be paramount to every other issue
now before the people. The cause of temperance
has ever found in him a warm and able defender,
and all other reforms calculated to benefit the peo-
ple may be sure of Iiis hearty endorsement and sup-
port.
"S'^l't'S'*^
e RANDALL C. WALKER, Auditor of Van
Buren Countv, Iowa, and a resident of Keo-
sauqua, was born in Mercer County, Pa.,
November 8, 1849, and is a son of Harvey and
Anna M. (Nelson) Walker. In 1854, when our
subject was but five years of age, the family emi-
grated to Knox County, 111., and three 3'ears later
made a settlement in Bourbon County, Kan., but
at the time of the border warfare were forced to
leave the State on account of the radical abolition
principles which Mr. Walker entertained. He and
his family afterwards became residents of Jeflfer-
son County, Kan., and when the War for the Union
broke out, anxious to aid his country in the pres-
ervation of the Union, he enlisted in the famous
Graybeard Regiment of Kansas. Mr. Walker was
personally acquainted with Jim Lane and John
Brown, two of the most noted characters connected
with th6 early history of the late war. He has
lived to see the entire abolishment of slavery with
scarcely even a trace of its existence remaining,
and yet makes his home in Jefferson County, where
lie and his wife are widely known. In their family
were eleven children, namely: Crandall C, Claud-
ius D., Marion D., Marvin L., Olina, Ellis F.,
Schuyler R., Mitchell H., Roland, (deceased) Anna
and Willie. Mr. Walker is a man of the strictest in-
tegrity and uprightness who can not be induced to
swerve from the path of duty, and his life makes an
impress upon the character of all those with whom he
comes in contact. The principles of the Whig
party received his support in his early life, after-
ward he became identified with the Abolitionists
and is now a stanch supporter of the Republican
party.
• Crandall C. Walker, whose name heads this
sketch, acquired his early education in the pioneer
schools of Kansas, after which he attended Baker's
University, in Baldwin City, Kan., but before com-
pleting the course, failing strength forced him to
abandon his studies. The next three years he spent
in the southern part of the State for the purpose of
regaining his health, after which he came to Iowa
in 1874. It was his intention to further prosecute
his studies in Mt. Pleasant, but his exchequer be-
coming somewhat exhausted, it was necessary to
replenish it ere he could carry out his plans. In
the winter of 1875-6 he was a student in Knox Col-
lege, of Galegburg, III., and during the succeed-
ing twelve years he devoted his attention to school
teaching in Van Buren County, Iowa, and in Illi-
nois and Kansas.
In 1877, in Winchester, Van Buren County,
Iowa, Mr. Walker was united in marriage with
Miss Flora D. Fry, daughter of A. A, Fry, of that
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241
place. He then embarked in farming and in connec-
tion with his father-in-law, owned the first draft
horse io the county, since which time he has made
a business of breeding horses. In 1889 he was
elected to the office of County Auditor, by the Re-
publican party, of which he has ever neen a stal-
wart advocate. He has been a resident of Keosau-
qua since 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of three
children — Ethel, F4orence and Vedah, and also lost
one in infancy. Their church relationship is with
the Methodist Episcopal, of which tiiey are faith-
ful members. As an educator, stock- raiser and
public officer, he has been successful and is re.
garded as a representative and worthy citizen of
the county.
^ OSEPH CAMPBELL is engaged in farming
and stock-raising on section 29, Locust
Grove Township. Jefferson Countj'^, where
he has made bis home for twenty years. He
first came to Iowa, in April, 1855, settling near
Batavia, and has since made his home in this State,
but a portion of the time has resided elsewhere than
in Jefferson County. The family was founded in
America during Colonial days, but we have little
knowledge concerning its early history, save that
John and Mary Campbell, the paternal grandpar-
ents of our subject, were natives of Maryland and
there resided many years. His maternal grandpar-
ents, Joseph and Susan (Hartman) Wadsworth,
were natives of Pennsylvania. The husband
served in the War of 1812, and died while return-
ing to his home after the battle of Lundy*s Lane.
Thomas Campbell, father of Joseph, was born in
Maryland, but in his youth removed to Pennsyl-
vania, where he became acquainted with and mar-
ried Sidney Wadsworth, who was born in the Key-
stone State. By occupation he was a farmer and
followed that business throughout his entire life.
He died in Pennsylvania, in 1880, at an advanced
age, having survived his wife about forty years.
Their family numbered ten children, of whom
Joseph was the oldest. Tiie other members who
came to Iowa are Joel, who located in Jefferson
County, in 1855, but is now living in Ottumwa,
and John who came to the State in 1857, and is
now a resident of Polk County, Mo.
In his youth, Joseph Campbell acquired a good
English education and on the completion of his
school life began teaching in Pennsylvania, suc-
cessfully following that profession from 1848 until
the winter of 1855-6. Believing that the AVest
furnished better opportunities for young men than
the older States of the East, he came to Jefferson
County and the following winter was employed as
a teacher in Batavia. In 1857, he made his first
purchase of land consisting of a one hundred and
sixty-acre tract in Wayne County. This farm he
afterward sold and became owner of one in Wa-
pello County, which he improved and operated for
some twelve years. It was in 1869, that he bought
one hundred acres of improved land in Locust
Grove Township and removed to his present home.
A man of good business ability, he has been quite
successful in his undertakings and is now numbered
among the substantial citizens of Jefferson County.
As an early settler he can relate many interesting
incidents of pioneer life in the West, when Iowa
was but sparsely settled, when Fairfield was a mere
village, when the farmer had to take his grain to
Keokuk and Burlington to market and drive his
stock to Chicago. But all this is now changed, the
log cabins have been replaced by commodious and
substantial farm residences, the wild land is trans-
formed into fertile farms, towns and villages have
sprung up and Fairfield has blossomed as a thriv-
ing little city, whose industries, manufactories, in-
stitutions of learning and adornments might grace
a place that numbers a far greater population.
Mr. Campbell has never taken a very active part
in political affairs, especially in the sense of office
seeking, but keeps himself well informed on the
issues of the day and supports the Republican party
by his ballot. He cast his first Presidential vote for
Gen. Taylor. He is more interested in providing
good schools for the children of the community and
has done effective service in that line while acting
on the school board. Both he and his wife are
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members of the Methodist Church and are active
workers for its interests.
In East Liberty, Fayette County, Pa., in 1851,
Mr. Campbell was united in marriage with Miss
Emma Randolph, who was born in New Jersey, of
which State her parents, Samuel and Nancy(Girard)
Randolpli, were also natives. Her father was a boot
and shoe dealer and did a good business in that
line. His death occurred in Pennsylvania in 1863,
but his wife survived until 1884. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Campbell were born ten children and the fam-
ily circle yen remains unbroken by the hand of
death. Sarah J., the eldest, is now Mrs. Hall, of
Smith County, Kan.; Walter S. is married and re-
sides near Batavia; Anna Laura is now Mrs. Parrett,
of Locust Grove Township; Mrs. Florence Long is
living in Eldon, Iowa; Mrs. Ella Fancher makes
her home in Wapello County; Charles Randolph is
living in Ottumwa; Alice C, Frank T., Mary and
Clara are at home.
c^T l¥)ILLIAM GREGORY, who resides on sec -
V / Jf tion 10, Black Hawk Township, ranks
V^ among the representative and prominent
farmers and stock-dealers of Jefferson County. His
has been a prosperous career and in the discharge
of his duties, the performance of his labors, and in
his intercourse with his fellow- men, his life has
ever been such that the people have accorded him
their high regard and warm friendship.
On the 2d of March, 1832, in North Carolina,.
Mr. Gregory first opened his eyes to the light of
day. His father, Jesse Gregory, was a native of
Virginia and when a young man removed to North
Carolina, where he followed his trade of carpenter-
ing. He married Miss Barbara Fogleman, who was
bom in North Carolina, and in 1838 they removed
to Morgan County, Ind., where the remainder of
their lives were spent. Their family numbered
seven sons, who assisted the father in developing
and improving his farm during the summer months
and aided him in carpenter work during the winter
seasQn. Mr. Gregory was a hard-working man. He
had little opportunity for securing an education in
his boyhood, but in a great measure he overcame
such disadvantages and at his death was io com-
fortable circumstances. In politics, he was first a
Whig and later a Republican. Naught could be
said against his character but all esteemed him as
an honorable, upright citizen. His death occurred
October 3, 1846, and his wife died ou the 4tU of
September of the same year, only about a month
previous, and they were laid to rest side by side in
the cemetery of Mooresville, Morgan County, Ind.
The seven sons of Jesse and Barbara Gregory
are John, who was born August 13, 1830, and is
now a fanner of Jasper County, Iowa; William, of
this sketch; Daniel, born September 28, 1836, now
deceased; Joel, born December 3. 1838, a resident
farmer of Keokuk County, Iowa; Peter, born March
20, 1841, a farmer of Jefferson County, Neb.; Eli,
born March 10, 1843, died during the laie war,
and James, born April 4, 1846, is engaged in farm-
ing in Jefferson County, Neb. Three of the sons
were faithful soldiers during the late war. Eli,
who was a member of an Indiana Regiment was
taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness and
died while in confinement in Salisbury, N. C.
Joel, who was a member of the Seventh Iowa In-
fantry, participated in the capture of Ft. Donelson,
his first engagement, and then continued in the
service until the close of the war, but Ris health
was permanently impaired ; Peter enlisted among the
boys in blue of the Twenty-fifth Indiana Regiment
and served in the Atlanta campaign and marched
with Sherman to the sea.
The first six years of his life our subject spent in
his native State,butin 1838 he accompanied his par-
ents to Indiana, where for a few years he attended
the common school but at the acre of ten years he
was bound out to George Greeson, who removed
to Keokuk County, Iowa, when our subject was
thirteen years old. Mr. Gregory remained with that
employer until he had attained his majority and
during that time became inured to hard labor as
his guardian was opening up a new farm. At the
age of twenty -one years he was to receive a horse,
saddle and bridle, but instead, took $75 in money
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and with that capital started out in life for himself.
He knew how to work, however, and with strong
arms and a ready will he began the battle which all
must fight in order to gain a place of honor and
prominence in the world.
For a time he worked as a farm hand at $10 and
111 per month, and from that meagre sum saved
$100 per year. On the 15th of February, 1857, he
formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary E.
Jenkins, a native of North Carolina, born in March,
1839. He then rented a farm which he operated
for eight years when he made purchase of an eighty-
acre tract, eighteen acres of which had been broken
though none was under cultivation. About the
same time he was called upon to mourn the loss of
his wife, who died December 30, 1864, leaving two
children — Mandy J., who was born March 19, 18G0,
and is now the wife of Joseph Patrick, and Sarah
E., who. was born January 8, 1862, and married
Joseph Kaufman. On the 8th of October, 1865,
Mr. Gregory was united in marritige with Mrs.
Massie Greeson, a daughter of Henry and Charity
Kinzer. Her father was a native of Virginia, her
mother of Indiana, and their marriage, was cele-
brated in the latter State. They removed to Iowa
in 1847, locating in Keokuk County, where Mrs.
Kinzer died the following year, but her husband is
still living in that community. Their family num-
bered eight children: Benjamin, John and Susan
are deceased; Hezekiah is living in Colorado; JMas-
sie, now Mrs. Gregory, is the next younger; Adam
resides in Hardin County, Iowa; Jacob is now de-
ceased ; William,who completes the family, is living
on the old homestead.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gregory have been born three
ilaughter: Addie May. who is now the wife 6f Mil-
ton Had ley, a farmer of Keokuk County, Iowa;
Vena Eldora, wife of Oscar Hobson, of Nebraska;
and Mary Emma, at home. Mr. Gregory has given
his children good educational advantages. Not
having like opportunities he resolved that they
should not feel its loss and in consequence they
were thus ably fitted for the practical duties of life.
As before stated, Mr. Gregory's first purchase
consisted of eighty acres of land, but since coming
to this county his career has been one of almost
UDbroken prosperity, nnd at one time he was the
owner of five hundred and ninety acres of valuable
land, but to each of bis daughters he has given
eighty acres, reducing his own farm to two hundred
and seventy acres. This entire amount is under a
high state of cultivation, good barns and other
outbuildings have been erected and the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory is one of the finest in the
township. He makes a specialty of stock-raising
and can utilize almost his entire grain crop in feed-
ing his cattle. M r. Gregory may truly be called a
self-made man. Sagacious and far-sighted, fair
and honest in all his dealings, his business interests
have prospered and his life has been a successful
one. In his political afiSliations he is a stalwart
Republican, having cast his ballot for the support
of that party since attaining his majority. He has
ever avoided ofldce-holding, but has the ability to
fill any local position could he be induced to ac-
cept oflSce. He is well informed on all subjects of
general interest and able to express his ideas forci-
bly and well. His generous nature prompts him
to deeds of charity and benevolence, and by the
p*^»or and needy he is regarded as a benefactor. He
and his wife arc members of the Methodist Church
and live in harmony with their professions. The
life record of Mr. Gregory can be summed up in
the one word — victory.
I OSEPII ALISON McKEMEY, an honored
pioneer of Iowa of June, 1839, was born in
j Washington, Wasbington County, Pa.,
Wl' March 27, 1815. His parents, James W.
and Martha (Alison) McKemey, were also natives
of the Keystone State. The fa'ther, who was born
in Franklin County, in 1785, died in 1816, at the
early age of twenty-nine years, and his wife was
born in the same county, March 19, 1793. Within
a few years after the death of her husbanc^, Mrs.
McKemey married Jacob Slagle, a most estimable
man, in whom Joseph A. (the only child of the first
marriage) found a kind and indulgent father. Mr.
Slagle was a saddler and harness-maker by trade
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and with him our subject served a regular appren-
ticeship, continuiD^ in the shop until twentj'-one
years of age. He then traveled and worked as a
journeyman in various cities in Ohio and Indiana
until the spring of 1839, when in company with
thre-^ old men, he set out on horseback from Wash-
ington, Pa., for the Territory of Iowa. They jour-
neyed through three States — Ohio, Indiana and Illi-
nois-and after a month spent upon the road reached
Burlington, Iowa, on the 24th of June. Among the
many incidents of interest that occurred during
the journey was one made memorable by subse-
quent events. Having reached Decatur, III., on a
certain Friday evening in April, they stopped at
the same hotel where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen
A. Douglas were guesta. The recent rains had
swrollen the Sangamon River to such an extent that
it was not fordable and they were obliged to lay
over from Friday night until the following Tues-
day. During this delay they were well entertained
by the conversation and sallies of wit between the
two young men who have since become prominent
characters of the Nation. On reaching Springfield
our travelers found Mr. Lincoln already there, he
having preceded them on foot. Twenty-two years
later that gentleman was making another journey
beset with peril greater than floods, when he as-
sumed the office of President. Mr. McKemey pro-
ceeded from Burlington to Bentonsport, where he
opened a little country store and harness shop,
continuing at that place until 1842, when he re-
moved to Jefferson County, where he purchased a
claim of four hundred and eighty acres which was
situated about two miles south of Fairfield. He en-
tered the land at the land sales and immediately
began the improvement of a farm.
On the 28th of February, 1844, Mr McKemey
was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia A.
Homphill, who wa» born in Bedford Coimty, Pa.,
and is a daughter of Adley Hemphill. She removed
with her parents to Wayne County, Ohio, in child-
hood and thence came with her family to Jef-
erson County, Iowa, in 1842. Seven children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. McKemey, namely: Martha
Jane, who is now the wife of Daniel De Vicmon
and resides in Denver, Col.; Margaret, who died at
the age of thirty years; the third child died in in-
fancy ; Elizabeth, is the wife of Capt. S. J. Ches-
ter, of Fairfield, whose sketch appears elsewhere
in this work; Jacob S., is a lawyer of Fairfield and
is also represented in this volume; Mary A., is the
wife of Roland J. Wilson, son of Senator Wilson
and a lawyer Of Fairfield; Flora, the youngest of
the family, is the wife of Dr. J. C. Sutton of Lib-
erty ville, Jeiferson County, Iowa.
Mr. McKemey removed to Fairfield in 1845 and
opened a harness shop, successfully carrying on
business in that line until elected County Treas-
urer in the fall of 1857, when he sold out and en-
tered upon the duties of the office, October 1, 1857.
He was twice re-elected and held the position for
six years. Declining to again enter the field as a
candidate, he bought out a man who was running a
harness shop in Fairfield and put matters in shape
to resume business without loss of time. So well
did he succeed that on turning over the treasurer's
office to his successor, he walked down to the har-
ness shop and resumed work before he returned to
his home. From that time until December, 1885,
Mr. McKemey did a lucrative business, when hav-
ing reached the age of three-score and ten and hav-
ing secured a competency', he retired from active
business.
In politics, Mr. McKemey was first a Whig with
strong anti-slavery views. In 1847, he met with
seven others at Fairfield and organized an anti-
slavery association for the purpose of opposing
slavery and aiding escaping fugitives to secure their
liberty. When the Republican party was formed
he joined that organization and was a delegate to
its first State convention in 1854. Until the Pres-
idential election in 1888,he was a zealous supporter
of the principles of that party, when, believing the
best interests of society would be served by the
success of the Prohibition party, he withdrew from
the Republican ranks and voted for Fisk and Brooks,
the prohibition Presidential nominees. He is now
classed as a most uncompromising Prohibitionist.
Mr. McKemey received his early religious Instruc-
tion under the auspices of the strict old fashioned
Presbyterian school and became a member of that
church in Fairfield, maintaining his connectk)n
with the same until 1860, when, failing to find
within it that warm sympathy for the victims of
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«k?erj thai he expected and desired, he withdrew
from it and with bis wife joined the Congregational
Church, of which they have since been consistent
members.
Mr. McKentey's mother died at St. Louis, Mo.,
May 15, 1858, while on her way to visit her chil-
dren in Iowa. While now in his seventy-sixth year
Mr. McKemey is well preserved; his mental facul-
ties are strong and active and his interest in cur-
rent affairs of the world is as earnest and lively as
ever. He is happily situated in the enjoyment of
a safe competency while he has been enabled to as-
sist his children to start in life for themselves, and
enjoys the satisfaction of knowing that they are all
well-to-do and that they arc useful and respected
members of society. He is a man whom to know
is to love and esteem. His sympathies are always
with the weak and oppressed, and his whole course
of life has tended to encourage and point the way
to a higher standard of usefulness and morality
than is found in the everyday walks of life.
ENRY SEMON, deceased, was one of the
^ ji; men who has taken an active part in the
upbuilding of Fairfield, Jefferson County,
where his family still resides. He was of
German birth, his parents being John and Dorathea
(Rapp) Semon. Both were natives of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, where on the 20th of April,
1820, our subject was also born. His father was
a Captain in the German army and served for four-
teen years under Napoleon. In pursuit of fortune
be followed farming and stock-dealing, and socially
he ranked high in the community, being a man of
sterling worth whose excellencies of character won
him the high regard of all with whom he came in
contact. Of the family of seven children, consist-
ing of four sons and three daughters, three came to
the United States. John is now living in Quincy,
111, and George and Henry in Fairfield.
Our subject was the third child of the family.
He received a good education in his mother tongue
which thus enabled him to sooner master the Eng-
lish language. In early life he learned* the
butcher's trade which he followed successfully
some thirty-eight years. It was in December, 1848,
that he sailed for New York and for seven years af-
ter his arrival in this country he traveled over dif-
ferent States for the purpose of seeing something
of the land which he had heard so much about,
working at his trade the while. On the 19th of
July, 1856, in Galesburg, III. he was united in
marriage with Miss Francesca Ackerraan, a native
of Bavaria, born July 31, 1833. She is descended
from one of the old wealthy families on the Rhine,
and being an only daughter was therefore given
the best opportunities for an education and literary
culture. Her father was the last of the family to
cross the ocean and his last days were spent with
his daughter in Fairfield, where he died at the age
of seventy-five years. Three of her brothers also
found homes in this country. Wolfgang served
his adopted country nobly in the late war and
died soon after he was discharged. ; Jacob is liv-
ing in Wisconsin and' Matthew resides in Fairfield.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Semon
started for Fairfield and since 1856, have been resi-
dents of this city. Soon after their ai rival he es-
tablished a meat market which he operated until
1875. His long experience in that business made
him familiar with the desires of the public and he
soon built up an excellent trade, reaping a good
income therefrom. Since disposing of his market
in 1875, he devoted the greater part of his time
to his real-estate interests. Not a little has he
aided in the advancement of the city's interests by
his improvement of resident property. He also
built the first opera house in Fairfield in 1875, and
has always a liberal supporter of such enter-
prises as were calculated to advance the interests
of the community. He never took an active part
in politics but always unhesitatingly voted his sen-
timents, suppporting the men of his choice. Re-
ligiously he was a member of the Lutheran Church
and socially of the Knights of Pythias and V. A.
S. fraternities. His wife is a member of the Catho-
lic Church.
By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Semon seven chil-
dren were born as follows: Henry W„ who died in
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his sixteenth year; Elizabeth, who became the wife
of B. T. Howell of Chicago, by whom she has one
daughter, Maud, the only grandchild; Marie D.,
wife of Dr. H. T. Nelson of Chicago; John J., who
died at the age of eighteen years; Sara, Anna and
Cora who are at home. Mr. Semon was a success-
ful business man and an estimable citizen who was
always prompt in the discharge of his duties of cit-
izenship, was ever ready to meet an obligation and
treat all with that upright and courteous conduct
which won in return the confidence and respect of
those with whom he had dealings. After a sick-
ness of nearly a year's duration he passed tLVf&y on
the29thof June, 1890.
=«^=^^i
-Q^^S^
EBEN F. SIMMONS, junior member of the
law firm of McKemey <fe Simmons, of Fair-
' field, was born in Locust Grove Township,
Jt flPerson County, March 10, 1855, and is a son of
W. L. 8. and Sarah (Weaver) Simmons. His par-
ents were from Clermont County, Ohio, but are
numbered among the early settlers of Jefferson
County. In 1842, his father visited this county,
and after securing some land and a home, returned
Ik> his native State, and was married. Accompan-
ied by his bride, he at once started for the West —
the then western wilds of Iowa, where he has since
resided. A sketch of this worthy gentleman ap-
peals on another page of this work.
Our subject was provided with liberal educa-
tional advantages in his youth, and on the comple-
tion of a course in the Iowa Wesleyan University
of Mt. Pleasant, came to Fairfield in September,
1883. The legal profession seemed an attractive
one to him, and desiring to pursue it as a means of
livelihood, he entered upon the study of law in the
office of Leggett & McKemey. After a thorough
course of reading he was admitted to practice in the
State courts, and in the Supreme Court of the State
in December, 1885. After spending a year as clerk
with his preceptors, he formed the existing partner-
ship with J. S. McKemey, who had severed his con-
nection with Mr. Leggett on the election of the latter
to the District Judgeship. The firm of McKemey
<fe Simmons has acquired a very fair practice,
which is steadily increasing. Mr. Simmons is a
Republican in politics.
-^^^^^^S^EEZ^Z:
E^^
jh^ ILES McSURELY, who resides on sec-
/// iV tion 9, Washington Township, Van Buren
,// 1) County, is one of the few pioneer settlers
- who has lived to witness the wonderful
development of this grand State which far sur-
passes the most sanguine day dreams of 'the pio-
neer, as with brave heart and sinewy arm he entered
the forests of the Des Moines Valley to hew out
the logs, puncheons and clapboards, for a home and
wrest from its primitive growth of forest, the soil
which was destined to become the foundation
upoii which was reared this vast commonwealth.
Mr. McSurely is a native of Ohio, born February
9, 1809, and the second in order of birth in a fam-
ily of seven children, whose parents were James
and Maria McSurely. His father, a native of Ire-
land, came to this country at the close of the Re-
volutionary War and for a time made his home in
Kentucky. He there married and then removed
with his bride to Ohio, where he tollowed his trade
of weaving until his death, which occurred in 1840.
His wife was a native of Kentucky and died in the
Buckeye State in 1833.
The subject of this sketch grow to manhood in
Ohio, and in his youth learned the trade of a ship
car|>enter. Having attained to man's estate, on the
24th of January, 1833, he wedded Miss Catherine
McCann, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rose)
McCann. The young couple started in life with
a capital consisting of health, energy and mntual
confidence, their aim being to secure a comfortable
home. After working for three or four years at
his trade on the Ohio River, they decided to try
their fortune in the wild West, by which terra Iowa
was then known, and in March, 1837, Mr. McSurely
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from
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247
the Government in Van Biiren County. The fol-
lowing si)ring the family moved into a little log
cabin wliich he had hastily erected and began life
in true pioneer style. The dimensions of the dwell-
ing were 14x16 feet and it was destitute of a floor
except the earth, and several weeks elapsed before
Mr. McSurel}' could spare the time to prepare the
puncheons for a floor. After eighteen months, he
sold out and began the improvement of another
quarter section. This he also disposed of and in
June, 1844, bought the farm upon which he has
made his home continuously since. Forty-six j^ears
have served to transform that barren tract into a
region of great fertility and productiveness. A
neat and commodious dwelling, tastefully furnished
and provided with all the comforts of life furnish
tbem a home and this is surrounded by barns and
outbuildings such as are indispensable to the model
farm of the Nineteenth Century. Fences have di-
vided the land into well kept fields, and the neat-
ness and order which there reign, give evidence
to the passer-by of the thrift and industry of the
owner, who has labored indefatigably for the inter-
ests of his family. He has however, not been alone
in his efforts, but has been ably assisted and sec-
onded by his estimable wife,who ever bore her part
in the hardships and trials of earlier days and who
unremittingly cared for the household affairs while
her husband was busy in the fields.
The long period of fifty-eight years has elapsed
since this worthy couple, as man and wife, started
out on life's journey together. As is the common
lot, they have met with reverses and discourage-
ments, but altogether theirs has been a happy and
prosperous life. Their union has been blessed with
a family of ten children, seven of whom are yet
living: Mary J., the eldest, is now the wife of E.
Nesmith, of Davis County, by whom she has six chil-
dren: Dora, Minnie, Cora, Eliza, Ella, and Bertha;
Margaret, the second of the family, is now deceased ;
William makes his home in California; Benjamin,
who was a member of Company G, Third Iowa
Infantry, died in Mexico, Mo., during the service;
Rufus is also deceased; Anderson, who is living in
Montana, enlisted in Company G, Third Iowa Cav-
alry, in 1863, and served until the close of the war;
Hannah cares for her parents in their old age and
has charge of the household'duties; James Is a resi-
dent of Keosauqua; Kate is the wife of J. W.
McManaman, of Decatur County, Iowa, and the
mother of six children — Rufus, Mary, Roscoe, I.W.,
Kate, and Robert. John, who is now in the West,
completes the family.
At one time Mr. McSurely owned four hundred
and sixty-three acres of land. Of this he retains
one hundred and sixty acres as a home for himself
and wife, and the balance he has given to his chil-
dren. As they have left the parental roof for homes
of their own, he has given to each enough money or
property with which they may make a good start
in life and in return received the care and love of
dutiful children. Their daughter, Hannah, still
remains with them, caring for them in their declin-
ing years with a filial devotion that is sure of a
blessed reward. But as you talk with the worthy
couple of bygone days, they will tell you that the
happiest moments of their lives were spent in the
log cabin of long ago with their children all about
them ; when neighbors were few, but as the}' met to
exchange the hospitalities of their humble homes it
was with the true hearty friendship characteristic
of this sturdy generation which is now slowly but
surely passing away. Mr. McSurely has always
been an active Republican in politics. He enjoys
the confidence and high esteem of his friends and
neighbors and is well deserving a place among the
representative citizens of Van Buren County.
*
GEORGE ACHESON, deceased, was born in
Washington County, Pa., on the 16th of
June, 1821, and died Sundaj' evening, April
24, 1881, in Fairfield, Jefferson County, being at
the time of his death in the sixtieth year of his age.
He was the sixth child in a family consisting of
five brothers and four sisters, and his parents were
David and Catherine Acheson. Having completed
his education at Washington College, Washington
Pa., he read law with his brother, A. W. Acheson,
of that city. In the spring of 1843, accompanied
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by C. W. Slagle, since deceased, he started west-
ward in search of a location. They crossed the
Mississippi River on the 6th of April, thirty eight
years ago, and soon afterward made choice of Fair-
field as a favorable opening, and began the prac-
tice of law, which they continued until the death
of Mr. Acheson, the firta being at that time the
oldest law firm in Iowa.
On the 23d of December, 1847, Mr. Acheson was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Hemphill,
daughter of Adley Hemphill, Esq., one of the early
settlers of Jefferson Count}. As the result of this
happy marriage, six children were born but two
died prior to the death of the father. The two sur-
viving sons are John and George. The eldest
daughter, Ellen, is the wife of C. A. Clarke, a
lieutenant of the United States Navy, and the
younger, Mary, is the wife of D. F. Garretson, of
Kansas City. With a kind husband and father, an
affectionate and careful wife and mother, no hap-
pier home was ever known. Mrs. Acheson 's death
occurred April 2, 1880.
In early life, Mr. Acheson was a Democrat, and
as such was elected the second county prosecutor
in 1846. When Fairfield was incorporated in 1847,
be was elected the first City Recorder, and after-
ward, in 1862, was elected Mayor, holding the
office two terms. He was for many years a Trus-
tee of the asylum for the insane at Mt. Pleasant,
and was also one of th^ holders of the deed for
Fairfield's first cemetery, whitjh was afterward as-
signed to the city. On the firing upon of Ft. Sum-
ter, his patriotism was aroused, and he became an
active advocate of the war for the Union. For a
time he was known as a war Democrat, but later
identified himself with the party of the administra-
tion. His earnestness and enthusiasm encouraged
enlistments, cheered many a fainting spirit, and ex-
ercised a vast influence for good. Ever with the
cause of humanity, right and justice, Mr. Acheson
was positive in his convictions, and earnest in his
advocacy of whatever he believed to be for the
bettering of the human family. Of George Ache-
son's life, his friends cherish many pleasant memo-
ries. During all his bus^ years, he never swerved
from the path of justice or of duty. Honest and
upright, his bright career as an attorney, and as a
business man, was never marred by an unworthy
deed. He was devoted to his profession, and al-
though many places of profit and trust were within
his reach in other directions, he never availed him-
self of circumstances to win political preferment
In all matters of public Interest, and for the ad-
vantage of Fairfield, Mr. Acheson was always at
the front. With others of her citizens he labored
hard for her first railroad, and perhaps his connec-
tion with the Southwestern was more beneficial to
Jefferson County than that of any other man. He
was one of the founders of the Jefferson County
Coal Company, and the First National Bank, and a
warm friend of the Parsons College enterprise. He
was active in support of the public library, and was
one of the owners of the handsome brick block on
the north side of the square.
Mr. Acheson was the first Mason ever initiated in
Jefferson County, and was one of the charter mem-
bers of Clinton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. <b A. M. of
Fairfield. He held many official positions in that
order, and obtained high standing in it. A meet-
ing of the bar of Fairfield was held at the office of
McCoid <& West, on Monday afternoon, April 25,
to take the customary action on the death of a fel-
low practitioner. James F. Wilson was made Chair-
man, I. D. Jones, Secretary, and a committee of
five, consisting of James F. Wilson, W. B. Culbert-
son, J. J. Cummings, M. A. McCoid, and C. D.
Leggett, was appointed to draft a set of resolutions
and reported as follows:
Besolved, That the members of the bar of Fair-
field have with profound regret learned of the death
of George Acheson, for many years a member of
our bar, an able and courteous practitioner.
Reaolvedy That while we remember Mr. Acheson
as a most worthy member of our profession, we also
bear testimony to his worth as a member of this
community, ever ready with deeds for the promo-
tion of its best interests, and always alive to pro-
pose means for the advancement of its prosperity.
Resolved^ That James F. Wilson be requested to
present these resolutions to the District and Cir-
cuit Courts for the county at the next terms thereof,
and request that they be entered upon the records,
respectively.
Resolved^ That a copy of these resolutions be
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oommunicated to the family of Mr. Acheson, with
the heartfelt condolence of the bar, and that, as a
further mark of respect, we will attend the funeral
of our deceased brother in a body.
Respectfully submitted,
James F. Wilson,
W. B. CULBERTSON,
M. A. McCoiD,
j. j. cummings,
Charles D. Leggett.
ResoUitions of greater length, and teeming with
deep fraternal regard were adopted by the mem-
bers of the Clinton Lodge, of which Mr. Acheson
had for so many years been the presiding officer,
and one of the most active members.
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t
JOSEPH YOUNG. The name of Young is
inseparably connected with the history of
Jefferson County, and Joseph and Mary
(Moore) Young are numbered among its
honored pioneers. It is with pleasure that we re-
cord their sketch in this volume, for they have been
identified with the best interests of the city and
county, have been witnesses of almost its entire
growth and throughout the community are held in
high regard.
Joseph Young was born in Pennsylvania, No-
vember 29, 1800, and when a mere boy, lost his
mother,whereupon the farailj' was broken up.aud he
went to live with an uncle. Foi many years he fol-
lowed boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers,
but 80 dissolute were those engaged in that business
that he decided to free himself from such associa-
tions. Having arrived at years of maturity in Brown
County, Ohio, in 1828, he was united in marriage
with Miss Moore, a native of Pennsylvania, born
November 3, 1807. In her girlhood she emi-
grated to Ohio with her parents, and remained in
the Buckeye State until her marriage with Mr.
Young. Shortly afterward, the 3'oung couple re-
moved to Johnson County, Ind., and made a good
farm in the heavy beech woods. In 1852, they be-
came residents of Jefferson Count}', Iowa, where
they lived nine years, when failing health caused
their return to their old home in Indiana. There
the wife and mother died August 17, 1866, but Mr.
Young survived until April 3, 1880, when he was
called to meet the loved one gone before. Both
were active and earnest workers in the Presbyterian
Church, and although their manner was free from
all ostentation and display, they accomplished much
good which certainly was not without result. Ex-
tremely conscientious, Mr. Young never allowed an
obligation to go unmet. Without political aspira-
tions, he was a life-long Democrat.
Their union was blessed with a family of nine
children, all of whom save Nancy J., the eldest,
have married and have families. She and Mrs. I.
D. Jones reside in Fairfield ; William M. is Mayor
of Blue Springs, Neb. ; John N. resides in Keokuk
County, Iowa; Mrs. C. A. Jones, and Mrs. Mary
A. Wall, reside in Fairfield; Mrs. Samuel Parkhill
is living in Keokuk County ; Jonathan is a farmer
of Indiana; and Joseph W. is a farmer of Kansas.
Livy Wall, the deceased husband of Mrs. Mary
A. Wall, was born in Brown County, Ohio, on the
31st of May, 1837. He traced his ancestry back
to one of three brothers who emigrated from Eng-
land to America during the early settlement of this
country. The one from whom he is descended, ac-
quired a tract of land, now in the heart of Balti-
more, which rightfully belongs to his descendants,
as it has never been transferred. From Maryland,
Mr. Wall's immediate family found their way to
Pennsylvania, thence to Ohio, and finally became
residents of Vermillion County, 111. In Johnson
County, Ind., February 21, 1865, Livy Wall and
Miss Mary A. Young were joined in wedlock, at the
home of the latter's parents. Mrs. Wall is a native
of that county, and was born May 2, 1839. Upon
their marriage, they removed to Vermilion County,
III., where Mr. Wall successfully carried on farm-
ing and stock-raising. After a happy union of a lit-
tle over two years, he was summoned to the better
land. He died November 11, 1867, leaving a wife
and one child, Ora L. M., who is a graduate of the
Female College of Jacksonville, III. In politics,
Mr. Wall was a supporter of the Democracy, and
in religious faith he was a Presbyterian.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Four years after the death of her husband, Mrs.
Wall came to Fairfield, Iowa, where she has made
her home continuously since. Both she and Miss
Ora are active membei-s in the Presbyterian Church,
and have a large circle of friends among the best
citizens of the community.
H. WOODS is now living a retired life on
his fine farm situated on section 31, Har-
risburg Township, Van Buren County.
(^ His home, a commodious brick dwelling?
is situated in the midst of seven hundred broad
acres that for years have yielded him a golden
tribute for his care and cultivation. Fences divide
the farm into fields of convenient size, good barns
and outbuildings shelter his stock, and the entire
surroundings are in keeping with the improvements
before mentioned. During the past few years,
however, Mr. Woods has laid aside the more ardu-
ous duties of farm life, being now in the eighty-
second year of his age and spends his time in rest
and quiet, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
However, he is still rugged and active and trans-
acts all his own business. His farm he has mostly
seeded down to hay and pasture, and the balance
he has rented.
Mr. Woods was born in Virginia, on the llth of
August, 1808. His father, John Woods, was also
a native.of the same State and served his country
in the War of 1812. When our subject was a
babe he removed from Virginia to Ohio, where he
worked at his trade of blacksmithing for many
years. He wedded Nancy Skillin, who was born
on the Emerald Isle, and when three years of age,
was brought by her parents to America. She died
when about sixty years of age, and Mr. Woi)ds
died in Richland County, Ohio, at the age of eighty
years. Of their family of seven children, six
reached maturity — William, who was a medical
practitioner, died in Cincinnati, Ohio, aged fifty
years; A. H., of this sketch, is the second in order
of birth; John, who followed farming, died in
Richland County, Ohio; Hugh, a millwright by
trade, died in Michigan; Archibald, who has trav-
eled extensively over this country', is now a resi-
dent of California; Margaret, the youngest, is de-
ceased.
Remaining under the parental roof until he had
attained his majority, A. H. Woods then left home
and started out in life for himself. Going to St.
Joseph County, Mich., he worked in a gristmill and,
during his stay in that community, married Miss
Elizabeth Meek, a native of Ohio, and a daughter
of William and Elizabeth (Johnson) Meek. Their
union was celebrated in 1834, after which Mr.
Woods purchased eighty acres of land, but still
continued working in the mill. Later he sold that
tract and bought four hundred acres of timber land
in St. Joseph County, which he sold after coming to
Iowa in the summer of 1837. The traveler of to-
day can scarcely imagine the condition of the
county at that time. The work of improvement
was scarcely begun, much of the land was in its
primitive condition, many of the now flourishing
towns and villages had not yet sprung into exist-
ence, civilization had made but little advancement,
in fact it was almost an unbroken wilderness. Mr.
Woods first pre-empted one hundred and sixty
acres of land and, bi purchase, added to it eighty
acres upon which he ouilt a log cabin. In pioneer
style the family began life in Iowa. Few comforts
found their way to their home in those earlier days,
and many of the inconveniences and hardships of
frontier life were borne by the inmates of that
home. Not only had all the land to be broken, but
the implements with which the work was to be
done, were crude in character as compared with the
improved machinery of to-day. The nearest mill
was some miles away, and they had to go long dis-
tances to market, sometimes over almost impassible
roads. But all this is now changed; waving fields
of grain now greet the eye in every direction, im-
provements have been made and the county is in-
habited by a well-contented and educated people,
who are justly proud of the home of their adoption
and the progress here made. Mr. Woods shared in
the general prosperity of the county and, extend-
ing his possessions, became owner of seven hun-
dred and sixty-five acre's of land all in one body.
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Eleven children were born to our subject and
his worthy wife, but four of the number have been
called home. Nancy A., the eldest, is now de-
ceased; William v., is a resident of California;
Robert M. is a farmer of Vernon Township, Van
Buren County ; Elizabeth is the wife of Lewis De
Hart, who resides near St. Louis, Mo., and is the
mother of six children — Clement, C. Loraine, Jen-
nie, Fannie, Clarence and Walter; Ellen is the wife
of E. W. Glasscock, of Bonaparte, Iowa, by whom
she Las seven children, as follows: Charles, William,
Alex, Fannie, Edna, Jessie and Anna; Sarah L.,
wife of H. B. Edmundson, is living in Washington
Township, Van Buren County; Mary V. is de-
ceased ; Henrietta wedded J. Lefler, by whom she
has two children, Myrtle and Lena; Jessie F. is the
wife of S. P. Davis, and their union has been
blessed with six children, Leonard W., Estella (de-
ceased) Cass M., Grover C, F. Earl and Zula.
Mr. Woods is well known throughout the entire
county and has taken a prominent part in many
public affairs. In politics, he is a Democrat and,
as a delegate, he has frequently attended the con-
ventions of that party. He held the offices of
Justice of the Peace, School Trustee, etc., and par-
ticipated in the organization of the count}* with
which he has since been identified. As a friend
and neighbor, he is held in high esteem and has
the full confidence of all who know him.
-^8»*<!^8»d€f««*?-^«5tf^
mOM AS S. MEALEY, M. D., whose home is
situated on section 11, Penn Township, Jef-
ferson County, has resided in Iowa since
the territorial days, the date of his coming being
1842. The name of Mealey is prominently con-
nected with the early history of the State. His fa-
ther was one of the large landowners of Washing-
ton County and for years a prominent citizen of
that region. It was in 1740 that Lawrence Mealey,
the founder of the family in America, left his home
in Scotland and crossed the Atlantic to the New
World. He made a settlement in the colony of
Pennsylvania, near Carlisle, and followed farming
as a means of livelihood. When the war broke out
in which the people bravely battled for inde-
pendence, he enlisted in the ranks and at the battle
of Long Island was taken prisoner. However, he
was afterward freed and at the close of the struggle
was honorably discharged. He died in West Vir-
ginia.
Samuel Mealey, son of Lawrence and the father
of our subject, was born on the 1st of May, 1782,
in Carlisle, Pa., and was one of seven children.
His early years were spent on a farm in West Vir-
ginia which his father had obtained with money re-
ceived for his services in the Revolution. He
received liberal educational advantages and was
graduated from William and Mary's College where
he was a schoolmate of Gen. Scott. He then studied
medicine in Philadelphia and embarked in the
practice of his chosen profession in Pennsylvania.
During the war of 1812, in which he served in the
One Hundred Twenty-second Pennsylvania Regi-
ment, he became one of the principal surgeons on
the northern frontier. Like his father he was a
faithful soldier and participated in the battle of
Lundy's Lane, Erie and Black Rock. The year
1840 witnessed his arrival in the Territory of Iowa.
He made a location in Dutch Creek Township,
Washington County, where he purchased five thou-
sand acres of land. He was worth some $40,000 —
a great amount at that day. In 1852, he sold his
land to bis son and removed to Brighton, where his
death occurred February 17, 1876.
In Pennsylvania, Mr. Mealey was united in mar-
riage with Miss Margaret Blaine, whose father was
Ephraim Blaine, a native of Scotland and an officer
in the British Army before he emigrated to Amer-
ica. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Long
Island at the same time that Lawrence M. Mealey,
the paternal grandfather of our subject was cap-
tured. Mrs. Mealey was a great-aunt of the illus-
trious James G. Blaine. Her death also occurred
in Brighton at the age of seventy-nine years. Of
the four sons born unto that worthy couple three
engaged in the practice of medicine — Washington,
William and Thomas. The first named, who was
the eldest of the family, died in Oregon ; James,
the second son, who followed farming, died in
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Jeflferson County, and William departed this life in
Des Moines. The parents were life-long members
of tlie Presbyterian Church. In the various com-
munities where he resided, Mr. Mealey was recog-
nized as a prominent and influential citizen. He
was a stanch supporter of Democratic principles
and while residing in Pennsylvania was honored
with an election to the State Legislature. He felt
the greatest opposition to all secret societies, de-
siring to be connected with nothing which was not
open and above board. He was not afraid to have
hii^ own acts questioned, for his life was one of the
strictest integrity and uprightness and his name
was above reproach.
We now take up the personal history of the
fourth son of Samuel and Margaret Mealey, as the
one in whom the people of Jeflferson County are
especially interested. The Doctor was born in
Perry County, Pa., on the Ist of January, 1818,
and spent his boyhood days in the school room,
where he acquired a good English education. He
made choice of his father's profession as a life work
and at the age of nineteen years entered the Jeflfer-
son Medical College, after which he pursued his
studies in the Pennsylvania Medical College and
the University of Pennsylvania, all of which are
located in Philadelphia. At the age of twenty-one,
he was graduated and a year later made a perma-
nent location in Iowa. He had visited the terri-
tory in 1840, but in 1842 opened an office in Wash-
ington County, where he practiced for two years.
He then removed to Brighton where he continued
to practice for some thirteen years, when he came
to Jeflferson County and located upon land in Penn
Township, adjoining his present farm. An exten-
sive practice soon greeted him and he was recog-
nized as one of the leading physicians of the
county. He also became owner of about eight hun-
dred acres of land which as the result of bis care
and cultivation yielded him an excellent income.
Returning to his native State, in October, 1842,
Dr. Mealey was united in marriage with Miss Clara
Griffith, but after a short married life she was
called home, dying of consumption. In Brighton,
in 1848, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Louisa
Carpenter, who died of cholera in July, 1854, and
in 1856, he was a third time married, the lady of
his choice being Miss Jane Parschall. Their union
was celebrated in Brighton and has been blessed
with a family of four sons and two daughters yet
living. They also lost one child — Charles, who was
born in June, 1857, and was killed on the railroad
in New Mexico, in November, 1884; Ira, born in
May, 1858, is engaged in mining in the Black Hills;
Samuel born in February, 1859, is the owner of a
ranch in Oregon; Lake is the wife of William G.
Smith, Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, his home
being in Golden; Blaine, born June 21, 1864, is a
painter of New Mexico; George, born May 10,
1866, is running a livery in Pleasant Plain; and
Gertrude, born April 3, 1876, is still at home.
Dr. Mealey has provided his children with good
educational advantages, all having attended the
academy at Pleasant Plains. He and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church at that place,
and are numbered among its active workers, the
Doctor being one of the l^eacons. In an early day
he was aji Abolitionist and his home was a station
on the Underground Railroad. During the late war
the Doctor attended the families of soldiers free of
charge all the time. He cast his first Presidential
vote for Fremont in 1856, and has since been a
stalwart Republican, although not a politician. On
election day he generally deposits the first ballot
and then leaves the polls, not wishing to be mixed
up in the crowd which generally surrounds such a
place. He is always found on the side of morality
and the cause of temperance finds in him a most
faithful friend. He supports all prohibition move-
ments and was one of the most active workers in
support of the prohibitory amendment. As a citi-
zen he is public spirited and ready to aid in the
advancement of any enterprise calculated to bene-
fit the community. He has taken part in the won-
derful development of the county and has aided in
its growth and progress. He lived in Washington
County when the Indians were so numerous that at
one time there were two hundred encamped in bis
yard for a week, and after his removal to Jeflfer-
son County an Indian lookout tree stood in his
field. He also had another encounter with the
Indians while on his way to Colorado in 1866.
The party were attacked one moonlight night at
Bovee Station, by a band of the red skins and in
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255
the eneounter ninp. Indians were killed but the
white men lost none. Dr. Mealey is now living a
retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil and
the respect and high regard of his neighbors and
frieuds.
^vS^
^^-5i^ii^V55<^
'C-V*
APT. WILLIAM McBETH, who for four
years gallantly defended the old flag during
^^ the late war, and is now a prominent citi-
zen of Keosauqua, Iowa, was born in Springfield,
Ohio, on the 8th of October, 1839, being a son of
John and Raohel (Kenton) McBeth. His father
was a native of Pennsylvania, but his mother was
born in the Buckeye State and a great grand niece
of Simon Kenton, the celebrated Indian warrior.
The family of which our subject is a member num.
bered six children, five of whom are living at this
writing in 1890, William being the eldest; John
A., who served with credit in an Ohio regiment
during the late war and is now living in Putnan
County, Ohio; James who was in the three months'
service, makes his home in Zanesfield, Ohio; Sam-
uel, who was the bugler in the First Missouri Sharp-
shooters, died in the Buckeye State; Henry D. is a
printer of Eldora, Kan.; Matilda is no^ Mrs. Fos-
ter, of Kerry , Ohio. John McPeth was married pre-
vious to his union with Rachel Kenton, and by his
first wife had two children — Robert and Louisa.
His death occurred in 1852, but the mother of our
subject long survived him, dying in 1884. They
were both members of the Covenanter Church and
were highly respected members of the community,
where they made their home. Mr. McBeth, strongly
opposing the institution of slavery, early became
an Abolitionist and his house was a station of the
famous Underground Railroad. The sufferings of
many a poor negro did he alleviate and then aid
him on his way to Canada and freedom.
During the early years of his boyhood, Mr. Mc
Beth, our subject, attended the common schools
of Clark County, Ohio, during the winter season,
but when he was a lad of fourteen years his father
died and, being the eldest of the family, the burden
of caring for his mother and the younger children
fell upon his tender shoulders. His education was
thus necessarily brought to an end, for the heavy
responsibility resting upon him would permit of no
time spent in the school room. The care of the
family was a hard task for one so young, but the
united efforts of mother and son kept the family
together, provided for their wants and educated
the smaller children. Thus nobly did he perform
the duties devolving upon him, and the same faith-
fulness and loyalty have characterized his subse-
quent career.
In 1858, with the hope of bettering his financial
condition, Mr. McBeth left his native State for the
West, and for eighteen months engaged in breaking
prairie in Clark and Coles Counties, III. At the
expiration of that time, in the autumn of 1 860, he
returned to Ohio where he spent the winter. A dark
cloud was then gathering over the country and the
low roar of its thunderings was already heard
making many to fear for the future of the Nation.
Mr. McBeth watched with interest the progress of
evcTits, determined that if the South carried out its
threats of secession he would strike a blow for the
preservation of the Union. Ft. Sumter was fired
upon and scarce had the echoes of its guns ceased
to reverberate ere he offered his services to the
the Government, enlisting at the call for troops,
for three months' service in the Twenty-third Ohio
Infantry. The regiment, however, was mustered
in for three years but, not liking the captain of
his company. Mi*. McBeth refused to muster. Soon
afterward he joined the boys in blue in Company
Fi, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, and was mustered
in at Kenton. The regiment was ordered to West
Virginia and at the battle of Bull Pasture Mr. Mc
Beth was wounded. He was then sent home, but as
soon as possible he returned to the service and was
made Second Lieutenant in a company of the Forty-
fifth Ohio Infantry. At the siege of Knoxville he was
captured and remained a prisoner in the South for
sixteen months, during which time he fully realized
what it meant to be a captive in the hands of the
rebels. He was incarcerated in Libby Prison for
five months, was confined at Macon,. Ga., for six
months, at Savannah, one month, and the remain-
der of the time at Charleston and Columbia, S. C.
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Twice during the time he succeeded in making his
escape but was both times recaptured, and at length
was exchanged at Wilmington, N. C. In the win-
ter of 1862-3, while at Lexington, Ky., Mr. Mc-
Beth was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant
and in the fall of 1863, while 3'et a rebel prisoner,
was promoted to the rank of Captain. On being
exchanged he at once took command of his com-
pany and remained in the service until the close of
the war, when in June, 1865, he was mustered out.
On the cessation of hostilities, Capt. McBeth
returned to his home in Ohio, and in February,
1866, was united in marriage with Miss H. I. In-
ghram, a native of the Buckeye State. Immedi-
ately afterward the young couple started for Van
Buren County, Iowa, where they have since resided.
Their home has been blessed by the presence of six
children, three of whom are yet living: Effie R.,
now the wife of the Rev. J. W. Potter, a Method-
ist minister, at present in charge of a church in
Burlington, Iowa; Paul H., who is a printer by
trade, and Robert R. at home. Mrs. McBeth is
a member of the Congregational Church. They
have now been residents of this community for al-
most a quarter of a century and by their lives of
uprightness, actuated by worthy motives, they have
won the high regard of those with whom they have
come in contact. The Captain is engaged in the
hardware business. Capt. McBeth is independent
in politics.
rsljENJAMIN JOHNSTON, an attorney at law
^< of Keosauqua, is a native born Hawkeye,
his birth having occurred in Van Buren
County, on the 9th of March, 1845. The
family is of Scotch origin and was founded in
America by Benjamin Johnston, Sr., the grand-
father of our subject, who with his family crossed
the Atlantic and settled in Petersburg, Ya. He died
soon afterward and thus left to his widow the care
and support of four children, two sons and two
daughters, namely : James, Jane, John and Mar-
garet [ Mrs. \^ Johnston with ^commendable en-
terprise, labored for her*family 'and kept them
all together. Not wishing to rear them[under the in-
fluence^of^slavery she removed[to Luzeme^County,
Pa., where the remainder of her life was spent.
She was a woman 'of [more than ordinary ability
and won the respect and love of all who knew her.
James Johnston, a member of her family and the
father of our subject, was born in Scotland, March
17, 1816, and in his youth accompanied his parents
to America. He acquired such education !as was
afforded by a night school of the neighborhood,
having toValk three miles to and from the school-
house, but he became a well-informed man, gain-
ing through observation and experience a practical
knowledge which could have been acquired in no
other way. He possessed much genius as a me-
chanic and could accomplish*almost any task in that
line. OnOctober|6, 1842, in Pennsylvania, he mar-
ried Miss Sarah Brown, daughter of Hugh Brown
and a sister of Judge Alex and John G. Brown,
cashier of the Mannings Bank. In 1842 they came
to Iowa locating in Keosauqua, where in company
with his father-in-law Mr. Johnston erected the
first steam mill in the county. His knowledge of
the business was so efficient that while in St. Louis
purchasing the machinery for their mill he was of-
fered the superintendency of a large machine shop
in that city, the wages being $1200 per annum, «
large amount at that day. He had asked permission
to do a piece of work for himself in their shop and
his ready understanding of the same and evident
knowledge of the business led to the ofiFer before
mentioned. He did not accept, however, but re-
turned to Keosauqua where he began operations
for himself. His death occurred soon afterwards
however, the final summons coming in October,
1845. In opposition to the other members of the
family, who were all Whigs, be supported the
Democratic party.
Benjamin Johnston was the only child of James
and Sarah Johnston. He acquired his education in
the common schools and under the direction of
Rev. Dr. Lane, but on the breaking out of the late
war he laid aside his text books and responded to
the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company
E, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, on the 14th of October,
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1861. The regiment was mustered in at Keokuk,
Iowa, where it remained until March 18, 1862,
when it was sent to Benton Barracks and equipped.
The first engagement in which the forces partici-
pated was the battle of Pittsburg Landing. This
was followed by the seige of Corinth and other en-
gagements and at the battle of luka they were in
the skirmish line but did not engage in the fight
proper. They afterwards returned to Corinth, tak-
ing part in the hard fought battle which occurred
at that place and later proceeded on the Grant
campaign until the supplies were cut off when they
returned to Memphis, Tenn. They participated in
the seige of Yicksburg and spent the remainder of
the summer in the city. The following December
he and many of his comrades veteranized and later
he was commissioned First Lieutenant in the Sixty-
seventh United States Colored Infantry. Through-
out his entire seryice Mr. Johnston proved a
faithful and stalwart soldier who was not afraid to
perform his duty, but quietly and promptly dis-
charged every task devolving upon him. On the
14th of August, 1865, at his own request he was
diseharged.
On his return from the South Mr. Johnston se-
cured a position as salesman in a drug house, after
which he went upon the road as a commercial trav-
eler. The summer of 1874, he spent in Kansas but
the grasshopper proved such a plague that the same
fall he returned and once more obtained a position
as salesman. In 1875, he again traveled on the
road, after which he embarked in the drug business
for himself, continuing operations in that line for
eighteen months. He began preparations for his
present business in 1877, reading law under the di-
rection of Judge Robert Sloan and the following
April was admitted to the bar, since which time he
has been in active practice.
Mr. Johnston was married in Keosauquain 1867,
the lady being Miss Annie R., daughter of A. J.
Purviance. Six children have been born unto
them — ^Maggie, who is a graduate of the high
school of Keosauqua and of the School of Phonog-
raphy, of Des Moines; James, a telegraph opera-
tor; Mary, Ella, Sarah and Donald, who are still
with their parents.
Socially, Mr. Johnston is a Mason, an Odd Fel-
low and a member of the Grand Army of the Re-
public. He takes great interest in civic societies
and has held important offices in the various lodges
to which he belongs. In 1886, he was elected
County Attorney of Van Buren County, serving
two years. In his political affiliations he is a stanch
Republican, frequently serving as delegate to county
and State conventions and has been a member of
the State Centra] Committee. He does all in his
power to advance the interests of the party and se-
cure its success, yet has never sought political pre-
ferment for himself. By those who know him Mr.
Johnston is held in high esteem, which he well merits
for he has lived a worthy, upright life, is a good
citizen, an able lawyer, and more than all, a trusted
friend in whom one can place implicit confidence.
JOHN C. ABRAHAM, an intelligent and re-
spected farmer of Locust Grove Township,
Jefferson County, residing on section 1, is
a valued citizen of the community for he
labors for its best interests and gives his support
to everything calculated to benefit or advance the
general welfare. He has lived in the county since
three years of age. He was born in Butler County,
Ohio, in 1839, and in a family of six children,
whose parents were Charles and Elizabeth (Howell)
Abraham, was second in order of birth. His pa-
ternal grandparents. Lot and Susan (Griffin) Abra-
ham, were natives of Pennsylvania, and at an
early day emigrated to Ohio, whence they came
to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1842. Locating in
Fairfield Township, Mr. Abraham made his home
on a farm, which he there developed until his
death, which occurred in 1852. His wife survived
him a number of years, dying in 1863. The ma-
ternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch
were John and Nancy Howell. Maryland was the
State of their nativity, but they became pioneer
settlers of Indiana.
Charles Abraham was born in Butler County,
Ohio. In the year 1836 he was united in marriage
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with Miss Elizabeth Howell, and after the birth of
Lot, who is now married and resides in Ottumwa,
John, the subject of this sketch, and James H.,
they came to Iowa, making a settlement in Fairfield
Township, Jefferson County, but after a year they
removed to a claim in Locust Grove Township,
which was still the home of Mr. Abraham at the
time of his death, in 1877. His wife was called to
her final rest in 1882. James H. is married and
resides in Black Hawk Township. He enlisted, in
1862, in Company H, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, for
three years,received a shell wound during his service
and was discharged at Davenport, in 1865. Griffin,
the next younger, is married and makes his home
in Fairfield ; W. T. resides on the old homestead ;
Charles is married and is now living in Polk
County, Iowa, whither he removed in March, 1890.
As will have been seen, our subject has spent
almost his entire life in this county. He was reared
among the wild scenes of pioneer days, with the
family shared in the hardships and struggles of
frontier life and was educated in the subscription
schools. At the age of twenty years he started out
in life for himself, but at the age of twenty-two
laid aside the plow for the equipments of war. Re-
sponding to the country's call for troops, he en-
listed at Abingdon, on the 19th of August, 1862,
in Company H, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, for three
years' service. He was mustered in at Keokuk,
joined the Army of the Tennessee and participated
in the following battles: Atlanta, Chattanooga,
Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Moun-
tain, Kenesaw and Dallas. He was with Sherman's
army on the March to the Sea, took part in the
Carolina campaign, including the battles of Beau-
fort, Columbia and Raleigh, and participated in
the Grand Review at Washington, D. C, at the
close of the war. He was mustered out at Wash-
ington, D. C, about the 1st of June, 1865, and
on the 16th of that month was honorably dis-
cliarged in Davenport.
When hostilities had ceased and the result for
which they had struggled had come to pass, Mr.
Abraham returned to Jefferson County. The fol-
lowing year, in the month of August, he united
his destiny with that of Miss Kizzie E. Workman,
one of the fair daughters of Jefferson County.
Her parents were John and Delilah Melissa (Kerr)
Workman, natives of Kentucky and Tennnesse re-
spectively. In 1840, when a young man, her
father came to this county and, settling in Bu-
chanan Township, entered land and improved a
farm. His wife died at that home on the 16th of
January, 1889, since which time Mr. Workman re-
moved to Fairfield, where he is now living.
Mr. and Mrs. Abraham began their domestic
life in Polk Township, but after two years removed
to Buchanan Township, where he lived for a year
or two. He then made a permanent location at his
present place of residence, where he has a highly
improved farm of one hundred and seventy acres.
Mr. Abraham is a progressive farmer, whose prac-
tical ideas and enterprising business methods rank
him among the leading agriculturists of the com-
munity. In his efforts to acquire a competence he
was amply assisted by his excellent wife, but in
1888 he was called upon to mourn her loss, she
dying on the 3d of May, after a lingering illness
of some ten months, leaving three children — Min-
nie, Edward M. and Welday.
Mr. Abraham is a member of the Methodist
Church, of Brook ville, belongs to George Strong
Post, G. A. R., of Fairfield, and in politics is an
advocate of Democratic principles.
-jfT^-;
\f)OHN N. MORrON. We take pleasure in
presenting to the readers of the Album this
sketch of the life work of Mr. Morton, a
prominent merchant and farmer of Keosau-
qua, Iowa. He was born in Windsor County, Vt.,
July 30, 1832, and is a son of John Morton. His
father was born in Wellington, N. C, in 1795, of
English parentage, and when a lad of eleven years
h#shipped as a cabin boy on a vessel loaded with
sugar for St. Petersburg. During the voyage the
ship was wrecked in the Baltic Sea and the greater
part of the crew was lost, but Mr. Morton, with a
few others, succeeded in gaining land. For a time
m
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259
he then remsined with a Dutch farmer, but the
spirit of adventure was strong within him, and
tiring of the dull routine of that life he again
boarded a vessel and followed the sea until twenty-
two years of age. About 1817, landing at Cape
Cod, he there found a party of emigrants en route
for Vermont, and joining the colony he located at
Weathersfield, where he became acquainted with
and married Miss Silence Ranney. The following
year he removed to Rochester, Vt., where the
death of Mrs. Morton occurred in 1820. He after-
ward wedded Miss Polly Morgan, a native of the
Green Mountain State, and by their union were
born five children, who lived to mature years,
namely: Silence R., who became the wife of Milton
Packard, and is now deceased; Emeline, wife of
G. L. Chaffee, of Rochester, Vt.; John N., of this
sketch; Mary E., wife of B. F. Hackett, of Appa-
noose County. Iowa; and Calista F., wife of Henry
Moss, of Butte City, Mont. The father of this
family died in 1870, and his wife in 1888.
Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in the State of his nativity, where he ac-
quired a good English education in the common
and select schools. Studious by nature, and pos-
sessing a retentive memory, he soon mastered the
common branches, and at the age of eighteen em-
barked in teaching, being employed at West
Rochester, where he received $10 per month and
'* boarded 'round," in the manner common at that
day. Having thereby acquired some funds, the
following winter he entered the Bethel Lympus
School, but before the term had expired his health
gave way, and for nearly a year he was confined to
bis bed. As soon as he had partially regained his
strength he entered the store of Briggs & Price as
a salesman, remaining with that firm eight months,
after which he was employed in that same capacit}',
in what was known as the '• Union Store," for three
years, at $75 per 3' ear. It was in 1856 that Mr.
Morton came West in search of health and fortune
on the broad prairies of the Mississippi Valley. He
first made a location in Galesburg, 111., and secured
a position in an establishment where thirteen clerks
were employed, but he being the newcomer was
forced to bear all the drudgery, and had -to give
up the position as his constitution was not able to
bear the strain thus placed upon it. He then re-
solved to seek his friend. Dr. Guernsey, who was
living in Van Buren County, Iowa. He made his
way by rail to Mt. Pleasant, then the terminus of
the Chicago, Burlington <fe Quincy Road, and by
stage proceeded to Keosauqua, arriving at his des-
tination in 1856. The first night in Van Buren
County he sp^nt under the roof of James Shepherd,
one of the early settlers, who kept a hotel or public
house.
The following day Mr. Morton sought out his
friend, and by the succeeding Saturday had made
a permanent location in Van Buren County, hav-
ing secured the position of teacher of the school in
what was known as the Joseph . Moore district.
After teaching through the winter season, in the
pring of 1857 he embarked in the mercantile busi«
ness, opening a small general store in Lebanon.
In January, 1858, he came to Keosauqua, where he
formed a partnership with Mr. Gaines, the con-
nection continuing until the fall of the same year,
when they sold out. The same autumn Mr. Mor-
ton purchased a stock of drugs, and formed a
partnership 'with Dr. Guernsey, they continuing
business together until the spring of 1866, when
Mr. Morton purchased his partner's interest, and
has since been alone. As time has passed he has
added different departments to his store, and now
has one of the largest general stores in the city.
Since 1858 he has been connected with the mercan-
tile interests of Keosauqua, and throughout the
county is widely and favorably known as a man of
sterling worth, upright and honorable in all his
dealings. His courteous treatment and desire to
please his customers has secured for him a liberal
patronage, and the establishment of which he is the
head, ranks among the leading business interests of
the community.
In the fall of 1865, in Bridgewater, Vt., Mr.
Morton was united in marriage with Miss Emma
V. White, daughter of Gilbert and Viola White,
who were residents of that place. They are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, and occupy a
high position in the social world. Mr. Morton
may truly be called a self-made man, as his success
is due entirely to his own efforts. His life may
well serve as an example to young men who, like
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himself, have to enter the world with no capital
save the talents with which nature has endowed
them. It may well encourage them to renewed
efforts when reverses overtake them, and like a
beacon star in the sky of the future point the way
to success. As to all, reverses came to him, but
by a determined will, industry and enterprise he
overcame such disadvantages and worked his way
upward to a position of affluence, and through all
his honor has remained unsullied, and no one in the
community stands higher in the estimation of his
fellow-citizens than does J. N. Morton, of Keo-
sauqua.
^m^^^n^i^iG^sii^
jjL^ON. JOHN WILLI AMSON,Superintendent
W)t) ^^ ^^^ County Poor Farm of Jefferson
/^^ County, was born in Penrith, Cumberland
(^ County, England, December 25, 1822. His
father, Richard Williamson^ was a stonemason by
trade and a weaver of fancy goods, but followed
the latter occupation during the greater of his life.
He married Margaret Patterson, a woman of ex.
cellent qualities of head and heart, and at her knee
3'oung John received the rudiments of education,
for he never attended school, except Sunday-
school. But throughout life he has been a student
and has acquired a valuable fund of knowledge
which many having the advantages of scholastic
training, might well envy. When fourteen years
of age he was deprived of the loving influence and
care of his mother who died at the age of forty
years, leaving five children, three sons and two
daughters. Only one of his brothers came to the
United States, Hiram, who crossed the waters in
1850, and is now a boss weaver in Massachusetts.
Late in life his father also came to America where
he s|>ent his last days, his death occurring in Fair-
Oi'M. Iowa, Novembei 13, 1860, twelve days be-
fore his sixt3'-seTenth birthday.
When a lad of eleven years John Williamson
learned the weaver's trade with his father and con-
tinued to follow that pursuit during his residence
in his native land. On the 8th of May, 1851, he
married Susan Marsden, a native of Yorkshire,
England, born December 16, 1818, and on the six-
ty-fifth anniversary of American independence they
sailed for this country. After a voyage of six
weeks on the briny deep, l^hey reached Boston Har-
bor in August, 1851. Going to Dover, N. H., both
Mr. and Mrs. Williamson began work in a factory,
for their money had all been expended on the trip
and something must be done immediately to pro-
vide for their support. During four years of la-
bor and saving, they had acquired enough to enable
them to make an investment in western lands and
with that purpose in view they came to Jefferson
County in May, 1855, where they purchased fifty
acres of prairie land, four miles west of Fairfield.
It had taken the proceeds of seven years of labor iu
England to bring the young couple to the United
States, whereas, as the result of four years labor in
Dover, they cleared nearly $1000 or enough to buy
a comfortable home. By industry and economy
they afterwards extended the boundaries of their
farm, until now one hundred and twenty acres pays
to them a golden tribute in return for the care and
cultivation bestowed upon it.
In Keosauqua on the 30th of October, 1 856, Mr.
Williamson became a naturalized citizen of Amer-
ica, since which time,he has been a stanch supporter
of Republican principles. He has always taken an
active interest in public affairs and at the time the
county board consisted of one supervisor for each
township, he was appointed to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Mr. Hampson, and was
elected the succeeding term. In 1881, he made
the race for the Legislature on the Republican
ticket. The question submitting the prohibition
amendment was then the all important issue. He
was asked bis views and in a letter to the prohibi-
tion club of Pleasant Plain, he announced his de-
termination to favor submission. The Republicans
published his letter and so did the Democrats, by
tacking it up in public places and in saloons where
their partisans would be certain to see it. The
county was thoroughly aroused and though the
Republican majority was only about one hundred,
Mr. Williamson carried the day by a vote of four
hundred and thirty-two above his opponent. In
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268
the Legislature he did some good work. He took a
stand against the industrial bill which proposed to
make the State Agricultural Society a State institu-
tion, and by his personal influence defeated it. In
1886 he was selected from some six candidates
as Sui)erintendent of the County Farm and should
have assumed the duties of the position March 1,
1887. Owing to the mismanagement and the extreme
dissatisfaction given by his predecessor, Mr. Wil-
liamson was substituted before that time. Under
his efficient management the cost of conducting the
farm has been greatly reduced, and almost without
an exception he has found favor in the eyes of all
the citizens of the county. During the war he
served a short time as commissary for the home
guanls, the stores consisting of five gallons of
brandy. (P. ». He was not a Prohibitionist at
that time.)
As a public speaker Mr. Williamson is in great
demand, whether at Old Settlers Associations, in
political campaigns or as a Fourth of July orator.
His si)eeches abound in native eloquence and in-
vincible logic. His maiden speech was made in
Burlington, Iowa, where he nominated M. A. Mc-
Coid for Congress. He takes an active part in po-
litical conventions and is said, by those who have
been pitted against him, to be a hard man to out-
general. Under the disadvantages of poverty and
lack of educational opportunities Mr. Williamson
had to fight his own battles, and is, in the truest
sense of the word, a self-made man.
MITH BALL, of Fairfield, a pioneer of Jef-
ferson County, was born in Madison County,
. Ky., on the 29th of July, 1810, and is a son
of John and Nancy (Adams) Ball. His fa-
ther was a native of Virginia, where he was reared to
manhood. Crossing the line into North Carolina, he
there became acquainted with, and married Miss
Adams, and subsequently removed with his wife to
Kentucky. He was a well-to-do farmer, and a
worthy and respected citizen. His death occurred
when our subject was twelve years of age, thus
leaving to his widow the care of a family of eleven
children, numbering four sons and ^ven daughters.
Mrs. Ball managed to keep her children together,
and provide for their wants until they could care
for themselves, and after they had homes of theii
own, she spent her time with the different members
of her family, living to an advanced age.
Our subject is the only survivor of the once large
family, and he has now attained to the advanced
age of eighty years. His early life was spent in his
native Slate, where he received a common-school
education. As soon as he was old enough, he took
upon himself the management of the home farm,
and continued its care until 1829, when he went to
Sangamon County, III. During his residence there
he frequently saw Abraham Lincoln, then a young
lawyer just entering upon his professional career.
Mr. Ball entered forty acres of land, and again re-
sumed the occupation of farming. About this time
considerable trouble with the Indians occurred, and
in 1831 he went on a campaign against the Black
Hawk tribe, going as far as Rock Island. The foL
lowing spring he was again engaged in Indian war-
fare, the campaign continuing eighty days, during
which time two battles occurred, one on the Wis-
consin River, and the other at Bad Ax, on the Mis-
sissippi.
On the Idth of June, 1837, Mr. Ball was united
in marriage with Rebecca Moffett, who was bom in
Fayette County, Ky., February 27, 1814, and a
daughter of George and Rebecca (Gilkisson) Mof-
fett. Virginia was their native State, and in the
Old Dominion their marriage was celebrated, but
later they removed to Kentucky, and about 1823
became residents of Sangamon County, 111., where
the mother died. Mr. Moffett subsequently re-
moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where his death oc-
curred in 1864. In their family were ten children,
of whom three daughters are now living.
More than half a century has elapsed since Mr.
Ball first set foot or Iowa soil. In the autumn of
1839, he crossed the Father of Waters, and located
in Mt. Pleasant, but in April of the following year
he came to Jefferson County, and settled in Round
Prairie Township, where he bought about one hun-
dred and forty acres of land. He and his worthy
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wife began life on the Western frontier in true pio-
neer style, their home being a little log cabin 14x14
feet. Soon afterward, however, he erected a frame
dwelling, 16x18 feet, with a stone chimney, a palace
it was thought in those days. In his farming ope-
rations Mr. Ball prospered. He is industrious, en-
terprising and progressive, and thoroughly under-
standing his business, he has met with a degree of
success of which he has just reason to be proud.
He kept adding to his land until at one time his
possessions aggregated five hundred acres, three
hundred and seventy of which he still owns, the en-
tire amount being well improved and cultivated.
Each year he added to his capital, until at length,
having acquired a comfortable competence, in 1883,
he retired from business life, and took up his resi-
dence in Fairfield, where he is now living in the
enjoyment of the fruits of former toil.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ball have been born eight chil-
dren: Ann, wife of William Case, a resident farmer
of this county; Melissa, wife of George Phillips,
who is also engaged in farming; Nancy J., who
died at the age of twenty-two years; Sarah, who
died in infancy; George W., a legal practitioner
of Iowa City; Cassandra, wife of Richard Fisher, a
farmer; Lewis C, who is also engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits; and Frank P., who follows the same
business.
Mr. Ball has served his township as Justice of
the Peace, and has also held the office of County
Commissioner. He was an Odd Fellow for a num-
ber of years, and helped organize the lodge at Glas-
gow, Iowa, but is now an non-affiliated member.
In his political views he was formerly a Democrat,
'but since 1876 has voted with the Prohibition
part}'. Both Mr. Ball and his wife are members of
the Christian Church, and are numbered among its
faithful supporters. This worthy couple have trav-
eled life's journey together as man and wife for the
long period of fifty -three years. They began in a
humble way with little which they could call their
own, reared a family of eight children, and were
forced to overcome many of tbe difficulties of fron-
tier life. Their lives have been darkened by sor-
row, yet have been brightened by joy, they have
met with reverses, yet their prosperity has been
greater, and hand in hand they have traveled earth's
journey, placing their dependence in the Father of
all, until at length they have reached a peaceful old
age, where they may rest from the toils of life, sur-
rounded by loving children and warai friends.
i^^^HOMAS L. HOFFMAN, one of Fairfield's
i/^^ esteemed citizens, is a representative of
^^^ one of the older families of this city. His
parents, Philip and Margaret (Lewis) Hoffman, lo-
cating in Jefferson County, in 1845, are numbered
among its honored pioneers. Tracing the ancestry
of the family back through several generations, we
find that the great-grandfather of our subject, ac-
companied by a brother, emigrated to America
prior to the Revolutionary War. He was a Pres-
byterian clergyman, and was the father of seven
sons, the youngest of whom, Peter Hoffman, is the
next in the line of direct descent. lie married
Barbara Anthony, who was a native of Maryland,
although her ancestors came from near the border
line of Switzerland and France. Peter Hoffman was
a potter by trade, and lived to the age of sixty-two
years, while his wife reached the age of sixty-four
years. They were the parents of nine children, of
whom the youngest and only one living, is the fa-
ther of our subject.
Philip Hoffman first opened his eyes to the light
of day in Lancaster, Pa., May 4, 1815. In his
youth he was not surrounded by many advantages,
his opportunities for securing an education were
limited, and at the early age of fifteen years, he be-
gan learning the carpenter's trade, serving an ap-
prenticeship of three years. At the expiration of
that time he commenced work as a journeyman in
Detroit, Mich. In 1832, he was employed in Chi-
cago, at that time a mere hamlet, where property
could be obtained at a nominal price. Almost any
where in Illinois he couhl get an acre of land for a
day's work. As a carpenter on a boat, he went
down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, but the
cholera was prevailing, and he returned. Proceed-
ing up the Ohio to Cincinnati, he went to Batavia,
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•^65
an inland town, hoping to escape the disease, but
hardly had he reached the place, when the fatal
plague broke out. On he went to Pittsburg, but
the disease had become so prevalent in that city,
that no one was allowed to stop, so he returned to
Huntingdon. In that city, on the 16th of March,
1836, he wedded Margaret Lewis, a native of Mon-
mouthshire, England, born November 20, 1817.
Her parents, John and Elizabeth Lewis, spent their
entire lives in the old country where her father en-
gaged in merchandi:ing. Miss Lewis came to the
United States when about fourteen years of age.
In 1845, accompanied by his wife, Mr. Hoffman
reached Fairlleld, where he worked at his trade of
carpentering forty years. Many residences still
stand as monuments of his industry, and a portion
of the Leggett house was erected by him. Like his
father, he advocated the principles of the Whig party
until the formation of the Republican party, when
he espoused that cause, being still one of its adhe-
ents. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.
For the past fifteen years she has been afflicted with
total blindness, but bears her affliction with Chris-
tian fortitude.
In the famil}' of Philip and Margaret Hoffman
were eight children, as follows: Dr. William, the
eldest, practicing physician of Sigourney, Iowa,
served nearly three years as surgeon in the Navy
during the late war, and toward the close was made
surgeon in charge of the squadron of the Tennes-
see; Thomas L. is the next younger; Isaac served
nearly four years in the late war as a member of
Company F, Third Iowa Cavalry; Isaiah, who was
in the border service, died in his twenty-second
year; Henrietta is the wife of J. A. Montgomery;
Emma is the wife of T. Y. Morrison; Alice died
when nineteen years of age; Margaret, the young-
est, died in childhood.
We now come to the immediate history of the
subject of this sketch, Thomas L. Hoffman, who
has been prominently identified with the history of
Fairfield, and her business interests. He was but
six years of age at the time of the removal of his
parents to this city, and hence his education was
acquired in her public schools. He was born in
Huntingdon, Pa., on the 24th of August, 1839, but
memory takes in only his residence in his adopted
State. His early education was supplemented by a
course in the P'airfield University, of which he is a
graduate, but prior to attending college and dur-
ing his vacations, he worked at the plasterer's trade,
and upon the completion of his collegiate course
he entered the law office of Slagle & Acheson, be-
ing admitted to practice in the district courts early
in 1861. He was not destined then to engage in
practice, events were shaping themselves otherwise,
and the time of the Civil War was drawing near.
Hardly had he been admitted to the bar, before hos-
tilities began, and twelve days after the firing upon
Ft. Sumter, he enlisted in Company E, Secorid
Iowa Infantry, his regiment being the first to leave
the State for the scene of conflict. He participa-
ted in the three noted battles, Ft. Donelson, Shiloli,
and Corinth, besides many minor engagements,
coming out unscathed, and after a faithful ser-
vice of three years, was discharged in Louisville,
Ky., May 28, 1864.
Immediately after being mustered out of service,
Mr. Hoffman returned to his home, and in 1865
sought a location in the West. He settled in Brown-
ville. Neb., where he was admitted to practice in
the United States District Court. Meeting Charles
D. McGuffy, son of the author of the school books
bearing that name, together the two visited Salt
Lake City, Arizona. Montana, Oregon, and British
Columbia. Except in Montana, wkere he engaged
in mining, Mr. Hoffman ran a pack train. In 1.868,
he returned to Fairfield, and for seven years car-
ried on contracting and building. He then en-
gaged in the insurance business, and held the office
of Justice of the Peace for some years. In 1882, he
was appointed by President Arthur, Postmaster of
.Fairfield, and continued to serve in that position
for more than four years. Change of administra-
tion caused him to be superseded by an adherent
of the party in power, and once more he turned his
attention to contracting, having charge of the con-
struction of some important works, including the
superintendency of the building of the wagon fac-
tory of Turner <fe Co., in which he also placed the
machinery.
In Fairfield, on the 10th of June, 1868, a mar-
riage ceremony united the destinies of Thomas L.
Hoffman and Miss Ellen King, who is a native of
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Clinton, 111., and a daughter of Dr. J. £. King.
Unto them has been born one child, Ella. Socially,
Mr. Hoffman is a Knight Templar Mason, and a
member of the Eastern Star, to which his wife also
belongs. Politically, he is a Republican. His cir-
cle of friends and acquaintances in Jefferson County
is large, and includes many who have been wit-
nesses of hfs career from boyhood, which fact indi-
cates that he has led a useful and respected life, and
Is now regarded as a worthy citizen.
•^^
E^^-
^ILLIAM DUNWOODY, retired, one of the
early settlers of Fairfield, claims Pennsyl-
vania as the State of his nativity. He was
bom in Somerset County, on the 1st of March,
J8U,and is a son of Robert and Susanna (Reahm)
Dunwoody. Little is known concerning the early
history of the family except that the father was of
Scotcb-lrish descent, and the mother a descendant
of Gcrnuin ancestry. Robert Dunwoody made
farming bis chief occupation through life, but was
a great admirer of and always kept on hand a
number of fine horses. His marriage was celebrated
in the Keystone State, but about 1817, he left the
East and removed with his family to Ohio, settling
near Coshocton, whence he afterward removed to
Columbus. In the Buckeye State he was engaged
in running freight wagons, hauling freight from
Cincinnati and other cities to Philadelphia. He
lived to the age of sixty years and his widow after-
ward became the wife of Austin Groodrich, with
whom she came to Iowa about 1846. They settled
in Van Buren County, where the death of Mrs.
Groodrich occurred when some seventy years of age.
By her first marriage she had six children but our
subject, who was the fourth in order of birth, is the
only one known to be living. She also had six
children by her second marriage.
William Dunwoody's early life was not sur-
rounded with many advantages. The educational
privileges afforded him were such as the common
schools provided, and he was permitted to attend
little after attaining the age of nine years. At that
time his mother and step-father removed to a farm
and he remained at home assisting in the cultiva-
tion of the land until twenty-two years of age,
when he went to Columbus to learn the tinner's
trade. Previously he had acquired a practical
knowledge of tinner's tools in his step-father's shop
and after two years spent in Columbus his em-
ployer informed him that he was master of the
business. His proficiency enabled him easily to
obtain positions and he worked at the business in
Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, Chillicothe, Mo., and
other cities.
One of the most important events in the life of
Mr. Dunwoody occurred in Delaware, Delaware
County, Ohio, where on the 21st of May, 1837, he
led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Murphy, who
was born in Zanesville, Ohio, April 10, 1815, and is
a daughter of Patrick and Amelia (Ruckel)Murphy.
Her parents were both natives of Limerick, IreUind,
where they married. Two children wore bom to
them in that country and about 1812 they emi-
grated with their family to America, locating iu
Pennsylvania. Their deaths occurred in the same
year in Columbus, Ohio, the husband being about
fifty years of age, and his wife forty-six. In their
family were eight children.
In May, 1849, Mr. and Mrs. Dunwoody became
residents of Fairfield, then a mere hamlet. In those
days they used grease lamps instead of electricity,
and many other adjuncts of pioceer life were found
in their home. Mr. Dunwoody established a bus
line and successfully engaged in that buisness for
some years, but at length misfortune overtook him
and he lost almost everything he had. In his po-
litical sentiments he was formerly a Whig and cast
his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay, but since
the rise of the Republican party he has identified
himself with that organization. For nearly forty
years he has been connected with the Odd Fellows
society, and he and his wife have been faithful
members of the Episcopal Church through almost
their entire lives.
To this worthy couple were born seven children,
but four of the number died in childhood. Will-
iam P., the eldest of the surviving ones, was edu-
cated in Griswold College, of Davenport, subse-
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267
qucntly held a position in the Treasnrj Department
at Washington, D. C, and later was graduated from
the law school of Washington. He was with the
great Jay Cook at the time of the failure of that
gentleman; was a member of the National Board
of Health, and is now connected with the Equitable
Life Insurance Company of New York City; Capt.
H. H. C, the next younger, was graduated from
the Millitary School of West Point in 1866, and is
employed in the United States Signal Service office
at Washington, and is a member of the regular
aroay. Rising steadily step by step, he was at
length promoted to the rank of Captain in June,
1889; Francis M., the youngest child, completed
his education in Washington, D. C, and for eight
years has been employed in the revenue service.
Mr. and Mrs. Dun woody cannot boast of great
wealth amassed, but of their children they have
reason to be proud. They have toiled and deprived
theoQselves of comforts in order to give their boys
the best possible opportunities, and in return their
sons show the greatest consideration for their loved
parents, leaving nothing undone that will add to
their comfort.
■^
{SAIAH MESSENGER, senior member of the
firm of Messenger <fe Raney, manufacturers of
_, tile, of Fairfield, ranks among the enterprising
business men of that flourishing little city, where
he has now made his home for eleven years. In
Madison County, N. Y., on the 25th of January,
1841, he was bom. His parents, Samuel and Eu-
nice (Miner) Messenger, were both natives of Con-
necticut, and the father was of Welsh descent.
Daring youth, both children emigrated with their
respective families to the Empire State, where they
grew to maturity, and were married. About 1836,
they removed to Chicago, and entered one hundred
and six^ acres of land, now comprised within the
corporation limits of that city, but on account of
sickness they removed to the Buckeye State, mak-
ing a settlement in Madison County. Mr. Mes-
senger operated a farm, ran a woolen mill, engaged
in tlie manufacture of potash, and carried on other
lines of ind.ustry, including a dry-goods store. He
was a wide-awake and competent business man,
sagacious, far-sighted and energetic, and as a re-
sult, met with success in almost every undertaking.
He had also taught school in earlier life, and be-
came an excellent scribe. He never aspired to oflS-
oial positions, but was an ardent Whig until the
dissolution of that party, when he became a stanch
supporter of Republican principles. His death oc-
curred at about the age of sixty year9,^a^ter which
Mrs. Messenger came to Iowa and spent her . last
days in Des Moines County. She also had attained
her sixtieth year at the time of her death. In their
family were seven children, five of whom, three
sons and two daughters are yet living.
The subject of this sketch, Isaiah Messenger, was
the fifth in order of birth. He received such edu-
cational advantages as the common schools of that
day afforded, and was reared U> farm life, assisting
his father until twenty-one years of age when he
launched out in business for himself. The year
1868 witnessed his arrival in Des Moines County,
Iowa, where he was exclusively engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits for six years. In 1869, in con-
nection with his farm work, he began making tile
by hand process, capacity two thousand per day.
With increased patronage, he enlarged his facilities
until he owned a good steam power factory with a
capacity of about ten thousand three-inch tile. Af-
ter ten years he determined to change his place of
location, and on selling out in 1879, came to Fair-
field, where he formed a partnership with William
Elliott in the manufacture of tile, to which he had
formerly devoted a part of his time. They built a
plant which they have improved until they can
turn out fifteen thousand three-inch tile per day.
In 1886 Mr. Elliott sold his interest to Mr. A. C.
Raney, and the firm became Messenger ^fe Raney.
They find a ready sale for their product over Iowa,
Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, and furnish em-
ployment to sixteen hands. Mr. Messenger is also
interested in the raisin business in Fresno County,
Cal.
While a resident of Des Moines County, Mr.
Messenger, on the 22d of February, 1866, formed
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a matrimonial alliance with Kate Bandy, a native
of Des Moines County, Iowa, and a daughter of
John and Mary (Vanice) Bandy, who were among
the early settlers of that county. They became
parents of four children, but two died in infancy,
and Maggie lived to be only eleven years old.
Otis is the only surviving one. They also have an
adopted daughter. Miss Mary Bandy, who finds a
pleasant home with her adopted parents. Both Mr.
Messenger and his wife are members of the Presby-
terian Church of Fairfield, of which he has been
Trustee for ten years. He has ever supported the
Republican pai'ty, having cast his first Pre&idental
vote for Abraham Lincoln, and feels a deep inter-
est in its success. His residence in Iowa covers a
period of twenty-seven years, the greater part of
which time has been spent in Des Moines and Jef-
ferson Counties, where by his upright life and fair
dealing he has won many friends who esteem him
highly for his sterling worth and strict integrity.
The firm of which he is a member, owns about five
acres of land, and has invented about $14,000 in the
plant. Mr. Messenger has the entire management
of the business. No enterprise has added more
materi«Uly to the prosperity of the county than the
above tile works, and much credit is due him who
established and has so successfully carried on the
business.
HARLES DAVID, a worthy pioneer of Jef-
ferson County, now living a retired life, has
been a farmer, hotel keeper and hardware
merchant. His residence in the county dates from
January, 1840, and during the half century which
has since elapsed he has ever proved a lo^^al and
worthy citizen. Mr. David is a native of Pennsyl-
vania, his birth having occurred in Center County,
that State, on the 8th of March, 1818. His father,
Carpenter David, was born in Vermont, of Scotch
descent. Having arrived at years of maturity, he
wedded Miss Mary Miller, who was born in Phila-
delphia, of Irish parentage. When Charles was an
infant, they removed to Wayne County, Ohio,
where his boyhood days were passed. He spent his
time in the usual manner of farmer lads, and in the
district schools of the neighborhood acquired a
good English educatrion. In 1837, we find Mr.
David a resident of Lawrence County, now Rich-
land Count}^ 111., where he continued to make his
home until January, 1840. As before stated, that
year witnessed his arrival in Iowa, and Fairfield
was so fortunate as to secure him for a citizen. He
was accompanied by John W. Culbertson, now de-
ceased, also an honored pioneer, who had lived
neighbor to Mr. David in Ohio. The latter worked
at the carpenter's trade for a year, and then pur-
chased a claim situated about a half mile from the
cit}"^ limits.
On the 7th of March, 1841, Mr. David led to the
marriage altar Miss Sarah A. Hurt, a daughter of
William Hurt, and a native of Adair County, Ky.,
where her people were early settlers, having emi-
grated from Virginia to that State. Afterward
they came to Lee County, Iowa, and in 1838, set-
tled in Glasgow, Jefferson County. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. David were born the following children, five
of whom are yet living: Edward A., the eldest, died
at the age of fourteen years; William died in the
twentieth year of his age; Cora D. is now the wife
of R. E. Gaines, a resident of Colorado; Elizabeth
is the wife of W. F. Burns, who is living in New
Mexico; Alice wedded Thomas H. Hurst, a resident
of Hastings, Neb. ; Lucy makes her home in Colo-
rado; and Charles B. is in Hastings, Neb.
In 1845, Mr. David abandoned his agricultural
pursuits which he had followed through the pre-
ceding four years, and turned his attention to hotel
keeping. He also engaged in the livery business,
and carried on the two lines of industry for seven
year^, wh^n in 1852, he again bought land. This
time he continued his farming operations for eleven
years, at the expiration of which time he returned
to Fairfield, and spent the succeeding four years in
shipping stock. In this, as in his other enterprises,
he was quite successful, meeting with the reward
which results from industry, and the exercise of
correct business principles. Again changing bis
vocation, he devoted his time and attention to the
hardware business through the succeeding six years,
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269
after which he again shipped stock and worked in
various other lines. His business prospered, and
he accumulated considerable property, but through
others he has since lost heavily. His reverses, how-
ever, were due in no degree to mismanagement or
carelessness on his part. In fact his career has been
characterized by energy, good management, and the
exercise of correct business principles.
In political sentiment, Mr. David is a Democrat,
and in 1867 was honored with the office of Mayor
of Fairfield. He was also candidate for County
Sheriff. Socially, he is a member of the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Masonic frater-
nity. He gives liberally to the support of churches,
is a warm friend to education, and his aid is never
solicited in vain for the advancement of any worthy
enterprise. He is a public-spirited man whotn all
esteem.
&
^AMES GILMER, deceased, was one of the
earliest pioneers of Jefferson County, Iowa,
having located in what is now Round Prai-
rie Township, in the spring of 1837, and
prior to the organization of the county. A native
of Kentucky, he was born in Woodford County,
November 1, 1784, and was the sou of James and
Jane (Hill) Gilmer. His parents were natives of
Virginia, and of Irish descent. In 1783, only
eight years subsequent to the first settlement of
Daniel Boone, at Boone ville, Mr. Gilmer's parents
emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, and settled
in what is now Woodford County, but at that time
the region was an unbroken wilderness inhabited
only by wild beasts and wilder Indians. They lived
in a block house, and were in constant danger from
the hostile red men. It was in the autumn of the
following year that James Gilmer was born. Dur-
ing his youth the family removed to Adair County,
and he was reared in that community, and when
the War of 1812 broke out, enlisted as a loyal
American soldier. About the 1st of January, 1814,
he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Allen, widow of
V^iiliam Allen, whose maiden name was Elizabeth
Tilford. She was born in Virginia, December 24,
1784, and by her former marriage was the mother
of two children, a daughter and son. The daugh-
ter, Sarah Ann, who was born September 25, 1810,
married Samuel S. Walker, came to Jwhat is now
Jefferson County, Iowa, in the fall of 1836, and is
now deceased. The son, William H. Allen, was
born March 4, 1812, and died in' Kentucky when
quite young.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilmer were parents of seven chil-
dren, as follows: Benjamin Franklin, born October
16, 1814, came West to Morgan County, 111., in
1833, but returned to Kentucky in the fall of 1835.
In the spring of 1836, he returned to Illinois, lo-
cating in McDonough County, where he was en-
gaged in selling goods. In 1837, he brought a
small stock of general merchandise to Jefferson
County, Iowa. During the following winter, he
disposed of the goods, and in the spring engaged in
farming, in company with his father and brother,
Robert T., and continued in that occupation until
the time of his death, which occurred October 24,
1843. Jane Hill Gilmer, was born December 4,
1815, and became the wife of S. S. Ross, a pioneer of
Jefferson County, who died in 1857. His widow is
now a resident of Fairfield. Robert Tilford, the
next younger, was born January 21, 1817, married
Annie C. Scott, and is now residing in Fairfield;
Mary Ann, born December 18, 1818, is the wife of
James L. Scott, a resident of Des Moines; Thomas,
who was born November 30, 1820, died at the age
of eight years; James Alexander and Ermine Esta,
both died in childhood.
Accompanied by his family, Mr. Gilmer started
for Iowa in the fall of 1836, traveling in the primi-
tive manner of that day with horses and oxen. Day
after day they pursued their journey, camping out
at night until they reached McDonough County,
III., where they spent the winter, and in April, 1 837,
crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa. They set-
tled in what is now Round Prairie Township, Jef-
ferson Count}', where some of their relatives had
located the autumn before. The entire settlement
consisted of not more than a dozen families, and in
true pioneer style they began life on the Western
prairies. Mr. Gilmer made a claim, purchased oth-
ers, and at the land sales in Burlington, in Novem-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ber, 1838, entered seven hundred and twenty acres
which he subsequently incrensed by purchase. He
was enterprising and industrious, labored diligently
to improve his land, and was known as a prosper-
ous and successful farmer.
In politics, Mr. Gilmer was a Whig in early life,
and greatly antagonistic to the institution of slav-
ery, so that when the Republican party was formed
to prevent its further extension, he immediately
joined its ranks. He was one of the early Asses-
sors of his township, and also served as Justice of
the Peace. A resolute, earnest man, he was indus-
trious and frugal in his habits, and strictly upright
and honorable in all things. His death occurred in
Round Prairie Township, in 1862. His wife, who
was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church
died in 1865.
> ^>m<^ <
^ OHN WILLIAMS, one of the honored pio-
neers of Jefferson County, is living on sec-
tion 8, Penn Township. He was born in
Champaign County, Ohio, October 24, 1812,
but was reared in Logan County. His father,
Henry Williams, wai a native of Grayson County,
Va., where his boyhood days were passed. He re-
moved to Ohio, in 1811, married Nancy Paxson,
and for many years was a resident of Logan County.
By occupation he was a farmer, and followed that
business throughout his entire life, becoming quite
wealthy. He lost his wife in 1848, but his own
death occurred not until 1870, at an advanced age.
They were the parents of a family of nine children:
John, of this sketch; Sitnah and Almeda, deceased;
William and Obadiah, who are residents of Hardin
County, Ohio; Lemuel, who makes his home in the
same county; Henry, a resident of Logan County;
Lydia, deceased wife of Alexander Ireland, and
Newton, of Oiiio.
The eldest child of the family is the one in whom
the citizens of JeflPcrson County are especially in-
terested. He spent his early life upon bis father's
farm, and obtained his education in the subscrip-
tion schools common at that day. On reaching
man's estate, he left the parental roof, and on the
8th of December, 1836, was joined in wedlock with
Miss Harriet Smith, a native of Kentucky. The
young couple began their domestic life upon a
rented farm, and in Ohio, Mr. Williams continued
farming operations until 1840, which year wit-
nessed his arrival in the Territory of Iowa. He
chose Jefferson County as the scene of his future la-
bors, and here entered a claim, but in 1842 be left
it for his present home, which at that time was an
unimproved quarter section. Not a furrow had
been turned, a fence built, or a building erected
thereon. It was still in its primitive condition, but
Mr. Williams at once put up a log cabin, and with
characteristic energy began the development of the
hitherto wild land. The result of his efforts is a
good farm which now pays a golden tribute for the
care and cultivation bestowed upon it. Mr. Will-
iams is now living a retired life, enjoying in his
old age the result of long years of usefulness and
labor.
Although the trials and hardships incident to pio-
neer life fell to the lot of our subject, and although
the task of developing a farm from wild land was
no easy one, Mr. Williams overcame these disad-
vantages. His first great trial came to him in 1845,
when he was called upon to mourn the loss of his
wife. They had but just begun to realize some
profit from their labors, and the future was indeed
bright, when the angel of death threw his dark
shadow over the household. Four children were
left to share with the father his bereavement: Jesse,
who was born in December, 1837, and is now en-
gaged in farming in Dakota County, Neb.; Milton,
was bora in September, 1889, and resides near
Jesse ; Newton, a resident farmer of Penn Town-
ship; and Jonathan, who is located in Dixon
County, Neb.' In 1847, Mr. Williams married Miss
Martha A. Mills, but after nineteen years of wed-
ded life, she too passed away leaving a family of
four daughters: Mary J., wife of Samuel Roberts,
of Nebraska; Elma, wife of James M. Jones, of
Dixon County, Neb. ; Nancy, wife of John Wycoff,
who is managing the farm for her father; and
Laura, wife of Perry Cole of Pleasant Plain.
His views being in harmony with Uie principles
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THE NEW rcpfc ,
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX
. TLuOen FoundatIqmm
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C. E. NOBLE.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
2T3
of the Whig party, Mr. Williams cast his first Toto
for Henry Clay. Strongly opposed to the institu-
tion of slavery, he later becaoie an Abolitionist,
was afterward a Free-Soiler, and when the Repub-
lican party was formed to prevent the further ex-
tension of slavery, he joined its ranks, and has since
continued to fight, a valiant soldier, under its ban-
ner. He has often represented his township in the
county conventions of his party, and has faithfully
served in the offices of Township Trustee and Juij-
tice of the Peace. His residence in Jefferson
County covers half a century, and therefore he has
been a witness of almost its entire growth. Any-
thing pertaining to its advancement he is deeply in-
terested in. It has been the scene of his business
successes, and the stage upon which he has played
the part of an honorable, upright man, winning the
confidence and respect of all. In his declining
years he can look back over the past and feel no
great regret for unimproved opportunities or time
unworthily spent, but has the consciousness of
knowing that his character has been unmarred by
anything* which would detract from a clean and
worthy record.
^•^K^r^ — :
w
«<
ON. CHRLSTIAN E. NOBLE, attorney and
^1 Justice of the Peace, has been a resident of
Fairfield since October 15, 1846. He was
born in Blair County, Pa. on a farm, which
was owned by his paternal grandfather prior to the
War of the Revolution, and which was also the
birthplace of his father. That farm is the present
site of the city of Altoona. The birth of Mr. No-
ble occurred on the 20th of January, 1825, his par-
ents being John and Elizabeth (Crane) Noble.
Our subject received a common-school educa-
tion, and learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which
he followed after his emigration to Fairfield in
1846. He was married in this city on the 6th of
December, 1849, to Miss Zilphia K. Rees, a daugh-
ter of Joel S. Rees. The lady was born near New-
ark, Ohio, and came to Iowa in the spring of 1847.
Eight children blessed their union, three died in
infancy and five grew to mature years, three sons
and two daughters, as follows: Leroy C, the eld-
est, who was married three times, his present wife
having been Miss Frances J. Moore, is a druggist
of Springfield, Mo. ; Laura May is the wife of John
Smeaton, and resides in Arkansas; Artemus Oliver
is living in Philadelphia; U. S. Grant is single, and
makes his home near Walla Walla, Wash.; andLil-
lie Grace is the wife of Albert Oswald, of What
Cheer, Iowa. The wife and mother died March 9,
1886. On the 6th of July, 1890, Mr. Noble was
united in marriage with Miss Lena Paine, a native
of Massachusetts.
Mr. Noble was a Whig in early life, and later be-
came a supporter of the Republican party. He was
elected to the oflSce of Justice of the Peace in the
fall of 1866, and being re-elected, served until
1 862. In 1 856, he was also elected a member of the
Lower House of the Iowa Legislature, and proved
an able representative of the people. For several
years he carried on the undertaking business in
Fairfield, and also engaged in the manufacture of
sash for a time, but desiring to give his attention
to professional work, he studied law, and was ad-
mitted to the bar in the district court of Oskaloosa,
on the 4th of March, 1881. entering upon the prac-
tice of his profession in Fairfield. In the fall of
1886, Mr. Noble was once more elected Justice of
the Peace, and again re-elected in the fall of 1888,
a fact which establishes beyond a doubt his trust-
worthiness and ability. He is an Odd Fellow of
forty -three years standing, and holds membership
in Jefferson Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., being the
second oldest surviving member of that organiza-
tion, with which he became connected in the spring
of 1847. In his religious views Mr. Noble inclines
toward the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
which numbers among its members several of his
brothers, his brother G. W. being an ordained min
ister of that denomination. Mr. Noble helped to
organize the Old Settlers' Association, drew the
first draft for a constituti(»n for that body, and was
elected a Vice-President of the society. He also
helped to form the first library association in Fhit-
field, and was iis first Secretar^^ He has been an
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active and useful member of the community in
which he has r(^ided,Iand is esteemed as a gentle-
man of sterling worth. In the office of a justice he
is known at his best — prompt, experienced, fair in
his rulings, and correct in his business methods.
^
4-
W
^OHN NOBLE, a pioneer of Jefferson County
of 1845, was born in Blair County, Pa., on
the 17th of February, 1796, on a farm, which
had come into the possession of the family
prior to the Revolutionary War. He was married
in his native State in about the year 1818, to Miss
Elizabeth Crane, a native of Pleasant Valley, Blair
County, Pa., born in 1797. Mr. Noble was a
farmer, and was engaged in that vocation in Penn-
sylvania until 1846, when he emigrated with his
family to the Territory of Iowa, and settled in
Fairfield, continuing bis residence in Jefferson
County, until his death. By his union with Miss
Crane, a large family of children was born, consist-
ing of nine sons and one daughter, and all the sons
are living except one who was accidentally killed,
the eldest being seventy years of age, the youngest
fifty. Samuel, the eldest, was twice married. He
lost his first wife in Pennsylvania, after which he
came to Iowa in 1846, married a Miss Shepler,and
now resides in Albia; Abraham C, aged sixty-nine
years, has been twice married, and is living in Fair-
field Township; Martha B. Madden was the name
of his second wife; John S., who is sixty -six years
of age, and resides in Arkansas, married for his
first wife Eliza J. Beck, and after her death Wedded
Mary Nordick; Christian E., who is sixty-five years
of age, is represented elsewhere in this volume;
William W. married Emma Hedrick, and was acci-
dently killed in a mine in 1860, at the age of thir-
ty-four years; Benjamin F., a twin brother of Will-
iam, married Miss Dunn, and lives in Montgomery
County, Iowa, at the age of sixty-four; George W.
aged sixty-two, resides in Arkansas; David A.
aged sixty, married Miss Arnold, and makes his
home in Albia, Iowa; Margaret J., aged fifty-seven,
widow of Jacob Ash, is living in Dallas, III.; Ed-
ward M., aged fifty, is married and lives in Albia.
The tallest of the nine brothers was six feet, and
the shortest five feet and ten inches; the heaviest
weighed two hundred and thirty pounds', and the
lightest one hundred and sixty. Originally, they
were all Whigs, and later all Republicans. Six
brothers and a sister came to Jefferson County, in
1846 with their parents; C. E. and John S. arrived
the following year, and Abraham C. came in 1863.
Mr. Noble was a Whig in early life, and like his
sons, advocated Republican principles on the or-
ganization of the party. He was an industrious aod
worthy man, and liis death, which occurred on the
17th of February, 1871, at the age of seventy-five
years, was deeply regretted by many friends. His
good wife survived him only a few months, dying
August 30, 1871. Both were members of the Luth-
eran Church.
. 1^ ^??y ^ .
"oS5-
^ILLIAM H. Mccracken is now engaged
in farming and stock-raising on section 11,
Black Hawk Township. Few men in Jef-
ferson County are more widely known and none
are held in greater esteem among their friends than
the subject of this sketch. He has won for him-
self an honored place and has made a record of which
he may well be proud.
Mr. McCracken was born and reared in Iowa, his
birth having occurred in a little log cabin near
Pleasant Plain, on the 26th of July, 1846. The
family is of Scottish origin. The great-great-grand-
father of our subject was born in mid- ocean while
his parents were en route for America. The grand-
father of William was a native of North Carolina
and emigrated from that State to Morgan County,
Ind., where he followed farming for many years,
but in 1843 he resumed his westward journey and
became a resident of the Territory of Iowa, locat-
ing in Washington County, west of Brighton, where
he spent the remainder of his days, his death oc-
curring in Januapy, 1880. His wife long preceded
him to her final rest, having passed away in 1858.
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Throughout the entire communitj in which he made
his home Mr. McCracken was known and respected.
He was a man of considerable influence in Wash-
ington County, and served for several terms on the
County Board of Supervisors and also in township
offices. In his youth he accepted the faith of the
Society of Friends and his life was in harmony
with his religious professions. He cast his ballot
with the Whig party during the earlier years of his
manhood, but later became a stalwart advocate of
Republican principles.
Hiram McCracken, a son of the foregoing gen-
tleman and the father of our subject was born in
Indiana, March 8, 1822. He was reared to farm
life and received but limited educational advan-
tages but in later years greatly overcame that detri-
ment by reading and observation. On January 25,
1844, he was united in marriage* with Miss Dinah
Hadiey of North Carolina, who was taken by her
parents to Indiana when a child of four years.
Previous to his marriage, Mr. McCracken had
visited Iowa and located land one mile east of
Pleasant Plain and shortly after his union was cele-
brated he brought his young bride to the new home
and erected a log cabin in which they began their
domestic life. Devoting his entire time and atten-
tion to the cultivation of his farm, his efforts were
attended by prosperity and a comfortable home
resulted. In April, 1865, he left his first purchase
and removed to Black Hawk Township, buying one
hundred acres on section 12, where he resided until
his tleath October 15, 1889. His wife still survives
him and is making her home in Pleasant Plain. Ten
children were born unto that worthy couple, eight
of whom are yet living. William of this sketch is
the eldest of the family; Enos H. is now a resident
of Sheridan County, Kan. ; John S. is living in
Dixon Couuty, Neb.; Sarah F. is the wife of Dr.
C. F. Wahrer,a practicing physician of Mt. Hamill,
Lee County, Iowa; Olive wedded J. T. Kirkpatrick,
of Nebraska; Hannah, who is a successful teacher
of the county, makes her home with her mother in
Pleasant Plain; Hiram is also at home, and Anna is
the wife of H. E. Kirkpatrick, of Dawson County,
Neb.
Hiram McCracken, the father of this family, was a
man of sterling worth, who by his fellow-citizens
and all who knew him was held in the highest re-
gard. As a pioneer settler of Jefferson County,
he deserves no little credit for the active part
which he took in the upbuilding and the promotion
of her interests. The cause of education found in
him a special friend and while President of the
School Board of Penn Township, he was instru-
mental in improving the condition of the schools
to a great extent. He served in the office of Trus-
tee of Black Hawk Township, and was Librarian of
the Friends Church Library, of Pleasant Plain, for
many 3'ears. He devoted himself wholly to any
work which he undertook and in consequence ac-
complished his purpose. He possessed good business
ability, was fair and honest in all his dealings and
true to every trust imposed in him. In his po-
litical affiliatiohs he was a stalwart Republican and
was several times a delegate to the county con-
vention of his party but never sought public pre-
ferment for himself. Conservative and reticent
in expressing his views, he was yet a man of strong
convictions and nothing could swerve him from
the path of duty. For forty years he was a mem-
ber of the Society of Friends, and with the con-
sistency of that sect he lived a pure, honorable and
noble life, and of him it may be said that the world
is better for his having lived.
William McCracken, whose name heads this
sketch, is an Iowa man, born and bred. He attended
the public schools of Jefferson County in his youth
and later graduated from Whittier College, of Sa-
lem, Henry County, completing the scientific course
in that institution. In the intervals of study or
during his vacations, he aided his father in the la-
bors of the farm but at the age of eighteen years
he began life for himself as a teacher in the public
schools of the county and engaged in educational
work from December, 1864, until March, 1880,
with marked success. It is said that there is a work
suited to each one and if they engage in that work
they cailnot but be successful, and it would seem
that Mr. McCracken had found the labor suited to
him when he engaged in teaching, yet he has been
equally successful as a farmer and stock-dealer. In
1872 and 1873 he served as Superintendent of the
schools of Jefferson County, proving an efficient
and capable officer and for four years he has also
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been President of the SchcK)l Board in his town-
ship. What he has done for the educational inter-
ests of this community cannot be told in a sentence
but the history of his work is written upon the
lives of those who were students under him.
On August 12, 1880, Mr. McCracken was joined
in wedlock with Miss Rebecca J. Jones, one of his
former pupils and a lady of culture and refinement.
She is a native of Keokuk County, a daughter of
Thomas and Mary Jones and a niece of I. H. Crum-
ley. The following day after his marriage, Mr.
McCracken took his young bride to their present
home on section 11, Black Hawk Township, where
they have now resided for ten years. Their union
has been blessed with a family of six sons: Martin
L., born October 2, 1881; Stacey, October 25, 1882;
Pliny, April 20, 1884; Dymond, August 13, 1885;
Charles S., May 9, 1887; Linnaeus, February 3,
1889.
Mr. McCracken now devotes his attention to
general farming and stock-raising and is doing an
extensive business in the latter line. He feeds
nearly all the grain he raises to his stock and keeps
on hand fine grades of horses, cattle and hogs. In-
dolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his na-
ture, and possessing untiring industry and zeal he
is sure to accomplish whatever he undertakes, un-
less hindered by some cause beyond his power to
avert. His fellow-citizens recognizing his worth
and ability have honored him with several local
offices including that of Justice of the Peace and
other township offices, in addition to those already
mentioned. He is an influential member in the
councils of the Republican party, is generally a del-
egate to the county conventions and has also been
in the State conventions of his party, yet although
he feels a deep interest in the success of Republi-
canism, he himself has never sought for political
preferment, having little desire to hold office, yet
when called upon to represent his fellow-citizens in
local positions he responds cheerfully and dis
charges his duties with promptness and fidelity.
Firm convictions backed by a talented mind and
strong will, fit him for leadership, and the promi-
nent position which he occupies in the community
is justly deserved. Every enterprise calculated to
advance the general welfare receives his hearty sup-
port and co-operation. Both Mr. McCracken and
his wife are members of the Society of Friends and
are faithful workers for its interests. He is the
presiding officer of the quarterly meeting and ha?
served in other minor positions in the church.
^H^»
HARLES M. Mcelroy, Postmaster of Fair-
er field, Jefferson County, and proprietor and
publisher of the Fairfield 2Vi6wn€,was bom in
Oswego,N. Y., February 1, 1 852, and on the paternal
side is of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, William
McElroy, was a native of Ohio, but his mother,
whose maiden name was Helen M. Parsons, was also
born in Oswego. In early childhood our subject
accompanied his parents to the city of New York
and thence to Kilbourn City, Wis. In 1858, the
family came to Iowa, settling in the eastern part of
Muscatine County. The father was a teacher and
the subject of our sketch was educated under his
tutelage. In 1861, another removal was made, the
family locating on a farm near Fairport, where the
husband and father died on the 1st of February,
1868, leaving a widow and four children.
Charles M. was the only son, and at the time of
his father's death was but sixteen years of age. He
at once went to Muscatine and entered the old
Courier newspaper office, where he learned the
printer's trade, continuing work in that line and at
that place until 1870, when he went to Des Moines,
to take a position in the Leader office. He made
up the first forms for the Daily Leader and was in
that office several years, after which he was engaged
on the Iowa State Register, At the expiration of
that time he joined J. E. Cleary in the publication
of the Indianola Tribune^ that connection continu-
ing for a little less than a year from the spring of
1877, when Mr. McElroy sold out and returned to
Des Moines. Once more he was employed in the
Register office and int he winter of 1877-78 reported
the Iowa Senate for the Leader, The following
year he was one of two local editors for that paper.
In March, 1879, Mr. McElroy came to Fairfield
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and became proprietor, editor and publisher of the
Faicficld THfewnc, which he has since conducted with
satisfaction to his patrons and some profit to him-
self. His management of the Tribune has been on
the lines of legitimate publishing business princi-
ples and his editorial course has been conservative
and fair, winning for him the respect and esteem of
the better class of his fellow citizens regardless of
party affiliations. The Tribune is a six column
quarto, Democratic in politics and is a bright news-
paper, devoted to the best interests of F'airfield and
Jefferson County. The office was established in
1847, but has since changed hands several times
and the paper has also changed name; still the Tri-
bune is the legitimate successor of the first paper
published in Jefferson County. On the 10th of Jan-
uary, 1887, Mr. McElroy was commissioned Post-
master of Fairfield, which position he still holds,
being in his fourth year in that service. He has de-
voted his time exclusively since his appointment to
the duties of the office and has left the editorial
and business management of the Tribune to F. B.
Taylor.
On the 2nd of September, 1885, in Plattsmouth,
Neb., Mr. McElroy was united in marriage with
Miss Alice R. Pollock, a daughter of Thomas Pol-
lock. She is a native of Pennsylvania and by their
union three children have been born — two sons and
a daughter, namely: Hugh Murray, who was born
June 2, 1886; Thomas Pollock, born October 8,
1887, and Helen Louise, born January 27, 1889.
^IJAMES GATLIN, a highly respected citizen
of Pleasant Plain, Jefferson County, claims
Tennessee as the State of his nativity, hav-
ing been born in Lincoln County, in 1817.
His father, Dempsey Gatlin, was a native of North
Carolina, and resided in South Carolina, Georgia,
and subsequently in Tennessee. He served in the
War of )812, under Gen. Jackson, and partici-
pated in the battles of Pensacola and New Orleans,
where a most signal victory was gained. On the
return of pface he took up his residence in Ala-
bama, where he remained for five years, when, in
1822, he became a resident of Sangamon County,
III. Nine years later he took up his residence in
Tazewell County, of the same State, but after thir-
teen years, in 1844, we find him located in Wash-
ington County, Iowa. Purchasing land from the
Government, he there engaged in farming until his
death, which occurred on the 26th of May, 1854.
He had learned the trade of saddle-making and coop-
ering, but engaged in agricultural pursuits during
the greater part of his life. His marriage took place
in Tennessee some time prior to the War of 1812,
the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Martin,
whose parents were natives of North Carolina.
Her death occurred in 1845, and the following
year Mr. Gatlin wedded Sarah Hiatt, who was
called to her final rest ere her husband passed
away. By the first union were born thirteen
children, eight of whom grew to maturity, namely:
Sina, now deceased; Hardy, who is living in Carth-
age, Mo.; Nathan B., who died in Illinois; James,
of this sketch; George W., deceased; Isaac, who
enlisted in an Illinois regiment and died during
the service near Nashville, Tenn. ; Dempsey and
Sarah deceased. The other members of the family
died in infancy. The father of the above men-
tioned children was a man of many excellencies of
character, whose consistent Christian life won him
the high regard of all with whom he came in con-
tact. In his earlier yeai-s he was a member of the
Baptist Church, but later united with the Christian
Church. He was an ardent admirer of his old Gen-
eral, Andrew Jackson, and supported the Demo-
cratic party until 1840, when he cast his ballot for
William Henry Harrison.
The first six years of his life our subject spent in
his native State, and then became a resident of Ill-
inois, where he was reared to manhood upon a
farm. That State was then but sparsely settled,
and in consequence the educational advantages
which it provided were very meagre. Mr. Gatlin
probably never attended school for more than
twelve months, but experience and observation
have proved useful teachers to him. Like a duti-
ful son, he assisted his father in the cultivation of
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the home farm until twenty-four years of age,
when he left the parental roof and began life for
himself, his first work being in a woolen mill,
where he remained two years. He was married is
in 1842, after which he bought land and turned
his attention to farming, continuing operations in
Illinois until 1850, when he sought a home in the
new State of Iowa. Purchasing his father*s farm
in Washington County, he made his home thereon
until 1879, when he laid aside the duties of farm
life and removed to Pleasant Plain, which has
since boen his home. For six years he conducted
a hotel in the village, bnt is now living a retired
life, having in former years by industry, good
management and perseverance acquired a compe-
tence, which now enables him to lay aside all busi-
ness cares.
Following the footsteps of his father, Mr. Gatlin
cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison,
and affilialed with the Whig party until the forma-
tion of the new Republican party, he supporting
its first candidate, John C. Fremont. Having
made his home for some years in Sangamon
County, 111., he became personally acquainted with
both Lincoln and Douglas, and has often heard
them speak on the political issues of that day. Only
once since 1 856 has he wavered in his allegiance
to the Republican party, he having voted for Peter
Cooper. He also entertains the strongest Prohibi-
tion sentiments and labored earnestly for the in-
terests of the amendment. He is a member of the
Grange, and religiously, is a member of the Chris-
tian Church, to which bis wife also belongs, he
being an Elder in the same. As a citizen, he is
true to every duty devolving upon him, and in
both the social and business world ranks high.
As before stated, Mr. Gatlin was married on the
11th of October, 1842, his union being with Miss
Virginia Smith, and unto them were born two chil-
dren— Eliza Jane, born September 6, 1843, is now
the wife of John Blickensderfer, who resides on a
ranch in Wyoming; Francis Marion, born Decem-
ber 27, 1844, wedded Miss Mary J. McCauley, of
Washington County, Iowa, and is living in Smith
County, Kan. The death of the mother occurred
in the year 1846, and the 21st of September, 184*7,
witnessed the marriage of Mr. Gatlin and Miss
Nancy Vawter, daughter of Elliott and Anna Vaw-
ter, the former a native of Virginia and the latter
of Kentucky, where their wedding took place. They
became residents of Todd County, Ky., where
they spent their last days. Mrs. Gatlin was born
in that State, August 10, 1824, and by her mar-
riage became the mother of nine children — Vir-
ginia A., who was born in Tazewell County, HI.,
September 25, 1848, became the wife of George
Allen and after his death wedded J. W. Jones,
general auctioneer and farmer of Lenox, Iowa;
Sarah S., born May 20, 1850, is the wife of George
Carroll, a wholesale hardware dealer and promi-
nent business man of Sioux City, who also travels
upon the road as a salesman; Kate L., born May
10, 1852, is the wife of Henry Fitzhugh, who
is a resident of Colorado; Pet E., born Octo-
ber 11, 1854, is the wife of D. R. Beatty, a
stock-raiser of Wyoming: Sina E., born November
19, 1856, is the wife of Aaron Pickard, of Pleas-
ant Plain; Jephthah D., born November 27, 1857,
married Miss Mattie Dunn and is carrying on a
livery stable in Brighton; Maggie M., born July
8, 1860, is the wife of Morion Gibbins, of Rich-
land County, Wis ; Mary C, born October 4,
1862, is the wife of A. J. Coleman, of Ft. Collins,
Colo., who is editor of a paper at that place; and
Emma J., born February 3, 1865, is the wife of
Frank B. George, of Colorado. The children were
all provided with liberal educational advantages,
and six daughters of the family have engaged in
teaching school.
J'^ OHN S. DOLE, a carpenter of Fairfield, Jef-
ferson County, was born on September 22.
1829, in Clermont County, Ohio, and is a
' son of Joseph and Margaret (Baum) Dole.
His paternal grandfather was a native of Now Jer-
sey, but for many years followed farming in Cler-
mont County. His family numbered sixteen chil-
dren, twelve of whom, six sons and six daughters
grew to mature years. Four of the sons became
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ministers in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Joseph Dole, whose birth occurred in Egg Harbor,
N. Y., accompanied his parents to Ohio in his youth.
Having attained to the years of manhood, he
wedded Louisa Woods and unto them were born
five children, four sons and a daughter, but Joseph,
the youngest, who is a farmer of Jefferson County,
is the only one now living. After the death of his
first wife, Mr. Dole married Miss Baum, who was
born in Pennsylvania. Her parents however were
natives of Germany and she was one of nine chil-
dren, four sons and five daughters.
The year 1848, witnessed the emigration of
Joseph Dole and his family from Ohio to the Hawk-
eye State. One of his sons had died in the Mexi-
can War and on account of his service the father
was granted a land warrant which he located in Fair-
field Township. Later, he purchased a farm in
Liberty Township, on which both he and his wife
spent their last days. During the War of 1812 Mr.
Dole served as a drummer boy and accompanied
Harrison in the battle of Tippecanoe. He was also
a stanch friend of the Union and during the late
war attended all the rallies and mass meetings,
stirring the boys with the roll of his drum. His
political sentiments were in support of the Whig
party in early life and when the Republican party
sprang into existence, he joined its ranks. He lived
an exemplary life, honored and respected by all
men and for some years served as a local preacher
in the Methodist Church, of which his wife was
also a member. The death of Mrs. Dole occurred
in 1863 and two years later he was also called to
the final home.
John S. Dole, whose name heads this sketch is
the second in order of birth in a family of ten chil-
dren, consisting of six sons and four daughters,and
the only one living in Jefferson County. He wns
reared to farm life and received a very meagre
edacation prior to his fifteenth year. The family
was in limited circumstances and as soon as he had
attained a sufficient age he had to provide for his
own maintenance. From the time when he was a
lad of fourteen years he worked as a hand in the
harvest field and at the age of twenty he left home
to seek his fortune in the West. In company with
three young companions — Bryant Young, Samuel
Dickson and Lemuel Clark, on the 8th of April,
1850, he began his travels and on the 22nd of May.
the party crossed the Missouri River near the pres-
ent site of the city of Omaha, ferrying themselves
across in wagon beds. At that point they joined
a company in which there were one hundred and
eighty wagons, with from three to seven yoke of
cattle, and each containing from three to five men.
while in the entire company there was but one
Indy, the wife of Martin Nichols of Jefferson
County. Five days later the company was divided,
and the division which Mr. Dole and his party
joined consisted of twenty-five wagons. They
ferried the Platte River at Ft. Laramie, then made
their way over the rugged Black Hills. At South
Pass in the Rocky Mountains it was found that
cholera had broken out in the crowd and one man
Addison Wheeler <Ued of the disease. The com-
pany there separated, each going his own way. Mr.
Dole's partner lay sick for three months and he
waited for him, doing double duty all the time at
Lee's encampment in the Blue Mountains until his
friend died. The cattle he here traded for ponies,
Mr. Dole receiving a third of the number with
which he crossed the Cascade Range, reaching Ore-
gon City, on September 22, 1860. Later he engaged
to chop one thousand cords, of wood for $700, and
when his task was completed he started for Cali-
fornia with $1,100 in his pocket,but a clever fellow
stole his money and he was forced to return to
wood chopping. Subsequently he made his way
to the Williamette Valley, where he spent almost
twenty-five years. He did a good business in trad-
ing stock and also owned an excellent farm of two
hundred acres.
Mr. Dole's life has certainly been an adventur-
ous and exciting one and he has met with many in-
teresting experiences and become familiar with the
various phases of western life. For eighteen months
he engaged in Indian warfare, during which time
he participated in some ten or twelve skirmishes.
That was in 1855 and 1856, and in 1858 he made
a trip to Caraboo, British Columbia and to Alaska.
The western coast of North America has been well
traversed by him, and in his journey ings he has
gained a knowledge of men and the world which
could never have been attained by reading or
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study. He ||made^ farming and stock-raising liis
principal occupation while on the Pacific coast, but
in 1874 disposed of his possessions in the West
and returned to Jefferson County, Iowa, where he
purchased two hundred acres of prairie land in
Fairfield Township. Upon his farm is a good dwell-
ing and a large barn framed of yellow pine, the
only one in the county, together with many other
substantial improvements. While in Oregon he
had learned the carpenter's trade and was the archi-
tect of his home aud outbuildings.
Mr. Dole is a supporter of the Republican party.
As a business man he has been quite successfufand
his prosperity is due entirely to his own efforts. lie
has also been a liberal cor.tri.buter to worthy en-
terprises, aiding in the support of anj' interest cal-
culated to advance the general welfare and by all
who know him is held in high regard.
-^^
E^
I EUBEN D. DU BOIS. Among the pioneer
families of Jefferson County is one well
known and highly esteemed — that of the
I Du Bois family. In a well-preserved gen-
eological record, this family traces Its origin l^ack
to the Huguenots who fled from France into Hol-
land on account of religious persecution. The
progenitor of the family, Geoffroi Du Bois, was a
knight banneret under William the Conqueror,
whom he accompanied to the conquest of England.
The first to cross the briny deep were two pious,
noble men, Jacques and Louis Du Bois, who were
born near La Basse, in the Province of Artois,
France. Thence they emigrated to Holland, and
the former married in Leyden and the latter in
Manheim. About the middle of the seventeenth
century they braved the dangers of an ocean voy-
age and settled in the New York Colony. Jacques
died about a year after their arrival, leaving three
sons, while Louis was a resident of this country
thirty- six years and left at death seven sons.
Reuben D. Du Bois, whose name heads this
sketchy is a lineal descendant of the above Jacques.
His father, John W. Du Bois, was born in New
York City, October 9, 1817, and at an early age
was forced to begin life for himself. When he was
a lad of eleven years the death of his father oc-
curred, and he was bound out to a preacher of the
Society of P>iends, with whom he remained until
fourteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to
a cabinet-maker in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., with
whom he worked until having attained his ma-
jority. The year 1838 witnessed his removal to
the West. A short time he spent in Chicago, and
was offered eighty acres now included in the heart
of the city for $400, but he told the would-be sel-
ler that he had not come West to raise frogs. Late
in the same year he went to McDonough County,
111., and being the only cabinet-maker in that sec-
tion was called u|>on to make the furniture and
burial caskets for the early settlers. In that county,
on the 2nd of February, 1840, he married Elizabeth
Dill, who was born in White County, Tenn., July
12, 1818. Her parents, Stephen and Catherine
(Harris) Dill, were natives of North Carolina and
Tennessee respectively. In early life her father
went to Tennessee, married Miss Harris, and re-
moved to McDonough County, 111., in 1830. The
Indians, then numerous in the neighborhood, fre-
quently committed depredations which proved to
be very annoying, and on reaching his destination,
Mr. Dill, leaving his family tenting in a wagon,
joined a company of men ready to start forth
against the savages. On his return he found his
wife and family living in an improvised shanty of
her own construction. In 1842 they came to this
county, but subsequently returned to McDonough
County, where they lived to be octogenarians.
They were the parents of six children, four sons
and two daughters.
In 1843 John W. Du Bois removed with his fam-
ily to Jefferson County, Iowa, reaching Fairfleld
on the 15th dB,y of January. Having purchased a
claim, one-half mile west of the city, he lived
thereon two years, and then obtained possession of
a claim adjoining Fairfield, now known as the
Du Bois farm, on which he lived until his death.
He entered two hundred and forty acres of land,
and it was his desire to secure another forty-acre
tract, a^ he believed a vein of coal was underlying
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281
the surface, but as he had '"broken" one eighty
acres he could not lawfully enter the other, but
his wife had the privilege and did secure it. On
that tract was opened the first coal mine in Jeffer-
son County, and such was the excellence of its
quality that blacksmiths from afar, even from
Burlington, sent to him for their supplies. Mr.
Du Bois was a successful business man and one of
the most extensive stock-dealers in the county.
His entire life was marked by the strictest honesty
and fairness in dealing. So highly was he re-
garded that when he made a contract for pur-
chasing stock his offer was at once accepted by the
farmers, who felt fully satisfied that it was as near
the market price as one could afford to give.
Politically, Mr. Du Bois was a life-long Demo-
crat. He served a*! the first Assessor of Jefferson
County, and at that ^ime could call every man in
the county by name. He was nominated by his
party for the position of Representative, but owing
to the fact that his party was in the minority he
failed at the election. In earlier life he was a
member of the Presbyterian Church, but after his
marriage united with the Christian Church, to
which his wife had belonged from girlhood. They
were both earnest workers and liberal contributors
to the cause, and made their religion a part of
their daily life.
On the 7th of July, 1881, the wife was called to
her final rest, and on the 12th of March, 1882, Mr.
Du Bois married Jennie Du Bois, a lineal descend-
ant of Louis Du Bois, who was mentioned at the
beginning of this sketch. His death occurred on
the 6th of July, 1888. By the former marriage
there were born nine children: Thomas K., who
died at the age of twenty-eight years ; Reuben D. ;
Theodore P., a farmer of Fairfield Township; Dr.
J. W., a practicing physician of Batavia, Iowa; Na-
thaniai S., a resident farmer of Fairfield Township;
Mary M.; 8arah C; Cornelius S., who resides in
Omaha, Neb.; and Charlotte, who died at the age
of two years.
The second child of the family, Reuben D.
Du Bois, the extensive stock-dealer, was born in
McDonough County, III., on Christmas Day of
1842, and was brought to this county during his
infancy. His education was acquired in the com-
mon schools of the neijifhborhood, and as soon as
he was old enough to ride a horse he commenced
to drive stock, and it has been his life work to deal
therein. On attaining his majority he commenced
buying stock as apfent for the firm of Onderdonk <fe
Redfield, of Galesburg, 111., with whom he remained
two years, the last year receiving $100 per month
and expenses. In 1 865 he began operations in the
same line in his own interests, and has continued
the business to the present time with marked suc-
cess. Other enterprises have also occupied his
attention. He has also engaged in farming and
in furnishing building materials under contract,
and for the last ten years has carried on a meat
market.
On the 2 1 St of December, 1865, Mr. Du Bois led
to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Welch, who was
born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, February 26,
1845, and is a daughter of John and Clarissa
(Chase) Welch, whose sketch appears on another
page of this work. One child has been born unto
them, a daughter, Charlotte A. Both Mr Du Bois
and his wife are members of the Methodist Church,
and socially he is an Odd Fellow. Unlike his
father and brothers, he is an advocate of Republi-
can principles, and was elected by that party as Al-
derman of the Second Ward for one term. Mr. Du
Bois is a self-made man, having by his own efforts
acquired his possessions, including one hundred
and seventy acres of farm land beside his stock and
town property. Though comparatively a young
man, he is an old settler and one who stands high
in the community.
J' OHN SNOOK, deceased, a pioneer of Jeffer-
son County, of 1841, is well remembered by
many of the later as well as the earlier set-
tlers of this community, for his residence in
the county covered a period of forty -seven years,
during which time he witnessed the advanced po-
sition to which it had attained, and bore an active
part in the work of progress and development. He
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WW a man of more than average ability and su-
perior intelligence for one of his day, and exerted
an influence for the upbuilding of the county's
best interests which was widely felt.
Mr. Snook was born on a farm now within the
corporate limits of the city of Allegheny, Pa., July
9, 1 818. His father, Casper Snook, was also a native
of the Keystone State, and was born of German
parentage. He served his country in the War of
1812. The family removed to Ohio when John
was a youth, and settling near Ashland, he was
there reared to manhood, and in 1839 was joined
in wedlock with Miss Mary Fowler, a native of the
Empire State. The following year, accompanied
by his young wife, he emigrated westward, and
casting his lot with the pioneer settlers of the Ter-
ritory of Iowa, settled in Lee County. The suc-
ceeding year, in 1841, he removed to Jefferson
County and located in Fairfield Township, one
mile west of the city, and gave his attention to
farming during the summer season, while during
the winter months he devoted his time to teaching
school. He was also employed on Government
surveys in the northern part of the State for two
seasons, but agriculture was the vocation which
engrossed the greater part of his time. As before
stated, he was at once recognized as a leading
spirit in the cpmmunity, and was honored with
various local offices of trust. He served as a mem-
ber of the County Board of Supervisors, and, as in
every other position which he was called upon to fill,
discharged his duties with fidelity. He was an
advocate of Democratic principles.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Snook was born a family
consisting of four sons and four daughters: Helen,
the eldest, \s the widow of Joseph Young, and is a
resident of Fairfield; Calvin A. is a practicing physi-
cian of Fairfield; Hannah is the wife of J. C. Groff,
of Fairfield ; Justin married Amanda Welsh, and is
living in Cherry County, Neb.; Oscar is a farmer
and stock-raiser of Cedar Township, Jefferson ;
County; Rev. Ernest M. wedded Mary C. Carpen-
ter, and is now pastor of the Presbyterian Church i
in Menlo, Iowa; Jennie S. is the wife of George I
Yuong, of Wymore, Neb. ; Velma L. is a teacher of
Beatrice, Neb. The mother of this family, who is .
a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, ;
since her husband's death has made her home with
her son. Dr. Snook, of Fairfield.
Mr. Snook was a life-long member of the Presby-
terian Church, and for forty years served as one of
its Elders. He was also a delegate to General
Conference several different times, and he mani-
fcsted his interest in the cause by liberal contribu-
tions and an untiring zeal in the work connected
with it. As before stated, he was a man of superior
education for his day in the West, and was a liberal
contributor to the religious literature of his church.
In early life he had studied for the ministry, but
his constitution was never strong, and the condi-
tion of his health demanded outdoor exercise,
which he found in farm life. However, he always
took a warm interest in educational and religions
matters, and was ever ready to advance theii inter-
ests. In 1885 he sold his farm and removed to
Fairfield, where he spent the latter years of his life,
his death occurring in 1888, at the age of sixtv-nine
years. He enjoyed a wide circle of acquaintani^es
and was most highly respected and esteemed.
--^^^^^^i^^^ift}^^^^^
ON. BERNHART HENN, deceased, one of
Jefferson County's most honored pioneers,
was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 1817.
He sprang from one of the old substantial
yeoman families that was numbered among the
early settlers of that valley. He was a man of
splendid natural endowments, and in early life re-
ceived the best scholastic training. At the age of
seventeen years, he began the stirring battle of life
for himself. During the school year he would fol-
low the profession of teaching, and through vaca-
tion, in his leisure hours, pursued the study of law
and thoroughly equipped himself for the legal pro-
fession, and for some years engaged in active prac-
tice. In an early day \u the history of Iowa, he
located in Burlington, where he met Gen. A. C.
Dodge, with whom he became intimately associa-
ted. With that gentleman he went to Wisconsin,
and engaged in lead mining for a time, and on bis
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return to Burlington was made general land agent
for the Government, in which capacity he served
acceptably for a number of years.
On the 6th of August, 1841, near the city of Bur-
lington, Mr. Ilenn was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth S., daughter of John B. and Catherine
(Ealer) Price. The lady is a native of Baltimore,
Md. By the .ieath of her parents, she was left an
orphan when a mere child, and was reared by an
aunt with whom she came to Iowa. Unto them were
born six children: Mary J., wife of Dr. R. H. Huf-
ford, of Fairfield; Anna and Bernhart, both de-
ceased; Clara; Edward, a prominent lawyer of
Sioux City; and Kate, wife of Dr. C. R. Bissell, a
noted physician of New York.
In 1844, Mr. Henn was appointed Register of the
land office of Fairfield, by President Polk, a posi-
tion which he held four years. This necessitated
his removal to Jefferson County, and was the means
of securing to the county one of its most honored
and prominent citizens. From 1849 until 1853, he
represented his district in the United States Con-
gress, and for two years was prominently identified
with railroad affairs in the Ea&t. Returning to
Fairfield, he then embarked in the banking business
but the war came on, and with other financial in-
stilutlons of the country, the one in which he was
interested, went down, the stockholders suffering
considerable loss. As a citizen, Mr. Ilenn was ever
active in advancing the interests of the community
in which he lived; he laid out the Henn and Will-
iams addition to Fairfield, and in many other ways
was instrumental in the promotion of her worthy
enterprises and interests. Politically, he was a life-
long Democrat. In church work, Mr. Henn took
a very active part, he and his wife both being lead-
ing members in the Congregational Church. Ever
ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and
needy, his charitable and benevolent impulses won
him unnumbered friends. On the 30th of August,
1865, he closed his life work, beloved by all who
knew him both at home and abroad. His widow
still survives him, and retains almost perfectly her
mental and physical faculties, although she is now
somewhat advanced in years. She has been a lib-
eral donator to the Fairfield Library, which is with-
out a peer in any city of its size in the country.
Of the settlera of 1844 but few remain, yet those
who still survive, together with those who later
came to the county, will read with pleasure this brief
sketch of the life work of Hon. Bernhart Henn, a
man who always tried to promote the best interests
of home, of society and of the church.
>-»%a4 ♦>
i» »»<w»
^j^REDERICK B. HUFFMAN is the senior
jj=^ partner of the firm of Huffman <fe Herring,
/is dealers in groceries and queensware.of Fair-
field, Jefferson County. The firm was organized and
began business on the 2nd of June, 1889, but Mr.
Huffman has continyed operations in his present
line for the past ten years. He is a native of Iowa,
having been born in Lick Crock Township, Van
Buren County, on the Ist of April, 1842. A sketch
of his parents, Burke and Mary (Miller) Huffman,
appears on another page of this work. Frederick B.,
was reared to farm life and received such educa-
tional advantages as the common schools of that
day afforded. The first event of any importance
which marked his life was his enlistment, at the
age of nineteen 3'ears, in the country's service. On
July 22, 1861, he becamea member of Company H,
Fifth Iowa Infantry and for three years followed
the old flag. On the 24th of November, 1863, at
Missionary Ridge, he was seriously wounded by a
gun shot in the left shoulder, which disabled him
for duty for some time. With his regiment he par-
ticipated in many of the important engagements of
the war, including the siege and second battle of
Corinth, the battle of luka, the siege and capture
of Vicksburg, the battle of Champion Hills, the
capture of Jackson, Miss., the capture of New Mad-
rid and the battles of Island No. 10 and Missionary
Ridge. His term of service having at length ex-
pired, he was mustered out July 22, 1864, receiving
an honorable discharge as one who had done his
duty on every occasion.
Shortly after his return home, Mr. Huffman made
a trip to Oregon, and in that State and Idaho en-
gaged in mining, reaching Iowa in the month of
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October, 1866, after a two years' absence amid
western scenes. Embarking in the drug business
he did a good trade in that line in Birmingham
until 1875, when he sold out. The succeeding year
he traveled for a drug house, then engaged in
clerking for a year and during the following three
years devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits.
In 1880, he embarked in the grocery business and
with good success has continued operations in that
line (luring the past decade.
In Jefferson County, Iowa, on the 24th of Janu-
ary, 1867, Mr. Huffman was joined in wedlock with
Miss Martha M. Skinner, a daughter of Charles
Darwin Skinner, and a native of Van Buren County,
where her family had settled in an early day. The
death of her father occurred in February, 1890,
but her mother is still living in Birmingham. Mr.
iluffman is a Republican in politics and for six
years held tho office of Postmaster of Birmingham.
So( ially, he is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 15,
A. F. <fe A. M. He does an annual business of
about $15,000 and is regarded by all who have had
dealings with him as a straightforward, upright
business man.
EN J AM IN P. BLACKMER, M. D., a
practicing physician and surgeon of Bona-
parte, Van Buren County, Iowa, was born
in Wyoming County, N. Y., on the 6tb of
April, 1839, and is a son of Gen. Charles J. Black-
mer. The family is of English descent and was
founded in America by the great-grandfather of
our subject, who at an eprly day left his home
across the water and emigrated to America. That
was prior to the War of the Revolution in which
he served. Gen. Blackmer was an attorney- a t-law
by profession and was a man of superior ability.
His large and well balanced brain which readily
grasped any situation, made him a power at the bar
and his commanding presence readily claimed the
attention of all. In disposition he was social, genial
and proved an entertaining companion. He had a
keen perception of honor, was a good judge of na-
ture and endeavored to make truth and purity the
standard by which his own life was governed. AH
who knew him respected him and sincere grief was
felt at his death, which occurred in Wyoming
County, N. Y. He married Miss Permela Peck,
who was also descen<led from Revolutionary stock,
her grandfather having served in the War for In-
dependence, during which he was captured and im-
prisoned in the old prison ship in New York Har-
bor. By the union of Gen. Blackmer and his wife,
five children were born, four sons and a daughter:
Irvin, Benjamin P., James, Urana and George M.
The daughter is the widow of the late Edgar L.
Eighney, of Attica, N. Y., and the youngest son is
also a physician engaged in practice in Pike, Wyo-
ming County, N. Y. He graduated from the Keo-
kuk Medical College and afterwards from Bellevue
Hospital at New York City. The mother of this
family who, like her husband, won for herself many
friends as the result of her graces of character and
many excellent qualities, died in Wyoming County,
N. Y.
Dr. Blackmer, whose name heads this notice,
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his
native State and received his education in the com-
mon schools and the Brock port Collegiate Insti-
tute. It was his desire to engage in the practice
of medicine as a life work and to this end he began
reading at home. Ten years later he emigrated to
Paw Paw, Mich., whece he engaged in teaching
school and also embarked in the prosecution of bis
chosen profession which he continued in that lo-
cality for five years. In 1878, he came to Bona-
parte, Iowa. The same year he attended a course of
lectures in the Keokuk Medical College and in tho
month of June was graduated from that institution,
since which time he has been in active practice in
Bonaparte.
In 1881, Dr. Blackmer was united in marriage
with Miss Colusa Sturdivant, daughter of R. J.
Sturdivant, and by their union have been born two
children — Capitola and Nola. This family holds a
high position in the social world and the Blackmer
household is noted for its hospitality. The Doctor
is essentially a self-made man and no person living
in Van Buren County to-day is entitled to greater
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credit for raising himself from a comparative hum-
ble position to one of eminence in his profession.
He is still a student,as is every first-class member of
the profession, and keeps well informed concerning
all of the latest discoveries in medical science.
'»S»3il>f2»>^
W. HIDY, one of the honored pioneers of
Jeflferson County, Iowa, residing on section
22, Locust Grove Township, came to the
county in 1856 from Fayette County, Ohio.
Mr. Hidy was born in Fayette County, Ohio, in
1832, and is a son of George and Susan (Wagner)
Hidy, who were parents of nine children, he being
the fifth in order of birth. From Virginia, their
native State, they removed to Ohio, in 1825, mak-
ing a location in Fayette County, where Mr. Hidy
carried on farming for many years. He reached
the advanced age of eighty, and passed from this
life in 1880, having survived his wife fifteen years.
The Hidy family was established in America by the
grandfather of our subject, a Hessian gentleman,
who was pressed into the British service to help
subdue the Colonies during the Revolutionary War,
but on reaching this country he deserted and made
a home, establishing a family of which our subject
is a descendant. The Wagner family dates its resi-
dence in America from Colonial days. The original
American progenitor after reaching this country
had to work for three years to pay for his trans-
portation. He made his home in Virginia and his
descendants fought for American independence.
The early life of our subject was spent in a man-
ner not unlike that in which farmer lads usually
pass their time. During the summer months he
aided his father in farm labor and in the winter
season attended the district schools of the neigh-
borhood, where he acquired a good English edu-
cation. Reading and observation have largely
supplemented the knowledge acquired in the school-
room and he is now a well-informed man who keeps
well posted in regard to all general issues. At the
age of twenty-four years he determined to try his
fortune in the West and made a location in Jeffer-
son County, Iowa, then a part of the Territory of
Michigan. For some three or four years after bis
arrival, he devoted himself exclusively to carpenter
work, then divided his time between that occupa-
tion and farming, but is now engaged exclusively
in agricultural pursuits.
It was a fortunate move for Mr. Hidy,his coming
to Iowa, for he here became acquainted with and
wedded Miss Mary Moore, who has been to him a
true helpmate on life's journey. Their union was
celebrated in 1857. The lady is a native of Indiana,
and a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Sears) Moore.
Her father, a native of Kentucky, went to Indiana
in his youth and was there married. He came with
his family to Jefferson County, in 1 852, settling in
Locust Grove Township, but after some years resi-
dence in that locality he removed to Phillips
County, Kan., where he yet makes his home. • He
lost his wife some years ago while they were living
in Kankakee County, 111. The paternal grandfather
of Mrs. Hidy was a native of Kentucky and died
in Indiana. Her maternal grandfather, David
Sears, was born in North Carolina and wedded
Catherine Crum, a native of the same State. At an
early day they removed to Kentucky, locating
near Louisville, whence they went to Indiana.
Later their place of residence was in Coles County,
111., and in 1846, they arrived in Jefferson County,
Iowa, where Mr. Sears purchased a claim and de-
veloped a farm, continuing to make his home thereon
until his death, which occurred in 1870. His wife
died some years previous. He was well known
throughout the county as one of its honored pio-
neers and was a most highly respected citizen.
For thirty years G. W. Hidy has owned and
operated his present farm. His first purchase of
land consisted of eighty acres but only twelve
acres of that amount was broken. Clearing away
the brush he plowed the land, planted crops and in
the course of time had a good farm which yielded
him a ready return for the care and cultivation he
bestowed upon it. As the years passed along and
his financial resources increased, he made other
purchases until now his landed possessions aggre-
gate three huadred and forty-five acres, the greater
part of which is under a high state of cultivation,
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while the remaiftder is devoted to pasturage, Mr.
Hidy giving considerable attention to the raising
of stock. He keeps on hand only the best grades
that his business in this line may not be inferior to
the rest of his farming interests.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hidy has been blessed
with five children, two sons and three daughters,
namely : Mary, Susan, Blanche, Charlie and George.
The cause of education finds in Mr. Hidy a warm
friend and for three terms he was an etficient mem-
ber of the School Board. He has held other local
ofiSces including that of Township Assessor but has
never sought political preferment. However as
every true American citizen should do, be feels an
interest in political affairs and by his ballot sup-
ports the Republican party. More than a third of
a century has passed since he came to the county.
Iowa then was in its infancy. The State afforded
no railroad facilities, its leading cities were then
mere hamlets or had not yet been founded, and the
work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely
begun. Jefferson County, thanks to its early set-
tlers, has kept pace in the progress which has marked
the history of the State, being one of the leading
counties of Iowa. Although its towns and cities
are not commercial centei*s, Fairfield is a thriving
place with good general trade and furnished with
many of the facilities which places, nssuming to be
of more importance, lack. As a splendid agricul>
tural region the county is hardly surpassed and its
steady growth and advancement argue for it a
prosperous future as well as present. Mr. Hidy
has borne his part in bringing about this result and
after his name may fitly be written the words — an
honored pioneer.
>^l( LVIN THAYER WELLS holds the position
lM of Librarian and Treasurer of the Fairfield
Library Association, and no one is more
widely or favorably known throughout the
community than the gentleman whose name heads
this sketch. He was born in Springfield Town-
ship, Erie County, Pa., December 26, 1828, and is
a son of Aaron and Betsy (Aldrich) Wells. On
both 8ides,the geneological records trace the families
back to the Mayflawer. The pat<^rnal grandfather
of our subject, Ezekiel Wells, was a native of New
Elampshire, a farmer by occupation and a soldier
of the Revolutionary War. Having married, he
removed to Erie County, Pa., and lived to the ad-
vanced age of eighty-seven years. Aaron Wells
was born in the Granite State. He was twice mar-
ried, his first union being with Betsy Aldrich, by
whom he had a family of five children, of whom
our subject is the only one now living. Mrs. Wells
died and was interred at Fairfield, Iowa. Subse-
quently Mr. Wells returned to Pennsylvania, mar-
ried Mrs. Clarissa Webber, and again came back to
Fairfield, where he resided a few years, but once
more he returned to his Pennsylvania home, and
there died at an advanced age, his wife surviving
him about one year. On his removal to Pennsyl-
vania from New Hampshire, Mr. Wells engaged in
farming, becoming one of the well to-do citizens of
the neighborhood, and taking a prominent part in
local affairs. In his political afiSliations he was a
Whig, while he and his wife were life-long mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their
home was open for the reception of all the pioneer
preachers, who never failed to receive a hearty wel-
come.
The early life of Alvin T. Wells was such as to
bring out all the determination and self-reliance in
him. His was not an easy boyhood, but the lessons
of industry' and frugality which he learned, have
no doubt been important factors in his success in
after life. He was forced to share in the arduous
labors of clearing a timbered farm and his early
education was acquired in the district schools.
However, he afterwards spent two years in Kings-
ville Academy, and his business training was re-
ceived in a mercantile establishment, where for
sometime he was employed as a salesman. In 1850,
at the age of twenty-two years, he started for Cali-
fornia, going down the Ohio and up the Mississippi
and Missouri Rivers to old Ft. Carney, whence
his party, consisting of himself and five com-
panions, started with mule teams across the plains.
On the way one of their number died of the
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cholera, and another was drowned while crossing
the Platte River. After journeying forgone hun-
dred and eleven days, they at length reached
Placerville, and during the next two years Mr.
Wells engaged in mining, after which he returned
by the Panama route and. like '\Sinbad, the Sailor,"
was somewhat enriched. In 1853 he went to Illi-
nois where he occupied the position of salesman in
his brother's drug store. The following year he
came to Fairfield where he opened a drug store,
doing business in that line for himself for some four
years. He then joined his brother in the manufacture
of patent medicines in Chicago, bat after a year's
partnership his brother died, and Mr. Wells con-
tinued the business alone for some two years[longer,
when he removed to Fairfield. Shortly afterwards
he discontinued operations in that line, and, in
1862 was made Librarian of the Fairfield Library,
a position he has held continuously since. At odd
times he works at the carpenter's trade which he
picked up in early life, but devotes the greater
part of his attention to tha interests of the library.
For the last six years he has been Treasurer of the
Fairfield Library Association. His memory is cer-
tainly remarkable for, although the library con-
tains over eleven thousand volumes, he can put
bis hand on any book desired without consulting a
catalogue.
In October, 1860, Mr. Wells was united in mar-
riage with Martha L. Matthews, a native of Johns-
town, Pa., and a daughter of John Matthews, who
came from Pennsylvania to this county with his
family about 1855. After remaining three years,
however, he returned to the Kej'stone State, where
he and his wife spent their last days. It ws^ dur-
ing the residence of the family in Jefferson County
that Mr. Wells formed the acquaintance of the
daughter and their friendship ripening into love,
he went to Johnstown to claim his bride. By their
union were born five children, three of whom are
yet living; one having died in infancy, while the
death of Kate occurred in her seventeenth year.
William M. is now employed as a salesman in a dry
goods house of Fairfield ; Mary E. is at home, and
Thomas S. is with the American Express Com-
pany.
Politically, Mr. Wells is a Republican, having
supported that partj*^ since^castingjhis first vote for
Fremont in 1856. He has been connected with the
Odd Fellows society for thirty-five years, and his
wife is a member of the Presbyterian 'Church.
Though not an ofiSce seeker, he has held the offices
of Township Assessor and Clerk. He is the owner of
two hundred and forty acres of valuable land situ-
ated two and a half miles south of Fairfield, which,
like his other posses8ions,"['has been acquired
through;his own eflForts. He may trulylbe called
a self-made man, as his success in life is due entirely
to his industry, enterprise fand good management.
He deserves^much credit for what he has done for
the advancement of the library's interests and all
recognize his worth and faithfulness as ailibrarian.
Besides purchasing three hundred shares of library
stock, he has done a vast amount of work for nomi-
nal pay.
Mi
<jf7 EWIS CASS MEEK, a worthy representa-
tive of the honored pioneer family men-
tioned above and a prominent farmer and
stock-raiser, of Bonaparte, Iowa, was born in Van
Buren County of the 28th of May, 1859, and is a
son of Robert and Abigail Meek. His education
was acquired in the district schools of the neigh-
borhood and ho was reared to manhood in his na-
tive county. His father owned and operated one
of the first mills in the county, but on account of
poor health in his youth, he was not allowed to en-
gage in the work of milling. In 1879, when a
young man of twenty years, he journeyed west-
ward, locating in Colorado, where he spent two
years. Returning at the expiration of that time
to his native county, he embarked in stock-raising,
which he has since made his chief business, carry-
ing on the same with marked success.
In 1882 Mr. Meek led to the marriage altar Miss
Anna M. Eich, one of the fair daughters of Van
Buren County. Her birth occurred on the 6th of
February, 1857, and her parents are Jacob and
Agnes (Beck) Eich, early settlers of this corn-
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munity. Two children, boys, grace tbeir union,
unto whom have been given the names of Philip
and Waldo R., and one died in infancy.
The fine stock farm of which Mr. Meek is the
owner, comprises four hundred and ninety-five
acres, all under fence, adjoining the corporation
limits of Bonaparte. He raises in large numbers
the best grades of stock and has gained the reputa-
tion as one of the leading stock-growers of South-
eastern Iowa. He is a man of good business
ability, of sterling worth and strict integrity, and a
worthy representative of the honored pioneer
family. In his political afl31iations, he is a Demo-
crat, having supported the party since attaining
his majority.
RICHARD H. LEGGETT, deceased, was for
many years one of the prominent and en-
terprising citizens of Fairfield, where he lo-
cated in 1855. As the proprietor of the
Leggett House he had au extended acquaintance, as
a business man his reputation was unmarred, and as
a citizen he ranked among the best. He was born
in Washington County, Pa., March 25, 1811. and
was a son of Jesse and Mary (Cheek) Leggett. The
Leggett family is of English origin and was founded
in America at an early day, its representatives be-
coming residents of Maryland.
When six years of age, Mr. Leggett left his na-
tive State and removed with the family to Carroll
County, Ohio, where he received a common-school
education. Later he engaged in merchandising in
that county and afterwards engaged in hotel keep-
ing. It was also during his residence in the Buck-
eye State that he raised a regiment for the Mexican
War and was commissioned Colortel, but thej' were
never called into active duty on account of the ter-
mination of the war.
In Jefferson County, Ohio, on the 25th of April,
1833, Mr. Leggett was united in marriage with
Basheba Viers, who was born in Island Creek, Jef-
ferson County, Ohio, April 29, 1815, and is a
daughter of Elisha W. and Margaret (Ferrell) Viers.
Her father was born in Montgomery County, Md.,
of English descent and her mother in Virginia of
Irish parentage. In 1855, Mr. Leggett and his
family started for Iowa. For eighteen years prior
to his emigration westward he had engaged in ho-
tel keeping in CarroUtOn, Ohio, and on his arrival
in Fairfield he embarked in the same line of busi-
ness. To the hotel which he opened he, gave the
name of Leggett House and to this day it remains
the leading establishment of the kind in the city.
In fact it is almost without competition and was
raised to its present high standard of excellence by
its founder.
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Leg-
gett, three died in childhood and six grew to ma-
ture years,two sons and four daughters — Samantha,
wife of Rev. John Hochuly, of Fairfield; Ella, who
became the wife of Dr. Thomas Smith, of New
Philadelphia, Ohio, died March 15, 1857; James
Milton married Jessie Coulter and died April 15,
1890, in Chicago; Permelia, is the wife of George
W. Phelps, of Fairfield; Charles D., Judge of the
District Court wedded Beatrice Cunningham and
resides in Fairfield ; Frank E. is the wife of Charles
Whiting of Chicago.
In his earlier years Mr. Leggett was a Democrat
but from the time of the Lincoln campaign until
his death he was an ardent supporter of Republi-
can principles. Socially he was a member of Clin-
ton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. <fe A. M. His wife united
in 1858 with the Presbyterian Church, of which she
has since been a consistent member. Since ber
husband's death, which occurred on the 8th of Sep-
tember, 1884, she has leased the hotel but is still
one of its boarders.
As a landlord, Mr. Leggett was deservedly popu-
lar. His long experience had given him a thor-
ough knowledge of the business and the ability to
judge correctly of human nature. While his house
was always as perfect in its appointment as possible,
in keeping with the importance of the town, his ta-
ble was ever supplied with the best the market af-
forded. He was genial and courteous and held the
good will of a large circle of patrons who esteemed
him OS one of the best landlords in the West. He
was a man whom everybody respected for his
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BETHEL CAMPBELL.
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291
sterling integrity and manly independence of char-
acter. His life was in harmony wiih his profession
and the respect and confidence with which he was
held b}' all was but the natural sequence of his con-
sistent living.
--.5^-€^
ETHEL CAMPBELL, the second child of
Archibald and Catherine (Houk) Campbell,
well-known pioneers of this community of
1842, is engaged in farming and stock-rais-
ing on section 8, Van Buren Township, Van Buren
County, the old homestead of the family. His
father, who was widely known throughout this
region, was born in Virginia in the year of
180G, grew to manhood in his native State and
made farming his life occupation. Going to Ohio, he
was there married, at about the age of twenty-four
years, to Catherine Houk, who was born in the
Buckeye State in 1813. Returning with his bride
to Virginia he settled upon a farm, which he ob-
tained from his father, paying him (the father) $100
per year during the remainder of his life. The
spring of' 1842 witnessed the arrival of Archibald
Campbell and his family in Van Buren County, and
soon afterward he made purchase of three hundred
and twenty acres of timber land, located in Van
Buren Township. He then began life in true pioneer
style. Into a log cabin, which he built, the family
moved, after which the work of developing and
improving the farm began. His efforts were crowned
with success and soon a comfortable home was ob-
tained as the reward of his labors. He died August
81, 1890, in Village Township, Van Buren County,
at the advanced age of eighty-four years, a worthy
and respected citizen. Throughout life he had been
a supporter of Democratic principles and for many
years te had been a member of the Methodist
Church. His wife, who was also connected with that
church for many years as one of its zealous mem-
bers, was called to her reward July 21, 1884.
Twelve children were !)orn unto them and with the*
exception of one, who died in infancy, all lived to
adult age. Alexander, the eldest, is engaged in
farming in Village Township; Bethel is the next
younger; Henry, who served three years in the
Union army during the war, is now deceased;
James is a farmer of Union Township; Jacob died
in infancy; John C. served three years in Company
I, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, and is now deceased;
Margaret J. resides in this county; Martha E. is
now Mrs. Shiple}-, of Des Moines Township; Mary
A. is now Mrs. Rambo, of Van Buren Township;
Mrs. Nancy Martin resides in P'airfield, Jefiferson
County ; Archibald P. makes his home in Clay
County, Kan.; and Alice is now deceased.
Our subject was a lad of nine summers when he
accompanied his parents to Van Buren County. In
consequence of their early settlement in the com-
munity, little opportunity was afforded him for
securing an education, but by self-culture he suffi-
ciently prepared to engage in teaching in the dis-
trict schools of the State, which he followed for
some years. Having a natural aptitude for tools
and mechanics, he learned the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked for some time after beginning
life for himself at the age of eighteen years. Alter-
nating his time between that occupation and school
teaching, he gained some capital, but with the hope
of bettering his financial condition in the spring
of 1862, with an ox-team, he crossed the plains to
the Pacific Slope, consuming about five months in
nifiking the journey. He first went to Oregon,
where he worked at carpentering for a half year.
In February, 1863, he went to Idaho where he
constructed the trestle work of an aqueduct for
mining a ditch. The structure is one hundred and
four feet at the highest point and about three hun-
dred feet long. Afterward he became agent for
the Ditch Company, in whose employ he re-
mained about three years. At the expiration of
that time he returned to this county. He made the
journey on horseback from Idaho City to Ft. Ben-
ton at a time when the Sioux and Blackfeet Indi-
ans were on the war path. It was necessary oftimes,
to travel far into the night to find a place for
camping in safety, and some would stand guard
while others slept. Notwithstanding the care taken
to avoid all danger, the party with which he trav-
eled had some very narrow and exciting escapes
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from being captured by the dusky warriors. From
Ft. Benton Mr. Campbell trareled by boat to
Omaha, then by stage to Ft. Des Moines, where
he took the Des Moines Valley Railroad which
had just been completed, and finished his journey
by rail. Soon after his return Mr. Campbell again
engaged in teaching for a time, after which he pur-
chased the old homestead and resuming the occupa-
tion to which he had been reared, has since deroted
his time and attention to farming and stock-raising.
He is numbered among the representative farmers
of the com muni t}' and has a reputation for raising
only the best grades of stock, including horses cat-
tle,8heep and hogs. His farm, comprising three hun-
<lred and forty acres is all well improved and gives
evidence of the thrift and industry of the owner.
On the 26th of November, 1867, Mr. Campbell
led to the marriage altar Miss Mary E. Johnston, of
Van Buren County, a daughter of William and
Martha (Forbes) Johnston. Her father was a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, but her mother was of Irish
birth. The former died March 15, 1881, and Mrs.
Johnston passed away on the 2d of September, 1889.
Mrs. Campbell was born in Ohio, July 2, 1843, and
as the result of their union they have three inter-
esting children— ^Thomas E., Charles A. and Myrtle
L., all at home. They have lost one child, Ira W.,
the third in order of birth, who died in infancy.
Mr. Campbell is a Democrat in politics and his wife
is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Mt.
Zion.
i.OLLIN J. WILSON, of the law firm of Wil-
son & Hinkle, of Fairfield, was born in the
\ city which is still his home, on the 18th of
^ October, 1853, and is the eldest son of the
Hon. James F. Wilson, who is at present United
States Senator from Iowa,and whose sketch appears
on another page of this work.
Rollin J., the subject of this notice, was edu-
cated in the public schools of his native town and
in the State University, being graduated from the
latter institution on the completion of the classical
course, in the spring of 1 875. During his last year
the college he was Adjutant of the Military Battal-
ion of the State University. His law studies were
pursued under the tutelage of his father and he was
admitted to the bar on the 8th of January, 1878, and
to practice in the Supreme Court of the State, on the
10th of June, 1880. Two years later he was ad-
mitted before Judge Love to practice in the circuit
and district courts of the United States. He began
his professional career in his native city, and in
1881 formed a partnership with J. M. Hinkle, which
has continued to the present. In 1884 Mr. Wilson
was appointed local attorney for the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Quincy Railroad Company, and about
the Eame time was chosen attorney for the Chicago,
Rock Island <fe Pacific Railroad Company, which
positions* he has held continuously since. For three
years he filled the ofl9ce of County Attorney for
Jefferson County, by appointment of the Board of
Supervisors, and when that office became an elect-
ive one he was the first to be called upon to serve
in that position, entering upon the duties of the
same January 1, 1887. He was then re-elected in
the fall of 1889, and is now serving his second
term, an efficient and capable ofiScer. In March,
1888, he was elected a member of the Board of
Education for a term of three years, and is a mem-
ber of the committee on plans for building the new
schoolhouse, also on the committee for heating and
seating the same, and on grades and discipline.
In politics, Mr. Wilson is a decided Republican,
but of strong temperance sentiment. He has been
an active worker in the temperance cause and was
the organizer of the Blue Ribbon Club, of which
he was President two years. This was a most pop-
ular temperance movement and accomplished much
good. During Mr. Wilson's connection with it
about three thousand people were induced to sign
the pledge, and the influence of the club aided not
a little in carrying the county and district for the
constitutional amendment of prohibition.
On the 13th of October, 1881, in Fairfield, Mr.
Wilson and Miss Mary A. McKemey, youngest
daughter of Joseph A. McKemey, were united in
marriage. Mrs. Wilson is a native of Fairfield,
where her parents, whose sketch appears on another
page of this work, are numbered among the early
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299
settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the
Congregational- Church. Unto them have been
born two interesting children, daughters — Mary
Louise and Helen Cynthia.
Mr, Wilson is a member of Forest City Lodge,
No. 18, K. P. Although comparatively a young
man, he is rapidly winning a foremost place in his
clia«en profession and the firm of which he is the
senior member has its full share of business in the
local and neighboring courts.
fCt
; ACOB S. McKEMEY, of the law firm of Mc-
Kemey & Simmons, of Fairfield, is a native
Jefferson County, and a son of Joseph A.
^^ and Cynthia A. (Hemphill) McKemey,
who were pioneer settlers of Iowa of 1839. A
sketch of his parents appears elsewhere in this
work. He was born in Fairfield on the 7th of
r^eptember, 1854, and was educated at Iowa Col-
lecre, at Grinnell, after which he began preparations
for the legal profession in the law oflSce of Stubbs
and Leggett of Fairfield, being admitted to prac-
tice on the 3rd of May, 1877, and entered upon his
professional labors at Fairfield as a partner of
Charles D. Leggett, who is now ^udge of the dis-
trict court, under the firm name of Leggett & Mc-
Kemey. That connection continued through ten
consecutive years, or until Judge Leggett took his
place upon the bench December 6, 1886. On the
withdrawal of the senior partner, Mr, McKemey
formed the existing partnership with Eben F. Sim-
mons, who had been a student and clerk in his of-
fice for several years.
On the 3rd of May, 1881, in Fairfield, Mr. Mc-
Kemey was united in marriage with Miss Ada
Light, daughter of Solomon Light. She died on
the 10th of June, 1887, leaving one child, a son,
Charles L., who was born July 27, 1882. Mr. Mc-
Kemey was again married on the 1 9th of June,
1889, his present wife having been Miss Julia L.
Scofield, a daughter of Bryant T. Scofield, of
Carthage, 111. The lady was born in Carthage,
graduated from the college of that city,and coming
to Fairfield was elected Superintendent of the
schools of that city, re-elected and served four
years in that capacity. She is a lady of culture
and refinement and like her husband is held in high
regard throughout the community. Mr. and Mrs.
McKeiuey attend the Congregational Church of
Fairfield. In political sentiment he is a Republi-
can but has never been a candidate for any office,
preferring to devote his undivided attention to his
professional business. He is one of the stockhold-
ers in the newly organized Iowa State Savings
Bank, and is a member of its first board of direc-
tors. The firm of McKemey <fe Simmons will oc-
cupy the entire second floor of the new bank build-
ing when completed, where they will have the most
elegant and complete suite of office rooms in the
city. The senior partner has been a resident of
Fairfield throughout his entire life and has now
been engaged in the successful practice of his pro-
fession here for thirteen years.
-^
-H —
APT. SIMPSON J. CHESTER, who since
1850 has been a resident of Iowa, is now
numbered among the enterprising citizens
of Fairfield, and it is with pleasure that we present
his sketch to the readers of the Album, knowing
that it will be received with interest by his many
friends.
The Captain was born in Kosciusko County,
Ind., near Warsaw, March 16, 1840, and is a son
of Joseph and Jane (Robinson) Chester. His father,
a native of New Jersey, was born March 16, 1806,
emigrated with his parents to Ohio while but a
boy, and there resided to the time of his maturity.
He became acquainted with and married Miss Ro»».
inson, who was born June 2, 1807, a native of the
Keystone State, and soon after went to Kosciusko
County, Ind., a sparsely settled part of the State,
where at that time hundreds of Indians could be
seen any day. Accompanied by their children,
they emigrated to Iowa in 1850, and for six years
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resided in Linn County, when, in 1856, they came
to JeflPerson County, settling in Buchanan Town-
ship. Many years passed, during which they gained
a large circle of friends, but at length they severed
their relations with the citizens of this community,
and in 1882 became residents of Jasper County,
Mo., where the father is still living. The mother
ilied at her home in that county on the 4th of
April, 1890. Their family consisted of four sons
and one daughter — Emeline, wife of W. R. Nevin,
of Jasper County, Mo.; Simpson J., of this sketch ;
Dr. Vandiver L. married Ollie Green and is living
in Great Bend, Kan.; Oliver F. married Emma
Collins, of JeflPerson County, and now makes his
home in Kansas City, Mo.; Robert N. married Ella
M. Ayersman, of Wayne County, Iowa,and is liv-
ing in Jasper County, Mo.
The days of his boyhood and youth our subject
spent upon his father^s farm, and his early educa-
tion, acquired in the common schools, was supple-
mented by a course in the seminary at Fairfield.
On the 12th of August, 1862, he responded to the
country's call for troops, and enlisting in Company
G., of the Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, marched to the
front. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant,
and on the 4th of August, 1863, while at home on
a furlough granted him on account of wounds re-
ceived, he was promoted to the rank of First Lieu-
tenant. Ill health, brought on by his injuries,
caused him of necessity to resign in April, 1864,
but the time which he served he participated in
many important battles, including the engagements
at Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson,
Miss., the charge against Vicksburg, the battles at
Cherokee Station, Lookout Mountain, Missionary
Ridge and Ringgold. He was wounded during the
charge on Vicksburg, on the 22d of May, 1863,
in the left lung, the ball passing through and
lodging just beneath the skin in the back. After
returning home he improved to some extent
in health until about 1868, when the effect of his
wound caused a senous illness, accompanied by
great suffering for years, but at present writing he
is enjoying comparatively fair health.
Mr. Chester made farming the pursuit of his
mature years until 1871, when he came to Fair-
field, and later embarked in the grocery business.
continuing the same until the autumn of 1879,
when he was elected Sheriff of Jefferson County.
He entered upon the duties of his office January
1, 1880, was re-elected in the fall of 1881, and
served until January I, 1884, when he declined a
further renomination. He made a good record as
the books in the ofiSce show. The following is a
brief account of the labors he performed during
his four years of service. In that period he had
two hundred and sixty persons con fined in the Jef-
ferson County Jail, in his care. Of these, he took
thirtj'-five to the asylum for insane at Mt. Pleas-
ant and returned nearly as many more. He brought
six persons on requisition from other States, two
from Ohio, two from Illinois, one from Minnesota
and oue from Missouri. He took thirty-two con-
victs to the States prison ; of that number not one
escaped, and of the many arrested but one es-
caped from his custody, and he was recaptured.
Many other items of interest might be given if
space permitted, but, in closing the ofiScial record of
Capt. Chester, we can say, knowing that all nearly
interested agree in the same, that no Sheiiff of Jef-
ferson County has been more popular, nor have the
duties of the ofiAce been performed in a more
satisfactory and capable manner. In politics the
Captain is an uncompromising Republican and
uses his influence for the support of that party
which he believes will bring the greatest good to
the greatest number. He is an honored member of
Clinton Lodge iSo. 15, A. F. <fe A. M. ; of the
Chapter, R. A. M. ; and of Jerusalem Command-
ery, K. T. He also belongs to George Srong
Post, G. A. R. Serving for six years as a member
of the Fairfield School Board, during four of which
he filled the position of President, he has done much
for the advancement of the city schools and the
cause of education eliciting his warmest sympathy,
has found in him a stanch friend. He was appointed
Postmaster of Fairfield June 23, 1890, and entered
upon the discharge of the duties of that office July
11.
Capt. Chester was mairied September 22, 1864,
in Jefferson County, to Miss Olive E. Hendricks,
a daughter of James H. Hendricks. By their union
there have been born one son and three daugh-
ters— Flora E., Mildred J., Daisy E. and Frank
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M. The death of the mother occurred July 13,
1878, and Capt. Chester was again married Decem-
ber 4, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth McKemey, a native
of Fairfield, and a dauj^hter of J. A. McKcmey.
Tbe Captain has recently bought a homestead near
tbe business center of Fairfield, which he has re-
modeled and fitted up at considerable expense, and
now has one of the finest residences in the city.
He enjoys in a marked degree the warm regard of
a wide circle of friends, who have known him for
many years and esteem him as an upright, honor-
able man, a gallant soldier, an efficient and faith-
fal civil officer, and a neighbor and friend on
whom all, with confidence, can rely.
<« JfelLLIAM ALSTON, a retired farmer resid-
A\y"w ^"^ ^" Fairfield, was born in Lancaster-
^^y^ shire, England, September 29, 1811, and
is a son of William and Elizabeth (Hayes) Alston,
both of whom were natives of the same county, the
father born in 1778, the mother in 1776. William
Alston, Sr., was a cabinet maker by trade but made
farming his chief occupation. He once came to
America and for a short time remained in St.
Louis, Mo., but not liking the country he returned
to his native land, where he spent the remainder
of his days. Both he and his wife died at the age
of eighty-seven years. In their family were ten
children, four sons and six daughters, but with the
exception of our subject only one is living in the
United States — John, a retired farmer of Illinois.
Edward came to this country and spent some time
in California but returned to England.
William Alston, whose name heads this sketch,
is a self-made man. As soon as he was old enough
he began earning his own living and in consequence
his educational advantages were quite limited. At
the age of fifteen years, his father sent him to Liv-
erpool to work for a month at the joiner's trade to
see how he would like the business, that being the
custom in those days, but not finding it to his taste
he returned to the farm. By chance a pamphlet
fell into his hands which was sent to England by a
Mr. Flowers, who had come to America and located
in Edwards County, III. This publication, like all
others of its kind, told how easily one could make
a fortune in this country, and with the hope of
bettering his condition and rapidly acquiring
wealth, in 1837 Mr. Alston set sail for the United
States. On arriving in Edwards County, he found
that one could get the chills much easier than a
dollar. The following year he came to Iowa, lo-
cating in Van Buren County, and after engaging
in the grocery business in Lexington for about a
year, he once more changed his place of residence
and settled in Fairfield in June of 1840, however,
continuing operations in the same line of business.
Soon afterward he made his first purchase in real
estate. Buying a claim, he carried on farming in
connection with his grocery, and as opportunity
ofiered he would buy a land warrant, locate it and
hold for an advance in prices. Tract after tract he
added to the original amount until he at length
owned some three thousand acres in this and sur-
rounding counties, retaining still in his possession
seven hundred and forty acres. Since 1858 he has
devoted himself exclusively to farming and stock-
raising and has met with excellent success. Al-
though he found that a fortune could not be
acquired merely by coming to this country, he saw
that one of industrious and energetic habits could
make for himself a comfortable home, as land could
be obtained from the Government at a nominal
price.
On Christmas Day of 1843, Mr. Alston was
united in marriage with Miss Ruth Vouhn, who
died in November, 1863. Ten children were born
unto them, four of whom were living at the time
of her death, but only three are now living; Will-
iam E., a farmer of this county ; Mary, wife of
Henry Vote, and Henry C, who is also engaged in
farming. In October, 1865, Mr. Alston was again
married, his second union being with Mrs. Jane
Wiley 7iee Stewart, a native of Pennsylvania. She
survived her marriage only seven years, dying in
1872.
In political sentiment, Mr. Alston was formerly
a Whig and since the dissolution of that party has
voted with the Democracy. He has never sought
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or desired office, but through the solicitation of
friends twice served in the City Council. He ranks
amon^ the worthy citizens and leading men of the
community, where for fifty years he has made his
home, witnessing the many great changes which
have taken place in the county and participating
in its growth and development. Although living
the quiet and unostentatious life of a farmer, he has
steadily worked his way upward to a position of
affluence and by his upright life has won the confi-
dence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
'BRAM SCHWARTZ, of Liberty ville, is
numbered among the pioneers of Jefferson
County. Few men in the communit}^ are
more widely known, and it is with pleasure
that we record in this volume a sketch of his life
work. His paternal grandparents and his maternal
great-grandparents, as history records, came from
Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, and the lat-
ter were sold to pay their passage across the ocean.
His parents, Christopher and Catherine (Omer)
Schwartz were both natives of Lancaster County,
Pa., but in youth emigrated with their respective
families to Kentucky, where they were married and
began their domestic life. Subsequently, about
1813, they removed to Clark County, Ind. The
father was a carpenter by trade, a life-long Demo-
crat and a member of the Methodist Church, to
which his wife also belonged. She died at the age
of fifty years and Mr. Schwartz reached the age of
seventy- three.
Of the family of twelve children born to this
worthy couple, our subject was the third in order
of birth and the only one now living. He was born
in Jcflferson County, Ky.,within two miles of Louis-
ville, October 16, 1803, /ind was about ten years of
age when the family removed to Indiana. As they
located in a new settlement, little opportunity was
afforded him for securing an education and his
scholastic training was very meagre. In boyhood
he learned the lessons of industry and enterprise,
which have clung to him through life and have
crowned his efforts with success. On the 1 6th of
April, 1828, ho' wedded Elizabeth A. Prather, who
wafl born in Clark County, Ind., September 19,
1810, a daughter of Lloyd and Nancy (Redman)
Prather, who were natives of North Carolina and
Maryland, respectively. Her mother was a sister of
Reason Redman, who is said to have been the first
white child born in Iowa. Mr. Prather was of
Scotch extraction and his wife of German descent.
He served under Harrison in the battle of Tippeca-
noe, and both he and Mrs. Prather died at an ad-
vanced age near Baldwin City, Kan.
After his marriage, Mr. Schwartz settled on a
farm in Clark County, Ind., where he remained un-
til 1842, in which year he cast his lot with the
pioneer settlers of Jefferson County, Iowa. He
purchased a claim in what is now Liberty Township
which he subsequently entered, and by hard work
and good management increased the boundaries of
his farm until it contained three hundred acres of
which he retains two hundred and ten acres, highly
cultivated and finely improved. He and his estim-
able wife began life on the Western frontier in true
pioneer style. Their home was a log cabin, their
conveniences were few and many of the comforts
of to-day were almost unknown luxuries, but the
grandeur of the broad prairies and the sociability
of their neighbors compensated for the more com-
fortable home which they had left in Indiana. Al-
though many hardships were to be endured and
obstacles to be overcome, they labored on un-
daunted b}'^ such difl[lculties and their efforts have
been rewarded with a liberal competence. Although
both Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz are now more than
four-score years, they retain their health and facul-
ties to a remarkable degree and have not yet had
to call in assistance in performing their daily la-
bors. In religious faith, this worth}- couple are
Dunkards, and their earnest, consistent Christian
lives have won them friends without number.
Three ballots Mr. Schwartz cast for Gen. Jackson,
and since that time has never wavered in his alleg-
iance to the Democratic party.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz has been
truly blessed, only one of their nine children having
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been called away. Susan, the eldest, is now the
widow of James Jenkins, of Osceola, Clarke County,
Iowa; William H., the next younger, is a farmer of
Liberty Township; Nancy C. is the wife of Jesse
Gilliland, of Ringgold County, Iowa; Ann M.
wedded Henry Glenn and now resides in Montana;
Mary E. is the wife of Hugh Laughlin, of Missouri ;
Eliza R. married Adam Rodabaugh, a resident of
Liberty Township; Irene married Joseph Smith, of
Harrison County, Iowa; Cerelda C. is the wife of
Stewart Laughlin and the youngest of the family.
The children all hare comfortable homes and are
respected citizens in the various communities in
which they reside.
Mr. Schwartz has made farming his chief occu-
pation throughout life, though in early manhood
he learned the butcher's trade at which he worked
several years. Side by side, as man and wife, he
and Mrs. Schwartz have traveled life's journey for
sixty two years, and almost half a century has been
spent by them in Jefferson County, where they
have won not only material success, but what is far
better, many friends and a name without reproach.
AMUEL SALTS, who is engaged in farm-
ing and stock-raising on section 13, Locust
Grove Township, Jeflferson County, is a
native of Warren County, Ind. In a fam-
ily of twelve children born unto John and Jane
(Stephenson) Salts, he is the eldest and his birth
occurred in 1844. Hb father is a native of Ohio,
but when a lad of ten years, in 1832, removed to
Indiana and in Warren County was married. Both
he and his wife are still living in that county, be-
ing numbered among its highly respected citizens.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
John and Elizabeth (Barby) Salts, natives of Vir-
ginia and South Carolina, respectively. His ma-
ternal grandparents were John and Barbara (Bal-
lard) Stephenson, and both grandfathers served in
the War of 1812.
The early life of our subject passed uneventfully.
lie was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads
and acquired his education in the schools ef his
native county. When he had attained a sufficient
age he enlisted in the service of his country, be-
coming a member of Company K, One Hundred
and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry. He was mus-
tered into service in 1864 in Indianapolis, was as-
signed to the Army of the Cumberland and in his
One Hundred Days' service was engaged in garri-
son duty. He was honorably discharged after six
months and returned to Warren County, Ind.,
where he remained until the year of his removal to
Jeflferson County, Iowa? — 1868. Settling in Locust
Grove Township, he purchased an eighteen-acrc
tract of timber land, which he at once began to
clear and develop. He is now the owner of a
good farm of eighty-five acres under fence, the
greater part of which is highly cultivated, while the
remainder is devoted to pasturage. Many excel-
lent improvements greatly enhance the value of his
farm as well as give evidence of the thrift and en-
terprise of the owner.
In 1871, in Jefferson County, Mr. Salts was
united in marriage with Miss Rhoda Fisher, who
was born in this county and is a daughter of George
and Mary (Cloke) Fisher. Her father was a native
of Pennsylvania but emigrated to Indiana, where
he was married, and thence removed to Jefferson
County, Iowa, in 1836. At that time there were
five Indians to every white man in the county, deer
and other kimls of wild game was plentiful, and
wolves were still numerous iti the neighborhood.
Mr. Fisher made a claim in Des Moines Township,
where he continued to reside until 1865, when he
located in Locust Grove Township. There he re-
mained until his death, which occurred in 1876.
He had served in the Black Hawk War, had as-
sisted in organizing the county and was a promi-
nent man in the community. His wife died many
years previous to the death of her husband.
Mr. Salts,for a number of years after his marriage,
resided in Fairfield Township, but for the last nine-
teen years has made his home in Locust Grove
Township. He has taken quite an active part in
public affairs and has ever identified himself with
the best interests of the community. He is now serv-
ing as President of the Township Board of Trustees,
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of which he has been a member three years; he was
the enumerator for Locust Grove Township in 1 890,
and has frequently been sent as a delegate to tlie
county conventions of the Republican party, of
which he is a stalwart advocate. He helped to
nominate Gov. Gear and is an influential member
of the conventions. Socitilly, Mr. Salts is a mem-
ber of George Strong Post, No. 19, G. A. R., and
was appointed Aid-de-camp on Gen. T-uttle's slaff.
His wife is a member of tjhe Baptist Church of
Brookville. Two children have been born unto
Mr. and Mrs. Salts — John and Samuel G., who are
yet under the parental roof.
ON. ISAAC D. JONES, senior member of
j] the law firm of Jones cfc Fallen, of Fairfield.
is a pioneer of Jefferson County, of 1845.
A native of Johnson County, Ind., he was
born near the town of Franklin, on the 9th of
April, 1832, and is a son of William C. and Per-
melia A. (Vaughan) Jones, who were natives of
North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. The
sketch of the father appears elsewhere in this work.
Our subject attended the public schools of his
native town until March, 1845, when, at the age of
lliirteen years, he accompanied his parents on their
emigration to Jefferson County, Iowa. He here
pursued his studies, as opportunit}- afforded, and
in 1851 was employed as clerk in the office of the
County Recorder, continuing to serve in that posi-
tion for three years. He tlien spent three or four
years in Northern Missouri, traveling and specula-
ting, and after his return to Fairfield, in 1858, gave
his attention to thestud}^ of law, being admitte<i to
the bar in I860, since which time he has been con-
stantly engaged in practice in Fairfield. During a
portion of Andrew Johnson's administration he
held the office of Postmaster at Fairfield, but the
greater part of his time has been devoted exclu-
sively to the profession which he has made his life
work. In 1870 he formed a partnership with W.
B. Culbertson, now a prominent criminal lawyer of
Burlington, Iowa, and the connection continued
until 1882, when Mr. Culbertson removed to his
present home. Their career, covering a continu-
ous period of twelve years, was a prosperous one.
For a year and a half Mr. Jones continued alone in
business, when 'in December, 1883, he formed the
existing partnership with Charles D. FuUen.
The marriage of Mr. Jones and Miss Rachel E.
Young was celebrated in Jefferson County, on the
1 Ith of December, 1856, the lady being a daughter
of Joseph and Mary Young. She was born in
Johnson Count}', Ind., and came to Jefferson
Count}^ Iowa, with her parents, both of whom are
now deceased. By their union has been born a
family of five children, one son and four daugh-
ters, as follows: Anna, who became the wife of
Fred Moore, of Jewell, Hamilton County, Iowa;
Kate M., who is a teacher in the Fairfield xjity
schools of nine years experience; Elizabeth R., who
is also a teacher in the Fairfield schools; and EflSe
M.. who has been engaged in teaching but is now a
student in a business college in Burlington. The
daughters were all educated in the State Normal
School of Cedar Fails, and are ladies of culture and
more than average intelligence, being well fitted for
the positions which they hold. Frank IL, the only
son, is now fifteen years of age and a student in the
city schools.
In politics, Mr. Jones is a Democrat, but has
never indulged in political aspirations. He was
elected Mayor of Fairfield in 1 874, at a non-partisan
election, and was once a candidate for the Legisla-
Ifiture, running in opposition to H. B. Mitchell, a
popular Republican, but was defeated in conse-
quence of his party being in the minority. So-
cially, he is a member of Jefferson Lodge, No. 4,
L O. O. F., and Mrs. Jones is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, as are also her daughters.
For the past fifteen years Mr. Jones has owned a
fine farm of eighty-five acres situated a half-mile
south of the city, where with his family he has re-
sided during that period. Its close proximity t<»
Fairfield furnishes him with all the conveniences
and luxuries of cij-y life, combined with the pure
air and freedom of the country. As a practitioner,
he ranks among the best, being numbered among
the most successful members of the Jefferson
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County bar, where he has now been constantly en-
gaged in the prosecution of his profession for thirty
years. He is also one of the most highly respected
citizens of the county.
^1-
rJLlrzj"
_'^^-^-
>ILLIAM WALLACE JUNKIN, editor and
rjjl senior proprietor of the Fairfield Ledge)*',
,J^J is the oldest editor in continual service in
Iowa. He is also a pioneer of this State of 1 843.
He was born in Wheeling, W. Va., on the 26th of
January, 1831, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah
(Rambo) Junkin. His father, a native of Penn-
sylvania, was born October 20, 1788, and his
mother was born in the same State on the 3d of
June, 1790. They were married December 20,
1808, and their family consisted of six sons and
five daughters — David Finley, who was born Feb-
ruary 12, 1810, married Harriet Walker, Novem-
ber 13, 1834, and died September 8, 1844; Eleanor,
horn September 24, 1811. was the wife of James
Gibson and died in 1848; Joseph, born May 2,
1813, died August 14 of the following year; Jo-
seph, the second of that name, who was born Feb-
ruary 10, 1815, wedded Mary M. Cotton, on the
8th of November, 1836, and is now a resident of
Red Oak, Iowa; Nancy Galloway married Robert
S. Hunter, May 3, 1836, and is living in Newcastle,
Pa.; John George, born February 19, 1819, died
October 19, 1837; Sarah Margaret, born June
16, 1821, became the wife of George W. Clutter,
who served as a Captain in the Mexican War and
died July 16, 1857, after which his widow, on the
21st of September, 1865, became the wife of the
Rev. Frederick A. Shearer, and is now living in
Colfax, Iowa; Mary B. F., born February 24,
1824, died June 18, 1833; Narcissa Doddridge
was born April 2, 1826, and on the 1st of March,
1849, became the wife of James Sh river Beck, of
Fairfield, Iowa; Matthew Johnson, who was born
May 16, 1829, and died in Fairfield a few years
ago, was married March 15, 1855, to Ellen E.
Moorman, who died in 1869; William Wallace
completes the family. The father died July 22,
1857, and the mother on the 17th of April, 1865,
both in Fairfield.
The subject of this sketch came to Iowa with
his parents in the spring of 1843, the family lo-
cating in Lee County, but the following year they
removed to Louisa County, and in 1845 settled
in Jefferson County. Two years later they took
up their residence in Fairfield. William Wallace
received his first lessons in his present business as
a type-setter in the oflfice of the Wheeling (Va.)
^r^ws,when only ten j^ears of age, and on locating in
Fairfield in the fall of 1847, he commenced an ap-
prenticeship in the office of the Iowa Sentinel^
which had been established in Fairfield by A. R.
Sparks that year. In the summer of 1848 Mr.
Sparks sold the paper to P^zra Brown and R. B.
Pope, which threw young Junkin out of employ-
ment, but his former employer kindly secured him
a situation in Des Moines with Col. Barlow Granger,
and he aided in issuing the first number of the
JStar in June, 1848, the first paper printed in the
Capital City. After remaining in Des Moines
several months he returned to Fairfield. During
the winter of 1848-49 he was employed in the
office of the Ottumwa Courier^ which was published
by Street & Warden, and in November, 1849, he ac-
cepted a position as compositor in the office of the
Fairfield Ledger, which only a short time previous
had been established by Orlando McCraney. He
continued with that gentleman until the spring
of 1851, when he went to Richmond, Va., where
he was employed two years in the State printing-
office. On the 16th of May, 1853, he returned to
Fairfield, and ten days later he purchased a half-
interest in the Ledger of its proprietor, A. R. Ful-
ton, for $460, and commenced the newspaper
business and the battle of life in earnest. That
connection was continued until August 14, 1854,
when Mr. Junkin became sole proprietor. The
paper continued to prosper and made friends
among the best people in Jefferson and adjoin-
ing counties, and its proprietor improved it as
his increased means permiUed. On the 8th of Au-
gust, 1868, he formed a partnership with Ralph
Robinson, rtceiving $2,500 for one-half interest
in the office, and the connection was continued
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pleasantly and profitably until January 5, 1875,
when Mr. Robinson retired, receiving 154,500 for
his share in the business, power presses and other
improvements having enhanced the value of the
office to *9,000. On the retirement of Mr. Rob-
inson, the eldest son of our subject, Charles M.
Junkin, became co-manager, bringing with him
into the business not only the experience he had
acquired under the careful direction of his father,
but the knowledge gained while in the Government
printing office in Washington City. On the 26th
of May, 1878, he was admitted to partnership with
his father, and the existing firm of W.' W. and
C. M. Junkin was established. The Ledger has
continued a favorite among the pople and has
never flagged in its earnest advocacy of the best
and wisest course in all public matters, political
and otherwise, and has prospered accordingly.
On the 14th of September, 1854, William WaU
lace Junkin and Miss Elizabeth Patrick, daughter
of William and Amy (Morris) Patrick, were united
in the holy bonds of matrimony. The lady is a
native of Ross County, Ohio, and came to Fair-
field with her father in 1847. Eight children,
four sons and four daughters, have been born of
their union — Charles Monroe, the eldest, who was
born in Fairfield, May 18, 1855, is represented
elsewhere in this volume; May, born August 19,
1856, became the wife of Nathaniel McGiffin,
May 16, 1877, and is now living in Montana;
Gertrude, born September 7, 1858, was married
January 3, 1878, to W. W. McCrackin, president
of The Silver Bow National Bank, of Butt.e, Mont.;
Virginia, twin sister of Gertrude, is the wife of
J. B. Swinburne, editor of the Humboldt Kosmos^
of Humboldt, Iowa; Amy, who was born Febru-
ary 5, 1862, is the wife of the Rev. J. F. Hinkhouse,
of Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa; William David,
born April 13, 1864, is a clerk in the railway mail
service; Paul Sheridan, born August, 12, 1867, is
a practical printer, and until recently was em-
ployed in the Ledger office; Robert Tupper, born
June 23, 1871, is attending school.
Mr. Junkin is a Republican in politics and an
active and influential supporter of that party.
His acquaintance throughout the State and nation
is extensive, and his influence in political circles
is widely felt. The Ledger, under his able man-
ageinent, has become one of the leading papers of
State, and is always reliable in its devotion to the
interests of the Republican party. On the 22d
of April, 1889, Mr. Junkin was appointed Inspec-
tor of Indian agencies under the administration of
President Benjamin Harrison, being one of five
employed in that department of the public serv-
ice. The position is one of great responsibility
and trust, and from the nature of the duties in-
volved reflects credit upon those selected for the
office. While actively connected with the cam-
paign work of his party, Mr. Junkins never con-
sented to be a candidate for office as his newspaper
business occupied his time and demanded his at-
tention until his son had become sufficiently ex-
perienced to assume its management. All worthy
public enterprises enlist his sympath}-^ and support
He was especially active in aiding in the construction
of the new Methodist Episcopal Church, and was
the recognized financial leader and manager of
that important undertaking. His liberality in that
direction as well as in the support of the public
library and encouragement of railway construc-
tion and other enterprises calculated to benefit his
city and county, has always been in excess of his
means. As a journalist, Mr. Junkin takes rank
among the foremost men in Iowa, and as a citizen
he commands and enjoys the unqualified respect
and esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances and
friends.
JOHN GEORGE BURKHART,a farmer and
stockraiser of Locust Grove Township, re-
siding on section 25, came to Jefferson
County in 1857, and therefore ranks among
her early settlers. He was born in New York
City in 1834, being the third in a family of six
children born of the union of J. G. Burkhart
and Rosina E. Miller. His father was a New
York farmer and spent his entire life in that State,
as did also his mother.
Our subject was reared to manhood in New
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301
York, remaining under the parental roof until his
removal to the West, and was educated in the
schools of his native county. In 1857, while still
single, he bade good-by to his old home and cast
his lot with the early settlers of Iowa. He has
never had occasion to regret the step then taken,
for in this western country he has prospered fin-
ancially, and has formed many warm friendships
which bind him closely to the community. For
twenty years after his arrival in Iowa he was en-
gaged as a bridge builder in the employ of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company,
.working mostly between Omaha and Burlington.
In the latter city and In Fairfield he made his
home during that time. His long service with one
company indicates his faithfulness to duty and the
efficiency displayed in work, also the trust re-
posed in him by his employers. He is worthy of
their regard, for every task was conscientiously
performed and would bear the closest inspection.
In 1861, in Jefferson County, Mr. Burkhart was
united in marriage with Miss Rhoda M. Black, a
native of Ohio and daughter of Moses and Nancy
(Glasgow) Black, whose birthplaces were also in
the Buckeye State, whence they removed to this
county in 1844, locating in Des Moines Township.
Her father served as the first County Judge of Jef-
ferson County, and was an influential and honored
citizen. His death occurred in 1868, but his wife
survived until 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart began their domestic life
in Fairfield, but afterward removed to Burlington.
In 1875 he purchased an improved farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres, but continued with the rail-
road company for some time longer. It was not
until 1879 that he gave his entire attention to
agricnltural pursuits, but in that year he removed
to his present home on section 25, Locust Grove
Township, where he owns a good farm. The
original boundary has been extended until it em-
braces two hundred and seventy-six acres, all of
which is under a high stat.e of cultivation and
greatly improved. A man of energy and indomi-
table will, Mr. Burkhart accomplishes everything
be undertakes if the end can be reached by hon-
orable means. He is a valued citizen of the com-
munity and takes an active interest in everything
for the upbuilding of town and county. He has
served on the School Board in his home district,
has labored for the interests of education and
provided his children with ^ood advantages. He
served as a bridge contractor for Jefferson County
for some nine years. In his political affiliations
he is a Republican and one who in a quiet way,
without seeking preferment for himself, labors for
the success and welfare of his party. Both he and
his wife are members of the Baptist Church, of
Fairfield, and in the social world are held in high
regard.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burk-
hart, but two of the number are deceased — Katie
E., who died at the age of five years; and Moses
T. F., who died when three months old. The
living are: William G., who is married and re-
sides in Locust Grove Township; Anna M. at
home; and Benjamin and Joseph, who are yet with
their parents.
cil jblLLlAM C. JONES, one of the honored
\/U// pioneers of Jefferson County, came to
^^J Iowa during its Territorial days, having
since 1845 been identified with the history of Jef-
ferson and VanBuren Counties. From his earliest
residence in this community he was recognized as
one of the leading spirits. A friend to all worthy
enterprises he gave liberally in support of public
interests calculated to benefit the community, and
was especially earnest in his efforts to advance the
cause of education.
M r. Jones was born in Surrey, N. C, July 9, 1 809,
and is a son of Horatio Jones. The American branch
of the family was founded in Maryland, and was
of Welsh origin. When a lad of six years, Mr.
Jones accompanied his parents, who removed to
Southwestern Virginia, where he grew to manhood,
and on the 20th of February, 1831, was united in
marriage with Permelia A. Vaughan, who was de-
scended from an earl}' Virginian family of English
origin, her parents being William K. and Elizabeth
Vaughan. In December of the same year, accom-
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paniod by his young bride, Mr. Jones emigrated
to Johnson County, Ind., where he devoted his
energies to agricultural pursuits. He also became
one of the prominent gitizens of that community,
and served in many official capacities, holding the
offices of County Assessor, County Commissioner,
Collector, Sheriff, and United States Census Taker
of that county in 1840. Once more he determined
to cast his lot with the pioneer settlement, and
carrying out his resolution, arrived in Jefferson
County on the 31st of March, 1845. Locating in
Cedar Township, he entered government land, and
subsequently entered and sold various tracts in
that community. He made his home in Cedar
Township until 1851, when he removed to a farm
near Fairfield, and in 1864 took up his residence
in Round Prairie Township. Three years later he
abandoned farm life, and removing to the village
of Winchester, in Van Buren County, he embarked
in the mercantile business, which he continued un-
til 1876. Clmnglng his place of residence from
Winchester to Fairfield in that year, he then retired
from active business life, and has spent the suc-
ceeding years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his
former toil.
Mr. Jones lost his wife by death in 1889, she
passing away on the 18th of October of that year.
Their famil}* numbered six children, five sons and
a daughter, all born in Johnson County, Ind.
Isaac D. married Miss Rachel E. Young, who was
also a native of Johnson County; he is now en-
gaged in the practice of law. William II. married
Miss Rachel E. Jones, a distant relativo, and for a
time engaged in farming, after which he engaged
in the drug business until his death, in September,
1882; Cornelius A. married Emeline E. Young, and
is now a resident of Fairfield, where he has carried
on the drug business since 1867 ; Martin Van Buren,
who wedded Miranda V. Johnson, served in the
Twenty -sixth Missouri Infantry until severel.y
wounded at the battle of Champion Hills, Miss.,
after which he returned home and died in April,
1881; Dr. Wiley A., a practicing physician of
Cantril, Van Buren County, wedded Althea Miller.
Elizabeth R. died in 1864, unmarried; she was the
youngest of the family.
In 1850 Mr. Jones was elected School Fund
Commissioner, which office he held for two terms,
and was United States Census Taker of the east
half of the county in 1860. As before stated, he
has labored for the interests of the county in which
he has long made h»s home, and by concentrated
eflfort, supplemented by good judgment, has borne
no inconsiderable part in the great progress which
has taken place during the past forty- five years.
In his business affairs he was also successful, and
by his upright dealing and courteous treatment to
all, won a liberal patronage and secured the confi-
dence of all with whom he came in contact. In
political sentiment he is a conservative Democrat.
He has made the political history of his country a
study, and is also well versed in current events.
He possesses a retentive memory, and has stored
up a fund of useful knowledge, which at once
makes him an instructive and entertaining conver-
sationalist. In his religious associations he is t
member of the Christian Church, to ^hich his wife
also belonged. Mr. Jones has now reached the
advanced age of eighty-one years. His life has
been well and worthily spent, and he is highly re-
spected and widel}' known, especially among Ihe
older settlers of the county.
ENJAMIN D. PIERCE, an honored citizen
of Fairfield, has been a resident of Iowa for
a half century. He is now an old man of
eight3'-six years. He has witnessed three of
the four wars in which our country has been en-
gaged, has seen the introduction of the many won-
derful inventions which characterize this era in the
world's history, and has watched the steady pro-
gress of civilization constantly marching westward.
His birth-place was Grayson County, Va., his boy-
hood days were spent in Ohio, he passed his early
manhood years in Wa3'ne County, Ind., and for
half a century he has reside<l in Iowa.
The Pierce family to which our subject belongs
was founded in America during the seventeenth
century b}* his paternal grandfather, George Pierce,
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303
who, accompanied by three brothers, emigrated
from England in the colony with William Penn,
and settled in Philadelphia. All were followers of
ibe same faith as their leader, and to a great extent
their descendants have embraced the doctrine of
the Society of Friends. The grandfather of Mr.
Pierce was married in this country, and settled in
Chester County ,Pa., where, on the 28th of February,
1755, was born Gainer Pierce, the father of our
subject. On attaining man's estate he wedded
Ruth Davies, who was born August 5, 1763, in
Chester County, and was of Welsh descent. They
began their domestic life in the Keystone State,
but afterward removed to Grayson County, Va.,
and in 1809 became residents of Miami County,
Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives.
For a livelihood Mr. Pierce followed the wagon-
maker's trade. He lived the quiet and unassuming^
life common to the people of his religious faith,
and died in Ohio, October 23, 1821. His wife
afterward married Benjamin Iddings, and died in
March, 1840.
Our subject, who was born on the 25th of Sep-
tember, 1804, was the youngest of seven children,
five sons and two daughters, and is the only sur-
viving one. He received but little opportunity for
securing an education, but in the district schools
managed to gain a fair knowledge of the three R's.
When about fifteen years of age he learned the
carpenter and cabinet maker's trade, at which he
worke<l until his marriage, which occurred in Mi-
ami County, Ohio, August 30, 1827, the lady of
his choice being Rachel Coppock, who was born in
Miami County, Ohio, October 8, 1809. Removing
to Indiana, they made thei*- home in Wayne County
until 1841, when they became residents 4)f Henry
County, Iowa, where Mr. Pierce purchased about
one thousand acres of land, on which he made
many and important improvements. From Henry
County he removed to Newton, Jasper County,
where he was residing during the exciting times
which preceded the late war. When the question
of the abolition of slavery came up afresh, he took
a decided stand with the Abolitionists, and made
public addresses in some forty counties of Iowa,
many times at the peril of his life. He also took
an active part in assisting negroes on their way lo
freedom by means of the celebrated Underground
Railroad. Then being off the direct line, he re-
moved to Fairfield in order that he might better
assist in* that work. rj Mr. Pierce cast his first Presi-
dential vote; for: Henry Clay, and continued to sup-
port the Whig party until its dissolution, since
which time he has voted with the Republican
party.
For nearly sixty-three years'Mr. and Mrs. Pierce
traveled life's journey together as man and wife,
but the ties of. this earth were broken, and on the
2d of April, 1890, the spirit of the loved wife re-
turned to Him who gave it, leaving the bereaved
husband to continue on alone until he too shall
be called to cross the dark river and meet the
loved one gone before. They had no children of
their own, but Mr. Pierce has not been left with-
out a comforter. Twenty years ago the worthy
couple took into their home Miss Mary C. Ruby,
and lavishing upon her the love and attention
which would have been given to children of their
own, they were repaid by her kind ministrations to
them in their old age, prompted by all the affec-
tion and fidelity of a daughter. At the age of
eighty-six, Mr. Pierce still lingers on the shores of
time, beloved and respected by those who know
him and appreciate his worth. He has been honest
in his dealings and upright in character. Of this
world's goods he has enough and to spare.
jQ^S^^l^
1% ANIEL K. KITTLE, the efficient Recorder
ll Jj of Van Buren County, and a representa-
^^Jfr tive citizen of Keosauqua, was born in
Hamilton County, Ohio, on the 2d of
August, 1826. The Kittle family originated in
Holland and the American progenitor was Daniel
Kiltie, the grandfather of our subject, who at an
early day braved the hardships and difficulties of
an ocean passage to make a home in the New World.
He settled in the Taggart Valley of Virginia, and
married Miss Catherine Crum, a native of Holland.
They became parents of the following children:
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Jobn wedded a Miss Gibson and settled in Indiana;
William married a sister of his brother's wife and
became a resident of the same State; Jacob made
his home in Dearborn County, Ind.; Elias, who
was joined in wedlock with Miss Hayes, died in
Dearborn County; Solomon married a Miss Gib-
son; Phineas was the father of Daniel K.; and
Daniel wedded a Miss Downey, sister of Judge
Downey, of Indiana.
Phineas Kittle, who was a native of Virginia,
married Margaret Luke, and shortly afterwards re-
moved with his young bride to Indiana, settling in
Dearborn, now Ohio County. At that time, the
entire country round about was a waste wilderness
and the pioneers of the community hewed out their
farms in the midst of the heavy timber. Not a
railroad crossed the State and the only means of
conveyance was the prairie schooner. It will read-
ily be seen that the early settlers thus had but few
comforts and conveniences and were forced. to en-
dure many hardships and difficulties such as are in-
cident to life on the frontier. Mr. Kittle devoted
his time and attention to the development of a farm
and being an industrious and energetic man suc-
ceeded in his undertaking. He and his estimable
wife were numbered among the highly respected
citizens of the community in which they located.
Unto them was born a family of ten children, nine
of whom lived to adult age : Thomas, the eldest,
was twice married, and died in Ohio County, Ind.;
Eleanor is the wife of Eli Corson, of Clarke County,
Mo.; D. K., of this sketch, is the next younger;
Mary is the wife of A. McCullough, of Van Buren
County, Iowa; John is also living in the same
county; Solomon married Miss Clement and is
living in Ohio County, Ind.; Samuel is married
and makes his home in Van Buren County ; Martin
Van Buren is located in Ohio County, Ind.; and
Richard, the youngest, makes his home in Kansas.
For thirty-five years, D. K. Kittle has been a
resident of Van Buren County and almost from
the date of his settlement he has been regarded as
one of the prominent and influential citizens of the
community. He has aided not a little in the up-
building of the county's best interests, especially
in the advancement of the cause of education, and
for a number of years was employed in the capac-
ity of teacher. His own education was somewhat
limited. He became familiar with the elementary
branches of learning in a log schoolhouse with a
puncheon floor, slab seats and oiled paper windows,
but many men of note were similarly trained in
their youth. When a lad of fifteen years, in the
winter of 1840-41, he was attacked with the white
swelling and in all these years has failed to find a
remedy which would effect a permanent cure. This
unfitted him for hard manual labor and his atten-
tion was necessarily called to other pursuits. Being
studious by nature and desirous of obtaining t
better education, his brother John gave him flnan-
cial assistance and he was enabled to prosecute his
studies until he became a well-informed man. The
spring of 1854 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Kittle
in lowaville. Van Buren County, and embarking
in the profession of teaching he followed that pur-
suit with marked success until 1872. Previous to
that time he had filled a number of township ofl^ces,
having acted as clerk, assessor, etc., and in the
autumn of the j'ear above mentioned he was elected
Recorder of Van Buren County. Almost two de-
cades have since passed away, yet with the exception
of a term of two years, he has been continuously
the incumbent of that oflSce and for one year dur-
ing his absence from the same, he served as Deputy
Treasurer.
In the autumn succeeding his arrival in the
county, Mr. Kittle was united in the holy bonds of
matrimony with Miss Lavina McCullough and five
living children grace their union, the eldest of
whom is Dora, wife of A. P. Hart, of Yellowstone
County, Mont.; Delia, the next younger, is at
home; Roger holds the position of Deputy Re-
corder; George is employed in the marble works
of Oskaloosa; and MjtI completes the number.
In early life Mr. Kittle wag a supporter of Demo-
cratic principles and afl31iated with that party until
the Presidential election of 1860, when his views
coinciding with those of the Republican party ho
gave his support to Abraham Lincoln and has since
been a stalwart advocate of the party, which then
for the first time gained control of the reins of
government. His constituents hare had no occa-
sion to regret placing him in the various ofldces be
has filled and in his long continued service as
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County Recorder, we find ample proof of his effl- ,
ciency and fidelity to duty. Few men are better |
known in this section of the country than D. K.
Kittle and none are more universally respected
than he.
M. BICKFORD, of Fairfield, deserves a
place in the record of the pioneer settlers
and prominent citizens of Jefferson County.
He was born in Maine, June 3, 1817. His
father, William Bickford, a native of the [same
State, went to sea when a boy and so faithfully did
he discharge his duties that he was promoted step
by step until he became commander of a vessel.
During his seafaring life he made several trips to
the East Indies. At the age of sixty-five he quit
the dangerous life of a sailor and devoted himself
to the less exciting, yet safer pursuit of farming,
which he followed in Maine, where he spent his
last days dying at the age of eighty-eight years.
His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Smith,
was also born in the Pine Tree State, and died when
our subject was less than a year old, leaving three
children, of whom S. M. and a sister still survive.
After the death of his first wife, William Bickford
was again married and had a family of five children.
Politically he was an old time Democrat and with
all the patriotism of an American seaman, espoused
the principles of **free trade and sailor's rights."
Left motherless at so early an age, the early
training of our subject was entrusted to a step-
mother who was not the least noted for sweetness
of disposition or kindness to the children to whom
she was to take the place of mother. Early in life ho
began to provide for his own wants and from a ten-
der age has made his own way in the world. When
ajouth he served a three years' apprenticeship to
the machinist's trade and on the completion of that
term worked several years as a journeyman.
In 1844 he went to the Island of Cuba as a me-
chanical engineer, remaining twelve months, and
then spent one year in Illinois. In 1 847 he first
set foot upon Iowa soil, locating in Burlington
where ho made his headquarters about two years
though he worked at different places in the State.
He then came to*[Fairfield where he has since
made his home although he spent one winter in
Mississippi, and one in Wisconsin. He was an
expert workman and his labors as a machinist
have always been received with general satisfac-
tion. Conscientious in the discharge of his duty he
won the confidence of the public and soon secured
a liberal patronage. He has entered several hun-
dred acres of land in the western counties of Iowa
which he still owns, and as real estate is gradually
increasing in value it will in time make him a
wealthy man. In his political affiliations Mr. Bick-
ford was a Democrat until the war, since which
time he has voted with the Republican party. He
has never been an office seeker but when public
trust was accorded him he discharged his duty hon-
orably and acceptably. For some twelve or fifteen *
years he held the position of Township Trustee and
his long service in one office is certainly a high tes-
timonial of the general satisfaction with which his
efforts were received. He has now made Jefferson
County his home for more; than forty years and has
always been a respected and worthy citizen. He
keeps; himself well informed on all public issues,
and is progressive and zealous in whatever tends
to benefit the community.
\f/^ ON. CHARLES D. LEGGETT, Judge of
iV the Second Judicial District of Iowa, was
^--^^ born in Carrolton, Carroll County, Ohio,
(i^ October 8, 1849, and is a son of Richard
H. and Basheba (Viers) Leggett. In 1855, when a
child of six years, he came to Fairfield, Iowa, with
his parents, and has since made this city his home.
He attended the schools of Fairfield in childhood,
later was a student in Griswold College, of Daven-
port, and completed his education in Kenyon Col-
lege, of Gambler, Ohio, graduating from that in-
stitution in 1869, at the head of his class. With a
desire to make the legal profession his life work, he
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entered upon the study of law under the direction
of Hon. D. P. Stubb9,of Fairfield, and was admitted
to the bar June 6, 1872, and soon afterward to
practice in the United States circuit and district
courts. On the same day he entered upon his pro-
fessional career in Fairfield as a partner of his
former preceptor, D. P. Stubbs, the firm being
styled Stubbs & Leggett. That connection con-
tinued six years and on its dissolution, Judge Legg-
ett became the senior member of the law firm of
Leggett & McKemey of Fairfield, which continued
business until the withdrawal of Judge Leggett on
his election to the bench.
On September 2, 1885, the Judge was united in
marriage in ( enterville, Ohio, with Miss Beatrice
Cunningham, daughter of P. F. Cunningham. The
lady was born in Centerville and is a graduate of
Parsons College, of Fairfield. Tliey have two chil-
*dren, a son and a daughter — Richard C, bom
Octobers, 1886, and Ruth, March 26, 1889.
The Judge is a Republican in politics but has
not been an active politician.
4^
^^ROF. RICHARD A. HARKNESS,Pn. D.,
I Jj] professor of the latin language and litera-
\ 1^ ture in Parsons College, of Fuir field, is an
I \ educator of thirty years experience and of
well known and recognized ability throughout the
State. He was born in Delhi, Delaware County,
N. Y., November 25, 1839. Of almost pure Scotch
blood, he has inherited the physical and mental
characteristics of that people. His paternal grand-
parents came from the North of Ireland, though
their ancestors emigrated from Scotland at the time
of the persecution and souglrt refuge on the Emer-
ald Isle. His maternal grandparents came direct
from Scotland and both families settled in New
York. Their lives were simple and unostentatious,
but intensely religious. To such homes we are
greatly indebted for the greatest and best charac-
ters of our American civilization, ^fhe Professors
parents, Robert and Lydia (Leal) Harkness, were
natives of New York,; which State was their home
throughout life, he being a farmer by occupation.
His death occurred in the prime of manhood when
forty-two years of age, leaving a family of tea chil-
dren, four sons and six daughters, of whom Prof.
Harkness is the eightli in order of birth. Of these
three sons and five daughters are still living. The
mother lived to the advanced age of eighty-fire
years and like her husband was a life-long member
of the Presbyterian Church.
Prof. Harkness is the only one of,' the family that
has been diverted from the pursuit of his ancestors —
farming, and until sixteen 3'^ears of age, he too, per-
formed such duties as are incident to the life of
farmer lads. The father dying when Richard was
only five years of age, the early training of the boy
was left to his mother, who schooled him as best she
could and never forgot to impress upon his young
mind the great principles of Christianity. Until
about seventeen years of age he attendeti the com-
mon schools and the Delhi Academy. From 1856
to 1860, he was engaged in teaching in Licking
County, Ohio, when he returned to his native city
and spent another year in the academy. In 1861,
he entered the junior class of Union College, in
Schenectady, N. Y. and was graduated in 1863
with the degree of A. B. He taught in an acad-
emy in Cherry Valley, N. Y„ and continued that
work until 1864, when he was offered the position
of principal of a scho<»l in Gordon Grove, Decatur
County, Iowa. The institution was a public school
and a college combined, and for eighteen years he
stood at its head and under his efilcient manage-
ment the school became very popular. Students
came from long distances and more pupils were
prepared for cc liege at that school than at any
other in this part of the State. Through the
work done and the active part taken in normal
institutes. Prof. Harkness became well known
throughout the State and without his solicitation
or consent his name was offered as a candidate for
State Superintendent of Schools. He supports the
Republican party but has never sought oflScial
recognition. For many years he was a member
of the State Educational Council and was President
of the Suite Teachers' Association iu 1 882.
Prof. Harkness has never felt called upon *»to
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'UBLIC LIBRARY
A8TOR. LENOX
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Jamls Gallihlr.
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80y
write a book" but be bas made a number of valu-
able contributions to tbe literature of bis profession
which have appeared in journals or been read be-
fore associations. In 1876, the Professor was
elected a trustee of Parsons College,of Fairfield.but
resigned the position after six years on being called
to his present position in 1882.
In Humeston, Iowa, on the 9th of August, 1865,
Prof. Harkoess was united in marriage with Miss
Susie, daughter of Hon. Alva and Mary (North-
rup) Humeston, who emigrated to Iowa in 1864.
Her father was a prominent business man and
at one time represented Wayne County in the
Iowa Legislature. Mrs. Harkness is a native of
Trumbull uounty, Ohio, and a cultured and intel-
ligent lady, her education having been acquired in
Hiram College. The Professor and his wife have
three children — Mary L., a graduate of Parsons
College, of Fairfield, in which institution she has
since taught for five 3'ear8; Susie A. and Carlton
A. are still students.
Mr. Harkness is senior professor in the college
and is well capable of filling the position which
he has now beld for eight years. So far as human
effort goes lie is a self-made man. With good nat-
ural endowments and a first-class course of train-
ing combined with long experience, Prof. Harkness
bas won rank among tbe first educators of the
State.
'W
'if? AMES A. GALLIHER, of Fairfield, has re-
sided in Jefferson County for a longer period
than almost any of its citizens now living.
He has ever ranked among its leading and
influential men and in various official capacities has
attested his worth as a citizen and his desire to aid
in tbe progress of all that would benefit the com-
munit}'.
The life record of Mr. Galliher is as follows:
His birth occurred in Fleming County, Ky., May
4, 1811, and in his native State he was reared to
manhood. But before proceeding farther it would
be well to mention something about the origin of
the Galliher family which was founded in Amer-
ica by the grandfather of our subject, a gentleman
of Irish birth, who accompanied by his wife, a lady
of Scotch descent, left the Emerald Isle and sailed
for the New World. Having arrived at their desti-
nation they settled in Fleming County, Ky.^ where
was born unto them a son to whom they gave the
name of James. On reaching manhood he married
Eleanor Blackburn, who was a native of Maryland
and with her parents emigrated to Fleming County ,
K3\, among its early settlers. James Galliher was
a farmer by occupation and followed that business
throughout the greater part of his life. He enlisted
in the War of 1812 with three of his brothers, and
he and two brothers were killed in a battle with the
Indians on the river Raisen and the other brother
who escaped with his life, was seven times wounded.
The family left to mourn the loss of the father
consisted of six children, five sons and a daughter,
but our subject is the only one who now survives.
His mother spent her Inst days at his home in this
county, passing away in 1856. She was a consist-
ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and her example impressed itself upon the minds
of her children, never to be effaced.
James A. Galliher was the fifth in order of birth
in the family and was but two years of age at the
time of his father's death. No property of any
amount being left, at an early age he was forced
to begin life for himself and in consequence his
educational advantages were very limited,being con-
fined to about eight months attendance at the com-
mon schools. Having worked for his mother until
1 830, he was then married to Hannah McKee, a na-
tive of Fleming County, Ky., their union being
celebrated March 18, 1830. He followed- farming
in his native State until 1832, when with his family
he removed to Vermilion County, III., where he
made his first purchase of land — a tract of one
hundred and twenty atjres. Thinking it would be
to his advantage to seek a home further westward,
in 1838 he came to Jefferson County and at the
first land sale in Iowa, made purchase of a quarter ,
section. He also entered a like amount, after which
he returned to Illinois. His first wife had died on
July 11, 1836, and on December 17, 1839, he
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wedded MelindaB. Anderson, a native of Bourbon
County, Ky., born September 19, 1810. In Au-
gust, 1840, he brought his family to the new home,
locating on his farm in Cellar Township. In look-
ing abroad over the country to-day one can scarcely
realize what was its condition fifty years ago.
Where now appear waving fields of grain, wild
and uncultivated prairies stretched away into tlie
distance; flourishing towns of considerable im-
portancc were not yet in existence and the entire
region round about was almost an unbroken wilder-
ness. Perhaps our readers may gain some idea of
the condition of things at that day by a description
of the way in which Mr. Galliher and his family
spent the first few years after their arrival. No
houses could be rented and they cooked by a log
and slept in a wagon until Mr. Galliher could pre-
pare logs for building a cabin. He invited all
within reach to assist him at the ^^raising" and the
invitations were all responded to, but the entire
company numbered only five. The house was 18x18
feet yet many of the happiest hours of the life of
our subject were passed beneath that humble roof.
At length the pioneer home was replaced by a
commodious brick residence in which he lived until
his removal to Fairfield in 1888. Hardships and
diflSculties incident to pioneer life were common to
all in that early day and Mr. Galliher and his fam-
ily did not escape the general rule, but overcoming
such disadvantages, success at length smiled upon
his efforts and he is now in comfortable circum-
stances having a competency which enables him to
live a retired life.
From the time when he cast his first vote for
Andrew Jackson, Mr. Galliher has never wavered
in his support to the Democratic party, but feels an
abiding interest in its welfare and success. As be-
fore stated, he has long served in positions of pub-
lie trust, his official career covering a period of
twenty -eight years, which would have been further
extended had he so desired. This fact indicates
his efficiency and ability as an officer and is abetter
testimonial than words of praise. For eighteen
years he was Justice of the Peace, for two and a
half years he served as Sheriff and for seven years
occupied the position of County Trustee. He and
his wife were long associated with the Methodist |
Church but becoming dissatisfied with the stand
which the church took in regard to the war, with-
drew from membership. He is a member of the Old
Settlers' Society.
By his first wife Mr. Galliher had two children,
namely : Hester J., now the widow of Peter Fisher,
and Sarah E., wife of Nathaniel Young, a farmer
of Adair County, Iowa. By the present union
eight children have been born, Melinda B., de-
ceased wife of William Templeton; James A. wh6
died in his nineteenth year; Catherine A., wife of
H. Templeton ; Esther who died at the age of three
years ; Theresa, second wife of William Templeton;
George W. who died in infancy ; Samantha, wife of
Perry Green, and Eveline S. who died at the age of
two years.
^f^ R. JOEL ELISHA KING, deceased, was bom
in Sandersfield, Berkshire County, Mass..
November 26, 1813, and was of Irish de-
scent. His grandfather. Dr. Robert King, was born
near Cork, Ireland, in 1740, and about 1767, wed-
ded a Miss Morgan. They are supposed to have
married in the old country, but soon afterward
came to America, settling in Blanford, Berkshire
County, Mass. The sixth child in their family of
eleven children was born on the 9th of May, '1777,
in Blanford, Mass., and to him was given the name
of Robert. In 1808 he was commissioned Lieutenant
of a company in the First Brigade, Ninth Division
of the Massachusetts Militia, and in 1812 pro-
moted to be Captain of the same. A man of marked
ability, he gave his attention to the study of medi-
cine and surgery, and soon took prominence among
the physicians and surgeons of that place. In his
earlier years he became addicted to the use of
strong drink, but becoming convinced of its hurt-
fulness, he abandoned the use of all liquors, and be-,
came a strong advocate of the cause of temperance.
In 1826, he removed to Portage County, Ohio, pur-
chased a farm of two hundred acres near Charles-
ton Center, and laying aside the arduous duties of
a practitioner spent the remainder of his life in re-
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311
tirement in the home which he there made. He
was twice married, but by the latter union had no
children. His Brst wife was Miss Bridget Morgan,
and a family of twelve children was born unto
them.
The personal history of our subject, Dr. J. E.
King, is as follows: In the common schools of Ohio,
lie acquired his education, and at the age of fifteen
began the study of medicine. After reaching' man-
hood, he bought a piece of land in Charleston,
Ohio, and with his own hands cleared away the tim-
ber, developing from the hitherto uncultivated
tract a rich and fertile farm. In Norton, Summit
County, Ohio, on the 3d of April, 1835, he was
united in marriage with Miss P^mcline Barnes, who
wfis born December 24, 1813, in Tolland, Hamden
County, Mass. Her father, Phineas Barnes, who
was born in Massachusetts, October 7, 1770, and
her mother, whose maiden name was Abigail Smith,
was bom in the Bay State, June 10, 1780. In 1814,
they removed to Ohio, locating in Summit County,
where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr.
Barnes was a well-to-do farmer, and himself and
wife were devoted workers in the Methodist Church.
Their family numbered nine sons and three daugh-
ters, but only four are now living: Dennison, who
is living in Bloomington, 111., at the age of eighty-
nine years; John, a resident of Michigan ; Corintha,
wife of Merritt Hoskins, of Michigan; and Mrs.
King; Salmon, when a young man, went south and
joined the regular army, and after serving about a
year, died at Ft. Gibson. Phineas Barnes, the father
of this family, died March 1, 1857, at the age of
eighty-seven years, and the death of his wife oc-
curred on the 6th of May, 1849.
Dr. King continued his farming operations in
Ohio, until 1838, when he sold out and removed to
Salem, Marion County, 111., where he engaged in
the practice of medicine until, believing his ser-
vices were more needed in the work of the minis-
try, he sold out and began preaching. He had
been converted at the age of seventeen years, and
from that time was a constant Bible student. Having
engaged in pastoral work for about two years, he
again resumed the practice of medicine, making his
home on a farm near Clintonf until 1853, when he
removed to that town and engaged in mercantile
pursuits, but the 6nancial panic of 1857, came on
and with many hundreds of others he was engulfed
in ruin.
During the first year of the Civil War, Dr. King,
with an earnest desire to aid his country, enlisted
in Company E, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, and
was detailed in the hospital of the regiment. In
1862, he was taken sick, but not able to get full re-
lief he was placed in charge of the smallpox hospi-
tal in Louisville, Ky. He did not rally from the
effects of his own illness, however, and in October,
1862 received his discharge. When he entered the
service, his weight was one hundred and fifty
pounds, but on his return home he weighed only
eighty-nine pounds. During his absence a homoe-
pathic physician. Dr. Hummel, had located in Clin-
ton. Failing to find relief in any of the various
remedies which he had tried, Dr. King was pur-
suaded by his wife to try homoepathic treatment,
and finally to study the same with Dr. Hummel.
He himself was so much benefited, that he became
impressed with the desire to know more of the sys-
tem, and from that time forward practiced it alto-
gether. In March, 1865, he removed with his
family to Fairfield, where he continued the prac-
tice of medicine until his death. He was a success-
ful doctor, and had an extensive practice over a
large range of territory. His ability was the secret
of his popularity, and the liberal patronage which
he received was well deserved. In his political
sentiments, the Doctor was a Republican, and in
his social connections was a Mason. He was also
a strong advocate of the cause of temperance, and
was a liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises.
Charitable and benevolent,his generosity was every-
where known, and the poor and needy found in him
a valued friend.
To Dr. and Mrs. King were born eight children,
but two daughters died in childhood. The living
are: Sylvester M., a physician of Albia, Iowa, who
enlisted in Company E, Twentieth Illinois Infan-
try, on the 19th of April, 1861, participated in the
battles of Frederickstown, Mo., Ft. Donelson and
Shiloh, where he was severely wounded, after which
he was discharged in October, 1862, but in Au-
gust, 1864, he re-enlisted as a member of Company
I, Sixth Ohio Cavalry, and serve! until the close
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of the war. PMward H., the second of the familv,
like his brother, is a graduate of Hahnemann Col-
lege, of Chicago, and is now engaged in the prac-
tice of medicine in Denver, Col. He served three
years in Company B, One Flundred and Seventh
Illinois Infantry, and was in nearly ail the battles
of the regiment; Ellen is the wife of Thomas L.
Hoffman, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work;
Joel B. is extensively engaged in business in El-
bert, Colo.; Alice is the wife of Dr. Joseph S. Low-
ell, of Clinton, Iowa; Emma, the youngest of the
family, is the wife of William S. Mitchell, a drug-
gist of Bloomfield.
On the 1st of June, 1890, Dr. J. E. King passed
from among the living. In his death the church,
society, and his family, suffered an irreparable loss.
Few men have more endeared themselves to the
hearts of the people of the community than he.
His wife is still living in Fairfield, and is an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
-^>»*>
-^^^i^^^fitffZf^-^
iEV. FREDERICK FINNEY LYON, who
is familiarly known as "Uncle Fred," has an
acquaintance throughout the county which
embnlces almost every man, woman and
child within its borders. Not to know him argues
oneself unknown. He was born in Otsego County,
N. Y., on the 6th of August, 1816, and is a son of
Abel and Nancy (Finney) Lyon, both of whom
were natives of Connecticut. In an early day they
removed to the Empire State, and located in what
was afterward Otsego County. In 1829 they be-
came residents of Wayne County, and in 1836 they
removed to Cattaraugus County, where their last
days were spent. The father died in his eighty-
ninth year, and the mother also reached an ad-
vanced age. Theirs was a Christian home and in
accordance with the teachings of the Methodist
Church, of which they were consistent members,
they reared their family of children, consisting of
six sons and six daughters, and two of the sons
became ministers — Moses, now deceased, who for
some sixty years was engaged in preaching the
Gospel ; and Frederick F. The father took a most
important part in church work, his home was the
place of entertainment for the Methodist ministers,
and his tent was always found upon the camp meet-
ing grounds. No church duty was ever neglected
by him, and his religion imbued his whole life,
making him a kind, benevolent and charitable man,
ever ready to aid the oppressed, to lift up the fallen
and give to the poor and needy.
The subject of this sketch was the sixth child in
the family. His father operated an extensive farm,
was a hard worker himself, and taught his sons the
same valuable lesson of thrift and industry. Thus
reared in a Christian home and trained to habits of
labor and enterprise, Mr. Lyon laid a foundation
upon which a noble character has been reared.
When a lad of thirteen years his parents removed
from Otsego to Wayne County, N. Y., but while
they were making preparations for providing a
comfortable home, young Frederick was left with
an uncle, and while there had a narrow escape from
being burned to death. One night he was sleeping
on some shavings in a sawmill when the building
caught fire, and he was not awakened from his
slumbers until a cousin had rushed through the
flames which filled the room, gathered him up, bed
and all, and carried him away from the burning
building, thus saving his life. He received fair
educational advantages in his youth, and at the age
of nineteen years began teaching school, which oc-
cupation be followed through two winters in his
native State. He then helped to prepare a raft
and started down the Allegheny River, working
his way on the raft to Louisville, Ky. The men
were there forced to accept half pay for their work.
The man who had employed them sold the raft and
left, but they forced the new owner to give them
one-half of the money due them. Mr. Lyon con-
tinued his journey by river to Ft. Madison, Iowa,
>but after a short time spent at that place went to
West Point, where he was engaged as clerk for a
time and afterward worked in a mill.
On the 5th of June, 1837, Mr. Lyon arrived in
what is now Jefferson County, and with its growth
and progress he has ever since been prominently
identified. Riding to the place where he judged
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the county seat would be, he staked a clairr, but
found that Heury B. Notson had located the same
claim about a week previous. As he had no money
with which to purchase land he did not then secure
a farm, but turned his attention to school-teaching,
which he continued for nineteen terms with the
most gratifying success, his labors being always
highly commended by hi& employers. The first
land for frhich he held a deed was located in Keo-
kuk County, and continued to be his home for some
nineteen years, when, in 1870, he removed to his
present place of residence on section 17, Black
Hawk Township, Jefferson County. He now de-
votes his attention to the care and cultivation of
his farm, and is ranked among the substantial citi-
zens of the community.
On the 8th of November, 1858, Mr. Lyon and
Miss Rachel F. Harris were joined in marriage.
Mrs. Lyon is a native of Kentucky, was born July
15, 1828, and is a daughter of Samuel M. and Mar-
garet (McVay) Harris, the former a native of Vir-
ginia and the latter of Tennessee, where their
marriage was celebrated. For some time tliey made
their home in Kentucky, and in 1825 took up their
residence in Macoupin County, 111., whence they
came to Jefferson County in the month of June,
1836. Mr. Harris was a farmer by occupation, and
both he and his wife were members of the Metho-
dist Church. They were parents of twelve chil-
dren, seven sons and five daughters, and one of the
number, Samuel T., became a minister of the Bap-
tist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Harris lived to a ripe
old age, but both are now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyon, in their declining years, are
surrounded by the comforts and luxuries which go
to make life worth the living, but their lot was not
always such. They began their domestic life in a
ent, where a quilt served as a door, and thus lived
until a cabin could be built. In the long nights the
howl of the wolf could be heard, and the Indian
was frequently a visitor at theii home, but these
were not the only disadvantages to be borne. II
was no easy task to develop from the wild land a
farm which could supply all their wants; means of
travel were very inferior, and it was a difficult
task to go to market or mill, but as the years rolled
along prosperity came to them as the reward of
their honest efforts, and they now have an abun-
dance of this world's goods. These worthy people
were the first couple legally married in the county.
A marriage had before taken place, but was not
considered legal.
Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
L3'on, the eldest of whom is Nancy A.; Margaret,
the second daughter, is the wife of Noah Embree;
Samuel T. is engaged in farming in Nebraska, and
William A. follows the same occupation in Oregon;
Rachel J., deceased, was the wife of Jehu Embree ;
Clarissa is the wife of William McClintock; Fred-
erick L. is a farmer; Mary E. was followed by John
S., now a farmer of Nebraska; D. N. is engaged in
the same pursuit and dealing in stock in Black
Hawk Township; Susan I. is the wife of Alex W.
McClintock; and Nathaniel B. and Ulysses W.
complete the family.
Mr. Lyon was converted under the preaching of
Henry Summers in the neighborhood where Prairie
Chapel now stands, when £ibout twenty-four years
of age, and about six months later was licensed to
preach. He has continued his labors as a local
minister throughout the ensuing years, with the
exception of eight years. One year he spent as
Methodist minister on a circuic. and seven years as
a circuit preacher in the United Brethren denomi-
nation. His voice has been heard in proclaiming
the Gospel all over this part of the country. Often
times, after a day 8|)ent in the school room, he
would mount his horse, fill some appointment to
preach, and then ride home probably ten or twelve
miles and perform the evening labors of the farm.
After preaching for a time in the Methodist Church
he became connected with the United Brethren, and
was ordained as Elder in 1861, but after eight years
he returned to his earlier faith, and has since been
one of the most faithful and consistent members of
his home church. His work cannot be estimated
by any common standard of measurement, for we
cannot tell upon whom our words are taking effect,
Or what will be the result of impressions formed,
but it is known that his Christian influence has been
a power for good in the community, and that his
life work has made others better, so that when his
time comes to die it can be said of him that it was
well that he lived.* He possesses considerable
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poetic talent, and his poems breathe a fervent piety
in every line. Many have been printed, and his
friends would gladly see the rest in print, for In
many are expressed gems of thought. He has
written upon the following subjects, which, as will
be seen, contain deep thought, but should be read
to be appreciated : Fall and Recovery, Preaching of
the Apostles, Tongue of Fire and Heart of Flame,
Apostacy, Reformations under Luther and Wesley,
Millenium, Faith of Abraham, David and Other
Old Testament Worthies, and the General Judg-
ment, which is terribly sublime in its word paint-
ing.
Until the war Mr. Lyon supported the Democratic
party, and then became a Republican, but dur-
ing the last few years has been a Greenback and
Labor Union man, believing that the interests of
the laboring classes are best cared for by that party.
He was appointed the first Sheriff of Jefferson
County, by the Governor, on the organization of
of the county and held the office two years. He
has been Chaplain of the Old Settlers Society five
years and takes great interest in its meetings. He
has been a resident of this community for fifty-
three years, and little is known concerning the early
history of the county with which Mr. Lyon is not
familiar. His reminiscences of the pioneer days are
both valua1)le and interesting, and we greatly re-
gret that space forbids us giving a more extended
account of the same. He well deserves a repre-
sentation in the history of his adopted county, for
he is known throughout the neighborhood as a
worthy i.itizen and honored pioneer.
-^^^'^^^W^^*
AMUEL FASNACHT, one of the pioneers
of Van Buren County and a respected citi-
zen of Keosauqua, was born in Lebanon,
Lebanon County, Pa., on the 26th of Au-
gust, 1818, and as the name indicates, the family is
of German descent. The grandfather of our sub-
ject, Frederick Fasnacht, was the American pro-
genitor, and his son Conrad became the father of
Samuel. He was married in Lebanon County. Pa.,
to Miss Bosaniia Stoever, by whom he had four
children — Joseph, William, Charles and Catherine
— all of whom died in infancy. After the death of
tbc mother, Mr. Fasnacht wedded Mrs. Catherine
(Doebler) Hoak. widow of George Hoak, and six
children blessed this union, to whom were given
the names of Samuel, Edward, Andrew, Henry.
Savilla and Rosa.
The early life of our subject passed uneventfully.
His education was acquired in the subscription
schools common at that day, and when a young
man he learned the trade of a butcher, which he fol-
lowed for some years. In 1836 he emigrated to
Springfield, Ohio, where he married Miss Rebecca
Schreckengast, who was born in Lebanon County,
Pa., in April, 1818. In the fall succeeding their
marriage Mr. Fasnacht and his young wife removed
to Mt. Carmel, Wabash County, 111., where he was
engaged in the butchering business for some three
years. The Southwest tlien attracted his attention
and he made a location in Little Rock, Ark., where
he also carried on a meat market. Not finding
everything as favorable as he had hoped, in tbe
spring of 1842 he removed to Memphis, Tenn.,
where he remained until the spring of 1845, which
year witnessed his arrival in Van Buren County.
However, he had previously visited Stephenson
County, where he had a brother living. Taking
up his residence in Keosauqua, Mr. Fasnacht en-
gaged in the butchering business until 1850, when
attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he
made a trip to the Pacific Slope, reaching Sacra-
mento after one hundred and two daj^s of travel.
During his sojourn in the Far West he was located
at Placerville, then known as Hangtown, where he
also owned and operated a meat market, furnishing
meat to the miners of that locality. In the spring
of 1 851 he returned home by the way of the Panama
route, and while on the water, the vessel encoun-
tered a frightful storm which continued through
three days. Landing at New Orleans, Mr. Fasnacht
there boarded a river steamer and proceeded up tbe
Mississippi to his home. Again during a gold ex-
citement he started for tbe region of wealth, hut
this time, after having fitted out a team for Pike's
Peak, found that the stories were mostly inventions
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of some gifted brain and did not start upon the
journey. However, he has traveled extensively
over this country, from Pennsylvania to the Pacific
Coast and from Iowa to the mouth of the Missis-
sippi. Such journeys add a charm to the conversa-
tion, and thereby a knowledge of men and their
manners is acquired which often proves of great
benefit to the possessor of the same.
Mr. and Mrs. Fasnacht are the parents of four
sons — William E., who is living in Florida; Lewis
C, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work;
George W„ now a resident of Montana; and Frank
B., a printer located in Wichita, Kan. In politics
Mr. Fasnacht is a stanch supporter of Democratic
principles, and has been honored with several local
ofiScesof trust, the duties of which he has ever dis-
charged in a commendable manner. The family is
one of high repute, and it is with pleasure we re-
cord this brief sketch of their lives in the history
of their adopted county.
EWIS C. FOSNOT ranks among the lead-
ing and successful business men of Keosau-
qua, his business being that of photography.
This gentleman who is so widely known throughout
Van Buren County, claims the honor of which few
of his years can boast, that of being a native of
the city where he still makes his home. His par-
ents, Samuel and Catherine Fasnacht, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this work, are numbered among
the early settlers of the community. They have
retained the old country orthography but their son
has adopted the English mode of spelling the
name.
In the common schools of his native town, Lewis
Fosnot acquired a liberal English education and was
fitted for his life work. Looking about him for some
trade or profession which would prove a pleasant
as well as a profitable business, he chose that of
photography and having become familiar with the
art in all its details he embarked in business for
himself in 1872, continuing in the same line for
eighteen consecutive years. As in his lessons in
the school room, he makes a thorough study of his
business, familiarizing himself with the latest
methods and improvements and his work will com-
pare favorably with that of many an artist in the
larger cities. His studio is a popular one «nd the
liberal patronage which he receives indicates that
he has found favor with the public.
In 1870, in Keosauqua, Mr. Fosnot led to the
marriage altar Miss Elizabeth Hunter, daughter of
Robert Hunter. The lady was bom in West Vir-
ginia, in 1848, and in the community where she
now makes her home is held in high esteem by a
large circle of friends and acquaintances. The
union of Mr. and Mrs. Fosnot has been blessed
with a family of five children, one son and four
daughters, namely; Carrie, Minnie, Katie, Samuel
and Mary. Having passed his eAtire life in Keo-
sauqua, Mr. Fosnot has been a witness of the many
great changes which have taken place in Van Buren
County during the past forty years. His memory
goes back to the days when not a railroad crossed
its borders, when much of the land was still in its
primitive condition, and when the little log school-
house and primitive cabin marked the site of many
a good inslitution of learning or palatial home of
to-day. He has seen towns and villages spring up,
has witnessed the introduction of the telegraph and
telephone, together with the establishing of many
industries and enterprises and feels a just pride in
Van Buren County, his only home.
1^ R. CALVIN SNOOK, a practicing physi-
j J) cian of Fairfield, was born in Fairfield
i^^f!^ Township, Jefferson County, on the 14th
of March, 1848, and is a son of John and
Mary (Fowler) Snook. His boyhood days passed
uneventfull}^ upon the farm, but not wishing to en-
gage in agricultural pursuits he began fitting him-
self for the medical profession. He completed his
literary education in the city schools of Fairfield,
after which he entered the college of Physicians
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and Surgeons,of Keokuk, Iowa, and having mastered
the regular course of study was graduated from
that institution in the class of 1869. One week
later he had established himself in practice iri
Moulton, Appanoose County, Iowa, where he re-
roained until the fall of 1870, when he removed to
Peru, Kan., continuing practice in that place until
the spring of 1872. He then returned to Iowa,
and locating in Perlee, Jefferson County, announced
to the public that he was ready to receive patronage
from any in need of services in his line. He there
built up a good practice and continued business in
that place until January, 1879, when he came to
Fairfield, where he has since resided. Almost from
the first he won recognition as an able physician
and took rank among the leading practitioners of
this section.
The marriage of Dr. Snook and Miss Ella A.
Anderson was celebrated on the 16th of January,
1869, in Keokuk, Iowa. Ihe lady is a native
of Keithsburg, III., and a daughter of Dr. I. IVL
Anderson. By their union have been born three
children, one son and two daughters: Mary B.,
John Newton and Esther. Mrs. Snook is a member
of the Presbyterian Church.
The Doctor is a Democrat in his political views
and has held a number of local offices. For two
years he held the oflfice of Councilman, for one year
served as a member of the School Board, and in
the spring of 1 890 was elected to the same position
for a term of three years. For eight years he held
the office of City Health Commissioner and for
four years, under Cleveland's administration, was
pensioner examiner. He is connected with a num-
ber of medical societies, including the Jefferson
County Medical Society, the Des Moines Valley
Medical Society, and the Iowa State Medical So-
ciety. In connection with his professional labors,
Dr. Snook is engaged to some extent in stock-rais-
ing and farming with his brothers, one of whom
carries on that business in Cedar Township, Jeffer-
son County, while the other is engaged in the same
line in Nebraska. They were reared to work to-
gether in harmony and since attaining to mature
years have always done more or less business to-
gether with great satisfaction. The Doctor has
been quite successful in the practice of his profes-
sion and is well deserving of the liberal patronage
accorded him. He is studious and keeps himself
well posted on all the discoveries and theories con-
nected with the science and is the acknowledged
peer of any of his professional brethren in the
county.
THOMAS BELL has been longer engaged in
il'((^^\ the grocery business than any other mer-
%2>^^ chant in Jefferson County, his operations
in that line in Fairfield covering a period of twenty,
five consecutive years. A prominent busine&s
man and leading citizen, he is well worthy a rep-
resentation in this volume, and we feel assured
that his sketch will be received with interest by
many of our readers. Pennsylvania is the State of
his nativity. He was born in the City of Brotherly
Love, on the 5th of April, 1839, his parents being
Thomas and Rachel (Grames) Bell. His paternal
grandfather, who was reared in Scotland, imbihed
the love b( freedom and religious liberty chamcter-
istic of the people of that country, as will be seen
later on. Having married in his native land, he
emigrated to County Donegal, Ireland, locating in
Rathmelton. He was a devout Presbyterian, and
a leader among the Orangemen. So intense was
the hatred of the Catholics toward him that on
one occasion, while crossing a bridge, he was met
by a number of the Romanists and thrown over.
He was unconscious on reaching the ground, and
the Catholics, thinking they had killed him, piled
stone upon him and thus left him buried. Some
time afterward, parties passing by heard groans,
and throwing off the stones liberated Mr. Bell. It
is needless to say this barbarity neither inspired in
him nor his descendants a love for Catholicism.
Thomas Bell, Sr., was born on the way to the
Emerald Isle, and at the age of nineteen years
sailed for the United States, locating in Philadel-
phia, Pa., where he worked at the shoemaker's
trade, which he had learned in the old countr}'.
In that city he married Miss Grames, who was a
native of Pennsylvania, although her ancestors
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came from Scotland. After living in Philadelphia
for some time, Mr. Bell removed to Allegheny
City, where he kept a shoe store. Later he car-
ried on business in Pittsburg and other towns In
the Keystone State, but subsequently, following
the course of human emigration, which was steadily
flowing westward, reached Harrison County, Ohio,
and in 18f7 we 6nd him in Louisa County, and
three years later in Des Moines County, Iowa.
After his arrival in this State he devoted his time
between farming and work at his trade until the
organization of the Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, when
be joined that regiment and served until its dis-
charge, holding the otfice of Sergeant. When the
war was over he removed to Corning, Iowa, where
he engaged in the shoe business and also dealt in
furniture for some years. He is now living a re-
tired life, being some seventy-two years of age.
In Allegheny City his wife and only daughter died
at the same time, in 1853, leaving a family con-
sisting of five sons. Mr. Bell was afterward again
marrieii, and by hie second wife, whose maiden
upme was Eliza Flynn, had six children.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest child of
the first marriage. When a lad of twelve years he
began learning the shoemaker's trade, and with the
exception of a short time spent in school, re-
mained at the bench until he had attained his
majority. His primary education was supple-
mented by two terms attendance at an academ}',
he thus securing a good practical education. When
the war broke out he and a friend proposed to raise
a company and go into the service. He secured
the number he was to raise but his friend was not
as successful, and at length, tired of waiting, Mr.
Bell, together with eight other companions, went
to Davenport, and on the 25th of August, 1861,
enlisted in Company K, of the Second Iowa Cav-
alry. His war record is one of which he may
justly be proud*
Besides participating in sixty-two skirmishes,
Mr. Bell took part in the following regular battles:
New Madrid, Mo., Farmington, the two battles of
Corinth and luka. Miss., CoUiersville and Moscow,
Tenn., West Point and Okolona, Miss. His time
having expired, he veteranized on the 1st of March,
1864, and after a short furlough returned to the
dreadful work of war, and participated in the bat-
tles of Tupelo, Old Town Creek, Hurricane Creek,
Shoal Creek, Butler Creek, Franklin and Nashville,
Tenn. On the I7th of December, 1864, the Sec-
ond Iowa Cavalry engaged in a hand to band con-
test with the Confederates a few miles south of
Franklin. Bayonets, swords, musketsP and pistols
were used indiscriminately. The following is sub-
stantially given in Sergt. L. B. Pierce's history of
the Second Iowa Cavalry: '-The principal event of
this struggle, the fiercest in which the regiment
ever engaged, was the capture of the colors of
Ross* (rebel) brigade. As the contending forces
came together, Thomas Bell ordered the rebel color
bearer to surrender. He refused; a rush was made
upon him. Just as Dominic Black was in the act
of striking down the color bearer with his saber,
he was shot through the heart by one of the color
guards. Sergt. Coulter seized the flag, wrenching
it from the rebel's hands, and though at that in-
stant he received a bullet through his shoulder, he
handed the flag to Thomas Bell, who took it and
led Coulter oflf the field, carrying the flag with him
to the Union lines. When they were returning,
they were met by their reinforcements, who on see-
ing the rebel flag, and thinking it was in the hands
of a rebel officer fired upon Mr. Bell, and his es-
cape from death was almost miraculous. Private
Wall was confronted by a rebel, who placed the
muzzle of his gun against the former's side. Wall
dropped his own gun, seized that of his antagonist,
•and thrust it aside. Thomas Bell rushed to Wall's
relief, aiming an empty carbine at the rebel; seeing
Bell, the rebel 'dropped the gun, jerked the pistol ^
from his belt and fired at the former's head, how-
ever without effect. Bell discovered another pis-
tol in the rebel's belt, and urging his horse beside
him made a successful grab for the weapon, with
which he killed his antagonist. Wall, who had the
rebel's gun, killed with it another of the enemy
who had assaulted Bell. Thus for some time they
fought like tigers; blood flowed like water; men
fell on every hand, but the flag remained in the
possession of the boys in blue."
Our subject was mustered out at Selma, Ala.,
having been saddler of his company for some time.
After over four years of service, in which he par-
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tieipated in sevonty-eigbt engagements, Mr. Bell
returned unscathed, conscious of having done his
part in maintaining the Government's honor and
establishing universal liberty. He has two relics
of the war which he prizes very highly — the pistol
above referred to and a leave of absence. In 1864
every man in the field was needed, and orders were
given that no soldier should be allowed a furloui;h.
Mr. Bell received word that his wife lay at the
point of death. He despaired of getting a release,
but his Lieutenant wrote a letter ciling the reason
for his wishing a furlough, recounting Mr. Bell's
valor in capturing the rebel flag, and recommend-
ing that he be permitted to go home. This mes-
sage passed through the hands of the several
authorities, each time receiving the proper ofl^cial
endorsements, and he was granted the much prized
furlough.
In 1865 Mr. Bell engaged in the grocery busi-
ness in Fairfield, which without interruption he has
carried on since. He has had a partner for four
years of that time, W. B. Rowland having been
associated with him two years, and J. A. Beck an
equal length of time.
On the 2d of May, 1864, in Des Moines County,
Mr. Bell was united in marriage with Miss Leonora
McCray, who was born in Indiana, but came with
her parents to Iowa in an early da}'. They arc
parents of five children, four of whom are living:
Frank A., Edwin B., Thomas H. and Florence.
The eldest, Alonzo A., died at the age of five years.
Both Mr. Bell and his wife are members of the
Methodist Church, and take an active part in Sun-
day-school work. For a number of ye&vs he has
been Chairman of the county Sunday-school or-
ganization, and has been instrumental in establish-
ing many schools throughout the county. He is a
member of the Grand Army Post, of Fairfield, of
which he has been Commander. Twice he has
been honored by being sent as delegate to the Na-
tional Encampment. Ho is and has been for the
past three years. President of the Old Soldiers and
Sailors Association of Fairfield. Mr. Bell is not
only a temperance man in practice, but is also a
fearless, outspoken advocate of prohibition.
Politically, Mr. Bell took a stand with the Abol-
tionists, in fact, was one among the first to volun
teer in their ranks; since he has been a Republican
of the most enthusiastic and pronounced type. Id
the army, the boys longing for home and the close
of the struggle, would call upon him to make a
speech in regard to the issues of the war. He
would tell them that the war could never close
until every man under the flag should be free.
While they enjoyed this talk they hooted at his
ideas. How well he divined results, history shows.
Mr. Bell has made business a success owing to in-
dustry', enterprise and good management. As a
result he has secured to himself a handsome com-
petence, from which he makes liberal cont»-ibutions
to church and Sunday-school work, and other wor-
thy interests. He believes that a man's zeal for a
cause is truly shown by what be is willing to invest
in it.
|1L^ ENRY BASCOM EDMONSON, who is en-
Wjjil gaged in farming and stock-raising on sec-
'^^^ tion 29, Washington Township, Van Buren
\^} County, is a native of Kentucky, the young-
est of eight children, whoso parents were Alfred O.
and Kitty (Burton) Edmonson. The family was
founded in America during Colonial days, in all
probability, yet little is known concerning its early
history. A. O. Edmonson was born in MaryKnd, in
1 803,and grew to manhood in his native Stale, learn-
ing the tailor's trade in his youth. When a young
man he left his old home and became a resident of
Kentuck}' where he formed the acquaintance of
Miss Burton who was born in that State in 1808.
As the fruits of their marriage eight children were
born but only four of the number are now living:
Anna E.. wife of J. F. Freeman, who resides near
Sacramento, Cal.; Catherine E., deceased; William
who was drowned in the Des Moines River, break-
ing through the ice December 3, 1867; Harriet,
wife of G. W. Paul of Idaho; Susan C. and Mary
H. both deceased; Irene S., wife of W. Campbell of
California; Henry B. of this sketch, and George
A. who died in childhood, and an infant deceased.
The two youngest were bom in this county and all
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the deceased were here buried. The father accom-
panied by his family came to Van Buren County
in the spring of 1843, and the following year set-
tled upon the farm where our subject now resides.
He f:'>ntinued to engage in agricultural pui-suits un •
til his death, which occurred in April, 1865. His
wife, who survived him about five years, died in
August, 1870. Both were members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church.
The subject of this sketch was born in Scott
County, Ky., November 26, 1842, and was reared
to manhood upon his father's farm in his native
county, but at the age of twenty years he left home
to enlist in the service of his country, becoming a
member of Company I, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry,
commanded by Capt. S. E. Payne, on the 6th of
August, 1862. He was mustered into service at
Keokuk and assigned to the Thirteenth Army Corps,
after which he proceeded with his regiment to the
frontier in Arkansas, where he remained about six
months. Making his way southward he then par-
ticipated in the seige and capture of Vicksburg,
after which the regiment marched to New Orleans.
He took part in all the engagements In which bis
regiment participated, including the hard fought
battles of Prairie Grove,siege of Vicksburg, Yazoo
City, the battle of Sterling Farm and the siege and
capture of Spanish Fort. At Prairie Grove he was
wounded in both hii)S by musket balls and thus dis-
abled for service for about three months. Although
he has never fully recovered from the effects of the
wounds, on partially regaining his health and
strength he at once joined his command. At the
battle of Sterling Farm almost the entire regiment
was captured, onl}^ twenty escaping, among whom
was Mr. Edmonson. After three years of faithful
service in which he was ever found at his post of
duty ably defending the old flag, he received his
discharge in Mobile, Ala., July 10, 1865.
When the war was over, Mr. Edmonson returned
to his home and resumed farming on his father's
farm. Later he purchased the interest of the other
heirs in the old homestead and is now the owner of
three hundred and twenty acres of well cultivated
land upon which are many fine improvements in-
cluding a commodious and tasty residence, sub-
stantial outbuildings, etc. Fences divide the land
into fields of convenient size and as the result of
the industry and enterprise which are prominent
characteristics of the owner, he is now one of the
substantial citizens of the community. In addition
to the cultivation of the land he also gives con-
siderable attention to stock-raising, making j^a
specialty of thoroughbred merino sheep from
which he shears eleven and twelve pounds to the
fleece. He also keeps on hand thoroughbred Berk-
shire hogs and bis other farm stock is in keeping
with that already mentioned.
On January 7, 1868, Mr. Edmonson was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah L. Woods, daughter of
A. H. and Elizabeth (Meek) Woods, of Van Buren
County. They hold a high position in the social
world, ranking among the respected citizens of the
county. Mr. Edmonson has taken considerable in-
terest in civic societies, now holding membership
with the Odd-Fellows, of Vernon and also belongs
to Shriver Post, No. 177, G. A., R. of Mt. Vernon.
He was also an active member of the Grange and
of a society for the prevention of theft, known as
the Anti Horse-Tbief Society. In political senti-
ment he is a stalwart Republican and has frequently
served as delegate to the county convention, while
for six years he has held the office of County Com-
missioner, proving an able oflScial. Churches,
schools and all laudable institutions receive his
hearty support and he may well be ranked among
the lepresentative men of Washington Township.
E^=^^
fL^ON. ABNER HARRISON MoCRARY,
II //J ^**^ ^® "^^ living a retired life in Pleasant
Hill, Van Buren County, is numbered not
only among the prominent citizens of this
community, but is widely' known among the older
settlers of the State, he himself being one of the
early frontiersmen. His life is prominently con-
nected with its history, his aid has been given for
its advancement and progress, and in its legislative
halls he served as an honored member.
Mr. McCrary was born In Vanderburg County,
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Ind..on the 23d of February, 1814. In that early
period in the history of the Indiana Territory the
facilities for securing an education were very poor,
and as he had no means with which to attend the
colleges of the East, his advantages were necessa-
rily limited. His boyhood days werp spent in a
manner similar to that of all lads in a like condi-
tion, and on attaining to mature yeai-s he started
out in life for himself. On the 6th of February,
1834, he was united in marriage with Miss Nercissa
Mangum, and they began their domestic life in
Gibson County, where Mr. McCrary began clear-
ing and developing a farm lying along the banks
of Big Creek, but the situation was not a healthful
one, the fever and ague seemed fastening itself upon
them, and in the fall of 1835, in order to avoid its
ravages, they sold out and started for the West.
They first made a location in McDonough County,
111., where they spent the winter in a schoolhouse,
as the immigration to that part of the country had
been so great in the previous few months that no
dwelling could be obtained. Mr. McCrary at once
began the erection of a cabin on what was known
as the military tract, but before the new home was
completed, on the 4th of April, 1836, there was
born unto them in the little schoolhouse a son. Not
long afterward, however, they were installed in
their new home. Great difficulty was experienced
by the settlers of that day in procuring their claims
and Mr. McCrary shared in the disadvantages which
fell to the lot of many. After having made con-
siderable improvement and occupied his new home
a year, the agent who had the land in charge visited
the settlement and put such a high price upon the
property that our subject felt unable to pay the
sum. It certainly was a most discouraging inci-
dent, and with little hope of better success he trav-
eled over portions of McDonough, Hancock, Adams
and Warren Counties, but everywhere met with the
same difficulty.
After some time spent in this manner, Mr. Mc-
Crary became satisfied that he could not find a home
in that locality, and concluded to cross the Father
of Waters to what was known as the Black Hawk
purchase, and see if he could not meet with better
success in that region. Accordingly, in the winter
of 1836-37, accompanied by his brother, J. C. Mc-
Crary, and his wife's brother, A. W. Mangum, be
started for Iowa. There were at that time twelve
inches of snow upon the ground, but with tools,
bedding and ten days rations for man and beast,
they started out, their vehicle being a wagon box
placed on runners. At Warsaw they crossed the
Mississippi River on the ice, and in the same man-
ner made their way dp the Des Moines River about
forty miles, until reaching what is now the center
of Van Buren County. Driving inland for a few
miles they located on the south side of the river,
but here also experienced some difficulty which was
occasioned by land speculators who traveled through
the country, marking out the land into large tracts
which they would sell at their own price to stran-
gci*s who were desirous of locating in piece. This
practice was carried on to such an extent that it
became necessary to adopt by-laws to regulate their
confli(!ting interests. By the new law one man
could not hold more than a quarter-section of land
unless he bought it. This proved but partially
successful, however, as the speculators would com-
bine and claim the best portions of the country,
trading between one another so as to evade the law.
Much advantage was taken in this manner of those
who wished to makes homes in the communitj-, but
Mr. McCrary and his comrades were not so easily
deterred from the object of their trip to Iowa.
They informed themselves in relation to the claim
law in order to know what they were required to
do, then located land and remained on the same
until they had erected cabins, when they returned
to Illinois.
In the spring of 1837, accompanied by his faith-
ful wife, Mr. McCrary started for the new home in
the wilds of the Black Hawk purchase, which was
then a part of the Territory of Wisconsin, arriving
at their destination on the 23d of April. A little
log cabin in the midst of a grove of timber, and fur-
nished with few of the comforts of life, was their
home. Their neighbors were far distant, and fre-
quently the red men would be among their visitors;
many privations and hardships were to be endured,
difficulties and obstacles were to be overcome, and
the work which lay before them of developing a
farm was no easy task, but though the path was a
rugged one, it led to a home and competence, and
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821
ever looking forward to the result to be attained,
their hardships seemed the lighter. They have pros-
pered since coming to Van Buren County, and Mr.
McCrary is numbered among the substantial citizens
of the community, yet success has not always been
attendant upon his footsteps. During the years of
1839, 1840 and 1841, a financial panic was upon
the country, the effect? of which were felt by many
of the early settlers. In fact some were unable to
pay for their lands, and Mr. McCrary, with others,
determined to secure only eighty acres, and availed
himself of the pre-emption law to secure that
amount. However, by industry and economy he
had saved sufficient to purchase another eighty
eighty acres, and his hope of procuring a home for
his family was at length realized. He continued
his farming operations for many years, and became
the owner of one of the finest country homes in
the cof nty. His zeal and energy paved the way to
success, and as the result of his earnest efforts he se-
cured a property which now places him in comfor-
table circumstances and enables him to live in retire-
ment from the bus}' cares of life. ,
Mr. McCrary has not labored alone for his own
interests, but has been a prominent man in public
places, and while serving in official capacities has
aided greatly in the advancement of the county's
interests. In the year 1841 he was elected Justice
of the Peace, a position which he held through suc-
cessive elections for eight years. In 1848 ho re-
presented Van Buren County in the State Legisla-
ture, being the first to hold the oflSce after the
adoption of the constitution. He was a member
of the General Assembly when the difficulties arose
in relation to the boundary between Iowa and Mis-
souri.He was an opposer of the first constitution of
Iowa in consequence of its limitation of the western
boundary line of the State, and voted for the con
siitution which is now in vogue. In 1850 Mr. Mc-
Crary was again elected a member of the General
Assembly, and during that session the revised code
was adopted. So ably did he represent his con-
stituents in the Lower House that in 1852 he was
elected to the State Senate. During that term pro-
visions were made for removing the capital to Des
Moines, and making an appropriation of the old
State House in Iowa City for a State University.
In 1860 he again served as State Senator, in the
term which embraced the period of the war, and
when the duties of the legislators were fraught
with deep interest and often times with peril. He
was chairman of the Senate committee to which was
referred the first bill in Iowa asking for a Sunday
law. On the same committee, and opposed to Mr.
McCrary as a Christian man, was a radical infidel,
who did all in his power to prevent the passage of
the bill, but through the instrumentality of our
subject and other friends of the measure it became
a law.
In the fall of 1833, when a young man of nine-
teen years, Mr. McCrary made the good confession
and united with the Christian Church. Although a
busy man, his time well taken up by business and
political interests, he has ever foQnd time to devote
to religious work. With the Bible as a guide, and
with its promises and precepts ever before him, his
course has been such as to win him the respect and
highest regard of all with whom he came In con-
tact. Not ashamed or afraid to express his views,
he has ever taken his stand on the side of right and
opposed the wrong. While a member of the Legis-
lature, in addition to his favoring a bill for the
Sunday law, he did much in that important position
for the cause of Christianity, and so pronounced
was he on the side of morality that he was never ap-
pronched by those who were willing to make of
politics a corrupt thing or a means of securing
money. About the year 1858 he was chosen one of
the Elders of the Christian Church, of Pleasant
Hill, and in that capacity faithfully served for many
years, having the approval of the congregation.
In his Christian life, as in his business life, he has
met with failures, yet he has profited by experience
and with pure motives pressed onward. Charitable
and benevolent, the poor find in him a friend, the
discouraged, a sympathizer.
The following children were born of the union
of Mr. and Mrs. McCrary : William M., born in
McDonough County, 111., April 4, 1886, is now
living in Council Bluffs; Marietta, bom in Van
Buren County, October 24, 1888, is the wife of
J. W. Garvin, of Edgar, Clay County, Neb.; James
N., born April 17, 1841, is a resident of Chicago;
A. Jasper, born March 20, 1844, is an attorney-at-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
law of Keokuk, Iowa; LucindaC, born October 15,
1846, died December 22, 1848; Curtis R., born
April 1, 1849, is living in Van Buren County; Ira
C, born January 4, 1852, is a salesman in the em-
ploy of Edwin Manning, at Douds Station.
In the spring of 1876, Mr. McCrary purchased
property in Pleasant Hill, and the following Octo-
ber removed with his wife to that town, where they
have since made their home. This worthy couple,
who have traveled life's journey together for fifty-
four years, are widely and favorably known*
throughout the entire community, and it is with
pleasure that we record their sketch in the history
of their adopted county, with the growth and pro-
gress of which they have been so closely and promi-
nently connected.
— +
*
-^ — •
ON. GEORGE G. WRIGHT, an eminent
jurist and a pioneer lawyer of Iowa, a for-
mer citizen of Van Buren County-, is a na-
tive of Indiana, having been born in the
of Bloomington, Monroe County, on the
24th of Ma'ch, 1820. His father, John Wright,
was a native of Pennsylvania, and was of Welsh
descent, the family dating its origin in America
back to the year 1720, when the founder, an emi-
grant from Wales, settled in Pennsylvania. John
Wright was a mason by trade, and in early life
married Miss Rachel Seaman. His death occurred
in Bloomington, Ind., in 1825, when our subject
was but five years of age. Mrs. Wright survived
her husband many years. She came to Iowa in
its Territorial days, and died in Keosauqua, in
1850.
George G. Wright was educated in the State
University of Indiana, being graduated in the class
of '39, while in his twentieth year, after which he
read law at Rockville, Ind., under the tutelage of
his brother, Joseph A. Wright, afterward Governor
of Indiana, and was admitted- to the bar in the
State Courts of that State in 1840. In September
of that year he came to the Territory of Iowa, and
in November established himself in practice in
Keosauqua, then one of the most promising towns
in the Territory. A thorough Whig in political
sentiment, the young lawyer at once took promi-
nence in his party, and was chosen Prosecuting
Attorney of his county; he was also elected to the
State Senate for the term of 1848 and 1850. In
the latter year he was the Whig candidate for
Congress in a district comprising the whole aoath-
crn half of Iowa, but the waning strength of the
party was not equal to the task of electing him,
although his vote exceeded that of the general
ticket. In January, 1855, and while yet under
thirty.five years of age, his ability and learning as
a lawyer and his personal popularity led to his
election as Chief Justice of Iowa, to which position
he was re-elected, holding the office for a period of
fifteen years, or until 1870, when he was elected
to the United States Senate. At the close of bis
Senatorial term, Judge Wright declined a re-elec-
tion, preferring, as more congenial, the practice
of his profession to the more exciting arena of
politics.
''His time on the Supreme Bench covers the
most important period in the judicial history of
the State. The adoption of the Code system and
judicial construction of it is embraced in it. Judge
Wright's opinions will be found in all the Iowa
Reports from Volume 1 to Volume 30, and the
lawyer, whether he be in Iowa, Maine, California
or elsewhere, will find in those volumes precedents
on general law that he may cite with confidence to
any court, assured that they will be accepted with
respect and will carry weight and authority with
them."
Ten years after his election to the Supreme
Bench, Judge Wright removed from Keosauqua to
Dcs Moines, which has since been his home. In
the fall of that year he associated with himself
Judge Chester C. Cole, of the same court, in the
organization of the Iowa Law School (the first
law school west of the Mississippi River). Judge
Wright had had a number of students in bis oflUce
during the two or three years preceding, and sev-
eral applications for a like privilege suggested the
formation of a school, in which, during the first
year, twelve students pursued the study of law
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323
under the tutelage of these two gentlemen, they
being the only instructors. At the opening of the
second year, Prof, ^illiam G. Hammond became
connected with the school, giving it a constant per-
sonal attention, which the judicial duties of the
other professors did not permit them to reuder;
and the three men carried the enterprise through
the two succeeding years with but slight increase in
the number of students. The merits of the school
attracted the attention of the bar throughout the
State, and in 1 868 the Iowa Law School, by the
action of the Regents, became a department of the
State University, and its instructors still remained
in charge as its professors, while the prior gradu-
ates were made Alumni of the University. Prof.
Hammond removed to Iowa City and was placed
at the head of the school. Judges Wright and Cole
continuing to give a portion of their time to its
service.
During his labors on the bench, and while en-
gaged in building up a sound and safe fabric of
the unwritten law. Judge Wright found time to
give, by his energy and influence, an impetus to
many public enterprises and objects. Prior to the
oro:anization of the Iowa Law School, he took a
prominent part in the organization of the State
Agricultural Society, of which he was President for
five years, from 1858 to 1863, thereby fostering
and encouraging improved methods in all that
l)ertains to Iowa's peculiarly agricultural popula-
tion.
**An earnest patriot, while physical incapacity
prevented his entering the army, by word and
deed he sustained the arm of the Government in
the struggle to save the Union, and many a
soldier drew inspiration from his earnest speech,
and many a soldier's family found in him a stead-
fast supporter in time of need. In the Senate, he at
once became Chairman and member of influential
committees, and had he not, for reasons wholly
|)ersonal to himself, voluntarily declined re-elec-
tion, he would doubtless have become one of
Iowa's famous long-time Senators. Retiring from
the Senate, he took the head of the law firm of
Wright, Gatch <fe Wright, and again entered the
practice with his early enthusiasm, and at once
was felt in the work of his profession. A desire
for rest and greater quiet induced him in time to
seek less engrossing duties, and as the trusted head
of financial institutions of his city, he now devotes
such time as he desires to business. Retaining,
however, his early love for his profession, Judge
Wright continues to lecture to his old law school,
and for like reasons is actively associated with the
American Bar Association, of which he was Presi-
dent from June, 1887, to June, 1888. His wide
experience as a lawyer, legislator and judge, makes
his judgment in that body of recognized value, and
as such is constantly sought and observed. In
1882 he severed his connection with the law firm
of which he was the head, and accepted the Presi-
dency of the Polk County Savings Bank, which
was organized that year, and which position he has
filled continuously since, covering a period of
seven years. During the same time he has been
President of the Security, Loan and Trust Company
of Des Moines, an important financial institution
of Polk County.
Judge Wright was married in Van Buren County,
Iowa, on the 19th of October, 1843, to Miss Han-
nah M. Dibble, daughter of Thomas and Ruth
(Gates) Dibble. Mrs. Wright was born in Saratoga
County, N. Y., near the celebrated springs of that
name, and came to Iowa with her parents in 1839.
Iler family was of New England origin, and re-
moved from Connecticut to New York early in
the eighteenth century. Judge and Mrs. Wright
have six children living, four sons and two daugh-
ters: Thomas S., the eldest, wedded Miss Mary
Tuttlc, is an attorney by profession, and is the
present solicitor of the Rock Island Railroad for
Iowa and Illinois, and resides in Chicago; Craig L.
married Miss Kate Van Dyke, and is a practicing
attorney of Sioux City, Iowa; Mary D., the eldest
daughter, is the wife of Frank H. Peavey, a grain
merchant of Minneapolis, Minn.; Carroll, who
married Miss Nellie Elliott, was graduated from
the Iowa State University, and also from the Law
Department of Simpson College, and is a lawyer in
active practice in Des Moines; Lucia H. is the
wife of Edgar H. Stone, a banker of Sioux City;
George G. is single and a resident (tf Des Moines.
Judge Wright is and has been an earnest Repub-
lican since the formation of the party. In his
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PORTRAIT AND BIOCrRAPHICAL ALBUM.
religious views he adheres to the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, under the auspices of which he re-
ceived his early religious training. Mrs. Wright
is a member of the Unitarian Church. The Judge
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and enjoys the distinguished honor of
being one of the three Iowa members from civil
life, of the Loyal Legion of the United States,
Almost half a century has passed since he made bis
maiden speech in an Iowa Court. Then this now
populous and wealthy State was a sparsely-settled
region, with but a portion of its territory open to
settlement by the whites. During that period his
name has been honorably a^sociati^d with the his-
tory of the bar of Territory and State, and for
flfteen years he has served with distinction in the
highest office in its Judiciary. The imprint of bis
legal talent is stamped upon the records and re-
ports of the State in a manner that reflects credit
upon himself and the commonwealth, and will per-
petuate his memory for all time. Many of the
most successful and promising lawyers of the State
were his pupils or were benefited in their profes-
sional education through his efforts in founding a
law school and his continued interest in the Law
Department of the State University. His election
to the United States Senate was an honor justly
deserved, and his honorable and upright service in
that distinguished body fully justified the choice
of his constituents.
While it is difficult to write of the living in
terras worthy of their merits, virtues and talents,
without incurring the risk of offending with an
appearance of flattery, it is nevertheless true that
in a work like this, that is intended to be a standard
work of reference for posterity, a true delineation
of character and a fair representation of the life-
work of the subject should be presented. We know
no reason why we should wait until a man is dead
to speak the truth of him.
Judge Wright possesses all the characteristics of
a great lawyer. Studious by inclination, he is
well grounded in the law. His mind, always
active, grasps with force the subject of his
thoughts, and his opinions arq expressed in terms
at once clear, logical and comprehensive. In his
intercourse with men his manner is entirely free
from ostentation and self- consciousness, but is calm,
dignified and at the same time evincing an earnest
cordiality that wins him many friends. The purity
of his life and his fidelity to every trust have won
for him the unbounded confidence and respect of
his fellow -citizens, both at home and abroad.
URKE HUFFMAN, deceased, was a pioneer
sk of Iowa of 1836, and although his death
j(r^))|j occurred in 1857, he will be remembered
by many of the older settlers, by whom he
was held in high regard. He was born in Burke
County, N. C, in 1794, and was the son of Samuel
Huffman. When a young man he removed to In-
diana, and settling in New Albany, was there mar.
ried in 1822, to Miss Mary Miller, a native of
Kentucky, and a daughter of Samuel and Mary
Jane Miller, who belonged to an early Kentucky
family. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Huffman in Indiana. In 1836 they determined to
cast their lot with the early settlers of the Terri-
tory of Iowa, and choosing Van Buren County as a
favorable location, settled in what is now Lick
Creek Township, where Mr. Huffman spent the re-
mainder of his life. Here the family circle was
increased by the birth of four children, making
nine In all.
The eldest, Barbara, is the widow of Moses Stan-
ley, and resides in Appanoose County, Iowa; James
M. married Eliza Boville, and is living in Butte,
Mont.; Samuel, who served as a non-commissioned
officer in Company F, of the Second Iowa Infantry,
died at the age of thirty-two years; George mar-
ried Malvina Pollock, and is living in New Jeru-
salem, Cal.; Hiatt wedded Vitula R. Goodall, and
makes his home in Birmingham, Iowa; Mary £. is
the wife of John Bishop, a resident farmer of
Liberty Township, Jefferson County; John W.
married Eudora Biele, and is located in Idaho;
Frederick B. was joined in wedlock with Martha
Skinner, and is engaged in mercantile pursuits in
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327
Fairfield; Robert J. H., who enlisted in Company
H, Fifth Iowa Infantry, died in Andersonville
Prison in 1864.
Mr. Huffman, the father of this family ,wa8 a Dem-
ocrat in early life, but when the Republican party
sprang into existence be espoused its principles and
voted for its first Presidential candidate, Fremont,
in 1856. He was a member of the Baptist Church,
and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Both were worthy citizens and lived up-
right lives. The husband was called to his final
rest in May, 1857, and was survived but a short
time by his wife, who died in October, 1859.
^ ACOB S. GANTZ, one of the leading lirery-
men of Fairfield was born in Franklin
County, Ohio, within five miles of Colum-
bus, November 28, 1835, and is a son of
John and Mahala (McLish) Gantz. On the pater-
nal side the family is of German origin but his
father was born in Washington County, Pa. After
his marriage to Miss McLish, a native of Carroll
County, Ohio, they settled in the Keystone State
hut a short time afterwards removed to Franklin
County, Ohio. By trade, he is a cooper, but has
made farming his chief occupation and in the pur-
suit of that branch of industry has been quite suc-
cessful. His residence in Jefferson County dates
from 1850, iu which year he purchased a farm of
four hundred acres and located in Locust Grove
Township, where he continued the care and im-
provement of the land until 1880, when he came
to Fairfield. He is an honored citizen of Jefferson
County, whom all respect and - esteem. For more
than twenty years he has served as Justice of the
Peace and by the prompt and faithful discharge of
every duty devolving upon him has won the con-
fidence and approval of all. In politics he sup-
ported the Democratic party until the nomination
of Fremont, when he voted for that candidate and
has since supported the Repu*.)lican party. He has
now reached the ripe old age of eighty-three years
and his wife is in the seventy-eighth year of her
age. In their family were four sons and two
daughters. It is a remarkable fact that all of the
sons and the husbands of the two sisters served in
the army during the late war. Martha J., the eld-
est, is the wife of E. G. Deardurff who followed the
old flag three years; Andrew served the same
length of time and is now engaged in farming in
Fairfield Township; Jacob S., is the next younger;
William, a farmer of this county, enlisted three
times and served more than four years; Maria, is
the deceased wife of Joseph Ennis who for three
years was numbered among the boys in blue; John,
who was in the service but a short time, is now a
carpenter of Omaha, Neb.
Attending the common schools of the neighbor-
hood and aiding in the labors of the farm, such
was the way in which our subject spent his early
life. As soon as he was old enough he took charge
of his father's farm and in its management dis-
played much ability. At the age of twenty four
years he formed a matrimonial alliance with Louisa
Smith, a native of Ohio, their union being cele-
brated December 1, 1859. Two years later, on the
24th of November, 1861, feeling the country needed
the services of all its loyal citizens, he enlisted in
Company M, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and served in
the Western department, participating in the battle
of Vicksburg, the two engagements at Jackson, the
Big Blue in Missouri and the battles of Tupelo,
Guntown and Selma, beside numerous skirmishes
and engagements of lesser importance. At Selma
he had his right arm so shattered by a musket ball
that amputation was necessary. He was wounded
about three oclock in the afternoon but did not re-
ceive medical aid until the next morning. Being
thus disabled for further duty he returned home
and received his discharge in August, 1865. Ho
held the non-commissioned ofl3ce of corporal.
Shortly after his return Mr. Gantz was elected
Sheriff of Jefferson County and served for three
successive terms. On retirement from the office he
purchased the Gantz House, which he carried on for
eighteen years with good success. * He then served
one term as Assessor of Fairfield and for the last
fifteen years he has been engaged in the livery bus-
iness, meeting with excellent success in that line.
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He also owns a good farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in Black Hawk Township.
In ",1880, Mr. Gantz was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife who died on the 4th of
Juno. On the 28th of November, 1882, he wedded
Mrs. Rock, whose maiden name was Margaret
Vance. By her former marriage she had three
children — Ettie, wife of Chester Smith; Mabel, and
Elva L., wife of J. W. Calhoun. The children
born unto Mr. Gantz by his first wife are Dr.
Byron N., of Fairfield; Minnie E., who is engaged
in teaching school; Ernest C, Grace L., James A.
and two who died in infancy.
Mr. Gantz and his wife are both members of the
Methodist Church of Fairfield, and in politics he
is a Republican and a stalwart advocate of party
principles. He is an honored member of the Grand
Army of the Republic and of the Odd Fellows, hav-
ing been connected with the latter society for
thirty-four years. He is now Commander of
George Strong Post, No. 19, G. A. R., and feels a
special interest in that organization where are
-banded together his comrades of the late war, and
where are ever lovingly remembered those of their
number who went forth to battle but never returned.
Mr. Gantz deserves all honor due to a loyal and
faithful soldier. He was ever found at his post of
duty and in the service of his country gave his
good right arm, the most essential member of the
body in almost whatever business engaged. The
government,however, in recognition of his services
pays him a pension of $45 per month.
*w *'?*3»fl*f *2" '"
\!^R. ROBERT JONES STURDIVANT, de-
11 Jl ceased, is numbered among the pioneer
^x^ settlers of Van Buren County and was
one of its leading citizens. As he was
widely known and as he was greatly instrumental
in the upbuilding of the county and the advance-
ment of its best interests, we feel this work would
be incomplete without his sketch. He was a native
of Virginia, his birth having occurred in Abingdon,
on the 1 8th of September, 1 804. His parents were
Anthony and Jemima (Sheckleford) Sturdivant.
His father was a highly educated man and held a
professorship in Abingdon College where oar sub-
ject acquired the greater part of his education.
While yet quite young in years, he went to Sulli-
van County, Tenn., where he taught school and
studied medicine. In 1830, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Ann Smithson and the following
year removed with his young wife to Salina, Ind.,
where lie embarked in the prosecution of his chosen
profession. Scarcely had the Black Hawk War
been brought to a close and the contested territory
opened for settlement, than the Doctor determined
to seek a home in that locality. Suiting the action
to the word, in the autumn of 1836, he started for
the land beyond the Mississippi and made a settle-
ment in Van Buren County, Iowa, which was then
a part of the Territory of Wisconsin. That was
his last move, for so admirably was he suited and
so prosperous were his undertakings that he had no
desire to go elsewhere. He purchased land and
erected a humble pioneer cabin and like the other
hardy early settlers began to develop the wild
prairie and make a home. The same land on
which he located was the place of his residence at
the time of his death yet the changes which had
there been wrought were very great.
Sorrow visited the pioneer home in 1843, Dr.
Sturdivant suffering the loss of his wife and two
cluldren who were called from this earth to the
better land. In 1845, he was again married, his
second union being with Miss Margaret Cavin who
still survives her husband. A family of sixteen
children were born unto them but only nine are
still living.
The Doctor, by the exercise of thrift and indus-
try, supplemeniet !)y good business ability, became
one of the substantial farmers of Van Buren Coun-
ty, and as the result of his forty- four years of patient
toil he left his family in comfortable circumstances.
He was a man of fixed purpose and determination
and unswerving integrity. When he believed him-
self to be in the right nothing could deier him
from pursuing the path which he had marked out,
and his upright course won him both the confidence
and high regard of those with whom business or
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social relations brought him in contact. A firm
believer in the truths of the Bible he met death
fearlessly, anticipating joyfully the life beyond the
grave. The community however, lost one of its
worthiest citizens, his friends an interesting and
instructive associate, and his family a devoted hus-
band and father.
Aftei* the death of the Doctor, Mrs. Sturdivant
married George W. Sturdivant, half brother of
her former husband, and is now a resident . of
Bonaparte, Iowa.
JOHN R. BELL, who is engaged in farming
and stock-raising on section 19, Van Buren
Township, Van Buren County, is a native
^_^ of Hancock County, 111. He was born on
the 14th of November, 1886, the third child of
James and Barbara (Walker) Bell. His father was
born in Virginia, July 16, 1813, and in his native
State in the usual manner of farmer lads spent his
boyhood days. At the age of sixteen years he
started out in life for himself, going to Campbell
County, Ky., where he worked as a farm hand by
the month for four or five years. He then married
and engaged in farming in his own interest. Re-
moving to Hancock County in 1836, he there spent
one year, during which time our subject was born,
and in 1837 continued his journey westward until
reaching Van Buren County, Iowa. He was truly
one of the pioneer settlers of this community. At
that time the work of advancement and progress
had scarcely been commenced, few settlements had
been made and the country was still inhabited by
the red men. The land was unsurveyed but Mr. Bell
made a claim and as soon as it came into market paid
the Government price for his farm — $1.25 per acre.
It was a one hundred and fifty-five-acre tract of tim-
ber land without improvement, but tree after tree
fell before his ax, the brush was cleared away, the
ground was plowed, and in the course of time
abundant harvests were garneied as the result of his
labors. That farm, which a half century ago was an
unbroken wilderness,is now the home of our subject.
His father also made many substantial improve-
ments, including the erection, in 1856, of a good
brick dwelling. He was a quiet, unassuming man
yet just and honorable in all his dealings, winning
the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
He voted the Democratic ticket. His death oc-
curred on the old homestead. April 15, 1872. His
wife, who was born in Kentucky, May 4, 1810, and
resided in that State until her marriage, was called
to her final rest October 8, 1862. She was for
many years an active member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Their family numbered six
children, all of whom grew to mature years, namely;
Eli D., a resident farmer of Van Buren Township;
Rachel D.,wife of J. M. Jackson, of Davis County;
John R., of this sketch; George W., a farmer of
Davis County; Sarah E., wife of Jonathan Den-
ning, a farmer of Van Buren Township, and H. L.,
now deceased.
When a babe of five months John R. Bell was
brought by his parents to Van Buren County, and
upon the farm which his father cleared and devel-
oped he baa pcissed his entire life and the old home-
stead, doubly dear to him, as the dwelling place
of his parents and the spot where his own boyhood
days were passed, will doubtless continue to bejhis
abiding place until this life shall have ended. He
acquired his education in the district schools of the
neighborhood and, like a dutiful son, assisted his
father until he had attained to man's estate when
he began working in his own interests as a farmer.
Throughout his entire life he has engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits and in connection is now doing a
good business in the line of stock-raising. He keeps
on hand a good grade of stock which he is con-
stantly improving, and is now grading into Short-
horn cattle and heavy draft horses.
At the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Bell was
joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah A. Bridell, of
this county, daughter of Isaac andxMaria (Roach)
Bridell, both of whom were natives of Indiana.
Her parents are now deceased. By this union were
born three children : Marietta, who became the wife
of J. G. Hootman and died leaving one son —
Wentford R.; Harriet T., wife of H. S. Beer, of
Van Buren Township, by whom she has one child —
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Van L.; Addie B., wife of George N. Shepherd, of
Union Township, Van Buren County. The mother,
who was a member of the Methodist Church, de-
parted this life July 11, 1871. On the 24th of Jan-
uary, 1872, Mr. Bell wedded Mrs. Almira Bell,
widow of H. L. Bell and daughterjof Henry and
Sarah (Knupp) Kimmel. Their union was blessed
with one child, John S., who was left motherless
September 16, 1876. On the 3d of October, 1877,
Mr. Bell was a third time married, his union being
with Miss Mary C. Miller, daughter of G. W. and
Eliza J. (Henry) Miller. They also had one child,
a daughter — Carrie M. The parents and the elder
children are members of the Methodist Church, and
in political sentiment, Mr. Bell is a Democrat. He
takes an active interest in all that pertains to the
advancement! and welfare of the community and is
an earnest worker in Mt. Zion Methodist Church,
being Superintendent of the Sunday-school and
Class-Leader, having acted in that capacity for
twelve or fifteen years. Few, if any, have been
longer residents of the county than he. Its growth
and advancement he h&s witnessed, and in its de-
velopment he has borne no inconsiderable part. He
has seen towns and villages spring up,|has witnessed
the^ introduction^of the railroad, has seen the es-
tablishment of churches and schools within its
borders, while the county has been made to bloom
and blossom like the rose.
AJ. JOHN C. McCRARY of Keosauqua,
Iowa, was a faithful soldier during the
struggle for the preservation of the Union,
is numbered among the pioneer settlers
of Van Buren County and yet ranks among her
leading and influential citizens. Two brothers, A.
H. and .1. C. McCrary came to Iowa when it
formed a part of the Territory of Wisconsin. Few
whom they found at that day still survive and those
who yet remain have but a few years in all proba-
bility before them, and for the purpose of perpetu-
ating their memory and the deeds which they per-
formed we write this volume. Theirs has been a no-
ble work well done, and to them we owe an un-
bounded debt of gratitude which can be paid in no
other way than by thus perpetuating]their lives and
sacredly cherishing their memories.
The Major is a native of Indiana and a son of
Rev. John and Ruth (Wasson) McCrary. He was
born on the 7th of June, 1817, and at the age of
eighteen years accompanied his parents to McDon-
ough County, III., but remained in that'region for
only about twelve months. In the winter of 1836-
37, in company with his brother, whose sketch ap-
pears elsewhere in this volume, he came to Van
Buren County and made a claim which he pur-
chased at the land sale and which to-day he still
has in his possession. Obtaining it from the gov-
ernment, it was consequently wholly unimproved,
not a furrow had been turned or the work of de-
velopment commenced. With zeal and energy he be-
gan the arduous task of transforming the wild praine
into a fertile farm and zealously continued his ag-
ricultural pursuits until 1861, in which year other
interests claimed his time and attention.
The firing upon Ft. Sumter was to Mr. Mc-
Crary a call to arms, and in the hrst year of the
struggle he became a member of Company G, of
the Third Iowa Cavalry. He was tendered the
Captaincy of the company but thinking himself un-
fit for that position through inexperience, he con-
tented himself with the office of First Lieutenant
and with his company was mustered into service at
Keokuk. The regiment was divided into two
battalions, with one of which Mr. McCrary was
sent to Kirksville, Mo. At that place Capt. Maine
was killed and he was promoted to fill the vacancy.
The regiment was soon afterwards attached to
Davidson's Division under Gen. Steele, at Little
Rock, and in September, 1863, the brigade was
moved south to Benton, Ark., where Capt. Mc-
Crary was appointed Provost Marshal of that dis-
trict, in which capacity he served about four
months. During the time the other battalions
Joined the forces there encamped and were then
ordered back to Little Rock where a portion of the
regiment, including our subject. veteranized and re-
ceived a thirty days' furlough. At the expiration
of that time they re-assembled at Keokuk. Shortly
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381
afterwards Maj.Caldwell,of the Third Iowa Cavalry,
was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel of the regi-
ment and a vacancy thus caused was to be supplied.
The choice fell upon Capt. McCrary but by a no-
ble sacrifice he surrendered the honor. At that
time there was but one of the original Captains left
in the regiment — Capt. Muggett, of whom Mr. Mc-
Crary was a warm personal friend. Realizing that
his friend might feel offended by his promotion, he
went to him, stated that the offer was not of his own
seeking and told him that he would resign the honor
to him. The Captain replied that he disliked the
idea of accepting the f^or, yet as he had entered
the service wearing the Captain's stripes he did
not like to return bearing the same. Through the
generosity of Mr. McCrary it was arranged that
Capt. Muggett should be appointed Major, while he
himself should take charge of the company thus
left without a leader. Not long afterwards, how-
ever, Maj. Muggett resigned and our subject was
promoted to the position. As the Colonel and
Lieutenant Colonel were then detailed for special
service, he was left in command of the regiment
which had previously participated in the hard
fought battle of Guntown, and also the engagement
at Tupelo, Miss. They afterwards returned to
Memphis and were stationed in that city when
Gen. Forrest made his raid, during which the Third
Iowa Cavalry succeeded in capturing some of the
convalescents. In Memphis Maj. McCrary was
badly injured by being thrown from a vicious
horse which unfitted him for duty for some time.
While convalescing he returned home but as soon
as possible rejoined his regiment at Memphis where
he tendered his resignation, which, however was
not accepted. At Louisville he again wished to
resign and by the advice of the surgeon was dis-
charged on the 28th of January, 1 865, being phys-
ically unable to continue in command. From the
time of his enlistment until mustered out, Maj.
McCrary proved a faithful soldier and was ever
found at his post discharging his duties with all
promptness. He won alike the respect and confi-
dence of his superior officers and the soldiers under
him.
On the 15th of August, 1839, in Van Buren
County, Maj. McCrary wedded Miss Keren Leach,
a native of Virginia and by their union were born
six children, four of whom are now living — Mar-
garet A., wife of William B. Hamilton of Dakota;
Abner N., who served through the war in the
same regiment with his father; Amanda, wife of
William H. H. Thatcher of Topeka, Kan. ; John L.
who died in November, 1864; Oscar a resident of
Van Buren County; and Orrin who is living in
Nebraska.
The Major is a pronounced Republican, un-
swerving in his support to the party principles and
was honored by an election to the oflSce of Sheriff,
in which position he served two terms with credit
to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.
MITH BROS, is one of the leading business
firms of Fairfield, Iowa, being composed
of Harlan C. and Chester Y. Smith, who are
the publishers and editors of the Fairfield
Journal, a daily and weekly paper, which, as its
name indicates, is published in the county seat of
Jefferson County. As the Journal is one of the
leading papers of the county, if not the leading,
we are glad to give a short sketch of it in this work.
It was first established in 1880 with R. H. Moore,
now of the Ottumwa DeniocraU as proprietor and
publisher. He conducted it up to the time of
its transfer to its present proprietors March 15,
1889, during which time it gained a good reputa-
tion and liberal patronage, neither of which has in
any wise diminished since it came under the control
of the present publishers. The Journal \^ the only
daily published in the county. The weekly edi-
tion is an eight-column quarto and the daily a seven-
column folio. The paper is independent in politics
and is devoted to general and local news and th«
discussion of all public events of interest to the
people. It has a good circulation and a steady
growth, and is well worthy the patronage ac-
corded it.
The senior member of the firm of Smith Bros.
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was graduated from the High School,of Bloomfield,
and afterward took a special course in the Iowa
Wesley an University, of Mt. Pleasant. He also
learned bis trade in Bloomfield, Iowa, and subse-
quently engaged in the publication of the Winston
Enterprise^ of Winston, Mo., until his removal to
Fairfield on the 15th of March, 1889, when he pur-
chased the Jbt^rnaZ interest. The younger brother,
who, prior to his advent into journalism, followed
the profession of school-teaching and was married,
on the 18th of January, 1890, to Miss Etta Rock, a
student of Parsons College, is also a graduate of
the Bloomfield High School, and for a time was
a student in Parsons College, of Fairfield. It will
thus be seen that the brothers are well fitted for the
publication of the paper, and combining industry
and enterprise with their ability in this line, their
efforts will doubtless be crowned with success.
EV. DAVID C. SMITH, a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, formerly a
\ resident of Fairfield and father of the Smith
^^ Bros, of that place, was born in Perry
County, Pa., on the 17th of November, 1837, and
is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Smith. His par-
ents were also natives of the Keystone State, but
the family was originally of German descent. Al-
though his educational advantages in youth were
meagre, being limited to such as the common
schools of the day afforded, he became a well-in-
formed man. Possessing an observing eye, reten-
tive memory and superior reasoning faculties, he
gave careful attention to the study of men and
their manners, read standard works and in vari-
ous ways added to his fund of knowledge until he
was enabled to teach school and subsequently to
enter upon the work of the ministry.
When a young man of twenty years the Rev.
Mr. Smith sought a home in Iowa, making his first
location-in Ainsworth, Washington County, where
he engaged in teaching school. Five years later
be was admitted to the Iowa Methodist Conference
and was assigned to Webster as his first charge.
His entire ministerial labors have been within the
Iowa Conference and have been productive of
much good. He has served as Presiding Elder of
the Oskaloosa District four years, for two years
was pastor of the church in Fairfield and is now
pastor of the church in Albia.
In 1863 the Rev. Mr. Smith was married, in Tri-
voli, Peoria County, III., to Miss Georgiana Young,
who was born near Trivoli and is a daughter of
Capt. Young, a native of Bath, Me. Her father at
one time followed a seafaring life and was captain
of a vessel, but afterward abandoned that occupa-
tion and engaged in inland pursuits. The family
born of their union numbered five children — four
sons and a daughter. The eldest, Frank Forest,
died in infancy; Harlan C. is a member of the firm
of Smith Bros., publishers and editors of the Fair-
field Journal^ Chester Y. is a partner of his brother;
Vida F. and Cliarles V. are still at home. The
mother, a most estimable lady, died October 12,
1889. In politics Mr. Smith is a Prohibitionist and
a member of the State Central Committee, ap-
pointed by the Iowa State Temperance Convention
of January 9, 1890. His pure, upright life supple-
menting his earnest and eloquent words in the pul-
pit have led many to believe in the Word and
accept the salvation offered them. He is honored
in whatever community he makes his home and it is
with pleasure that we record this sketch.
>ACHARIAH TAYLOR LEWIS, present Re-
corder of Jefferson County, Iowa, and a
resident of Fairfield, is now serving his
third term and sixth year in the above position.
He is a native of Iowa, born in Van Buren County,
October 9, 1847. He is second in order of birth
of a family of twelve children born unto Owen and
Margaret D. (Jackson) Lewis, who are numbered
among the early settlers of Iowa. His father was
born in Shelby County, Ind., December 9, 1821,
and is a son of William Lewis, who served in the
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S3a
War of 1812. The family immigrated to the
West from New England, where the original ances-
tors had probably settled in a very early day.
Owen Lewis came to Iowa on the 20th of March,
1837. Margaret D. Jackson was born in Ran-
dolph County, N. C, February 8, 1824, and came
with her parents, David and Sarah Jackson, to Iowa
July 4, 1836. They first settled in Lee County, and
a few years later removed to Jefferson County.
Owen Lewis, and Margaret D. Jackson, were mar-
ried in Jefferson County on the 28th of May
1844. They are still residents of this county, mak-
ing their home in Liberty Township, and arc num-
bered among the highly respecte<l citizens of the
community. Mr. Lewis has lived the life of a
quiet unassuming farmer, supporting the Republi-
can party since its formation, but taking no special
interest in politics.
The childhood and youth of our subject were
spent in Liberty Township, in a manner similar to
that in which all farmer lads pass their time. His
primary education was acquired in the common
schools of the neighborhood and supplemented by
a course in the Academy of Birmingham. He then
started out in life for himself and up to the time
when he entered upon his official duties as County
Recordcr,was engaged in farming and teaching. In
the autumn of 1884. his name was placed before
the people as a candidate of the Republican party
for the office of Recorder of Jefferson County, and
being elected by a handsome majority he entered
upon the discharge of hi^ duties on the 1st of Jan-
uary, 1885. So ably did he fill the office that he
was re-elected in 1886, and again in 1888, and is
DOW serving his sixth year in the same position.
His time and attention is devoted almost exclu-
sively to the business connected with it and he has
therefore proved a competent official.
In Black Hawk Township on December 1, 1886,
Mr. Lewis was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary
J. Minter, a native of this county, and a daughter
of James Monroe and Hannah L. (Trail) Minter.
David K. Minter, the grandfather of Mrs. Lewis,
was born in Virginia in 1810, and when a child re-
moved with his parents to Tennessee, and there
grew to manhood. Having attained his majority,
he went to Jacksonville, 111,, where he taught
schooHor some years. He subsequently removed'to
Iowa, settling near Mt. Pleasant,* where hejwas^mar-
ried in 1839. In 1842, h e]|ca me; toj. Jefferson
County, locating in Penn Township,where his death
occurred, December 9, 1888.GJame8j;M.' Minter
was born in Penn Township in 1843. He served
as a soldier during the late Civil War, in^Company
F, Eighth Iowa Infantry. In 1865, he wedded
Miss Hannah L. Trail, who lived but a few years,
and after her death removed to Nebraska where he
still resides. Mrs. Minter was born in 1846; her
parents were natives of Maryland and settled in
Washington County, Iowa, in 1858, and two years
later located in Jefferson County.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis has been
blessed with two children : Lila May, born May
1, 1888, and Charles M., born June 13, 1890. They
have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances In
Fairfield and Jefferson County, and well/deserve
the high regard in which they are held by all who
know them.
"0255-
JOHN W. CULBERTSON, deceased, was
born in Westmoreland County, Pa., July 7,
1807. His father, Hon. Hugh Culbertsop,
was born in Franklin County, Pa., but
reared in Westmoreland County, and was of Scotch
descent. He wedded Miss Jane Welch, a native of
Lancaster County, Pa., and after their marriage
they removed to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1823.
Both were active members of the Presbyterian
Church and their active consistent Christian lives
won them the high regard of the entire community.
He was an extensive farmer and for many years
held the office of County Judge. His death oc-
curred in the eighty-first year of his age and his
wife was called to her final rest while in her seven-
tieth year.
Our subject was the fourth in a family of twelve
children and in the usual manner of farmer lads his
early life was spent. He received a limited educa-
tion in the district schools of the neighborhood, be-
came familiar with all the details and routine of
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farm life, but upon reaching manhood he turned
his attention to merchandising which he followed
in Wooster, Ohio, his family having removed
to Wayne County when he was a lad of sixteen
summers. For a companion in life's journey he
chose Miss Elizabeth A. Eagle, daughter of William
and Rachel (Anderson) Eagle, and on the 22nd of
January, 1834, their marriage was celebrated. She
was born in Wayne County, February 20, 1811,
and her parents were natives of Virginia, her father
having been born near Hagerstown and her mother
near Crissuptown. Her paternal grandparents were
both natives of England, but in youth came to this
country and settled in Virginia where they were
married. Her grandmother Anderson was also a
native of England but her husband was of Scotch
extraction. Mrs. Culbertson's parents are num-
bered among the early settlers of the Buckeye State.
They were married in Lancaster County and sub-
sequentlj- removed to Wayne County, where Mr.
Eagle followed farming until 1840, which year wit-
nessed the removal of himself and family to Mis-
souri. He died in KirksviHe, that State, at the age
of eighty-one 3'ears and his wife died near Macon
City, Mo., in her ninety-third year. As they were
worthy citizens deep regret was felt at their loss for
they had many warm friends. The husband was
a Democrat in politics and in pursuit of fortune
followed farming throughout his eiitire life. Both
he and his wife were members of the Methodist
P^piscopal Church. Of their family of seven chil-
dren, consisting of three sons and four daughters,
only three are now living — Mary, the widow of
Jonathan Montgomery, who resides at Macon, Mo.;
Hon. Thomas A., who is a medical practitioner by
profession, of Macon County, Mo.; and Elizabeth
A. wife of our subject.
Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson removed to Gilead,
Wood Count}% Ohio, where for some time he en-
gaged in merchandising and also held the office of
Postmaster. In 1838, he removed to Lawrence
County, 111., and the following year made a trip
to Iowa in search of a location. The country and
its prospects were all that he anticipated and being
favorably impressed with the surroundings he de-
termined to make Jefiferson County his future home.
It is needless to sav that he had no occasion to re-
gret the step thus taken. Accompanied by his wife
he landed in Fairfield on the 6th of February,! 840.
He purchased a claim of three hundred and twen-
ty-five acres for $400, entered it when the land
came into market and in the course of time had a
fine home, highly cultivated and with 8plendi<i im-
provements thereon, adding both to its value and
attractiveness. Prosperity attended his footsteps
as a reward for his labor and zeal and at his death
he left his family well provided for.
To Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson were born two chil-
ren: William B., now a prominent lawyer of Bur-
lington; and Edward B., who died when about
twenty-four years of age. The record of this fam-
ily during the early years of their residence in Jef-
ferson County, is one of interest and serves to il-
lustrate the general condition of affairs at that
time. When Mr. Culbertson and his wife came to
Fairfield they stopped .first at the tavern, a house
20x20 feet with puncheons overhead to furnish a
sleeping apartment. Between twenty and thirty
boarders were accommodated, or rather lodged, for
such close quarters could hardly be designated ac-
commodations. Not relishing such a life Mr. Cul-
bertson rented a little log cabin but the shelter it
afforded was very inelQcient. His wife was in deli-
cate health and the wonder is that she ever sur-
vived the winter. One night she awakened and said
to her husband that it roust be snowing, whereupon
he sprang from his bed and found himself several
Inches in snow. For the use of that cabin they paid
$5 per month. They soon, however, built a two
roomed house but it became too cold to complete the
work, so they tacked clapboards over the cracks as
best they could and moved in. There was no fur-
niture in Fairfield, so they went to Burlington and
bought all of the saleable furniture the place con-
taiued, amounting to a bed, table,and a set of chairs
but the people were very neighborly and would
share with one another any available thing. Mrs.
Culbertson had a small copper kettle in which the
entire community made preserves. Mrs. M. E.
Woods possessed a large brass kettle, which all
used in washing and Mrs. Dr. Moberly furnished
the neighborhood with a large iron soap kettle. A
feeling of kindliness and friendliness then existed,
such As is uncommon at this day, and no Obe felt
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335
that he could selfishly keep for his own use any ar-
ticle which his neighbors were not fortunate enough
to possess.
Time brings changes of which even the most far-
sighted did not dream and the once sparsely set-
tled region has been transformed into a coXinty in
in many respects second to none in the State, which
is inhabited by a contented and intelligent people,
whose well cultivated farms and comfortable homes
speak of thrift and industry. Changes came also to
Mr. and and Mrs. Culbertson and success crowned
their efforts, yielding them a comfortable income of
which they ever gave liberally for charitable
an<5 benevolent purposes and for the advancement
of such enterprises as are calculated to benefit the
community. Mr. Culbertson was also called upon to
serve in official positions. He was receiver at the
land office at Fairfield until its removal from the
city, was Count}' Clerk for a number of years and
was a member of the Territorial Legislature. In
politics he affiliated with the Democratic party and
socially was an Odd Fellow. He dird May 8, 1883,
lamented by a grateful people. Mrs. Culbertson
still lives, honored and loved by all who knew her.
For sixty-two years she has been connected with
the Methodist Church, being one of the five charter
members of that denomination in Fairfield,and the
only one yet living.
-&5
AVID DUKE, who is the owner of a good
farm of one hundred and sixty-eight acres
on section 2, Black Hawk Township, Jeffer-
son County, was born in Virginia, February 3,
1825. The family is of Irish origin and was
founded in America by James Duke, the grand-
father of our subject, who emigrated from the
Green Isle of Erin to the New World, in the eight-
eenth century. His son, Tbomis, a Virginian by
birth, learned the cooper's trade in his youth and
in connection with that occupation operated a
small farm in his native State, but after his emi-
gration to Ohio, about the year 1853, he devoted
himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits. He
served in the War of 1812, and soon after his re-
turn from the army married Miss Sidney Johnston,
who belonged to an old Virginian family. They
were the parents pf the following children, the two
eldest of whom, James and Susan, are now deceased ;
Thomas is living in Virginia; David is the next
younger; Mary J. is the wife of Jacob Drenner,
of Kansas; Sarah J. is the wife of Elwood Johnson,
of Iowa; Emily married Benjamin Ritt, of Vir-
ginia; Hugh R. is living in Woodburn, Iowa;
Catherine and Julia are deceased; and Luther L.
is a resident of Jefferson County.
In his youth David Duke received a good Eng-
lish education, but otherwise his advantages were
limited, as his father was in limited circumstances,
had a large family dependent upon him for support
and, therefore, could not provide his children
with better opportunities. At the age of seven-
teen years David bade good-by to his home, left
the parental roof and started out in life for him-
self. He became the manager of a large planta-
tion, of which he had charge three years, and then
spent the succeeding five years in travel. On the
5th of March, 1857, he was united in marriage
with Miss Phoebe Hone, of Ohio, and five days
later, accompanied by his bride, started for the
West. He made a settlement in Washington County,
Iowa, but after renting a farm for two 3'ears came
to Jeffersun County and shortly afterward pur-
chased land in Keokuk County just across the di-
vision line. He there made his home until 1876,
when he purchased eighty-eight acres of land on
section 2, Black Hawk Township, to which he has
since added another eighty-acre tract. He was also
owner of an additional quarter-section of land,
but that he divided among his children. His farm
is one of the best in the neighborhood, a fine resi-
dence, good barns and outbuildings, the latest im-
proved machinery and well-tilled fields all indicat-
ing the thrift and enterprise of theowner,who ranks
among the leading agriculturists of Jeffersun
County. He is an intelligent and suci^essful busi-
ne»s man, who identifies himself with the best in-
terests of the communit}', and is ever ready to aid
in the promotion of such enterprises as will ad-
vance the general welfare. In political sentiment
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Mr. Duke is a Democrat, but supported President
Lincoln and bis administration during tbe war.
He has represented his township in the conventions
of his party, but believing it to be more profitable
to devote his time and energies to his business,
has never sought political preferment. Socially,
he is a Royal Arch Mason and his wife is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Duke have been born seven
children — William, who was born December 6,
1857, and was liberally educated, having been a
student in the college at Pella, is now a farmer of
Woodburn, Iowa; Walter, born March 8, 1858,
was also afforded ample opportunity for securing
an education, and is a leading farmer of Keokuk
County; Artemesia is the wife of Eli Emery, of
Black Hawk Township; Herod, who was gradu-
ated from the Elliott Business College, of Bur-
lingt<»n, Iowa, is a hardware merchant of Hedrick;
Minnie, Frank and Fred, the latter twins, are the
younger members of the family, and are still with
their parents.
^^^
E^
1 OBERT TILFORD GILMER. Among the
most prosperous and successful farmers of
Jefferson County, as well as one of the
^) earliest pioneers,must be classed the worthy
citizen whose name heads this sketch. He is a na-
tive of Adair County, Ky., his birth having there
occurred on January 21, 1817. His parents, James
and Elizabeth (Tilford) Gilmer, were also natives
of Kentucky and their sketch appears elsewhere in
this work.
Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits
and received a common-school education. When in
his twentieth year he accompanied his parents to
Iowa, driving an ox-team all the way, while his
sisters rode on horseback the entire distance.
Starting in the fall of 1836, they traveled as far as
McDonough County, 111., where they spent the win-
ter, resuming their journey the following spring.
In April, X837, they arrived at their destination in
Jefferson County and during the succeeding few
•years Mr. Gilmer assisted his father in erecting
buildings and improving and carrying on the farm.
On December 11, 1855, he was married near Ber-
lin, Sangamon County, 111., to Miss Anna C. Scott,
a daughter of Andrew Scott and a sister of Alex-
ander and James L. Scott, who wsre prominent
pioneers of Ft. Des Moines, now the capital city of
Iowa. The lady was born in Crawford County,
Ind., and removed with her parents to Illinois when
but three years of age.
Mr. Gilmer and wife began their domestic life in
Round Prairie Township, where he was extensively
engaged in farming and stock-raising for some
time. Three children were born of their union —
twJn daughters who died in infancy, and a son,
Frank, who was born in Round Prairie Township,
March 2, 1858. He was reared to farm life, edu-
cated in the schools of Round Prairie Township
and Fairfield, and is now residing with his parents
in the city of Fairfield. Through industry and
judicious management, Mr. Gilmer increased his
possessions until he now owns three large and hand-
somely improved farms, well stocked and fitted out
Two of these farms lie adjacent in Round Prairie
Township and aggregate nine hundred and sixty
acres; the other is situated in Cedar Township and
contains three hundred and sixty acres, making
a total of thirteen hundred and twenty acres,
besides which he has a homestead plat of six
acres with a fine residence in the city of Fairfield.
The original cost of the city propei ty was $6,000
but has increased in value since coming into pos-
session of its present owner who has added many
improvements thereto. The farming lands, judg-
ing from the present prices of real estate (which
are now low) are worth from $35 to $40 per acre.
Mr. Gilmer is a Republican but has never sought
any political ofl3ce. He once served a term of two
years as a member of the Board of County Com-
missioners, but accepted the office against his wish
and inclination and could. never again be induced
to serve in a public position. His wife is a member
of the Christian Church and has been connected
with that denomination for many years. It is with
pleasure that we present to the readers of the
Album this brief sketch of the life work of Mr,
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Gilmer, who has been a resident of Jefferson
County for fifty-three years and is one of the very*
few left of its earlie^jt settlers. His life has been a
busy and useful one, and he is now at the age of
seventy-three years, still active, both mentally and
physically. He removed to the city expecting to
lay aside all business and secure relief from the
care of his three large farms, but he still finds
himself doing as much work as a man of middle
age ordinarily performs.
■^
^^^l/LFRED JOHNSON, residing on section 13,
Lo^'usi Grove Township, Jefferson County
is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred
and sixty acres, and in connection vith its cultiva-
tion is engaged in raising fine stock. Mr. John-
son is of Swedish birth and is a son of a Swedish
farmer and stock-buyer, Yohuz Johnson, who spent
his entire life in his native land, dying in 1845. His
wife, whose maiden name was MaryChoron, sur-
vived'him some twenty years.
Alfred was a lad of twenty years when he left
the Fatherland for America. In company with
three companions, he crossed the Atlantic in a sail-
ing-vessel and after a voyage of twenty-one days
landed in New York City. He immediately quitted
the Eastern metropolis and sought a home in the
West, his destiuHtion being Jefferson County, Iowa,
where a colony of Swedish emigrants had located
some years previous. He had been liberally edu-
cated in his native land but in no other way, ex-
cept by the possession of a determined will and
energy, was he fitted for the battle life. His cash
capital consisted of but twenty-five cents, yet un-
daunted by the formidable task which lay before
him, he sought work and laid the foundation for
future success. For some time he was employed as
a farm hand, continuing that labor until he could
engage in business for himself.
In Fairfield, in 1865, Mr. Johnson was united in
marriage with Mrs. Lucinda Johnson, a native of
Sweden. She came to this county in 1846. By her
former marriage she became the mother of five
children: Washington, who is married and resides
in Madison County, Iowa; Laura, now Mrs. Win-
crist, of Holridge, Neb. ; Larkin,who is married and
resides in Portland, Ore.; Charlie, a resident of
Madison County, Iowa; and Esther, who is married
and living in Ringgold, Iowa. Unto Alfred John-
son and his worthy wife have also been born five
children: Mary, now Mrs. Walker, of Nebraska;
Ed, who is married and makes his home in Polk
Township; Hannah, at home; Etta, now Mrs. Mc-
Clarey, of Keokuk County, Iowa, and Carrie.
Mr. Johnson is truly a self-made man, his suc-
cess in life being due entirely to his own efforts.
He is numbered among the substantial citizens of
Jefferson County, having considerable property,
including the three hundred and sixty-acre farm
mentioned at the beginning of this sketch. The
first year after his marriage he resided in Fairfield
Township, but in 1866, removed to Locust Grove
Township, purchasing a partially improved farm of
eighty acres, the nucleus of his present landed pos-
sessions. He also devotes considerable attention
to stock-raising. In his political affiliations, Mr.
Johnson is a stanch Democrat, and socially, is a
member of the Odd Fellows society of Brookville.
The duties of citizenship he faithfully discharges,
his business he attends to promptly and efiSciently
as is indicated by his success. Those who know,him
respect him for his upright life and the friends of
the Johnson family are many.
->*^^^-^<-
ILLIAM McCRACKIN was born April 11,
P^jll 1804, in Armstrong County, Pa., and was
"^y^ reared in that county, his parents being of
Scotch-Irish descent. He learned the hatter's
trade but devoted his attention to farming, mer-
chandising and hotel -keeping.
In 1829 Mr. McCrackin was married to Miss
Mary Ralston, who was also born in Armstrong,
County, October 26, 1808, She was the daughter
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of David Ralston and Agnes Sharp, the latter be-
ing the first white child born in that part of Penn-
sylvania, and it may be observed that her father,
Andrew Sharp, was killed by the Indians while
taking his family to Ft. Pitt for protection, and he
is buried in Pittsburg.
For a quarter of a century Mr. McCrack'n
made his home in Indiana, Pa. In the autumn of
1855 he started with his family for Nebraska. Go-
ing to Pitt*»burg in wagons, he embarked (»n a
steamboat with wagons, horses, etc., for St. Louis,
at the latter place disembarked and proceeded north
and west as far as Fairfield where, the weather be-
coming too cold for comfortable traveling, it was
decided to stop. Every house in Fairfield was oc-
cupied, and the only way shelter could be obtained
was to buy a house.
Mr. McCrackin died May 7, 1857,and Mrs. Mc-
Crackin decided to remain in Fairfield, where she
lived until her death, on July 27, 1888. Both were
members of the United Presbyterian Church. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. McCrackin were born ten children,
<ight of whom grew to mature years; Jane, wife
of. Dr. William Anderson, of Indiana, Pa.; David
Ralston, who died in Fairfield, February 6, 1890;
Nanc^y S , wife of Capt B. V, Crail; Mary A.; Will-
iam W. and Joseph R., both living in Butte City,
Mont.; Eliza M. and Alexander.
Mrs. McCrackin sent all her sons to the support
of the Union, in the late war, the youngest being
only thirteen and oiie-half years old. On the first
cnll for troops, David, who was in St. Louis, en-
listed in the First Missouri Infantry, and served
with that regiment for his term of enlistment, being
in the battle of Wilson's Creek; he then enlisted in
the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered out the
following year. He served as Deputy Provost
Marshal for a time, and then enlisted in Company
I. Forty-fifth Iowa Infantry, and was made First
Lieutenant; he remained in that regiment until it
was disbanded. William served with David in the
Fourth Iowa Cavalr}-, and upon being discharged
from that regiment he enlisted in a Pennsylvania
regiment and after the expiration of that enlist-
ment he served in the Navy as Master's mate on
the Mississippi River, until the end of the Rebel-
lion; Joseph, though only a boy, served in the
Eighth Iowa Cavalry; Alexander enlisted in the
Navy and served on the Mississippi River with
Capt. William R. Wells for a year; he then entered
the Naval Academy, and is now in the Navy.
ANFORD M. BOLING, agent for the Uni-
ted States Express Company at Fairfield,
Jefferson County, was born in Muskingum
County, Ohio, December 30, 1834, and is a
son of William and Julia (Grimsley) Boling, both
of whom were natives of Virginia. The parents
of our subject were married in their native State
and in an early day emigrated to Muskingum
County, Ohio. After reaching man's estate Mr.
Boling learned the plasterer's trade which he fol-
lowed in pursuit of fortune throughout life. In his
political aflfiliations he was a Democrat.
Our subject is the only one out of five children
living in Iowa. The family once numbered eleven
children, of whom he was the third in order of
birth, but six have been called from this life. He
received his education in the old subscription
schools common at that early day and at the age
of ten years began working at the pla^erer's trade
with his father. His life was unmarked by any
event of special importance until in August 1862,
when he enlisted in Company F, of the One Hun-
dred and Twenty-second Ohio Volunteers. He was
immediately commissioned Second Lieutenant ami
with his command joined the army of the Potomac.
Passing through Virginia, as far as Winchester, they
commenced to fortify that place and while thus en-
gaged Mr. Boling contracted typhoid fever, result-
ing in almost total blindness, from which he has
onl}*^ partially recovered. He went home to be
treated and while away, his regiment participated
in the great battle of Gettysburg. Having re-
joined his command in Martinsburg, Va., he started
on the Mine Run campaign, but after marching a
time through the mud and enduring untold hard-
ships, the project was abandoned. Mr. Boling was
Acting Adjutant and on the call for an oflQcer and
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four men to go to Columbus, Ohio on detail service,
he was selected. From that time until his discharge
on December 30, 1864, he remained in the capital
city of Ohio. His duties there were very arduous,
it being a part of his labors to pilot recruit soldiers
from Columbus to southern posts.
In January, 1865, Mr. Boling first set foot on
Fairfield soil. In the years which have come and
gone since that time he has had no occasion to re-
gret his choice of a location, for he has formed
many ties of friendship which bind him to the
place with cords of love which he would not sever.
During the first five years after his arrival he was
in the employ of the American Express Company,
but his health so failed him that he was compelled
to change his occupation and for a time he worked
at the plasterer's trade. This was followed by one
year spent as a contractor and in January, 1874, he
entered upon the duties of the office of Auditor of
Jefiferson County, in which capacitv he served the
people acceptably for six years. His worth and
ability having been tested and found to be in merit
even above what his friends had anticipated, in
1879, he was honored with an election to the State
Senate and served in that body during the sessions
of 1880 and 1882. In the first Assembly, he was
Chairman of the Committee on Penitentiaries,which
originated a bill creating the office of warden in the
penitentiary at Animosa. He was the active spirit
in securing an amend ndent to equalize the good
time earned by convicts. Up to this time counties
could vote on public improvements only at general
elections, and as a result when one party cham-
pioned any public enterprise, the other felt bound
to oppose. It thus became difficult for a county
even to erect a court house, and it was through the
Instrumentality of Mr. Boling that an amendment
was passed permitting such questions to be voted
upon either at general or special elections. Dur-
ing the session of 1882, he was Chairman of the
committee on Public Buildings and secured the
passage of a bill appropriating a half million to
complete the State Capitol. Former appropriations
had been so small that they were largely consumed
in paying the salaries of those selected to look after
tbeir expenditure and in the passage of .this bill
Mr. Boling performed an important work. In 1 883,
after retiring to private life, he became agent for
the United States Express Company at Fairfield, in
which capacity he has since served, covering a
period of seven consecutive years.
Mr. Boling has also been called upon by his
townsmen of Fairfield to represent them in the
Council and has served in the honored position of
Mayor of the city. He accepted the latter office in
order to assist in securing for the city, control of
the water works, which up to that time had be-
longed to a corporation. In all his public life he
has been faithful to every trust reposed in him and
has won the confidence and regard of even his po-
litical enemies. He cast his first vote for Buchanan
in 1856, but since that time has been a supporter of
the Republican party. Socially, he belongs to the
Masonic and Odd-Fellows fraternities and to the
Grand Army Post of Fairfield, of which he is a
charter member.
Mr. Boling chose as a life companion Miss Hes-
ter A. Younkin, their marriage being celebrated on
the 17th of January, 1865. Mrs. Boling is a na-
tive of Muskingum County, Ohio, and with her
daughter, Bessie, their only child, carries on a mil-
linery store in Fairfield. Mr. Boling is one of Fair-
field's most highly esteemed citizens and it is with
pleasure that we record his sketch in the history of
his adopted county.
-«»*-^:'8>i©^Sr^e5tf^'C5C^
LMER A. HOWARD, Vice-President of the
Iowa State Savings Bank of Fairfield, is a
l^^ native of the city which still continues to
be his home. He was born on the 18th of July,
1858, his parents being Levi and Elizabeth (Cook)
Howard, who are numbered among the early settlei'S
of Jefferson County, and still reside in Fairfield.
His father was a native of Indiana and his mother
was born in Ohio, and on another page of this vol-
ume a sketch of this worthy couple appears.
The early educational advantages of our subject,
acquired in the public schools, were supplemented
by a couric in the Axline Universit3% of Fairfield,
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find he was thus fitted for a useful and busy career.
In 1885 he was appointed Indian Agent by Presi-
dent Cleveland, for the Pima, Maricopa and Papago
Indian tribes of Arizona. He held that position
two and a half years, during which time he met
with many interesting experiences, but at the ex-
piration of that period resigned. Later he was
appointed Agent for the Kiowa Indians, but he did
not accept and returned home. In 1888 he became
a partner in the boot and shoe business with Ed
Hunt, which connection continued uninterruptedly
until Julj' 1, 1890, when the partnership was dis-
solved, Mr. Howard retiring. In the spring of
1890 the Iowa State Savings Bank was organized,
and he became its Vice-President.
On the 26th of March, 1883, in this city, Mr.
Howard was united in the holy bonds of matri-
mony with Miss Mary L. Lamson, and their union
has been blessed with two children, sons — Nathan-
iel, who is now six years of age, and Hubert, a
babe of one year.
In political sentiment Mr. Howard is a Democrat,
and is a member of the County Board of Supervis-
ors. He is a prominent member of the Masonic
order, belonging to Clinton Loflge, No. 15, A. F.
<fe A. M.; McCord Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., and
Jerusalem Comroandery, No. 1, K. T. He has now
a handsome competency as the result of his energy
and good management, and is connected with one
of the leading financial institutions of this part of
the State.
ON. EDWARD CAMPBELL, Jr., a farmer
residing in Fairfield, was born in Washing-
ton County, Pa., on New Year's Da}' of
1820. His parents were Robert and Mary
(Hindman) Campbell. The father, who was also a
native of Washington County, was descended from
Scotch-Irish ancestry, his parents being natives of
Belfast, Ireland, while the family was originally of
Scottish origin. They were Presbyterians oft the
old school, and the family gave to the world a long
race of divines of that faith. The mother of our
subject was born in Cecil County, Md., and be-
longed to an old family of that State, which was
established by English colonists several generations
remote. When Mr. Campbell's parents settled in
Washington County, that region was only just be-
ing opened to civilization. His father owned a
new farm in the timber, and when Edward was but
a child, was killed by accident. Educational ad-
vantages were necessarily limited, and the first
school our subject attended, was held in a log house
with a clay floor. No glass appeared in the win-
dows, but instead the light was admitted through
sheets of paper that had previously been used for
writing lessons, and then oiled and fastened to the
openings in the sash. Hard labor was his portion
from early youth, but being studious and ambitious
to acquire knowledge, he made the best possible
use of his opportunities which had improved as
time progressed. Supplementing his school privi-
leges with personal effort at self-culture, he ac-
quired a thorough English education, and a tur
knowledge of the classics.
In March, 1841, when twenty -one years of age,
Mr. Campbell was married in Alleghany County,
Pa., to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Moore,
and a native of the county in which their union
was celebrated. The succeeding five years he spent
in farming in the Keystone State, and in 1846, re-
moved to Pittsburg, where he was employed six
years as chief clerk in the office of the Prothonotary,
and Sheriff, and was also clerking in a bank. He
was subsequently elected to the offices of Prothono-
tary and Sheriff of the county, and the term of his
official service extended over fifteen years. In
1865, he came to Iowa and settled in Cedar Town-
ship, Jefferson County, where he engaged m farm-
ing and stock-growing. He extended his purchases
of real estate until he now has a fine farm of nine
hundred and sixty acres in one tract, situated six
miles southeast of Fairfield. He continued his resi-
dence in Cedar Township until 1879, when he re-
moved to the city, where he now resides.
In early life Mr. Campbell was a Whig, and
voted with that party until 1850, when he joined
the Democrats, and really began his political life
in active opposition to Know Nothingism and to
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the principle of protective tariff. While a resident
of Cedar Township, he served as School Director
many years, and in 1871 was elected to the State
Legislature, serving in the session of 1872, and in
the extra session of the General Assembly of 1873.
In 1885, he was appointed by President Cleveland
to the oflace of Marshal for the southern district of
Iowa, and held the office for four and a half years.
For many years our subject has been an active and
influential worker in the cause of Democracy, hav-
ingserved ten years as chairman of the Democratic
State Central Committee, and devoted much time
and considerable capital to the support of his party
and its principles.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell was blessed
with eight children, four sons and four daughters, of
whom five are now living: Amelia, the eldest, died
in infancy; John M. resides in Virginia City, Nev.,
where he edits the Dally Enterprise; Mary Belle is
the wife of N. S. Bright, a hardware merchant of
Fairfield, Iowa; Alice is the widow of Joseph M.
Atchison, Uate a lawyer of Pittsburg, Pa., and now
resides with her father in Fairfield, being at present
employed as clerk in the post-office; Robert died
in infancy; Anna Cora is the wife of Samuel C.
Farmer, Jr., of Chicago; Colin E. resides in Des
Moines; and William Clifford died in Fairfield, in
December, 1887, at the age of twenty-seven years.
Mr. Campbell has been an industrious student
from his early youth, and possesses scholarly at-
tainments of a high order. His reading has been
varied and extensive, and as he is blessed with a
retentive memory, and a taste for the intellectual,
he has familiarized himself with the works of the
best writers of ancient times, of the middle ages
and the modern period, and possesses a versatility
of knowledge rarely found in one who has made his
own way in the world, and who has never enjoyed
the advantages of a collegiate education. During
his residence of thirty years in Iowa, Mr. Campbell
has acquired an extensive acquaintance among the
leading men of the State of all parties. In the
course of his business relations he enjoys the repu-
tation of being upright and honorable in a marked
degree, and of being liberal and free-handed where-
ever he can aid any worthy public enterprise. So-
cially, he is]^deservedly popular. Possessing as he
does such a variedjfund of general information, and
a quaint humor that is irresistible, he' is always en-
tertaining in conversation^and a welcome![com-
panion.
AMUEL M. MORRIS, a farmer and stock-
raiser residing on section 6, Harrisburg
Township, Van Buren County, is a native
of Hardin County,^ Ky. [He 'was born
January 14, 1827, and was the fifth in a family of
eight children, who graced the union of Henry
Morris and Jane Mark. The father was born in
North Carolina in 1796, and in his youth removed
from his native State to Kentucky, where he was
reared to manhood and married. He is^ numbered
among the pioneer settlers of Van Buren County,
Iowa, the month of June, 1838, witnessing his ar-
rival in the community. He entered eighty acres
of wild land on Cedar Creek,' in what is now Cedar
Township, and afterward, by purchase, added one
hundred and sixty acres, placing the entire amount
under cultivation. As he obtained the first from
the Government it was consequently in its primi-
tive condition, but he succeeded in transforming it
into a highly improved farm, whose well-tilled
fields yielded him a good income as the reward of
his labors. His death occurred on the old home-
stead, February 8, 1870, at the age of seventy-four
years. For many years Mr. Morris had been an
active member of the Methodist Church and he
possessed the full confidence and high regard of his
many acquaintances. His wife, who was a most
estimable lady, survived him but eight days. The
children born unto them were: Elizabeth, wife of
I. L. V. Howard, of Cedar Township; Mary, de-
ceased wife of William Masterson, of Van Buren
County; Margaret, deceased; William a carpenter,
of Hustonia, Mo.; Samuel M., whose name heads
this sketch: George F., a farmer of Cedar Town-
ship; Alex H. and Henry T., who are also engaged
in agricultural pursuits in Cedar Township.
As a representative of one of the pioneer families
of the county and as one of its most worthy citi-
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zeps, Samuel Morris deserves special mention in
this volume. Since eleven years of age he has
been a witness of its growth and progress, has aided
in its development and watched with interest its
advancement and the work which places it in the
front rank among the counties in Iowa. He ac-
quired his education in the district schools of the
neighborhood and amid the wild scenes of pioneer
life with its excitements and pleasures, its hard-
ships and privations, he spent the days 6f his boy-
hood and youth. On attaining to mature years, he
bade good-b}' to the parental home and started out
in life for himself, choosing as his occupation the
the pursuit to which he was reared. He began
operations on a forty -acre tract of land given him
by his father, and in a short time he extended its
boundaries by the purchase of forty acres of tim-
ber land. After clearing and improving the same
he had opportunity to make an advantageous sale
which he did, and then bought three hundred and
fifty-two acres of land lying in Washington and
Harrisburg Townships, his present farm.
In 1854 Mr. Morris was united in marriage with
Miss Charlotte A. Robbins, of Van Buren County,
daughter of William C. and Laura (Fuller) Robbins.
Her father was a native of Vermont, born October
25, 1804, and in his native State passed his youth-
ful days. He was married, however, in Allegany
County, N. Y., to Miss Laura Fuller, of the Empire
State, born December 27, 1812, l)y which union
there were born three children: Esther,wifeof John
Klise, of Harrisburg Township; Mrs. Morris, and
Martha,who died when about four years old. The
parents are numbered among the pioneers of Van
Buren County.having since 1 844 made their home in
the neighborhood, where they have won as the result
of their upright lives the respect of all who knew
them. Tiie father's work here on earth is now
ended, he having died September 20, 1890, and his
widow is passing the evening hour of life sur-
rounded by the tender care of her children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morris have been born five
children: Edmund, who wedded Miss Mary Lefler
and is now living in Pierceville; J. Q., who mar-
ried Miss Alice Woods and resides on the home
farm; Livingston; Henry F.. who died when sixteen
months old; and William W. Livingston and Will-
iam are yet with their parents. Mr. Morris is an
active Republican in politics and is an iofluentiai
member of the county conventions, to which
he is frequently sent as a delegate. As a citizen,
he is true to every duty devolving upon him
and ever ready to aid in works of public im-
provement or such enterprises as are calculated to
benefit the community. As a business man be is
undoubtedly a success, being now ranked among
the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of tbe
community. In the management of his farm he
displays good business ability, enterprise and push,
all of which are essential to a prosperous career.
His residence in Van Buren County covers a per-
iod of fifty -two years, and those who have known
him from boyhood have been witnesses of his en-
tire life, as well as his acquaintances of later years,
are numbered among his stanchest friends. Those
who have seen the development of his character
know him to be a man of sterling worth, meriting
the high esteem of all.
> -^m^' < '■■
^ OHN CAVIN, deceased, was one of the early
settlers of Van Buren County, having in the
year 1836 settled within her borders. He
was born in Prince Edward County, Va., in
1788, and during his early manhood enlisted as a
soldier in the War of 1812. Soon after the close
of that struggle he went to Tennessee where he
married Miss Judah Mann, who was also a native
of the Old Dominion, born in 1790. The young
couple began their domestic life in Tennessee,
where they remained until 1834, in which year they
mav^e a location in McDonough County, III. Two
years later, however, they crossed the Father of
Waters and in the Territory of Wisconsin, as it
was then known, began making a home, their place
of location being in Harrisburg, Township, Van
Buren County. The Indians had not then left for
their homes further West, but were frequent visitors
in the settlement and rattlesnakes were often un-
welcomed companions. The countrj' round about
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aboanded in wild game, wolves and other animals
were killed in the vicinity of the settlement and
hardships of which we know nothing were to be
borne.
Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Cavin — Irena who became the wife of Manswit
Lcffler, settled in this county and died in 1881;
Lucinda, widow of Harry Alexander, is living in
Van Buren County; Andrew J. died during the
service while in the Mexican War; Margaret A.
is now Mrs. Sturdivant of Bonaparte; Melvina
married James Harrington of California; John
is living in Mahaska County, Iowa; Julinda be-
came the wife of William Saddler and died in
Van Buren County; and Matilda is the wife of
Moses Smith, of the same county.
Mr. Cavin was one of the sturdy pioneers of
this region and will be remembered by many of
the early settlers. He developed a farm and
made for hiniself a comfortable home but nine
years after his arrival in the community he was
called to the home above, llis wife survived
him until 1861. Both were members of the Bap-
tist Church and earnest workers in the Master's
vineyard.
^^BRAHAM STANFORD, a retired farmer
^gyLJI and respected citizen of Fairfield, Jeffer-
li son County, claims Pennsylvania as the
State of his nativity, his birth having oc-
curred in Allegheny County, June 17, 1815. Isaac
Stanford, his father, emigrated with his family to
Delaware County, Ohio, about 1817, becoming one
of the early settlers of that region, but within a
few days both parents and two children died. Our
subject was then about three 3'ears of age. Four
children lived to mature years, but only two still
survive: Abraham and his brother David, who has
been a carpenter, merchant, and farmer.
Little advantage did our subject receive in his
youth, but hard labor fell to his lot, and in return he
reaped little or no reward. Probably, however, this
was the means of developing a self-reliance and en-
ergy which have characterized his mature years,
and been important factors in his success. On the
death of his parents, he was bound out to a farmer
for whom he worked until attaining his majority,
when he started out in life for himself without a
cent which he could call his own. He secured a
position as a farm hand at $10 per month, and la-
bored on in that way until coming to Iowa. Be-
lieving that he could better his condition in the
West, in 1839, he floated down the Ohio and up
the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria,whence
he made his way through Henry County to Cedar
Township, Jefferson County. The land in that
township had just come into market, and on his re-
turn trip Mr. Stanford stopped at Burlington, and
entered one hundred and twenty acres of the same.
The following winter he was engaged in splitting
rails in Illinois. For some time he was undecided
whether to return to Ohio or remain in the West,
but having entered his land in Iowa, he at length
determined to come to this State, and acted upon
his resolution in February, 1840. Not an improve-
ment had been made, and while a cabin was in pro-
cess of erection, he boarded with Joel Bradshaw.
He spent the day in superintending the work, but
in the evening devoted himself to the enjoyment of
the society of Mr. Bradshaw*s daughter. Miss
Nancy. The acquaintance proving mutually agree-
able and ripening into a warmer regard, they were
married on the 9th of February, 1841. The lady
was born in White County, Tenn., March 19, 1825,
and when eight years of age, accompanied her par-
ents to Illinois, whence they removed to Jefferson
County in 1838.
Mr. Stanford and his wife began their domestic
life on the farm which he had entered, and in-
creased their possessions by the purchase of an ad-
ditional forty acres. At length having sold, he
bought a claim four miles east of Fairfield, of one
hundred and twenty acres which he entered, fenced
and improved. He also sold this farm, after which
he started West, but a few days travel sufficed to
convince him that he preferred Jefferson County to
any other locality as a place of residence, and ho.
returned and purchased a claim of one hundred and
thirty-five acres in Liberty Township. Tnis he
also entered and improved, and later traded for a
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farm of one hundred and ten acres in Cedar Town-
ship, upon which he lived until he retired from ac-
tive business life, and removed to Fairfield in 1882.
He still owns ninety. six acres of valuable land
which yields him a good income.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stanford was blessed
with a family of eight children: Isaac F., the eld-
est, enlisted in October, 1863, as a member of Com-
pany B,Nineteenth Iowa Infantry, and was wounded
at the battle of Prairie Grove, A rk. However, he
recovered from his injury, but while on the way to
join his regiment at Brownsville, Tex., he took the
measles and was consequently off duty for some
time. Again he started to join his comrades, but
having to march some thirty miles through mud
and rain, when not yet entirely recovered, he took
a backset and died in Brownsville ; JoelJ., the next
younger, is a farmer of Nebraska; Chloc S. is the
wife of Samuel Doughty, a Free Methodist preacher ;
Mary O. is the wife of Haden Doughty, a farmer of
Lockridge Township; Vesta A. is the wife of David
Boley, of Locust Grove Township; Ella K. is the
wife of George Moore, a farmer of Nebraska; John
F. is a farmer of Locust Grove Township; Abra-
ham L. is a cabinet-maker of Fairfield.
Mr. Stanford has held the ofl8ce of Township
Assessor, and several school ofiSces. He cast his
first Presidential vote for Gen. William Henry Har-
rison, and continued to support the Whig party
until 1856, since which time he has been a stanch
Republican. He has done not a little to develop
the county by improving farms, and has ever been
a loyal citizen. Both he and his wife are members
of the Methodist Church, of Fairfield.
■^-4-^^
e RAN MORE W. GAGE, the oldest early
settler of Fairfield now living, is a native of
the Green Mountain State. He was born
in Hartford, Vt., on the 29th of May, 1828, and
is a son of Ebenezer S. and Electa (Wallace) Gage.
His father was born May 5, 1803, in Bangor, Me.,
and when six years of age went to live with an
uncle, his father having been drowned. In early
life he went to Vermont and learned the shoe mak-
er's trade, which he there followed for five years
and afterwards engaged in the same line of business
in Ac worth, N. H. On the 30th of May, 1827, be
married Miss Wallace, who was born in New
Hampshire, February 2, 1807. In 1838, they re-
moved to Alton, 111., where for a short time Mr.
Gage was engaged as a superintendent in purchas-
ing supplies for a seminary near that place, but in
December, 1839, he brought a stock of dry goods
to Fairfield and began operations merchandizing
in this city. The following year, while on his way
to St. Louis to buy goods, he was robbed of $600
which crippled him in business and he turned his
attention to other interests, purchasing a claim of
one hundred and sixty acres on which his son now
lives and thirty of which is now included within
the city limits. He was a man of good education
and did much toward the settling up of the State.
He served as Deputy County Treasurer of Jeffer-
son County and from 1844 until 1848 was Post-
master of Fairfield. In political sentiment he was
a supporter of the Democratic party and socially
was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He took
a deep interest in all public enterprises, gave liber-
ally toward the support of such interests as he
believed would benefit the community, and was re-
garded by all as a worthy citizen. Both he and his
wife were members of the Congregational Church.
His death occurred May 29, 1859, and his wife
still survives him and yet enjoys a tolerable degree
of health. There were only two children of the
family — Theodore S. who was born in Fairfield,
August 30, 1844, and Cranmore W.
Since eleven years of age our subject has been a
resident of Jefferson County, and when a lad of
fourteen years he took charge of the farm which
his father had entered and which he has operated
continuously since. At the age of sixteen, in com-
pany with others, he took a number of horses to
Des Moines and sold them to the Indians. The
now beautiful capital city was then a mere collec-
tion of soldier's cabins and gave no promise of be-
coming of much importance. Mr. Gage is account-
ed a first class farmer and stoek-raiser as can be
seen from a glance at his place. Everything is in
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excellent order and the entire surroundings indicate
thrift and enterprise. In his business he is as-
sociated with his brother and together they own
one hundred and fifteen acres of highly improved
land which is wo)] stocked and furnished with
every thing necessary to a model farm.
In Jefferson County, Mr. Gage was joine,d in
wedlock with Sarah J. Black, the marriage cere-
mony being performed on the 12th of September,
1855. The lady was born in Adams County, Ohio,
November 6, 1828, and is a daughter of Moses and
Nancy (Glasgow) Black, who were also natives of
Adiims County, and of the old Covenanter stock.
In 1841, they removed to Brown County, III., and
in 1844 to Jefferson County, Iowa, locating in Des
Moines Township. Mr. Black was the first County
Judge of this county and in politics he was first a
Whig, afterwards an Abolitionist and later a Re-
publican. He died in 1867, at the age of sixty-six
years, and his wife, who was born in 1809, died in
1883. Both were members of the Presbyterian
Church and lived consistent Christian lives. In
their family were six children, three sons and three
daughters, of whom Mrs. Gage is tlie eldest. Mr.
and Mrs. Gage are parents of four children — Frank
S. who is employed as station agent at Beard, Tex. ;
Edward M., a lumber dealer of Chicago; Fred W.,
a lumber dealer of Hiawatha, Kan. ; and Charles
H., who is engaged in the dair}' business in Fair-
field.
Both Mr. Gage and his wife are members of the
Congregational Church, and in the social world are
held in high regard. He has served as Marshal,
Vice President and is now President of the Old
Settlers Association. His residence in this county
covers more than half a century and embraces
seven years of territorial rule as well as the entire
State government. He has seen the county trans-
formed from a vast and unbroken prairie, inhabited
mostly by red men, into homes of a civilized people,
whose farms are equal in fertilit}' and improvement
to any and whose towns are characterized by an
energy and enterprise unknown to the older
cities of the East. Mr. Gage has shared in
the hardships and trials of pioneer life, but time
and industry have overcome those difficulties and
he DOW ranks among the substantial citizens of the
community. In the early days they had to live
principally upon corn bread and wild game which
was then plentiful, and had to go thirty miles to
mill.
In political sentiment Mr. Gage is a Republican,
and though he has always felt a lively interest in
the success of that party he has never aspired to
any public office. In agriculture ho has always
taken deep interest and served four years as a
director of the County Agricultural Association,
and for three years was superintendent of the
grounds when important improvements were made.
ON. WILLIAM LEROY S. SIMMONS,
who is extensively engaged in stock-raising
on section 12, Locust Grove Township,
Jefferson County, first set foot on Iowa soil
in 1842, at which time he made a settlement in the
township of which he is now a resident. However,
he did not make a permanent location until 1853.
A native of Clermont County, Ohio, he was bom
in 1822, the fourth child in a family of five chil-
dren that graced the union of Adam and Sarah
(Hitch) Simmous. Throughout his entire life
Adam Simmons followed farming, and in Ohio
his death occurred in 1828. His wife long
survivetl him, dying in 1875. They were pioneers
of the Buckeye State, and lived upright lives
which won them the respect of the entire commu-
nity.
W. L. S. Simmons was but six years of age when
his father died. He continued to make his home
upon the farm, but in his youth learned the brick-
mason's trade, which he followed during his resi-
dence in Ohio, and for a short time after coming to
Jefferson County. With a desire to benefit his
financial condition and to provide for himself a
home, he came West. In 1845 he pre-empted
eight}' acres of land on section 3, Locust Grove
Township, and began developing a farm, but after-
ward traded that for a sixty -acre tract on section
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12. With land upon which not a furrow had been
turned or an improvement made, he found that he
had no easy task before him, but of a determined
nature and possessing unremitting industry, he
would not be deterred from his purpose, but over-
came the obstacles in his path and worked his way
upward to a position of affluence.
Returning to his native county in 18/>2, Mr.
Simmons was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah
Weaver, who was born in Ohio, and is a daughter
of Samuel and Catherine (Robinson) Weaver. Her
parents were natives of Virginia, but at an early
day emigrated to Ohio, where they spent the re-
mainder of their lives. Mr. Weaver was called to
his final rest in 1863, having survived his wife sev-
eral years.
In true pioneer style, on a farm but little im-
proved, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons began their domes-
tic life, and by their united efforts have secured a
comfortable home, in which may be found not only
the necessaries, but many of the luxuries known to
this age. Their union was blessed with seven
children, but only four of the number are now liv-
ing: Eben Frank, the eldest, is an attorney-at-law
of Fairfield, Iowa; Charles Walter acquired his
literary education in the schools of Mt. Pleasant,
being graduated from the academy of that place,
and then began fitting himself for labor in foreign
missionary fields. He was graduated from the
Garrett Biblical Institute, of Evanston,Ill., in 1888,
and the same year married Miss Luella Bartlett, of
Mt. Pleasant, and started for India, where he has
since been engaged in missionary labor, being sent
to that field by the Methodist Church. Owing to
failing health he returned to Iowa, and is now at
home. Sarah Belle and N^ncy Wright, the two
daughters of the family, are still with their par-
ents.
Mr. Simmons may truly be called a self-made
man. The farm which he now owns and operates
embraces two hundred and twenty-seven acres, all
under a good state of cultivation, and he also has
considerable money invested in fine stock. He is
making a specialt}' of the breeding of full-blooded
Short-horn cattle and Poland China hogs, and has
done not a little for the advancement of the grade
of stock in the county. In other ways he has also
been identified with the county's interests. Every
enterprise of merit finds in him a supporter; he is
a friend to all social, educational and moral inter-
ests, and is a generous contributor of charitable and
benevolent work. He and his wife are consistent
memb'^rs of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of
Brookville, and their upright lives, which are in
harmony with their professions, win for them the
confidence and regard of the community. Mr. Sim-
mons has served on the School Board, has been
Township Clerk, and in 1876 ably represented bis
district in the Iowa Legislature. Socially, he is a
member of Abingdon Lodge, No. 104, A. F. k
A. M. As an early settler of the county he bore
all the hardships and trials of pioneer life, but may
well feel honored that he had a part to perform in
the work of progress and development which
places Jefiferson County in its present exalted posi-
tion of to-day. When he settled in this community
Fairfield was only a small trading post, and Keokuk
and Burlington were the nearest markets. Wild
game, which was then very plentiful, furnished
many a meal for the settlers. The Indians were
still frequent visitors, and much of the land was
was still unclaimed. The traveler of to-day can
scarcely realize that in less than a half a («ntury
all this change has been brought about, and the
pioneers, who wrought the transformation, certainly
deserve unlimited commendation.
In early life Mr. Simmons was a Whig, and on
the formation of the Republican party he joined
it, and has since l>een a supporter of its principles.
WILLIAM F. DOWNING, who carries on
farming on section 16, Buchanan Town-
ship, is a representative of one of the pio-
neer families of Jefferson County. His father,
Anthony Downing, a native of Berkeley County,
Ya., was born August 12, 1818, and when a yoong
mAn and poor made his way to the Territory of
Iowa, locating in Jefferson County in 1839. He
made a claim, which was transformed into the farm
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upon which our subject now lives, and on which he
remained until his death. In his early life he en-
gaged in teaming, but after his removal to the
West devoted his time and energies to agricultural
porsuits and the raising of stock. His first home
ID the county was a rude log cabin,butas his finan-
cial resources were increased he built a brick
house, which later was replaced by the commodi-
ous residence now upon the old homestead. When
the gold excitement of California was at its height,
he made a trip to the Pacific Coast, where he re-
mained, engaged in mining, for f\ye j'ears. His ef-
forts as a farmer and stock-raiser were crowned
with success, and although he was in ver}^ limited
circumstances when he came to the county he be-
came one of her substantial citizens. Mr. Downing
was twice married. By his first wife, whose maiden
name was Rachel Keltner, he had four children.
For his second wife he married Miss Harriet C.
Wagner, who was born in Morgan County, Va.,
August 19, 1824, and was a daughter of Jacob
and Elizabeth (Sapp) Wagner, also natives of
Virginia, where they married and spent their entire
lives. They were the parents of seven children,
three of whom are yet living — Mrs. S. Downing,
Mrs. Abram Bush and Mrs. Anthony Downing.
The mother died at the age of forty-five years, but
the father reached the advanced age of eighty -four
years and was a second time married. He was a
tanner by trade.
Our subject was one of a family numbering but
two children, and his brother, Ulysses W., died at
the age of fourteen years; William F., the elder of
the two, was born on the farm which is still his
home, on the 8th of May, 1861. His school privi-
leges were very limited owing to the sickness of
his father, which necessitated his remaining at
home to care for the farm and since the death of
his father, which occurred when he was eighteen
years of age, he has had the entire management of
afifairs. By his neighbors and friends he is regarded
as one of the leading young business, men of the
community, for he displays much ability and
thoughtfulness and energy in the discharge of the
duties connected with his home life. He now super-
intends the cultivation of a fine farm of three hun-
dred and twenty acres, which is well furnished with
good improvements and everything necessary to
the model farm of the nineteenth centur3\
On the ©th of February, 1889, Mr. Downing was
united in marriage with Miss Clarinda M. Hupp,
who was born in Virginia, November 14, 1865. She
died after a short but happy wedded life of little
more than a year's duration, leaving an infant
daughter who bears her name.
In political sentiment Mr. Downing is a sup-
porter of Republican principles. As every true
American citizen should do, he feels an interest in
political affairs and keeps himself well informed
concerning the issues of the day. His entire life
has been spent upon the Downing homestead and
the fact that those who have known him since his
boyhood days are numbered among his warmest
friends, speaks well for him as an upright citizen
and man of sterling worth. The family have been
residents of the county for more than half a cen-
tury and the honored father of our subject was one
of its representative citizens and is numbered
among the respected pioneers. He will be remem-
bered by many of our readers and is well worthy
of mention in the history of his adopted county,
in whose growth and prosperity he ever felt a just
pride.
^^=^EORGE H. SPENCER, who resides on sec -
III ^-. tion 8, Penn Township, is numbered among
^^^ the honored pioneers of Jefferson County,
where he has made his home since 1839. Great
indeed have been the changes which have taken
place since that time, and it may v/ell be esteemed
an honor to have been a witness of the transforma-
tion, but to have been identified with the work as
long as Mr. Spencer has been, is a privilege of which
but few can boast. The county owes to its early
settlers a debt of gratitude which can never be
fully repaid, but we can cherish their memory in
our hearts while we perpetuate their lives by written
record.
The worthy gentleman whose name heads this
sketch was born in Niagara County, N. Y., March
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30, 1830, and is a son of George and Catherine
(Horton) Spencer. His father was a native of Hart-
ford, Conn., born September 29, 1793. Being left
an orphan at a tender age, he was bound out to a
blacksmith, with whom he worlted until attaining
his majority. Hitherto he liad received no educa-
tional advantages, and now he determined to at
least acquaint himself with the common branches.
This he did, and afterward devoted himself to ac-
quiring a competence. He purchased one hundred
acres of land in New York, turned his attention to
farming, and procured for himself a helpmate in
the person of Miss Catherine Horton, whom he
married on the 14th of October, 1823. The lady
was a native of Wayne Count}^ N. Y. Some seven
years later they removed to the Territory of
Michigan, where Mr. Spencer opened up a new
farm, and in 1839 became residents of Penn Town-
ship, Jefferson County, Iowa, where he made a
claim of two hundred and fort}' acres of Govern-
ment land. Again, with characteristic entrgy, he
began transforming the wild land into fields whose
fruitfulness would provide for his wants, and had
made a comfortable home before his death, which
occurred on the 9th of September, 1862. His first
wife had died January 16, 1829, and two } ears later
he married Polly Gillett, who survived him some
twenty-two 3-ears. She was born in 1803, and died
at the advanced age of eighty-two. By the first
marriage were born four children, but our subject,
who was the youngest, is the only one now living.
. The others were: DeWitt, Cynthia Ann and Mary
J. The children of the second marriage are: Elaph-
ilet, of Penn Township; and Cynthia J., now Mrs.
Coop, of the same township.
For years Mr. Spencer was a member of the Bap-
tist Church, and one of its most active members.
He was liberal with his means in support of the
Gospel, and his religion formed a part of his every-
day life, prompting him to deeds of kindness and
acts of charity. His heart and hand were in the
work, and whatever he could do to aid in its ad-
vancement he cheerfully performed. In his early
life he was a Whig and a stanch Abolitionist, and
was one of the first four to vote for the Abolition
party in his township. He then became a Frec-
Soiler, and when the Republican party was formed
to prevent the further extension of slavery at once
espoused its cause. However, he did not live to
see the curse banished from the land. As a citizen
he was faithful to every duty, and his name is in-
separably connected with the progress of the county.
He helped to lay out the city of Fairfield in 1839,
and in the years which followed prior to his death
was ever found in the foremost ranks in any enter-
prise calculated to benefit the community.
Our subject was a lad of eight years when he ac-
companied his parents on their removal from the
Empire State to Joliet, III. He came with them to
Jefferson County in 1839, and in the pioneer
schools of that day acquired a limited e<lucation,
but he has become a well-informed man by reading,
experience and observation. The hardships and
privations incident to pioneer life fell to his lot in
boyhood. He has to assist in the arduous labor of
developing a farm, and has felt the pangs of hun-
ger, for it was oftentimes difllcult to procure bread
stuffs, and frequently the crops were insuflScient for
the needs of the family. He remained at home
until twenty-nine years of age, when he began life
for himself in the occupation to which he was reared.
His first purchase of land consisted of a forty -acre
tract, upon which he made his home for eleven
years, when he removed to his present place of
residence. A log house and small barn constituted
the improvements at that time, but a pleasant frame
residence has since been erected, while eighty acres
of highly cultivated land pay to him a golden
tribute.
On the 14th of October, 1857, Mr. Spencer was
united in marriage with Miss Diana Thomas, who
was born March 12, 1828, in Ontario County,
N. Y. The wedding was celebrated in Richland
County, Ohio, and eight children graced their
union — Mary Anna, born May 6, 1859, died on ibe
1st of September of that year; Theodosia, born
November 14, 1860, is at home; Arloa, born Sep-
tember 21, 1862, died August 30, 1863; William
A., born February 9, 1864, died September 20,
1865; Charles B., born September 30, 1865, mar-
ried Ina J. Hurd, by whom he has one child, and is
engaged in farming in Penn Township; Louisa,
born February &, 1867, is successfully engaged in
teaching school; S3'lvester M., born January 16,
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1869, died March 15, 1871; Lochiel T., born Au-
gust 18, 1871, died March 29, 1886. The children
have been provided with good educational advan-
tages, and two of the number have been students
of the Pleasant Plain Academy. Mr. Spencer, his
wife and children, are all members of the Howard
Grove Baptist Church, in which he holds the office
of Deacon. He has also been a licensed preacher
for fourteen years, and is one of the most faithful
and earnest workers of his home congregation.
In politics, he is a stanch Republican, and an
ardent Prohibitionist. By his vote and voice he
supported the amendment, and in every way possi-
ble he aids in the promotion of the temperance sen-
timent among the people. He is widely known
throughout the county, and the high regard in
which he is held is justly merited by his Christian
character.
■^^>^<^
*-e^
YRUS N. FOLKER, who resides on section
9, Farmington Township, is one of the
substantial farmers and extensive land -own-
ers of Van Buren County and is also a representative
of one of the honored pioneer families of the coun-
ty. Years have come and gone until more than
half a century has passed since George W. Folker,
bis father, accompanied by wife and children, made
a settlement in this community which then formed
a part of the Territory of Wisconsin. In that
period of time great changes have taken place, the
work of progress and civilization has been carried
forward and wonderful transformation has been
wrought, much of which bears upon it the impress
of the enterprise and ceaseless activity of the
Folkers.
Our subject was but a babe when he came to the
county. He was born in Perry County, Pa.,
January 26, 183C, and in 1838 was brought to
Iowa by his parents, George W. and Elizabeth
(Hnggins) Folker, who were also natives of the
Keystone State. His father was a mechanic by
trade but for a number of years followed the hatter's
trade in Pennsylvania and after his emigration to
Van Buren County, Iowa, in the autumn of 1838,
he engaged in farming. Entering one hundred
and forty acres of land from the Government he
cleared, develo|)ed and improved the same, making
a good farm, upon which he lived until his death
in 1851. His wife survived him a number of
years, dying in 1874. Unto that worthy couple
were born nine children and the family circle is
yet unbroken. In order of birth they are as follows:
John H., a retired farmer, of Lamar, Mo.; Charles,
a retired farmer, of Memphis, Mo.; Catherine, wife
of C. Blatterman, of Clarke County, Mo.; William,
a stock raiser, of Acasto, Mo.; George W., a money
loaner, of Farmington; Ambrose who is engaged in
farming and stock raising in Clarke County, Mo.;
Cyrus N., the subject of this sketch ; Joseph R.,
who is also an agriculturalist, of Clarke County,
Mo.; and Mary, now Mrs. Huggins, of Lamar, Mo.
The educational opportunities afforded in a new
settlement are not very great and as Cyrus Folker
was reared among the wild scenes of Van Buren
County, his scholastic training was necessarily
limited. His father died when he was a lad of
fifteen years and he remained at home assisting his
mother until twenty-six years of age, when, in
1859, he made a trip into Colorado. However, he
soon returned and continued farming o[)eration8 in
Van Buren County until 1864, when he went to
Idaho, where he was successfully engaged in min-
ing for three years. Having acquired some wealth,
in 1867, he returned to this county and made
investments in real estate here. In the spring of
1870, he purchased the farm which has been his
home continuously since. At that time it comprised
about three hundred acres of but partially improved
land but the boundaries have since been extended
until six hundred acres in one body pay tribute to
his care and cultivation, while another forty acres
yields him support. Those who are acquainted
with Mr. Folker and know something of his
characteristics and the habits of his life, need not
to be told that every thing about his home is kept
in first-class order. The farm is divided into
fields of convenient size by good fences, useful and
ornamental improvements have been made, the
latest farm machinery has been purchased and the
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best grades of stock have been introduced. In fact
to the latter branch of his business he devotes
much attention and is accounted one of the leading
stock- raisers of the county.
In 1870, Mr. Folkcr was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah A. Perry, of Clarke Counly, Mo., daugh-
ter of Gideon and Mary (Humphrey) Perry, who,
like their daughter, are natives of Illinois. Six
children have been born of this union, namely :
Mary E., wife of Noah Boyer, of Farmington ; I<la
A., wife of Herden Bojxr who is engaged in
agricultural pursuits in Farmington Township ;
Lula D., Stella M., Ervin A. and Charles E.
Mr. Folker is a member of the United Brethren
Church and his wife belongs to the Methodist
Church, and in politics, he is a Democrat. He has
ever been a supporter of churches and other
laudable enterprises, feeling a deep interest in any
thing that pertains to the welfare of the county
whicli has so long been his home. From his bo}-
hood he has been identified with its agricultural
interests and in many other ways has aided, in its
development and improvement. The county is
dear to him for the many pleasant associations con-
nected with it concerning his boyhood and youth ;
for the friendships he has here formed in later
years and for the pleasant home which it has
aflPorded him. It has also witnessed the greater
part of his business undertakings and has seen the
progress which he has made, advancing from a
position of comparative humbleness to one of first
rank, in which he is surrounded by wealth and all
the comforts which go to make life worth the living.
[lE^
<|. I^ILLIAM B. KERR is engaged in carpen-
%^// ^"°^ ^° Bonaparte, Iowa, and is doing a
J^ good business in that line, which results I
froaj his eflSQiency and the prompt and faithful I
manner in which he keeps all contracts.
Mr. Kerr is a native of Pennsylvania. He was
born in Armstrong County, on the 20th of Decem-
ber, 1813, was a son of Robert Kerr, a native of
New York, and a grandson of William Kerr, who
was born in Ireland, but in the eighteenth century
left his native land, crossing the Atlantic to Amer-
ica. Our subject is therefore of Irish extraction.
He acquired his education in the subscription
schools of his native county common at that day.
and as the age of seventeen years was apprenticed
for a term of three and a half years to the trade of
a carpenter and joiner, receiving $3 per month and
board. However, at the expiration of three years
he had mastered the business and was released from
the contract, after which he was employed by one
of the firm at $2.50 per day. After following bis
chosen occupation for a number of years in the
East, he determined to tr}' his fortune beyond the
Mississippi, and chose the Territory of Iowa as the
scene of his future labors. He built a keel boat.loaded
it with all his worldly possessions, attached the
same to a raft, and in 1 843 floated down the Ohio
River from Pittsburg, Pa., to Louisville, Ky., where
he found that further progress was impossible on
account of the river being blocke<l with ice. De-
terred from his purpose of making the journey by
water, he then soM his keel boat and boarded a
steamer, on which he stiled to Nauvoo, 111., where
he spent the remainder of the winter. The fol-
lowing spring he carried out his original idea of
coming to Iowa, and made a location in Bonaparte,
where he has since continued to reside. A carpen-
ter by trade and an expert workman, his services
were in constant demand, for emigrants at that
time were pouring rapidly into the county, and
he was called upon to erect many homes for the
early settlers.
Mr. Kerr has been twice married. Ere leaving
the State of his nativity he was joined in wedlock
with Miss Susie Johnson, by whom he had Ave
children, three yet living, namely : Hiram, William
and John. He was called upon to mourn the loss
of his wife not many years after they had become
residents of Van Buren County, her death occur-
ring in 1851. His second union was with Miss
Cynthia Robb, and that marriage was also blessed
with three children yet living — Robert, Harry and
Fred.
In politics, Mr. Kerr is a stanch supporter of the
Democracy, and feels a deep interest in the success
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353
of that party. He cast his first Presidential vote
for Andrew Jackson, of whom he was a great ad-
mirer. He keeps himself well informed on all
topics of general interest, whether political or
otherwise, and is a representative citizen who is
ever willing to aid in the advancement of enter-
prises calculated to upbuild the community in
which he lives. Many of his characteristics arc
such as to win him high regard, and "by the people
among whom he has spent some lorty-six years he
is greatly respected. Mrs. Kerr, who was a most
estimable lady and whose friends were almost innu-
merable, died in 1885.
' OHN H. ESHLEM AN is a leading citizen
of Des Moines Township, Jefferson County,
I residing on section 3, where he is engaged in
farming. Pennsylvania is the State of his
nativity, and his birth occurred in Bedford County,
in 1833. He was the second in a family of five
children, whose parents, Samuel and Susan (Hoo-
ver) Eshleman, were natives of Lancaster County,
Pa. Their marriage was there celebrated, after
which Mr. Eshleman engaged in farming in con-
nection with work at his trade as a stonemason.
With the hope of providiner a better home for his
family, in 1847, accompanied by wife and children,
he emigrated to the new State of Iowa, and the
same year purchased eighty acres of land, the farm
upon which our subject now resides. Three log cab-
ins had been built thereon, which constituted almost
the entire improvements. .He was a man of energy
and ability, not afraid of work, and in consequence
soon had a good home. He continued to reside in
Jefferson County until his death, which occurred
in February, 1879. A respected citizen, the en-
tire community mourned his loss and shared in the
deep grief of the family. His wife, who was a
worthy helpmate to him, crossed over the dark
river in 1873. Of their family four are yet living,
namely: J. H., of this sketch; Susan, now Mrs.
Ebe, who resides m California; Martin, a resident
farmer of Des Moines Township; Eliza, now Mr«.
Teeter, of the same township.
The first fourteen years of his life our subject
spent in Bedford County, Pa., where he acquired a
good common-school education. Accompanying
his parents to Iowa in 1847, he was inured to hard
labor in aiding in the development of a farm, but
his boyhood expeiience proved profitable to him in
that he developed a self-reliance and knowledge of
the work, wbich have been important factors in his
success in after life. Throughout his business ca-
reer he has carried on farming and to a consider-
ble extent has also engaged in freighting.
In 1858, in Jefferson County, Mr. Eshleman
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Garber,
who was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter
of John and Sarah (Albaugh) Garber, who were
also natives of the Keystone State. The year 1843
witnessed the arrival of that family in Liberty
Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, but the parents
are both now deceased. Mr. Garber died in 1859,
and his wife some twenty years later. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Eshleman were born four children yet
living: Mary, now Mrs. McCartne}' of Locust
Grove Township; Jane, at home; Ann, now Mrs,
Kinney, of Wapello County, and Samuel, at home.
The mother was called to her final rest in 1887, and
in April, 1889, in Jefferson County, Mr. Eshleman
wedded Mary Elmaker, a native of Pennsylvania,
whose parents were Jacob and Catherine Elmaker.
Her family came to Jefferson County in 1838, mak-
ing a location in Des Moines Township, but both
husband and wife are now deceased.
Since his first man iage Mr. Eshleman has resided
upon one farm. He is numbered among the pio-
neers of the county, having for forty-three years
made his home within its borders. Tiie hardships
and trials of pioneer life are not unknown to him,
and in the difficulty of developing wild land he is
not unversed. The main trading points in tliat
early day were Keokuk and Ft. Madison, and as
the roads were bad, it was often diflacult to make
the trip, especially in the spring time, but all this
has since passed and only the memories remain,
together with the honor which is justly given to
those who bore the arduous task of laying the
foundation for the present prosperity of the county-
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Mr. Eshleman always did his part. Ho 18 now
ranked among the representative citizens of the
county and among its progressive farmers. His
possessions embrace ninety-three acres in Des
Moines Township, and fourteen acres in Locust
Grove Township, all of which is well improved and
provided with good buildings. In politics, he is a
Republican, and has served as Supervisor of his
township for two terms. He was also a member of
the School Board, and both he and his wife are
members of the German Baptist Church.
HARLES McGUIRE, a gentleman of Irish
descent, engaged in farming on section 3,
Lockridge Township, Jefferson County, is
numbered among the pioneer settlers of Iowa of
1 839, and for forty-three years he has made his
home in this vicinity. Born on the 12th of Aug-
ust, 1817, in Butler County, Oliio, he graced the
union of Michael McGuire and Elizabeth Hinesley.
The McGuire family was founded in America by
the great-grandfather of our subject at a compara-
tively early day in the history of the colonies.
Michael McGuire was born in North Carolina, and
reared to manhood upon a farm. After his mar-
riage, which was celebrated in his native State,
where the lady of his choice was also born, he re-
moved to Ohio and the home was there gladdened
by the presence of six children. He developed a farm
from raw land in the Buckeye State and gained
a livelihood therefrom for twenty year8,after which
he sold out and removed to Randolph County, Ind.,
locating near Winchester, where he spent the re-
mainder of his life. He closed his eyes in death
in 1828, and his loss was mourned by the entire
community. His good wife survived him some
eighteen years and died at the home of her son
Charles in Iowa, in 1846. The children born unto
Mr. and Mrs. McGuire in Ohio were: Samuel, who
died in Indiana; Thomas, whose death occurred in
Missouri; Sarah, who became the wife of George
Driver, and died near Rome, Iowa; Charles, of this
sketch; Nancy, wife of Joseph Hinesley, of Indiana,
and Mary, wife of Alvin Chatterton,of McPherson,
Kan. In Indiana, the family circle was increased
by the birth of a daughter, Elizabeth, who is now
the wife of Andrew Cloyd of North Manchester,
Ind.
In the manner usual to farmer lads Charles BIc-
Guire spent his boyhood days and during three
months in the year — the winter season, he was per-
mitted to attend the subscription schools, which was
the only scholastic training he received. His father
dying when he was quite young, to a great exteu*;
he was thrown upon his own resources and to pro-
vide for his maintenance he learned the tanner's
trade. At the age of sixteen he began working as a
farm hand and continued to serve jn that capacity
until 1839,when following Horace Greeley's advice
he left his old home for the West, locating in what
is now the city of Burlington, then a mere hamlet on
the bank of the Mississippi. The succeeding autumn
he removed to Rome, Henry Count}', which contin-
ued to be his place of residence until 1847, when
he came to his present farm. Only do the pioneers
know of the hardships and privations borne by the
frontier settlers. Means of communication with the
outside world were very inefficient, traveling was
difficult in those days and they thus were forced
to struggle along, unaided save by the assistance
Ihey rendered one another. Again, the work of
developing and improving a farm from the raw
prairie was no easy task and Mr. McGuire suffered
the added difficulty of poor health for about three
yeai-s after his arrival in Iowa. He is now the
owner of a good farm, hut in 1847, when he made
a purchase of one hundred and ninety-four acres,
there was but little resemblance between that tract
and his home of to-day. A little cabin constituted
the improvements, but with characteristic energy
the work of development was carried forward and
in due time the boundaries of the farm were ex-
tended until it embraced forty additional acres.
We find the Indians frequently visiting the settle-
ment in that early period which witnessed the ar-
rival of Mr. McGuire in the county, and wild game
of all kinds was plentiful, but it has now become
an honor to be numbered among the pioneers and
he can forget the difficulties and trials which he en-
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coanteretl in the pleasure of knowing that he has
had a hand in producing the present prospcfrity
which characterizes Southeastern Iowa.
On the 9th of Julj, 1846, Mr. McCxuire was
united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss
Margaret Ross, daughter of Sullivan Sutherland
and Mary Ann (Junkin) Ross, both of whom were
natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to In-
diana. Htr father was reared in Lexington, Ky.,
and at the age of twenty-one removed to Indiana,
where he entered land and on the 10th of July,
1823, in Rush County, married Miss Junkin. They
removed to Missouri in 1831, and later became
residents of Quincy, 111., where the death of Mrs.
Ross occurred. The family afterwards settled on
the bank of the Mississippi, ju&t opposite Ft. Mad-
ison, Iowa, and in 1834, became residents of the
city of Burlington. Four years later we find them
residing on a farm near Lockridge, where Mr. Ross
built and operated a mill. The gold excitement drew
him to California in 1851, but two years later he
returned to Iowa, and settled near Rome, Henry
(Jouuty, whence they removed to Eddy ville, Wap-
ello ,County, where he died in 1857. He was twice
married, by his first union he had six children and
by the second, four children were born. William
J., the eldest of the family, is living in Reno
County, Kan.; Nancy, wife of S. J. Bonnafield,
died in California; Margaret, born May 27, 1827,
in Rush County, Ind., is now Mrs. McGuire;
Thomas £., died in 1851 ; James II., and Eliza J.,
the two remaining children of the first marriage
are also deceased. Mr. Ross was twice elected to
the constitutional conventions of Iowa, and was a
prominent and influential citizen of the State.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. McGuire numbers
five children, as follows: Mary E., who was born in
February, 1850, and is now the wife of Henry
Smitbein, a stock raiser of Nevada; Thomas R.,
born in 1851, married Sarah Madden, of Brighton,
Iowa, and is now living in Greenfield, Adair
County ; Charles S., born in 1 854, is located in
Lyon County, Kan.; William M., born in 1859, re-
sides on the old homestead and assists his father in
operating the same; Samuel, born in 1862, makes
his home with his parents. Good common-school
advantages were offered these children, that they
might be fitted for the active duties of life and by
the discharge of the same become useful citizens.
The mother of the family is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. McGuire is a Democrat
in politics and frequently serves as a member of the
county and congressional conventions. His opin-
ions are of weight in those assemblies and he is con-
sidered an influential member of that party. He'cast
his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren.
Several timeo lie has been calle I upon to serve in
pnblic positions, for four years he held the o&ice
of Justice of the Peace, two terms acted as Assessor
and for eleven years has been a member of the
School Board.
^ UGUST WALGREN, a farmer residing on
y/ Jl section 9, Lockridge Township, Jefferson
I li County, was born on the llth of Septem-
Q^l her, 1827, in Sweden. Most of his family
were engaged in agricultural pursuits but his
grandfather, was in the government service, in-
spector of government land. His father in his
youth learned the tailor's trade which he followed
for many years. He also operated a farm for some
time and could turn his hand to almost any kind of
labor. In 1826, he married Miss Christina Wal-
gren. His own name was Peter Sam uelson, but our
subject took his mother's name. Mr. Samuelson
continued business operations in his native land
until his death, which occurred in 1850. Soon
afterward the family came to America and made a
settlement in Burlington, Iowa, where they re-
mained one year. There were five children in the
family, the eldest of whom is August, the subject
of this sketch; Caroline died in Jeffei-son County;
John went to California in 1852, and was last heard
of in 1864 when he started home, but he never
reached his destination and it is supposed that he
was murdered while on a Mississippi steamer;
Andrew, a resident of Burlington, is in the employ
of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company, lie served in the First Iowa Infantry
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during tho late war and was Sero^eant at the battle
of Wilsons' Creek. Lewis Peter entered the ser-
vice in the First Nebraska Regiment and after be-
ing wounded received his discharge. Later he re-
enlisted in the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, was made
Sergeant and remained a faithful follower of the
old flAg until the close of the war. He is now liv-
ing in Ft. Davis, Tex.
Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in his native land and the year succeeding
his arrival in America, was united in marriage with
Miss Anna Peterson, who came to this country in
1849. Their union was celebrated in Burlington,
June 24, 1851, and the succeeding autumn they
sought a home in Jefferson County, locating in
Lockridge Township, where Mr. Walgren purchased
sixty acres of land. That tract was covered with
timber, deer and smaller wild game was to be found
in abundance and the Indians were yet frequent
visitors in the settlement. Not a furrow having
been turned upon his land, he had to begin at the
very first to develop a fai m and for ten years he de-
v<»ted himself exclusively to work in that line in
which period a great transformation was wrought,
changing the hitherto uncultivated tract into rich
and fertile fields which yielded abundant harvests.
But in the meantime events were shaping them-
selves which changed his mode of life. The Civil
War was in progress. His country needed men and
no longer could he resist the appeals made for
volunteers but with his heart in the cause and him-
self ready to give up his life if need be for his coun-
try, he entered the service on the 19th of October,
1861, as a member of Company M, Fourth Iowa
Cavalry. His regiment was engaged in warfare
against the guerrillas in the Southwest and al-
though their duty did not win them fame as other
service might have done, it was none the less ardu-
ous or important. On account of the hardships
and exposures incident to that life, Mr. Walgren
was taken with bleeding at the lungs and became
so weak that he had to be lifted on his horse. At
length he was granted a sick furlough of thirty
days but it took twenty -eight da3's to reach St.
Louis and so his time was extended. When he
again reported for duty he was made ward master
in the hospital at Keokuk and was transferred to the
One Hundred and Sixty seventh Veteran Reserve
Corps. After three years and two months he re-
ceived his discharge, the war having then been
brought to a successful termination.
After his return home, Mr. Walgren acted as
traveling minister for some eleven years in Iowa,
and also spent two years in Michigan and one year
in Illinois, in the same <*4ipacity. His labors were
arduous but his interest in the work allowed him
little rest until at length, in 1873, broken down in
health, he had to retire to his farm for recupera-
tion. Five years later he removed to his present
home where he owns and operates a good farm of
three hundred and forty-five acres, on which may
be found good buildings, all necessary improve-
ments and a commodious and tasty residence just
completed. In connection with the operation of
his land he operates a stone quarrj' and also devotes
considerable attention to the raising of fine stock,
making a specialty of Short-horn cattle and Bel-
gium horses. With no capital save a 3'oung man's
bright hope of the future he started out in life.
The New World furnished attractions for hira and
he resolved to here seek his fortune. Choosing the
West as the scene of his labors he began operations,
determined to succeed if he could accomplisii suc-
cess by honorable methods. Almost a third of a
century has since come and gone, and in the exer-
cise of his business talents and by industry, perse-
verance, and above all, by fair and honest dealing,
he has won a handsome competence. and gained the
respect and good will of all with whom he has
come in contact. His life work is worth}' of emu-
lation and with the hope that some one will be in-
spired with renewed efforts by the perusal of this
brief sketch, we insert it in the volume of his coun-
ty's history. Socially, Mr. Walgren is a member
of George Strong Post, No. 19, G. A. R., of Fair-
field. In his earlier years, his views were in har-
mony with the principles of the Democratic party
but ere he had attained the right of citizenship his
ideas underwent a change and he cast his first Presi-
dential vote for John C. Fremont. The Republi(*an
party has since found in him a stalwart supporter.
We have said little concerning Mrs. Walgren
who has been a true helpmate to her husband along
life's journey. For thirty-nine years she has shared
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with him tlio joys and sorrows, the adversity and
successes which checker the life of men and by her
assistance and encouraging words has done not a
little for his prosperous efforts. Their union has
been blessed with fourteen children, the eldest of
whom, Andrew W.. is now living in Salina; Albert
is at home; Anna R., is now a resident of Wyo-
ming where she owns some land ; Arthur W.,and Jos-
eph O., are also living in Wyoming; Emma F. is the
wife of Mr. Krumpltz; Lewis is located in Denver,
Col.; Henrietta lives in Wyoming; Wesley, Frank-
lin, and Hannah May, are still at home. The other
members of the family are deceased.
The children have all received good educational
advantages, thus being fitted for the practical du-
ties of life, and like their parents are members of
the Methodist Church. The family, so widely
known throughout Jefferson County, is well worthy
of representation in this volnme.
JTjOHN fi
I residir
I ship, ,
J/ of the
^^"^^^^r^
?OHN HOSTETLER, a representative farmer
ling on section 10, Lockridge Town-
Jefferson County, has been a witness
i^^J^ of the growth of Iowa during almost its
entire existence as a State and in the onward
march of progress has been found in the front
ranks. France is the land of his nativity and
September, 1810, the date of his birth. His parents,
Peter and Margaret Hostetler were born and reared
in the same neighborhood in France. The father
died when John was about nine months old and
he was left an orphan at the age of sixteen. Six
children were born unto that worthy couple but
only, two of the number are now living. Anna
died in France; Barbara, widow of Jacob Eicher,
is living in Washington County, Iowa; Abraham
died in Henry County; Peter and Christian died
in France; and John completes the family.
The life of our subject has been one of unremit-
ting toil until within the past few 3'ears, when, hav-
ing acquired a competency, he is enabled to lay
aside the more arduous labors and enjoy the fruits
of former service. He began to make his own way
in the world at the early age of ten years, when he
commenced work at herding sheep which he con-
tinued some five years. In 1825, a lad of fifteen
summers, he began the weaver's trade which he
followed until his emigration to America in 1837.
Attracted by the opportunities afforded young men
for advancement in that country, he braved the
dangers of an ocean vo^'age in the slow moving
sail vessels which then took passengers across the
Atlantic, and embarked for the New World. He
made his first location in Wayne County, Ohio,
where for a year he followed his trade of weaving.
He then engaged in various pursuits whereby he
might earn an honest dollar, including wood chop-
ping and other laborious tasks. Some years passed
by in that way and in 1 848, proceeding by river,
he came to the new State of Iowa and from the
Government purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of wild land on section 10, Lockridge Town-
ship. His first home, a log cabin, still continues
to be his place of residence but in his farm great
changes have taken place. The land, which at the
time of his purchase was covered with brush and
timber, has all been cleared and plowed and its
boundaries have been extended, until now three
hundred and one acres pay tribute to his care and
cultivation.
In the year of his arrival in Iowa, Mr. Hostetler
led to the marriage altar Miss Fannie Ernst, a na-
tive of Germany, who bore him one child, but both
mother and babe were laid away in the same grave.
In 1857, he formed a matrimonial alliance with
Catherine Bossard, a native of France, and unto
them have been born six children, four of whom
are yet living. Joseph, the eldest of the family,
who was born April 18, 1858, is now renting the
old homestead and in the operation of the farm dis-
plays excellent business ability. He is an intelligent,
enterprising young man who already has won an
honored place in the regard of his many friends.
He possesses the energy, thrift and other necessary
qualifications which in time will secure him a posi-
tion in the front rank of Iris fellow citizens, and the
high esteem of his friends will ever remain with
him. The younger children of the family are
Katie, wjo was born August 10, 1859, and is now
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the wife of Chris Mowery, of Davis County, Iowa;
John, who was born March 12, 1861, and is now
located in Oregon; and Sarah, at home. Her birth
occurred May 18, 1866, and the two other children
of the family died in youth.
Mr. Hostetler is a friend of education and
provided his children with such advantages as
would fit them for the practical duties of life. He
and his family belong to the Ornish Church and in
politics, he has ever supported the Democratic party
but has never been a politician in the sense of
(»ffice seeking. Many changes have occurred since
he came to the county, at which time Iowa gave
little promise of her present prosperity. In this
neighborhood game of all kinds was to be found in
abundance and furnished many a meal for the
sottlers; the great part of the land was still un-
claimed and the homes of the pioneers were widely
scattered. No one feels a greater pride in the
advancement which has been made than Mr. Hos
tetler, who for forty-two years has resided in Jeffer-
son County.
-^-4^
RCHIBALD GILCHRIST, contractor and
l^/yjl builder of Fairfield, has followed his pres-
ti ent business since the age of twenty-two
years, and in the pursuit of his chosen
trade, has done not a little for the upbuilding and
advancement of this community. He was born in
Westmoreland County, Pa., January 1, 1837, and
was the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight
children, whose parents were Joseph and Eliza
(McAllister) Gilchrist. His parents were both of
Scotch descent, and were natives of the Keystone
State. His father was twice married, his first union
being with a sister of his second wife, and unto
them were born two children. By the second mar-
riage eight children were born, as already stated,
and of the complete number, nine are living. Hav-
ing engaged in farming in Pennsylvania until 1868,
Mr. Gilchrist then removed to Van Buren Count}-,
Iowa, where he and his wife spent their last da^^s.
His death occurred at the age of seventy -eight
years, and his wife departed this life when ten years
younger. They were members of the Presbyterian
Church, were people highly esteemed by their
many friends, and in politics, he was a Whig, and
later a Republican.
Although reared to farm life, Archibald Gil-
christ determined to engage in some other pursuit
as his life work, and at the age of twenty-two years
began learning the trade of cabinet-making and
carpentering, at which he became a proficient work-
man. In 1861, he married Eliza Kirkpatrick, but
she survived their union only about a year.
Having lost his wife, and with no home duties to
bind him, Mr. Gilchrist followed his patriotic im-
pulses, and in August, 1863, enlisted in the service
as a member of Company F, Sixty-third Pennsyl-
vania Infantry. He joined the army of the Polo-
mac at Culpeper Court House, Va., and was with
the Third Arm}' Corps until its consolidation with
the Second Army Corps, which was commanded by
Gen. Hancock. He participated in many skir-
mishes and a number of important battles, includ-
ing the engagement at Mine Run, the battles of the
Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, the siege
of Petersburg, and the capture of Lee at Appomat-
tox. Through his entire service he was never
wounded or taken prisoner, and on the 1 8th of
July, 1865, was honorably discharged at Pittsburg.
When the war was over, Mr. Gilchrist returned
to his home and engaged in the undertaking and
cabinet-m^'king business jn Madison, Westmoreland
County, Pa. He was again married November 6,
1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary M.
Clendenin, who was born in Westmoreland County,
June 9. 1840, and is a daughter of David and
Nancy (Barr) Clendenin, who were also natives of
the Keystone State. By occupation her father was a
farmer, and followed that business throughout his
entire life. He died at the age of sixty-six years,
but his wife is still living in Missouri, and has now
attained her eightieth year. Of their family of
eight children, the wife of our subject is the fourth
in order of birth.
The year 1869 witnessed the removal of Mr. Gil-
christ from his native State to Greenwood, Jackson
County, Mo., where he worked at cabinet- making
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359
1/ ON. BENJAMIN R. VALE, President of
the Farmers' & Traders' Bank, of Bona-
parte, Van Buren County, is well and favor-
ably known throughout Southern Iowa. He
8 a representative of the best class of citizens — one
wuo feels an interest in public affairs and cheer-
uUy performs any labor which will promote Ihe
general welfare of the community. His birth oc-
curred on the 4th of June, 1848, in Jefferson
County, Ohio, and he came to Iowa in 1850 and
and undertaking for some five j'ears, at the expira-
tion of which time we find him en route for Iowa.
Making a location in Fairfield, in 1874, he assisted
in building Parsons College, and a number of other
buildings. He then spent two years in a furniture
factory, since which time he has devoted his time
and energies to liis present business, that of con-
tracting and building. Thoroughly conversant with
the trade, capable of planning and superintending
the work, and conscientious in the fuUfilmentof all
contracts, he has won the confidence and regard of
the community, and thereby secured a liberal pat-
ronage, which he justly merits. He was bridge |
builder for the Chicago, Burlington <fe Quincy
Railroad for two years, was the builder of the Sav-
ings Bank, and has erected several of the finest resi-
dences of Fairfield, including that of Mrs. Henn's
and his own home. In Ay)ril, 1890, he admitted
to partnership in the business, W. S. Cook, and the
firm of Gilchrist <fe Cook ranks first imongthe con-
tractors of Fairfield. They employ about ten men
and their trade is constantly increasing.
The Gilchrist home is the abode of hospitality,
and our subject and his worthy wife hold an envi-
able position in the social world. Their union was
blessed with no children of their own, but they
reared an orphan child, p]rie R. Mr. Gilchrist has
served as a Director in the Fairfield Building and
Loan Association. In politics, he is a Republican,
having supported that party since casting his first
Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860.
''--^^^i^^^^if)^^
to this county in 1856. His primary education,
which was acquired in the public schools, was sup-
plemented by a course in the Academy of Birming-
ham, Van Buren County, and in 1868 he entered
the Monmouth College, of Monmouth, 111., being
graduated, on his completion of the classical course,
in 1873. It was his intention then to take up the
study of law. In fact, he had made partial arrange-
ments to enter the law department of the Iowa
State University, but circumstances so shaped
themselves that he gave up that idea, turning his
attention to otiicr pursuits. He is now engaged to
a considerable extent in stock growing in Harris-
burg Township, and has met with good success in
that line. As before stated, he is connected with
the Farmers' <fe Traders' Bank, of Bonaparte, Iowa,
as its President, and the success of that institution
is due in no small degree to Mr. Vale,who possesses
good business ability, energy and a straightfor-
ward manner, which wins the confidence of all
with whom he comes in contact.
It was in February, 1874, that Mr. Vale led to
the marriage altar Miss Julia Biddle, daughter of
Dr. Biddle, of Kirkwood, 111., one of the prominent
physicians of that town. They began their do-
mestic life in Harrisburg Township, but in 1885 he
built a residence in Bonaparte and removed his
family to that town, the cause of the removal
being his wife's health. There were four children
born of their union, one son and three daughters
— Anne R., May B., Margaret E. and Bruce Rex.
Mr. Vale has the honor of being President of the
National Anti-Horse Thief Association. Both he and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church,
and in the social world are held in high regard. In
politics he is a stanch supporter of Republican
principles, having cast his ballot with that party
since attaining his majority. In the fall of 1887
he was nominated by his party for the ofl3ce of
State Senator and triumphantly elected, represent-
ing his constituents in the Upper House faithfully
and well. He proved an influential member of
the Legislature and gave his support to all meas-
ures calculated to aid the general community. The
school interests of the community have engaged
his attention, he having served for eight years as
Secretary and seven years as President of the
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School Board. He is also connected with several
stock breeding associations, and is now President
of the National Swine Breeders' Association, which
is beneficial in developing stock and shaping legis-
lation. The public and private life of Mr. Yale,
alike, are above reproach. He is a man of sterling
worth and strict integrity, with many commend-
able characteristics, and it is with pleasure that
we present this brief sketch of his life to the
readers of the Album.
eHARLES D. FULLEN, of the firm of Jones
<fe Fullen, attorneys at law of Fairfield,
Iowa, was born in Agency City, Wapello
County, this State, on the 8th of July, 1860, and
is the son of John and Maggie (Sage) Fullen.
His father, who is of Irish descent, was born in
New York City, and his mother, a native of In-
diana, belongs to an old Virginia family. Mr.
Fullen, Sr., came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in
1855, when yet a single man, and here married
Miss Sage. He removed with his young wife to
Wapello County in 1859, and is still residing in
Agency City, but the mother of our subject died
in February, 1886.
Charles D. Fullen received the advantages of a
liberal education, continuing his studies in the
Iowa We8le3'an Univei*sity, of Mt. Pleasant, after
leaving the public schools of his native town. He
then entered the Chicago University, of Chicago,
and on the completion of a legal course of study
was graduated from the law department of the
Iowa State University, in the class of '80. After
spending a few weeks in Texas, he began practice
in Ottumwa, but on the 9th of August, 1882, re-
moved to Fairfield, where he has engaged in active
practice continuously since. In December, 1 883,
he formed the existing partnership with 1. D.
Jones, and the firm has taken a prominent place in
the ranks of the profession.
Mr. Fullen was married in Mt. Pleasant, on the
5th of December, 1881, the lady of his choice be-
ing Miss Anna B. Julian, a daughter of M. L.
Julian, now of Fairfield. She was born in Adams
County, 111. Two children grace their marriage,
both sons; Fred Julian, born May 25, 1883, and
Donald Douglas, who was born on the 15th of De-
cember, 1 888. Mrs. Fullen was reared a Methodist,
but with her husband attends the Congregational
Church.
In politics Mr. Fullen is a Democrat, with all
the name implies, National and State. He has been
an active and influential member of that party for
years. For four years past he has been a member
of the Democratic State Central Committee for the
First District, and has ever been active in conven-
tions and in promoting the success of the party.
He was the Democratic candidate for Representa-
tive at the last general election, and while the ordi-
nary Republican majority of the district is between
four hundred and twenty-five and four hundred
and fifty, he was defeated by but seventj'one
votes. Mr. Fullen is a member of Clinton Lodge,
No. 15, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of the
Odd Fellows society, belonging to Jefferson Lodge,
No. 4. He is one of the rising young lawyers of
the State, and has gained a fair share of the legal
business of the Jefferson County bar.
ILLIAM H. MOHR, a furniture dealer
and leading business man of Fairfield, has
passed almost his entire life in this city,
having been brought by his parents to Jefferson
County when a babe of a year. Pennsj'lvania is
the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred
in Schuylkill County, on the 4th of Febraary,
1857. His parents, Henry and Angelina (Schoener)
Mohr, with a desire to receive financial benefits and
and make for their familj' a comfortable home,
emigrated to the West in 1858. Having attained
a suflScient age, William was placed in the public
schools, where he acquired a good practical English
education, and was thereby fitted for the duties of
life. When a young man of twenty-four years he
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THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LFNOX
, TILHt-N FOUNDATIONS
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J
W. W. NELSON.
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MRS. NELSON.
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865
entered upon his business caieer, forming a part-
nership in 1881 with David R. Beatty under the
firm name of Beatty & Mohr, dealers in hardware
and agricultural implements. Their business pros-
pered, and their connection continued until Febru-
ary 1, 1889, when Mr. Mohr sold his interest to his
partner and embarked in the furniture business,
which he still continues.
On the 18th of February, 1890, Mr. Mohr led to
the marriage altar Miss Lettie J. Dewe}', daughter
of Ralph Dewey. Their union was celebrated in
Washington, Iowa, of which cit}'^ the lady is a na-
tive. Although she has made her home in this
community but a short time, her estimable quali-
ties have already won her man}' warm friei^ls, and
in the social world Mr. Mohr and his wife hold a
high position. He is a member of Forest City
Lodge, No. 37, K. P., and in his political affiliation
is a Republican, having supported that party since
attaining his majority. He is now doing a flour-
ishing business as a furniture dealer, and carries a
stock valued at 135,000. He has a fine assortment
of furniture of the various grades and prices to
meet the popular demand, and his establishment is
widely and favorably' known throughout the
county.* He has gained a reputation for fair deal-
ing that has won the confidence and respect of all
with whom he has business relations, and it is with
pleasure that we record his sketch among those of
the representative business men of Fairfield.
-"^Tf^^
WILLIAM W. NELSON, M. D., has for
thirty years beem successfully engaged in
J^^ the practice of medicine in this commun-
ity. His home is in Birmingham. He was born on
November 30, 1834, in Wayne County, Ohio, and
is a son of William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Nel-
son. His father was born in Mercer County, Pa.,
December 5, 1790, and was descended from Irish
ancestry. He served in the War of 1812, and in
Pennsylvania, be married Miss Elizabeth Wilson,
who was born in Ireland, May 25, 1791, and who,
in her childhood accompanied her parents to this
country and located in Pennsylvania. Soon after
their marriage they removed in 1817, to Wayne
County, Ohio, near Rowsburg, where Mr. Nelson
engaged in farming until 1836, when he removed
to Richland County, (now Ashland) and located
on a farm near Savannah until 1845, when he
traded his land in that locality for a tract in Wash-
ington Township, Van Buren County, Iowa, to
wjiich he then removed. He was a Whig, afterward
an Abolitionist and in turn became a Republican.
Both he and his wife were members of the Assoc i-
ate Presbyterian Church, but afterward joined the
United Presbyterian. He died September 24, 1860,
and Mrs. Nelson passed away on the 7th of Octo-
ber, 1858. In their family were nine children, of
whom seven lived to be adults, while three are yet
living — Hugh, a farmer of Van Buren County;
Ann, widow of Joseph Dawson, of Washington
County, Iowa, and the Doctor.
Our subject is the youngest of the family. Hav-
ing attended the district schools, he was not content
to consider his education then finished but through
his own resources acquired the means by which he
was enabled to attend Washington College for two
years. His taste lay in the line of medical practice
and in 1857, he went to Wooster, Ohio, where he
read medicine with Drs. Day <fe Wilson. During the
winter of 1858-9, he attended a course of lectures
in the medical department of the Iowa State Uni-
versity at Keokuk, and the following year com-
pleted a course of study in the Jefferson Medical
College of Philadelphia, Pa., where he graduated
March 12, 1860, although he has continued a stu-
dent up to the present time, keeping himself well
informed on all matters pertaining to the profu-
sion, its discoveries and the advancement made in
the science.
Soon after his graduation, Dr. Nelson was united
in marriage on March 20, 1860, with Miss Almira
Matthews, a native of Lawrence County, Pa., born
July 22, 1839. Immediately after he returned
with his bride to Van Buren County, locating in
Pierceville, in the summer of 1860, where they be-
gan their domestic life. On the 19th of August,
1862, he w^ commissioned by (5ov. Kirkwood as
First Assistant Surgeon 6f the Fifteenth Iowa In-
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fantr}', and mustered into service by Lieut. Charles
J. Ball of^[the],Thirtcenth Infantry, United States
mustering officer, September 14, 1862, at Keokuk.
He joined his regiment at luka, Miss., but soon
afterward was taken with malarial fever and lay in
the general hospitaFat Corinth, Miss., some three
weeks, suffering severely, and recovering, he then
rejoined his regiment at Grand Junction, Tenn.
In the spring of 1863, he was ordered to take
charge of a smallpox hospital at Lake Province,
La.,'*by order of Gen. McPherson. After a month
he was relieved and placed in charge of the Sixth
Division Pioneer Corps, commanded by Capt.
Davis, of the Thirty-second Illinois Infantry. Re-
turning to his regiment in August, 1863, he had
charge of the sick of the brigade when the regi-
ments went on the march to Monroe, La. After a
short sickness and an absence, on furlough, of
twenty days, given by Gen. Grant at Vicksburg, he
rejoined his regiment and had charge of two com-
panies detached for duty at the arsenal near Vicks-
burg, and also had charge of a pioneer corps and
engineer regiment commanded by Capt. John Wil-
son. He remained with the above command until
the spring of 1864, when he was placed in charge
of non-veterans and recruits of the Iowa Brigade,
and had charge of this detachment until their re-
spective commands joined them near Huntsville,
Ala., when he was placed in charge of the Third
Iowa Veteran Infantry, with which he remained
until it was consolidated with the Second Veteran
Infantry near Jones' Plantation, Ga.,on Sherman's
march to the sea. Thereafter, the Doctor rejoined
his regiment and from December 22, 1864, until
he was mustered out he was the only medical officer
with the command. He participated in the battles of
Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta, and Bentonsville, and
the Grand Review at Washington, D. C, May 24,
1865, and was mustered out with his regiment at
Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1865, at the close of the
war. In the fall of the same year, the Doctor located
in Birmingham,where he has since been successfully
engaged in the practice of his chosen profession,with
the exception of 1874, when with his family he vis-
ited the Pacific coast in the pursuit of health and re-
turned the following year. He has a good record
as a physician and surgeon, as is indicated by a
liberal patronage. He holds the office of Secretary
of the United States Pension Examining Board, of
his county, is a Republican in politics and the
owner of two hundred and twenty acres of im-
proved land. Unto himself and wife were born
seven children of whom two died in infancy. Those
living are as follows: Meldon W.,a farmer of Lick
Creek Township, Van Buren County; Nettie X.;
Minnie A., wife of Allen B. Adams, of Selma;
Audley E. and Mary L., who are students at Par-
sons College. The family holds a high position in
the social world and the Doctor has won a like en-
viable rank in the medical fraternity. In religious
sentiment the Doctor and his wife are independent,
and an ti- sectarian.
Mrs. Nelson's grandfather, Jacob Matthews, was
born in Maryland, in 1775. His ancestors were of
Alsace, France, or of German descent. He married
Miss Mary Boyl, who was born in Ireland, and
their family consisted of three children, one son
and two daughters. At an early day they moved
to Lawrence County, Pa., and located on a farm
near Edenburg. He served in the War of 1812,
and died at the age of eighty-four. His only sod,
Phillip Matthews, Mrs. Nelson's father, married
Miss Nancy Book, of the same county. Their
family consisted of ten children, two sons and
eight daughters. One son and two daughters died
in childhood. The other son, George B. Matthews,
Mrs. Nelson's remaining brother, served four years
in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Veteran Vol-
unteers, and was killed in the battle of the Wil-
derness. One sister died at maturity, and three
still survive.
'* » p^z
ENRY CLAY RANEY, attorney-at-law, of
^^ Fairfield, was born in Cedar Township, Jef-
ferson Count}', on the 11th of December,
1855, and has spent the greater part of bis
life in this count\', where he is widely known as a
promising young lawyer and enterprising citizen.
His parents are William and Hannah M. (Loouib)
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567
Raney. His father, a native of Berkeley County,
Va., first came to Iowa on a prospecting tour in
1844, and two years later located in the new State,
making a settlement in Van Buren County, whence
he removed to Jefferson County in 1851. He here
»et and married Mrs. Raney, who came with her
parents to the county in 1839. Her father, Na-
thaniel Loomis, was a native of New York, but
previous to his emigration to Iowa had been a resi-
dent of Holmes County, Ohio. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Raney are still living and make their home
on a farm, where they settled in 1851.
The subject of this sketch, Henry Clay Raney,
spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of
farmer lads, and until he had attained his majority
remained at home, aiding his father in the culti-
vation of the land. He pursued a collegiate course
after attaining his majority, graduating with the
flrsl class from Parsons College, June 16, 1880.
Previously he had attended the academy at Bir-
mingham during several winter seasons, but on the
return of summer he would again be found fol-
lowing the plough. However, he resolved to enter
upon some other occupation or profession as his
life work, and made choice of the law. After com-
pleting his college course, he began fitting himself
for legal practice in the oflBce of Leggett <fe Mc-
Kemey. In August, 1882, he was admitted to the
District and Circuit Courts of the State, and four
years later, in October, 1886, was admitted to
practice in the Supreme Court of the State, and
in the United States Circuit and District Courts.
He continued with the firm of Leggett <fe Mc-
Kemey until December 4, 1883, and then began
practice in his present oflice, where he has now car-
ried on business for seven years. He is also con-
nected with one of the leading industries of Fair-
field, being a partner in the Drain and Tile Works,
in which he purchased an interest in October, 1886.
On the 8th of February, 1883, in Birmingham,
Iowa, Mr. Raney was joined in wedlock with Miss
Mary M. Bogle, a daughter of Samuel Bogle, of that
place, and a native of Lick Creek Township, Van
Buren County. Unto them were born four chil-
dren, two of whom are now living — William Alex,
the eldest, died at the age of one month; Franklin
Clay was born August 8, 1886; Ralph Bogle died
at the age of one year; and Elery Murray was
born March 11, 1890.
Mr. and Mrs. Raney are members of the Presby-
terian Church, and in the social world are held in
high regard, having many warm friends through-
out the community. In politics he is a supporter
of Republican principles and has served as City
Solicitor of Fairfield for four years, proving a cap-
able and efficient officer. He possesses energy and
determination, and his success in life is assured if
he continues in his present course.
JOSEPH A. JOHNSON, one of the leading
young business men of Bonaparte, Van Buren
County, now holds the position of Cashier
of the Farmers' <fe Traders* Bank. He was
born in the town which is yet his home, on the
on the 27th of July, 1862, his parents being early
settlers of the community. His educatiou was
acquired in the common schools of his native
town, and on leaving the schoolroom he began his
business career as an employe in the Post-office
under J. P. Davis, with whom he remained un-
til the year 1879. In that year he took charge
of his father's business, and continued operations
in that line until his father sold out, when he en-
tered the employ of Thomas Christy, for whom he
was to operate a store while his employer dis-
charged the duties of Cashier of the Farmers' &
Traders' Bank, of Bonaparte. In 1883 Mr. John-
son was made Assistant Cashier of the same bank,
with which he has now been connected seven years.
At the death of the Cashier, which occurred in
1887, he was promoted to that position, which he
still holds. He has proved himself a worthy of-
ficer in the bank, being faithful and conscientious
in the discharge of every duty, and ranks among
the leading young business men of Van Buren
County.
In the month of October, 1887, Mr. Johnson was
united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Welch,
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daughter of the Rev. James and Maggie (Buck)
Welch. Her father is a Presbyterian minister and a
most worthy man. Mrs. Johnson was born in the
J buckeye State, and is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. In politics Mr. Johnson is a stanch sup-
porter of Democratic principles and does all in his
power to promote the interests of his party. The
home of this young couple is noted for its hospi-
tality, and both husband and wife rank high in the
social world, where intelligence and ability are the
passports to society. They are now surrounded by
many warm friends, and the business as well as the
social relations of Mr. Johnson might well be a
subject of env}'.
*
/^ HARLES BALDWIN and his wife, who are
(if^L now residing in Keosauqua, rank among
^^^ the pioneers of Van Buren County, the hus-
band dating his residence from March, 1841, and
Mrs. Baldwin from the spring of 1840. They have
tlius been witnesses of almost its entire growth and
development, and having taken an active interest
in its progress are certainly deserving of a repre-
sentation in its history.
Mr. Baldwin was born in Guernsey County,Ohio,
July 18, 1818. and is a son of David and Lavina
(Wheeler) Baldwin, both of whom were natives of
Connecticut, the former born in Weston in 1792,
the latter in Bridgeport in 1795. The Baldwins
are of English descent and the family was founded
in Connecticut at a very early day. Six children
constituted the family of David and Lavina Bald-
win and are as follows: Julia, who is now the wife
of Josiah Allison, of Elmira, Salina County, Cal.;
Mary, widow of Judge Johnston, an eminent
scholar and ' lawyer of ability, who was elected
judge of his district and honored with a seat in
the State Senate; George, who was a young man of
great promise and a warm personal friend of Sena-
tor Stanford's, died in California about 1^.61; Har-
riet is the wife of O. D. Tisduie, a retired merchant
of Ottumwa, Iowa; Lavina married Darwin Dega-
iio and both died in California.'^^By trade. David
Baldwin was a tanner and followed that business
as a life occupation. He was a man^ well" posted
on all affairs of State and county and took an active
part in politics, although he never sought or was
desirous of holding office. Throughout the com-
munity he was known as Deacon Baldwin, having
been a Deacon in the Congregational Church for
man}' j'ears. In 1817 he emigrated to Ohio, locat-
ing in Waterford, Washington County, when it was
a vast wilderness and there made a home in which
he and his wife spent their remaining days. Like
her husband, Mrs. Baldwin was greatly beloved for
her many excellent 'Qualities of heart and hand.
She lived the life of a consistent Christian and as
her lot was cast in a settlement where ministers
were few, on Sunday she would often take her phice
behind the desk in the old log schoolhonse and
read a sermon to the pioneers there assembled. She
died at the age of thirtj-six years, mourned by all
who knew her.
Much work and little play was the rule of our
subject's early life. His education was acquired in
a log schoolhouse in his native State, where he
conned the rudimentary^ studies for about two
months in the year, the remaining ten months be-
ing devoted to assisting his father in the tannery,
but by study in leisure hours he gained a knowledge
sufficient to teach at the age of nineteen years.
After a year spent in that vocation he went to
Morgan County, Ohio, where he repaired a tannery,
remaining a couple of years, but the following
March he turned his face Westward and in the Ter-
ritory of Iowa found a home. Locating in Van
Buren County, he made a contract with the firm
of Lyon & Games to operate a tannery for five
years, the profits of the same to be equally divided,
but on the failure of those gentlemen to comply
with the tei^ms of the contract he abandoned the
enterprise and entered the office of Hon. James R.
Howell, under whose direction he studied law for
a year. At the expiration of that time he erected
a tannery of his own which he operated for ten
years with good success, when he disposed of his
business, having, in 1852, been elected Clerk of the
District Court. He served one term but refused a
renomination, considering the duties too confining.
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369
Hh next venture was in the mercantile business as
a partner of Thomas Rankin, whose interest he
purchased after a year and continued the business
alone until 1858, when on account of the financial
depression felt throughout the country he found
it impossible to make collections and discontinued
business. Out of employment he once more turned
his attention to law and was admitted to the bar in
1859, but the gold excitement, caused by discov-
eries at Pike's Peak, was then at its height and he
made a journey to that region, spending the sum-
mer in the mountains. On returning to Keosauqua,
he formed a law parln'^rship with Judge George
G. Wright, under thd firm name of Wright <fe Bald-
win which connection continued until 1861 when
the Judge was called to the bench to fill a vacancy.
Mr. Baldwin was then alone in the practice of his
profession until his retirement from that pursuit in
1884. He won prominence at the bar and by his
professional brethren was regarded as an able law-
yer,while his popularity with the people was evinced
by the liberal patronage which he received.
On the 28th of September, 1844, in Van Buren
County, Mr. Baldwin and Miss Rachel, daughter
of John and Rachel (Seaman) Wright, were united
in marriage. Their union has been blessed with
six children: William W., who graduated from the
Iowa University and became an attorney-at-law,
was for a time connected with the Hon. J. B. Hall,
of Burlington, Iowa, and is now attorney for the
Chicago, Burlington <fe Quincy Railroad Company,
with headquarters in Burlington; Charles Jr., who
was educated in the State University, is a practicing
attorney of Salt Lake City, Utah ; Lavina is the
wife of Rev. J. W. Cheney, of Missouri; Lutle is
the wife of Charles Lefferts, a loan and real-estate
agent of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Julia is the wife of
Dr. McKibbcn, a practicing physician of Keosau-
qua; and Edward died at the age of fifteen years.
During Cleveland's administration, Mr. Baldwin
served as Postmaster of Keosauqua and since re-
signing in 1888, has lived a retired life. The suc-
ceeding winter he and Mrs. Baldwin spent in the
West, passing a portion of their time in Salt Lake
City and the remainder in California. They are
now living in retirement at their pleasant home in
Keosauqua, resting from the labors of former years
and enjoying the fruits of past toil. In early life
Mr. Baldwin was a Whig and cast his flrst Presi-
dential vote for William Henry Harrison, but on
the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of
the Democratic party, with which he has since
aflS Hated.
HARLES MONROE JUNKIN, editor and
junior proprietor of the Fairfield Ledger^ is
a native of Fairfield. He was born on the
18th of May, 1855, and is a son of William W. and
Elizabeth (Patrick) Junkin, a sketch of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in this work. Our subject received
liberal educational advantages, having been a stu-
dent in the Iowa College of Grinnell, and the Den-
mark Academy, of Denmark, Lee County, the first
higher school established in the State. He learned
the printer's trade in the office of the Fairfield
Ledger^ and further supplemented his knowledge
of the business in the Government printing office in
Washington, D.C., after which, for two years, he in-
dulged in the experience of a tourist printer, work-
ing in various offices, from New York to Salt Lake
City, and from St. Paul to St. Louis. May 26, 1878,
he became a partner with his father in the Fairfield
Ledger^ and has continued that connection to the
present time, covering a period of twelve years.
Since the appointment of his father in April, 1889,
to the Government position which he still holds,
Charles M. has assumed the editorial charge and
business management of the Ledger,
On the 8th of September, 1880, Mr. Junkin was
united in marriage with Miss Grace Slagle, a
daughter of C. W. Slagle, the union being cele
brated in Fairfield, of which city the lady was a
native. In politics, Mr. Junkin is a Republican,
having been actively identified with the party since
attaining his majorit}'. In 1884, he was a delegate
to the Republican National Convention in Chicago,
and has served three years as a member of the Re-
publican State Central Committee, during one year
of which time he officiated as its Secretary. For a
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period of three years he has been Secretary of the
Iowa Press Association, and for a like period was Sec-
retary of the Republican League, of Iowa. During
the campaign of 1888 he assisted in the organization
of eight hundred political clubs in Iowa, and in
other ways aided in the interests of his party.
^)^ AMUEL E. BIGELOW, manufacturer of
boots and shoes, is at the head of one of
the oldest establishments of Fairfield, he
having begun business in that line in 1858,
and carried it on continuously since, covering a
period of thirty-two consecutive years. Until 1870,
he also carried on the leather business in connection
with his other line of work, and the two have
yielded him an excellent income.
The story of Mr. Bigelow's life is as follows : He
was born in Sutton Township, Worcester County,
Mass., February 20, 1825, and traces his ancestry
back to 1642, when John Bigelow emigrated from
his home in England to become a resident of the
new Colony, which had been established on the
other side of the water only twenty-two years be-
fore. His father, Samuel Bigelow, was born in the
town of Charlton, Worcester County, July 2, 1793,
and having attained to mature years, was joined in
wedlock with Cynthia F. Forbush, their union be-
ing celebrated October 10, 1815. The lady was
born in Grafton, Mass., May 21, 1794, and her peo-
pie were originally from Aberdeen, Scotland. The
paternal grandfather of our subject, Humphrey
Bigelow, served his country during the last four
years of the Revolutionary War, entering the army
when only sixteen years of age. In 1844, accom-
panied by his family, Samuel Bigelow removed lo
Washington County, Ohio, and fourteen years later
be came to Fairfield, where he and his wife spent
their last days. His death occurred March 10,
1882, he having attained almost the age of ninety
years. The mother died March 20, 1872, at the
age of seventy -eight years. Mr. Bigelow engaged
in the same business which his son carries on. In
fact Samuel learned the business with his father,
and for some years, as partners, they continued
operations in that line.
The subject of this sketch spent the days of his
boyhood and youth in his native State, and on the
5th of February, 1852, made choice of a life com-
panion. Miss Mary J. Holliday. Their union was
celebrated in Marietta, Ohio. Mrs. Bigelow is a
daughter of Angus McDonald Holliday, and a na-
tive of Shelby ville. Mo. Three children have been
born of their union: Susan Kate, wife of Edward
Hamilton, of Kansas City; and Cynthia L., widow
of Dr. Samuel Hammond, of Fairfield. They lost
one child, Millicent Virginia, who was born No-
vember 25, 1867, and died September 21, 1870.
In politics, Mr. Bigelow is a Republican, having
supported that party many years. He has never
been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time
and attention to his business interests, but served
one term as Alderman, and once as City Clerk. He
was made an Odd Fellow in Ohio, being initiated
into the mysteries of the order in Marietti Lodge
in 1847, and now holds membership jvith Jeflferson
Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., of Fairfield. Uis resi-
dence in this city covers a period of more than a
third of a century, and with its business interests
during the entire time he has been prominently
connected, in this manner aiding not a little in the
upbuilding and growth of the city.
^^EORGP: a. WELLS, resident and manag-
•II ing partner of the private banking house of
^^^>5J Wells & Garrettson, has been engaged in
that line of business in Fairfield, Icwa, since 1862.
Long experience has familiarized him with that
vocation in all its details, and he is now at the
head of what is considered to be one of the safe
and important moneyed institutions of Jefferaon
County.
Mr. Wells was born in New Albany, Ind., on
the 2l8t of June, 1831, and is of English descent?
the family having been founded in America by
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371
Thomas Wells, of England, who became one of the
early settlers of the New England Colonies. His
father, the Rev. Ashbel Shipley Wells, was a na-
tive of Chittenden County, Vt., born in Jericho,
and having arrived at mature years, wedded Sophia
H. Hastings, a native of Clinton, Oneida County,
N. Y.. and a daughter of Seth Hastings, of the
same place. They resided in the East until 1854,
when, leaving their old home, they emigrated to
the West and made a settlement in Fairfield, Iowa,
where the death of both parents occurred. The
mother departed this life in 1876, at the age of
seventy-six ycsirs, and the father, who was a most
exemplary man and was employed in mi8si(»nar3'
work in this State, was called to his reward in
1882, being eighty-four years of age at the time of
his death.
We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject,and it is with pleasure we present this sketch to
the readers of the Album, who, we feel, will gladly
receive this brief account of the life work of one
of their most illustrious townsmen. His boyhood
days were spent in his native city, where he at-
tended the common schools, after which he pre-
pared himself at the Academy at Lodi, Mich., for
the sophomore year in college. He then took up
the study of pharmacy, spending six years as a
clerk in a drug store in Lima, Ind. Thinking to
better his financial condition, he came West in
1856, and choosing Fairfield as a location, he em-
barked in the drug business in this city. His ef-
fo!*t8 were successful, and he continued operations
in that line until 1862, when, having acquired
some capital, he began banking, which business he
has followed almost exclusively since. He estab-
lished a private bank and continued operations
under the name of the G. A. Wells Bank until 1877,
when he admitted to partnership Garrett A. Gar-
rettson, and the firm name was changed to its pres-
ent form of Wells & Garrettson, Mr. Wells con-
tinuing the resident and managing partner. The
working capital of the bank is $30,000, including
surplus.
In October, 1865, in Indiana, Mr. Wells was
united in marriage with Miss Priscilla D. Holmes,
a native of Newark, Ohio, and a daughter of Will-
iam Holmes. Unto them were born six children,
three sons and three daughters, but the former are
all now deceased. Harry died at the age of ten
years and Charles H. when two and a half j^ears of
age; then followed Fannie, Kate E. and Grace H.,
while Fred, who died at the age of one year, was
the youngest.
Mr. Wells was reared in the faith of the Pres-
byterian Church, his father and grandfather having
both been ministers in that denomination. In poli-
tics he is a supporter of the Republican party and
has served as a member of the City Council, but
has never been a tx>litician in the commonly ac-
cepted significance of the term, caring nothing for
official distinction. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to Clinton Lodge, No. 15,
A. F. <fe A. M.; McCord Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.;
and Jerusalem Commandery, No. 5, K. T. Mr.
Wells has every reason to be proud of his suc-
cess in life, having by earnest effort, the exercise
of correct business principles and fair dealing with
all men, won the prosperity which is but the just
reward of the labors which he has put forth. He
is highly regarded by those who know him, and the
confidence placed in his bank is attested by a lib-
eral patronage.
.--^Y-^
eHARLES M. THOMPSON is a prominent
farmer and stock-raiser of Liberty Town-
ship, Jefferson County, residing on section
26. His practical, yet progressive ideas, his en-
ergy and enterprise, make his business a successful
one and place him in the front rank among the
leading farmers of the community. He was born
in Highland County, Ohio, September 9, 1833,
and is a son of Jeremiah and Abigail (Hurt)
Thompson. His father was born in Chatham
County, N. C, in the ^ear 1800, and when a lad of
thirteen summers accompanied his parents to Ohio,
where he pursued his vocation of farming, from
which he allowed himself to be diverted at times
in the interest of his party, the Democratic, that
he might attend to the duties of office several times
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conferred upon him by his fellow citizens. At
length he determiner! to seek a home further west
and on the 24th of March, 1850, landed in Jeffer-
son County, Iowa. He purchased the place known
as the Cameron farm, comprising one hundred
and sixty acres of cleared land and eighty acres of
timher land. Here he led a peaceful life, taking a
deep, yet unobtrusive interest in all the public
affairs of the community. It was largely through
his efforts that the Birmingham Lodge of Odd Fel-
lows was organized. Death closed his earthly pil-
grimage, which had been a happy and useful one,
July 5, 1875. His wife still survives him. Their
marriage was celebrated in Ohio, and their union
was blessed with the following children, eleven of
whom are still living: William H., now of Cali-
fornia; Charles M. of this sketch; Jackson; Eliza-
beth; James Riley; Nancy; Mary E. who died in
1880, leaving a family of five children; Lewis
Ilarvey; Joseph; Louisa; Martha Jane and George
Newton.
Charles M. Thompson accompanied his parents to
Iowa when a young man of seventeen j'ears and
has made his home in Jefferson County continu-
ously since. After receiving the advantages of
education afforded by the public schools, our sub-
ject, following the path marked out for him by
his father, devoted himself to the cultivation of
the soil in which he has been remarkably successful.
He choose for a companion on life's journey Miss
Sarah Jane McGuire, their union being celebrated
on the 19th of March, 1854. Eleven children
came to make glad the home of the worthy couple,
namely: James Benton; Silas Madison; Erastus
Emery, who die<l in 1869; Ellen; Minnie; Avery
R.;Omer; Cora who died in 1869; Walter; Simon
and Clark. P211en is the wife of Samuel G. Clark
and re.«ides in Kansas; Minnie is the wife of
James McGuire, a prosperous farmer of Kansas;
Silas is now engaged in teaching school in Fair-
field, Clay County, Kan., having completed the
course of stud}' of Oskaloosa College; Avery is a
master carpenter at Denver, Col.; and Omer is su-
perintendent of a large farm in California. The
mother of this family was called to her final rest in
1880, and her death was the occasion of sincere
regret on the part of a large circle of friends. She
was an exemplary member of the Christian Church.
The years 1855 and 1856, Mr. Thompson leased
and farmed the Rutledge homestead, the widowed
owner of which was the mother of Annie Rutledge,
the first love of Abraham Lincoln. The union of
the young couple was thwarted by the death of
the lad3^ an event which at the time nearly de-
throned the reason of the young hiwyer who wag
destined to afterwards fill such an illustrious place
in the history of our nation.
On the 15th of December, 1886, Mr. Thompson
was again married, his second union being with
Miss Clara Mealey, daughter of James and Anna
Mealey, who were early settlers of Keokuk County
but are now deceased. The lady is also a niece of
the well known practitioner, Dr. Mealey ,of Pleasant
Plain. Mr. Thompson is a zealous and faithful
member of the Christian Church and his wife is a
follower of the Presbyterian faith. His business
career has been one of marked prosperity and is an
example of what may be accomplished by energy,
industry and sagacity. He has become the owner
of a farm of four hundred and forty acres where
may be seen all the modern improvements, a com-
fortable hume tastefully furnished, good barns and
some of the finest stock to be found in Iowa; two
imported Perclieron Norman horses, especially
demanding mention, as well as some thirty head of
thoroughbred and high ^rade cattle now in his
possession. In the past, Mr Thompson has taken
an exceptionally keen interest in the growth and
success of the county fair. lie was largely instru-
mental in the organization, was for twelve years
a member of the Board of Directors and his exhibits
at the same have often secured for him the highest
premiums. He is a Prohibitionist politically and
although he is well informed on all political issues,
as every American citizen should be, he has never
desired the honors or emoluments of public oflSce.
However, he has served several terms as school
director, a position that has afforded him an op-
portunity to aid in the improvement and enlarge-
ment of educational facilities. When called from
this life, few men can leave a better or more hon-
orable record behind them than the subject of this
sketch — a man esteemed throughout the community
for his uprightness and sterling worth. U(X)n the
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378
question of secret societies Mr. Thompson is an
out and out opponent of all orders, believing and
advocating the idea that they are detrimental to
Christianity and the best interests of society in
general.
J^' OHN BISHOP, one of the prosperous farmers
of Liberty Township, JeflPerson County, was
one of six children born unto Sylvester and
' Rachel (Barker) Bishop. His father, who
followed the occupation of farming throughout his
entire life, was a native of West Virginia, and in
that State was married in 1821. The following
year he emigrated to Ohio, but afterward returned
to his native State, where he spent h\e years, when
he again emigrated westward. Making a location
in the Buckeye State, he lived the life of a farmer,
and at the close of an upright and useful career
was called to his final home in 1854. On the
mother's side we hear of the grandfather serving
with credit in the War of 1812.
John Bishop, whose name heads this sketch, was
bom on the 22d of September, 1826, and grew to
manhood in his native State — Ohio, where he ac-
quired a common- school education. Having at-
tained to years of manhood, he started out to seek
his fortune, and in 1850 made a location in
Van Buren County, Iowa. Four years later the
death of his father occurred and the management
of the old homestead then devolved upon his
brother Ulrich,but he survived only a short time and
John then returned to his old home and brought
with him to Iowa his widowed mother and Payton
and Mary, his brother and sister. The other mem-
bers of the family, Hiram, Sylvester and Catherine,
were already residents of the State, and now the en-
tire family were gathered together in Van Buren
County. The mother long survived her husband,
dying in 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-one
years.
In his youth John Bishop had learned the trade
of carpentering, which he followed as a means of
livelihood for about five years after bis arrival in
Iowa, when, in 1858, he purchased land and turned
his attention to farming. In 1868 he purchased
his present farm, then comprising two hundred
acres, to which, in the spring of 1890, he added a
a one hundred and twenty-acre tract. Well-tilled
fields, good barns and outbuildings and many im-
provements both of a useful and ornamental char-
acter indicate the thrift and enteri)rise of the
owner who is now enjoying the results of a life of
well-directed efforts in a large and pleasantlj'-ar-
ranged home, which is furnished and surrounded
by all the comforts which go to make life worth
living.
On the 4th of March, 1854, Mr. Bishop led to
the marriage altar Miss Mary E. Huffman, of Van
Buren County, daughter of Burk and Marj^ Huff-
man, the former a native of North Carolina and
the latter of Kentucky. Mrs. Bishop has the honor
of being the first white child born in Van Buren
County, her birth occurring on a farm lying both
in Van Buren and Jefferson Counties, on the 8th of
January, 1838. Her parents came to Iowa in De-
cember, 1836, and made their home in Ft. Madison
until March of the following year, when they came
to Van Buren County, locating on the farm before
mentioned, which continued to be their home until
the death of Mr. Huffman in 1857. Beside their
daughter Mary, that worthy couple were the parents
of Barbara, James, Samuel, George, Hirt, John,
P^ederick and Robert Huffman. Five of their sons
donned the blue and fought in defense of their
country during the late war. Samuel was wounded
at Ft. Donelson and died at home on the 22d of
March. 1862; John was the commander of Company
II, Fifth Iowa Infantry, and was in prison fifteen
months; Frea was wounded at Missionary Ridge.
Robert was taken prisoner at the same battle and
died in Anderson ville Prison in 1863, after being
held in captivity for fifteen months. James was a
member of the Missouri Militia.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop was blessed
with a family of nine children, but three of the
number died in infancy. The surviving members
of the family are Joseph Talbot, Sylvester Burk,
Ann Maria, Robert, Carl and Mary, all of whom
reside at home vvith the exception of Sylvester,
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who married Emma Heald and is now a resident
of liberty Township. Carl is a graduate of Par-
sons College, of Fairfield, and is now emplo3'ed as
principal of the Libertyville Schools, while Mary,
who received an academic education, is a success-
ful teacher in the district schools.
Mr. Bishop has ever manifested a deep interest
in the cause of education and has served as a
School Director in his district. By reason of his
long residence in the county he has become an hon-
ored member of the Old Settlers Association. He
is one of the stockholders of the County Fair; in
politics he is a Republican with strong Prohibition
principles, and as a citizen he ranks among the
best
f^)
^OHN McMILLEN,with one exception, is the
oldest resident of Birmingham, Van Buren
County. He was born near the boundary
line of counties Antrim, Armagh and Down,
Ireland, June 9, 1 808, and is a son of David and Eliz-
abeth McMillen. His grandfather was a Highland
Scotchman, his parents were both of Scotch descent
and he possesses much of the sturdiness character-
istic of that race. His father was a bleacher by
trade and followed that business during his resi-
dence on the Bann Water in the Emerald Isle.
Pleasing reports of the New World and the oppor-
tunities which it afforded its people reached him
from time to time, and at length he determined to
try his fortune in the land of the free. In 1812,
accompanied by his wife and six children, he set
sail for the L' nited States but ere the long ocean
voyage was over one of the children had sickened
and died and was laid to rest beneath the waves of
the sea. The vessel reached the harbor of New
York on a certain Friday and the following day
war was declared with Great Britain. Mr. McMillen
and his family continued their journey to Harris-
burg, and from there to Washington County, Pa.,
on pack horses, where he and his wife spent the
remainder of their lives. They were highly re-
spected people and members of the Secedcrs'
Church. Our subject has but one sister now living
— Mrs. Isabella Ralston, who resides in Claysville,
Washington County, Pa., being now about ninety
years of age.
John McMillen spent his boyhood days at work
upon his father's farm and in attendance at the
common schools where he acquired a fair educa-
tion. Like a dutiful son he worked for his parents
until twenty-five years of age. On the 28th of
February, 1833, he was united in marringe with
Miss Jane McMillen, who was born in Washington
County, Pa., about 1810, and was a very distnnt
relative of his. He then turned his attention to
the cultivation of the old farm, which he conlinueil
to operate until 1855, when, following the course
of emigration which was steadily drifting west-
ward, he landed in Van Buren County, Iowa. For
a time he engaged in farming north of Birmingham
but in 1865 he changed his occupation and started
upon the road as traveling salesman for William
Elliott, dealer in agricultural implements, with
whom he remained some fifteen years, since whicb
time he has been engaged in the implement business
for himself. He has sold all kinds of merchandise
in that line from a clothes wringer to a poi table
steam sawmill. He was very successful as a sales-
man, oftentimes his sales in one year amounting
to some $20,000 worth of machiner}-.
Mrs. McMillen died in November, 1856. Unto
them were born six children, of whom three are
now living — David who succeeds his father in the
implement business in Birmingham; Margaret at
home; and Elizabeth who is a teacher of much
ability. For eighteen years in succession she has
held the position of primary teacher In the Bir-
mingham schools, being univeisally liked.
Previous to 1860, Mr. McMillen was a supporter
of Democratic principles, but in that year he became
a Republican and in many elections cast his ballot
in its support, but since the rise of the Prohibition
part}', has connected himself with the latter body.
He and all his family are members of the United
Presbyterian Church. He was married in 1862 to
Mary Borland, who died in 1875. Though eighty-
two years of age Mr. McMillen is bright in mind
and retains well his physical vigor. In Birmingham,
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Dot to know him argues oneself unknown, and his
many friends esteem and respect him for a life
characterized by honorable purpose and worthy
motlTes.
^||OHN SPIELMAN. Among the worthy pio-
I neersof Jefferson County, no one is more
worthy of honorable mention in this volume
than he whose name heads this sketch. While
of foreign birth and education he was capable of
adapting himself to the conditions peculiar to the
opening up and settlement of a new country. He
not only secured a good home for his family but
was the means of aiding hundreds of others in a
wise selection of lands for future homes.
Mr. Spielman was born in Baden, Germany, on
the 18th of August, 1808, was reared and educated
in his native land and there learned the trade of a
weaver. At the age of twenty years he emigrated
to America and for a short time resided in Balti-
more, Md. From there he removed to Frederick
City of the same State, where in December, 1829,
he was united in marriage with Miss Saloma Berge,
a daughter of Christian Berge, and a native of the
town of Lichtenau, Province of Byriam, Bavaria,
who came to America on the same vessel on which
her future husband was a passenger.
Mr. Spielman was employed in a packing house
in Frederick City until 1830, when he removed to
Columbus, Ohio, where he purchased a tract of
land and became a market gardener. What was
then his farm is now comprised within the city
limits of Columbus. His union with Miss Berge
was there blessed by the birth of two sons and two
daughters. In the early spring of 1Q40, accom-
panied by his family, he set out for the Territory
of Iowa, the then far western borderland of civili-
zation. They traveled by boat on the Ohio and
Mississippi Rivers and landed in Burlington on the
Ist of May. After a brief stay at that place they
proceeded to Bloomington, now Muscatine, Iowa,
hut after a short time returned, to Burlington, and
on the Ist of June following, came to Jefferson
County, locating in Walnut Township, on section
32, where Mr. Spielman pre-empted a tract of land
and made a home for his wife and children. The
family circle was afterward extended, six children,
five daughters and one son being added to those be-
fore mentioned. Lewis, the eldest of the family,
married Matilda Otterbien, followed farming in
pursuit of fortune and continued his residence in
Walnut Township until his death, which occurred
in March, 1876; John A., the second son, is men-
tioned elsewhere in this work; Sarah died in New
London, Henry County, in 1855; Mary who was
the youngest of those born in Ohio, died during
infancy in Burlington, in May, 1840, soon after the
family had reached that city. The next child, who
was also given the name of Mary, became the wife
of William J. Clarke, and died in Fairfield in 1878;
Caroline married Michael Graff and resides on the
old home farm ; Amelia is the wife of James M.
Ileaton, a member of the McConnell Mercantile
Company of Burlington ;,Christina died at the age
of nineteen years; Fred, who was a member of
Company D, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, died in
the hospital in Corinth, Miss., September 1, 1862,
at the age of eighteen yeai-s; Maggie was also eight-
een years of age at the time of her death; Louisa,
the youngest of the family, is the wife of M. A.
Repass, agent of the American Express Company
in Fairfield.
Mr. Spielman continued farming until the winter
of 1864, when he removed to Fairfield andjjoined
his son, John A., in the hardware business. In
1876, he laid aSide all business cares and for nearly
thirteen years lived in easy retirement. His death
occurred on June 8, 1889, at the old home farm in
Walnut Township, where he had settled almost
half a century before. It happened that he caught
a severe cold while on a visit to his children in
Walnut Township, and was unable to return to
Fairfield. He was eighty-one years of age at his
death and had he lived until the succeeding No-
vember would have been married sixty years. He
was rugged and healthy uplto^his last] illness and
maintained his mental faculties unimpaired. His
wife still survives him and resides in Fairfield, and
although not physically strong for some years past,*
is'yet well preserved. Although eighty-one years of
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age, her hair is still untouched with the gray that
generally distinguishes those of her advanced
years. The greater part of her life has been spent
as a follower of Christ, she being a devout member
of the Lutheran Church and a consistent Christian
woman. She has proved a devoted and loving
wife and mother and her kindness and good example
cultivated the affections of her children, so that the
family ties have alwa3'8 bound them strongly to-
gether.
On coming to this county in the days of its early
settlement, Mr. Spielman readily adapted himself
to the conditions of a life on the frontier, learned
the descriptions of land ani was well informed in
reg*».rd to the locations of lands open to entry and
the system in force in acquiring title. He had a
brother who was a minister of the Lutheran Church
and President of Capital University, of Columbus,
Ohio, who diipcted many of his countrymen and
others, who were emigrating to Iowa to seek his
brother John in Jefferson County. For these and
many besides, Mr. Spielman sought locations and
aided them in securing land. Uncle John, as he
was familiarly called, was widely known and bighly
esteemed for his open hospitality and genial, kindly
ways. He was a Whig in early life and his family
had had the honor of entertaining Gen. William
Henry Harrison, while that illustrious soldier and
state^sman was a candidate for the Presidency. In
1836, Mr. Spielman cast his first vote for the Gen-
eral as did the three other voters of his family in
the country. When Benjamin Harrison became a
can<lidate for the Presidency there were twenty-
eight Spielman voters, lineal descendants of the
original four, and although living separated and
without preconcerted action, all voted for the
grandson. At Mr. Spielman *8 home in Walnut
Township some of the most prominent Republican
statesmen of Iowa were frequent guests; Grimes,
Gear, Wilson, Harlan and others partook of his
hospitality. In matters of education and religion
he was an earnest worker and was among the fore-
most and most liberal supporters of schools and
churches. He organized the first Evangelical
Church in Jefferson County, and was the leading
spirit in building the first church there and organ-
ized the first Sunday-School. For many years the
church was known as the Spielman Church and the
school house of his district still bears his name.
Mr. Spielman was gifted with strong social and
benevolent symyathies and won the friendship and
regard of all who knew him. While an earnest
partisan he was never ambitious to fill public office
and only accepted some minor ones. He lived a
useful and upright life, was true to every legal and
moral obligation and died at a ripe old age, leaving
only friends to mourn his loss.
•^^^
E^N^
ENRY MOHR, deceased, an early settler of
Fairfield, Jefferson County, of 1858, was
M^ born in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pa.,
v^ in 1808, and was a son of Peter Mohr. As
the name indicates the family is of German origin,
but little is known of its establishment in America.
Our subject having arrived at years of maturity,
chose as a companion on life's journey Miss An-
gelina Schoener, who was also a nptive of the Key-
stone State. Mr. Mohr then turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, continuing the same in his
native State until 1858, when, following the course
of human emigration which was st<aiily drifting
westward, he became a resident of Iowa. After
spending one year in Fairfield he then removed to
a farm in Fairfield Township, Jefferson County,
and resuming his chosen occupation spent the last
years of his life on the old homestead, his death
occurring in 1877. Mrs. Mohr, a most estimable
lady is now living in Fairfield.
This worthy couple were parents of a family of
six children, consisting of three sons and three
daughters. Henry P., the eldest, who is employed
as a conductor on the Chicago, Burlington <fe
Quincy Railroad, married Charlotte Curry and re-
sides in Burlington, Iowa; Richard J. wedded
Martha Collier and is living in Passadena, Cal,
where he is engaged in the practice of medicine;
Mary, the next younger died at the age of twelve
years; Sarah J. makes her home in Burlington,
Iowa; Emma is the wife of W, H. Hufstedler, of
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Fairfield; William H. married Lettie ,1. Dewey and
is a leading furniture dealer of Fairfield, whose
sketch appears on another page of this work ; Mrs.
Mohr is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, as was also her husband. In political sen-
timent he was a supporter of Republican princi-
ples. Mr. Mohr was regarded as one of the most
upright, conscientious men in Jefferson County.
Kind hearted and generous to a fault, his aid was
never solicited in vain and at his death the poor
and needy felt that they had indeed lost a friend.
He enjo3'ed the warmest esteem and regard of ail
who knew him and his death was the occasion of
deep regret on the part of many.
S. GOULD, a farmer of Union Township,
Van Buren County, residing on Section 19,
was born on a farm in Franklin County,
Ohio, on the Ist of November, 1831, and is a son
of Samuel and Mary (Livingston) Gould, natives
of Washington County, N. Y., the former born in
October, 1804, and the latter August 15, 1800.
They were married in the Empire State, and in
1827 removed to Franklin County, Ohio, where
they experienced all the toil and hardships incident
to hewing out a 'farm from the midst of a heavy
beech and oak forest. The trials of pioneer life
became familiar to them, and in a measure Gtted
them for a similar experience in Iowa, where they
arrived in the autumn of 1846. They located in
Lick Creek Township, Van Buren Count3% where
daring the remainder of their lives they continued
to make their homes, exerting an influence for good
in the community which has not yet ceased to have
its effect. Both were lifelong members of the
United Presbyterian Church, and gave liberally of
thtir means to the support of the Gospel. P'or
many years he was a Ruling Elder. Politically he
was a Whig until the rise of the auti-hlavery parly,
when, his sympathies reaching out to the oppressed
of erery class and especially to those held down
by the galling chains of servitude, he took an ac>
tive part in the promotion of the scheme which
came tt> be known as the Underground Railroad.
He considered it wrong that a man should be de-
prived of his property without compensation, but
he accounted it a far greater wrong that] men
should be deprived of their God- given liberty
without their consent. He voted for James G.
Birney, the Abolition candidate, and continued to
support that party until it was merged into the Re-
publican party, with which he thenceforth identi-
fied himself. He died March 24, 1873, and his
wife died April 24, 1879. In their family were
five children; Mrs. Agnes Lindsay and Mrs. H.
Boone reside in Van Buren County; Mrs. Marga-
ret C. Baird is living in Madison County, Iowa;
and Mrs. Mary A. Graham makes her home In La-
mar, Col.
E. S. Gould, the other member of the family,
and the only son yet living, was the second in
order of birth, and in the usual manner of farmer
lads the days of his boyhood and 3'outh were
spent. Mid play and work his time was divided,
and in the pioneer school-room of that day he ac-
quired a limited education. A marriage ceremony
performed on the 1st of December, 1859, united
his destiny with that of Miss Rebecca Brownfield,
a native of Decatur County, Ind., born April 5th,
1840, and a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Price)
Brownfield, whose residence in this county dates
from 1847. Upon their marriage they settled upon
the farm where they still reside, and ten children
came to gladden the home by their presence, of
whom seven are yet living — Agnes, wife of W. L.
Carson, a resident of Van Buren County ; Emma,
Cora, John, Ruth, Orpha and Robert, who are yet
with their parents.
Farming has been the life work of Mr. Gould,
and he is now the owner of a rich tract of land of
one hundred and ninety-seven and one-half acres,
which is under a high state of cultivation and
well improved. He also raises a good grade of
stock, and hii barns and outbuildings, necessary to
the care of the same, are in keeping with the ad-
vanced ideas of the nineteenth century. Politic-
ally, he was a strong anti-slavery advocate before
the war, and his services were often called into req-
uisition in transporting passengers on the Under-
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ground Railroad, and. although only a youth, he
felt that he had a part to play in "getting the cap-
tive free." He is a warm advocate of prohibition
as a party movement, is a valued citizen, and one
who manifests a commendable interest in such en-
terprises as are calculated to upbuild the commu-
nity and promote the general welfare.
•'^^•^J^S^d^Sf'^fSc^^^S*^
(i^RANKLIN B. HUNTZINGER, who was
1^^ formerly a prominent miller of Fairfield,
l^ Jefferson County, but is now living a re-
tired life, dates his residence in this city from 1856,
and in the thirty-four years which have since
elapsed he has ever been numbered amocg the wide-
awake and enterprising business men of the county.
He was born in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County,
Pa., February 17, 1820, and is of German descent,
although his parents, Jacob and 8u8an (Koch)
Iluntzinger, were also natives of the Keystone
State. His father made merchandising his life oc-
cupation and served as associate justice of the court
of common pleas. He was also Colonel of a regi-
ment in the War of 1812, and was a worthy and
respected citizen.
The subject of this sketch learned the habits and
methods of business life in his father's employ, but
the success which has crowned his labors is due al-
most entirely to his own efforts. He had followed
milling only one year before coming to Iowa, but
his thirty-three years experience in this State made
him master of the business. On his arrival in Jef-
ferson County, he built the second mill ever erec-
ted in Fairfield. He also built two other mills in the
city, a third in Batavia and a fourth in Washington
County. He operated the last named for seven
years but during that time made his home in Fair-
field. He met with difficulties, his progress being
impeded by two losses, one caused by the burning
of one of his mills, while the second mill was
washed away, yet he pressed on, overcoming all
such obstacles until at last having acquired a com-
fortable com[>etence he is enabled to lay aside
business cares and spend his remaining days in
retirement. He sold his last mill April 1, 1889, to
his son-in-law, F. W. Vorhees.
Mr. Huntzinger was married oa Julj 12, 1S42,
to Miss Sarah Rudy, a daughter of John and Maria
(Boyer) Rudy. The family is of German descent
and both parents and daughter were born in the
Keystone State. Mr. and Mrs. Huntzinger became
parents of eight children, two sons and six daugh-
ters as follows : Phoebe E., widow of Joseph P.
Davis, now living in Des Moines; Caroline, widow
of Benjamin H. Sharpe, makes her home in Fair-
field ; Valeria is the wife of W. H. Axline,of Harlan,
Iowa; Arabella A. is the wife of J. A. Unkricb, of
Fairfield ; Libby Catherine wedded Frank A. Jooes
and with her husband resides in Omaha; Robert
Rudy died at the age of twenty-seven years : John
Franklin married Ella Shuert, of Omaha, Neb.;
Maggie is the wife of Frank W. Vorhees, a miller
of Fairfield.
In political sentiment, Mr. Huntzinger is a Re-
publican and a strong advocate of prohibition
principles. He would never accept public ofl3ce,
preferring to devote his time and attention to his
business interests and the enjoyment of his home
rather than to political contests. Both he and his
wife are members of the Lutheran Evangelical
Church. They reared a good family and are most
worthy people. Mr. Huntzinger has been an in-
dustrious, steady business roan, enterprising and
successful and it is with pleasure that we record
this brief sketch of himself and family who
justly i*ank among the best citizens of Jefferson
County.
ILLIAM M. HUFSTEDLER, of the firm
of Risk, Hufstedler <& Whitharo, was bom
W% in Parke County, Ind., on the 2d of Au-
gust, 1 843, and on the paternal side is of German
descent, while on the maternal side the family is of
Scotch origin. His parents, Martin and Mary
(Kirkham) Hufstedler, were natives of Kentucky
and Ohio, respectively.
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879
The subject of this sketch becanie'a resident of
Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1850. His father* following
agricultural pursuits, duringjhis j^outh he spent his
summer months in aiding him in the labors of the
farm and during the winter ^season attended the
common schools of the neighborhood. When a lad
of nineteen years he responded to his country's call
for troops, enlisting in Company C, Twenty-fifth
Iowa Infantry, in August, 1862. He served three
yeai-8 as a non-commissioned officer and^ partici-
pated in many famous battles and sieges of the war.
He was with Sherman at the first attack 'made on
Yicksburg, later participated in the battle of Ar-
kansas Post and at that place was wounded in the
shoulder bj' a f>lancing shell. This caused his lay-
ing aside all duty for six weeks, but at the end of
that time he rejoined his regiment. During the
siege of Yicksburg he was for forty-six days in the
pits and was present at the capture of that city.
He also took part in the battles of Jackson, Mis-\,
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Chatta-
nooga, Resaca, Dalton, Corinth, Kenesaw Moun-
tain and several minor engagements. At one time
lameness caused him to again take a much-needed
rest, but on his recovery he joined Sherman's army
at Kingston, N. C. He then remained with his
command until the close of the war, when he was
mustered out at Washington City, after participat-
ing in the Grand Review in May, 1865.
On his return from the army, where he had faith-
ftlly served his country for three years, Mr. Hufs-
tedler located in Fairfield. His education had been
interrupted by his enlistment and on his return he
attended a private school. Not desiring to follow
the pursuit to which he had been reared, he en-
gaged as a salesman with Maj. J. W. Moore, dealer
in groceries, hats and caps. A year later he bought
a half-interest in the business, but the night after
his purchase the store with nearly all its contents
was destroyed by fire. Hardly anything remained
and Mr. Hufstedler was foiced to resort to his
former employment of clerking. He secured a po-
sition with Wells, Sterver & Averill, one of the
oldest mercantile houses of Fairfield and remained
with that firm until 1873, when on the 18th of
September of that year he joined C. C. Risk in his
preent business. The firm continued operations
under the style of Risk <fe Hufstedler until 1882,
^when Mr. Whitham'[was |^admitted to partnership
and the firm name changed to Risk, Hufstedler &
Whitham.
On the 17th ofVune,';i875, Mr. Hufstedler mar-
ried Miss Emma[Mohr, their union being celebrated
in'Fairfield,; where their entire married life has been
passed. The lady is a native of Pottsville, Pa.,
and a daughter of Henry Mohr. Both are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, and in political
sentiment Mr. Hufstedler is a Republican. He is
an enterprising and^succcssfui; business man, re-
spected by all who know him, and^the firm of which
he is a member takes front rank^among the mercan-
tile establishments located infthe county seat of
Jefferson County.
""ipj^' i^!*^ ^^j^'8yB'^^^^^^tf'*^^*^»
ylLLLAM ALBERT WILCOXON, the pop-
ular photographer of Bonaparte, is a native
of Indiana. He was born in Delaware
County, that State, on the 9th of December, 1858,
and is a son of Horatio Wilcoxon. His father died
when he was a mere babe, only two years old, and
he then went to live with his uncle, John William-
son, who brought him to Iowa. He made a location
in Bonaparte Township, Van Buren County, where
our subject was reared to manhood, spending the
days of his boyhood and youth in the usual man-
ner of farmer lads. His education was acquired in
the district schools of the neighborhood, which he
attended only during the winter season as his
services were needed on the farm during the sum-
mer months, but on reaching years of maturity he
decided to make his life work some other profession
or occupation than that which had engrossed his
attention during boyhood. With a view of learn-
ing his present business, he came to Bonaparte in
the spring of 1880 and entered the photograph
gallery of Levi Henry, who instructed him in the
methods of the art. After mastering the business,
he continued with Mr. Henry as an employe for
some years, when in the autumn of 1889, he bought
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out the business and began life for himself. Little
more than a year has passed yet he has now a lib-
eral patronage and his business is constantly in-
creasing, a fact which gives evidence of the thor-
oughness and pleasing manner in which his work is
done.
In the year 1882 Mr. Wilcoxon was united in
the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary J.
Madden, daughter of Thomas Madden, one of
the early settlers and a prominent farmer of
Van Burcn County, now deceased. The lady is a
member of the Presbyterian Church and in the
community where she has so long made her home
has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. A
little daughter graces their union — Edith May. In
political sentiment, Mr. Wilcoxon is a supporter of
Republican principles. In speaking of him in the
beginning of this sketch we used the adjective pop-
ular. He is popular both in the line of his work
and in social circles. An agreeable companion,
intelligent and entertaining, he has won the high
regard of all with whom he has been brought in
contact.
'^•T^^c^-H'-:
: i-^xN^H":
#
ILLIAM F. EDMONDSON, Cashier of
\.^j// ^^^ Citizens* Bank of Milton, and an early
W^J settler of Van Buren County, Iowa, was
born in Henry County, Ind., September 16, 1845,
his parents being William and Mary B.
(McCutchan) Edmondson. During his infancy, in
the spring of 1846, the family* removed to Van
Buren County, Iowa, and on his father's farm in
Jackson Township, he was reared to manhood,
spending his time in the usual manner of farmer
lads. In the schools of the neigh borhood he ac-
quired a good English education and like a dutiful
son, he assisted his father until the latter's death.
From that time until 1880, he continued with his
brother, John C, on the farm, when he went
to California. He spent about a year and a half
in Windsor, a part of the time in mercantile bus-
iness. He then si>ent some seven months in San
Francisco. At the expiration of that period he
returned to Iowa, locating in Milton, where he
has since resided.
Mr. Edmondson, on the 9th of May, 1872, in
Van Buren County, was joined in wedlock with
Miss Clara, daughter of Joseph and Hannah
Williamson, and a native of Davis County, Iowa,
born on the 25th of April, 1854. H^r parents
were among the early pioneers of Van Buren
County, and her father helped to build the first
house in Farmington. His sketch appears else-
where in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Edmondson
are the parents of two children, Gilbert M. and
William G. The first na^ned was born in Oak
Point, Iowa, March 23, 1873, and is now a student
in Parsons College, of Fairfield. He has been as-
sistant Postmaster and clerk in the Milton office for
four years; also assistant Postmaster at Manitou
Springs Col., for a year, and won much praise for
his courteous and prompt discharge of duty. He
is an earnest Republican and for so young a man
remarkably well informed concerning the political
history of the country. During the late campaign
he made several political speeches which were well
received and his friends are justly proud of his
success and hope much for his future. William G.,
the younger son, was born in Oak Point, November
30, 1875, and is the present assistant to his mother
who is Postmistress of Milton, and is deservedly
popular for his faithful discharge of duty.
On his return from California, Mr. Edmondson
spent the succeeding three years in the employ of
the Milton Creamery, as their engineer and book-
keeper. On the 1st of February, 1886, he was
appointed Postmaster of that city, under President
Cleveland's administration, which position he held
until April, 1889, proving an efficient and faithful
officer and at the expiration of that time was
succeeded by his wife who is a pronounced Repub-
lican in her political views and whose efficient ser-
vice, while assisting her husband during his term
of office, had won the warm interest of the best
citizens of Milton. It was said that this lady's
petition was generally signed and the appointment
given her before the politicians, who were engin-
eering the appointment of one of their number,
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3S8
knew what was going on. It is probably the only
case on record in the State where a Republican
wife succeeded a Democratic husband in the post-
office. Mrs. Edmondson's administration of the
affairs of the office has been such as to commend
her to the good wishes of those representing the
postal department, and to win theconGdent opinion
of her fellow citizens that theirs is one of the best
managed offices in the State.
On the 1st of September, 1889, Mr. Edmondsou
was appointed Cashier of the Citizens* Bank of
Milton, which position he now holds. His conserv-
ative and careful management of the affairs of
the bank commands the respect and confidence of
its proprietors and patrons. ^ The citizens of
Jackson Township have elected Mr. Edmondson
to the office of Township Clerk seven times, five of
which were in sucession. In their religious views
he and his wife are Methodists, are consistent mem-
bers of that church and their sons have been reared
in the same belief. ^The family holds a high po-
sition in the social world and is widely known.
'- *'S*^M'^*S'*^
I APT. ABRAM IlINKLE, a leading farmer
and stock-raiser of Village Township, Van
Buren County, was born in Pendleton
County, Va., July 1, 1835, and is a son of Esau
and Leah (Harper) Hinkle. The Hinkle family is
of German origin, and the name was formerly
spelled Henkle. The great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, Abraham Hinkle, was a Lutheran preacher,
and was born soon after the arrival of his parents
in the United States, the family settling in Virginia.
The grandfather, Capt. Michael Hinkle, was for a
time a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
but later became a Universalist. His title was ac-
quired from service in the War of 1812, and he was
a wealthy farmer of Virginia, owning many slaves.
He married Sarah Judy, and unto them were born
eight children. In his community, Capt. Hinkle
was a leading citizen, and in politics was an Old
Line Whig. He died during the late war, at the
extreme old age of one hundred and one years, and
in his will made a provision that his negroes should
never be sold, and thus forced to leave their county.
The father of our subject was born in Virginia, in
1795, was an extensive farmer and stock -raiser, and
had a wide reputation as an energetic and capable
business man. He married Miss Harper, who was
born in Virginia, in 1800, and whose people were
advocates of freedom, as were the parents of our
subject, who supported the Union during the late
war. They made Virginia their home during their
entire lives, but the mother, who was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church for sixty years,
died in Kansas, while there on a visit in 1876.
Mr. Hinkle died in his native State, in 1888. He was
a Universalist in religious belief, and a Whig and
Republican in political sentiment. During the war
he was taken prisoner by the rebels, but through the
influence of friends was released, though he lost all
he had. In the family of this worthy couple were
twelve children, seven of whom are yet living,
namely: Mrs. Mary Haigler, of Colorado; Sarah,
living on the old homiistead in Virginia; Abram of
this sketch; Isaac, of Iowa; Mrs. Emily Phares, of
Harrisburg, Va.; Mrs. Ellen Harper, of Monticello,
Kan.; and Amby, of Cottonwood Falls, Kan.
Capt. Hinkle, whose name heads this sketch, was
reared on a farm among the mountains of Virginia,
and never attended school but six months through-
out his entire life. His mother instructed him at
home, and by observation and reading he has be-
come well informed. He remained under the par-
ental roof until 1855, when he came to Iowa, and
four 3' ears later crossed the plains with a team,
stopping at Pike's Peak. In the spring of 1861,
during the midst of the Rebellion he returned to
Virginia to his old home. With the exception of
his father, all of his relatives were in S3'mpathy with
the South, even his brothers. The Captain tried
to view the matter from a Southern standpoint, and
go with his friends, but in vain. Neither could he
stay at home, for men were forced to take sides, so
his father gave him one of his best horses an<l a
little money, and one morning, just after the battle
of Rich Mountain, he bade farewell to his parents,
and the next day reported himself at the head-
quarters of Gen. McClellan, then in command of
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the federal forces, who was so much impressed with
his appearance and Union sentiments, that he at once
proposed to engage him as a scout and guide to his
army. When he left his parents he told them he
would join the Union army, but as he had a brother
and brother-in law in the rebel army, they tried to
persuade him not to fight against his brothers, but
go North and remain silent or neutral; he told
them he felt it his duty to take sides, and that he
could not make a rebel out of himself.
On his way to join the Union forces, Capt. 11 inkle
stopped over night with a Mr. Taylor, whose beau-
tiful daughter was quite a favorite with young
Hinkle, and who tried hard to persuade him not to
join the Union forces, now only a few miles from
her home, as her father and seven brothers were all
at that time in the rebel army. While he found it
hard to resist the entreaties of his old sweetheart,
he nevertheless went on his way. McClellan left
him in W^est Virginia, when he went to take com-
mand of the Union forces on the Potomac, as his
superior knowledge of the mountains, and the peo-
ple of that country, made him of great value to the
Union forces operating In the Alleghany Moun-
tains. He served for awhile as a volunteer aid on
Gen. Millroy's staff, and participated in the battles
of Cheat Mountain and McDowel, with distinction.
At Franklin, (which was Mr. Hinkle's old home).
Gen. Robert Schenck took command of the federal
forces, and to him young Hinkle was introduced by
Gen. Millroy. and for whom he obtained informa-
tion that saved his command from being cut to
pieces by the intrepid Gen. Stonewall Jackson. A
few days after this, Gen. Fremont arrived with an
army of 25,000 with lieadquarters at Franklin, only
a few miles from the Captain's father's house.
When Fremont took command. Gen. Schenck in-
troduced young Hinkle to him, saying: ^'General,
here is the only Union man in this whole county,
and knows more of the country and its people, than
all of us put together." Fremont at once engaged
his services, placed him in command of all his
famous Jesse Scouts, (a company organized in Mis-
souri, and named in honor of his wife), with the
title of captain and a captain's pay, in which capa-
city he served during the war. He remained with
Fremont until that officer was superseded by Pope.
He was engaged in the battle of Cross Keys, near
Harrisonburg, Va.
We cannot give all the many incidents of the
services of our subject that are worthy a place in
any history, but suffice it to say he frequently ob-
tained information upon which whole armies were
moved, and on many occasions success was due to
his knowledge of the country' and of the enemy, ob-
tained in a way known to himself (and perhaps one
or two brave boys) onl}'. And this brave and gal-
lant young man's name would not be known in the
movements of the commands. He served under
Gen. Hunter in the same capacity, and the next
morning after the battle of Port Republic, he led a
battalion of cavalry into the town of Stanton, re-
leased about two hundred and fift}* prisoners, mostly
citizens, who were incarcerated (in whaltbey called
barracks), on account of their loyal sentiments, and
as his duty required him to be, he was always with
the advance guard, he was again sent back into
Western Virginia, where his superior knowledge of
the country in that mountainous region made his
services almost indispensable. He accompanied as
the chief guide and scout, the brave Averhill on
several of his raids inside the rebel lines; was with
him at the battle of Stoney Ford, near White Sul-
phur Springs in Virginia, where he was repulsed by
the rebel for(*es under Jackson, and would have
been cut entirely off, had it not been for this man's
knowledge of the country, who led them out by by-
roads and by-ways, and nothing official to show his
services save original letters from the many officers
with whom he served, all acknowledging his great
and valuable services.
On one occasion Ca[)t. Hinkle started with ten
picked men from New Creek, where Gen. Latham
was in command, in the evening, and at day-light
surprised a company of Capt. McNeil's famous
guerrillas in the town of Moorfield, fifty miles away,
and while more than one hundred yards in advance
of all his boys charging down the street, one brave
rebel officer stood to fight and emptied the contents
of a double-barrel shot-gun at him, killing the
Captain's horse, and several of the shots taking ef-
fect in his legs, and one in his hand, which he stjll
carries. He extricated himself from the horse as
he fell, and ran upon and captured his would-be
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slayer, who, by the time the horse fell, was not
more than twenty feet from the Captain, the blood
from his hand flowing freely. The rebel says, '*My
God I have shot you/' and the next moment they
recognized each other as old acquaintances. He
returned to camp with a prisoner for each man. On
another occasion he captured both his brother and
brother-in law.
Mr. Hinkle visited his father while Gen. Fremont
was near there, and while in his father's house there
was a band of rebel soldiers tried to capture him,
and would have done so, but for the faithful watch
of one of his father's old slaves, who saw them com-
ing, and running to the house, gave the alarm just
in time for !iis young master to make his escape.
Manfully did the old darkey fight to keep them
from taking his horse and equipments, which he
was watching, while the Captain was visiting his
parents, but they took him all the same. After
Lee's surrender, he felt the war was all over, and he
at once returned to his old home, to find his father
robbed of everything he had, both armies having
camped on his farm, eating up all his cattle, and
taking all his horses. And of course the result of
the war had freed all his slaves; but acccepting the
issues of the war manfully, he at once began to
build up again, but turned over the management of
his farms to his son, the subject of our narrative,
who stocked them up. He also took a large stock of
of general merchandise, purchased in Baltimore,into
his native village (Mt. Freedom), and for twelve
months his was the only store within seventy-five
miles of his place of business, consequently he did
an immense business.
In the fall of 1865, Capt. Hinkle was elected to
the Legislature of West Virginia, both parties vot-
ing for him. He refused to allow his name to be
used any further, as he had no taste for politics,
bnt turned his attention exclusively to business.
However, he consented to serve his county as Su-
pervisor, which place he filled with great ability,
finding much to do, as all the public buildings of
the county, as well as school houses, and all bridges
were destroyed during the war. He also served
seven years as Deputy United States Collector of
Internal Revenue.
On a visit to Iowa in 1865, he met Miss Sallie F.
Jordan, the only daughter of the pioneer Indian
trader, James H. Jordan, who was born in Iowa
ville, February 8, 1844, and on Christmas Eve, 1866,
they were married. They immediately returned to
Virginia, where he carried on his mercantile busi-
ness until 1871, when he sold out, and removing
to Iowa, purchased the farm on which he now lives,
his landed possessions now are a little over eleven
hundred acres, his home farm being one of the
finest in the county, if not in the State. He en-
gaged extensively in the business of breeding Short-
horn cattle, and his herds won many premiums,
both at State and county fairs. When it was dis-
persed in 1888, it was the largest individual herd
in the State. On the death of his wife he quit that
business, but is now extensively engaged in rais-
ing horses and cattle, and ranks as not only the
largest, but one of the most practical farmers in the
county, and is looked upon as one of the most thor-
ough going wide-awake business men of his county.
In 1883, Mrs. Hinkle was taken with consump-
tion ; her husband traveled with her extensively,
and she spent two winters in New Mexico, hoping
that the change of climate would prove beneficial,
but death claimed her for his own on February 10,
1888, leaving six children : Lora J., Arthur, Harry,
Nellie B., May, and Irwin. Nellie died at the age
of sixteen years, and Irwin at six. Mr. Hinkle has
been a life-long Republican, but can no longer
tolerate the protection tariflf, and is now Indepen*
dent. In the fullest sense of the word he is a self-
made man, and deserves an honorable place among
the representative men of his county and State.
Hfi-*^-?^-
^^^EORGE ALBERT DROZ, a farmer residing
[1(^=1 on section 17, Cedar Township, Jefferson
^Cj^l County, is the son of John P. and Mary P.
(Rives) Droz. His parents were both natives of
Alsace, France, and unto them were born two sons,
one of whom died in his native land. In April,
1847, accompanied by young George, who was
born in Alsace, March 3, 1836, Mr. and Mrs. Droz
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sailed from Havre to New Orleans, reaching the
latter city after a voyage of sixty -one days. They
then proceeded up the Mississippi to St. Louis, near
where, for some five years, Mr. Droz engaged in his
life occupation, farming. The year 1851 witnessed
the arrival of himself and family in Jefferson
County, where he purchased the farm upon which
our subject yet makes his home. It continued to
bo his place of abode until called to the better land
at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, who
like her husband, was a member of the Catholic
Church, died at the age of seventy-three years. In
politics, Mr. Droz was a Democrat.
The subject of this sketch, now a progressive and
influential farmer of Cedar Township, was educated
in the schools of his native land, but after his ar-
rival in America, he secured some English text
books, and familiarized himself with the American
tongue. He has now a fair knowledge of both lan-
guages, and is a well-informed man, who keeps
abreast of the times in everything of public in-
terest. His knowledge of the French language has
proved of great advantage to him as an interpreter
in the courts.
On the 30th of July, 1857, Mr. Droz was joined
in wedlock with Mary V. Rainiche, who was also a
native of Alsace, France, born February 27, 1838.
Some sixteen years later, she accompanied her
mother and brother to this country, the family lo-
cating in Jefferson County, Iowa. Her father died
in his native land.
Beginning their domestic life on the farm which
is still their home, their union was there blessed
with a family of ten children, who in the order of
birth are as follows: Louis J., George E., Francis
M.; Mary G., wife of John Roth; John P., who is
employed as a salesman in Denver, Colo.; Joseph
C, Philomene E., Adolph, Marie A., and Marie V.
With the exception of the two children above
specially raentionev], ail are yet at home, and the
members of the family are communicants of the
Catholic Church.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Droz is a Demo-
crat. He cast his first Presidential vote for Stephen
A. Douglas, and since that time has never swerved
in his allegiance to the Democracy. He filled the
office of Township Assessor for two years, and has
held other minor positions. He is accounted a suc-
cessful farmer and stock-raiser, and may well be
called a self-made man. His father was the pos-
sessor of some^$3,000 in France, but lost the entire
sum by giving it in charge of untrustworthy per-
sons when he emigrated to America. The joint
capital of father and son consisted of but 160 on
their arrival, but together they labored to retrieve
their lost property, and not only soon accomplished
that, but became possessors of much more. Mr.
Droz now owns three hundred and fifty acres of
land all under fence, which is well cultivated and
improved with a neat and tasty dwelling and good
barns and outbuildings. His example might well
encourage others to renewed efforts, for success
comes to those who labor in the right direction,
and who are the possessors of industrious habits,
enterprise and fair business ability.
^*»-*:
^^:^i;!^^^fi^7<^
ir-V-
Li^^HOMAS M. RIDER, who is engaged in farm-
//jS^ ing on section 3, Fairfield Township, is a
\<Ly representative of one of the pioneer families
of Jefferson County, his father, Capt. Daniel Rider,
having been prominently identified with the coun-
ty's history during its early days.
Our subject has si>ent almost his entire life in
this county. He was born November 11, 1838, in
Washington County, Pa., and came with bis |)ar-
ents to Iowa when a lad of eight years. He ac-
quired his education in the common schools, and
was reared to farm life. On attaining to man's es-
tate, he led to the marriage altar in Mt. Pleasant,
Iowa, on the 26th of March, 1873, Miss Belie M.
Register, daughter of Aaron H. Register, of Fair-
field Township, formerly of Washington County,
Pa., where the lady was born. Three children
grace their union, and they lost one son, who died
in infanc}'. Those living, two sons and a daugh-
ter, are Harry W., Zella B., and Warren W.
Mr. and Mrs. Rider began their domestic life upon
the farm which is still their home, and the husband
with the knowledge he acquired of the business
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387
while under the parental roof, has met with excel-
lent success in his undertaking. He is now the
owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixt}'-
nine acres, well tilled, and with excellent improve-
ments, and as the result of his industry and ener-
getic efforts, now takes rank among substantial
farmers of the communit3\ During the late war
he evinced his loyalty to the Government and
friendship for the cause, by three years of service.
Enlisting on the 2d of August, 1862, in the Sev-
enty-second Indiana Infantry, he marched in de-
fense of the old flag until the close of the war, when
on the 6th of July, 1865, he received his discharge.
The regiment formed part of the Army of the Cum-
berland, and with his command he. took part in all
of the battles from Stone River until the fall of At-
lanta, together with many others not included in
that campaign. After having faithfully served bis
country for three years, he was at length honor-
ably discharged.
While in Denver, Colo., whither he had gone on
account of failing health, Mr. Rider became a mem-
ber of Veteran Grand Army Post of that city with
which he still retains connection. In politics, he is
a Democrat, and in religious belief a Methodist.
In the community where he has so long made his
home and where he is so widely known, Tbomas
Rider is highly esteemed, and those who have been
witnesses of his career since boyhood are numbered
among his stanchest friends, thus showing bis life
has been an honorable and worthy one.
IL^ENRY C. SM ITH, a farmer of Cedar Town-
ifjl) ship, Jefferson County, residing on section
^^^ 23, is a native of Jefferson County, Ky.,
(i^) where his birth occurred on the 23d of
October, 1841, His parents were Nuby and Lydia
(Ballinger) Smith. His father, a native of North
Carolina, born November 24, 1816, accompanied
his parents to Jefferson County, Tenn., where he
became acquainted with and married Mrs. L3'dia
(Ballinger) Frazer. The lady was born in Ten-
nessee, October 1, 1807, and by her first marriage
became the mother of two sons and two daughters.
The year 1841 witnessed the removal of Nuby Smith
and his family to Jefferson County, Ky., but after a
short time he made his way to Jacksonville, III.,
where he spent one winter. The following spring he
came to Iowa and took up his residence in Jeffer-
son County, which was the third county bearing
that name in which he had made his home. He
entered a claim in the new purchase and planted a
crop. His oxen having strayed away, he started
in pursuit of them, and on his return found that
his crop had been eaten u[>. Discouraged, he
traded his claim for a horse and moved to the
Smith homestead, where he lived until his death.
For the first forty acres of that farm he gave in
payment his team. Hard was the struggle to get a
start, but by persevering industry and good man-
agement he at length overcame all obstacles, and
at his death was a well-to-do citizen of the commu-
nity, owning a fine farm of two hundred and sixty-
acres, upon \Yhich were many good improvements
that greatl}' enhanced its value. In politics he was
first a Whig and later a Republican. His death
occurred September 1, 1876, and his wife, who was
a consistent Christian lady, was called to her re-
ward June 27, 1888, having survived her husband
twelve years. Of their four children — Sarah E.
became the wife of Allen King, and is now deceased;
Henry C. is the second in order of birth ; Winfield
8. is a resident farmer of Cedar Township ; and
Zachary T. is a blacksmith of Wooster.
The early life of our subject passed uneven tfuU}',
unmarked by any occurrence of special importance.
He attended the district schools of the neighbor-
hood, and assisted in the labors attending the cul-
tivation of his father's farm until he had attained
to mature years, when, on the 11th of August,
1862, he responded to the country's call for troops
and donned the Union regimentals. He was as-
asigned to Company G, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry,
and went into camp in Keokuk, Iowa, where he
took the measles. He was unable to march when
his com pan}' was ordered to the front, but joined
his command atMilIiken*s Bend. He participated
in a number of important engagements, including
the battle of Jackson, Miss., the capture of Vicks-
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burg; Cherokee Station, Lookout Mountain and
Missionary Ridge. Durfng the last named an En-
field rifle ball passed through his left ankle and
lodged in his right. As a result his right foot had
to be amputated, and ere it was healed amputation
WcS imce more necessary. After spending some
three months in Nashville, Tenn., and five months
in Louisville, Ky., thence to Cincinnati, he was
allowed to return home, and in Keokuk, Iowa, on
the 1st of February, 1865, received his discharge.
Ever faithful to his duty, he proved a loyal sol-
dier, and brought honor to the colors which he
wore.
Since the war Mr. Smith has made Jefferson
County his home, but has spent considerable
time in traveling in this and foreign countries.
During his journeyings he has visited Missouri,
Kansas, Wisconsin and California, and in 1886
made a trip to Belgium, returning after throe
months with two thoroughbred Belgian draft
horses which he still owns. Socially, he is a mem-
ber of the Grand Army Post, and politically, is a
Republican. For almost half a century he has
made his home in Jefferson County, and is one of
her highly respected citizens. The same faithful-
ness which marked his career as a soldier has been
displayed in the discharge of every private duty,
and has won him the confidence and high regard of
those with whom he has had business or social re-
lations.
^PNDREW F. CASSEL resides on section
(^01 20, Lockridge Township, where he is en-
jjl ^ g&ged in farming. Among the early set-
(^ tiers of Jefferson County none merit more
honorable mention in this volume than the colony
of Swedes, who left everything dear on earth save
their families, to find comfortable homes for their
children in the New World. The colony consisted
of Peter Cassel and family, John Danielson and
family, John Munson and family, Peter Anderson
and family, and E. P. and Sarah Anderson, both of
whom were single. From their homes they went
by wagon to the Gotta Canal, a distance of about
fifty English miles, then by steamer, passiDg
through the lakes, Vetran and Vernan, on to Gut-
tenhurg, some fifty Swedish miles, or over three
hundred miles as we reckon distance. The vessel
in which the company was to sail was adjudged ud-
safe for the trip, and they were compelled to wait
for a month. Finally, on the 24th of June, 1845,
the vessel, '^Superb,** spread her canvas to the
wind, and with longing looks our i)arty of passeD-
gerssaw their beloved land fade from sight. Dur-
ing a fog the vessel collided with another in mid-
ocean, damaging the rigging of the *'Superb," but
still she held on her wa}', and after eight weeks sail-
ing landed in New York. There they were joined by
Peter Dahlburg. By railroad and canal they pro-
ceeded as far as Pittsburg, and thence by the Ohio
and Mississippi Rivers to Burlington, Iowa. Com-
ing on to Lockridge Township, Jefferson County,
they soon realized their dream of securing pleasant
homes. The character of these emigrants was
marked. They were people who feared God and
respected the rights of men. Though most of
them were poor, they were honest, industrious and
frugal. The leading spirit in forming and guiding
this colony in their efforts to reach the New World
was Peter Cassel, the father of our subject. He
was a man of intelligence, well informed and of
good business capacity. For a long time he read
and talked of America, but it took about two
years to raise and prepare the colony for embark-
ation.
Peter Cassel was born in Asby County, Sweden,
October 13, 1790, but was of German descent. His
early life was spent in acquiring the trade of a mill-
wright, at which he worked many yep.rs, though the
last six years he spent in Sweden were devoted t*)
the manufacture of threshing machines. On reach-
ing manhood he married Miss Catherine Anderson,
a native of Kisa County, Sweden, born Septenal)er
3, 1807. When it was found that Mr. Cassel had
fully decided to come to the United States, his
friends tried U> deter him by putting him forward
for representative of his county, but he declined
the honor, and would let nothing turn him aside
from his chosen course. He was a man of some
means, and used his money liberally in assisting
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889
those who accompanied him on the trip. After he
was established in Jefferson County, many of his
countr\'men came to enjoy the opportunities Amer-
ica affords for acquiring wealth, and all fiiund a
friend and ready helper in Mr. Cassel. Both he
and his wife were members of the Swedish Luth-
eran Church, but after coming to America, where
one is free to worship in any manner they desire,
they united with the Methodist Church, and he be-
came an ordained minister of that denomination.
His many acts of kindness, his deeds of charity,
his words of encouragement and ready assistance
to those in need of a friend, won him the confidence
and love of the entire communitj', who deeply
mourned his loss when his life on earth was ended.
He was called to his final rest March 4, 1857.
His wife long survived him, dying on the 3d of
May, 1877.
The family of this worthy couple numbered
seven children. Five were born in Sweden, and
after they found a home in Iowa the circle was in-
creased by the birth of another son and daughter.
Charles J., the eldest, is a farmer of Boone County,
Iowa; Andrew F. is the next younger; Matilda is
the wife of Frank O. Danielson, of this county ; Cath-
erine died at the age of nine years: Gustave died in
Helena, Ark., in 18G2, at the age of twenty-four
years, while defending the flag of his adopted coun-
try ; Edward died at the age of twenty-five years;
and Carrie, the youngest of the seven, is now the
wife of Axel Jacobson, who resides near Creston,
Iowa.
Andrew F. Cassel, a worthy representative of
this illustrious family, was born in Kisa County,
Sweden, on the 3d of December, 1831. He re-
ceived his early education in his native land, and
attended school for h short time in this country,
but has acquired the greater part of his knowledge
by intercourse with his fellow- men. especially in
his business relations. At the age of twenty-five
years he began life for himself, and shortly after-
ward, on the 13th of November, 1857, he married
Louisa Peterson, a native of Hyklinge Count3%
Sweden, born August 19, 1835. When twelve
years of age she accompanied her parents, Andrew
and Christina Peterson, to the I nited States, and
the family chose as a location Jefferson County,
Iowa. Six children have been born of their union
— Ella, at home; John W., who is employed in a
mercantile house of Kearney, Neb. ; Simon P., now
located in Denver, Colo.; Andrew E., Clara S. and
Esther A.
Having attained his majority prior to the elec-
tion of 1856, Mr. Cassel deposited his first ballot
for John C. Fremont, and at each succeeding elec-
tion has supported the Republican party. His fel-
low-citizens appreciating hir. worth and ability,
have frequently called upon him to serve in official
positions, where he has displayed his uprightness
and honesty by his faithful discharge of every duty
devolving upon him. In connection with all the
minor oflfices he was for nine years Assessor of his
township, for many years was Township Trustee,
for some twelve years has held the office of Notary
Public, for four years has been Bridge Commis-
sioner, and during the past six years has been a
member of the County Board of Supervisors. His
farm, comprising one hundred and twenty-seven
acres of well-improved land, yields to him a good
incom^, and in connection with its cultivation he
raises high grades of stock. In 1884 Mr. Cassel
was sent as a lay delegate to the Methodist Confer-
ence convened at Philadelphia, Pa., representing the
entire Swedish Church. His acquaintance extends
all over Jefferson County, and few are better, while
none are more favorably known. He has many
friends, but his enemies are indeed limited, for his
course has ever been such as to mn the confidence
and esteem of all with whom business or pleasure
have brought him in contact.
'> ^>^^^ <'
AMITEL WORK, an intelligent and re-
spected farmer of Union Township, Van
Buren County, residing on section 7, was
born in Clark County, Ind., September
1818. The family is of Scottish origin, but
from Scotland some of its members emigrated to
the North of Ireland, whence at an early day
in the history of the American Colonies, Henry
30,
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Work came to America. The family bad its rep-
resentatives in the Revolutionary War, and though
none of its members have distinguished themselves
in professional or mercantile life, a line of worthy
and respected citizens have descended from the
American progenitor.
Henry Work, the grandfather of our subject, was
born in Pennsylvania, grew to manhood in that
Stale, removed to Kentucky, and at length became
a resident of Indiana, where he became owner of
two five hundred-acre farms which, after his death,
were divided among his children. He left five
sons and three daughters — John, Samuel, Joseph,
Andrew, Henry, Sarah, Rebecca and Anna. The
third of the family, Joseph Work, became the
father of our subject. He was born in Fayette
County, Pa., and when a lad of fourteen years ac-
companied his family to Kentucky, and later to
Indiana. He was studious by nature, and although
his advantages were not of the best, he acquired a
good education, and became a leading citizen of
Indiana. He first gave his attention to farming as
a means of livelihood, but becoming crippled
through an accident, he devoted himself to teach-
ing, which profession he followed many years.
Possessing oratorical powers much above the aver-
age, and being a logical an<l deep thinker, he be-
came noted as a public speaker. Several terms he
represented his district in the State Legislature of
Indiana, and also served as Associate Judge for
some years. He was a great reader, and possessed
a retentive memory which proved of much benefit
to him in public life. His views of political ques-
tions changing, he discontinued his allegiance to
the Democracy and became a supporter of Whig
principles. He died on the 15th of December,
1845, at the age of fifty-five years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Elvy Dunn, was born
near Norfolk, Va., in February, 1799, and died on
the 14th of August, 1874. Their children were as
fullows — Samuel, of this sketch; Henry, deceased;
Joseph, who resides near Mt. Zion, Iowa; John, of
Kansas; William, who served in the Third Iowa
Cavalry, was taken prisoner and died at Shreve-
port, La., from the effect of 'ill-treatment from his
rebel captors; Susan is living in Kansas, and Mar-
tha and Sarah died in childhood.
No event of special impoi*tance marked the early
life of Spmuel Work. He was educated in the sub-
scription schools, attended the Clark County Semi-
nary, of Indiana, and remained under the parental
roof until twenty-three years of age, when he bade
good-bye to home and friends, and with three com-
panions started for Iowa in 1841 on a prospecting
tour. He purchased two hundred acres of land
adjoining Birmingham — his present farm, but there
is little similarity in the appearance of the culti-
vated fields of to-day and the barren acres of half
a century ago. Only ten acres of the entire
amount had been fenced, and the work of improve-
ment had not yet been begun. After making ^orne
preparation for a home he returned to Indiana, and
on the 6th of March married Miss Hannah Beggs,
a native of that State. Soon afterward he brought
his 3'oung bride to the West, making the journey
by river, and they began their domestic life in a
little log cabin with puncheon floor, the windows
of which looked more like port-holes than that for
which they were intended. Their lives have here
since been passed, but that pioneer home has long
since been replaced by a commodious residence.
His home farm comprises two hundred and forty
acres, and his landed possessions aggregate twelve
hundred acres, making him one of the extensive
property-owners of the county. In former years
he raised considerable stock, and personally super-
intended the cultivation of his farms, but the
greater part of his land is now rented, while he is
practically living a retired life.
Mr. and Mrs. Work have seven children living,
and have lost two sons. John, who enlisted in the
Thirtieth Iowa Regiment, and participated in many
battles of the late war, died in the hospital at Keo-
kuk. January 5, 1865; George, is living in Clark
County, Ind. ; Joe Q., a graduate of the Mt. Pleas-
ant College is now engaged in the practice of law
in Lamar, Barton County, Mo.; James M., is living
in Jefferson County, Iowa, and with his brother
Samuel, the next younger, engages in farming and
stock-raising; Thomas makes his home near Can-
tril, Iowa; Robert E. and Emma J. are at home;
and the other member of the family, a son, died in
childhood. Mr. Work is a friend to education,
and gave his children good advantages, thereby
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393
fitting them for the practical duties of life. In
[.olitics he is a Republican, having supported that
party since 1856, when he voted for Fremont, its
first candidate. His first Presidential ballot was
cast for William Henry Harrison, in 1840. During
those early days he manifested considerable inter-
est in political affairs, and had the pleasure of hear-
ing speeches made by Henr^'^ Clay, S. 8. Prentiss,
and other noted orators of the day. The name of
our subject is an index to his character, and to his
labors may be attributed his success in life.
APT. VOLTAIRE P. TWOMBLY, of
Keosauqua, is the present State Treasurer
of Iowa, and a native of Van Buren County,
among whose honored pioneers are numbered his
parents. His father, Samuel Tuttle Twombly, was
born in Madbury, N. H., and reared in Norway,
Me. He became a resident of the Territory of
Iowa about 1839, locating in Van Buren County,
where soon afterward he met and married Miss
Dorothy Carter Wilder, the wedding being cele-
brated at Sulubria, near Farmington. The lady
was born and reared in Westminster, Worcester
County, Mass., and the date of her arrival in Van
Buren County is August, 1838.
Our subject is the only child of his parents. He
was born February 21, 1842, in a log cabin, on a
small farm near Farmington, and the same year, in
the month of September, his father died. In 1843
the mother with her baby boy came to Keosauqua,
which is still her home at the age of seventy-one,
but for some years she has been in ver}' poor health.
To his mother our subject owes much. The care-
ful training of his youth has done not a little to-
wards shaping his after life, and while the mother
feels a just pride in her son, he cannot but remem-
ber with gratitude the service which she performed
for him. His education was acquired largely in
private schools in Keosauqua, as the public schools
of that day were not of a very high order. In the
years 1859 and 1860 he had the privilege of being
instructed by the Rev. Daniel Lane, the pioneer
Congregational ipinister of Keosauqua, whom all
his old scholars, and in fac^t all who knew him, re-
member with veneration and respect. From the
schoolroom, though only nineteen years of age, he
entered upon army life.
In April, 1861, immediately after the firing upon
Ft. Sumter, Mr. Twombly, responding to the first
call for troops, enh'sted in what became Company
F, of the Second Iowa Infantry'. James M. Tuttle,
afterward General, was the first Captain of the
company. He was mustered into the State ser-
vice May 1st, and on the 27th into the United States
service as a private, bqt was appointed Corporal
and assigned to the Color Guard of the regiment in
October, 1861. As such he took part in the charge
made by his regiment on the rebel right at Ft.
Donelson, February 15, 1862. In the report of
the part taken by his regiment in that battle Col.
Tuttle says: *'I cannot omit in this report an ac-
account of the Color Guard. Color Sergeant Doo-
little fell early in the engagement, pierced by four
balls and dangerously wounded. The colors were
then taken by Corporal Page, of Company B, who
soon fell, dead. They were then taken by Corporal
Churchill, of Company I, who had his arm broken
(afterward amputated) just as he entered the en-
trenchments, when they were taken by Corporal
Twombly, of Company F, who bore them gallantly
to the end of the fight. Not a single man of the
Color Guard but himself was on his feet at the
close of the engagement." As a reward of hid
meritorious conduct during that battle, Mr. Twom-
bly was made Sergeant, acting as Color-Sergeant,
and while serving in that capacity carried his
colors as the head of his regiment through the two
days battle of Shiloh, during the 6th and 7th of
April, 1862. During the siege of Corinth, Miss.,
he served as Second Lieutenant of his company,
and later received a commission as such to date
from August 1, 1862. During the battle of Cor-
inth, on the 3d and 4th of October following, he
was wounded, which necessitated his remaining in
the hospital for a month, the only time he was off
duty during more than four years of service. The
following year, 18G3, the Second Iowa Infantry, as
part of the First Brigade, Second Division, Sixteenth
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Army Corps, commanded by Gen. G. M. Dod^e,
was stationed at Corinth, wiience it proceeded
on many raids after Forrest and Rhodcy, with their
rebel cavalry, through Northern Mississippi, Ala-
bama and Western Tennessee. These troops were
stationed at Pulaski, Tenn., during the winter of
1863-64, and the last of April of the latter ytar
joined Sherman's Army just as it was moving out
of Chattanooga against the rebel array under Gen.
J. E. Johnston. With Dodge's Division of the
Army of the Tennessee, Mr. Twombly participated
in the many battles and skirmishes of the Atlanta
campaign from Resaca to Lovejoy Station, which
occurred between May 1 and September 1, 1864. He
was slightly wounded in the battle of Jonesboro,
August 31, but did not enter the hospital. In July,
of the same 3'ear, he was commissioned First Lieu-
tenant and Adjutant, and on the 10th of November,
was promoted to the rank of Captain, which posi-
tion he continued to fill during the remainder of
his service. With his company under Sherman he
marched **from Atlanta to the Sea." In January,
1865, while at Savannah, Ga., by an order from
division headquarters, he was ordered to repoit for
dut}' as Insi>ector of the Third Brigade, Fourth
Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and served in that
position during the march north through the Caro-
Unas to Goldsborough, and until mustered out. In
that march they met the enemy at Columbia, S. C,
and in Bentonville, N. C, where Mr. Twombly was
last under fire. From Goldsborough he marched
to Raleigh, and soon after the news of Johnson's
surrender, which brought hostilities to a close,
reached him. Going with his command North-
ward, he then took part in the Grand Review of
the Eastern and Western armies at Washington,
proceeded thence by rail to Louisville, Ky., where
he was mustered out July 12, and on the 20th of
July was finally discharged at Davenport, Iowa,
after a continuous service of more than four years
or throughout the entire war.
After a short visit to his mother and friends in
Keosauqua, Capt. Twombly entered Bryant <k
Stratton's Business College, of Burlington, Iowa,
and at the end of three months accepted a position
as manager of the large flouring interests at Ot-
tumwa, owned by the Orchard City Mills Company,
of Burlington. He there remained two years, dur-
ing which time he was united in marriage with
Miss Chloe A. Funk, of Keosauqua, the marriage
ceremony being performed on the 1st of May, 1866.
The lady is a daughter of William Funk, Esq., one
of the early settlers of Van Buren County, who
emigrated from Ohio to this State when Chloe was
three years old. She was born February 9, 1845.
From Ottumwa, in December, 1867, Mr. Twom-
bly removed to Pittsburg, Van Buren County,
Iowa, where he engaged in the milling business
with his father-in law until the spring of 1876, at
which time he removed to Keosauqua. The mer-
cantile business then engrossed his attention until
the autumn of 1879, when he entered into politic-s,
being nominated and elected Treasurer of Van
Buren County by the Republican party, receiving
a majority of two hundred and thiity-nine, while
the candidates for Sherifl", Countj' Superiudendent
and member of the Board of Supervisors were de-
feated. In 1881 he was renominated by acclamation,
and elected by a majority of four hundred, the
Democrats again electing Sheriff and Superintend-
ent. His second term closed January 1, 1884, ami
he announced himself a candidate for Treasurer of
State, for which oflfice he was nominated by accla-
mation at the Republican State Convention held in
Des Moines in August, 1884. With the others on
the ticket he was elected, having a majority of
nineteen thousand; in 1886 he was renominated
without opposition, and elected with a majority of
sixteen thousand; and in 1888 was renominated for
a third term. This is an unusual honor in Iowa.
The returns showed a majority of more than nine-
teen thousand, and a plurality of thirty-one thous-
and. By reason of this ofl3ce he is a member of
the Executive Council of the State, composed of
of the Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of
Stale and Treasurer of State, upon which body
many important duties devolve.
Mr. Twombly is a charter member of William C.
Harper Post, No. 79, G. A. R., of Keosauqua. and
has several times represented his post in the de-
partment encampment, by which he was elected a
delegate to the National Encampment held in St.
Louis, Mo., in October, 1887. He is a companion
of the First Class of the Military Order of the
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Loyal Legion of the United States, and is now Re-
corder of the Commandery of Iowa. He is also a
Master Mason of twenty -five years standing, and for
twenty years he and his wife have been active
members of the Congregational Church, he being a
delegate to the State Association, at its fiftieth
anniversary in May, 1890, at Des Moines, Iowa.
Mr. nnd Mrs. Twombly have been blessed with
five children, the two oldest, little girls, and thOv
fourth, a boy, died in infancy. The third, Will-
iam Tuttle, lived to be nearly seventeen years of
age, ond died December 28, 1887. He was the
pride of his parents, the sunshine of their home,
and was greatly resi)ected by both young and old.
Eva, the youngest and only living child, will be
twelve years old on the 10th of November, 1890.
The brilliant record of Voltaire P. Twombly is
familiar to Iowa's citizens, and words of praise and
commendation would seem almost superfluous, yet
a few facts relative to his public character we
should like to mention. His popularity through-
out Iowa is indicated by the large raajorit}' which
he received on his first election to the office of
State Treasurer, and no higher testimonial of eflft-
ciency and faithfulness to duty could be given
than the statement of. the fact that at the last elec-
tion he had a greater majority than ever before.
It shows the confidence reposed in him as a citizen
and public officer, and the honor of being three
times elected to his present position has been con-
ferred upon no other man in the State since 1871.
In church, society', and in public life his friends are
almost numberless, and even his political enemies
accord him their respect.
^¥^
i|/_^ ON. LEWIS FORDYCE, who resides on
section 14, Des Moines Township, Jefferson
County, is widely and favorably known
throughout Southeastern Iowa, and with the
growth of this portion of the State has been promi-
nently conneeted. He represents one of the hon-
ored pioneer families, the head of which was Jairus
Fordyce. He was a son of a Revolutionary hero
and his birth occurred in Pennsylvania. Removing
westward in his youth, be oecame acquainted with
Miss Susan Gard, a native of Ohio, whom he mar-
ried. He served under Gen. Harrison at the battle
of Tippecanoe. In 1815, they emigrated to the
Territory of Illinois. During his stay in the Prai-
rie State, he opened up two or three farms, but in
1837 he determined to try his fortune on the oppo-
site side of the Mississippi, and made a settlement
in Lee County, Iowa. Two years later he went to
Van Buren County, where his death occurred the
following year. His excellent wife survived him
fifteen years, dying in 1855. The members of their
family now living are Seth, of Union Township,
Van Buren County; Lewis, whose name heads this
sketch, and Mary, now INIrs. Miller, of Lee County,
Iowa.
Lewis Fordyce was about seventeen years of age
when he accompanied his family to Iowa. His
early life was passed amid the wild scenes of fron-
tier settlements, and his education was acquired in
the subscription schools of Wabash County, 111.
After becoming a citizen of Lee County he aided
in developing a farm. With his parents he went to
Van Buren County in 1839, but returned to Lee
County in 1845, and the following year was joined
in wedlock with Miss Mary Newby, a native of
Indiana, and a daughter of Gabriel and Rebecca
(Harvey) Newby, both of whom were born in
North Carolina, but at an early day became resi-
dents of Indiana, where they spent the remainder
of their lives. Both passed from this earth many
years ago.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Fordyce settled upon a
farm in Lee County, but at the end of three years
removed to Van Buren County, where he purchased
a partially improved farm. No one is better con-
versant with the correct methods of agriculture
than he, and his efforts were consequently attended
with success. Continuing his residence in Van Buren
County until 1873, ho then came to Jefferson
County, where he purchased an improved farm of
three hundred acres, one hundred of which he has
since given to his children, retaining two hundred
acres for his own use. Working his way upward
from a humble position, he overcame the hardships
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of pioneer life, surmounted the obstacles which lay
in his path and at length reached a position of af-
fluence, his property now being amply sufficient to
provide for all moderate wants through the remain-
der of his life, but he has not devoted his time
entirely to business pursuits. He has faithfully
discharged the duties of citizenship and has repre-
sented his district in the General Assembly of Iowa.
He was honored with an election to the Fourth
General Assembly ,representing Van Buren County,
and in the Twentieth General Assembly occupied
the seat assigned to the representative of Jefferson
County. In the legislative halls, he was an honored
member and one who faithfully looked after the
best interests of his constituents and the general
community. He has been an influential member in
local circles of the Republican party and was one
* of the organizers of that party in Van Buren
County. He has also held minor offices, was Town-
ship Clerk in Union Township, Van Buren County,
And while a resident of Lee County assisted in the
organization of its school sj^stem. A more import-
ant part of his work has been his labors in the
ministry. For many years he has been a member
of the Christian Church and for the past thirty^five
years has engaged in preaching the Gospel, his la-
burs extending into Missouri and throughout
Southeastern Iowa. He is now President of the
State Association of his church, and for thirty-
three years held the office of Secretary in its as-
semblies. His fervent and earnest words have been
instruments for good in the land, but his own up-
right and Christian life has been a no less potent
factor in the cause.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fordyce was born a family
of eight children and with one exception all are
yet living. Winfield is married and is now engaged
in the practice of medicine and surgery in Glasgow,
Jefferson County; P^ugene is married and makes
his home in Ventura County, Cal. ; Harry is mar-
ried and makes his home in the same countj-;
Thornton is married and resides near the old
homestead; Carl is yet with his parents; Oscar is
married and devotes himself to the practice of
medicine and surgery in Guthrie County; Lew
completes the number.
From the time when Iowa contained a popula-
tion of but twenty thousand, Mr. Fordyce has
made it his home. Few men now living have wit-
nessed so much of its growth or been so promi-
nenly identified with its interests. He is an honored
pioneer, a worthy citizen and an upright Christian
gentleman, whose influence for good in the com-
munitj' will still be felt long after he has passed
away. In all his work, he has found a helpmate
in his estimable wife, who has shared with him his
joy and sorrow, bis adversity and prosperit3\
— ^'-^^ii^^S;?^^
*-v
^^ EORGE SCHMIDTLKIN, one of the pioneer
(■[ (=» settlers of Jefferson County, residing on
^^^ section 36, Lockridge Township, is of
German birth. There were but two children born
unto John G. and Margaret (Kesz) Schmidtlein—
a son and daughter. The latter, Katherine, came
to this country and married Frederick Graff, but
is now deceased. The son, whoso name heads
this sketch, was born in Mittlefranken, Bavaria,
August 31, 1812, and hirt parents were also natives
of that district. His father died before he was
born and afterwards his mother became the wife
of George J. Wagher, by whom she had fourteen
children.
The educational advantages afforded our suhject
were very meagre indeed. As he was the oldest
son in a large family of half brothers and sisters,
he was forced to begin work when very young and
in consequence is a self-made man, having been al-
most entirely dependent upon his own efforts from
boyhood. He was twenty-five years of age when,
bidding good-by to home and friends, he left
his native land for America. After an ocean
voyage of eight weeks, he reached the shores of
the New Worbl and at once proceeded to Butler
County, Ohio, where he embarked in* farming.
Two years later he was joined by his mother,
step-father and ten children. During his residence
in Ohio, in August, 1840, he was joined in wed-
lock with Miss Mary B. Dallner^ who was born
near the birthplace of her husband, and came
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397
to the United States in the same ship on which he
was a passenger. The following April, the young
couple came to the Territory of Iowa, and making
selection of Jefferson Count}', as a favorable loca-
tion, Mr. Schmidtlein purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land. After paying for the same,
he had only $1.37 remaining, but by selling twenty
acres he obtainecl enough money to purchase an ox-
team wherewith to break and plow his land and
place it under cultivation. He paid his first taxes
with an ax which he had brought with him from
Ohio, and this is but one example of the means
resorted to in order to make a start in his
new home; but j^ear b}* year saw his possessions
increase, until now two hundred and twenty acres
of good land pay tributes to his care and cultiva-
tion.
In 1865, Mr. Schmidtlein was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 22nd
of Septemlx».r. Nine children were born unto
them — Henry, a farmer in Nevada; John A. and
George F., twins, engaged in farming in California
and Oregon, respectively; Lizzie, wife of Henry
Schreiber, of Lockridge Township; Anna, wife of
Henry Schobe, a resident of Walnut Township;
George W., a farmer of Nevada; Sophia, wif^ of
Louis Drover, whose home is in Lockridge Town-
ship; Frank, a resident farmer of Arizona; and
Charles, who is engaged in the same occupation at
the same place. On the 7th of June, 1866, Mr.
Schmidtlein married Katherine E. Schneider, who
was born in Hessen, Germany, March 6, 1837, and
in 1864- came with her parents, John and Mary
(Bebeheiser) Schneider, to the United States. The
following year they located in Jefferson County,
Iowa, where the father died at the age of seventy-
eight years, his wife in the eightieth year of her
age. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmidtlein were born
five children, but only one of the number, Caroline
L., is now living.
The parents, like their ancestors for several
generations remote, are members of the Lutheran
Church. In political sentiment he is a supporter
of the Democracy, having affiliated with that
party since casting his first Presidential vote for
James K. Polk. For almost half a century he has
made his home in Jefferson County; he has been a
witness of its growth and progress, and has aided
materially in its advancement, especially in its
agricultural interests. Whatever pertains to the
welfare of the community may be sure of his
hearty support, for he is a faithful citizen and feels
a just pride in the improvement of the country
which has so Ibng been his home. He has lived
the life of a hard working man, but has now a
comfortable competence. In the earlier days of
his settlement here, his farm being covered with
timber, he would spend the hours from sunrise
until dark in clearing away the brush, and between
the setting of the sun and midnight huge bonfires
would illuminate every thing around. In this
manner he labored on until the obstacles which
once surrounded his path were done away with and
prosperity blessed his efforts.
I I 3
€ 'i> B'
JOSEPH ROTH is numbered among the highly
respected citizens of Jefferson County, where
he has resided for the long period of forty-
seven years. His home is situated on section
12, Fairfield Township, and his farm embraces a
part of the land which he obtained from the Gov-
ernment almost half a century ago.' Although he
was then in very limited circumstances, his indus-
trious habits^ combined with enterprise and a deter-
mination to succeed, have secured for him a hand-
some competence, and he is now numbered among
the substantial farmers of the community.
Mr. Roth was born in Bellott, France, August
6, 1817. His parents, Jacquc and Kate Roth,
were also natives of the same country, emigrated
to America in 1831 and settled in Wayne County,
Ohio, but not until five years later did our subject
leave his native land to seek a home across the
water. He had just attained his majority when,
in 1836, he joined his family in Wayne County.
His capital was sixty-seven cents, and' with that
sum he began life in the New World, but in a
country where all who will, may work and rise
above a humble position, he met with success and
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prosperity crowned his efiPorts. He confined his
operations to the dairy business while in Ohio, but
since coming to Iowa has devoted his energies to
agricultural pursuits. His first purchase of land
in Jefferson County was a tract in Cedar Township,
which he obtained from the Government, and
which still forms a part of his farm. He made
his home thereon until 1849, when he moved across
the township line to his present home. As lime
passed and his farm began to prove a paying in-
vestment, he extended his acreage until at one time
he owned eight hundred acres, but a portion of
t]iis he has since divided with his children,and the
old homestead now comprises three hundred and
oixty acres. To those who know Mr. Roth nnd
are familiar with his industrious, practical and en-
ergetic habits, it is needless to say that his farm is
a model one in every particular. All necessary
improvements have been made, good stock is there
raised and fields of grain yield a golden reward
for his care and cultivation.
While in Wa>ne County, Ohio, Mr. Roth was
joined in wedlock with Miss Mar}^ Klopfenstein,
daughter of Christ Klopfenstein. She was born in
Southern France, on the 24lh of September, 1823,
came to America in the year 1832, and on the
23d of December, 1840, became the wife of Mr.
Roth. Two children were born unto them in
Ohio, and after their removal to Iowa the family
circle was increased by the birth of eleven chil-
dren, making in all a band of thirteen, seven sons
and six daughters. Of that nujnber nine are yet
living. Lydia, the eldest, died at the age of four
3' ears; Peter wedded Mary Weitzel and lives in
Black Hawk Township, Jefi'erson County ; Rebecca
is the wife of Adam Messer, of Lockridge Town-
ship, Jefferson County; Elizabeth died at the age
of one year; John wedded Mary J. Droz and is a
resident of Fairfield Township; Christian is at
home; Joseph died at the age of five years; Mary
is with her father; Anna is the wife of V. A. Lam-
son, of Fairfield ; Jake is at home; Lizzie died at
the age of three years; Edward married Mary An-
derson and is residing in H<ildridge, Neb.; Benja-
min F. is located in Omaha, Neb., and completes
the family. Mrs. Roth, the mother of the above-
named children, died on the 11th of March, 1886,
She was a Menonnite in religious belief and lived
a useful life. Mr. Roth and his daughter Mary
are also believers in the same faith and in politics
he and his sons, with one exception, are Demo-
crats. Genial, warm-hearted and loyal, he wins
hosts of friends and enjoys the confidence and
good-will of his neighbors in a marked degree.
jTf^.ENJAMIN F. FORD, who is engaged in
Jl^^ farming on section 28, Union Township,
iV^^jlj Van Bureu County, is a native of Ohio, his
^^^^^^ birth having occurred in Wayne County,
May 24, 1837. He is <lescended from good old
Revolutionary stock, his paternal great grandfather,
Henry Ford, having served in the War for Inde-
pendence and died in Wayne County, Ohio, at the
very advanced age of one hundred and fifteen
years and fifteen days. The father of our subject,
Jacob B. Ford, was born in Pennsylvania, May 27,
1804, and in his youth accompanied his family to
Wayne County, Ohio, where he formed the ac-
quaintance of Miss Christina Fleck, whose hand he
sought in marriage. They were joined in marriage
in Wayne County, where the lady was born in
1807. Her parents were Germans by birth and
could speak only their mother tongue. Having
resided in Ohio until 1849, Mr. Ford brought his
family to Iowa, locating in Iowa County, but the
following year he came to Van Buren County and
settled near Winchester, where his wife, who was a
member of the United Brethren Church, died in
1851. He afterwards married Mrs. Sallie Barker,
by whom he had three children, two yet living.
By his first wife he had nine children, four of
whom are living. About 1870, Mr. Ford became
a resident of Davis County, Iowa, where he still
makes his home. Politically he is a Democrat,
and in religious belief a Missionary Baptist.
In the usual manner of farmer lads Benjamin F.
Ford spent the days of his boyhood and youth.
His education was mostly acquired at his own fire-
side, his parents helping him to master the rudi-
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mentary branches of learning, for the schools in
their neighborhood were few in number and often
the teachers were very inefficient. On nearing
years of maturity, he looked about him for some
business he wished to follow, not caring to continue
farming and his choice fell upon the blacksmith's
trade. After mastering that occupation, he carried
on blacksraithing for a livelihood until 1864, when
he drove some stock to California, returning the
same year. He then opened a shop in Winchester,
where for nine years he attended to the wants of
the i>eople in need of his services, doing a good
business. Thereby he accumulated capital which
enabled him to purchase his present farm — a one
hundred and seventy-two and one-half acre tract
of good farming land, pleasantly situated about a
half mile south of Winchester.
An important event in the life of Mr. Ford oc-
curred on the 21st of November, 1859, which da}'
witnessed the celebration of his marriage with
Elezan Calhoun, who was bol*n in Holmes County,
Ohio, Februarj' 28, 1836. Her parents, John and
Isabel (Jameson) Calhoun, were natives of Penn-
sylvania, and in childhood emigrated to Holmes
County, Ohio, where they were married. In 1841,
they came to Iowa and spent the remainder of
their lives in Van Buren County. In their family
were nine children, of whom six yet live. The
father was a Democrat and died in the eighty-fifth
year of his age, while his wife had reached the age
of seventy -seven years at the time of her death.
Two children came to gladden the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Ford by their presence and the family
circle yet remains unbroken. The daughter, how-
ever has left the parental roof. She is now Mrs.
Luella L. Bonnette, wife of Amos Bonnette, a
resident of Union Township, Van Buren County.
The S(m, John H., is a farmer of the same town-
ship.
The upright lives of Mr. and Mrs. Ford have
won them warm friends and secured for them a
position in the ranks of Van Buren County's best
citizens. Both are active workers in the Methodist
Church, Mr. Ford serving as Class Leader and
Steward. He supports the Republican party but has
never been an office seeker, preferring to devote
himself to the interests of his family and his busi-
ness. When he began life for himself he had but
^14. but his ifforts were successful and he was
getting under fair way to become a prosperous
citizen when he went to California, taking with him
$1,000 of his earnings which he there sunk. On
his return good friends loaned him money where-
with to make a new start in life and by hard work,
good management and perseverance he has again
arisen.
_fiS2S_
CCJO
BRAHAM C. NOBLE, a practical farmer
residing en section 2, Fairfield Township,
*^ Jefiferson County, was born in Blair County,
Pa., on the 20th of April, 1821, and is a
son of John and Elizabeth (Crane) Noble. In the
usual manner of farmer lads his early life was
spent, the only educational advantages which he
received were such as the district schools afforded
and during the summer months when his services
were needed in the fields he was not permitted to
improve even those meagre opportunities. In 1837,
when a lad of sixteen years, he removed with his
family to Indiana County, Pa., where his father
operated an iron man u fact ury. Their home was
on the present site of the city of Altoona, and
the»-e he grew to manhood. On the 11th of January,
1844, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha
Altimus, who w^s a native of Indiana County, Pa.,
and a daughter of Nicholas Altimus. After eigh*
teen years of married life, she was called to her
final rest, leaving one child, a daughter, Mary,
who is now the wife of Joseph T. Ross of Oregon.
Mr. Noble was again married on the 11th of May,
1863, his second wife being Miss Martha B.
Madden, who was born in Franklin County, Pa.,
and is a daughter of Spencer Madden. In Novem-
ber, 1863, Mr. Noble closed out his business in the
Keystone State and leaving Cambria County, where
he had resided for some years, he started for the
West, Iowa being his destination. Locating in
Fairfield, he embarked in the mercantile business
which he carried on for two years and for the
succeeding ten years devoted his time and energies
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to dealing in live stock. At the expiration of that
time he took up the pursuit to which he had been
reared and has since been numbered among the
leading farmers of Jefferson County. His first
farm was situated in Black Hawk Township, but
afterward he removed to another farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres situated nearer tne city, and
in 1885 he took up his residence at his present
liome where he now owns forty acres of land.
In political sentiment Mr. Noble is a stanch
Republican and has been the people's choice to
represent them in a number of township offices,
the duties of which he discharged with prompt-
ness and fidelity. He is a member of Fairfield
Lodge, No. 37, K. P., and is a man well informed
on the leading issues of the day, both political and
otherwise. He was reared in the faith of the
Lutheran Church and is now a member of that
denomination, while his wife holds membership
with the Methodist Episcopal Church. This worthy
couple have a wide circle of friends and acquaint-
ance in Jefferson County, and this brief sketch of
their lives will undoubtedlj^ be received with inter-
est by many of our readers.
APT. DANIEL RIDER. Among those
prominently identified with the early settle-
ment of Iowa, must be mentioned the worthy
gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was
born in Fayette County, Pa., November 28, 1808,
and is a son of Lawrence and Ann Maria (Wen-
baugh) Rider. His ancestors on both sides were
among the early colonists of Pennsylvania, and
both of his grandfathers evinced their patriotism
by serving in the Colonial army in the War of the
Revolution.
Our subject was reared on a farm until nineteen
3'ears of age when he learned the tanner's and
currier's trade in Claysville, of his native State, and
was engaged in that line of business for twenty
years. As a companion on life's journey he chose
Miss Ann McCall, their wedding taking place in
January, 1832, in Washington County, Pa. The
lad}' is a native of that county and is descended from
an old family of Pennsylvania. vSeven children
were born to Captain and Mrs. Rider, four sons
and three daughters, the record of whom is as
follows: Mary J., the eldest, deceased ; George L.
married Matilda A. Conway, and is living in Cres-
ton, Pa. ; Ann Maria, wife of Andrew Simons,
deceased ; Thomas M. married Belle G. Register
and is a farmer of Fairfield Township, Jefferson
County ; Emeline is the wife of Madison Black,
also a resident of Fairfield Township ; Henry
wedded Miss Sarah Gow and resides on the old
homestead in the same township ; William T. was
twice married, wedding Miss Katie Cobb after the
death of his first wife, whose maiden name was
Jennie M. Fry.
Capt. Rider is an old time Democrat and prior
to coming to Iowa was quite prominent in Penn-
sylvania politics. He was twice elected to the
House of Representatives of his native State, and
served two terms as a member of that body with
credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.
He was also deputy United States Marshal of •
Pennsylvania and assisted in taking the census of
the Keystone State in 1840.
In the fall of 1846, with the desire to benefit his
financial condition he emigrated to the newly made
State of Iowa, locating in Jefferson Count}'. Shortly
after his arrival he became associated in business
with Messrs. Henn and Williams, under the firm
name of Henn, Williams <fe Co., real-estate dealers
of Fairfield, and was extensively engaged in locat-
ing and entering public lands. While devoting his
attention to that pursuit he located many thousand
acres of land in Iowa. The tract now embraced in
Sioux City was selected and entered by him as a
town site. In 1846, he settled upon the farm
which he now owns and occupies in company with
his son Henry, the location being section 3, Fair-
field Township. In connection with the operation
of his land, which is always well cultivated and
improved, he has taken a warm interest in bee cul-
ture and has kept an apiary nearly forty years, ani
for many years owned the largest in Jefferson
County, while it is now second in importance.
Mrs. Rider was a member of the United Presby-
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40JJ
terian Church in early life, but later joined her
husband in the Lutheran Church and was a member
of that society at the time of her death in Novem-
ber, 1872. The Captain has been a member of the
Lutheran Church since 1848. He is one of the
oldest early surviving settlers of Jefferson County
and his acquaintance throughout the State is ex-
tensive. A man of genial and affable manner,
always ready to perform any favor in his power
for a friend, neighbor or stranger, Capt. Rider has
made a host of friends and is regarded as one of
the most reliable and most highly esteemed citizens
of Jefferson County.
IIISECISKI'
^^ HARLES C. RISK, senior member of the
ll r? ^^^ ^^ ^*®^' Hufstedler and Whitham,
^^y the leading dry-goods firm of Fairfield,
and also a member of several other mercantile
houses, is a native of the Hawkeye State, his
birth having occurred in Washington County, No-
vember 16, 1839. His parents, R. C. and Susan
(Roberts) Risk, were pioneers of Brighton, Wash-
ington County, Iowa, of 1837. They were orig-
inally from Pennsylvania, and on their emigration
lo the West located first in Northern Illinois,
near Rockford, where they spent a few years and
then came to Iowa, settling in Brighton. Mr.
Risk's father was engaged in farming and mer-
chandising and is 'now engaged in loaning money
and attending to his landed interests.
The subject of this sketch was reared to farm
life and was educated in the private and common
schools of the neighborhood. He began his business
career as a salesman in his father's store in Brighton
and in 1862 was admitted to partnership. One
year later he formed a partnership with Charles
Kremer,under the firm name of Risk & Kremer, gen-
eral merchants, which connection continued three
years, when Mr. Risk bought out his partner and
continued the business one year, when he sold out
and removed to Manhattan Mills, Keokuk County.
The succeeding two years he spent in milling, and
merchandising in that place, part of the time as a
partner of his father and part of the time connected
with Mr. Bryon. The year 1869 witnessed his arrival
in Fairfield, where he embarked in merchandising
for himself. In 1871 ho took Mr. Sheward,a former
clerk, into partnership, but after a year and a half
that connection was dissolved. In September, 1873,
he associated with him as a partner William M. Huf-
stedler, the firm being Risk <fe Hufstedler, dealers
in dry-goods, boots and shoes. In 1882 J. M.
Whitham bought an interest in the business and
the existing firm was formed. The house has a
complete tailoring establishment connected with it,
and does an annual business of about $30,000:
In addition to the extensive mercantile house in
Fairfield, of which he is the head, Mr. Risk is con-
nected with several others of considerable import-
ance in neighboring cities, which he established,
and of which he is yet either sole or part owner.
In 1869 he established a general store in Liberty-
ville, Iowa, which he operated alone until 1888,
since which time Rola Warner h?is been his part-
ner and is now resident manager, the business being
conducted under the firm name of Risk <fe Warner.
When that establishment was placed in good work-
ing order Mr. Risk started a general store in Bir-
mingham, Van Buren County, in 1872,and continued
operations alone for ten years, when he sold out to
Joseph Graham an interest in the business, which is
now carried on under the style of Risk & Graham.
He is also engaged in milling in Merrimac. The
firm of Bryon, Risk <fe Saltzman are proprietors of
the Merrimac Mills, of that place, and are doing
an extensive and successful business. During the
past 3'ear they converted into flour upwards of
thirty thousand bushels of wheat, besides grinding
some ten thousand bushels of other grain. The
firm also owns a stock farm of three hundred and
twenty acres in Walnut Township, where they an-
nually feed about two hundred head of cattle. At
one time Mr. Risk was running stores at Perlee
and loka, Iowa, in addition to those previously
mentioned, having in all five separate stores at the
same time. He did all the buying for the five and
kept all Eastern accounts and paid all bills, and
during this period kept the books for the Fairfield
firm. In connection with J. W. Burnett, he owns the
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Fairfield Canning Factory, having been identified
with that enterprise for three years. He is also
owner of a stock farm of about three hundred acres
lying in the township of Fairfield, where he feeds
about two hundred head of cattle annually. He has
been successfully engaged in the stock business for
ihe past five or six years, and during 1889 he fatted
and sold two hundred head of cattle.
Mr. Risk was married in Washington County,
Iowa, on the 22d of August, 1864, to Miss Sarah
J. Townsend, a daughter of J. D. Townsend. Mrs.
Risk was born in Lawrence County, Pa., and came
to Iowa in 1861.
Mr. Risk is a Republican in politics, but has
never sought or desired public office. He has pre-
ferred to devote his undivided attention to his ex-
tensive business interests, and has been eminently
successful in the various enterprises which he has
undertaken. Industrious and energetic, possessing
good executive ability and a thorough knowledge
of mercantile business, Mr. Risk has not only built
up an extensive and prosperous business for him-
self, but has also aided others in getting a start,
choosing his partners generally from those who
have been his clerks for years and whose ability
and trustworthiness he has fullj^ tested.
J^ OEL E. CAMPBELL, an early settler who
for many years was a prominent merchant
of Fairfield, but is now living a retired life
' on his fflrm, was born in Washington, Wash-
ington County, Pa., March 23, 1822, and is a son
of William Passmore and Catherine (Poole) Camp-
bell. His father was born in Maryland, October
26, 1796, and was of Scotch and English descent.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was a na-
tive of Scotland and in his youth came to America,
where he married Miss Passmore, a lady of Eng-
lish origin. William Campbell, who in pursuit of
fortune engaged in merchandising, died June 29,
1825, at the early age of twenty-nine years. His
wife, who was born in Richmond, Va., in 1795, long
survived her husband and died in Fairfield, Iowa,
ill 1875, at the age of eighty years.
The subject of this sketch was reared in his na-
tive town and educated in Washington College.
He entered upon his business career as a salesman
in a mercantile e^tablishment and was married, in
Wheeling, Va., on the 13th of April, 1848, to Miss
Anna Eliza Crawford. This lady is a <laughter of
James and Margaret Crawford, and was born in the
city of Steuben ville, Ohio, in 1831.
Prior to his marriage, in 1845, Mr. Campbell
came to Jefferson County, Iowa, and purchased a
tract consisting of four hundred acres of land in
Fairfield Township, which is a part of his present
farm and which has now been in his possession for
almost half a century. He remained but a short
time in Iowa and then returned to Pennsylvania,
but in 1847 he made a second trip to Fairfield and
two years later established a general 8tor# in this
city in company with James Eckert. Leaving the
business in the care of his partner, he returned to
Pennsylvania, closed up his affairs in that State and
in April, 1850, brought his family to Fairfield.
His residence and a store were on the present site
of the First National Bank, and he continued busi-
ness at that point until 1858, when he sold out but
made his home in the city until 1875, when he re-
moved to his farm, which is situated on the east
half of section 11, Fairfield Township, and which
has sin(;e been his place of residence. He now owns
five hundred acres of rich prairie land, well im-
proved, and his home a tasty and commodious
brick structure, is pUasantly situated in the edge
of an extensive maple grove that shelters it from
the northwest winds and forms a bower of beauty
around it.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are the parents of six
children, four of whom are living: William P., who
married Melo Palmer, resides in Los Vegas, N.
Mex., where he publishes the Los Vegas Optic, of
which he is editorial manager; James, the second
child died at the age of one year, and Crawford
died in infancy; Samuel, unmarried, is a practicing
physician of Omaha, Neb.; Eugene was joined in
wedlock with Miss Minnie Derr, and is a leading
homeopathic physician of Fairfield; Anna is the
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wife of Joseph Whitham, junior partner of the firm
of Risk, Hufstedler & Whitham, of Fairfleld.
Mr. Campbell casts his ballot in support of the
Democracy and keeps himself well informed on
public affairs but has never sought or desired politi-
cal distinction. He Is a gentleman of superior busi-
ness ability and has been successful in his undertak-
ing mnch beyond the average of men. His course
in life has been marked by strict integrity and
fairness and has won for him the respect and esteem
of his fellow-citizens. He is truly one of the rep-
resentative men of the county for he has been
prominently connected with her business interests
and with the growth, progress and advancement
she has made.
=<iEORGE W. DAVIDSON, who is engaged in
- farming on section 21, Bonaparte Township,
\^^ has resided in Van Buren County for fifty-
four consecutive years, and is therefore numbered
among its earliest settlers. The public enterprises
of the county, such as were jcalculated for the up-
building of the community have received his sup-
port, and with the growth of the county he has
been prominently identified, especially has he been
instrumental in the development of its wild land.
He IS a native of Georgetown, Brown Count}^
Ohio, bom December 18, 1818, and is a son of
John and Mary (West) Davidson, the former a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland.
In childhood the}^ removed with their respective
families to Kentucky, settling near Augusta at an
early day, when the country round about was wild
and unimproved. Having married, they settled in
Brown County. In the midst of the heavy tim-
bered region Mr. Davidson developed a farm.
Twelve children were born of his union with Miss
West, eleven of whom lived to mature >ears, and
emigrated to Iowa. The eldest of the family is
John W.; Eliza married Gibson Hessler, and both
are now deceased; Nancy married Samuel Hessler,
and died in this county; Benjamin F., when last
heard of was in Texas; George W. is the next
younger; Christopher C. died in the South during
thfe Rebellion; Oliver E. went to Texas, and in
1862 started for the North. Being forced into the
service, he wtnt to Ft. Hudson, and was captured
by Gen. Banks. He was sent to the hospital at New
Orleans, where he is supposed to have died ; Thomas
P. died in the South; Mary Ann became the wife
of James Schoolcraft, and removed to Texas, but
during the Rebellion they returned to this county,
where both died; Matilda became the wife of Dan-
iel McCoy, and died in this county ; Susan became
the wife of Jacob Gardenhyre, and is living in the
South. One child died in infancy. In 1836, Mr.
Davidson, the father of this family, brought his
wife and children to Van Buren County, but sub-
sequently removed to Texas, where he died in
1878. In his early life he was a Whig, but on the
dissolution of that party became a Democrat. A
man of worth and intelligence, he became a promi-
inent citizen, and his opinions bore weight wherever
they were expressed. He was a member of the flrst
Constitutional Convention from Van Buren County.
His wife died in 1867.
Grandfather Joshua Davidson was seven years
in the Revolutionary War; was in the artillery, the
firing of which much impaired his hearing. His
father came from Scotland, and settled in Pennsyl-
vania, and his mother, Ellen Beam, emigrated from
Germany.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
county of his nativity, and in his boyhood days
was a school mate of U. S. Grant when they at-
tended the log schoolhouse together. At the age
of sixteen years he accompanied the family on
their removal to Vermilion County, 111. During
their journey they passed through Indianapolis,
then a mere hamlet containing but few houses. As
before stated, the month of July, 1836, witnessed
his arrival in Van Buren County, then a part of
the Territory of Wisconsin. He has borne his share
in the hardships and trials of pioneer life, and aided
in the arduous task of developing from the wild
land a fertile farm.
Mr. Davidson has been twice married. In 1840,
he led to the marriage altar Miss Hannah A. Tomp-
kins, daughter of Sarles and Anna Tompkins, and
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a distant relative of Gov. Tompkins, of New York,
of which State she''was a native. By their union
were born seven children as follows: SarlesT., who
enlisted in the Second Iowa Infantry, was wounded
in the thigh, at Corintii,''JMi8S., and] served three
years; Joanna, wife of John Ray, of Lewis County,
Mo.; James, who is living in Van Buren County;
Mary E., wife of William Scott, of Colorado;
Maria, wife of Samuel Giles, of Lewis County Mo.;
Sarah J., wife of James Tompkins, of California;
and Elma, wife of Pierce Bradford, who makes his
home in Van Buren County. Mrs. Davidson died
on the 30th of June, 1886, and her loss was sin-
cerely mourned by many friends as well as her im-
mediate family. She was reared in the faith of the
Society of Friends. On the 9th of April, 1889, Mr.
Davidson was again married, the lady of his choice
being Miss Nancy A. Pervines, daughter of James
and Mary Ann Pervines, pioneer settlers of this
county. She is a Presbyterian.
Few have longer been residents of Van Buren
County than he whose name heads this sketch, there
are not many more widely known, and none are
held in higher esteem. He has made farming his
life occupation, and devoted himself to that pur-
suit in a quiet, unassuming manner, at the same
time faithfully discharging his duties of citizenship.
Politically, he was a Whig, then a Republican until
of later years, now being conservative.
^5^E0RGE FATHERSON, a farmer and stock-
raiser on section 34, Des Moines Town-
ship, is a Tepresentative of one of the pio-
neer families of Van Buren County. He is of
English birth, but no truer American citizen finds
a home in Iowa, and among his fellow townsmen
he is held in high regard. He was born in Che-
shire, England, August 17, 1836, being the young-
est son of Thomas and Martha (Simpson) Father-
son, who were natives of the same county. His
father, unaccompanied by any member of his fam-
ily, left England in 1839, crossed the Atlantic to
America, and made a settlement in Van Buren
County, Iowa, where he entered a section of land
on Indian Creek. After making preparations for a
home, he was joined by his wife and children in
1854. Farming was the means he used to secure a
livelihood, and by strict attention to his business
he had acquired at the time of his death, which oc-
curred in 1866, a comfortable property. His wife
survived him some twelve years, dying in 1871.
Of their once large family which numbered thir-
teen members, only four are now living: William,
who is married and resides in Canada; Elizabeth,
now Mrs. Hankey, of Kansas; and Thomas, who is
living in Des Moines Township, Van Buren County.
The fourth member of the family is he whose
name heads this sketch. George Fatherson passed
his early life in his native land, and was educated
in its public schools. With his mother, brothers
and sisters, he bade good-by to his English home in
1854, and came to the New World, joining his fa-
ther in Van Buren County, Iowa. He was then
eighteen years of age, and shortly afterward he be-
gan life for himself, working as a farm hand. Hav-
ing by industry and economy accumulated some
means, in 1856 he made his first purchase of land,
consisting of an eighty-acre tract, to the improve-
ment of which he devoted his energies until 1864,
when he made an overland trip to California. The
succeeding three years of his life he was engaged
in farming on the Pacific Coast, but in that time be
became convinced that Iowa was the home for him,
and he returned to Van Buren County. Shortly
afterward he led to the marriage altar Miss Editha
Phillips, a native of Licking County, Ohio, and a
daughter of John and Matilda (Pumphrey) Phil-
lips, who were also born in Licking County. The
year 1840 witnessed their emigration to Van Buren
County, and locating in Des Moines Township,
Mr. Phillips opened up a farm which continued to
be his home up to, the time of his death, which oc-
curred in 1874. His wife preceded him eleven
years, dying in 1863. Mr. Phillips was one of the
influential and respected citizens of the county. He
took a prominent part in political affairs, was an
ardent supporter of Republican principles, and did
all in his power for the success of the party. But
he was most actively engaged in religious work, and
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407
his faith and belief prompted him to perform works
of charity and benevolence, and acts of kindness
which won him the love and regard of all, and en-
shrined his memory in the hearts of those upon
whom he bestowed his favors.
Mr. and Mrs. Fatherson- have spent their entire
married life on the farm which is still their home,
and there have been born unto them three children
— Mattie, Thomas, and John, all of whom are yet
living. The two eldest are graduates of the High
School of Keosauqua, and John is now pursuing the
required course of study in that school. The home
of this family is a pleasant residence situated in
the midst of two hundred and eighty acres of valu-
able land, which is under a high state of cultiva-
tion. There are found all the peeded improve-
ments, and many of an ornamental character. A
chief branch of the industry of Mr. Fatherson, is
stock-raising, he making a specialty of thorough-
bred Durham cattle and Shropshire sheep. His
political sentiments are Republican, he having voted
with that party since becoming an American citi-
zen. For several consecutive years he has held the
office of Justice of the Peace, and has aho been a
member of the School Board. The cauSe of educa-
tion finds in him a warm friend, and he has done
not a little to advance the standard of the schools
in this community. Thirty-six years have come
and gone since Mr. Fatherson located in this county,
and many are the changes which have taken place
during that interval. It has also brought prosper-
ity to him through his own efforts, and after his
name may be written the words of praise, '^a self-
made man."
JOHN ROSS, a representative farmer of Fair-
field Township, Jeff-erson County, residing
on section 3, has been connected with the
growth and advancement of this community
since April, 1866. He was born in Fayette County,
Pa., and owns an interest in a farm which has
been in possession qt the family since 1783, The
first member of the family of whom we have any
record was Robert Ross, the grandfather of a sec-
ond Robert Ross, who was the original ancestor of
the American branch, and the great-grandfather of
our subject. The father of John Ross was Hanan-
iah Ross, who was born April 18, 1800, and died in
the same house where his birth occurred. The
maiden name of his wife was Hannah Rider.
The subject of this sketch received a common-
school education and was reared to farm life. He
visited Jefferson County in 1847 on a prospecting
tour but did not then make a location. He re-
turned to his native Stale and on the 10th of Feb-
ruary of the following year was united in marriage
with Miss Rebecca J. Winders, a daughter of Sam-
uel and Margaret (Burnside) Winders. She was
born in Meade ville. Pa., and her mother belonged
to the same family of which Gen. Burnside was a
member. The following children graced their union:
Laura; Virginia ; George Y., who married Emma
Ross and is now a dealer in hardware and machin-
ery in Piano, Iowa ; Jessie S., wife of Thomas
Davies, who is living in Black Hawk Township,
Jefferson County; William G., an attorney of Fair-
field, and Alma. Margaret and Josiah, the two
eldest of the family died at the ages of twelve and
twenty-two years respectively.
For a few years after his marriage, Mr. Ross en-
gaged in farming in his native Statf but in 1855
turned his attention to merchandising which he
carried on in Masontown, Pa., for some eleven
years. Selling out in 1866, he then came to Jeff-
erson County and making a location on section 3,
Fairfield Township, has since carried on farming
with some degree of success. As regards his po-
litical sentiments he is now a Republican, having
supported that party since its organization. His
first Presidential vote was cast in 1849 for Zach-
ary Taylor. Mr. Ross was instrumental in the or-
ganization of the County Agricultural Association
which has now been in existence for fifteen years.
He was made its first secretary and still holds the
position, having been continuously in that office
with the exception of three terms. He has also
been the Secretary of the School Board of Fairfield
Township for a continuous period of twenty years
ftud hag dope pot a little for the advancement of
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the cause of education in this neighborhood. Mr.
Ross is an enterprising and successful farmer and
has been prominently identified with the public
affairs of Jefferson County since his arrival in Iowa,
and takes rank among its representative citizens.
♦^^
ylLLIAM ANSON, a farmer and stock-
raiser of Henry Township, residing on
section 9, has spent 'almost his entire life
in Van Buren County. He was born in Pike
County, Mo., on December 10, 1827, and at the
age of seven years accompanied his parents, Henry
and Elizabeth (Paralee) Anson, to Iowa. Being
the youngest in a family of twelve children the
advantages which be received in his youth were
necessarily limited. The first school which he at-
tended was taught by Dr. Comstock in a log
building, the dimensions of which were 8x8 feet.
He there conned his first lessons and in the district
schools of the neighborhood acquired a knowledge
of the common branches. The companions of his
boyhood were mostly Indian lads, for the red men
were still numerous in the neighborhood having
not yet left for their western reservation. He
became well"*ftoquainled with the chiefs. Black
Hawk and Keokuk, who frequently came to his
father's home and remained for a meal.
At eighteen years of age Mr. Anson began life
for himself. By that time his older brothers and
sisters were almost all married and left the parental
roof for* homes of their own and he took upon
himself the management and care of the home-
stead farm. In 1862 he was united in marriage
with Miss Charlotta Martin, a daughter of Abner
and Louisa (White) Martin, who are numbered
among the pioneer settlers of Van Buren County.
The same spring he purchased two hundred and
fifty acres of partially improved land in Henry
Township which constitutes a portion of his present
farm and began its development, transforming the
wild prairie into rich and fertile fields. As his
financial resources were increased, the result of hib
energy and industry, he extended the boundaries
of his farm and purchased other lands until bis
possessions now aggregate seven hundred and ten
acres. The homestead is one of the finest farms in
the community, having good buildings, well kept
fences and the latest improved machinery which
together with his comfortable residence plainly in-
dicates that the owner is a man of thrift and enter-
prise. In addition to general farming be carries
on stock raising, keeping on hand only improved
grades. In political sentiment, Mr. Anson is a
Republican and in the success of his party mauifcsts
a deep interest. The cause of education finds in
him a warm friend and any worthy object calcu-
lated to benefit or upbuild the county may feel
assured that it will receive his liearty support and
co-operation.
Mr. and Mrs. Anson are the parents of five
children now living and they lost one son, Grant,
who died in 1864. Those who still survive are
Bello, Owen, Iowa, Curtis and Fred.
*
ENRY C. HILL, of the firm of Bell, Hill &
Kays, dealers in grain', lumber, seeds and
^^ live stock, is one of the leading business
^) men of Milton. This business, in wbich he
is now a partner, was established by J. D. Hollings-
head about 1880, who, five years later, was joined
by C. E. Bull and the business carried on under
the firm name of Hollingshead & Bull. In 1887,
Mr. Hollingshead retired, Mr. Hill purchasing bis
interest and the firm'style was changed to Bull <fe
Hill, under which business was conducted until
July, 1890, when Mr. Bull retired and the existing
partnership between Messrs. Bell, Hill & Kays was
formed. This house does an annual business
amounting to upwards of $250,000, and the mem-
bers of the firm rank among the progressive and
enterprising citizens of Milton.
The subject of this sketch, Henry C. Hill, v«s
born in Norwalk, Hnron County, Ohio, October 5,
1843, and is the son of Hazen H, and Louisa E,
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409
(Norton) Hill. His father was born near Concord,
N. H., July 10, 1813, and was descended from an
old New England family. His mother was born in
Rutland County, Vt., June 3, 1818, and was of
Scotch descent. They were married in Huron
County, Ohio, and had a family of seven children,
six sons and one daughter. Thd sons are all 3'et
living. The father died December 19, 1865, but
the mother survives and is still a resident of the
old home in phio.
Henry C. was reared on a farm and received such
educational advantages as were aflPorded by the
oommon schools of that day. He was married Sep-
tember 8, 1869. to Miss Phoebe A. Riggs, daugh-
ter Qf P^dward and Mary Jane (Buck) Riggs, and
the following April removed with his young bride
to Sullivan County, Mo., where he embarked in
merchandising. He was engaged in business . in
Scottsville, of that county for four years, and eight
years at Browning, and his efforts were attended
with a good degree of success. It was in 1882 that
after selling out in Missouri he came to Milton,
Iowa, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits with
John C. Calhoun, they purchasing the trade and
stock of John W. Carr. That connection contin-
ued four years when the partnership was dissolved
and Mr. Hill returned to his native State, but after
a year spent in Ohio he again came to Iowa, in
1887, and bought into the lumber and grain busi-
ness with Mr. Bull. In connection with the mer-
cantile business, during his residence in Missouri,
he was extensively engaged as a dealer in live stock,
and that branch of the business of the present firm
is an important one. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have two
children — Hazen Henry, born August 26, 1870, in
Scottsville, Mo., and Harry Wilford, born in
Browning, Mo., July 16, 1875. Mr. Hill is n Re-
publican in politics, and socially, a member of
Jackson Lodge, No. 28, I. O. O. F. His wife holds
membership in the Baptist Church.
The war record of the subject of this sketch is as
follows. On the 18th of February, 1864. he enlisted
as a member of Company C, Fifty-fifth Ohio Infan-
try and served until the cessation of hostilities, be-
ing discharged May 29, 1865. He participated in
the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
)4ountain ^pd th^ b?imes before Atlanta, apd yf^s
with Gen. Sherman in the celebrated march to the
sea. He was also engaged in the Carolina cam-
paigns and at the battle of Aberysborough, N. C,
on the 16th of March, 1865, received a gun-shot
wound through the left hip, which injured him
severely. After remaining a time in the field hos-
pital he was removed to David's Island Hospital,
from which he was discharged on the 29th of May,
following.
Mr. Hill is an active, enterprising and successful
business man and, with his partners, has built up
an extensive business in their line as the figures
show. They handle annually from fifty thousand
to seventy-five thousand bushels of grain, and five
hundred thousand feet of lumber and a large
amount of live stock, aggregating about a quarter
of a milllion dollars in value.
> '>K' <
<i IVILLIAM EDMONDSON, deceased, is num-
\'kj/i ^^^^ among the honored pioneers of Van
)^ Buren County, of 1846. He was born in
Rockbridge County, Va., March 3, 1795, and was
descended from an old Virginia family. The days
of his boyhood and youth were spent upon his
father's farm and in his native State he was mar-
ried, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary B.
McCutchan, daughter of William and Margaret
McCutchan, and a native of Augusta County, Va.,
born on the 27th of January, 1805, of ttcotch and
Irish descent.
Mr. Edmondson was a soldier in the United
States Army during the War of 1812. Shortly af-
ter his marriage, he removed with his bride to
Henry County, Ind., where they resided until the
spring of 1846, when they came to Iowa and set-
tled in the northern part of Jackson Township,Van
Buren County. They traveled by team and en-
dured all the hardships and disadvantages incident
to the emigration to a new country. Unto this
worthy couple were born five children, three sons
and two daughters. Henry, the el<\est, died Sep-
^epib^r, 24, 1834; Sar^h, died ^t tb^ age of eight
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years; Mary J., is now the wife of J. C. Holland,of
Jackson Township; John C, married Maria Strain
and resides upon the old homestead; William F.,
wedded Clara Williamson, the present Postmistress
of Milton, and is now Cashier of the Citizens* Bank
at that place.
With the assistance of his sons, Mr. Edmondson
improved a farm in Jackson Township, placing un-
der a high state of cultivation the land on which he
settled and which in return yielded him a golden
tribute for his care and labor, lie was appointed
Postmaster of the Oak Point post office, in Jackson
Township, the 6rst established office in that town-
ship; being the second to fill the position. He re-
ceived his commission in 1856, and his term of
service continued ten years or until he was called
to his final rest on the 13th of October, 1866. On
the death of Mr. £dmondson,his son, John C, suc-
ceeded to the post-office, which he held five years
and in turn he was succeeded by the youngest son,
William F., who held the position ten years, so that
the office was in the family for a quarter of a cen-
tury.
In early life,Mr. Edmondson was a Whig and af-
ter the dissolution of that party became a Demo-
crat. Both he and his wife were members of the
Presbyterian Church and lived upright and faith-
ful lives. Mrs. Edmondson survived her husband
many years, dying on the 27th of January, 1886,
on her eighty-first birthday. Both were highly re-
spected and useful members of society.
JOSEPH GRAHAM, of the firm of Risk &
Graham, merchants of Birmingham, Van
Buren County, is a native of Ohio, and his
parents,Joseph and Mary (Glover) Graham,
weie natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respect-
ively'. During the days of youth and maidenhood,
they emigrated to Ohio where they were married
and where was born unto them a family of eight
children, six of whom are yet living. Joseph is
the sixth in order of birth, and was but ten years
of age at the time of his mother's death. His
father subsequently married again and emigrated
to Van Buren County, Iowa, in 1849, locating nine
miles west of Birmingham, from which farm here-
moved after two years to one adjoining the city
limits. Throughout his entire life he engaged in
agricultural pursuits. He enlisted in the War of
1812, but peace was declared before his regiment
was called into action. In political sentiment, be
was firit a Whig and later a Republican and both
he and his wife were members of the Metb«/dist
Episcopal Church until late in life, when be joined
the Free Methodists.
The birth of our subject occurred in Noble
County, Ohio, April 21,1832, and in his native
State engaged in farm labor, he was reared to man-
hood. Like thousands of others his educational
advantages were liuiited to those of the district
schools, but reading and observation in after life
have made him a well-informed man. He gave his
service to his father until he was twenty-five years
of age and in the years which have followed has
gained liis entire property. On the 30th of October,
1856, he was united in marringe with Miss Mar-
garet Walter, a native of Barbour County, W. Va.,
born in September. 1835. She came to Van Buren
County, Iowa, with her parents in 1854, and their
union was blessed with four children, of whom, the
eldest, George W., died at the age of twenty-two
years, while Letitia V., the youngest, died in in-
fancy; Elmer E., is master of the Union Depot at
Minneapolis, Minn.; and James H. is a sales-
man for Risk <& Hufstedler,of Fair6eld. The mother
of this family, a consistent member of the Free
Methodist Church and a lady possessing many ex-
cellencies of character, died December 22, 1877.
On the 2nd of December, 1880, Mr. Graham wed-
ded Olivia L. Noreross, a native of Wisconsin.
The business history of our subject is as follows:
On starting out in life for himself he engaged in
operating a saw mill, Benjamin Casner being asso-
ciated with him as his partner for three years. Sub-
sequently he was engaged in running the engioe
and the saw for the Birmingham mill, wljen, in
November, 1870, he entered the employ of C. C.
Risk as a salesman in his large general store at Bir-
mingham,who placed the entire charge of the busi-
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411
ness in his liands. For nine years he served in
that capacity when he was admitted to partnersliip,
a relation which has continued for eleven consec-
utive years with good feeling on both sides, while
from a financial standpoint it has also been a suc-
cess. In connection with his interest in the busi-
ness, Mr. Grahan) is also the owner of eighty acres
of land, comprised in the old homestead. He may
truly be called a self-made man, who by his own
efforts hns gained a comfortable competence for
which he deserves no little credit. Asa supporter
of the Republican party, for many years he cast his
ballot Itut in later 3'ears has identified himself with
the Prohibitionists. He has been honored with the
offices of Mayor and Councilman of Birmingham,
which he filled with credit to himself and satisfac-
tion to his constituents. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are
members of the Fre<j Methodist Church, in which
he holds the office of Trustee, and in the Sunday-
school he serves as Superintendent. His public
and private life are alike above reproach, com-
mending him to the confidence of all with whom
he comes in contact. The home of himself and his
worthy wife is noted for its hospitality and their
friends in the community are many.
FRANKLIN P. MOWERY, an intelligent
) and progressive farmer and stock-raiser of
_^ Jefferson Count}', resides on section 30,
Poik Township, and is a representative of one
of the highly respected families of the community.
His parents, David and Sarah (Dial) Mowery, were
natives of Ohio, where their marriage was celebrated
and whence they came to Jefferson County in
1845. Mr. Mowery settled upon the farm in
Polk Township, where our subject now resides, and
entered four hundred acres of land, which farm he
*afterwards increased by subsequent purchase. He
was well pleased with his new home in the West
and continued here to live until life's journey was
ended. He passed away in 1877, and his wife died
in 1886. He faithfully discharged all his duties of
citizenship, lived an upright and useful life, and it
was therefore an occasion of deep regi'et on the
part of many friends when the news of his death
reached them.
F. P. Mowery, whose name heads this sketch,
was the tenth in order of birth in a family of
twelve children. He was liberally educated, his
primary course of training being supplemented b}'
two years attendance at the Axline Academy, of
Fairfield, and a two years course in the Jowa
Business and Normal College, of Des Moines. For
some eighteen months he then engaged in real-
estate dealing in Des Moines, but at the end of that
time returned to Jefferson County and resumed the
occupation to which he had been reared. In 1877,
he led to the marripge altar Miss Cora Kirby.
The lady was born in Warren County, Ilj., and is a
daughter of John and Anna (Osborn) Kirby, who
removed from Illinois to Jefferson County, Iowa,
in 1870. For some time they made their home in
Polk Township, but are now residents of Fairfield.
Mr. Kirby was born in Pennsylvania, and in
Illinois, in 1856, wedded Miss Osborn, who was a
native of the Empire State, whence she had
removed to Illinois with her parents in girlhood.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mowery have been born four
children — Gay lord, Paul, Carrie and Earl, and the
family circle yet remains unbroken.
This worthy couple began their domestic life
upon the farm on which they still make their
home. It now comprises two hundred and seven
acres, divided into fields of convenient size which
are well kept and improved. In the barns are
found some fine specimens of Kentucky Short-horn
cattle, of which he makes a specialty, together with
other good grades of stock. The secret of hip
success in life is contained in the one short word,
work. He is now numbered among the substantial
citizens of the community, possessing a competence
which furnishes him with all the comforts of life,
together with many of its luxuries. He takes
an active interest in political affairs and on ques-
tions of national importance casts bis ballot with
the Democratic party, but at local elections his
support is given to the man whom he thinks
will best fill the position. He has served both as
Treasurer and Secretary of the School Board, and
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has done not a little for the advancement of the
cause of education in this community. He is an
honored member of both the Odd Fellows society
and Masonic fraternit}', belonging to Abingdon
Lodt^e, No. 468, I. O. O. F., of which he has been
Commander and Inside Guard, and also belongs to
Abingdon Lodge, No. 104, A. F. and A. M.,
of which he is now Secretary. He and his wife
hold a high position in the social world due to
their worth and intelligence, and are people whom
any community might be proud to claim as
citizens.
"^^'i-^i-^
AMES A. FOWLER, a self-made man and
highly respected citizen of Van Buren
County, owns two hundred and seventeen
and one-half acres of the fine farming land
of Southeastern Iowa. His home farm comprises
one hundred and fifty- seven and one-half acres on
section 9, Vernon Township, while a quarter section
of land in Henry Township also pays to him a
golden tribute. His parents, Henry and Mary
(Moore) Fowler, arc numbered among the pioneers
of Van Buren County. In 1843 they made a set-
tlement near Bonaparte, but shortly afterwards the
father was drowned in the Des Moines River dur-
ing a flood, being carried over the dam near Bona-
parte. His wife survived him about ten years,
when she too was called to her final rest. In their
family were five children, but only three of the
number grew to mature years: Catherine, wife of
Thomas Minshall, of Huston County, Minn.; Lu-
cretia, deceased wife of Joseph Dofl'elenge; and
James A., of this sketch.
Our subject was born in Indiana in 1842, and at
the age of twelve years was left an orphan. Two
years later he began life for himself as a farm
hand, working in that capacity for about seven
years or until the fall of 1862, when he responded
to his country's call for troops, enlisting on the
Joth of September, ^s a member of Company P,
Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, under Capt. Charles J.
McGinnis. He was mustered into service at Keo-
kuk and the regiment was assigned to the First
Division, Fifteenth Corps of the Army of the
Tennessee. After spending a few weeks at Benton
Barracks, Mo., the troops were sent down the Mis-
sissippi River to Helena, Ark , where for the first
time Mr. Fowler was surrounded by the leaden
hail and became acquainted with the horrors of
war. Afterwards he participated in the Black River
expedition and with his regiment took part in many
of the famous and hard fought battles of the war,
including the engagements at Vicksburg, Jackson,
Miss., Arkansas Post, Big Black River, the seige
of Vicksburg, the battles of Port Hudson, Little
Rock, Ark., Brownville, Miss., Dalton, Ga., Chat-
tanooga, Tenn., Cane Creek, Ala., Lookout Moun-
tain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Ga., Kenesaw
Mountain, Lone Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Taylor
Ridge, Ga., Decatur, Ala., Resaca, and Dallas, Ga.,
the battle of New Hope Church, Marietta, Big
Shanty, the two battles of Atlanta, Jonesboro,
Griswoldville and the seige of Savannah. He ac-
companied Gen. Sherman on the celebrated March
to the Sea, and then returned participating in the
Carolina campaign to Richmond, Va. At Resaca
he received a gunshot wound in the left leg just
above the ankle joint, but as he was color-bearer
of his regiment he remained at his post and car-
ried the banner forward to victory. His service
was an arduous one, in which he encountered great
risks but he was ever found at his post of duty,
valiantly defending the old flag but at the close of
the war he was honorably discharged and was mus-
tered out in Washington, D. C, on the 5th of June,
1865.
When his country no longer needed his services,
Mr. Fowler returned to his home and once more
engaged in work as a farm hand. In 1867, he was
united in marriage with Miss Amanda Perkins,
daughter of William and Mary (Myers) Perkins.
They have two children, a son and daughter: Will-
iam, who is married and operates his father's farm
in Vernon Township; and Anna M., at home, and
Bertha, who died when about five years old. Mr.
Fowler purchased and moved to his farm in Vernon
Township in \h^ sprin|Sf of 1674. Jt comprises
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413
one bundred and fifty-seven and one-half acres
under a high state of cultivation but in a short
tiiue he expects to remove to his farm in Henry
Township. He is a representative farmer of the
community who thoroughly understands his busi-
ness in all its details and as a result of good man-
at^ement, industry and perseverance he has now a
comfortable competence. He certainl}' deserves
great credit for his success and may truly be called
a self-made man. Beginning life for himself at a
tender age he steadily worked his way upward,
overcoming the difficulties and obstacles which i&y
in his path. In political sentiment Mr. Fowler is
a Republican and takes ah active interest in the
growth and success of his party. He has been
honored with a number of local offices, held the
position of Assessor for five consecutive years,
served as T<»wn8hip Trustee and for the past five
3-ears has been a member of the County Board
of Supervisors. He always attends thd county
conventions of his county as a delegate and his
opinions carry weight with them in those assem-
blies. He is a member of Shriver Post, G. A. R.
of Keosauqua, and is a member of the Ma-
sonic and Odd Fellows societies. He contri-
butes liberally to the support of churches and
charitable and benevolent institutions, and has al-
ways taken an active part in everything pertaining
to the community and its best interests. Both he
and his wife and daughter are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of Mt. Sterling and
have lived consistent Christian lives.
Ip^ORTER PLEASANTS is the senior member
of the hardware firm of P. & R. W. Pleas-
ants. In presenting his sketch to the readers
1^ of the Album, we record the life work of
one of Birmingham's most enterprising citizens,
whose business industry and energy have done not
a little for the upbuilding of the city.
The Pleasants family is of English extraction
und was founded in America during the early days
of Virginian history. The Goff family, from
which our subject is descended on the maternal
I side, was one of the early families of Massachusetts
and had its representatives in the Revolutionary
War. The gun which the great-grandfather of
our subject carried during that struggle is now in
possession of Charles C. Pleasants, father of Porter,
and is one of the cherished relics of the family.
Mr. Pleasants is a Bostonian by birth, the date
of his arrival in that city being 1812. When he
was ten years of age, he was left an orphan and
soon afterward was bound out to learn the ship
carpenter's trade. With the son of his "boss,"
who was captain of a vessel, he went to sea, and
believing that he was able to look after his own
affairs, he left his master and for twelve years con-
tinued to follow that life. He arose to the position
of mate, but not having education enough to permit
further advancement, ho left the ocean and worked
at his trade on the Erie Canal. In Seneca County,
N. Y., he married Miss Sarah A. Goff, who was
born in that county in 1818. Believing that it
would be for the interests of his family to make a
home in the West, in 1855, he came to Van Buren
County and for a time kept a hotel in Birmingham.
Twenty-two years later he and his sons opened a
hardware store in Birmingham which has been
carried on by the family continuously since. In
1882, Porter and Richard W. became sole proprie-
tors and are still the OJvners of the establishment.
In the family were six children: George W., a
ranchman and teacher of California; Porter,
whose name heads this sketch; Charles H., a resi-
dent farmer, of Brown County, South Dak. ; Elea-
nora, wife of G. B. Sapp of Illinois; Frances M.,
wife of Robert Fee, of California; and Richard W.,
Charles H. served two years in the late war as a
member of the Fifth Iowa Infantry.
To return to the history of our subject. He
was born in Seneca County, N. Y., on the 25th of
March, 1843, and was twelve years of age when he
accompanied the family to the then far western
state of Iowa. Four years later he was apprenticed
to learn the cabinet trade but ere the completion
of his term of service he enlisted for the late war,
becoming a member of Company II, Fifth Iowa In-
fantry, the first company that w^nt from Biriping,
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ham, in Jul}-, 1861. After operating under Fre-
mont in Missouri, witii Pope, the troops went to
the capture of New Madrid and when tiiat was
accomplished proceeded up the Tennessee River to
tlie siege of Corinth,where he was stationed during
a greater part of the summer. Receiving his die- ^
charge in December, 1862, at Quincy, III., Mr.
Pleasants returned to his home and finished learn-
ing his trade in Fairfield, after which he spent a
year working at the same in Hannibal, Mo. In
1865, he crossed the plains to California, reaching
after five months of travel, Virginia City, Nev.,
where he carried on operations as a millwright for
about four years. In the meantime, the Pacific
Railroad was constructed, and in 1869 he returned
to Iowa by rail, but after a few months spent at
home again traveled, but this time his course laid
S(^uthward. He found work in iVew Orleans very
Fcarce and soon the supply of means whic^h he and
his friend had brought with them was exhausted.
But still no work. Mr Pleasants then pawned
some of his clothes, but the money thus obtained
was also spent before work was secured. As they
saw no opportunity for securing work at their
trade, they shoveled dirt on the levee for a few
(Inys and then started for Jackson, Miss., making
the entire distance one hundred and fifty miles, on
foot. There occurred a change in his fortune and
his efforts to secure employment were at last met
with success. He erected a number of sawmills
and became superintendent of the machinery in a
planing mill.
It was also in the South, that on Christmas Day
of 1870, Mr. Pleasants was joined in wedlock with
Miss Sarah Warner, who was born near Jackson,
Miss., December 13, 1848. In 1872, they returned
to Birmingham but soon afterwards went to Jack-
son ville, III., Mr. Pleasants hoping thereby to regain
his health. In 1873, he went to Hannibal, Mo.,
where he followed his trade for a short time and
in June we find him in St. Louis, where he re-
mained until December, 1881. Again coming to
Birmingham, he then became a partner in the
hardware store of which he is now senior proprie-
tor. His father was for some time a part owner
but in 1882, the business was turned over to him-
self and brother, Richard W, The latt^^r w^ born
in Birmingham, September 12, 1859, and was
reared and educated in the city schools. He entered
the business in February, 1878, and with the ex-
ception of about two months has always been found
behind the counter, strictly attending to the inter-
ests of the store. The firm of Pleasants Bros, is
composed of two of the leading business men of
Birmingham and the excellent trade which has
come to them is justly merited. The senior partner
is also a director in and secretary and superinten-
dent of the Birmingham Butter and Cheese Manu-
facturing Company. He is a Republican in politics
but Richard is a Democrat. The former has been
honored with the office of Mayor of Birmingham,
to which he was four times elected, and the latter
hfts served as Councilman. Mrs. Pleasants is a
member of the Christian Church and Mr. Pleasants
holds membership with the Grand Army of the
Republic. With no rich relatives or influential
friends (o aid him, he started out on foot from
Birmingham after the war, with a capital of $1.60
in his pocket. Many discouragements and difficul-
ties were encountered by him but pressing forward
with indomitable energy and determined will he at
length reached the goal of success. It tnkes push
and thrift to succeed in this world, and when we
know under what obstacles Mr. Pleasants labored
we see that he must have had an abundance of
those elements essential to prosperity.
?RANK O. DANIELSON, a leading farmer
fe) residing on section 21, Lockridge Town-
/l^ ^ ship, and one of the representatives of that
worthy Swedish colony that emigrated to America
in 1845, making a settlement in Jefferson County,
Iowa, was born in Kisa County, Sweden, September
13, 1839. His father, John Danielson, was born in
Hyklinge County, Sweden, August 25, 1799, and
his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth
Anderson, was born in the same neighborhood
August 18, 1792. For many yeai-s he was foreman
of » large farm — Folingso, and lifter he operated (^
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415
mill. He was an influential citizen who was ever
found on the side of right and stood high in his
commnnity. After coming to this country he de-
voted himself to agricultural pursuits. In their
earlier years both he and his wife were members of
the Lutheran Church, but after coming to America
accepted the doctrines of the Methodist Church.
In politics, he was first a Whig and later a Republi-
can and in the social and business world he ranked
high. His death occurred on the 8th of November,
1884, and his wife passed away August 31, 1885.
Id their family were five children — John A., who
enlisted in Company H, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, as
a private, rose to the rank of Captain and was
woundfid at the battle of Shiloh from the effects of
which he died ; A. Victor died at the age-of twenty-
five years; Maria A. is the wife of Ward Lamson, of
Fairfield; and Matilda S. is the wife of John
StepheDSon who resides in Lockridge Township.
The fifth member of the family, Frank O. Daniel-
son, received very limited educational advantages
in his youth but by his own eflPorts has acquired a
good practical knowledge. He was quite young, a
lad of but six summers, when the family crossed
the Atlantic to seek a home in the New World. He
was |;herefore reared in Jefferson County and re-
mained at home until 1859, when he went to Harri-
son where he earned his first money. While there,
the Civil War broke out and taking up the cause of
the Union, on the 2nd of July, 1861, he enlisted in
Company B, Fourth Iowa Infantry. He shared in
a number of important engagements including the
battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg,
the two battles of Jackson, the engagement at
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, White Oak
Hill?, Resaca, luka, the capture of Atlanta and the
battles of Jonesboro, where he received his dis-
charge on September 4, 1 864, after a service of over
three years. At the battle of Cherokee Station, he
received a slight wound but was otherwise unin-
jured and retutned to his home with the conscious-
ness of having faithfully performed his duty in
every instance at the hazard of his life.
Go being mustered out of service, Mr. Danielson
returned to Jefferson County and on the 2nd of
September, 1866, was united in marriage with Mrs.
Matilda M. Peterson, daughter of Peter and Cath-
erine (Anderson) Cassel. She was born in Kisa
County, Sweden, January 27, 1834, and by her
former marriage had two children but lost one in
infancy. The surviving daughter, Henrietta, is now
the wife of Rev. N. G. Nelson, of Seattle, Wash.
To Mr. and Mrs. Danielson was born a daughter —
Delia E. who died at the age of nine] years. The
parents are of the Methodist faith and in the church
to which they belong are;active workers. Casting
his'first Presidential vote for Douglas, Mr. Daniel-
son continued to aflfiliate with the Democratic party
until during the war, when he changed his views
and has since been a stanch advocate of Republican
principles. He is now in comfortable circumstances,
owning a good farm of one hundred and ninety-
five acres as the result of his own efforts. Practical
yet progressive, he is ready to accept any tested im-
provement and about his home is found all the
accessories necessary to a'model farm of the nine-
teenth century. His value as] a citizen is unques-
tioned and therefore he merits a representation in
this'volume.
-:-^<^
ACOB WALMER, deceased, is numbered
among the honored pioneers of Fairfield
Township, Jefferson County, where from the
time of his settlement in 1849, until his
death on the 5th of January, 1863, he labored
earnestly for the interests of his family and the
community, doing all in his power for the promo-
tion of public enterprises and the advancement of
the general welfare. Mr. Walmer was born in
Dauphin County, Pa., in 1797, and was a son of
George Walmer. He was reared to farm life and
in his native State in 1820, was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah Shone, a daughter of Henry Shoue.
She was born in Dauphin County, in 1807, and after
their marriage they removed to Wayne County,
Ohio, settling near Wooster, where they resided
from 1823 until their emigration in May, 1849,
to Jefferson County, Iowa.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Walmer was blessed
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with a family of thirteen children, six sons and
seven daughters and of tliat number seven grew to
mature j^ears, namely: Mary, wife of Jacob Pon-
tius of Wayne County, Ohio; Eliza, who is the
widow of Abraham Wolf and a resident of Mon-
tana; Martha, wife of Enoch Gable, a resident of
Lancaster County, Neb.; Catherine,wife of William
Gift who is living in Wapello County, near Ot-
tumwa, Iowa; Daniel, who wedded Mary Duncan
and after her death married Susanna C. Whitson,
is a representative farmer of Fairfield Township;
Joseph married Lizzie Patterson and is living in
Cedar Township; Anthony Wayne, who was born
in Iowa, mafried Jennie Camlin and is living in
Holridge, Neb.
During his residence in Jefferson County, Mr.
Walmer made farming his occupation and at the
time of his death owned three hundred and thirteen
acres of good land. His wife long survived him
and died on November 5, 1886. Both were faith-
ful members of the Lutheran Church and were
earnest workers in the Master's vineyard, doing all
in their power to promote the cause of Christianity
on earth. Mr. Walmer in 1860 cast his ballot for
President Lincoln and continued a supporter of
that party until his death. He was industrious and
energetic, an honorable and upright man and all
who knew him respected him for his many excel-
lencies of character.
f^
^OIIN G. PETERSON, one of the extensive
landowners and successful farmers of Van
Buren County, resides on section 34, Jack-
son Township. With only one hundred and
tweuty acres of raw land with which to begin
life, he has added to his capital, and just as the
resnlt of his thrift and enterprise seven hundred
and sixty acres of arable land now pay tribute to
his care and cultivation.
The Peterson family is of Holland extraction
and was founded in America during Colonial <lays
by the great-grandfather of our subject, who set-
tled in New Jersey. He was one of the first to
cross the Blue Ridge Mountains and made a loca-
tion at Cincinnati, Ohio, when that city was com-
posed of only a few log huts. The father of our
subject, Ralph Peterson, was born in Adams County,
Ohio, in 1808, and after attaining to mature years,
in 1829, wedded Miss Mary Groves, who was left
an orphan during her infancy. They continued to
reside in the Buckeye State until 1 835, when they
became residents of Indiana, and in 1839 they lo-
cated in Van Buren County, Iowa, where Mr.
Peterson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
raw land. At the time of his death he was the
owner of a fine farm of two hundred and twenty
acres, and to all of his children he had given either
money or land in order to furnish them with a
good start in life. His death occurred in 1888, at
the age of nearly eighty years, and his wife died
in 1885. They were the parents of twelve chil-
dren, three of whom died in infancy and two
daughters in mature life. The rest of those who
grew to mature years are still living, but the fam-
ily is now widely scattered. Five brothers — ^Jacob
R., William H., George A., Ralph B. and Edward
A. are living in Sprink County, S. D., near Nortb-
ville.
John G. Peterson was born May 31, 1831, and
is a representative of one of the pioneer families
of Van Buren County. The date of their ar-
rival was October 12, 1839, and they settleii upon
a farm four miles south of Keosauqua, where our
subject was reared to manhood. On attaining to
mature years he left the parental roof and started
out in life for himself, bis capital, as before stated,
being one hundred and twenty acres of raw prairie
land. With characteristic energy he improved
this tract, transforming it into rich and fertile
fields, and as his financial resources increased he
made other judicious purchases from time to time,
until his possessions now aggregate seven hundred
and sixty acres. In addition to the cultivation of
his farm, he is engaged in feeding cattle for the
market, which branch of industry also yields him
a good income. Mr. Peterson is a sagacious and
far-sighted business man, and the success which
has attended his efforts is the result of his own
thrift, perseverance and good management, sup-
plemented by correct business principles.
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In 1 852^ Mr. Peterson was united in marriage
with Mary Jane Creath, but after a shart wedded
life of five years she was called to her final rest,
dying in 1857. He was again married, in 1859, to
Margaret E. Stemple, who was born in 1846. One
child graces their union — Jennie, wife of Frank P.
Blanchard, and has two children, Beulah and John
G. In politics Mr. Peterson is a Republican and
has served ns Assessor but has never sought public
office, preferring to devote his time and attention
to his business interests, in which he has certainly
met with excellent success. Without displaying
egotism, he may justly be proud of his business
career.
■^
I/AMES BESWICK, Jr., is a representative
farmer of Union Township, Van Buren
County, residing on section 26. For forty
years he has been identified with the growth
and progress of this community and has borne no
inconsiderable part in the advancement of its
worthy enterprises. He is now one of the heaviest
tax payers in the township, but no complaint is
heard from him as he feels it his duty to aid in the
promotion of the interests of the county. His
early life however, was not passed amid prosperous
surroundings. He was born on a farm in Wash-
ington County, Ohio, March 13, 1832, was reared
to manhood under the parental roof and in the old
log schoolhouse common at that day familiarized
himself with the English branches. He was a
y<)ung man of eighteen years, when in 1850, the
family came to Van Buren County, Iowa. On
attaining his majority he hired out to his father
for whom he had hitherto worked without compen-
sation, as a dutiful son, repaying in a measure the
care and attention which he had received in his
youth. Knowing that he would wish to begin
to make something for himself, his .father then
ofifered him $100 per year and his clothes. The
offer was accepted and for some time he aided
m the operation of the home farm.
On the 2l8t of October, 1858, Mr. Beswick was
joined in wedlock with Mary E. Whittlesey, a
native of Ohio, born August 18, 1840. They be-
came parents of four children — Agnes V., now
the wife of C. R. Johnson ; Alice M., .wife of
Stephen Johnson ; Wilson S. who died at the age
of sixteen years ; and Lena R., wife of Julius
Nixon. The mother of these children died on
the 4th of September, 1868, and November 25,
1869. 'Mr. Beswick led to the marriage altar
Miss Viola Racer, who was born in Washington
Count}', Ohio, September 6, 1849, and at the
age of eighteen years came Lo Van Buren County.
Two children grace their union — W. Lloyd and
Worthy D. who are still with their parents.
Mr. Beswick and his wife are members of the
Baptist Church, and in the social world are held
in high regard. The Beswick household is noted
for its hospitality and the members of the family
have many friends. The husband and father has
prospered in his business life, possessing the ability,
energy and thrift which insures suqcess. His
father gave to him eighty acres of raw prairie
land and in payment for a year's labors twenty
acres of timber. This he placed under develop-
ment but after a time sold out and removed to
Wayne County, Iowa, where he entered one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land which he afterwards
traded for eighty acres in Cedar Township, Van
Buren County. In 1863, he made purchase of his
present farm, a finely improved and fertile tract of
two hundred acres. He has bought and sold a
considerable amount of land at various intervals,
his possessions now aggregating six hundred and
eighty-eight acres. His home is one of the finest
residences in the community and is surrounded by
four good barns, which in turn lie in the midst of
broad and well cultivated fields. He also engages
quite extensively in raising fine stock and has re-
ceived many premiums on the same at the county
fairs. He also took a premium on a mule at the
first State Fair with Dr. J. N. Norris as judge. For
eight years he served as trustee of the Van Buren
County Fair Association, and during the whole
time in which the county has held these annual ex-
hibitions *he has failed to attend only two. He
cast his first Presidential vote for Buchanan and
has since supported the Democratic party. He
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takes considerable interest in political affairs, but
has never sought public preferment for himself.
Mr. Beswick is an enterprising, progressive citizen
who has won the good will and respect of his
neighbors and acquaintances.
-i'S^^-i^ft^i^^SJiifieWf^iC^^
AMUEL CARR, resides on section 22, Polk
Township, Jefferson County. He is pne
of the few survivors among the early set-
tiers of 1840, one of the few left to tell
the story of pioneer life with its hardships and
trials, its excitements and its pleasures. In a half
century great changes have taken place, leaving
few of (he old landmarks of that early day and the
wonderful transformation has brought from an un-
inhabited wilderness a county peopled with an in-
telligent and enterprising class of citizens who are
supplied with all the comforts and conveniences
known to civilized life. In the pioneer times one
had to go to Burlington or Keokuk to market and
to the Des Moines River to mill. The roads were
often almost impassable, the farm machinery was
crude, traveling was done by stage or in private
conveyances, and log cabins were the homes of the
settlers, but now we have the latest improved agri-
cultural implements, lines of railroad cross and
recross the county and the pioneer homes have
long since given place to commodious and tasty
farm residences and elegant city mansions. A vast
outlay of time and labor has been expended to
bring about this result, the greater part of which
has been borne by the pioneers, among whom is
Samuel Carr. In all works for the upbuilding of
the county's interests, he has faithfully performed
his share and deserves no little credit for the same.
Mr. Carr is a native of Ohio and the fourth in a
family of nine children. He was born in Fayette
County, in 1825, his parents being Jahu and iSarah
(Foltz) Carr, who were born in Virginia. Their
removal to Jefferson County occurred in 1840 and
Fairfield Township was chosen as a favorable loca-
tion, but after four years they removed to Polk
Township. In 1849, they went to Missouri, but
after three years .returned to Fulton County, Ind.,
where he engaged in farming until 1870, in which
year we again find him in Jefferson County. He
afterward made a visit to Oregon, and died there
in 1876. His wife had long since passed away, her
death having occurred in Ohio, in 1838, at an early
age. Of their family, Reuben died in Indiana, in
1885, leaving a wife and children; Philip is married
and resides in Ohio; John died in Indiana; Samuel
is the next younger; Mary died in Indiana in 1880;
and Elizabeth is now Mrs. Mitchell, of Davenport,
Iowa; James is married and resides in Indiana;
Jahu died in this county in 1860; and Sarah is now
Mrs. Ornduff of Oregon.
Our subject passed his early boyhood days in his
native State, being in his fifteenth 3'ear when he
accompanied his parents on their emigration to the
Territory of Iowa. He assisted in opening up and
clearing the farm and shared in the hardships and
disadvantages incident to life on the frontier. He
began life for himself as a farm laborer and con-
tinued working by the month until twenty-five
years of age, when in 1850, he was unit d in mar-
riage with Miss Martha Smales, a native «>f Illinois.
Her father, John Smales, was born in Vir jinia, but
her mother, Mrs. Sarah Smales, was bo^^n in Illi-
nois, where her death also occurred. The father
afterward! came to Iowa and died in Wapello
County, in 1875. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carr were
born seven children and of the five living, William
is the eldest; Harvey is married and resides in Polk
Township; Sarah is now Mrs. Downey of Black
Hawk Township; Nellie and John are still at home.
Mr. Carr began operations for himself on rented
land in Locust Grove Township, but after five
years he had saved a sufficient sum to make an
investment and in 1861, purchased sixty-one acres,
forty of which had been broken. He improved it
and placed it under a high state of cultivation but
in 1875 sold and purchased an improved farm of
one hundred and forty acres, his present home.
Among other improvements which he has made is
a comfortable residence which he erected at a cost
of $1400. He has also extended the boundarieis
of his farm until now he reaps the harvest from
one hundred and eighty acres, which being highly
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'"'^^im.
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BENJAMIN KETCHAM.
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MRS. KETCHAM.
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423
cultivated yield a ready return. He also raises a
good grade of stock and altogether his career has
been a prosperous one. In political sentiment, he
is a Republican and has sorred as a member of the
School Board. Frugality and industry have charac-
terized his life work and the capital with which he
embarked in business was health and energy. He
is now a leading farmer as well as a respected citi-
zen and honored pioneer of .lefferson County.
jENJAMIN KETCHAM, who resides on sec
jtcnV^ *'^^" ^' Bonaparte Township, is one of the
1^)1 extensive landowners and prominent farm-
ers of Van Buren County, and is also con-
nected with the banking interests of Bonaparte as
a Director of the Farmers* <k Traders* Bank. As
he is widely known, his sketch will be of interest to
many of our readers. Allegheny County, Pa., was
the place of his birth, and on the 19th of December,
1829, he first opened his eyes to the light of day.
His parents weie Joel and Elizabeth Ketcham, both
natives of Allegheny County, Pa. Their marriage
was celebrated in Allegheny County, Pa., and unto
them were born nine children, of whom our subject
is the eldest: Elizabeth became the wife of William
Peterson, and after his death, which occurred in
Pennsylvania, she came to Fairfield, Iowa, where
her last days were spent; John, who married Belle
Dunnington,is living in Macon County, Mo.; Will-
iam who wedded Nancy Hammond, is engaged in
fruit growing in Orange County, Fla.; Margaret
makes her home in Fairfield: Belle died some years
ago; Mattie and Frank died in Pennsylvania, and
Sadie married Dr. Dunnnington and died in Penn-
sylvania. The father of this family was a man of
intelligence,whose mental capacities were above the
ordinary, and in the community where he mado his
home was a prominent and influential citizen.
Throughout his entire life he supported the Demo-
cratic party and both he and his wife were mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church and faithful
workers in the cause. His death occurred in Alle-
gheny County, Pa., in 1867, but his wife long sur-
vived him, dying at the home of her son in Florida
in 1882.
Benjamin Ketcham in his youth was liberally
educated, his primary course of study being supple-
mented by scholastic training in the academy of
Monongahela City. The days of his bo^'hood and
youth were passed under the parental roof, and not
until the age of twenty-four did he leave home to
begin life's battle for himself. It was inl855, when,
attracted by the West with its brilliant prospects
and splendid advantages afforded young men, he
turned his face to the setting sun. He traveled as
far as Iowa but felt on reaching the Hawkey e State
that he need continue his journey no further, for
here he believed one could make a comfortable home
and secure a livelihood if he would but work. In
1856, Mr. Ketcham purchased the farm upon which
he now resides, a two hundred and forty-acre tract
of land in Bonaparte Township, whose well-tilled
fields and many improvements plainly indicate the
thrift aad enterprise of the owner. As the years
have passed, he has made other purchases until his
landed possessions now aggregate one thousand
acres, eighty-seven of which are in Jefferson County
while seven acres of that amount lie within the cor-
poration limits of the city of Fairfield. Mr. Ketc^ham
may truly be called a self-made man, for it is almost
entirely by his own efforts that he has acquired
the property which now ranks him among the
wealthy citizens and successful business men of the
county. On his farm may be found a good resi-
dence, barns and outbuildings, the latest improved
machinery and good grades of stock. During the
war he enlisted m the Thirtieth Iowa Infantry', and
was in camp at Keokuk two weeks, but on final
examination was rejected on account of a lame
ankle.
October 27, 1863, Mr. Ketcham was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Lightfoot, a native of
Manchester, England, born October 25, 1843, and
a daughter of John Lightfoot, who came to St.
Louis in 1845 and to Iowa in 1847. Six children
grace their union and they also lost one, Alice, who
died at the age of eight years, and her remains lie
buried in tiie cemetery at Sharon Church. Minnie
is the wife of Murray Taylor, of Big Mound, Iowa;
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Joel is at home; Lizzie is the wife of William B.
Seele3% of Lee County; George, Frank and Clay
are still with their parents. The children have all
been provided with good educational advantages,
most of them having attended school in Parsons
College. The eldest son was for three 3'ears a stu-
dent in Parsons College, of FairQeld.
Mr. Ketcham supports the Democratic party, and
like all good citizens feels an interest in public af-
fairs but has never sought the honors or emolu-
ments of public office, preferring to devote his time
and attention to his business. He, however, served
as Trustee and Justice of the Peace at the solicita-
tion of his friends. In connection with his other
business interests he is a stockholder and Director
in the Farmers & Traders' Bank of Bonaparte. Both
he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church, at Sharon, where the family worships.
Thirty-five years have passed since Mr. Ketcham
came to the county, years of prosperity and hap-
piness to him, who by energ}' and labor won wealth
and by an upright life secured many warm friends.
also
E. VINCENT is one of the leading business
men of Van Buren County and one of its
largest landowners. He is now engaged in
general merchandising in Lebanon and is
the owner of a similar establishment in
Cantril. Being widely known throughout the-
community, his sketch will be of interest to
many of our readers and we are therefore pleased
to represent him in this work. He was born on
the 13th of March, 1830, in West Virginia, gracing
the union of Rice W. and Elizabeth (Meeks)
Vincent. On the paternal side the family is of
English origin, but the Meeks are of Scotch-Irish
extraction. The paternal grandfather o our sub-
ject, John Vincent, was a native of Delaware and
served in the Revolutionary War. He lived to
the advanced age of ninety-six years and his wife,
whose maiden name was Sarah Rice and who was
a native of Virginia, died at a remarkable age of
one hundred and one years. The parents of our sub-
ject were both born in the Old Dominion and Mr.
Vincent followed farming in the pursuit of fortune.
He died in 1852 and his wife passed away in 1868.
Their family numbered twelve children. John J.,
the eldest, who was a native of West Virginia, en-
listed in the Union Army during the late war, was
captured and died in Anderson ville prison in 1864;
Susan died in Virginia; Thomas W. died in West
Virginia, in 1889; Mamie died in Virginia; and
Morgan C, in Indiana; Amos B. is engaged in
farming in Pennyslvania; S. E. of this sketch is
the next younger; Sarah is now deceased; Jefferson
C. is married and resides in Missouri; William H.
is married and makes his home in Chillicothe, Mo.,
D. Frank is married and resides in California; and
Lucy W. is now Mrs. Van Fleet of Jackson Town-
ship, Van Buren County.
The first twenty-five years of his life S. E.
Vincent spent in the State of his nativity but in
1855, he resolved to act upon Horace Greeley's ad-
vice and go West. He made a location in Hancock
County, 111., where he engaged in farming for
about a year, when he removed to Missouri, where
he spent five years engaged in the same pursuit
It was a fortunate day for him when he decided to
remove to Van Buren County. In 1861, he located
in Jackson Township and since that his efforts have
been ittended with marked success. For about
nine years he engaged in farming and stock raising.
He purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land
and from time to time made additional purchases,
until he is now the owner of seven hundred acres
under a good state of cultivation, together with
some landed property in Virginia. He still super-
intends the management of bis farm which pays to
him a golden tribute for his care and cultivation
and stock raising is also an important branch of
his business, he shipping from sevent3'-five to a
hundred head of cattle per year.
Prior to his emigration from his native State,
Mr. Vincent was united in marriage with Miss Eliz-
abeth Dameron, the wedding taking place in 1850.
The lady was born in that State March 12, 1831.
Their family numbered the following children:
Ellen Nora, now deceased; Mrs. Jane Davis; Cor-
delia who died in California; Mrs. Amanda R.
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Frazee of Van Buren Township, Van Buren Coun-
ty; Mrs. Emma Work of Denver, Col; W. H. who
is married and is engaged in merchandising in
Cantril; Mrs. Mary Ten Eyck of Lebanon; Ida C,
Zepha, James F. and John J. who died in child-
hood. The mother of this family passed to her
last rest on the 30th of January, 1890, after a long
married life of forty years.
Mr. Vincent left his farm in 1870, and removed
to Lebanon, where he has since resided. He erected
a good store building.put in a large stock of general
merchandise and has since done a good business in
that line. As he keeps only good grades of mer-
chandise which he sells at fair prices and as in all
his dealings he is upright and honorable, cour-
teous to all, he has won a liberal patronage which
he richly deserves. His store at Cantril is also in
a prosperous condition. The business interests of
Mr. Vincent are extensive, yet he has found time
to devote to public duties. For seventeen years
he served as Postmaster of Lebanon, has filled the
office of Trustee in both Chequest and Jackson
Townships for several years each and is now Town-
ship Treasurer. He takes considerable interest in
political affairs, and is a stanch advocate of ths
Democracy. He is a sagacious and far-sighted
business man who has been blessed with the pros-
perity which comes to those of energetic and in-
dustrious habits.
\f?AMES LEFFLER follows farming as a
means of livelihood, carrying on operations
in that line on section 18,Harrisburg Town-
ship. He was born in Van Buren County
on^August 20, 1845, and is a son of Mansuet and
Irene (Cavin) Leffler. His father, a native of
Baden, Germany, was born in 1803, grew to man-
hood in that country and served for six years in
the German Army. With a desire to benefit his
financial condition he ?aiUd for America in 1833,
and four yoars later, in 1837, became a resident of
what is now Van Buren County, but at that time
was a part of the Territory of Michigan. Little
indeed is known concerning the early history of
this settlement that is not familiar to Mr. Leffler,
who is still residing in the community at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-seven years. The death of
his wife occurred in 1880. She was a native of
Tennessee and by her marriage became the mother
of eleven children.
James was the fifth in order of birth in that
family. He was reared to manhood in the count}-^
of his nativity' and like a dutiful son remained at
home assisting his father in the labors of the farm
until twenty-two years of age, when he left the
parental roof and started out in life for himself
beginning operations as a farmer on rented land.
As success in this life is generally due to deter-
mined effort,supplemented by industry and business
abilit3% little fears were entertained concerning his
future and his course has justified the expectation
of his friends. As quickly as possible he gathered
together the funds necessary for securing a farm
of his own and at length procured his present
home, settling down to steady work. A lich and
well cultivated tract of land of one hundred
and eighty -eight and three- fourths acres now pays
tribute to his care and cultivation, many good
improvements, add ornament and value to the
place and the best grades of farm stock are there
seen. For a number of years he has also success-
fully engaged in practice as a veterinary surgeon.
In 1871, Mr. Leffler was united in marriage with
Miss Mary A. Hatch of Van Buren County,
daughter of William and Margaret (Boner) Hatch.
Two children grace their union, a son and daughter
— Mattie and Omar L.
Mr. Leffler is a charter member of Des Moines
Valley Lodge, No. 138, I. O. O. F. and was the
first secretary of the organization. He keeps him-
self well informed on nil matters of general inter-
est, is a worthy citizen and an active local politi-
cian, supporting the Democratic party. He has
now served acceptably as Clerk of the township fen*
about seven years,Trustee three years. Assessor one
year and has been a delegate to both county and
State conventions. The name of Leffler is insepar-
ably connected with the history of Van Buren
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County. . The honored father of our subject as
one of its pioneers, and JaAes, as one of its worthy
citizens have borne their share in the upbuilding
of the county, have aided in its progress and have
been witnesses of its wonderful development and
transformation. They shared in the hardships and
trials of pioneer life, their home was in this com-
munity when the Indians were more numerous
than the white settlers, while wild animals were
yet seen and when wild game of all kinds was to
be found in abundance. It was no easy task to
give up the comforts and luxuries of the East to
make homes in a wild and unbroken western coun-
try and the greatest gratitude should be rendered
unto the noble men and women who bore such
sacrifices and laid the foundation for the prosperity
and advancement which now characterize the
county.
Qy^^"
"F^— 1
, HRISTOPHER KERR, deceased, an honored
pioneer and farmer of Van Buren County,
whose family is still living on section 16,
Union Township, was born in County Armagh, Ife-
land, on the 3d of March, 1817. He learned the
trade of a weaver in his native land and acquired
his education in its public schools. When a young
man of twenty-three years, with a hope of better-
ing his financial condition in the New World, he
bade good-by to home, friends and the Emerald
Isle, and alone started for America. On the
voyage he bad an attack of small pox, but had
about recovered his health on reaching this coun-
try. He made his first location in Pennsylvania,
where he remained until he got money enough to
travel, when he went to Canada. A short time
afterward, however, we find him in Ohio, where the
succeeding three years of his life were passed. It
was in 1844 that he came to the Territory of Iowa
with the intention of making his future home on
its broad prairies and settled in Van Buren Count3\
That was an important day for both the county
and himself, as he prospered here, while the com-
munity gained a valued citizen. After entering
forty acres of land, he embarked in merchandising
in Winchester, which he continue*! for some six
years, or until 1850, when, attracted by the gold
discoveries in California, he crossed the plains with
an ox- team. At the end of a year he returned
with $1,600 in his pocket, which furnished a fair
start. Removing to his farm, he purchased an ad-
ditional eighty acres, and then began the develop-
ment of his land, which in course of time yielded
abundant harvests as the reward for the labors ex-
pended thereon.
On the 23d of December, 1852, Mr. Kerr was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Moxley, who
died in December, 1859, leaving four children, but
only one of the number is now living — Melissa,
wife of Charlie Sherrod, of Farmington. On the
7th of March, 1861, Mr. Kerr was a second time
married, the lady of his choice being Miss Marj
Addy, who still survives him. She was born in
County Cavan, Ireland, January 12, 1835, and is
a daughter of James and Margaret (Foster) Addy.
Eight children were born unto them, six of whom
are living — James V., born January 4, 1862, is at
home; Maggie L., born December 28, 1863, is de-
ceased; Jessie G., born October 20, 1865, is the
wife of William Prather, of Dakota; Leila Reins
Ramsdel, born June I, 1867, is deceased; George
W., born August 20, 1869; Hulda Emma, July
9, 1872; Aaron Stanley, March 12, 1875; and
Amelia E., May 27, 1877, are at home. The chil-
dren were provided with good educational advan-
tages, and Leila and George were students at the
Normal School, at Shenandoah.
Mr. Kerr died at his home, in Union Township,
July 19, 1886, respected by all who knew him. At
the time of his death he owned four hundred and
sixty acres of land in Van Buren County and three
hundred and twenty acres in Missouri, which left
his family in comfortable circumstances. With t
capital of $50 he began life in this county, but
good management, industry and pluck overcame
the disadvantages which lay in his path, and he
at length became a well-to-do citizen. In proper- .
tion as he was prosperous, his generosity increased.
He was charitable and benevolent, ever ready to
extend a helping hand to those less fortunate than
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himself, and in him the poor and needy found a
true friend. He also gave liberally for the sup-
port of those enterprises calculated to benefit the
community or upbuild town and county. In his
early life he was a supporter of Democratic prin-
ciples, but when the question of slavery became an
issue he joined the new Republican party formed
to prevent its further extension, and became an in
fluential member of local political circles.
Mrs. Kerr still survives her husband and is liv-
ing on the old home farm in Union Township,
where she has erected one of the finest residences
in the county. Her management of the business
interests reflects credit upon herself. She is a
faithful member of the Methodist Church, of Win-
chester, and the family is well and favorably known
throughout the neighborhood.
ON. WILLIAM HOPKIRK, a pioneer of
Jefferson County now residing on section
34, Lockridge Township, has identified
i(<Q) himself with the best interests of the com-
munity in various ways, especially in the support
of and influence lent for the advanceinent of such
enterprises as are calculated to benefit the com-
munity. As a farmer he has also aided in the de-
velopment of the county, having suc< ceded in
placing many acres of Iowa's fertile prairie land
under cultivation.
He was born in Gattonside, Roxburyshire, Scot-
land, May 9, 1811, his parents being William and
Isabel (Holmes) Hopkirk. His father and grand-
father were shoemakers by trade and followed that
business throughout their entire lives. His mother's
family belonged to one of the old clans of Scot-
land. Both parents, in accordance with the teach-
ings of their ancestors, became members of the
Presbyterian Church. In their family were eight
children, seven sons and one daughter, and five of
the number became residents of this country. The
only daughter, Elizabeth, was drowned in a storm
at sea while returning to her childhood home;
David, after some years residence in America re-
turned to Scotland, where he spent his last days;
John died in Jefferson County, and Walter is a
resident of Colorado.
The fifth member of the family to cross the briny
deep was William Hopkirk, the honored pioneer of
Jefferson Count}', whose circle of friends will be
glad to receive the sketch of his life here recorded.
Ho received but limited educational advantages in
his 3'outh but by personal application he has be-
come a well informed man on all general topics and
has acquainted himself with both ancient and
modern histor3\ When a lad of thirteen years he
commenced work at his trade, that of manufacturer
and colorer of cloth, serving an apprenticeship of
five years, after which he worked some three years
for wages. On March 3, 1834, he married Jane
Redpath, who was born August 10, 1813, in Rox-
buryshire, Scotland, near the childhood home of
our subject. Sir Walter Scott was also a resident
of the neighborhood and attended the same church.
Soon after their marriage, Mr. Hopkirk and his
bride sailed for New York, reaching that city after
thirty days. Thence he made his way to Roches-
ter, but as he could not obtain work at his trade in
that place, he engaged in quarrying until an oppor-
tunity offered for labors in his chosen line of busi-
ness. Having worked in Rochester until 1837, he
then removed to within six miles of Mt. Pleasant,
Ohio, and later became a resident of Wellsburg,
W. Va.
The spring of 1842 witnessed the arrival of Mr.
Hopkirk in Jefferson County, Iowa, where he
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land on Sec-
tion 34, Lockridge Township. Almost half a cen-
tury has since passed but that farm continues to be
his home. There he has met with some reverses
and failures, but on the whole his life has been one
of prosperity and almost uninterrupted success. By
industry, perseverance and good management, he
was enabled to extend his acreage until be was the
possessor of five hundred and sixty acres, but the
greater part of this he has since disposed of, own-
ing now some one hundred and ninety acres. Work
has been the motto of his life and to it he has faith-
fully adhered, yet' in the intervals of business labor
he has accomplished not a little for the advance-
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ment of public interests. The cause of education
lias ever found in him a true friend and during the
thirteen years he served as Secretary of his school
district he did not a little toward bettering the
grade of schools and in procuring efficient teach-
ers. He served as Trustee of his township for
several years, for two terms was a member of the
Count}' Board of Supervisors and from 1870 until
1876, represented his district in the General As-
sembly of Iowa, being elected to the position for
three consecutive terms. While a member of the
House, he served on the railroad committee and
gained the ill-will of all railroad incorporators by
his introduction of the Hopkirk Bill, providing
that railroad property should be taxed the same as
other property. His re-election to the same f>osi-
tion indicated that he served his constituency faith-
fully and well. He cast his tirst Presidential vote
for John C. Fremont in ) 856, and since has been a
stalwart supporter of Republican principles.
The death of Mrs. Hopkirk, who was a faithful
member of the Presbyterian Church, occurred
February 12, 1869. She was the mother of eleven
children, five sons and six dauo^hters — Elizabeth,
wife of Robert Stephenson, a resident of Fairfield;
Isabel, wife of William Bankhead of California;
William who died in the service of his country dur-
ing the late war; Anna, wife of Robert Stamm,
whose home is in Osceola Count}-, Iowa; Mary U.,
widow of David L Brown ;Robert who was wounded
during Sturges' defeat and died from the wound in
Memphis, Tenn.; Lillie, wife of Benjamin Hanson,
a resident farmer of Lockridge Township; James,
an extensive contractor and builder, of Seattle,
Wash.; Jane, who died at the age of twenty-one
years; Alexander, mentioned below, and AYalter,
who died at the age of one and a half years.
Alexander resides upon and has charge of the
old homestead, managing almost the entire busi-
ness connected with it. He was born under the
sheltering roof of the old home October 25. 1853,
and there was reared to manhood. Having ac-
quired a good English education, he then engaged
in teaching for some eight years, when he relieved
his father who has now attained an advanced age,
of the care and superintendency of the farming in-
terests. On the 26th of April, 1883, he married
Miss Addic L. Ripley, who was born in Waldo
County, Me., and came to Iowa, in 1879. One
child graces their union, a daughter, Nellie.
Like his wife, Mr. Hopkirk is a faithful member
of the Presbyterian Church and also belongs to the
Old Settlers* Society. His public and private life
are alike above reproach; his course has been an
honorable one; his friends are many; he has made
few enemies and in the conscientious discharge of
every duty devolving upon him he has won well
merited praise and honor.
OEWTON L. CALHOUNJs;a represeutotive
; of one of the pioneer families whose history
; is inseparably connected with that of Van
Buren County. Throughout Southeastern Iowa the
name is kpown as representing men of sterling
worth, engaged in agricultural pursuits, who in
many ways have also labored for the best interests
of the community and for the welfare of town,
county and State. His^ honored parents, Newton
and Esther (Saunders) Calhoun, are mentioned
more fully. in thoj sketch of his brother Vurnum.
His birth occurred on the homestead farm July 31,
1840, succeeding the arrival of the family in the
Territory of Iowa. He acquired his education in
the Birmingham schools, and having attained his
majority on the last day of July, 1861, he enlisted
the following month in Company H, Third Iowa
Cavalry, for three year's service in the War of the
Rebellion. The first two years his regiment spent
in Missouri, where the troops were engaged in dis-
persing rebels, capturing supplies, etc. Proceed-
ing southward they afterwards participated in the
capture of Little Rock, Ark. Mr. Calhoun did not
veteranize at the close of his term of service but
remained in that city until sent to Keokuk, where
he received his discharge September 19, 1864.
During the last year and a half of his service he
held the office of Commissary Sergeant.
Returning to Birmingham, Mr. Calhoun spent
the following winter in school and then devoted
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429
himseJf to the occupation of farming, by which he
has since not only gained a livelihood but which has
proved to him the means of securing a handsome
competence. On the 1st of March, 1866, he was
united in marriage with Margaret E. Fairer, a na-
tive of Ohio, born April 30, 1844. Three children
graced their union — Orange S., who is now a far-
mer of Van Buren County; M. Nellie, wife of
Charles S. Walker, son of Maj. Walker; and Joseph
F. Mr. Calhoun was called upon to mourn the
loss of his wife, who died on the 26th of October,
1886. She was a faithful member of the Presby-
terian Church and was beloved by all for her many
excellencies of character. On the 14th of Novem-
ber, 1889, he was again married, his second union
being with Eliza J. Torrence, a native of Lick
Creek Township. She also is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and a lady of culture.
Forty- four years have passed in which Mr.
Calhoun has known no other home than the farm
upon which he yet resides. It is endeared to him
by many associations of his boyhood, his 3'outh
and of mature ye^rs. Here his children were born
and here he has become a prosperous citizen as the
result of his industrious and thrifty efforts. So-
cially, he is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, and in political sentiment supports the
Republican party, by which he was several terms
elected Assessor of his Township. He is engaged
in farming on an extensive scale, also is one of the
large stock- raisers of the county and is the oldest
native citizen of his township.
-^^
E^^^
ON. JAMES WILLIAM RICE, a prominent
and influential citizen of Farmington, is
well known all over Van Buren County and
is deserving of a representation in this vol-
ume where are recorded the lives of the pioneers
and leading citizens of the county. A native of
Massachusetts, he was born in Waltham, June 11,
1821. He traces his ancestry back to 1620, when
the founder of the family in America, one of the
Pilgrim fathers, landed from the "Mayflower" at
Plymouth Rock. His father, James Rice, was born
in 1796 and wedded Dolly L. Carr, who was four
years his junior and was also a descendant of New
England ancestry. Unto them was born » family
of four children, one son and three daughters,
namely: Dolly, who became the wife of Thomas
Drummond, emigrated westward in 1839, settling
in Fairfield, but died in Danville, III.; Jane, mar-
ried Thomas Crim and they became residents of
Van Buren County but her last days were spent in
Keokuk; Hannah L.. was the wife of Jonathan
Bedell, of Denver, Col.; and James W., completes
the family, of which he was the eldest. The father
died in Massachusetts in 1834, after which Mrs.
Rice became the wife of Abner Kneeland, a noted
infidel and the founder of the Boston Investigation
Society — a man who gained a world-wide reputa-
tion on account of the position which he took re-
garding religious subjects. Three children were
born of this marriage — Albert, a ranchman of Col-
orado died in 1885; Susan, wife of Thomas B.
Boler, of Farmington ; Maria, wife of George D.
Johnson of Rosedale, Kan., Mr. Kneeland died in
Van Buren County in 1844, and the death of his
wife occurred in Farmington in 1872.
James William Rice acquired his education in the
academy of Concord, Mass. and the High School of
Boston. When a lad of fourteen years he was
bound out to the painter's trade in trhe latter city
and after the expiration of his term of apprentice-
ship followed that business for a number of years.
In 1839, he accompanied his parents to the West,
the family locating on a farm near Farmington,
where he continued to make his home until 1875,
since which time he has lived in the town.
On the Ist of January, 1848, Mr. Rice was
united in marriage with Sarah A. Smith, daughter
of Silas and Sarah W. (Wilder) Smith. She was
also a niece of Marshall Wilder. By their union
were born three children, yet living, namely: Mrs.
Ella L. Whitten; Nellie, wife of L. L. Therme, the
present Postmaster of Farmington; and Mary A.,
at home.
In early life Mr. Rice was a Democratic Aboli-
tionist, that is he entertained the principles of
Democracy and was also strongly opposed to the
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insUtution of slavery. Ou State and National
questions be yet supports the Democracy, but at lo-
cal elections votes for tbe naan and not the party.
The fellow citizens of Mr. Rice appreciating his
worth and ability have frequently called upon him
to serve in public positions. For six years he held
the office of Mayor of Farm ington, was Town Clerk
for three years, Justice of the Peace for fourteen
years and Notary Public for sii years. The duties
of these offices he has ever discharged in a prompt
and faithful manner, thus winning the respect of
even his political enemies. In bis business he has
prospered and by an upright life he has won the re-
spect of both young and old, rich and poor. He
has ever been a friend to education and to all
moral and social interests and has done what he
could for the advancement and upbuilding of the
county.
■^
Y/ UKA8 ZIIILMAN has been prominently
,|| /?g) connected with the business interests of
JL-\n JelTersou County for a number of years,
and now ranks among its progressive farmers, de-
votii)g his time and attention to the cultivation of
a good farm, situated on section 13, Lockridge
Township. Ilis father, who was a native of Lu-
7A*rne, Switzerland, operated a dairy and engaged
in the manufacture of cheese in his native land,
doing an extensive and lucrative business in that
line until his death. He married Mary Stadleman,
and unto them were born six children, three sons
and three daughters, all born in Switzerland.
Mary died in that country; Simon is still living in
his native land; Andrew crossed the ocean and is
now living in Walnut Township, JefiFerson County ;
Lena died in Switzerland; Katie is also deceased,
and Lukas completes the number. The father of
this family was a well educated man, possessed of
good business ability, and was a faithful member
of the Catholic Church.
Lukas Zihlman was also born in Luzerne in 1844,
and when three years of age was deprived of a
mother's loving care and watchfulness. He re
ceivcd good literary training, and acquired his
business education in his father's establishment, as-
sisting in the management of that business until
his father's death. He determined to try bis for-
tune in America in 1866, and, suiting the action to
the word, crossed the ocean and for a year worked
as a farm hand in Lockridge Township, Jeflferson
County. At the end of that time he became eon-
vinced that he could find no better home and, re-
turning to his native land, he severed all connec-
tion with that country save the pleasant memories
clustered about his childhood home, and once more
set sail for the new world. He has never yet had oc-
casion to regret that step, for he has succeeded even
beyond his expectations in a financial way, and
here friendships have been formed which nothing
could induce him to sever.
In 1868, Mr. Zihlman was united in marriage
with Miss Lottie Jordan, and immediately after-
wards the young couple began their domestic life
on the farm which has since been their home.
Many changes, however, have since been made.
Their first residence was a little log cabin, their
furniture was somewhat crude in character as com-
pMred with the furnishings of their home today,
and their farm comprised but one hundred and
sixty acres of land, only fifty of which was then
under cultivation, but now the entire amount is
yielding him a ready return for the care which he
bestows upon it, and its boundaries have been ex-
tended until it embraces an additional eighty-acre
tract, which is also highly improved. Since first
locating upon his farm, Mr. Zihlman has continued
to make it his home, with the exception of five
yeard which he spent in the West. He bought land
in Nebraska, but that period of time convinced
him that he preferred Iowa as a permanent place
of residence. He also went to Kansas and helped
to establish the town of Colby, where he carrialon
a clothing store for a while. In this county Mr.
Zihlman operated a sawmill for three years and
shipped timber on the railroad. He hfc greatly
enhanced the value of his farm by adding to it
many excellent improvements, both useful and or-
namental, and by the erection of a commodious
residence.
The children born unto our subject and his
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worthy wife are William, born April 31, 1869;
Lucas, January 2, 1871; Andrew, April 7, 1873;
Mary, April 4, 1875; the next two died in infancy;
John, born March 8, 1881 ; Jacob, July 31, 1883;
Adam, December 27, 1884; and Eva, August 13,
1887. The family are all members of the Catholic
Church of Germanville. Tboy have many warm
friends throughout the community, and in the
social world are held in high regard.
^,EV. SAMUEL BAILET ROSS, Pastor of
r( the Christian Church, of Fairfield, has been
\\ a resident of Iowa since 1852, and when a
lad of eight years he accompanied his par-
ents to Jones County. He was born near Utica,
N.Y., December 22, 1844, his parents being Francis
E. and Laura M. (Whitney) Ross. His father was
born September 17, 1807, in Herkimer County,
N. Y., of Scotch parentage. The founder of the
family in America was Capt. John Koss, a gentle-
man of Scottish birlh, who served as an officer in
the British army, but sold his commission and emi-
grated to America during the English and French
Wars about the time Gen. Wolfe was killed. He
bought a tract of land of Gen. Herkimer and set-
tled in the county which bears that warrior's name.
The old stone house which Capt. Ross erected is
still standing — a landmark of Colonial days when
this country was still subject to the British crown.
The mother of our subject was born in Oneida
County, N. Y., April 4, 1812, and was also of
Scotch descent. She lost her own mother while
a child and wa8 reared by a German family, thus
learning the language of her foster parents, and at
the time of her marriage she could scarcely speak
a word of English.
We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject, the Rev. S. B. Ross, the highly esteemed pas-
tor of the Christian Church, of Fairfield. On the
anniversary of Washington's birthday, in 1852, the
family crossed the Mississippi River into Iowa and
settled in Castle Grove, Jones County. During
his boyhood he attended the district schools of the
neighborhood and in his early manhood engaged
in railroading and other employments, but not con-
tent with the educational advantages which had
hitherto been afforded him, he entered Oskaloosa
College as a student. His ministerial work began
in the fall of 1874 in Washington County, Iowa,
and one year later he went to Glenwood, Mills
County, where he remained until 1877. His pas-
torate at that place was followed by three years of
labor in Shenandoah, Page County, and by one
year spent in Creston, Jackson County. The suc-
ceeding year he was pastor of the church in Whit,
tem, Hardin County, after which he accepted a call
from the church at Delta, Keokuk County, where
he remained for five years. At the expiration of
that time, in February, 1888, he accepted his pres-
ent charge in Fairfield, Iowa, and has entered
upon his third year as pastor at this place. He
had, however, previously resided in this city, hav-
ing here made his home from 1870 until Septem-
ber, 1875.
On the 2d of February, 1876, in Fairfield, Mr.
Ross was united in the holy bonds of matrimony
with Miss Hulda Sackett, daughter of Simon and
Ede Sackett. She was born in Mahoning County,
Ohio, and came to Iowa in March, 1870. Two chil-
dren were born unto the Rev. S. B. Ross and wife,
but both were called to the home above. Fred A.,
born February 9, 1878, died on the 19th of Febru-
ary of the same year; Willie C, born in Shenan-
doah, Iowa, July 10, 1879, died on the 30th of
October, 1889. In politics Mr. Ross is both a Pro-
hibitionist and a Republican, voting with the
former party on National questions and with the
latter on State elections. He is a studious, earnest
man, and has proved a popular pastor in the vari-
ous fields where he has been called to labor.
The parents of our subject are both now de-
ceased, the father having died on September 24,
1871, and the mother on December 12, 1869. Their
family consisted of four sons and two daughters, as
follows: Andrew J., who died at the age of twenty-
tnree years; Hubbard W., who was a deaf mute
and graduated from the Deaf and Dumb Institute,
of New York City, was killed by the cai-s near
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Delevan, Wis., at the age of twenty-three years;
Frank, who served as a sohlier in Company D,
Ninth Iowa Infantry, during the late war, is mar-
ried and lives in Ottawa County, Kan.; Alcena is
the wife of Newton Baldwin, also a resident of Ot-
tawa; Rev. Samuel B. is the next younger; and
Laura O., wife of James Zook, of Ottawa County,
completes the family.
AMUEL T. HORTON is the oldest living
settler of Lockridge Township, Jefferson
County, his home being on section 27. In
his work as a local minister of the Free
Methodist Church he has become widely known
throughout the surrounding country, and wins the
friendship of all with whom he comes in contact.
A life of uprightness, devoted to the interests of
humanity, has made him a honored citizen of the
community, and when he shall have passed away
his memory will remain as a potent influence for
good.
Mr. Horton was born in Morgan County, 111.,
September 17, 1833, and is a son of Urias and
vSarah Horton. His father was born in Virginia,
October 5, 1800, and in his youth removed to Ken-
tucky, where he became acquainted with and mar-
ried Miss Sarah Berry. Soon afterward, in 1826,
they became residents of Morgan County, III.,
where Mr. Horton located land and developed a
farm. In 1839 he crossed the Father of Waters
into the Territory' of Iowa, and made a location
near Salina, in Lockridge Township. He entered^
land a half-mile west of Salina, and began trans-
forming it into a farm, the entire one hundred and
twenty acres being in its primitive condition. Not
a furrow had been turned or an improvement made,
and the land had to be cleared before plowing was
done, but with characteristic energy and persever-
ance Mr. Horton began his task, which he con tin-
ued until 1844. He then removed to an eighty-
acre farm northeast of Salina, upon which the only
improvement was a log cabin. The excitement and
newness of pioneer life seemed to have an attrac-
tion for him, and he succeeded admirably in his
efforts to develop wild prairie into productive
farms. The one on which he located in 1844 con-
tinued to be the home of himself and wife until
they were called to their final home. Mr. Horton
died in 1884, and his wife passed away in 1876.
They are numbered among the very earliest of
Jefferson County's pioneers. They were familiar
with all the hardships and privations of frontier
life, such as going long distances to market and
mill, doing their farm work with oxen and rude
agricultural implements, living in crowded quar-
ters with furniture of their own manufacture, and
having the wily rad men for neighbors.
While Mr. and Mrs. Horton were residing in Illi-
nois, six sons were born unto them, as follows:
Benjamin, who died at the age of eighteen years;
Joseph, now of Missouri, who served during the
war in the Thirtieth Iowa Regiment, and was
wounded in the arm; Samuel, of this sketch; John,
who was a member of the Second Iowa Infantry,
and was wounded in the leg, is now a Methodist
minister belonging to the Kansas Conference;
George W., deceased, was Captain of a company of
the Eighty-fourth Illinois Regiment; and Isaac
Newton is living on the old homestead. After
coming to Iowa the family circle was increased by
the birth of three daughters — Mary J., Sarah E.
and Annie, but all are now deceased.
Urias Horton was an exemplary citizen, one who
in a quiet and unostentatious, yet faithful manner,
performed every duty devolving upon him. He
supported the Democratic party in politics, and in
early life united with the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, but later accepted the doctrines of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and remained a con-
sistent member until his <leath.
Samuel T. Horton has spent almost his entire life
in Jefiferson County. He was a lad of but six
summers when his parents settled upon the farm
near Salina, where he grew to manhood. He bad
taste for clearing land, and became an expert rail
splitter, beating the record of Lincoln by making
five thousand rails in one winter. He began bis
education in the subscription schools of that early
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433
da}', which was followed b}' a few terms attendance
at the public schools, but his knowledge there
gained has been largely supplemented by extensive
reading and study, making him one of the best in-
formed men of his township. He remained at
home until twenty' -three years of age, when he
married Miss Giney Crenshaw, a native of Illinois.
The young couple began their domestic life in
a log ijabin in the midst of a forty-acre tract of
timber land, and their place of residence has never
changed, although the dwelling has undergone a
transformation. Many changes have also been
wrought on the farm, its boundaries have been ex-
tended until it now comprises one hundred and
fifteen acres, this has been divided into fields, and
a glance tells the passer-by of unremitting toil and
of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. In 1867
he was licensed to preach, and has had charge of
several circuits. His labors have extended over
portions of Henry, Van Buren and the whole of
JeflPerson County. He has often been solicited to
acce[)t a charge, but preferred to be free to go
wherever he believed his services were most needed.
He has probably preached more, funerals and mar-
ried more people than any man in the county.
In 1864, Mr. Horton was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife. Three children had been born
of their union, but two died ere the mother's death,
the three dying in one week. The surviving daugh-
ter is Laura, wife of Marshall Chilcott, of Osborn
County, Kan. He afterward married Miss Eleanor
Crenshaw, and unto them have been born four sons
and three daughters — Nancy O., born November
18, 1865, is the wife of the Rev. L H. Gorrell, now
of Burlington, Iowa; Ida, who is living in Burling-
ton ; Mattie, Frank F., George W., Henry and
Ervy Esla, all at home.
The work which Mr. Horton has accomplished
for his own church cannot be estimated, for ho. has
labored long and earnestly in its interests. He is
a fluent talker, expresses his thoughts with feeling
and force, and has the power of drawing others to
himself by words of kindness and deeds of charity
and love, which convinces them that his religion is
not a mere myth, but a part of his life. For eight
years he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-
school, and labors in all branches of church work.
Like him, his wife delights in doing good, and is
highly esteemed for h'^r many excellencies of head
and heart. In politics, he was first a Democrat,
but most of the time has been independent, vbting
for those candidates who supported^ Prohibition
principles. In 1884, he voted for St. John, the
Prohibition candidate. Since that time he has been
a stalwart supporter of the party. He served ac-
ceptably as Justice of the Peace for eight years,
and is now Notary Public.
AMUEL C. FARMER, deceased, was one
of the leading business men of Fairfield
and took an active interest in the progress
of that city. His life record is well worthy
a place in this volume and it is with pleasure that we
present this brief sketch to the many friends whp
mourn his loss. He was born in Wheeling, W.
Va., May 24, 1807, and in early life received
excellent literary training, his .«chool privileges
being superior to those afforded most youths of
that day. Subsequently he prepared himself for
the practice of medicine, but as a profession fol-
lowed it only about four years. For some time he
was engaged in the milling business and in Fair-
field devoted his attention to several enterprises
which proved of a helpful character to the city.
Ere his removal to the West, however, Mr.
Farmer, on the 11th of November, 1849, was
joined in wedlock with Mary J., daughter of James
and Margaret (Fletcher) Crawford. The union
was cekbrated in West Liberty, Va., the lady is a
native of Beaver Falls, Beaver County, Pa., her
birth having occurred in that place September 18,
1824. After about seven years residence in his
native State, Mr. Farmer, accompanied by his wife,
in 1856, severed his connection with the East and
started for Jefferson County, Iowa. Near Salina,
he purchased a farm, but that business proving
unprofitable, he sold out and removed to Fairfield,
where in 1 862, he succeeded to the banking busi-
ness of Bernhart, Henn <fe Co, Having carried on
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
a private bank until August, 1865, the institution
was then merged into the First National Bank of
Fairfield, of which Mr. Farmer was made Cashier,
a position which he continued to fill nine years or
until his retirement as a member of the corporation
in 1874. The following year, he and his sons,
Samuel C. Jr. and Joe F., established a bank under
the firm title of Samuel C. Farmer <fe Sons, which
he continued until his death. He was accounted a
successful and competent business man and the
institution of which he was the head was consid-
ered one of the safe moneyed concerns of the
count}'. Politically, in earl}' life, he was a strong
Whig ; later he became a Republican, with which
party he affiliated until toward the close of his
earthly career when he espoused the principles of
Democracy. He died September 13, 1880, re-
spected by all who knew him.
To Mr. and Mrs. Farmer were born three chil-
dren, the two younger of whom are living. Anna
M., the eldest, now deceased, was the wife of Alex-
ander McCr.aekin ; Samuel C. married Miss Cora,
daughter of Edward Campbell and is employed in
a banking establishment of Chicago ; Joe F., who
is an employe in the Union Pacific Railroad office
of Council Bluffs, married Miss Nellie, sister of
C. M. McElroy, editor of the Fairfield Tribune,
Mrs. Farmer still resides in Fairfield where she
has many warm friends and a large circle of ac-
quaintances. She is an active worker in the Luth-
eran Church and is much beloved and esteemed for
her many good deeds.
^^^EORGE HANSON, who resides on section
Ij 26, Lockridge Township, has long been a
vV^J(f resident of Jefferson County, where he is
widely and favorably known. His history is in-
separably connected with that of the neighborhood
and the progress and improvement which have
here been made are due in no small degree to his
efforts. His parents, Thomas and Anna (Lupton)
Hanson, spent their entire lives in Yorkshire, Eng-
land, where George was born on the 6th of June,
1816. The father was a woolen manufacturer and
in his factory the son learned the trade. Out of a
family of eight children, numbering five sons and
three daughters, he is the only one yet living and
the only one that crossed the ocean. His scholas-
tic training was meager indeed but by his own
effort he has acquired sufficient education to trans-
act his own business. A vessel sailing between
England and New York in 1841 bore him to the
shores of this country and in the Empire State be
worked at his trade for some years, being thus em-
ployed in both Lake and Oneida Counties. He
came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1846, and
erected a woolen mill at Craw fords Mills, which
was one of the first, if not the first mill of the kind
in the county. He had leased the water privil^e
for ten years but the year before the expiration of
the lease, during a freshet, the whole affair was
swept away by the ice, causing him considerable
loss.
In 1857, we again find Mr. Hanson upon the
bosom of the briny deep, but after a short visit
spent in renewing acquaintances of former years
and in viewing the scenes of his childhood be re-
turned to his Iowa home. It was agreed that
David Heron should build a grist mill and Mr.
Hanson erect a woolen mill on Brush Creek on th«
same site, each to be run by steam power an<-^ ^^^
latter carried on business at the place desig^»a^^
until within the last few years, since which tinne he
has lived a retiied life. People came to trade
with him not only from all over Jefferson County
but also throughout adjoining counties. He be-
came widely known for his honorable dealingr^ and
the promptness with which he dispatched business
and therefore received a liberal patronage- He
worked hard and was ever found at the post of
duty ; during the busy season he would go for
weeks without retiring to his bed, snatching ^ f*^
moments for rest as he could. It is not to be
wondered therefore that he succeeded in accumu-
lating a goodly share of this world's goods.
In 1871, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage
with Caroline Nelson, a native of Sweden, bor» on
the 4th of September, 1831. When a young
I woman she came alone to the United ytatea *"^
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435
took up her residence in Jeflferson County. Four
children have been born of this marriage, two sons
and two daughters, George and John W. being the
eldest and youngest of the family. The daughters
are Ida M. and Laura. Mrs. Hanson is a member
of the Swedish Lutheran Church and in politics
Mr. Hanson is a Republican. He is pne of the old
settlers of the county and deserves a place in this
volume devoted to their memory. He has been a
resident of Iowa during its entire existence as a
State, has been a witness of its growth, has been
prominently connected with its business interests
and, as all citizens should do, has labored for the
success of its worthy enterprises.
E^
&HOMAS H. DYE, a substantial farmer and
stock-raiser of section 12, Jackson Town-
v^!^^ ship, and a representative citizen of Van
Buren County, has been a resident of Iowa from
bis birth. The family is of Irish descent, and was
established in America in Colonial days, many of
its members becoming residents of New York. The
paternal grandfather of our subject grew to man-
hood, was married, and reared a family of children
in the Empire State. Later in life he emigrated to
Ohio, where he died in 1864, at the very advanced
age of ninety-seven years. His wife died a few
years previous. The father of our subject was
born in Noble County, then Morgan County, Ohio,
in 1821, and the days of his boyhood and youth
were spent at the parental home in the Buckeye
State. The year 1845 witnessed the celebration of
his marriage to Miss Sarah Buskirk, also a native
of Ohio. Soon after their marriage, they sought a
home beyond the Mississippi, choosing as a loca-
tion Wapello County, in the Territory of Iowa, but
in 1846, they removed to Davis County, where on
the 27th of June, 1847, our subject first opened his
eyes to the light of day. The following year the
death of Mr. Dye occurred. Having been afflicted
with white swelling, it was thought probable that
he would recover, his limb was amputated, but
death came in the midst of the surgical operation.
His remains lie buried in the cemetery of Lebanon,
and a handsome monument marks the last resting
place of the husband and father, who will never be
forgotten by the children who were the recipients
of his loving care and kindness.
In 1850, his widow married George Smith, and
came to Van Buren County, where Thomas was
reared to manhood. As the schools of a new county
are rather primitive in character, the educational
advantages which our subject received, were neces-
sarily limited, but observation and reading in sub-
sequent years have made him a well-informed man.
He chose the occupation of his father as his life
work, and has carried on farming with most excel-
lent success, winning a competence which now num-
bers him among the well to-do citizens of the
county. His first purchase of land consisted of
seventy acres which he operated until 1875, when
he sold out and removed to California, but two
years of farm life in that Stale convinced him that
in his opinion Iowa was preferable for a home. Re-
turning then to Van Buren County, he once more
resumed his agricultural pursuits. He purchased
from his step- father the old homestead, and began
life in earnest, determined to secure a fair share of
the world's goods, and provide a comfortable home
for himself and family. The boundaries of his
farm have been extended until from a tract of
ninet3'-one acres, it has been increased until it com-
prises three hundred and twentyTSeven acres of as
fine land as can be found in Southeastern Iowa.
The entire amount is under cultivation, yielding a
ready return for the care and labor bestowed upon
it, while man3'^ improvements add to the value of
the place, including a comfortable residence, barns
and outbuildings, and every thing necessary for the
care of his stock and grain. His fair dealing and
upright life have won him a place in the esteem of
his neighbors and townsmen, and he is one of the
county's representative citizens.
A marriage ceremony performed in 1872, united
the destinies of Thomas Dye and Hattie Kays,
daughter of Martin and Mary J. Kays, natives of
New Jersey, who with their family came to Iowa
during the year 1858. Mr. Kays has. assisted in
the growth and prosperity of the county, and is
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portrait; and biographical album.
numbered among its early settlers. The wife of
our subject was born in New Jersey, on the 1 1th of
April, 1852, and their marriage was blessed with
four children, but only two are now living: Alta,
the eldest, died in infancy; and Harry, *the third
child, died at the age of eight years; Charlie and
Amy are still with their parents.
Mr. Dye and his wife are members of the Metho-
dist Church of Cantril, and arc faithful workers in
the Master's vineyard. He also holds membership
in Apollo Lodge, No. 461, A. F. <fe A. M., and in
Prairie Gem Lodge, of the Knights of Pythias. He
is an ardent Republican in politics, and does all in
his power to promote the welfare, and insure the
success of his party. He is a member of the Can-
tril District School Board, recentlj"^ elected. Dur-
ing the administiation of this Board, they have
erected the handsome school building which stands
as a monument to the enterprise and progressive
spirit of its founders. Anything pertaining to the
county's welfare, receives the hearty support and
co-operation of Mr. Dye, and as a valued citizen
of the county, we gladly insert his sketch in this
history.
S^^^^^-'^
>>^'^-^
JAMES T. SNIDER, veterinary surgeon of
Lebanon, Iowa, was born in Jefferson County,
Ind., November 2, 1828. He traces his an-
cestry back through several generations to a
Mr. Snider, a gentleman of Scottish birth, who left
his native land in the early part of the eighteenth
centur}', and, braving the dangers of an ocean V03'-
age, came to America. He was the great-grandfa-
ther of our subject, and in the Revolutionary War
he took an active part as a member of the Colonial
forces, while his son John, the grandfather of our
subject served in the War of 1812. Since the land-
ing of the progenitor of the family in America, his
descendants have been numbered among Virginia's
citizens. In 1804, in that State, John Snider, fa-
ther of the Doctor, was born. He was reared to
manhood in Virginia, where he followed farming
and shoemaking in pursuit of fortune for some
years. In 1826, he married Jane Walker, vho was
born in Ohio, in 1812, and was a daughter of Da-
vid Walker, a native of Ireland. They became tbe
parents of nine children, of whom seven are yet
living, as follows: James T., of this sketch; P>an-
cis M., a resident of Elk Horn County, Neb.; Silas
A., who is living in Wayne County, Iowa; Samuel,
of Grand County, Colo. ; Elizabeth C, widow of
Emery Glass, of Sumner County, Kan.; Cynthia,
wife of Isaac Babb, a resident of the Indian Terri-
tory; Jane, wife of Israel Salters, whose home is in
Appanoose County, Iowa. With his family Mr.
Snider emigrated Westward in 1843. He chose tbe
Territory of Iowa as the scene of his future labors,
and located in Van Buren County. He took an ac-
tive interest in the political affairs of the commu-
nity, supporting the Republican party, and was
accounted one of the leading citizens of the neigh-
borhood.
In the usual manner of farmer lads, James T.
Snider spent his boyhood days, in which no event
of special importance occurred. As the schools in
a new settlement are not of a very advanced grade
the educational advantages which he received were
limited. The summer of 1846, he spent in the
Western wilds of Iowa and Nebraska, making his
home among the Indians,untll 1850, when he crossed
the plains, following the army of gold hunters en
route for California. Such a journey was not unat-
tended by great risk and peril, and tbe train to
which Mr. Snider belonged, encountered the Co-
manche Indians in two very severe engagements, m
which several of the white men were wounded - The
Indians suffered considerable loss, and only gave up
the fight at the killing of their chief, who f^H &^
the hands of our subject. At length the party
reached Hangtown, Cal., and Mr. Snider ra^de a
location in Diamond Springs, Placer County,'«vbere
ho engaged in the grocery business with good suc-
cess, and also followed mining for eighteen months.
He then returned to Iowa, somewhat richer than
when he started. The return journey was made by
way of the Isthmus of Panama, during whieh be
spent some time in sight-seeing on the Isthmus and
on the Island of Hayti. In December, he landed
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at New York City, and continued his journey
homeward, wliere he at length arrived, after hav-
ing traveled across the entire country, and around
it. Mr. Snider then engaged in buying and selling
horses until 1856, when he embarked in the mercan-
tile business in Lebanon, in which line he continued
UMtil 1860, when he began traveling over the coun-
try as a peddler. Later he engaged in the hotel
business, but in the spring of 1864, he laid aside
business pursuits, feeling that his country needed
his services.
On the 4th of January, 1864, he enlisted in Com-
pany G, Third Iowa Cavalry, serving under Capt.
John Stiger, while Col. J. W. Noble commanded
the regiment. After participating in the battle of
Memphis, Mr. Snider was placed on detached duty,
and stationed at Little Rock, Ark. His two broth-
ers, Frank and Silas were also in the service, being
members of Company G, Thirty-Sixth Iowa Infan-
try. At the close of the war he was mustered out,
and received his discharge August 19, 1865, after
which be returned to his home in Iowa. He then
took up his present profession, that of veterinary
surgery, which he has since continued. He has
gained a wide reputation in the line of his present
business, and his large practice yields him a good
income. He has a host of friends won by his hon-
est dealings, fair treatment and ability.
In 1854, Mr. Snider was united in marriage with
Elizabeth A. Wilson, a native of Ohio, who died in
1872, leaving one child, a daughter, Mary Jane, who
died in 1887. Mr. Snider was again married in 1 874,
his second union being with Martha Jane Harris,
daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Purcell) Har-
ris, who are numbered among the pioneer settlers
of Van Buren County of 1836. The father was
born September 3, 1799, in Pennsylvania, and his
marriage was celebrated May 31, 1827. Twelve
children were bom of the union, but only three are
now living. The father died February 4, 1847, and
the mother passed away December 19, 1878. Mr.
and Mrs. Snider hare no children of their own, but
are rearing an adopted daughter, Elizabeth Kellar.
In his political affiliations, Dr. Snider is a sup-
porter of the Democracy. He has held several lo-
cal offices of trust, was Constable for a number of
years, two years tilled the position of Justice of the
Peace, after which he acted as Assessor, and is now
Township Commissioner. He is also President of
the Lebanon Cemetery Association, Past]Master of
Keosauqua Lo<lge, No. 9, A. F. cfe A. M., and a
Trustee in the Metho<list Episcopal Church. He
has witnessed almosi the entire growth of Van
Buren County, and on the list of its honored early
settlers his name is enrolled.
PAVID K. CALHOUN is another of the rep-
/ resentative citizens of Van Buren County
who devotes his time and attention to agri-
cultural pursuits. His home is on section 15,
Union Township, where a farm of two hundred
acres furnished with all modern improvements, pays
tribute to the care and cultivation he bestows upon
it. The entire surroundings indicate the thrift
and enterprise of the owner, and as a worthy citi-
zen of the community his sketch is deserving a
place in the volume of his county's history.
The Calhoun family is of Scotch extraction but
the grandparents of our subject were born in Ire-
land, whence in childhood they emigrated to
Pennsylvania where they were married. William
Calhoun, father of David, was born in Westmore-
land County, Pa., April 15, 1804, and in his youth
he learned the wheelwright's trade, which he fol-
lowed until after his marriage to Miss Mary Tor-
rence, who was born in Westmoreland County,
October 7, 1804. She too was of Scotch Irish de-
scent and was a sister of Col. William M. Tor-
rence of the Thirtieth Iowa Infantry. Mr. Calhoun
and his family turned their faces toward the setting
sun and traveling westward at length made a loca-
tion upon the farm which is now the home of
David K. Calhoun. Both parents were believers
in the Presbyterian doctrine and consistent mem-
bers of the church. The husband died October 8,
1872, and on February 18, 1887, Mrs. Calhoun
passed away. The five children of their family
are Mrs. Elizabeth S. Phillips, whose home is in
Pennsylvania; Mrs. Mary C. Gordon of Fairfield;
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Samuel J., a farmer and teacher of Nebraska; Mrs.
Margaret Hill of Jefferson County, Iowa; and
David K.
The last named, whose history is of interest to
our readers, was born in Westmoreland County,
Pa., March 9, 1842, and when a lad of sixteen
years came to this county. He is numbered among
the boys in blue of Company I, Nineteenth Iowa
Infantry, with whom he enrolled his name on the
13th of August, 1862. Until the following summer
they operated in Southern Missouri. He had been
confined in the hospital in Springfield, Mo., when
Marmaduke made his raid on that city but when
volunteers were called for in the hospital, he, with
others, at once shouldered his musket and marched
to the defense of the town. From there he went
to Vicksburg, and with his regiment took part in
its siege and capture. Following this occurred the
Black River Expedition in which he took part,
then came the battle of Port Hudson, after which
they were ordered to Morganza, where the Nine-
teenth Iowa and Twenty-sixth Indiana, together
with a small force of cavalry were sent to Sterl
ings Farm, about half way between the opposing
lines. By a circuitous route they were cut off
from reinforcements, and for more than two hours
with an effective force of about four hundred and
fiftj' men they kept in check the enemy who ten to
one out-numbered them. Mr. Calhoun was on
picket duty at the time of the attack. All were
taken prisoners and after marching all day long
they were kept in Shrevesport for twenty hours
without provisions ; all sparable articles were given
to hucksters for food. They were then marched to
Tyler, Tex., where they were kept in stockade
without shelter and when winter came were sent
back to Shreveport. In March, they were once
more hurried back to Tyler, Tex., then soon after-
wards again started for Shreveport, but were re-
turned to Tyler. Finally, however, they were
taken to Shreveport and exchanged on the 22d
of July, 1864, having been held in captivity from
the 29th of February, preceding. Mr. Calhoun
then went with his comrades to New Orleans, where
he received good clothing and food. Some weeks
later the regiment was again formed and went to
Ft. Barancas, Fla., after which the troops partici-
pated in the capture of Spanish Fort and Mobile.
Our subject was discharged at Mobile, Ala., July
10, 1865, after three years of hard service on
southern battle fields. He was quite fortunate,
however, in receiving no wound of any kind.
On the 19th of November, 1868, Mr. Calhoun
was united in marriage with Miss Emma Travis
who was born in Indiana County, Pa., June 12,
1849, and is a daughter of Martin B. and Isabella
(Brown) Travis. Her fatlier was born in the Key-
stone State, July 22, 1805, but his wife was a native
of Ireland, born September 18, 1811, and brought
to this country during her infancy. They were
married in Pennsylvania where her death occurred
September 3, 1854. Subsequently he married Cathe-
rine Redman and emigrated to Shelby County,
111., where he died September 3, 1865.
Mrs. Calhoun was one of eight children, five of
whom are living, three sons and two daughters.
She came to this counliy in 1865, and by her mar-
riage four children have been born — E. Birdie, wife
of Jesse Bonnette, of Union Township, Van Buren
County; Mary Luella, Johnson B. and Lillie B.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian
Church and since their marriage have resided upon
the farm which is yet their home. He is a Repub-
lican in politics and belongs to Newell Post, G. A.
R., in which he has held the oflSceof Chaplain. '-A
good name is rather to be chosen than great riches"
says the wise man, and assuredly Mr. Calhoun has
that valuable possession for he is one of Van Buren
County's trusted and honored citizens.
*" > '>N^^' <'
pOHN LOCKE came to Fairfield, Jeflferson
County, Iowa, in the fall of 1854, and has
remained as a farmer and beekeeper till the
,@/' present time, in the southern part of Jeflfer-
son County.
He is a native of County Antrim, near Larne,
Ireland. Was born August 13, 1829. He was
married December 28. 1853, to Mary McDowell,
of the same place. The issue of said marriage,
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441
Samuel Locke, Mary Locke, Jane Locke and Lizzie
Locke. The first tvtro help on the farm and the
last two are teachers by profession.
He owns a farm containing two hundred and
forty acres of land in a fair state of cultivation.
He has held some district and township offices. Is
not a |)olitician. In religion Unitarian. He docs
not think that he (Jeserves the distinction of an
old settler ot this place, yet says that he has re-
ceived so much generous kindness from old settlers,
both of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa,
that if putting his name down for a book will per-
petuate their good acts and their good name . lie
will willingly do so.
ON. WILLIAM A.TADE, who lives onsec-
^1 tion 4, Harrisburg Township, is a prominent
and influential farmer of Van Buren County
v^^ and her representative in the General As
senably of the State. Widely known, with a circle
of friends almost innumerable, his sketch will be
of interest to many, and we take pleasure in thus
presenting him to the readers of the Album. He
is not only now a resident of Iowa, but was born
in the Hawkey e State, h/« birth occurring in Lee
County on the 17th of September, 1841. Little
is known concerning the early history of the fam-
il}', except that his grandfather was a resident of
Kentucky, whence at an early day he removed to
Illinois. He also held a commission in the Black
Hawk War. John Tade, father of our subject, was
but five year^ of age when he accompanied his
parents to Illinois, where he grew to manhood and
married Martha Davis. In 1835 he became a
resident of Lee County, Iowa, making a location
near Ft. Madison, in what is now Denmark Town-
ship. He bought land at the first land sale in the
Territory of Iowa and made his home in Lee
County until 1854, when he came to Van Buren
County. His Lome is now in Decatur Count}',
Kan. His wife died in 1848, when our subject
was a lad of some seven summers. Nine children
were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Tade, and all grew
to mature years, while seven are yet living, as fol-
lows: Ewing O., a Congregational minister, now
in charge of the church of East Grand ville, Mass.;
George W., who died while a student in Iowa Col-
lege, in 1858; B. F., a retired farmer of Sacra-
mento, Cal.; James A., who died from disease con-
tracted in the late war; Susan E., wife of William
G. Marshall, of Kansas; John D., a resident farmer
of Decatur County, Kan.; W. A., of this sketch;
Lottie, wife of J. B. Percival, a farmer of Harris-
burg Township; and Mary A., now Mrs. G. K.
Dewey, of Nebraska.
Our subject spent his boyhood days in a manner
common to farmer lads, alternating his time between
labor in the fields and the perusal of the common
branches of learning. In October, 1861, when
twenty years of age, he entered the service of his
country as a private of Company F, Fourteenth
Iowa Infantry, and after being mustered in at
Davenport, was, with liis regiment, assigned to the
Army of the Tennessee and sent at once to the
front. He participated in the engagements at Fts.
Henry and Donelson, and at the battle of Shiloh
was captured by the enemy, remaining a prisoner
for eight months, during which time he was incar-
cerated in Montgomery, Mobile and Macon, and
finally was sent to the horrible Libby Prison, where
he was afterward paroled and exchanged. He then
rejoined his regiment, which was stationed at Ben-
ton Barracks^ and later took part in an expedition
to Rolla, Mo., whence the troops made their way
down the river to Cairo, 111., where Mr. Tade
served on detached duty for several months as
river directive in the Provost Marshal department.
While engaged in the discharge of those duties he
was commissioned Lieutenant of an independent
company known as the Liberia Guards, which was
organized by Gen. Buford, and with which com-
pany he made an expedition to Helena, Ark. At
Little Rock, Ark., the company was merged into
the Fifty-seventh United States Colored Regiment,
and Mr. Tade was made (Quartermaster and served
in that capacity until January, 1866, when he was
made Captain of the company and ordered to
New Mexico; here he remained until December
of the same year, when he returned to Leaven-
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worth, Kan., and was honorably discharged, after
having been in the service continually for more
than five years. During the entire time he was
never known to shirk any task imposed upon him,
but was ever faithful to his duty and the cause
for which he was valiantly fighting.
Early in the year 1867 Mr. Tade began the im-
provement of the farm on which he now lives, but
which he had purchased some time previous. He
now possesses a well- improved farm of two hun-
dred and five acres, divided into fields of con-
venient size, a glance at which shows to the ob-
server that a man of thrift and industry has the
management and control of the same. He is also
a leader among the stock-raisers of the county and
has made a specialty of Hereford cattle and Shrop-
shire sheep, being among the first to introduce
both into the county. In reality he did not begin
his business career until 1867, and the wonderful
progress which he has made should be the cause of
pride to himself and friends.
In June, 1868, Mr. Tade was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah E.Dewey ,the union being celebrated
in Lee Count}', Iowa, where the lady was born.
Her parents were George H. and Chloe B. (But-
ler) Dewey, both natives of Massachusetts. Unto
them were born seven children, yet living — Nellie
B., Alice C, Howard D., Orville, Kate, Lilly and
Lola (twins), all living at home. The mother of
this family died on the 10th of May, 1881, in the
faith of the Baptist Church, of which she has been
an active and devoted member for many years. In
1882 he was again married, his second union being
with Miss Nancy Dewey, a sister of his former
wife, and unto them have been born two children
— Willie B. and John L. Mr. and Mrs. Tade and
the four eldest children are members of the Bap-
tist Church, of Harrisburg, in which he holds the
office of Deacon. He is an active advocate of all
laudable enterprises and a liberal contributor to
benevolent and charitable institutions. Socially,
he is a member and Past Commander of J. L. Jor-
dan Post, G. A. R., of Hillsborough, also belongs
to the Farmers Alliance, being President of the
Harrisburg Society, and holds membership in the
Masonic lodge. The interest which he has taken
in politics has contributed not a little to the suc-
cess of his party — the Republican — in Van Buren
County. A firm believer in its principles and one
of its stanchest advocates, he labors for its wel-
fare and is an influential member in its State and
county conventions. He was honored by an elec-
tion to the State Legislature, and displaying the
same fidelity to duty which has characterized his
entire life, he is proving hipiself an efllcient and
capable officer. He makes no hasty decisions, but,
with the interests of the peophi at heart, carefully
weighs all subjects which come before the Assem-
bly for settlement, and his judgments are therefore
unbiased and have the stamp of a true and loyal
citizen upon them.
^, fgS^URNUM SAUNDERS CALHOl N, one of
\\/' the early settlers of Van Buren County,
W engaged in farming on section 21, Union
Township,wa8 born in Holmes County, Ohio, July 5,
1838, his parents being Newton and Esther (Saun-
ders) Calhoun. His grandfather. David Calhoun, a
gentleman of Scotch-Irish descent, emigrated from
Beaver County. Pa., to Holmes County, Ohio, about
1816, but further than this little is known concern-
ing the early history' of the family. At the time of
the removal,Newton Calhoun,who was born May 19,
1809, was in his eighth year. He v/as reared among
the wild scenes of that heavily timbered country
and in his youth was inured to hardships, while
into his mind were instilled lessons of industry.
His scholastic training was very limited indeed.
Before attaining his majority, he was married on
the 8th of April, 1830, to Matilda Saunders, who
was born October 16, 1811, and by whom he had
three children, one of whom died in infancy, while
George and Thomas are farmers of Scotland
County, Mo. His wife died February 12,. 1836,
and on the 1 8th of October, of the same year he
wedded Esther Saunders, sister of his first wife,
who was a native of New York State, but when
two years of age removed with her parents to
Holmos County, Ohio. She was born April 5, 1815.
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Her father followed the sea for some years and sev-
eral of his brothers were either owners or masters of
vessels.
Newton Calhoun ckared a farm in Ohio. He
was a man of great pluck and energy as is shown
by the fact that when about twenty-six years of
age a tree fell upon him, injuring him severely, but
upon his knees he cleared several acres of land. He
was a man of powerful physique and after he was
seventy-five years of age he drove a sled three
niiles, cut two cords of wood, leaving the butts for
rails, and hauled one cord home at night.
Thinking to better his financial condition by a
removal further westward, with a four-horse team
he brought his family to Van Buren County,
arriving in the month of May, 1>^39. On section
17, Union Township, he located land, paying $1,000
for a three hundred and twenty acre claim which
he then had to enter from the government. Four
poles held the claim but not an improvement had
been made thereon. He cut logs, piled them one
above another in the form of a house, secured clap-
boards from which he formed the roof and the
same day moved into his cabin. He was an enter-
prising man and soon built a brick house, one of
the best in the country. He was not a marked
success as a financier, but he reared a family who
became useful citizens and by his own efforts did
not a little to advance the interests of the com-
munity. His second wife died September 17, 1878.
Nine children were born of that union, six of
whom are living — Vurnum of this sketch ; Newton
L., a resident farmer of Van Buren County; Ross
who is engaged in the mercantile and real-estate
business in Ness City, Kan.; John C. who was
killed by lightning when sixteen years of age,
James T., proprietor of a hotel in Ness City, Kan.;
Orange S. who died at the age of ten years; Smitli
P. who died when four years of age; Nathan S.,
County Clerk, of Ness County, Kan.; and Mrs. R.
M. Bonnette. Mr. Calhoun was a third time
married in 1881, the lady of his choice being Belle
Barker. Unto them was born a daughter, Mary.
Mr. Calhoun has been a life-long Methodist, served
as Class-Leader for many years, has given liberally
in support of the Gospel and has lived a consistent
Christian life. The mother of our subject was
also a member of that church, and was a lady of
more than ordinar}' ability, being well informed
on political questions and other subjects of inter-
est. Believing the abolition principles to be of
the utmost importance she influenced not a few to
her way of thinking. The home of Mr. and Mrs.
Calhoun was a station on the Underground Rail-
way and when the Republican party was formed
to prevent the further extension of slavery, he was
one of the first to espouse its cause. He is now an
old man who at farthest can live but a few years
longer, but his life has been well spent in the ser-
vice of him whom he recognizes as Master and an
influence for good will remain long after he has
passed away.
Our subject is the eldest of the family of nine
children and therefore much of the labor of the
farm devolved upon him. He remained at home
until the spring of 1862, when he went to California
by way of New York and the Isthmus of Panama,
where he prospected a little but mostly worked on
ranches. The following year he returned by way
of the Isthmus, being the first to reestablish the
line broken by the bandit Walker. Previous to
this time he had operated a threshing machine and
his services were in great demand, having in fact
to refuse many who would have employed him had
he the opportunity to perform their work. On his
return from California, he again resumed this bus-
iness, which he followed successfully for some
twelve years, after which for some three years, he
was employed by the Government to bale hay.
V. S. Calhoun and Miss Nancy Spraker, a
native of Indiana, were united in n^arriage, on the
3d of November, 1870. She was eight years of
age when she came to this county and after five
years of happy wedded life she died September 20,
1875, in the faith of the Methodist Church, of
which she was a consistent member. On the 17th
of February, Mr. Calhoun wedded Emma E.
Fleming, who was born in Brown County, Ohio,
February 10, 1852, but was reared in Pennsylvania
until fourteen years of age, when in 1866 she
came to Iowa. They have two children, sons,
Vurnum S. and John N.
Mr. Calhoun devoted his time and attention to
the operation of his excellent farm of two hundred
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and fifty acres and to the raising and shipping of
stock. He keeps on hand only the best grades
and these he has in considerable numbers. Twice
lias he led the Chicago market with stock of his
own feeding. In politics he is a Republican and
cast his first vote for President Lincoln. For more
than half a century he has lived in this county,
has witnessed its growth and progress and aided in
its development. Through the greater part of
that time he has been identified with its agricul-
tural interests and in the promotion of its enter-
prises be has borne his share. He is accounted a
good citizen and ranks among the well- to- do
farmers of Union Township.
lEORGE CRAINE, an early settler and
prominent business man of Fairfield, now
deceased, was born near Hollidaysburg, Pa.,
January 16, 1814, and was the son of Abram and
Maria (Emeigh) Craine. In his youth he received
a common school education and learned the car-
penter's trade, after which he started westward to
seek his fortune. In 1836, he became a resident of
Sangamon County, 111., where he formed the
acquaintance of Miss Nancy J. Hardin, and their
friendship ripening into love they were married in
1841. The lady was born in Adair County, Ky.,
her parents being Asa and Elizabeth (Taylor)
Hardin. In 1842, Mr. Craine and his young wife
cast their lot with the early settlers of the Territory
of Iowa, becoming residents of Iowa City, but a
year later they made a location in Fairfield. Ten
children were born unto them, five sons and five
daughters. The eldest, George January, was horn
in Iowa City, and died at the age of two months.
The birth of the others occurred after the removal
of the parents to Fairfield. Alice E., the second
child, is still a resident of her native city; Laura
Irene, became the wife of J. E. Roth and died in
March, 1888, at the age of forty-one years; Maria
Elizabeth and Abram Asa were twins, but the
latter lived only one day, and the former died at
the age of a year; Maria Louise died, aged three
years; Edward Walton wedded Susan Eckert and is
living in Missouri Valley, Iowa: Benjamin Taylor
died at the age of two years; Mannie Eliza is un-
married and resides in Fairfield; and Georg;e
Hardin, the youngest, who also makes his home in
that city, wedded Miss Virginia I. Davidson.
On removing from Iowa City to Fairfield, Mr.
Craine engaged in merchandising, which he con-
tinued until 1858, when he went to Colorado,
taking with him the first quartz mill ever intro-
duced into that territor3\ He made several jour-
neys back and forlhbetwecn Fairfield and Colorado,
and was connected with mining operations in that
State for more than ten years, but continued bii
home in Fairfield throughout that time. About
1868, he engaged iu operating a sawmill in Jeffer-
son County, and two years later became exten-
sively engaged in contracting and building in
Fairfield. He erected the first brick dwelling
house in that city, which is now occupied by Mrs.
Eliza Eckert, and in the prosecution of bis trade
was largely instrumental in the upbuilding of
Fairfield. In the course of his operations as a
builder he erected a large proportion of tlie prin-
cipal business houses facing the public square, as
well as many of the other public buildings in the
city, and numerous private residences. He was a
man of indomitable energy and enterprise, a
thorough mechanic and an industrious worker.
In politics Mr. Craine was a Whig in early life
and joined the Republican party on its organizalion,
being an earnest and stanch supporter of his party
principles. For several years he served acceptably
as an alderman on the Fairfield City Council. His
wife, whose death occurred January 9th, 1888, was
a member of the Presbyterian Church and a most
exemplary wife and mother. Mr. Craine also at-
tended the same church, but did not hold member-
ship therein. He was much interested in the
Masonic order, having been initiated into the
mysteries of Clinton Lodge, A. F. <fe A. M. of Fair-
field on the 19th of November, 1866, and was a
true and faithful member in good standing at the
time of his death, which occurred on the 24th of
October, 1 889, after a short illness. He was a man
of an inventive turn of mind and perfected several
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445
useful inventions, among which was a shingle-
making machine and a planer. As a citizen, he was
public-spirited and took a warm interest in the
welfare of his home, city and county. His entire
course in life was characterized by the strictest in-
tegrity, a genial cordiality and sincerity of pur-
pose that won him the deep and lasting regard of
the most worthy people of his acquaintance.
•^^
^^EORGE H. CRAINE, late trusted employe
of the firm of J. E. Roth <fe Co., of Fair-
field, and one of the representative men of
the city, was born on the 7th of October, 1860, in
Fairfield, an J is a son of George and Nancy (Har-
din) Craine. His early life passed uneventfully.
His primary education was acquired in the public
schools, and supplemented by a course in Parsons
College, after which he entered upon his business
career, at the age of seventeen years, as a salesman
in a mercantile establishment of his native city.
With the exception of about three years he has
continued to serve in that capacity in Fairfield.
On the 22d of April, 1884, in Madison, Ind.,
Mr. Cmine was united in marriage with Miss Vir-
ginia Idell Davidson, a native of Madison County,
and a daughter of William W. and Anna M. Da-
vidson. She is a lady of culture and refinement,
and in the years of her residence in Fairfield has
won many warm friends. After his marriage Mr.
Craine located in this city, but in 1886 went to
Minneapolis, Minn., where he spent some two years
engaged in merchandising. Previous to that time
he had also spent one year in Missouri Valley
Junction, Iowa, in the ofl9ce of the Sioux City &
Pacific Railroad Company, but with these excep-
tions his home has always been in the city of his
birth. On retnrning to Fairfield, in 1888, he en-
tered the employ of J. E. Roth & Co. His careful
attention to his business, his fidelity to the inter-
ests of the establishment, and his prompt and cour-
teous treatment of the patrons of the store, have
won for him the confidence and regard of his em-
ployers and the respect of all with whom he has
come in contact. Those who have known Mr.
Craine from his Ijoyhood are numbered among his
warmest friends — a fact which indicates that his
life has been a useful and honorable one.
In his iK>1itical affiliations our subject is a sup-
porter of Republican principles, having voted with
that party since attaining his majority, and in his
social relations he is a member of the Knights of
Pythias. Both Mr. Craine and his wife are mem-
bers of the Christian Church, and he is active and
influential in all matters pertaining to the church
and the promotion of its interests. Other worthy
interests also receive his hearty support, and the
community finds in him a useful and valued citi*
zen.
Mr. Craine has removed to Minneapolis, Minn.,
August 28, 1890, to take charge of the cloak de-
partment in the large dry -goods establishment of
Segelbaum Bros., of Nos. 257 and 259 Nicollet
Avenue.
•!H^@_
^^^^
ENRY C. MILLER, whose home is on sec-
tion 27, Farmington Township, Van Buren
County, devotes his energies to farming and
stock raising. His chaiacteristic energy
and ability have made him one of the progressive
farmers of the community, and it is with pleasure
that we record his sketch in this volume. He was
born on the 26th of September, 1848, in St. Louis
County, Mo., and was of German descent. His
father, Adam Miller, was born in Kour Hessen,
Germany, in 1820, and when a lad of fourteen
summers accompanied his parents on their emigra-
tion to the United States. Becoming a resident of
St. Louis County, Mo., he there formed the ac-
quaintance of Miss Elizabeth Smith, who was born
in Hesse -Darmstadt, Germany, in 1821. She too
came with her parents to America, being then six-
teen years of age. The acquaintance of the young
couple ripened into love, they were married and
began their domestic life in St. Louis County, Mo.,
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where for a time Mr. Miller was employed as a
teacher of both English and German, but farming
was his principal occupation. In 1854 he removed
with his family to Lee County, Iowa, and three
years later became a resident of Des Moines
County, where he died August 24, 1889. By his
ballot he supported the principles of the Repub-
lican part3% and religiously, he was a member of
the Evangelical Church, to which his wife also be-
longs. She is still living and makes her home with
her children.
Our subject is the fourth in a family of nine
children, seven of whom are yet living. Amid
play and work on his father's farm his boyhood
days were spent, and he was educated in both the
English and German languages. He worked at
home until he had attained his majority, when his
father knowing that he would then wish to begin
life for himself, gave him forty acres of land. He
began farming on his own responsibility, and has
carried on that occupation continuously since with
good success. As a helpmate on his life's journey
he chose Miss Minnie Hontzel, a native of Lee
County, Iowa, born January 15, 1855, and adaugh-
ter of Christian and Christina (Eike) Hentzel, both
of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany, the
former born in 1813, and the latter In 1815. Hav-
ing married, they resided in the old country
until 1854, when they determined to seek a home
in the United States. They made a settlement on
a farm in Lee County, Iowa, where for many years
they continued to resi<le, but both have now passed
away, the death of Mr. Hentzel occurring in 1881,
while his wife was called home in 1887. In their
family were four children, two of whom are yet
living. The parents were members of the Evan-
gelical Church, and Mr. Hentzel was a Democrat
in politics.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was cele-
brated March 8, 1877, and they at once took up
tijeir residence upon their present f»rm, which com-
prises three hundred and seven acres of arable
land, furnished with good buildings and supplied
with all necessary improvements. Their home has
been gladdened by the presence of five interesting
children, as follows: Loui H., Louellah M., Esther
M., Adam W. and Aura J. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and in the Master's vineyard are faithful
workers. He has served as Steward and Trustee,
and also gives liberally to the support of the
Gospel.
//'^ K. TEN E YCK, one of the honored pioneers
[ij (— -, and a self-made man of Van Buren County,
%^ residing on section 36, Chequest Township,
has for forty-five years made his home in this
community. He has been a witness of the greater
part of the growth and progress of the county and
has been identified with its growth and develop-
ment.
On the paternal side Mr. Ten Eyck traces his
ancestry back to Holland. His grandparents, the
founders of the family in America, left their native
land and settled in this country prior to the Revo-
lutionary War. On the maternal side he is of Irish
descent. The parents of his mother during the Irish
Revolution fied to this country and located in
Schoharie County, N. Y., in early Colonial days.
They spent the remainder of their lives in the Em-
pire State and the husband served in the French
and Indian War.
Christopher Ten Eyck, the father of our subject,
was a native of Alban}"^ County, N. Y., and through-
out his entire life followed farming in that State.
He married Polly Kennedy, also a native of Albany
Count}', whose death occurred in 1826. He died
some twenty-four years later in 1850. Of their
four children, three are yet living: Thomas, a resi-
dent of Rensselaer County, N. Y. ; G. K., of this
sketch, and Mrs. Ellen Morris, of Frankfort, Ind.
The boyhood daj'S of our subject were spent in
the vicinity of Albany, N. Y. Not content with
the limited education which he had acquired in the
district schools, while learning the trade of a car-
penter and joiner he attended night school io that
citj-, thereby adding not a little to his store of
knowledge. The studious and enterprising habits
of those years have characterized his entire life and
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he yet keeps himself well informed on matters of
general interest. His term of apprenticeship to his
chosen trade having expired, he followed that pur-
suit in Albany and vicinity for several years, but
at length he came to the West to try his fortune
upon its broad prairies. In 1846 he purchased two
huncired acres of raw land and began the develop-
ment of a farm. He was then a single man, but
after having made some preparations for a home,
in 1 847 he returned to his native State, where was
awaiting him a lady who had promised him her
hand in marriage. The wedding of Mr. Ten Eyck
and Miss Christina M. Bink was then celebrated
and with his bride he returned to Iowa. Her par-
ents, Philip and Mary (Harrington) Bink, were
natives of New York and of German descent. Of
this marriage three children were born, all of whom
are deceased.
The young couple began their domestic life upon
t\ farm in Chequest Township, which at one time
comprised three hundred acres, but it now em-
braces one hundred and forty acres of highly cul-
tivated land, he having disposed of the remaining
portion. In 1849 he went to St. Louis, where he
spent one year working at his trade, but with that
exception he has continuously made his home in
Van Buren County since 1846. He has carried on
agricultural pursuits and also done considerable
carpentering, by which means he has acquired a .
good property which now places him in comforta-
ble circumstances.
Mr. Ten Eyck was called upon to mourn the loss
of his wife in 1854, and in 1856, in Van Buren
County, he wedded Rosannah Elizabeth Sellers, a
native of Indiana, and a daughter of Benjamin
Sellers. Both her parents died in Indiana. By
this union has been born four children, three of
whom are deceased; the one living, Oliver E., mar-
ried Mary Vincent, daughter of S. E. Vincent, and
is now engaged in teaching school in this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Ten Eyck have a pleasant home situ-
ated only a short distance from Lebanon, in fact
that town was built upon a part of his farm. They
are highly respected throughout the community,
and their home is the abode of hospitality. Mr.
Ten Eyck is a Democrat in politics and is a mem-
ber of the School Poard, The cause of education
finds in him a warm friend, and he has done effect-
ive service for her interests. Large-hearted and
liberal, he is a friend to the poor and needy and
his has been the helping hand stretched ^out to
many who, had it not been for his timely aid, would
doubtless have been involved in bankruptc}'. At
one time he bid in a farm that T^as sold at a sher-
iff's sale and thus gave the previous owner a chance
to redeem his home. His life is made up of such
commendable acts as that, and in consequence he
has won the lasting regard and respect of those
with whom he hag been brought in contact.
«^S^^i^.tC^^B
ON. THOMAS MOORMAN, deceased, an
early settler and honored citizen of Jef-
ferson County, was born in Ohio on
the 7th of September, 1809, his pa-
rents being Charles and Elizabeth Moorman.
In the county of his nativity he was reared
to manhood and learned the trade of manu-
facturing saddle- trees, which business he followed
for some years though he made farming his prin-
cipal occupation through life.
In Highland County, Ohio, on the 16th of April,
1833, Mr. Moorman was united in marriage with
Miss Margaret Canaday, a native of that county,
and by their union were born unto them the fol-
lowing children — Anna E., who was born January
29th, 1834, and is the wife of Parker B. Grafton
of Polk Township, Jefferson County; Eliza E., born
March 9, 1835, became the wife of Matthew
Junkin and died in September, 1870; Amanda J.,
born March 13, 1837, is the wife of Wilkins War-
wick, of Kansas; Charles W., born November 2,
1838, was a soldier in the late war, married Etta
Smith and is now living in Black Hawk Township;
Albert M., born January 6, 1841, died October 31,
1847; Martha M., born August 4, 1844, is the wife
of Dr. Webster Searle, of Ottumwa; William T.,
who was born December 4, 1846, and was also in
the late war, married Anna Greenwood and lives
in Fairfield ; Lewis C, born Marfh 2, I849i died
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February 6, 1850; Sarah A. born August 19, 1850,
is the wife of William Campbell, of Florence,
Alabama, and the youngest of the family.
Hearing favorable reports of Iowa and the ad-
vantages afforded her early settlers, Mr. Moorman
determined to make a location within her borders
and in 1844, accompanied by his family, settled on
a farm in Fairfield Township, Jefferson County.
Again beginning life in earnest, his efforts were
crowned with success and everything passed along
well until 1854, when the wife and mother was
called to her final rest, her death occurring on the
22n(l of January 1854. Mr. Moorman was again
married on the 19th of April, 1859, his second
union being with Mrs. Leah B. Robinson, widow
of Dr. Sawyer Robinson, whose sketch appears else-
where in this work. She was born in Butler
County, Ohio, June 2, 1826, and is a daughter of
Finley M. and Elizabeth (Gray) Brooks. Her pa-
rents were early settlers of Brookville, in Locust
Grove Township, she having accompanied them to
the county in 1846. One child has been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Moorman, Eva C, who was born
July 2, 1863, and became the wife of J. L.
Ganier, of Fairfield, her death occurring March 22,
1885.
Mr. Moorman continued his farming operations
up to the time of his death. As he possessed en-
ergy^ good management and business ability, he
met with success in his undertakings and be-
came owner of a fine farm of three hundred and
five acres in Fairfield Township, which has since
been divided among Ihe family. In his earlier
years, he took an active part in public affairs and
was an influential citizen of the community. In
the legislative assembly of 1857, and 1858, he ser-
ved as a member and was also Justice of the Peace
for several years. He was reared in the faith of
the Society of Friends but about 1863 joined the
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife has
belonged for half a century. Ever faithful to his
reli^niMLs duties, the church suffered a loss at his
(leaili and in other good works his absence has also
been keenly felt.
The temperance cause found in him one of its
strongest supporters and other enterprises for the
advancement of the community were sure of his
sympathy and co-operation. In his earlier years,
in politics he was a Whig but on the organization
of the Republican party joined in its ranks. His
death occurred March 26, 1889, and was the occa-
sion of deep regret on the part of a large circle of
friends and acquaintances.
Mrs. Moorman is still living on the old home-
stead, of which she owns eighty acres, together with
ninety acres in Locust Grove Township, the whole
yielding her a good income which places her in
comfortable circumstances. Like her husband she
delights in doing good, her life abounds in deeds
of charity and benevolence and her many excellent
qualities make her greatly beloved.
IRAM BARNES is a retired farmer and
honored citizen of Birmingham, Van Buren
County. Known to many throughout the
county, and held in the highest esteem hy
his sketch will be received with interest by
many of our readers. His birthplace is in Harri-
son County, Ohio, and the date on which he first
opened his eyes to the light, March 18, 1818. He is
a son of James A. Barnes and a grandson of Leon-
ard Barnes, who was probably a native of Ireland.
From Maryland he removed to Ohio, where he
spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming.
James Barnes was born in the Buckeye State, and
on reaching the age of twenty-one married Miss
Elizabeth Barnett, also a native of Ohio. Her
father was a Frenchman and her mother's people
belonged to the Society of Friends. Mr. Barnes
improved a now farm after his marriage, and later
moved from Tuscarawas County to Holmes County,
where he resided some four years. It was in 1839
that he first set foot upon Iowa soil. Crossing the
Mississippi, he continued his journey to Van Buren
County and made a location about a mile south of
Birmingham, where he entered one hundred and
twenty acres of land. After building a log cabin,
he began the improvement of a farm, while the
family lived in true pioneer style. He was called
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449
upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1862, and
ten years later his death occurred. Many of the
comforts of civilized life had been added to their
home before that time, and a highly culti rated
farm supplied their wants. He was a stalwart
Republican in political sentiment, and Mrs. Barnes
was a faithful member of the Methodist Church.
Their family numbered thirteen children, of whom
the following grew to mature years — Matilda, who
was married and died in Ohio; Hiram, of this
sketih; Barnett, who was killed in California while
in his own cabin; Reason, Sarah and Albert, who
are residents of California; James, who served in
the Third Iowa Cavalrj^ during the late war and
thereby lost his eyesight; Harriet and Elizabeth,
who are also living in the Golden State.
The days of his boyhood and youth, Hiram
Barnes spent in the State of his nativity, where he
also served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's
trade. He came with his family to the Territory
of Iowa when twenty-one years of a^e, and re-
roaii:ed unaerthe parental roof until 1846, in which
year his marriage with Hannah B. Loomiswas cele-
brated. The ledy is a native of Ohio, and a daugh-
ter of William and Sylvia Loomis. After his mar-
riage, Mr. Barnes purchased land lying partly in
Birmingham, and on the lot where stands their
present residence he and his wife began their do-
mestic life. He devoted his attention to farming
until 1850, when, attracted by the discovery of
gold in California, he crossed the plains with three
brothers and spent ncarl}' two years in the northern
mines. Again returning home, he resumed his in-
terrupted farming labors, and in addition, en-
gaged in the livery business, but in 1861, on th3
breaking out of the late war, he laid down the im-
plements of peaceful occupation and marched awa}'
to the front.
Mr. Barnes enlisted in Company H. Third Iowa
Cavalry, and when the regiment was organized
was made First Lieutenant of his company, in
which position he served two years, when he re-
ceived his discharge on account of failing health.
The service of the regiment was arduous, being
mostly warfare against the guerrillas. He had com-
mand of his company during the greater part of
the time as the Captain was old and unable to
take the lead. The principal engagement occurred
at Kitksville, Mo., but he participated^ in many
skirmishes.
Returning to his home, Mr. Barnes again took
up farming and the livery business, which latter he
followed for thirty years. He is still the owner of
one hundred and fifteen acres of land lying partly
within the corporation limits of Birmingham, but
to a gieat extent he has laid aside all business care
and is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of
former toil. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have been
born six children, yet living — Louisa, widow of
W. J. Hale, has two children and is living in Bir-
mingham, near her parents; W. A. is a farmer of
Warren County, Iowa, and a graduate of the Com-
mercial College, of Kookuk; Belle, wife of Abe
Kirkpatrick, is living in California; Virginia is the
wife of Horace McCormick, of Des Moines, who is
connected with the famous agricultural implement
manufactory; Mary is the wife of B. F. Loomis,
of Kansas; and lola is with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have a charming home in
Birmingham, where they are surrounded with all
the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He
has served as Mayor of that city and is an honored
member of the Old Settlers Society. He cast his
first Presidential ballot for William Henry Harri-
son, and the last vote up to this time for Benjamin
Harrison, the illustrious grandson of the Tippe-
canoe hero. More than half a century has passed
away since Mr. Barnes came to this county. Time
and the citizens of the community have brought
many changes, effacing many of the old landmarks
but putting in their places structures which show
the enterprise of its settlers.
»^ W.STEWART, a farmer and stock raiser
of Polk Township, Jefferson County, resid-
ing on section 27,claims Ohio as the State of
his nativity, his birth having occurred in
Richland County in 1839. In a family of four
children he was the eldest and the parents were
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Samuel and Eliza (Fletcher) Stewart, the former a
native of Ohio, and the latter of Virginia. They
were married in the Buckeye State, where Mr.
Stewart continued his farming operations until
1851, when he moved with his family to Van Buren
County, Iowa, and purchased a partially improved
farm. Four years later, however, he left the West
and made a location in Fauquier County, Va.,where
he carried on agricultural pursuits uutil his death,
which occurred in 1862. His wife continued there
to reside until she also received the final summons,
her death occurring in February, 1876. There are
one son and two daughters of the family yet living,
the daughters being Mrs. Elizabeth Swain, of Fair-
field and Mrs. Maranda Huff, of Orleans, Neb.
The son, whose name heads this sketch, spent his
boyhood days in Ohio, Iowa and Virginia. He was
a lad of twelve years when he left his native State
and became a resident of Van Buren County, Iowa,
and at the age of fifteen years we find him with his
parents, living in Fauquier County, Va., where he
attained to man's estate. His time was spent in a
manner not unlike that of most farmer lads and af-
ter attaining his majority, he embarked in farming
for himself. He was married in Fauquier County,
Va., in 1867, to Miss Elizabeth M. Case, a native
of Ohio and a daughter of Adam and Margaret
(Slewart) Case. H«er fatiier was born in New Jer-
sey and her mother in Ohio. He came to Jeffer-
son County, Iowa, in 1855, and for some years
engaged in merchandising in Fairfield, where he
ranked among the leading business men. His death
occurred in January, 1873. He took quite an ac-
tive part in political affairs, supporting the Repub-
lican party and was an influential citizen in the
community. His wife died tlie year of their re-
moval to this county.
Mr. Stewart continued his farming operations in
Virginia until '1876, when he too came to Fair-
field. He spent the winter in that city and the fol-
lowing spring purchased an improved farm of
one hundred and sixty acres. That quarter sec-
tion is now one of the most highly improved in the
township. Everything necessary to a model farm
may there be seen; it is provided with good build-
ings and the home with its entire surroundings
give? evidence pf the qapability and industry of
him who has its operation in charge. The home is
blessed with the presence of seven children, four
sons and three daughters, as follows: Frank,
Madge, Charles, Edward, George, Hattie and
Helen. The parents are both members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of Abingdon, and to
all social, moral and educational interests, Mr.
Stewart is a warm friend. As a member of the
School Board, he has done efldcient service for od-
ucation by advancing the grade of schools and pro-
viding teachers who are capable of discharging the
duties of the profession. As every true Ameri-
can citizen should do, he feels and manifests an in-
terest in political affairs and casts his ballot for the
Republican party.
-^^^-^^^i^^^^fi^j^-^
-<-s-
ILL HASTINGS, a farmer and stock-raiser
of Van Buren County, owns two hundred
and forty-two acres of valuable land, his
home being situated on section 27, I^nion Town-
ship, where he devotes himself with unremitting
zeal to the interests of his business, whereby he
has l>ecome one of the substantial citizens of the
community.
In Hardin County, Ohio, on the 23d of Novem-
ber, 1844, he was born, and is a son of John C. and
Jane (Plew) Hastings. His father was a native of
County Antrim, Ireland, and when nineteen years
of age came to this country, locating in Hardin
County, Ohio, where he married Miss Plew, who
was born near Meadsville, Pa., and emigrated to
the Buckeye State with her parents in girlhood.
She died in Hardin County, in 1846, leaving our
subject, an only child. Subsequently Mr. Hastings
chose as a second wife Mary E. Purdom, of Van
Buren County, wliither he had removed in 1861.
He made his first settlement in the eastern part of
the county, but later purchased the farm upon
which our subject now resides. He became an in-
fluential citizen of the community, and several
times represented Cedar Township on the Board of
County Supervisors. He followed th^ occupation
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451
of fanning in pursuit of fortune, and his efforts
being successful, he secured a handsome compe-
tence. He had very little capital on coming to this
county, but he was a shrewd financier, and taking
no nndue advantage of any one himself, he did not
allow any one to overreach him. Though he loaned
money, he never had occasion to sue any one, nor
was he ever sued. Prompt to pay his debts, he
was honorable and fair in all his dealings, and his
word was as good as his bond. He was decided in
his views and outspoken, but made no enemies, for
his motives were sincere. He was full of life and
humor, and the guests of his hospitable home were
sure of a hearty welcome.
As before stated, our subject was the only child
of this worthy pioneer. His primary education
was supplemented by a course in the higher
schools, and at the age of nineteen years he began
teaching, which vocation he followed through
about eighteen terms, spent only in two districts.
Certainly a higher testimonial of his ability and
faithfulness could not be given. He was for many
terms Principal of the Winchester schools, and in
1880 he was elected County Superintendent of
Van Buren County, although the county has three
hundred Republican majority and he is a pro-
nounced Democrat, a fact which indicates his
popularity, which is due not only to his genial and
affable manner,but to his fitness for the position. So
ably did he fill the office that he was re-elec-
ted in 1882. Later he was nominated by the
Democratic convention for the position of County
Clerk, but was not elected owing to the lack of
party strength. He has been Clerk and is now
Treasurer of the Township School Board, and was
Township Clerk for some five years.
Mrs. Hastings was, in her maidenhood. Miss
Addle Kerr, who was born in Union Township,
Van Buren County, and was a daughter of Chris-
topher Kerr. Unto them has been born one child.
Birdie, who died at the age of one year, and a
month later the mother was also laid to rest. At
Meadsville, Pa., on the Ist of October, 1889, Mr.
Hastings wedded Miss Cora Dunson, of Hardin
County, Ohio, who is a member of the Methodist
Church and a most estimable lady. He is recog-
nized as one of the leading men of the township.
In addition to the cultivation of his farm of two
hundred and forty-two acres, he has served as
President of the Cheese and Butter Company since
its organization, and has done not a little business
in the way of selling estates. The business ability
of his father descended to him, and with like energy
and perseverance he has pressed forward, thus be-
coming one of the well-to-do citizens of the county.
To say that Mr. Hastings is popular would hardly
express the public feeling toward him, for in addi-
tion to his popularity there is a warm friendship
everywhere manifested combined with respect and
esteem for one who for thirty-two years has made
his home among them.
lEORGE D. CLARKE, is engaged in the
drug business in Fairfield, Iowa, and is a
representative of Jefferson County's enter-
prising citizens. He was born in Mt. Pleasant,
Henry County, on the 18th of January, 1853,being
a son of Dr. Charles S. and Sarah L. Clarke, whose
sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Our sub- .
ject came to Fairfield with his parents in 1857,
when but four years of age. He attended the city
schools in his early youth and was a student for
three years in the State University of Iowa. He
began his business career in his father's drug store
at Fairfield, and, having obtained a knowledge of
the business, was in 1875 admitted to partnership,
the firm being G. S. Clarke <fe Son. On the death
of his father in March, 1882, he succeeded to the
business and for the ensuing five yeai's conducted it
alone, or until 1887, when H. G. Junken became
associated with him as a partner and the firm name
was changed to Clarke <fe Junken. This Is the old-
est established drug house in the city as well as one
of the most important and popular in public esti-
mation.
In Fairfield, on the 22nd of May, 1879, Mr.
Clarke was married, the lady of his choice being
Miss Etta Montgomery, daughter of William Mont-
gomery. Mrs. Clarke wa9 born in Jefferaon County,
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Iowa, and is a member of the Fairfield Presbyterian
Churcb. One child, a daughter, Helen May, graces
their union.
Mr. Clarke takes considerable interest in civic
societies and is an honored member of the Masonic
and Knights of Pythias fraternities, holding mem-
bership in Clinton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. <fe A. M.
and Forest City Lodge, No. 37, K. P. In his po-
litical affiliations, be is a Republican and has faith-
fully served for one term in the City Council and
is now serving his second term as City Treasurer,
which fact well indicates his popularity and ability.
He was one of the organizers of the Iowa State
Savings Bank and is a member of its first board of
directors. Mr. Clarke is a skilled pharmacist, a
courteous gentleman and an acknowledged leader
in his line of business.
-H —
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AMES B. ROBINSON, an undertaker and
dealer in furniture, of Milton, claims the
honor of being a native of Van Buren
County. He was born in Winchester, Union
Township, on the 2d of December, 1855, and is a
son of John A. and Ella J. (Smith) Robinson,
worthy pioneers of the county, a sketch of whom is
given elsewhere in this volume.
Our subject received a liberal education in his
youth, his literary training being received in the
Keosauqua High School and at the Birmingham
Academy. He then ventured upon the study of
medicine, and took two courses at the Keokuk
Medical College, but not finding the profession to
his taste, he did not complete the course of study.
He established his present business in Milton in
1888, and is the proprietor of the only undertaking
and furniture establishment in the city. He has
built up a good trade and is doing a successful
business. In politics he is a supporter of Repub-
lican principles, bat has never sought or desired
the honors or emoluments of public office.
On the 11th of January, 1888, Mr. Robinson led
to the altar Miss Ida Bennett, the union being cele-
brated in Milton. She was a daughter of Benjamin
Bennett, and her birth occurred in Keosauqua,
where her parents were early settlers. She died
April 13, 1890, leaving one child, a son, Mark
Leonard, who was born September 23, 1888.
•^J^C
^^
irD) '^' ^T^N^R' * well-to-do farmer and sheep
l|m^ herder residing on section 22, Fairfield
cfc \\\ Township, Jefferson County, was born in
^)0 Ashland Cou nty, Ohio, September 22, 1850-
Little is known concerning the early history of the
family. His father was a native of Lancaster
County, Pa., and was of German descent. When
a lad of fourteen years his parents emigrated west-
ward, settling in Ohio when that State was thought
to be almost on the borders of civilization. He
was there reared and on attaining to man's estate
was joined in wedlock with Miss Almira Parsons,
who was born in Connecticut and whose people
belonged to an old New England family. Their
union was blessed with four children* three of whom
are yet living. R. J., the subject of this sketch, is
the eldest; Emma died while a student in Knox
College, of Galesburg, III.; Nettie makes her home
with her mother; and Charles E., is a practicing
physician of Altoona, Polk County, Iowa. He
married Miss Nettie Neil, who lielongs to a pioneer
family of Jefferson County. Abraham Stoner, ac-
companied by wife and children bade good-bye to
Ashland County, Ohio, in 1865, and made his way
to Jefferson County, finally locating upon a farm
which is now the property of our subject. A man
of strict integrity, upright in all his dealings, he
won the respect of all who knew him and at his
death in June, 1888, much sorrow was felt not only
by his immediate family but by a large circle of
friends and acquaintances. He lived the life of a
consistent Christian, being a member of the Con-
gregational Church to which his widow also belongs.
She now makes her home with her eldest son.
Until fifteen years of age, our subject remained
in the county of his nativity where he acquired
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his primary education in the district schools of the
neighborhood. After locating in Jefferson County
he pursued a year's course of study in the Wes-
leyan University, of Mt. Plea8Hnt,which completed
his school life. At the age of twenty-one years
he entered upon his business career and in tlie same
fall took upon himself the care of a home. He
was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hampson,
who was born in Fairfield and is a daughter of E.
C. and Margaret (Beatty) Hampson. Three years
after their marriage, they settled upon the farm
which has since been their home and where Mr.
Stoner is yet actively engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. The well cultivated fields and the splendid
improvements which he has made upon the two
hundred and forty acres of land that pay tribute
to his care and labor, are indications to a passer-by
of his thrift and energy, while as a sheep-herder
he stands in the front rank among the stock-raisers
in Jefferson County. He keeps on hand about four
hundred head of a good grade of sheep, together
with twenty head of horses and a good grade of
hogs. He also makes a specialty of the raising of
clover seed. By the census enumerator's valuation
we learn that Mr. Stoner's farm, including personal
property and real estate, is rated at about $5,600
and the greater part of his possessions have been
acquired through his own effort.
B. KENYON, the owner of a fine farm of
one hundred and twenty acres on section 15,
Polk Township, was reared to farm life and
^has made that his occupation throughout the
years of his manhood. He claims an honor of
which few can boast, that of being a native of Jef-
ferson County. His father, James Kenyon, was
born on the Isle of Man and when a lad of five
summers was brought by his parents to America.
Growing to manhood, he was married in Ohio, to
Miss Jane Tier, a native of London, England, and
in 1846, they came to the new State of Iowa, locat-
ing in Fairfield, Jefferson Count}'. Mr. Kenyon
was a mason by trade and in Fairfield fpllowed that
occupation with good success for several years or
until 1859, when he removed to a farm hear the
city. He was a respected citizen, one worthy the
esteem of his fellow-men and his death proved a
loss to the community. He was called to his final
rest in 1880, and his wife i>assed av^ay in 1876. At
the time of their deaths they resided in Polk Town-
ship. Their family numbered four children, of
whom R. B., of this sketch, is the eldest; William
is now married and resides in O'Brien County,
Iowa; Anna died in 1861; and Theopholis is mar-
ried and makes his home in Polk Township, where
he carries on farming.
The year in which our subject was born is 1847.
His early life was spent in the usual manner of
farmer lads and he acquired a good practical edu-
cation in the schools of Polk Township and Fair-
field. Although only seventeen years of age, in
1864, in Abingdon, he enlisted in the late war for
three years service or until the close of hostilities,
and was assigned to Company D, Nineteenth Iowa
Infantry. The regiment became a part of the
Department of the Gulf and with his command,
Mr. Kenyon participated in the siege and capture
of Spanish Fort, the battle of Mobile, Good's
Plantation and the engagement at Ft. Gaines, to-
gether with numerous skirmishes. When the war
was over, he was honorably discharged from the
service at New Orleans on the 20th of August,
1865, and at once returned to the North.
On again reaching his native county, Mr. Kenyon
returned to the parental home and assisted his
father in his farming operations for several years.
On the 12th of October, 1876, he was united in
the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary
Cline, a native of Ohio, and daughter of William
and Rebecca Cline. Her parents were also born
in the Buckeye State and came to Jefferson
County at an early day. Both are now deceased.
The young couple began their domestic life in
Polk Township and four children came to gladden
the home with their presence, two sons and two
daughters: William Edward, Anna Jane, Nora
Dollie and Lewis Earle. The family circle yet re-
mains unbroken.
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As stated in the begin Diog of this sketch, Mr.
Kenj'OD is the owner of a good farm of one hun-
dred and twenty acres whose culti rated fields,
good grades of stock, outbuildings and tasty resi-
dence give evidence of the thrift, industry and
good management of the owner. He is regarded
as one of the progressive and representative farm-
ers of the township and stands in the front rank
among its leading citizens. In political sentiment
he is a Repujblican, always casting his vote with
that party, yet has never sought or desired the
honors or emoluments of public office, preferring
to devote his time and attention to his business
interedts. He has however served as Township
Clerk and has acted upon the School Board several
terms, being interested in the cause of education.
He himself is a well-informed man and desires that
his children will be thus fitted for the duties of
life. As a pioneer, he has witnessed almost the
entire growth of the county from its, infancy and
knows what it is to share in the difficulties and
hardships incident to the settling upon a frontier.
^RLIN H. GILLETT is a representative of one
of the pionl'er families of Jefferson County.
His home is now on section 26, Polk Town-
ship, and comprises a portion of the land which his
father claimed forty-three years ago. The mem-
bers of the family have been prominently connected
with the history of the county and have done not a
little for the advancement of its interests and the
promotion of its leading enterprises. Especially
have the}' been connected with the developement
of the wild land, several hundred acres of the raw
prairie or unbroken timber being placed under the
plow by father and sons. L. T. Gillett, the father
of the family, was born in Connecticut and spent
the first sixteen years of his life in that State. He
then started out to make his own way in the world
and entered upon his business career as a traveling
salesman, selling clocks. For a number of years
he followed that pursuit, during which time he
visited most of the Eastern and Middle States. In
his Journeyings he reached Knox County, 111., and
being placed with the county and its future pros-
pects made there a location, becoming owner of a
tract of land upon which the village of Knoxville
is located. It was in Knox County that he formed
the acquaintance of and wedded Miss Elzan Riley,
a native of Indiana, whose parents were pioneers of
Knox County. Her father served in the Black
Hawk War with the rank of Major.
Mr. and Mrs. Gillett continued to make their
home in Illinois until the spring of 1843, when
thinking to better their financial condition they
crossed the Father of Waters into Iowa and made a
settlement in Polk Township, Jefferson County.
Mr. Gillett was a man of more than ordinary ahil-
ity and a most successful farmer. He at one time
owned one thousand acres of land in this county
and ere his death, which occurred in August, 1870,
he had improved over six hundred acres of land.
He took an active part in everything that perlaioed
to the welfare of the community and it was
through his instrumentality that the first school-
house in Polk Township was built. His fellow citi-
zens, appreciating his worth and ability, frequent-
ly called ui)on him to serve in positions of public
trust for being acquainted with his upright charac-
ter they knew that the duties would ever be faith-
fully discharged. He was untiring in his efforts
to promote the general welfare and his death
proved a sad loss to the community. Mrs. Crillett
is still living and makes her home with her chil-
dren.
The family of this worthy couple numbered thir-
teen children, eleven of whom grew to manhood and
wonnanhood, while nine are yet living — Ellen is
the wife of Edwin Stockton, of Illinois; Penelope
became the wife of J. B. McCoy and died at Mt
Pleasant, Iowa.; James G. died at the age of
twenty-three, his death caused by the kick from a
horse. He served in the late war as a member of
Company I, Second Iowa Infantrj^; O. H. of this
sketch is the next younger ; Eliza J. is the wife of
J. Pollock, of Lincoln, Neb.; Z. T. is a resident
farmer of Polk Township; Janet is the wife of
William Wells, of the same township; William B.
is a farmer of Dickenson County, Iowa; John R.
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makes his home in Davis County, Mo.; Edward is
engaged in merchandising in Holyoke, Col., wliere
Lester T., the youngest of the family, is also liv-
ing.
O. H. Giliett, whose name heads this sketch,
has spent his entire life in this county, his birth
occurring on the old homestead in Polk Township,
in 1844. He acquired such education as the dis-
trict schools of that day afforded and at the age of
twenty -two began life for himself, renting a part
of his father*s land. He is now the owner of a
good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, this
tract forming a portion of that which his father
entered in 1843. As it was entirely unimproved,
he had to break and plow the land before planting
crops. In fact it was entirely developed by him
and is a monument to his industry and enterprise.
The owner thoroughly understands his business — a
fact which is indicated by a glance at the highly
cultivated fields and well kept barns. In addition
to the raising of crops he deals quite extensively
iu improved grades of farm stock, his annual ship-
ments being quite large.
In 1867, Mr. Gillett led to the marriage altar
Miss Elizabeth Moore, daughter of Henry and
Mary J. (Harper) Moore. Her parents were na-
tives of the Emerald Isle and Mrs. Gillett was born
in Ohio. By their union were born eight children
yet living and two now deceased. Those who still
survive are Nevada, Flaval O., Mary, Bertha,
Maggie, Ray, May and Iva. Mrs. Gillett was for-
merly a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and a lady held in high regard for her many ex-
cellencies of character. Mr. Gillett is a member
of the Farmers' Alliance and in political sentiment
is a stalwart supporter of the Democracy, taking
an active interest in all that pertains to its welfare.
He has served on the central committee and is an
influential member of his party in local circles.
Almost constantly for a number of years he has
served as a member of the School Board and has
done effective service for the cause of education.
A friend to all worthy enterprises he has aided in
the upbuilding and advancement of the community
and has been a liberal supporter of charitable and
benevolent institutions. Although not a church
member, his donations to the church are not small
/^
and financially he has aided greatly in its growth.
He ranks among the best citizens of Polk Town-
ship, is one of its leading farmers and is an hon-
ored pioneer of Jefferson County who is well
worthy a place in the volume of its history.
3.!€^^i^
^fOSEPlI WILLIAMSON, deceased, is num.
bered among the honored pioneers of Van
Buren County, Iowa. He located in the
county in 1835, when it formed a part of
the Territory of Michigan. The entire State was
then an almost uninhabited wilderness and gave lit-
tle promise of its present prosperity or of the ad-
vanced position which it to-day occupies in the
Union.
Mr. Williamson, a son of Francis and Eve (Mc-
Namar) Williamson, was born June 20, 1814, in
Scioto County, Ohio, where the first twelve years
of his life were spent upon his father's farm. In
1826, he accompanied the family on their removal
from Ohio to Indiana, where he continued to reside
until 1835, when he journeyed westward, crossing
the Father of Water and set foot upon Iowa soil.
From that time until his death, he was identified
with the history of the State and especially with
the growth and advancement of Southeastern Iowa.
He aided in the erection of the first house in Farm-
ington and after a year returned to Indiana where,
on the 24th of July, 1836, he was united in mar-
riage with Hannah Lemming, who was born in
Knox County, Ohio, August 28, 1817, and is a
daughter of Elias and Deborah (Reed) Lemming,
who were natives of New Jersey, the former born
of Scotch parentage, while the latter was of Irish
lineage.
About the time when Iowa was made a territory,
in 1838, Mr. Williamson and his wife removed to
the vicinity of Bonaparte where they resided until
1850, when they became residents of Davis County.
Twelve years later they removed to Van Buren
County, but in 1875, again became residents of
Davis County, where Mr. Williamson died on
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the 19th of August, 1889. He was a farmer by oc-
cupation and followed that business durin«: the
greater part of his life. As a citizen, he occupied
a front rank among the progressive and influential
men of the community and his death proved a loss
to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williamson were born eleven
children. John W., born in Indiana, died before
the walls of Vicksburg, on the 23rd of March,! 862,
while serving as a soldier of Company D, Thirtieth
Iowa Infantry; Francis M., was born October 10,
1838, and resides in Milton, claims to have been
the first white child born in Van Buren County;
Mary A., is the wife of G. W. Rosser, of Colorado;
Ellen, is deceased; William H., is living in Van
Bnren County; Emily J., is deceased; Eva E., is
the wife of C. E. Archer and their home is in
Davis County; Martha J., is also deceased; Clara,
is the wife of W. F. Edmondson, and the Postmis-
tress of Milton, Iowa; Sarah I. and Helen B. have
also passed away.
The mother of this family is still living and
makes her home in Van Buren County. She is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a
most estimable lady.
EWIS TRABERT still resides on the farm
where he opened his eyes to the light of
day, November 13, 1852. It is the Tra-
bert homestead, and is situated on section 15, Lock-
ridge Township, Jefferson County. He is fifth in
a family of six children born unto John T. and
Mary B. (Harding) Trabert. His father was born
in Bavaria, Germany, May 12, 1810, and his peo-
ple were devoted to agricultural pursuits. At the
age of fifteen he began work as a farm hand,
which he continued until his emigration to America
in 1840. The four 3'ears preceding his arrival in
this county he worked as a day laborer in Pennsyl-
vania, and during that time married Miss Harding,
who was born in the same neighborhood with her
husband. In 1844 they came to the Territory of
Iowa, making a location in Lockridge Township,
and after a few years purchased eighty acres of
land constituting a portion of the farm where our
subject now resides. It was entirely unimproved,
but he built a log cabin and at once began clear-
ing, preparatory to planting crops, which in the
course of time would yield him a living. Over-
coming the difficulties incident to frontier life, he
at length acquired a comfortable competence, and
at his death left his family in comfortable circum-
stances. His farm then comprised two hundred
and thirty -six acres of arable land, upon which was
a comfortable home, good barne and all other
necessary improvements.
He died on the 11th of February, 1875, in the
faith of the Lutheran Church, of which he was
long a member. In connection with his property
he left to his family a priceless heritage — a good
name. Mrs. Trabert still survives her husband and
inakes her home with her children, five sons and
one daughters — George, the eldest, born December
31, 1842, is a miller, of Griswold, Iowa; Andrew,
born October 2, 1844, is a farmer, residing near
Stanton, Iowa; John, born December 31, 1845, is a
resident farmer, of Milford, Neb.; Anna M. died
August 21, 1852, when three years of age; Lewis
is the next younger; and Henry, born September
13, 1854, died February 19, 1876.
The early life of our subject passed unevent-
fully, his time being taken up with the farm labor
usually allotted to young lads and by attendance
at the district schools of the neighborhood where
he acquired his education. Soon after his father's
death he married Miss Annas Sophia Schmidt-
lein, who is a representative of one of the pioneer
families of Lockridge Township. He then pur-
chased the interest of the other heirs in the old
homestead farm where they began their domestic
life and have since continued to reside. Their
union has been blessed with two children, a son and
daughter — Frank A., born March 30, 1878, and
Mary Barbara, born August 29, 1880.
Mr. Trabert is numbered among the intelligent
young citizens of the county, and his progressive
ideas have won him a foremost place in the ranks
of its leading farmers. In his political affiliations
he is a stalwart Democrat, as was his father before
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459
him. He cast his first Presidential vote for Tilden
and has never wavered in his allegiance to the
party, but has given his support and influence for
its welfare, and has frequently represented his
township in the county conventions. Both he and
his wife are faithful members of the Lutheran
Church. They are respected by all who know them,
their fricnds.are many throughout the community,
and they arc welcomed to the best homes where
worth and ability are the passports.
^R. WILLIAM F. GRUBB is the oldest prac-
ticing physician of Farmington, Iowa, in
years of service, having opened an office and
embarked in the prosecution of his profession at
this place in 1849. He was born in Morgan County,
Ohio, July 23, 1823, and received his literary edu-
cation in the common schools of the neighborl\ood.
When a young man of eighteen years, in 1841, he
accompanied his father to the Territory of Iowa,
and for a year engaged in farming, but the medical
profession offered attractions for him, and believ-
ing that it would prove congenial as a life work,
he entered upon the study of the same under the
direction of Dr. H. H. Little, of McConne!lsville,
Ohio. In March, 1 847, he was granted the degree
of M. D., and immediately afterward opened an
office in McConnellsville, Ohio, where he practiced
for about a year. He then madie a location in Ath-
ens, Clark County, Mo., but after about twelve
months spent in that place, he came to Farming-
ton, where he has since been engaged in active prac-
tice with the exception of six years spent on the
Pacific Slope. In 1851, he went to California,
where he followed his chosen work among the min-
ers who had flocked to that State in vast numbers af-
ter the discovery of gold. Returning by way of the
Isthmus of Panama, in 1857, he again reached Van
Buren County, and through the succeeding years
has administered to the sick and suffering of the
community. It was not long before his ability
won recognition by liberal patronage, and he re-
ceived calls for miles around throughout the sur-
rounding country. A man of progressive and
enterprising ideas, he still keeps abreast with any
new discoveries or experiments connected with his
profession. He has been a life student of medicine
and stands in the front ranks of the leading prac-
titioners of Southeastern Iowa.
The Doctor assisted in organizing the first Allo-
pathic Society in Iowa, which convened at Burling-
ton. In political sentiment he is a Jeffcrsonian
Democrat, but has never sought public preferment,
having served only in the position of health officer.
Socially, the Doctor is a Knight Templar, and a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America. For
a number of years past, he has devoted much time
and attention to the study of astronomy, and prob
ably no man in the State is better informed regard-
ing that science than he.
*>"*>■■■
^^
V ALTER W. GRUBB, one of the prominent
and honored pioneers of Van Buren County,
now deceased, wjis born in Brandy wine
Hundred, Del., October 25, 1798, and died at his
home in Clark County, Mo., near Farmington, in
1 874, at the age of seventy-six years. Widely and
favorably known throughout the community, his
death was the occasion of deep regret on the j arl
of many friends.
The Grubb family is of English origin, and wns
founded in America about 1C82, by John Grubb.
who emigrated from his native land to America,
locating along the banks of the Delaware River, at
what is now known as Grubb's Landing, whith
place was named in his honor. It was then a part
of the Colony of Pennsylvania. Emanuel Grubb,
son of John Grubb, was the first white child born
of English parentage on the Delaware shore.
Our subject was of the fifth generation from the
American progenitor. He acquired a good educa-
tion in bis youth, and then went to Philadelpiiia,
where he secured a position as salesman in one of
leading stores in that city. In 1821, he led to the
marriage altar Miss Margaret Richey, who was born
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on the 22d of March, 1800, and they became par-
ents of four children, two sons and two daughters,
namely: Dr. William Ford, whose sketcli appears
elsewhere in this volume; Lydia A., who became
the wife of Jacob Archer, of Birmingham, and died
at her home in this county ; James R., who died
in California, in 1852, and Elizabeth C, wife of J.
R. Tewksbury, of Ft. Madison, low^.
For some twenty years after their marriage, Mr.
and Mrs. Grubb made their home in* Ohio. The
year 1841 witoessed their emigration to the Terri-
tory of Iowa, and in Birmingham, Van Buren
County they made a location, but the country was
then wild and unsettled, and they soon afterward re-
turned to Ohio, whither they had removed soon af-
ter their marriage. Eight years then passed, years
in which great changes were made in Van Buren
County, and at the end of that time, Mr. Grubb,
accompanied bj' his family, returned to Iowa. This
time he made a settlement in Farmington, where he
spent the remainder of his life. He was a worthy
and esteemed citizen, and an upright honest man.
He never aspired to prominence in any direction,
preferring to pursue the even tenor of his way,
quietly discharging the duties of citizenship, and
faithfully caring for his family. He was always a
stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and af-
ter coming to Farmington, was honored by an ap-
pointment as Postmaster of the city, which posi-
tion he filled creditably and acceptably for eight
years. Mr. and Mrs. Grubb traveled life's journey
together as man and wife for fifty-three years, when
in 1874 the marriage tie was broken by the hand
of death, and the husband passed to his last rest.
The loved wife survived him some thirteen years,
when in 1887 she too was called to her final home.
/SA GOODIN was born in Ohio, in 1816,
and the family is of German descent. In
his native State he was reared to manhood
and received such educational advantages as the
schools of that day nflforded. Having attained to
mature years, in 1837 he led to the marriage altar
Miss Rachel Smith, who was also a native of the
Buckeye State. They began their domestic life in
Ohio, but after seven years determined to try their
fortune in the West and in 1844 we find them en
route for Iowa. They chose Farmington, then a
small village, as a favorable location, but the fol-
lowing year removed to Lee County where Mr,
Goodin remained until the death of his wife which
there occurred in 1850. Two children were horn
of that union — William, and Mary, wife of John
Lightfoot. Mr. Goodin was again married in
1853, the lady of his choice being Caroline Mc-
Khamy. They became the parents of ^ve children
who are yet living — Ella, Kdward, Ida, Alfred and
Charles.
During his residence in this county, Mr. Goodin
followed teaming. He made his home in this
community from 1844 until 1867, when severing
his business relations he removed to Knoxville,
Marion County, Iowa, making his home in that
community for some time. He then again came to
Van Buren County and settled in Farmington,
where he spent the remainder of his life. He died
in 1889, respected by all who knew him. One of
its pioneer settlers, he had witnessed almost the
entire growth of the county and was acquainted
with its history of progress and development. He
faithfully discharged everj' duty of citizenship and
whenever called upon to aid in the promotion of
any worthy enterprise, cheerfully responded.
JAMES R. CLARK owns two hundred acres
of the rich farming land of Van Buren
County, embracing a portion of section 7,
Des Moines Township. Since the autumn
of 1841 he has made his home in the community—
a period in whieh many changes have occurred,
bringing prosperity to him and to the county. He
emigrated from Ohio, the State of his nativity,
his birth having occurred in Green County in 1834.
The family is of Irish origin. The paternal grand-
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father, William Clark, was a native of Ireland,
and emigrated to this country about the time
of the Revolutionary. War, settling in Virginia,
whence he removed with his family about the year
1830 to Indiana, where he and his wife spent thtir
last days. Their son, Samuel, was born in Vir-
ginia, but in his youth went to Maryland, where
he became acquainted with and married Miss
Elizabetli Reynolds, their union being celebrated
in 1824. The lady was a native of Washington
County, Md., and a daughter of Maj. Reynolds,
who procured his title during the War of 1812.
He was taken captive by the Indians while on his
way down the Ohio River, together with his parents,
who were kept prisoners for some six years. He,
however, succeeded in making his escape and re-
turned to Maryland, where he spent the remainder
of his life.
Eight years after their marriage in 1832, Mr.
and Mrs. Clark emigrated to Ohio, making a loca-
tion in Green County, where they continued to
reside until, following the course of emigration,
which was steadily drifting westward, they located
in Van Buren County, Iowa, in 1841. Mr. Clark
was a preacher of the Methodist faith and traveled
as an itinerant minister throughout Jefferson, Lee.
Henry, Des Moines, Davis, Van Buren and other
counties. He thus formed an extensive acquaint
ance and made many warm friends who admired
and respected him for his sterling worth and up-
right Christian character. At one time, in Ma}',
1842, he engaged in a debate with Abnor Knee-
land, a renowned infidel of Van Buren County.
He spoke for three hours, and in that time com-
pletely dethroned infidelity in this community.
His death occurred on the 9th of January, 1857, at
the age of fifty-seven years, and his wife, a most
estimable lady, died in Mahaska County some years
later. This worthy couple were the parents of
nine children, and eight o.f the number became
residents of Iowa, namely — John, who was a
physician and surgeon of Mt. Sterling, and died in
Van Buren County in 1884; George H., a resident
of Mahaska County; Allen T., who married and
makes his home in Oregon ; Mrs. Mary Pettit. of
Chequest Township, Van Buren County; J. R., of
this sketch, wlio is fifth in order of birth; Mrs.
Elizabeth Manville, of Colorado; Samuel M., who
who is married and resides in Keokuk, where he
publishes a paper, and Mrs. Acha Hitchcock, now
of Crawford County, Kan.
Reared to farm life, James R. Clark has followed
that occupation throughout the years of his man-
hood. He was a lad of seven summers when he
came to Van Buren County, and in' the schools of
this community, and at New London and West
Point, Iowa, he acquired a good English educa-
tion. He assisted in the labors of the home fai m
until twenty- five years of age, when he began life
for himself. He was married near Milton, Iowa,
in 1869, to Miss Eudora Wright, a native of Van
Buren County, and a daughter of John R. and .
Susan (Lowman) Wright, who were natives of
Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. In
March, 1839, her father reached Iowa, and shorlly
afterwards came to Van Buren County, where in
Harrisburg Township in 1840, he was married. He
was a brickmason and contractor, and for some
years did a flourishing business in Keosauqua*
His death occurred in Jackson Township, Van
Buren County, April 30, 1874, in the sixty-first
year of his age, and his wife survived him just one
year, dj'ing on the 30th of April, 1875. He took
quite an active part in politics during the early
history of the county, and was honored with an
election to the General Assembly in 1872, being
the candidate of the Republican party, the meas-
ures and principles of which he strongly advocated.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Clark settled upon
a farm in Des Moines Township, which he still
owns. This he inherited from his father, and with
that as a beginning, he has become through indus-
try, perseverance and good management, one of
the well-to-do citizens of the community. He also
tjikes an active interest in politics and votes with
the Republican party. He has been sent as a dele-
gate to the county. State and Congressional con-
ventions, and his opinions carry weight with them
in these assemblies. He is a man of prominence
and influence in the county, and one who is never
backward in supporting any worthy enterprise by
voice, money or vote. He has lived in the county
for many years, and is acquainted with nil of its
needs. With piide he has watched its growth and
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aided in its progress. His memory goes back to
the days when Alexandria, Mo., was the nearest
market; later they went to Keokuk for their sup-
plies, until the railroad facilities brought all
needed articles, comforts and luxuries to Keosau-
qua and other near points.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark are the parents of four chil-
dren, two sons and two daughters. Samuel M.,
the eldest, is at home; Sophia, is attending school
at Keokuk, and John R. and Elizabeth, the younger
members of the family are still under the parental
roof.
fLBERT TURPIN McCLAIN, deceased,
(^Ol once a leading citizen of Buchanan Town-
/// I* ship, Je£ferson County, was bora in Cler-
mont County, Ohio, November 2. 1854, of
Scottish descent. The founder of the famfly in
America, his paternal great-great-grandfather, emi-
grated from Scotland to America prior to the Rer-
olutionary War, in which he was a participant, and
his son, the great-grandfather of our subject, was
also a member of the Colonial Army in the same
struggle. His father, George W. McCl'ain, was
born in Clermont County, Ohio, June 14, 1827,and
on reaching manhood, he married Miss Rebecca
McNeill, who was born in the same county, April
28, 1826. Their marriage was celebrated January
30, 1851. Three years previous, in 1848, he had
made his first visit to Jefferson County but did not
make a permanent location until 1861, since which
time he and his wife have resided at their pleasant
home in Buchanan Township. Both .are zealous
Methodists and in the church to which they belong
they bear no inconsiderable part of the burden of
the burden of the work, but are ever ready to per-
form any task which will aid in the promotion of
the cause.
Our subject was the third in a family of seven
children and from five years of age until his death,
Jefferson County was the scene of his life and busi-
ness enterprises. In his youth, he prepared himself
for the profession of teaching, supplementing his
course in the common schools by training in Howe's
Academy, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. After teaching'a
few terms, however, he decided that farming was
better suited to his tastes and hence turned his en-
ergies exclusively in that direction which insured
his success, for anything to which he gave his at-
tention he labored at with untiring zeal and in-
dustry.
On February 13, 1877, Mr. McClain was joined
in marriage with Mary C, the daughter of John P.
and Mary J. (Lavell) Manatrey, both of whom
were natives of France, the former born in Lo-
raine, November 19, 1821, and the latter in Bal-
four, on July 20, 1828. In 1837, Mr. Manatrey
came to the United States but it was not until 1847,
that he made a location in Jefferson County. Here
he married Miss Lavell, who crossed the Atlantic
to America with her parents and settled in Jeffer-
son County, in 1845. Subsequent to his emigra-
tion to this country, Mr. Manatrey learned the
carpenter's trade which proved of much use to
him, for as the result of his knowledge of thathusl-
ness he was enabled to add many improvements to
his farm, thereby greatly enhancing its value. He
came to the county a poor man but by industry and
good management acquired a handsome competency
and ere his death was numbered among the wealthy
citizens of the community. Both he and his wife
were faithful members of the Catholic Church and
in politics, he was a stanch Democrat. He was
called to the home beyond, June 12, 1880, but his
wife still survives him. They had but two children,
a son and daughter — John P. and Kate.
Mrs. McClain was born in this county on June
11, 1855, and remained at home until her marriage,
after which the young couple located upon the
farm in Buchanan Township which is still her home.
Their union was blessed with three children,
namely: Nellie G., Frank L. and Julia M., all still
with their mother.
In his political sentiments, Mr. McClain was a
Republican and for one term held the office of Trus-
tee of his township. In the Methodist Church of
which he was a member he took front rank among
the active workers, was liberal in its support and
took a deep interest in its welfare and success. As
a business man he displayed much ability, and
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thrift and iudustry were among his chief character-
istics, as a glance at his fine farm of two hundred
and eiofhty-three acres would indicate. A com-
modious and pleasant home was surrounded by
good barns and outbuildings, which in turn were
enclosed by well tilled fields, and high grades of
stock were found upon the premises, showing that
the owner was keeping pace with the times in all
things. In all church and social affairs, Mr. Mc-
Clain took a leading part; he was a wide awake
young man, held in high esteem and his death was
truly a calamity to the community in which he
made his home. His widow still resides upon the
homestead farm where she is surrounded by an in-
teresting family of children and all the comforts
and some of the luxuries of life.
^i
<?>
I.
JLLIAM A. BARTON, one of the old set-
^>^ljl tiers of Jefferson County, whose home is
jAf/ on section 33, Buchanan Township, is a
native of the Buckeye State. He first opened his
eyes to the light of day in Muskingum County,
Ohio, May 14, 1840, gracing the union of Alex and
Susan (Ginn) Barton. His father was born in
County Fermanagh, Ireland, on the 23d of April,
1804, and in 1820, when a lad of sixteen years, he
bade good-bye to the Emerald Isle, and with his
[mrents, two brothers and three sisters, set sail for
America. After a long and tedious voyage of six-
teen weeks they reached the shores of the New
World, and made their way to Muskingum County,
Ohio, where the boy Alex grew to manhood. He
married Miss Ginb, who was born in Athens
County, Ohio, about 1815. of Irish parentage.
Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of
our subject spent the remainder of their lives in
the Buckeye State, and were believers in the Pro-
testant doctrine.
The parents of William A. Barton were married
in Athens County, but located in Muskingum
County, where the mother died in 1840, leaving
three children — Jane, wife of William M. Gillham,
a resident of Summerviile, Ore. ; James G.,a Metho-
dist minister belonging to the Southern Iowa Con-
ference; and William A., of this sketch. The
father, having obtained $1,200 worth of land war-
rants, determined to eome to Jefferson County,
Iowa, to locate the same, but before he had acccm-
plished his plans he contracted a severe cold. At
that day bleeding was thought to be the cure for
all ailments, and Mr. Barton underwent that treat-
ment, but the cut was made too deep and destroyed
an artery. Mortification set in, and it Was seen
that the arm must be taken off, which was accom-
plished with a shoe knife and hand-saw. It was
not until 1853 that he finally made a location in
Iowa. In that year he purchased land in Cedar
Township on credit, but his sons assisted him in
his labors until his farm had been paid for and he
was placed in comfortable circumstances. His
death occurred in Oregon on the 9th of December,
1889. He had served as Township Trustee, as
Clerk and as Justice of the Peace in Ohio, and was
also Trustee of Cedar Township. A respected and
valued citizen, his death proved a loss to the com-
munity in which he made his home. In his relig-
ious convictions he was a Methodist, but his wife
held membership in the Baptist Church.
In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject
was reared to manhood, and that he might assist
his father, who was disabled, in securing a comfort-
able home, he remained under the parental roof
until twenty-six years of age, aiding in the farm
labor. On the 10th of April, 1866, having deter-
mined to make a home for himself, he chose as a
life companion Miss Agnes Bartholomew, their
wedding being celebrated on that day. The lady
was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., January 17,
1840, and is a daughter of Thomas and Agnes
(Spear) Bartholomew. Of the eight children born
of that union, three died in childhood, and the
living are: Sue M., Thomas A., William E., Min-
nie A. and Harry R.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Barton are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically, he is
a Democrat. His farm, consisting of one hundred
and eighty acres of arable land, situated on section
33, Buchanan Township, yields him a good income,
for his fields are und^r a high state of cultivation
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and receive all the care required to make them
yield abundant harvests. His stock is also of
good grades and his home, with all its surround-
ings, indicates thrift and enterprise. He has lived
for thirty-five years in the county and is a member
of the Old Settlers Society.
^^=
E^^
jNDREW ALLEN McLEAN, late of Mil-
'vQ/^jl ton, now deceased, was born in Westmore-
& land County, Pa., February 24, 1814. His
(^ father, Thomas McLean, was of American
birth, but of Scotch descent, and his mother,
whose maiden name was Sarah Matthews, was of
Irish descent. Our subject received a. common-
school education, which was supplemented by self-
culture and extensive reading, making him a well-
informed man. He learned the trade of a tin and
coppersmith in his youth in Somerset, Pa., and in
1837 went to Connellsville, in that State, where he
engaged in business as^a dealer in stoves and tin-
ware.
On the 3d of October, 1843, in Connellsville,
Mr. McLean married Miss Catherine K. Littell,
d.iujihter of Samuel and Catherine (Custer) Littell.
The lady was born in Uniontown, Fayette County,
Pa.. M.iy 19, 1819. Her mother was a daughter of
George Custer, an own cousin to President George
Washing ton, and Gen. Custer, of world-wide repu-
tation in Indian warfare, was a second cousin to
Mrs. McLean. Samuel Littell^ her father, was a
man of superior mental force, self educated, a
good scholar and an able public speaker. He was
a prominent man in public affairs in his locality,
and was especially earnest in his efforts to promote
the cause of temperance. In company with the
Rev. Archibald Fairchild and Isaac Nixon, he
formed the first temperance society west of the Al-
leghanies. This family also had its representatives
in the War of the Revolulion, two uncles of Mr.
Littell having aided the Colonies in their struggle
for independence.
Mr. McLean continued business in Connells-
ville, Pa., until April, 1851, when he sold out and
removed to Athens, Ohio. The succeeding six
years were spent in farming within a mile of that
city, and in 1857, accompanied by his family, he
took up his residence in Columbiana County, Ohio,
where he followed the same pursuit for a like pe-
riod of time. Thence he removed to Malvern Hill,
of the same State, where he was engaged in the
hardware, stove and tinware business until 1865,
which year witnessed his arrival in Iowa, locating
near Fremont, Mahaska County. The previous
year, in company with A. R. Haines and A. Stew-
art, Mr. McLean came to this Slate, bringing a
flock of eighteen hundred merino sheep, the largest
flock of sheep known to have crossed the Missis-
sippi at Burlington up to that time. The year fol-
lowing, 1866, he came with his family to Van
Buren County and purchased a farm, which is situ-
ated six miles south of Keosauqna, and which com-
prised a part of what is known as the Brooks
Farm, one of the oldest settled places in the
county. There Mr. McLean carried on farming
until 1871, when he came to Milton with the ex-
tension of the Burlington «fe Southwestern Railroad
to this place. On coming to the city, he again
embarked in mercantile pursuits, carrying a full
line of stoves, tinware, hardware and farming im-
plements. His son, S. L. McLean, was associated
with him in business as equal partner, and the con-
nection was continued until the death of the father,
which occurred October 29, 1885, since which
time the business has been carried on by the son.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McLean were born five chil-
dren, one son and four daughters — Samuel Littell,
the only son, was born in Connellsville, Pa., An-
gust 11, 1841, and on the 25th of Sept^^mber, 1879,
married Miss Maggie Bruce, daughter of Amor
Bruce. She was born in Van Buren County, in
March, 1860, and died at their home in Milton,
September 28. 1881. One child was born of their
union, a son, who died at the age of nine months,
four days prior to the death of the mother. Emma
Louisa, the second child of the family, was born
in Connellsville, Pa., November 27, 1849, and is
the wife of Alonzo L. Marsan, a native of Van
Buren County, now living in Milton; Sarah Belle,
born near Athens, Ohio, January 11, 1856, died in
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465
Van Buren County, October 29, 1872, at the age
of sixteen and a tfalf years; Flora C. was born in
Malvern, Ohio, May 16, 1861, and is now the wife
E. B. Cassady, of Milton.
Mr. McLean was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church for forty years, and then joined
the Methodist Protestant, to which denomination
he belonged at the time of his death. In politics
be was an old-line Democrat, and although he was
never ambitious of oflBcial distinction, he was al-
ways an earnest supporter of his party principles
and took a warm interest in its success. On com-
ing to Milton, he retained the ownership of his
farm of two hundred acres near Keosauqua, which
is now the property of Mrs. McLean. The farm
is well improved with good buildings, and com-
prises one of the most valuable tracts of land in the
locality. Mrs. McLean, who is a bright, intelligent
lady, well preserved physically and mentally, re-
sides at the old homestead in Milton, which is still
the home of some of her children. She is a con-
sistent member of the Methodist Protestant Church
and is held in high esteem by all who enjoy her
acquaintance.
Mr. McLean was a man of superior mental force,
sound judgment and natural ability. He was en-
ergetic and earnest in whatever he undertook', and
was governed by his intercourse with the world
by principles of the strictest integrity and honesty.
He accumulated a goodly property by legitimate
means of labor and judicious investments, and died
in the enjoyment of the good will and kindly re-
gard of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends.
f
^ AMES BESWICK, Sr., one of the honored
early settlers of Van Buren County, is of
English birth, and a son of James and Eliza-
beth (Gay wood) Beswick, who were also
natives of England. By trade his father was a shoe-
maker, and did an extensive business, furnishing
employment to several men. Wishing to try his
fortune in th^ New Worldf in 1618, accompanied
by his family, he crossed the Atlantic to America,
and made a location in Washington County, Ohio,
where he turned his attention to the occupation of
farming. He reached the allotted three-score years
and ten, and his wife died at the ripe old age of
eighty-six years. Six children accompanied them
on their emigration to the United States, of whom
three ate now living — James, Mrs. Elizabeth
Beach and George. The two latter are residents of
Ohio.
James Beswick was born in the town of Stock-
port, Cheshire, England, on the 13th of April,
1806, and ere leaving his native land had mastered
the common English branches of learning. Leav-
ing the parental roof at nineteen years, he began
life's battle with the world to struggle forward and
at last gain the victory. By years of industry and
toil, supplemented by good business ability and
fair dealing, he acquired a competence which now
enables him to live a retired life and rest from the
toils of former years. Along life's journey, aiding
him in all possible ways and encouraging him in
hours of adversity, has walked one who foi^ sixty-
four years has truly proved a helpmate to him— his
wife. On the 10th of December, 1826, he led to
the marriage altar Miss Augusta E. Thorniley, a
native of Washington County, Ohio, born January
18, 1804. Iler parents were William and Elizabeth
(Markham) Thorniley, the former a native of
Cheshire and the latter of London, England. In
early life both came to the United States. Her
father, with his parents and her mother, who had
been left an orphan in early girlhood, with friends.
Soon after their marriage they removed to Ma-
rietta, Ohio, where Mr. Thorniley worked in a
ship-yard. He died at the age of llfty-six years,
but his wife lived to the advanced age of eighty-
six. Mrs. Beswick is the only one of their seven
children now living.
For many years Mr. Beswick carried on farming
in Ohio, but at length, in 1850, he resolved to seek
a home further west, and located in Van Buren
County, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred
acres of land on section 23, Union Township. That
farm continued to be his home for nineteen years,
when, in 1869, he and* his estimable wife removed
to Winchester, wheye they expect to spend their
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
last days. He was a'successful farmer, and in all
his dealings his transactions were marked by an
uprightness and honesty which won him the confi-
dence of all with whom he came in contact. He
has been a voter for some sixty-two years. He cast
his first Presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson in
1828, and has continued to support the Democratic
party.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beswick were born twelve
children, six of whom are yet living: George G.,
who resides in Memphis, Mo.; James, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this volume; Mrs. Fannie
Plnramer and Mrs. August Whi taker, who reside
in Van Buren County; Thomas T., whose sketch is
given elsewhere; and Mrs. Minerva Thornilejs of
Van Burcn County.
The p irents of this family have now reached an
advanced age, and their lives have been well and
Worthily spent. They have reared a family of
children who occupy important positions in society,
and have exerted an influence on the side of mo-
rality which will be felt long after they have passed
away. The kindness and charity of their lives has
won them friends and the respect of the entire
community is unreservedly given them.
NDREW CASTILE. The history of Jef-
ferson County would be incomplete with-
uut the sketch of this gentleman, who, as
one of the Swedish colonists, settled in the
community at an early day and has been identified
wiih all enterprises calculated for its upbuilding
an<l improvement. He was born in Sweden on the
3rd of March, 1823, and at the very early age of
nine years began life for himself. His father had
died six years previous and as the famil3' ^»s in
limited circumstances he was thrown upon his own
resour:* s at an age when most boys were just be-
ginning their education. His scholastic training
was necessarily very limited for his time had to be
spent in providing for his own maintenance. As
before stated he began to make his own way in the
world when a lad of nine years, going about the
country making shoes as was the custom in that
day. There were eight children in his father's
famil}' — Isaac and Peter who remained in Sweden;
Mary and Louisa, who like their elder brothers
spent their lives In their native land; Charlie and
Lena who died in Sweden; Andrew, the subject of
this sketch, and John, a resident of Salina, Iowa.
The mother of the family died about the year 1860.
Andrew Castile followed his trade of shoemak-
ing for some eighteen years, continuing work in
that line for three years after his arrival in this
country, his shop being located in Fairfield. The
year 1848 witnessed his emigration to America and
Rock Island, 111., was the place of his first settle-
ment, but on the 4th of July, 1849, he arrived in
Fairfield, whore he continued the shoeraaking
business until 1852. Coming to Lockridge Town-
ship at that time, he purchased eighty acres of land
which has since continued to be his home, cover-
ing a peiiod of more than a third of a century. At
that time not a building had been erected between
his home and Fairfield, which gives some idea of
the unsettled condition of the county at that time.
Much of the land was still unclaimed, many of the
towns and villages had not yet sprung into exist-
ence and the work of civilization had scarcely be-
gun. Mr. Castile erected the first frame house in
the neighborhood and has greatly increased the
value of his property .by the addition of many ex-
cellent improvements. The homestead farm com-
prises threj hundred and twenty acres which is
operated by his sons, he having laid aside the more
active duties of life.
By the side of Mr. Castile along life's journey
has walked one who has shared in his hardships and
trials, has encouraged and sustained him in adver-
sity and delighted in his successes and prosperity.
The maiden name of this lady was Sarah Elizabeth
Anderson, and she became his wife on September
30, 1849. She came to this country with the Swed-
ish colony, headed by Peter Cassel (in regard to
which see the sketch of A. F. Cassel on another
page of this volume.) Her birth occurred on the
8th of Jul}', 1824, and she was reared upon the pa-
rental farm. Twelve children were bom unto Mr.
and Mrs. Castile, eight of whom are yet living-
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THE KEW YCKK
PUBLIC LIBRARY?
-ron. I "N«^X.
A^^O
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469
Andrew A., born October 1, 1850, married Emma
Anderson of Henry County, and is living in York,
Neb.; Mary Helena, born March 4, 1852, is the
wife of August Berg, a merchant of Colorado;
John E., born December 3, 1853, wedded Tiljie
Carlson, and is engaged in mercantile business at
Omaha, Neb.; Isaac L.,born April 13, 1855, mar-
ried Sarah Peterson and is operating a part of the
homestead farm; Sarah E., born January 8, 1857, is
the wife of Oscar Larson, who lives on a part of
the Castile farm; Martin W., Mfttilda Rosina and
Martin Luther all died in early childhood; Robert
Lincoln, born January 2, 1864, was married in
Burlington, to Emma Wall, and is now clerking in
Kearney, Neb.; Delia Matilda, born December 8,
1865, and Gust A., born July 3, 1868, are at home;
Frank W. died at the age of two years. The chil-
dren all received good common-school educational
advantages and Robert L. was a student in Parsons
College for two years. The parents and children
aie all faithful members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, in which the father holds the office of
Deacon. He takes great interest in both church
and Sundaj'-school work, has aided not a little in
the iipbuihling of the society to which he belongs
and has given liberally to the support of the cause.
In his early life, Mr. Castile was a Whig, but has
identified himself with the Republican party since
its organization and with one exception his sons
are all stalwart Republicans, doing their best work
for the party. Mr. Castile is an honored pioneer
of Jefferson County, having not only witnessed
but been an active participant in its many changes.
He is now living in retirement, enjoying the fruits
of a well spent life.
■^
APT. WILLIAM A. DUCKWORTH, one
of the wide awake business men of Keosau-
^i^' qua, is engaged in farming, is a dealer in
lumber, and is a contractor with the Chicago, Rock
Island <fe Pacific Railroad Company, to which he
f.rnishes ties and timber. Men of his enterprise
and business capacity add not a little to the growth
and progress of the city, and it was fortunate for
Keosauqua that ho chose there to make his home.
The Captain, a native of Greencastle, Ind., was
born May 31, 1837, and is a son of Thomas C.
Duckworth. His father, who was born in North
Carolina, June 12, 1811, in early life emigrated to
Washington County, Ind., and later to Greencas-
tle, where he became acquainted with and married
Miss Rachel T. Stone, whose birth occurred on the
14th of October, 1814, in Mercer County, Ky. By
their union were born nine children, five sons and
four daughters, as follows: Mary A., who became
the wife of George C. 0*Neil, and died in Moulton,
Iowa, in the fall of 1888; John A., who enlisted as
a private in Company G, Second Iowa Infantry,
and was promoted to the rank of captain for gal-
lant service, died in Savannah, Ga., in December,
1864, leaving a widow, whose maiden name was
Rebecca C. Evans; William A., whose name beads
this sketch, is the next younger; Sarah A., who
died near Denver, Colo., in 1887, was the wife of
W. F. Hammett; Dr. D. A., a practicing physioian
of Keosauqua; Enoch A., who also served in the
Second Iowa Infantry; Elizabeth J., of Bloomfield;
G. Lewis, dealer in harness and agricultural imple-
ments, of Bloomfield; and Celesta A., wife of Har-
rison Bruce, of Sherman, Kan.
Thomas C. Duckworth, the father of this family
was a man of more than ordinary ability. He pos-
sessed a powerful mind, was a strong reasoner and
deep thinker, and was very successful in his chosen
profession of teaching, which he followed for many
years. Politically, he was a stalwart Democrat, and
was favored with several local offices of trust, while
a resident of Indiana. In 1854, he emigrated to
Davis County, Iowa, where his death occurred in
1888. In early life both he and his wife were mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church, but after coming
West, there was no church organization of that de-
nomination in the neighborhood where they settled,
and they associated themselves with the Methodist
Church.
In his youth our subject received limited educa-
tional advantages, but to-day we find him a well-
informed man. Studious by nature, and possessing
an observing eye and retentive memory, he has
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familiarized himself with many standard works, and
has gained a practical knowledge of men and their
manners which could not have been acquired from
text books, and which has been of great benefit to
him in his business career. He also has a knowl-
edge of many subjects of general interest, is posted
in regard to political affairs, and is a pleasing con-
versationalist. At the age of eighteen years he was
apprenticed to the millwright's trade, and having
become a proficient workman, followed the busi-
ness for sevrral years, duiing which time he con-
structed a number of the best mills in Southern
Iowa. On the 26th of July, 1 859, he was united in
marriage with Miss Rebecca C. Evans, daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Goldsmith) Evans, but ere
two years had passed away, he was called from
home and wife to serve his country upon Southern
battle fields.
Cnpt. Duckworth watched with interest yet with
apprehension, the progress of events in the South,
and noted with disfavor the attitude which the
Southern States assumed, and when his worst hopes
were realized and Ft. Sumter was fired upon, he re-
solved that lie would strike a blow in defense of
his country's honor, and the close of the week fol-
lowing the n.ssanlt of the fort, saw him enlisted
among the boys in blue. He was mustered into
service at Keokuk as a member of Company G,
Second Iowa Infantry, and after a short rendezvous
was sent to Hannibal, Mo., to guard the Hannibal
<fe St. Joe R^iilroad. On the return of the troops
to St. Louij«, they were soon afterward sent to Bird's
Point, opposite Cairo, 111., but in a short time re-
turned to St. Louis, and guarded the rebel prison-
ers. Later the regiment was ordered to Ft. Donel-
son, and during the battle was placed in the front
ranks, and received the credit and honor of being
the first regiment to break the works. Their next
engagement was at the battle of Shiloh, as a part
(»f Gen. W. H. L. Wallace's Division, and Capt.
Duckworth was near the General when he was shot
from his horse. This was followed by the battle of
luka, and the first and second battles of Corinth,
the Second Iowa then remaining at Corinth until
after the siege of Vicksburg was raised when a por-
tion of the regiment, including our subject, was
granted a thirty-days furlough. On rejoining hi?
command, Mr. Duckworth was made First Lieuten-
ant of the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Col-
ored Infantry, and on th'e 24th of September, 1864,
was attacked by Forrest, who, greatly superior in
numbers, captured the entire command, sending
them as prisoners to Enterprise, Miss., where they
wer€(*paroled. The treatment they there received
difi'ers vastly from that of the experience of many
others; in fact, they were well treated, and as Capt.
Duckworth remarks, were ''allowed to wear a boiled
shirt, and go to meeting on Sundays." Later they
were sent to St. Louis and exchanged, and then
joined the army at Savannah, Ga., whence the Cap
tain made his way to Goldsborough, N. C, where
he resigned, April 6, 1865. On the return trip he
passed through Washington, D. C, and was in the
city the night of the assassination of President Lin-
coln.
After a four-years* experience on Southern bat-
tle fields, during which he endured many hardships
and privations, Capt. Duckworth returned to his
home and business. From 1865 until 1874, he en-
gaged in milling In Davis County, Iowa, but in the
latter year sold out and removed to Ottumwa,
Iowa, where he owned and operated a foundry for
a short time, but fire destroyed his property, and
he lost nearly all he had. In company with Dr.
Cook, he then built a mill, but sold his interest in
the business to his partner in 1876, since which
time he has been engaged in furnishing ties and
timber to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rail-
road Company, with headquarters in Floris, Eldon
and Kcosauqua. In 1882, be removed to the latter
city, where he has since made his home, and in ad-
dition to the enterprise before mentioned, he is also
engaged in the lumber business and in farming. In
politics, the Captain is a stanch supporter of the
Democracy, and while residing in Davis County,
was honored with the nomination of State Senator,
but as the county has an overwhelming Republican
majority, he could not hope for an election? So-
cially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Com-
mandery.
In 1889, Capt. Duckworth suflPered the loss of
his wife, who died at their home in Keosauqua, on
the 25th of July, leaving a family of four children;
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471
Albert S., Herbert E., Rachel E., and Lewis S. The
wife and mother was a most estimable lady, and a
sincere Cliristian, a member of the Congregational
Church. Beloved for her many excellencies of
character, and respected by all who knew her, her
death was sincerely mourned by a large circle of
friends and acquaintances.
-^-5i>ii^^?t5<!i^
*-««-•
^p^ EORGE W. BELL, of the Qrm of Hill, Bell &
If r=r. Kays, dealers in lumber, grain and live
Ij
stock, of Milton, Iowa, was born on a farm
two and a half miles north of Keosauqua, one of
the first farms opened in Van Buren Countjs on the
18th of June, 1840, and is a son of James and
Barbara ( Walker) Bell, a sketch of whom appears
«lsewhere in this work. His education was ac-
quired in the common schools of the noighborhood
and his youthful days were spent mid play and
work in the usual manner of farmer lads. Having,
at length attained to mature years, he was united
ill marriage with Miss Malvina Frazee, daughter
of William Frazee. She was born in Ohio and
came to this county during childhood. Their
marrifge was celebrated on the 5th of January,
1862, in Van Buren Count}-, and blessed with a
family of eight children, two sons and six daugh-
ters, as follows: Emery L., who married Etha
Ptttit, and is living in Pueblo, Col.; Mary I., wife
of Elbert Davis, a resident farmer of Davis County ;
Barbara Alice, wife of John P. Denning, who is
also engage<l in farming in Davis County; Angle,
at home; Sadie, wife of George Likes, of Davis
County, a teacher by profession; Jennie and Willie
A., at home; and one child who died in infancy.
The death of the mother occurred April 16, 1888.
She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Bell was again married on the 14th of No-
vember, 1888, in Milton, to Mary Elizabeth Rus-
sell, daughter of John Russell, and a native of
Sussex County, Del., whence she removed to Iowa
with her parents in early childhood, the family
I eating in Van Buren County. Mr. and Mrs. Bell
are members of the Methodist Church, and in
political sentiment he is a supporter of Democratic
principles.
The children of James Bell, father of our sub-
ject, were reared to habits of industry and integrity
and have proved worthy of their ancestry, while
their lives have been carried out in accordance
with the teachings and example of their parents.
As a family they are universally respected, and in
business the sons of James Bell hold their word as
sacred as did their father before them, which trait
of character is sure to command respect and confi-
dence. George Bell entered upon his business
career as a farmer of Roscoe Township, Davis
County, and continued operations in the line of an
agriculturist until the autumn of 1890. He is yet
the owner of two farms, aggregating six hundred
and forty-five acres of lan<i which he still has in
charge. He has farmed and dealt in live stock
since early manhood, and since becoming a mem-
ber of the firm of Hill, Bell & Kays he has attended
to the live-stock department of the business prin-
cipally. This firm does an annual business of over
15250,000, and as its members are men of worth,
ability and enterprise, they have won the confidence
and respect of their patrons. Mr. Bell is a member
of Aurora Lodge, No. 50, A. F. & A. M.
'«2>?»l'fS'>>
ON. LEONARD KING, of Farmington, is
numbered among the pioneer settlers of Van
Buren Count}'. His residence in this sec-
tion dates from 1838, consequently covers
a period of fifty -two consecutive years. Few of
the settlers of that early day yet remain to tell the
story of Iowa life during the days when the State
formed a part of the extreme Western frontier.
Mr. King was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., on
the 22d of April, 1807, and was one of a family of
twelve children, whose parents were Paul and Eu-
nice (Morgan) King. His father was born on Long
Island in 1762, and his mother, a native of Con-
necticut, was born in 1775, Becoming residents
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of New York in youth, they were married in the
Empire State, and for many years resided in Or-
leans County. A family of twelve children was
born unto them, all of whom grew to mature years,
were married and reared families of their own, but
our subject is now the only survivor, and upon him
devolves the duty of perpetuating their memory by
written record: Henry, the eldest, died in Califor-
nia ; Klizabeth became the wife of Reuben Ellis, and
they made their home in Wisconsin; Sylvester died
at about the age of seventy-five years; Enoch emi-
grated to Mississippi, and subsequently removed to
Tvxas, where he died of yellow fever; William S.
from the age of eighteen months made his home
with an uncle who was a printer, and with him
ii'arned that trade. When fourteen years old, he
wen^. to Cliarleston, S. C, arriving in that city with
only fourteen cents in his pocket, but he soon en-
tered the Courier office, where he remained, rising
steadily step by step until at his death he had be-
come owner of the paper, and a man of wealth and
infiuence in the community; Sarah became the wife
of Abraham Fi-^k; and Susan her twin sister, mar-
ried Kiley Fisk, and both families settled in Jeffer-
son County, N. Y.; Elijah died near Quincy, III.;
Lucy became the wife of Henry Bartholemew, and
their home was in Orleans County, N. Y.; Leo -
ard, of this sketch, is the next younger; Ede mar-
ried Ephraim Beardsley, and settled near Quincyj
111. ; Russell P. became a resident of Adams County,
Iowa, but afterward removed to Lee County. The
parents of this family lived to an advanced age,
and died within three days of each other, from ex-
posure while making a trip to the home of their son
in Jefferson Count}'. They were consistent and
faithful members of the Christian Church, whose
upright lives and many deeds of charity and kind-
ness won them the love and esteem of all. Their
children were reared to habits of industry, and in
early life deep lessons of truth were impressed upon
tlii'ir minds. They became good citizens and mem-
bers of society, doing honor to the training of their
Christian parents.
The member of the family in whom the people
Van Buren County are especially interested — Leon-
ard King — was educated in the common schools of
his native State and at Fredonia Academy. He
prei)ured himself for teaching, but did not follow
that occupation, circumstances ariaing which caused
him to devote his attention to other pursuits. He
was married in Fredonia, Chautauqua County, N.
Y., in 1833, to Miss Angeline Beardsley, a native
of Massachusetts. Their union was blessed with
two children, but death visited the home, and both
were taken away. The daughter, Olive, became the
wife of Thomas Stark, and died in this county;
Miles, an only son, was a >oung man of more than
ordinary' ability, quick to learn, and of excellent
habits, but in 1861, feeling that his country needed
his services, he enlisted for the late war, and laid
down his life on the altar of freedom. He was as-
signed to Company B, of the Third Iowa Cavalry,
and mustered in at Keokuk. He remained with his
regiment up to the last, was always found at his
post of duty, and never shirked a task imposed on
him. In an engagement on the 16th of April, 1865,
he was wounded, and three days later in Colunabus,
Ga., he closed his eyes in the last sleep, and was
laid to rest on Southern soil. Mr. King was ten-
dered a pension, but would not accept it on ac-
count of an oath to which he had to swear. He
would not perjure himself for a few paltry dollars,
but with the integrity which has characterized bis
entire life he relinquished all claim to the money,
rather than sacrifice his honor.
It was in 1838, that Mr. King first came to Iowa.
Van Buren County was then wild and unsettled,
and its brightness could never have been dreamed
of, much less realized. The work of improvement
seemed scarcely begun, only a few log cabins hav-
ing been built here and there over the county, but
he has lived to see commodious and elegant resi-
dences leplace the pioneer homes, while a school-
house has been built on almost every hilltop, with
a church by its side, the outcome of the enterprise
of a well-educated and contented people, the citi-
zens of a once unsettled community. Countless
manufactories have sprung up on every hand, rail-
roads cross and recross the country, penetrating
every nook and corner of this vast State, and tele-
graph and telephone have been introduced, permit-
ting man to address a message, or to converse with
I one hundreds of miles away. Taking into consid-
! Oration these things, we can but exclaim, *'surely
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478
the age of wonders is upon us. ** The progress made
in Van Buren County, is due almost entirely to its
pioneers, and not tlie least of those who left com-
fortable homes in the East, and endured the trials
and hardships of Western life, is Leonard King.
Van Buren County owes to him a debt of grajtitude
for the work he has i^erformed in her behalf.
As the years have passed bringing changes to
the county, Mr. King has also prospered and his
efforts have been crowned with success. Only a
few clouds have come to darken his pathway, and
these were occasioned by the loss of his children,
and his estimable wife, who died on the 27th of Oc-
tober, 1866. She was a member of the Methodist
Church, and her death was mourned by a large con-
course of people.
In 1889, Mr. King removed to Lee County, and
the following year was commissioned by Gov. Lu-
cas as Justice of the Peace, which commission is
still in his possession. After ten years however, he
returned to Van Buren County, where he has since
made his home. He was honored with the office of
Mayor of Farmington, and for a number of years
was a member of the City Council. Faithful and
prompt in the discharge of every duty, he proved
a capable official. His life is characterized by the
strictest integrity, in his dealings he is honest and
upright, and his word is as good as his bond.
*•»■ Vw-»
LARK VAN NOSTRAND, a prominent far-
... roer and early settler of Buchanan Town-
^^^^ ship, Jefferson County, residing on section
18, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Ashland
Count3% January 12, 183L and traces his ancestry
back to Holland. The progenitors of the family
in America, crossed the Atlantic at a very early
day in the history of this country, and settled in
Pennsylvania. Ills paternal grandfather emigrated
from that State to Ohio, but ere the removal, there
was born in Westmoreland County, on the 1st of
September, 1800, a little son, to whom was given
the name of John. That child was a lad of fifteen
years when the family took up their residence in
Ohio. Soon afterward his father died, and the
burden of supporting the family fell upon the
young lad, who, in the midst of the forest devel-
oped a farm, whereby he provided for the mainten-
ance of his mother, brothers, and sisters. He was
the oldest of eight children, the family being com-
posed of three sons and five daughters. In Ash-
land County, Ohio, he married Miss Eliza Gribben,
who was a native of Pennsylvania, but of Irish de-
scent, her parents having been born in Ireland. Mr.
Van Nostrand then made a farm for himself, and
there reared his sons to habits of industry. On
the 9th of September, 1850, loading the household
eflPects into wagons, the family started for Iowa,
reaching their destination after twenty-three days
of travel. The father purchased two hundred
acres of land, the farm now owned by our subject,
and there spent the remainder of his life, but he
was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for
after an eight years' residence in Iowa, his death
occurred on the 6th of April, 1859. His wife was
called home about three years previous, dying in
November, 1855, at the age of fifty-four years.
Both were members of the Christian Church from
early life, and the record which the}' made is one
of which their children may well be proud. Their
family numbered four sons and three daughters,
but only three are now living: William, a resident
farmer of Decatur County, Iowa; Amanda, wife
of John Birkhimer, whose hom^ is in Fremont
County, Iowa.
Clark Van Nostrand, the other surviving member
of the family, and the one whose history' is identified
with that of Jefferson County, has lived a useful
and upright lif<', and ranked among the valued citi-
zens of the communit3\ As soon as he was old
enough he was put to work upon his father's farm,
and before the removal of the family to Iowa, he
learned the cooper's trade. On reaching this State,
he found his services in that line were in demand,
and made many an extra dollar by work at the same
when the weather or other causes prevented farm
labor. Though lawfully his own master, he re-
mained at home and operated his father's farm, un-
til, at length, having accumulated some surplus
money, he entered two hundred acres of land in
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Decatur County. That continued to be his home
but a short time, when he sold out, and in company
with his brother Lewis, he purchased the old home-
stead, of which be became sole owner after five
years.
An important event in the life of Mr. Van N(>s-
trand, occurred on the 23d of April, 1859, when he
led to the marriage aUar Mit>s Sarah Whiting, a na-
tive of Ashland County, Ohio, born April 9, 1832.
Her parents were Samuel B. and Rebecca (Shaw)
Whiting, the former a native of Maine, and the lat-
ter of Penns} Ivania. They became early settlers
of the Buckeye State, and the year 1856 witnessed
their arrival in Iowa. Upon their marriage, Mr.
and Mrs. Van Nostrand took up their abode on the
old homestead, which they have never left for an-
other place of residence. The home was blessed
with a family of seven children, numbering six sons
and one daughter, but four of the number died in
childhood. Emma, the only daughter, is now the
wife of Benjamin L. Gossick, a resident farmer of
Buchanan Township; Andrew B. is engaged in
agricultural pursuits in Colorado; and Lewis W. is
at home.
For many years both Mr. and Mrs. Van Nos-
trand have been identified with the Christian
Church. They are charter members of the Fairfield
church, in which for some twent}' years he has held
the office of Elder. Not only has he given freely
to its support, but he has also made liberal dona-
tions to Oskaloo^a CoUege, and Drake University,
which institutions are under the auspices of the
Christian Church. He makes his religion a part of
his doily life, is charitable and benevolent, and in
his good works finds a ready and willing assistant
in his estimable wife. He cast his first Presidential
vote for Scott, and in political sentiment, since the
organization of the party, has been a Republican.
Caring little for public office, he has never sought
political preferment, but in 1880 was the choice of
township for the office of Count}' Supervisor, and
for three years he served as Township Assessor.
His landed possessions now aggregate four hundred
and ten acres, one of the best farms in the neigh-
borhood. A glance at the well tilled fields indi-
cates to the passer-by that the owner is a man of
thrift and industry, and in looking into his stables
and seeing the fine grades of horses, cattle, sheep
and hogs which he raises, we see that he is a man
of progressive ideas, who is ever abreast with the
times. He has gained the greater part of his pos-
sessions through his own eflPorts, and is regarded
by all who know him as one of the leading citizens
of Buchanan Township. Many friends will be
pleased to receive this brief sketch of his life which
deserves a place in the volume of his country's his-
tory for many reasons, he being an early settler, a
representative farmer and good citizen, but mostly
because he is an upright man whose example is
worthy of emulation.
ILLIAM GOODIN,sonorf the pioneer, Asa
Goodin, claims Ohio as the State of his
nativity, his birth having occurred on the
Hth of November, 1838, in Perry County. How-
ever, he there spent but six years of his life. In
1844 he accompanied his parents on their emigra-
tion to the Territory of Iowa and in the district
schools of Van Buren County he acquired a lim-
ited education. As his father needed his services
his attendance at school covered only about six
terms, but subsequent reading, observation and
experience have made him a well-informed man.
In 1854, when a lad of sixteen years, he left the
parental roof and started out in life for himself,
making his own way in the world as a day laborer.
In 1855 he began running upon the Des Moines
and Mississippi rivers and followed that business
for some six years. Feeling that the country
needed his services and believing it his duty to
respond to the call for troops^ he enlisted at the
beginning of the war, joining Company A, of the
First Iowa Cavalry, on the 15th of June, 1861, at
Keokuk. He participated in all the engagements
of his company and remained with the regiment,
faithfully performing his duty, until mustered out
at Davenport, Iowa.
On leaving the service, Mr. Goodin returned to
Farmington where he embarked in the grocery
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475
business, which he has since followed. On em-
barking iu business he invested |275, but the stock
he has greatly increased to accommodate his ever
growing patronage. He has now one of the lead-
ing stores in Farmington, where may be found the
best grades of everything kept in a first class
grocery. Courteous treatment and fair dealing
have won him favor with the public and he now
reaps a good income from his business.
It was in the month of September, 1864, that
William Goodin and Miss Matilda Rogers, a native
of Ohio, were united in marriage. Their union
was blessed with two children, Inez and William
Collier, who died November 25, 1883. In polit-
ical sentiment Mr. Goodin is a Democrat, and in
•civic societies belonging to the Grand Army of
the Republic and the Masonic fraternity. He is a
Knight Templar Mason, Treasurer in the Blue
Lodge and Scribe of the Chapter. Mr. Goodin is
an enterprising and progressive citizen who labors
for the upbuilding of the county's interest and is a
worthy representative of one of its pioneer fam-
ilies.
OCTO
-csssr
[RIELNEALis numbered among the hon-
ored pioneers of Van Buren County, dating
his residence from 1836, and for fifty-four
years he has resided upon his present farm iu Bon-
aparte Township. He was born in Boone County,
Ky., October 11, 1810, and is a son of John and
Susan (Ricketts) Neal, who at a very early day set-
tled in Kentucky,where was born unto them a fam-
ily of five children,only two of whom are now living
— Abieli a resident of Ft. Madison, Iowa; and Uriel
of this sketch. The parents came to Iowa in 1836
and spent the remainder of their lives in Van Buren
County, but many years have now passed since they
were called to their final home. Mr. Neal was a
farmer and from the wild land in this section de-
veloped a fine farm which supplied him with all
the comforts of life. In politics, he gave his sup-
port to the Democratic party.
Our subject was reared and educated in his na-
tive county and when a 3'oung man accompanied
his parents to Dearborn County, Ind., where in
1832, he led to the marriage altar Miss Catherine
Brokaw, a native of Pennsylvania. Their union
was blessed by an only daughter — Rachel M.
Fifty-four years have passed since Mr. Neal and
his wife came to Van Buren County and great have
been the changes which time and the honored pio-
neers have wrought. They saw on their arrival
broad acres of uncultivated land which was then a
part of the Territory of Wisconsin. Few indeed
were the settlements which had previously been
made, the cities of Fairfield and Keosauqua had not
then been founded and the work of civilization
seemed scarcely begun. They settled on what is
now one of the best farms in the community and it
was not then an unfrcquent sight to see the red men
pass and repass on their way to and from Keokuk,
while their camp fires gleamed red along the river
banks. Almost entirely cut off from the outside
world the settlors were dppen<lent upon one another
for company and entertainment, and many a worthy
pioneer now looks back with a sigh of regret to
think that those days when intercourse was free
and hospitality unlimited, have passed away. But
years rolled along and changes came. The log
cabins were replaced by commodious residences,
towns and villages sprang up, churches and schools
were built and transformation at length obliterated
nearly all the landmarks of the pioneer da3's. Like
many others, Mr. Neal was dependent upon the la-
bors of his hands for support. When the expenses
of his journey to this State were paid he iiad but
fifty cents remaining, yet youthful hopes supple-
mented his energy and industry and encouraged
him to renewed effort when the days looked dark-
est. The furniture in the pioneer home was ver}^
crude, as for example, a dry-goods box was used
as a table or perhaps the door was taken from its
hinges and served the same purpose. Their mill-
ing was done in Missouri and their groceries were
obtained in Lexington but the prosperity which at-
tends untiring effort came to Mr. Neal, and he is
now the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and
two acres.
In politics, Mr. Neal is a Democrat and has
served as Justice of the Peace and other township
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offices. In bis religious views he is liberal and
neither is he connected with civic societies. He
And his worthy wife have travelled life's journey
together for* fifty-eight years, sharing with each
other its joys and sorrows, adversity and prosper-
ity. The end of the journey is probably near at
hand, but in looking backward they need feel no
regret, for their lives have been worthily spent.
> -^K' <'
SfjSAAC CASTILE, a well-known farmer and
representative of one of the pioneer families
of Jefferson County, lives in the house where
he was born, on section 19, Lockridge Township.
His birth occurred on April 13, 1855, and he was
the fourth child of Andrew Castile, whose sketch
wc append below. His entire life having been
passed in this county he is familiar with the history
of its progress and transformation. His boyhood
days were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads
and during his youth he attended the district school
during the winter season. The schoolhouse was
primitive in character, being built of logs and fur-
nished with seats hut no desks, while the school was
conducted on the plan of "no lickin', no larnin."
Like a dutiful son, Mr. Castile assisted his fa-
ther in the labors of the farm until he had attained
bis majority when he started out in life for himself,
but still remained under the parental roof, con-
tinuing to make his home with father and mother
until iiis marriage, which was celebrated on the
27tb of February, 1884. The lady of his choice
was Miss Sarah E. Peterson, a native of Webster
County, Iowa. Her parents are still living and
are residents of Hamilton County, Iowa. Four in-
teresting children have been born of their union,
three sons and a daughter — Erick Luther, born
February 21, 1885; Simon P., July 14, 1886; An-
drew R., January 12, 1888, and Faith A., January
9, 1890.
Mr. Castile has rented and now operates one hun-
dred and sixty acres of the old homestead. He is
a progressive young farmer whose correct ideas
concerning the methods of agriculture and excellent
business habits win him success and place him in
the front rank among the citizens of bis township.
He is also intelligent, keeping himself well informed
on the leading issues of the day. both State and
National. In politics, he is a stanch Republican
and prohibitionist. He cast his first Presidential
vote for R. B. Hayes and has never wavered in liia
allegiance to that party, but in the county conven-
tions to which he has been sent as delegate some
ten or twelve times, be is an influential member,
laboring earnestly for the adoption of the party
principles which he believes to be for the best in.
terests of the people in general. For ten years be
served as Constable and to those who know him it
is needless to say proved an efficient and capable
officer. He was the first member to sign the char-
ter of the Farmers' Alliance and was elected Its
President. Both Mr. and Mrs. Castile are con-
sistent members and active workers in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, and for ten years be has
acted as Steward of that organization. In the
social world the famil}' rank high, their home is the
abode of hospitality, and their circle of friends h
indeed extensive.
-*'S^>H^^'2>i5^S?'^^5<^*<itf-
C-p=^HOMAS T. BESWICK still lives at his
ff(^)\ boyhood home, a pleasant farm on section
V^^ 23, Union Township, to the operation of
which he devotes his time and energies. He was
born in Washington County, Ohio, June 24, 1838,
and when a lad of twelve summers came with bis
parents to Van Buren County. His scholastic
training was rather meagre, for the district schools
of those days offered no superior advantages. Hav-
ing remained at home until 1863, he then spent
about two and a half years in farming in Nevada
ami California, returning by way of the Nicaraugua
route.
The first wife of Thomas Beswick was in her
maidenhood Miss Eliza Fee, and their marriage was
celebrated in February, 1866. She was a native
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479
of Ireland, and lived only about two and a half
years after her marriage, dying in May, 1868. On
the 2d of May, 1873, Mr. Beswick was joined in
wedlock with Miss Kate Goodall. one of Van Buren
County's fair daughters. Unto them were born
three children — Charles L.; Anna, who died in in-
fancy; and Alethea.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Beswick has
supported the Democratic party, and has felt a
deep interest in its success, but has never for him-
self desired public preferment. As before stated,
his present home was also that of his childhood.
lie is now the owner of two hundred and fifty
acres of highly improved land, furnished with good
buildings and having one of the finest arrange-
ments for supplying: water by a wind pump, in the
county. His farm is not known for its "broad
acres," but has a reputation for the neatness with
which it is kept. High grades of stock are also
raised thereon, and the owner is accounted one of
the most successful and energetic farmers of the
county. He is a representative of one of the hon-
ored families of the community, and like his father
and brother is a worthy and valued citizen.
> '>m<^ <
^ UDGE JOSHUA S. SLOAN, one of the edi-
tors and proprietors of the Keosauqua i?e-
publican, was born in Waynesburg, Chester
County, Pa., on the 29th of January, 1822,
and is a Si>n of Robert and Elizabeth (Steapleton)
Sloan. When a babe of a year, in the spring of
1S23, he was taken b}' his parents to Columbiana
County, Ohio, the family settling on a farm in
Wayne Township. For several years they contin-
ued to reside in that county but at length came to
Iowa and took up their residence near the city of
lowaville. Their son Joshua received a common-
school education, but not content with such a lim-
ited store of knowledge, by reading and study in
leisure hours he acquired a fund of information
which far exceeded that of many whose advan-
tages were greatly superior to his own. His first
business venture was that of teaching. In the
spring of 1841 he was employed as a teacher in the
district schools of Columbiana County, where he
continued for ten years. The two succeeding years
of his life he spent in teaching in CarroUton, Carroll
County, Ohio, after which he came to Iowa. Here
he resumed his former profession, being employed
as a teacher in lowaville and vicinity for more than
a year, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits
until the fall of 1859, when he was elected to the
office of County Judge, of Van Buren County, Iowa.
He entered upon the duties of the position Janu-
ary 2, 1860, and served for two years, when he was
elected Treasurer of the county, which position he
filled tor ten consecutive years, being four times
re-elected to that office, the first three years of this
time he also served as Recorder. The honor thus
conferred upon him is one very unfrequently be-
stowed and plainly testifies to his ability and faith-
fulness with which he discharged his duties. Later
he served as Clerk of the District Court for a year,
filling the unexpired term of J. W. Latham, whose
death occurred while he was holding the office.
In the spring of 1873, Mr. Sloan once more em-
barked in mercantile pursuits, continuing in that
line of business until September, 1877, when he was
elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of
the county. He held the ofi9ce three years and
during the entire time was President of the Board.
In December, 1877, he purchased an interest in the
Keosauqua Republican^ a weekly journal published
at Keosauqua, of which he has since been one of
the editors and proprietors. This paper has been
placed upon a sound, financial basis as the result of
the excellent business management of the proprie-
tors, and has a wide circulation,which is constantly
increasing.
On the 14th of April, 1853, just previous to his
removal to Iowa, Mr. Sloan was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah A. Sinclair, and then brought his
young bride to Van Buren County. When he was
elected County Judge, they removed to Keosauqua
where they have since made their home. They
are the parents of five children yet living. The
daughters are Frances, Maggie Ella, and Hattie C.
and the sons are George and Rutledge.
Mr. Sloan became a member of the Presbyterian
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Church in June, 1850, and continued his connec-
tion with that organization until the spring of 1 872.
As there was no longer a house of worship in the
place of his residence, he united with the Congre-
gational Church in the spring of 1877. In his early
life he was a supporter of the Democracy, but in
1856, on the organization of the Republican party
in Van Buren County, he joined its ranks and has
since been one of its stalwart supporters. He was
the first candidate of his party for the olBce of
State Representative but was defeated by ten votes,
ihe county .having a Democratic majority.
4<JS^.;^5>^^t*«^^^^*-=^-'^'^
JOHN W. ROWLEY, of the firm of Sloan &
Rowley, editors and proprietors of the Keo-
sauqua Republican, is a native of Ohio. He
was born in New Garden, Columbiana
County, July 23, 1846, and is a son of Theodore
B. Rowley, who was born in Victor, N. Y., August
6, 1817. Coming to Ohio during childhood, Theo-
dore Rowley formed the acquaintance of Miss Em-
eliue Watson, who was born in New Lisbon, Ohio,
August 5, 1820, and on the 18th of May, 1842,
they were united in marriage. Unto them were
born three children: Anna, who died in childhood;
John W., of this sketch, and Lavina.
When a lad of eight years, with his parents, John
W. Rowley removed from New Lisbon, Ohio, to
Van Buren County, Iowa. They reached their
destination in December, 1854, and the following
spring located near Utica. Our subject received a
common-school education and for eight years, from
1867 to 1875, engaged in farming during the sum-
mer months, while the winter season was spent in
teaching. He continued his residence in the vicin-
ity of Utica until 1879. He was married to Miss
Amanda M Thompson, daughter of Elder David
Thompson, near Bonaparte, Iowa, October 27, 1868.
She was born in Highland County, Ohio, October
27 1849. Three children, sons, grace their union
—Roland B., Frank W. and Clinton C. They also
Jost one child, Lena A., their only daughter, who
was the second in order of birth. She died on the
17th of March, 1878.
Mr. Rowley has been a member of the Christian
Church since 1867, and in politics he is a stalwart
supporter of Republican principles. In 1875, he
was elected on that ticket to the position of Su-
perintendent of Schools, of Van Buren County, in
which he served until January 1, 1880. On the
15th of November of the previous year he pur-
chased an interest in the Keosauqua Republican,
and in the latter part of the month removed with
his family to Keosauqua, from his farm in Cedar
Township. He is still one of the proprietors of the
paper, which is devoted to the interests of the
county and the Republican party. Its owners are
business men of merit and progressive citizens of
the community in which they make their home. In
1880 Mr. Rowley was appointed by President
Hayes to the position of United States Supervisor
of Census, having under his jurisdiction twenty
counties. Soon afterward he was appointed a mem-
ber of the State Educational Board and served four
years, most of the time acting as its Secretary. In
1890 he received an appointment from President
Harrison to the position of Supervisor of Census,
his territory including twenty-one counties, and in
that work he is engaged at the writing of this sketch.
y^ALVIN HAYDEN DOUGHTY, a reprc-
(li f^ sentative farmer of Buchanan Township,
^^^ Jefferson County, residing on section 34,
springs from one of the early families of South-
eastern Iowa. His father, John W. Doughty, was
born in East Tennessee on the 15th of April, 1818,
and with his widowed mother removed to Sanga-
mon County, 111., where he grew to manhood.
After reaching years of maturity he determined to
try his fortune beyond the Mississippi, and about
1835 made his way on foot to Heniy County, Iowa,
where his mother later joined him. There, on the
Ist of December, 1836, he married Gracie A. Hut-
ton, a native of Middle Tennessee. Her birth.
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occurred on the IBth of February, 1822, and when
two years of age was taken by her parents to San-
gamon County, 111. Her father was a soldier of the
War of 1812, and in recognition of his services re-
ceived a land warrant, and after his death his wife
was awarded a pension. He was a regularly ordained
minister of the Baptist Church, but his labors in
that line were performed through love of the work
and not with any desire for pecuniary aid. He
died at the age of seventy-two years, but his wife
reached the very advanced age of ninety years.
In 1844 John W. Doughty came with his fam-
ily to Jefferson County, where he lived and la-
bored until his life on earth was brought to a close.
Polideally, be was a Whig, and both he and his
wife were zealous members of the Methodist
Church, in which they did not a little for the ad-
vancement of the cause and the promotion of its
interests. He was not a man that sought public
recognition, but in a quiet way discharged the du-
ties devolving upon him, and at the end those who
knew him said that a worthy and useful citizen had
passed away. He died on the oth of June, 1850,
respected by all with whom he had come in con-
tact. Of his nine children, eight sons and one
daughter, only four are now living — Benjamin F.,
an insurance agent of Sioux City, Iowa; Mary E.,
wife of Philip Polston, of Fairfield; Alvin S., u
minister of the Free Methodist Church ; and Cal-
vin H. In 1851 the mother of this family became
the wife of John Howard, who died August 12,
1870. By her second marriage were born five chil-
dren, three sons and two daughters. Mrs. Howard
is still living, surrounded by dutiful children and
many warm friends.
Calvin Hayden Doughty, the youngest of the
first family and the one in whom the citizens of
Jefferson County are especially interested, is now
the owner of the old homestead in Buchanan Town-
ship. He was born in Cedar Township, on the 5th
of January, 1849, and here has spent his entire
life. At that early day schools were of a poor
grade, and even then he was permitted to attend
but little. From the time he was twelve years of
age he made his own way in the world, and on the
5th of October, 1864, although but a lad of six-
teen years, he enlisted in bis country's service in
Springfield, 111., whither he had gone with Com-
pany C, of the Second Illinois Light Artillery.
His command did duty at Ft. Donelson until the
8d of August, 1865, when he received his discharge
in Springfield.
Shortly afterward Mr. Doughty returned to Jef-
ferson County, and on the 13th of December, 1866,
he was joined in marriage with Mary O., daughter
of Abraham and Catherine (Bradshaw) Standford.
She was born in Batavia, this county, November 3,
1848, and is an estimable lady whose circle of
friends is indeed large. The young couple began
their domestic life where they still make their
home, and their family consists of an adopted son,
Mark Doughty, who married Emma Haifley, by
whom he has one child, Calvin H.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Doughty are members of the
Free Methodist Church, and he also belongs to the
Old Settlers Society. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, having supported that party since casting his
first vote for Gen. Grant. He is now the owner
and operator of a fine tract of land of one hundred
and eighty acres, and since attaining to mature
years he has pursued farming and stock-raising ex-
clusively and successfully, never turning aside to
mingle in trade or politics. The years which have
passed over his head since his return from the war
have been years of fair prosperity, and he is now
numbered among the substantial citizens of Jeffer-
son County, a place which he has gained through
his own effort.
ANIEL C. PEITITT, dealer in farming
implements at Birmingham, is another of the
prominent business men of Van Buren
County who deserves mention in this volume. As
he is widely and favorably known the record of
his life, which is as follows, will be received with
interest by our readers. Clark County, Ind., was
his birthplace and on the 17th of August, 1843, he
first opened his eyes to the light of day. His
father, George R. Pettitt, was born in Indiana,
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November 11, 1816, and his wife, whose maiden
name was Martha J. Davis, and who was a native
of Kentucky, was about two years his junior.
Having married, they began their domestic life in
Indiana, which continued to be their home until
1844, at which time they crossed the Mississippi
into the Territory of Iowa. They located in Van
Buren County and Mr. Pettitt is still a resident of
Birmingham, but in 1883 he was called upon to
mourn tlie death of his wife.
Our subject is one of a family of three child ren.-i"
His early life was unmarked by any event of special
importance, for midst play and work and in attend-
ing the district schools his boyhood days were
spent. However, at the age of eighteen years he
entered the service of his country. He had watched
with interest the progress of events in tbe South
but at the beginning of the war was too young to
respond to the country's call for aid, but on the
9th of March, 1862, he enrolled his name among
the boys in blue of Company H., Third Iowa
Cavalry. The two following years were spent
mostly in skirmishing in Missouri and Arkansas.
While stationed at Mexico, Mo., Daniel and an-
other boy went to get the former's horse which had
run away, as they supposed, to a farm about two
miles distant, but on reaching that place they
learned that he had gone on some thirteen miles.
Starting forward again, they met the rebel com-
mander, Purcell, whom they did not know, and
who told them where to find the horse. His
directions proved correct, but while returning the
lads found a squad of rebels in ambush. Without
a word the enemy arose and fired. Both horses
dropped dead and the boys started to run but
almost in another moment Mr. Pettitt's comrade
fell pierced by twelve bullets. Seeing that it was
impossible to escape, he then surrendered without
receiving a scratch. Afterwards he was paroled
and started to join his command. While return-
ing he met an ambulance containing two coffins
which were for himself and friend, as his comrades
had heard that both were dead and glad they were
to find that one was not needed. On the Ist of
January, 1864, Mr. Pettitt veteranized and was
tlierefore granted a furlough. When the time had
expired he went to Memphis, Tenn., where he was
attached to A. J. Smith's corps and participated
in the battles of Guntown, Tupelo and Oxford.
He spent part of the winter in Louisville, Ky., and
then,*newly equipped, started on the Wilson raid,
in which he took part in the engagements of Monte
Valley, Plantersville, Selna and Colambas, Gn,
He was mustered out at Atlanta and discharged
August 20, 1865, at Davenport, after serving three
V ars and eight months.
When his country no longer needed his services
Mr. Pettitt returned to Birmingham and for a short
time engaged in the butchering and grocery busi-
ness, after which, for some fourteen years, he de-
voted himself to freighting, his efforts in that line
being attended with considerable success. He also
dealt in walnut timber until 1886, when he engaged
in his present business as a dealer in agricultural
implements. Four years in that line have served
to bring him a good trade, and his fair dealing and
good business management have won him the con-
fidence and respect of the community.
On the Slstof October, 1867, Mr. Pettitt was
joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah J. Deal, a native
of Pennsylvania. One child was bom unto them
but died in infancy, but thej have an adopted
child, Iva M. Mrs. Pettitt is a member of the
Methodist Church. He is a Republican in politics
and has served as Marshal, Constable and City
Recorder. He is a member of the Old bettlers
Society and an honored member of Perry A. Newell
Post, N6. 232, G. A. R. His social sUnding and
business record make him one of the prominent
and influential citizens of Birmingham.
<^ IfelLEY A. JONES, M. D., Justice of the
\/\l// Peace and medical practitioner, of Cantril,
^ysfi has for some fourteen years been engaged
in the practice of his profession at this place.* His
residence in Iowa, howevei^, covers a period of
forty-five years and be is numbered among the
pioneer settlers of Jefferson County.
The Jones family of which our subject is a de-
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scendant is of Welsh origin and was founded by liis
great-grandfatlier, who, in 1750, left Wales, bis
native land, and crossed the Atlantic to this coun-
try. Horatio Jones, the grandfather of ^he Doctor,
served as a drummer in the War of 1812. He set-
tled in North Carolina, where he married, but in
1813 he left that State, removing to Virginia
where he made his home until 1830. Accompanied
by his family he then took up his residence in In.
diana, where he died in 1860, at the age of sev-
enty-six years. He followed farming throughout
his entire life, meeting with good success in his
undertaking. His son, William C, father of our
subject, was born in Surrey County, N. C, July
9, 1809, but was reared to manhood in Virginia,
and at the age of twenty- one years accompanied
the family to Indiana. In 1830 he was united in
marriage with Miss Permclia A. Vaughn, who was
born in Prince Edwards County, Va., October 3,
1811, and was a daughter of William Vaughn. She
was also descended from good old Revolutionary
stock. Six children were born of their union —
Isaac D., William H., Cornelius A., Martin V. B.,
Wiley A,and Elizabeth. After locating in Indiana,
Mr. Jones followed farming for a livelihood and
gave considerable attention to political affairs. He
served as Sheriff and Treasurer of Johnson County
for six years, from 1838 until 1844; was census-
taker in 1 840,and after removal to Jefferson County,
served in 1849 as School Fund Commissioner
and in 1860 was census-taker for the eastern half
of the county. He is still living in Fairfield, where
he is numbered among the leading and valued citi-
zens. He still takes an active interest in anything
pertaining to the county's welfare and is a con-
tributor to the county papers. In 1889 he was
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, a most
estmable lady who died on the 1 8th of October.
Wiley A, Jones was born in Franklin, Johnson
County, Ind., March 10, 1840, and was the fifth in
order of birth in the family, but only five years of
his life were spent in his native county. In 1845
the family came to Iowa, and upon a farm south-
east of Fairfield he was reared to manhood. In his
youth he received such educational advantages as
the common schools afforded, but not content with
such privileges he determined to pursue a more
extended course of study, and to this end, when
seventeen years of age he began teaching in the
district schools. By this method he was enabled
to attend the Fairfield University, where he con-
tinued his studies for a year. He then again taught
school until 1860, when he began fittin«: himself for
the medical profession under the <Hrection of Dr.
N. Steele, with whom he pursued his studies until
1864. He then began practicing in Primrose, Iowa,
where he remained until the fall of 1865, when, in
order to further fit himself for his chosen work, he
attended Uie Medical University, of Ann Arbor,
Mich. He pursued a full course of study in that
institution and was graduated in 1867, after which
he located In Glasgow, Jefferson County. In a few
months, however, he removed to Winchester, Van
Buren County, where he continued practice for four
3'ears with fair success. His next place of residence
was Fairfield, where for six years he carried on the
drug business. Selling out in 1876, he came to
Cantril and with the interests of this city has since
been identified.
The Doctor was married, on the 9th of April,
1867, to Miss Altha Miller, daughter of Thomas
and Eliza (Moore) Miller and a native of Jefferson
County, born May 3, 1847. Unto them were born
eight children, but only four are now living: Myrta,
wife of W. W. Blanchard, of Milton; Isaac T., Car-
rie and Neal P. The Doctor, Mrs. Jones and the
two eldest children are members of the Christian
Church, and he is a charter member of Apollo
Lodge, No. 461, A. F. <fe A. M., and Charter Mas-
ter. In political sentiment he is a Democrat and
has held several local ofiSces, including that of
Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, of both of
which he is the present incumbent. The cause of
education has ever found in Dr. Jones a warm friend
and during the twelve years in which he served as
School Director he did effective service for that
cause. The efficiency of the Cantril schools is due
in no little measure to his untiring efforts in their
behalf, and other worthy public interests have re-
ceived from him a like hearty support and co-op-
eration. Among his other official duties he held
the office of Postmaster under President Cleve-
land's administration and administered the affairs
of the office to the satisfaction of all concerned.
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Until within a few years past the Doctor had one
of the largest practices of any man in the profes-
sion in the county, but physical disabilities have
caused him to lay aside the more arduous duties
connected with the work. In August, 1885, he was
stricken with rheumatism and for six months was
utterly helpless. In February, 1888, he slipped on
the sidewalk and fractured his left arm, and on
the 19th of May of the same year he was thrown
from his buggy, his horse running away, and the
arm was rebroken, together with both collar bonep.
The Doctor has the resp^t of the entire community
and the esteem and good will of many friends.
j^ETER COUNTRYMAN, deceased, was born
in Somerset County, Pa., on the 28th of No-
vember, 1808, where he grew to manhood.
Having attained to mature years, he there
married Mary Berkley, a native of the same county,
born in 1809. About 1832, they removed to Tus-
carawas County, Ohio, where they continued to re-
side some twelve years, arriving in Iowa in 1844.
Their destination was Van Buren County, an<i they
made a location in Lick Creek Township, where
Mr. Countryman engaged in farming, although by
trade he was a cabinet-maker. Throughout his en-
tire life he supported the Democratic principles,
and served accejitably as Township Trustee. As
consistent members of the Lutheran Church, both
he and his wife lived upright Christian lives, and
died in the faith which had been their guide for
many years. Mr. Countryman was called to his
final rest in 1867, and in 1873 his wife also passed
away. Unto them was born a family of eleven chil •
dren, nine of whom grew to mature years, while
eight of the number yet abide, namely: Hosiah, a
cabinet-maker of Birmingham ; Sarah, wife of James
Ferrel, a resident of Lick Creek Township; Lucy is
the widow of John Boyd; William and Michael,
twins, are farmers of Jefferson and Van Buren
Counties, respectively; George W. is the next
younger; Frank is u farmer of Jefferson County;
and Noah devotes his time to the same pursuit in
Van Buren County.
George W. Countryman is the only member of
the family who has devot.ed himself to mercantile
life. He was born in Lick Creek Township, on the
6th of January, 1849, and his early life wis passed
in the usual manner of farmer lads, aiding in the
work of the home farm during the summer season,
and attending the common schools of the neighbor-
hood during the winter months. He remained at
home until twenty years of age, after which he
worked at carpentering for two years with bis
brother, and for a year was in the employ of W. B.
Tatman. He embarked in business for himself in
1873, when he opened a furniture store at Douds
Station, but in the fall of the following year he
disposed of his interest, and going to Ottumwa,
entered the employ of a man engaged in the manu-
facture of show cases. In 1875, he came to Bir-
mingham and purchased a small stock of furniture,
beginning operations in a one-story frame build-
iug 16x60 feet, but increased patronage and in-
creased facilities forced him to make an addition to
the establishment, which he extended until it cov-
ered all of his ground. In 1887 he built his pres-
ent store where he now does business, the dimen-
sions of which are 22x82 feet, and two stories in
height, in addition to which he also has a coffin
room 20x20 feet. In November, 1889, Mr. Coun-
tryman admitted to partnership in the business, C.
G. Miller. The firm has now one of the best stocks
of furniture in this part of the State, and constantly
increasing patronage rewards their business enter-
prise.
On the 13th of April, 1873, Mr. Countryman was
united in marriage with Miss Lee A. Chalfant, who
was born in Ohio, and with her parents came to
this county when three years old. They have an
interesting family of four children, two sons and
two daughters — Charlie C, George C, Nellie A.,
and Jessie L. The mother is an Adventist in re-
ligious belief. In political sentiment Mr. Country-
man is a Republican, and has served as a member
of the City Council of Birmingham. He deserves
not a little credit, for his success in life is due to
his industrious efforts and good management. When
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he began business for himself at Douds Station, he
purchased only 1300 worth of stock, and for that
had to give his note, but now he not only owns the
excellent store before mentioned, but in addition
eighty acres of land pay tribute to him, besides
some town property, and he is also engaged in ship-
ping walnut lumber. Mr. Countryman bas lived in
Van Buren County for some forty-one years, and
is accounted one of the leading business men of
Birmingham.
^p^EORGE B. WALTZ, one of Fairfield's es-
/|| ^__, teemed citizens, was born in Memphis,
%^\ Tenn., December 5, 1844. His father, Job
Waltz, was a native of Pennsylvania, and after
his marriage to Mary Palmer, located in Memphis,
where he was engaged in hotel keeping until
his death, in 1848. He was taken away in the
prime of life, being only about thirty-nine years
of age. Afterward his widow married Charles
Fowler, with whom she emigrated to Muscatine,
Iowa, in 1850. She died in Columbus City, at the
age of thirty-nine. By her first marriage she had
two sons — George B. of this sketch; and Henry C.
who served nearly three years in Company A, of
the Eighteenth Iowa Infantr}', and since the war
has been steamboat engineer on the Mississippi
River. By her second husband there is one living
child.
George B. Waltz, being the eldest of the family,
early had to begin making his way in the world
and with no capital save a determination to suc-
ceed and a young man's bright hope of the future,
he started out in life for himself. Until the break-
ing out of the war he worked among the farmers
in the vicinity of his home, but when the first com-
pany was raised in Muscatine County, filled with
patriotic impulses and a fervent desire to aid in
the suppression of the Rebellion, he volunteered
his services, but as he was not quite up to the stand-
ard height, being then but a boy, he wa« rejected.
As each successive company was raised he tried
to enter its ranks but every attempt was unsucess-
ful until August 26, 1862, when he donned the
blue as a member of Company C, Eleventh Iowa
Infantry. He served as snare drummer until re-
ceiving his discharge and his entire service was
under the master generals, Grant and Sherman.
After the capture of Vicksburg, his command was
stationed at that place to do post duty. A vet-
eran furlough was given and they were then
transferred to the army of the Cumberland, assist-
ing in the capture of Atlanta and then participa-
ting in the famous march to the sea. When Fort
McAllister was being beseiged by Sherman, a part
of his forces was cut off by a large swamp and to
go around this required a march of some twenty
miles. Across it, a dam was thrown up but the
rebel guns were planted so as to sweep it. How-
ever, some fifteen miles would be saved and speedy
assistance given to the besiegers if they could but
bear up under the iron hail of the rebel guns. It
was determined to make the test and Mr. Waltz's
company was the first to run that terrible gauntlet.
Going on to Washington, the notes of his drum were
there heard in the Grand Review, after which he re-
ceived his discharge, after having faithfully served
his country for three years.
Returning to Muscatine, Mr. Waltz learned the
plasterer's trade which he has since made his bus-
iness. In that city, on the 28th of May, 1867, he
married Charlotte I. George, who was born in Ohio,
December 16, 1848, and when two years old was
brought by her parents, Wesley and Sarah (Houtz)
George, to Muscatine. Iowa. Her father died in
Louisa County, Iowa, in June 1890, at the age of
seventy-five years, his wife who is still living in
that county, has reached the age of sixty-nine
years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Waltz were born two
children — Harry W. who died at the age of two
years; and S. Minnie.
The year 1868 witnessed the arrival of Mr.
Waltz in Fairfield, where he has since made his
home. He has always taken an active part in
political affairs and is a stalwart supporter of Re-
publican principles. In the county convention of
1888, his name was considered in conne<:tion with
the oflQce of Recorder of Deeds; he failed of nom-
ination but defeat did not sour him or cause him
to aid the opposition. Again in 1890, he was
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brought forward for the same position and came
out triumphant. As he has always been a prompt,
honorable and conscientious man in his own bus-
iness affairs, it need not be feared that he wil 1 ne-
glect those of the people.
F. SUMMERS, M. D., physician and sur-
li ^ S®^^ ^^ Milton and the senior partner of
;LiJ^ the firm of Summers & Rice, druggists, is
also a member of the Milton Hardware Company.
Jt will readily be seen that he is one of the leading
and representative business men of Milton and as
such we are pleased to record his sketch in this vol-
ume. He was born in Scotland County, Mo., Aug-
ust 17, 1849, and is a son of David and Alice
(Stevens) Summers. His father was a native of
Greenbrier County, Va., born about the year 1812,
and in early life went to Missouri. He was a mill-
wright by trade and erected one of the first grist
mills in Scotland Count^s and for many years also
engaged in farming. Mrs. Summers, the mother of
our subject, was born in Decatur, III., in 1825, and
removed with herp>arent3 to Missouri in girlhood,
becoming acquainted with Mr. Summers in Scot-
land County, where their marriage was celebrated
and where she still resides. They were parents of
four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom
the eldest is the Doctor ; Lois E., is the wife of J. C.
Yenter, of Washington ; Amanda L., is the wife of
James Douglas, of Scotland County, Mo.; David,
married 'Laura Hammond and is a farmer of Scot-
land County.
Mr. Summers, continued to reside in that county
until his death which occurred in 1852. His wife
survives her husband and is still a resident of that
county. She was married again in 1858, to John
Rico, a farmer b}' occupation, and of the second
marriage six children were born, five sons and a
daughter. Clora A., the eldest, is the wife of Chip-
man, A. Van Dyke, of Oregon; Charles IL, married
Ellen Beswick, and resides near Memphis, Mo.;
William H. is single and makes his home in the
same place; John A., wedded Miss Mary Graves
and is a member of the drug firm of Summers &
Rice, of Milton; Albert A., married Miss Arwilda
Ruse, and resides near Memphis, Mo.; Grant, who
completes the family, is a member of the Milton
Hardware Company. Mr. Rice Sr., father of the
above named children, was a soldier in the Union
Army during the late war, serving in Company M,
Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, and died in the hospital
in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1864.
Dr. Summers received his primary education in
the public schools, after which he pursued a par-
tial course in the Memphis College, of Memphis,
Mo. Having determined to make the practice of
medicine his life work, in 1872 he became a stu-
dent in the Keokuk Medical College, but fUd not
complete the course. The same year he spent six
months in practice in the Marine Hospital, at St
Louis. The following year he came to Milton and
opened an office but subsequently returned to the
Keokuk Medical College,and after a course of study
was graduated in the class of 1876. He continued
practice in Milton and in 1878 openei a drug store
in that place which he carried on alone until 1880,
when J. A. Rice was admitted to partnership, a con-
nection which continues until the present writing
in the fall of 1890. In 1888, the Doctor became
associated with others in the organization of the
Milton Hardware Compan}', which is now one of
tlie important mercantile houses in the county.
In addition to his other business interests he is pro-
prietor of a fine stock farm of two hundred and
forty acres lying two miles southwest of Milton. He
breeds sheep and horses extensively, making a
specialt}^ of road horses.
On the 7th of March, 1876, in Milton, Dr. Sum-
mers, was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Bell,
wlio was born near Delphos, Ohio, and is a daugh-
ter of Freeman Bell. Four children were born of
their union, three daughters and a son — Mabel Al-
ice, Jessie Bell, Elta Catherine and Loyd Freeman.
Mrs. Summers, is a member of the Methodist Church
and a lady of culture, having many friends in the
community. The Doctor is a Republican in poli-
tics. He is an enterprising and successful business
man, who by his own efforts has accumulated a val-
uable property, and in his piofessiuu he has won a
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prominent place as physician and surgeon and has
built up an extensive practice. For seventeen
years Dr. Summers has been known to the people
of Van Buren and adjacent counties, and during
that time his course has been such as to win the re-
spect and esteem of all with whom he has had bus-
iness or social relations.
=1^^
^f;;,-^ lATT HUFFMAN, a lumber dealer of Bir-
jiy mingham, is one of the few pioneers left to
1v tell the story of Van Buren County as it
' Q/ was fifty-three years ago. He is also num-
bered among the early settlers of the State, for
Iowa's citizens were then numbered among the
population of the Territory of Wisconsin, and in
numbers they were few, living mostly along the
Mississippi river, or where a waterway would serve
to connect them in some degree with the outside
world. The greatest gratitude from the people of
to-day, and from coming generations is due those
honored pioneers who laid the foundation upon
which was reared the vast structure now known as
Iowa, a State which is on a par in many respects
with the oldest States of the East, and of which its
citizens are justly proud.
Mr. Huffman is a native of New Albany, Ind.,
and a son of Burke and Mary (Miller) Huffman.
His paternal grandfather emigrated from Ger-
many, and settled at an early day in North Caro-
lina, where his father was born in 1791. When a
young man the latter emigrated westward, locating
in New Albany, Ind. He wedded Mary Miller, a
native of Kentucky, who was about ten years his
junior. Her parents were of Scotch-Irish extrac-
tion. Having married, Mr. Huffman devoted him-
self to farming in Indiana, which he followed until
1836, when, accompanied by his family he started
for Iowa, proceeding down the Ohio and up the
Mississippi River to Ft. Madison. The following
March he made a location in what is now Lick
Creek Township, Van Buren County, where he
took a claim of two hundred and eighty acres,
which he entered as soon as it came into market.
The Indians were far more numerous than the
white settlers, and the noted chief, Black Hawk, was
often a visitor at his home. He had to go to Rock
River to mill, the nearest market was on the Mis
sissippi, and other disadvantages of a similar na-
ture formed a part of his pioneer experience. Un-
til 1855 Mr. Huffman was a Democrat, but among
the first that espoused the Republican principles he
identified himself with the party and continued to
support it with his ballot until his death, which
occurred in 1859. The following year his wife,
who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, was called to her final rest. They led
quiet yet useful lives, and reared a family of eleven
children who became respecte(i and valued mem-
bers of the community in which they made their
homes. Barbara A., the eldest of the nine who
grew to mature years, married Moses Stanley, now
deceased, and resides at Unionville, Iowa; James
M., is a hotel-keeper in Montana; Samuel Served
in the Second Iowa Infantry, was wounded at Ft.
Donelson, and after his return died from a cold ;
George W. is a fruit-grower of California; Hiatt
is the next younger; Mrs. Mary E. Bishop is said
to have been the first white girl born in Van Buren
County; Capt. John W., wlio is now engaged in
mining in Custer City, Idaho, served in the late
war, was taken prisoner at Missionary Ridge and
incarcerated in Ihe Libby prison; Fred B., is fol-
lowed by Robert, the youngest, who served in the
Fifth Iowa Infantry, was also captured at Mission-
ary Ridge, and died in Andersonville prison.
We now come to the personal history of our
subject who was reared as a farmer lad, acquiring
his education in the pioneer schools of that day,
and at the age of eighteen years began life for him-
self. Those who sought homes on a frontier were
usually not in very prosperous circumstances, and
could give their children little assistance. So it
was with Mr. Huffman, who from the time
he left the parental roof was dependent upon
his own exertions. On the 19th of February,
1877, having chosen Miss Vitula R. Goodall as a
helpmate on life's journe3\ he led her to the mar-
riage altar. She was born in Van Buren County,
August 11, 1838, her father being William Good-
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all," one of the early hotel-keepers of Fairfield.
They began their domestic life in this county, but
in 1862, with their children, they started to Ore-
gon, making the journey in a wagon drawn by an
ox-tteam. For some five years they carried on a
hotel in Auburn, after which they returned to Iowa
by way of the Nicaurauga route. In 1867, Mr.
Huffman began merchandising in Birmingham as a
partner of E. Pitkin, which connection continued
eight years, when Mr. Pitkin withdrew. In 1877
the store with all its contents was burned, causing
considerable loss. Mr. Huffman then devoted him-
self to the management of his farm until 1881,
since which time he has been engaged in the lumber
business in Birmingham. He yet owns some one
hundred acres of land adjoining the corporation
limits of this place.
Mr. Huffman is a Republican in politics, and a
stalwart supporter of the party principles. He
cast his fii^st vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856,
and each election day finds him ready to deposit a
ballot in support of the Republican candidate.
While in Oregon he held the office of Sheriff of
Baker County for one term, and has been Mayor
and Councilman of Birmingham. Both he and
his wife are zealous workers and faithful members
of the Methodist Church.
Their family numbers three children — Mortimer,
residing near Wymore, Neb., has charge of the
bridges for the Burlington & Missouri Railroad ;
Mary L. is at home; and Ira B. is station agent at
Stoddard, Neb.
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7 ACOB STONG, a pioneer settler of Van
Buren County, is engaged in general mer-
chandising in Kilbourn, where he is doing a
good business, his sales amounting to $7,000
a year. His enterprise and thrift have won him a
place among the leading merchants of the commun-
ity and his business is an important addition to its
mercantile interests.
Mr. Stong is descended from an early New
England family. His grandfather Philip Stong,
was born in Germany^ where he learned the trade of a
I millwright, and with his parents came to this coun-
i try locating in Pennsylvania. The father of our
subject was born in 1790, in Chester County, Pa.
In 1825, at the age of thirty-five years, he was mar-
ried in Lancaster County, Pa., to Miss Mary
Stageis who was born in that county in 1806.
Twelve years later in 1837 he came to Iowa and
entered three hundred and sixty acres of land in
Lick Creek T<»wnship, which tract now comprises
what is known as the Anson place. After making
a contract for the erection of a house, he returned
to Pennsylvania in order to dispose of his business
interests in that State. He sold his farm for $20,-
000 and received an additional $5,000 for personal
property. In 1838, accompanied by his wife and
four children, he again made the journey to the
Territory of Iowa and settled upon the land which
he had previously located. For two yeai*s they re-
sided in a log cabin, surrounded by many Indians
while the wild game which was quite plentiful fur-
nished them many a meal. It is no easy task to
transform the raw prairie into a highly cultivated
farm, but Mr. Stong and his sons performed that
labor and at the time of his death he was the owner
of two hundred acres of fertile land which yielded
him a good income. He possessed business ability
of a high order, was sagacious and far-sighted and
as the result became a wealthy man. Many hard-
ships and difficulties were endured by the family
during the early history of the county, for even
wealth could not always procure the necessaries of
life for the markets and mills were so far distant
that it was often almost impossible to reach them.
On one occasion the family lived on boiled corn
for a week and for a whole year their broad was
made of rye flour. Mr. Stong was a Democrat in
politics and filled a number of minor official posi-
tions. He was a faithful and valued citizen and in
the War of 1812 defended the stars and stripes.
His death occurred August 12, 1859, and his wife
died in 1864. Six children, five growing to mature
years, were born unto them — John who was born
in Pennsylvania, was killed at the coal bank of
Centerville, in 1880; Joseph is now engaged in
farming in Kansas; Jacob is the next younger; Mrs.
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Sarah Maxwell and Mrs. Susanna Shaffer are also
residing in Kansas, and Sylvaniadied in infancy.
Our subject was but two years of age at the time
of the emigration of the family to Iowa, where he
has since made his home. While en route for the
West the boat on which they had taken passage ex-
ploded and his father was knocked down although
not seriously injured, but thirteen men on board
were killed. Jacob helped to clear and develop the
homestead farm and shared with the family the
privations of pioneer life. He remembers many
inci<1ent6 of interest concerning those early days,
which if they could be given in detail would make
an instructive and exciting story. On one occasion
twelve chiefs in full Indian dress came to their
house and demanded entertainment for the night.
They were accommodated on the floor, for the
homes of that day usually had no spare beds. Dur-
ing the night one of the children called for watci
several times, but the hired girl with whom the little
one was sleeping was afraid to get upon account of
the Indians. The mother heard the call and arose
to get the water and in order to hand it to her child
she had to reach over the girl, who seeing the arm
stretched across her, thought it was an Indian
about to cut her throat and screamed at the top of
her voice; in fact, could hardly be pacified. The
Indians however gave no heed to the occurrence
and in the morning left for other scenes, having
molested nothing.
The primary education of our subject was ac-
quired in the subscription schools, which he at-
tended only in the winter season as his services
were needed upon the farm in summer. This did
oiot satisfy him however and at the age of twenty-
six, with an earnest desire to overcome the lack of
education, he attended select schools at Mt. .Pleas-
ant and Ashland. Subsequent reading, experience
and observation have also added greatly to his
store of knowledge and he is now a well informed
man. He taught two terms of school and then
worked at the carpenter's trade for some time. On
March 29, 1863, he was united in marriage with
Miss Cynthia A. Ranard, a native of Indiana, born
March 5, 1844, and their union has been blessed
with eight children — Myrtis, who was born March
6, 1864, and is now the wife of D. Skinner, of Lick
Creek Township, Van Buren County; Frances A.,
born December 13, 1865, is the wife of James
Elrick, a merchant of Pittsburg; Alice, born Feb-
ruary 28, 1868, is the wife of Oscar Short, of Lick
Creek Township; Benjamin, born March 29, 1870,
is employed as salesman in a store at Pittsburg;
Emma J., born October 25,1871, is the wife of
Oscar Hootman; Jesse, born April 18, 1874; Ernest
L., February 2, 1878, and Stephen, June 9, 1884,
are at home.
Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Stong em-
barked in business as a cabinet maker, opening a
shop in Kilbourn, where he carried on operations
for twelve years. In 1875 he began his present
business of general merchandising which he has
since continued. His stock at the beginning was
valued at only $300, but now his annual sales
amount to $7,000 and a branch store at Pittsburg
yields him $2,500 per year. Mr. Stong carries only
the best grades of goods, which in addition to his
genial and affable manner has secured him his
liberal patronage. He is a valued citizen and for
three years served as Assessor. He cast his first
Presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, has since
supported the Democracy and has frequently at-
tended the county conventions of his party, as a
delegate. His wife is a member of the Methodist
Church and a lady possessing many excellencies of
character.
JOHN ANDREW KRAMER, a highly res-
pected citizen and leading farmer of Lo-
cust Grove Township, Jefferson County,
^^^^ was born near Stuttgart, Germany, in 1820,
and was the oldest son in the family of Jacob and
Johanna(Notz) Kramer. The days of his boj--
hood and youth were spent at home, and in accord-
ance with the laws of his native land he was for
nearly six years in the army. Wishing to better his
condition and believing the opportunities afforded
by the ohl world were inferior to the privileges of
the new and more rapidly growing Western
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Hemisphere, he resolved to try his fortune in
America and suiting the action to the word
he crossed the Atlantic in 1846. He made his
3rst location in Pennsylvania but resided in var-
ious places until 1848, at which time he en-
tered one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Jefferson County, Iowa, on a land warrant re-
ceived for services in the Mexican War. Hardly
had he reached this country before he entered its
service, in November 1846, for the war against
Mexico, and was assigned to Company E, of the
First Penn^'slvania Regiment, lie continued with
his command until the following March, when at
the siege of Vera Cruz, he was wounded by a shell
on the inside of his right knee which caused paral-
ysis of the entire right side, resulting in total deaf-
ness and blindness of the right ear and eye. On
account of the injuries sustained he was discharged
on the 16th of May, 1847. His service in the
German Army had fitted him for the struggle here
and he did effective work until disabled as above
mentioned.
After being mustered out, Mr. Kramer returned
to Pittsburg, Pa.; and the years between 1849 and
iHiQ he spent in the Keystone State and Iowa.
In the latter }• car he made a permanent location
in Jefferson County, where he has since carried on
farming and stock raising. He was married in
Pitlbburg to Miss Margaret Schnouder, a native
of Germany, and their union, which was celebrated
in 1849, has been blessed with a family of three
ehihlren, one son and two daughters — Andrew
who makes his home in Madison County, Iowa;
Catherine who is living in Jefferson County and
Matilda who is still at home. Mr. Kramer lost his
first wife in 1860, and the following year he was
again married, his second union being with Miss
iMary J. Sage, daughter of Harrison P. and Eliza-
beth (Nation) Sage. Her parents were natives of
Kentucky and she was born in Knox County 111.
By this union there are eleven children and with
one exception all are living, namely: Elizabeth,
William and Henry, twins, Margaret. Israel, Jennie,
Sadie, Rosie, Mohr and Perry. Jacob, who was
the second child of the family, is now deceased but
the others are yet living.
During the late war it was Mr. Kramer's desire
m^
to enter the service and he enrolled his name
among the boys in blue of Company H, Thirtieth
Iowa Infantry, commanded by Captain Drehr, but
on account of the injuries received in the Mexican
War he was not accepted. He is an active Dem-
ocrat in politics and a warm advocate of the party
principles. Socially he is a member of the Odd
Fellows society. For thirty-four years he has
made his home in this community and by his up-
right life has gained many warm friends who value
him for his worth and appreciate his faithful dis-
charge of the duties of citizenship.
|i^^^|^;{C^^lB
<jf OHN R. STEVENS has been manager of the
Edward Manning store, of Cantril, for the
past five years. He is a native of Van
Buren County, and a representative of one
of its pioneer families. His father, A. N. Stevens,
was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1808, but
when quite small was brought by his parents to the
I'nited States. The family is of Scotch-Irish de-
scent. Having attained to mature years, Mr.
Stevens sought the hand of Miss Sallie Deshields
in marriage. The lady is a native of Maryland
and in her maidenhood removed to Indiana where
she became the wife of Mr. Stevens. For several
years they continued their residence in that State,
when in 1840, they emigrated to the Territory of
Iowa, locating in Van Buren County.
John R. was born on the 8th of September, 1850,
and his early life was spent in the usual manner in
which boys pass their time. He acquired a good
common school education, after which he learned
the science of telegraphy, which business he
followed in Iowa for a number of years. In the
3'ear 1879 he was made agent for the Chicago,
Burlington <fe Kansas City Railroad, at Cantril,
which position he occupied for four years when
he embarked in the drug business. Later he en-
gaged in general merchandising but sold out and
took charge of Mr. Manning's store in 1885. The
stock is composed of general merchandise to the
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value of $8,000 and he is assisted in tlie care of
the same by one salesman.
Mr. Sterens and Miss Gettie E. StempJe were
united in the holy bands of matrimony in 1874.
The lady was born October 28, 1 858, and is a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Sarah Stemple, natives of West
Virginia. Their union has been blessed with seven
children, as follows: Roy A. Clarence J. Seba L.
Verne F. Nellie L. Thayne and Bliss A.
Mr. Stevens is a member of Apollo Lodge, No.
461, A. F. <fe A. M. and an adherent of Republican
principles. He is an enterprising and progrps-
sive citizen and the fidelity whi(^h he displays in
the management of the Manning store indicates
him to be a man of uprightness. His sterling
worth has won for him many friends and it is with
pleasure that we record his sketch in this volume.
^I^ETER 1. LABAGH is a farmer of Buchanan
I Jl) Township, Jefferson County, residing on
"^ section 30, where he and his wife have a
I \ pleasant home and fine farm of one hundred
and two acres, also one hundred and twenty acres
on section 22, in the same township. Although
not reared to that pursuit be has made it a profita-
ble one. Entering upon the life of an agricul-
turalist with the same zeal and enterprise which
characterized his other undertakings, it soon became
evident that he would meet with success and he is
now accounted one of the substantial citizens of
the comin unity.
The Labagh family is of German extraction and
its founder, Hendrich Labagh, the great- great-
grand father of our subject, was born in Darmstadt,
May 7, 1693. He married Elizabeth Lasher, who
was born in Marping, Germany, June 12, 1700,
and they came to the United States prior to 1734
for Isaac Labagh, their seventh child, was born in
Hackensack, N. J., on the 20th of June of that
year. He married Judith Ozee, a native of France,
in New York City, in 1759, and had six children,
of whom the fourth, Peter, who was born Novem-
her 10, 1773, was the next in direct descent to the
father of our subject. In New York, in 1795, he
wedded Magdalene Van Alen, of Holland parent-
age. He was a minister of the German Reformed
Church and preached until old age compelled him
to withdraw from the ministry, but during that
time bad charge of only two parishes, having been
for more than forty years in the latter. By his first
wife he had three children and after her death he
wedded Maria Schoonmaker, by whom he had four
children. His death occurred pt the age of eighty-
five years.
Isaac P. Labagh, the father of our subject, was'
the third child of the first marriage. He was born
in Leeds, Green County, N. Y., on the 14th of
August, 1804, and began making preparations for
the ministry by pursuing a classical course in
Dickinson College, Pennsylvania. He further con-
tinued his studies in the theological department of
Rutgers College, of New Brunswick. His first
charge was at Rochester, N. Y., and was followed
by a pastorate at Gravesend, Long Island, after
which he withdrew from the German Reformed
Church and united with the Episcopal Church.
For several years he was a missionary to the Jews
of New York City and did an excellent work
among them. He founded and built the Episcopal
Church in Gloucester, N. J., also St. Paul's Epis-
copal Church of South Brooklyn, N. Y., and resus-
citated Calvary Church of Brooklyn which had
fallen into decay. In 1860, he removed to McHenry
County, 111., and established the female seminary
known as Euphemia Hall, at Marengo, with his own
means. Two years lat-er it was burned, losing him
some $15,000. He then went to Cairo, 111., and
built St. Peter's Episcopal Church and in 1865 he
took charge of the church in Fairfield, Iowa. Two
years later he was placed in charge of the churches
in Albia, Russell and Chariton, Iowa, building a
house of worship in the second. Beside his pastoral
duties which covered a period of about forty yesrs
he was also the author of many valuable papers
and articles published in religious and other jour-
nals, including Prophetic Expositions and Theo-
klesia. About 1856 he was sent as chaplain to the
American minister in Rome. His life was devoted
to the work of the church and on the 29th of De-
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cember, 1869, he was called to the home prepared
for the righteous, dying in Fairfield. His wife and
the mother of our subject, whose maiden name was
Mary E. Magaw, was born near Gravesend, Long
Island, October, 5, 1812, and is a member of the
same family as Capt. Magaw, of Revolutionary
fame. Her father was an extensire planter of Long
Island and was a large slaveholder. On the 15th
of July, 1833, at Flatbush, Long Island, she be-
came the wife of Mr. Labagh and unto them were
born five children, three of whom are yet living —
Reginald H. is a stock broker of Chicago; Living-
stone is a resident of Pennsylvania.
Peter I. Labagh, the other of the surviving chil-
dren, is the oldest now living and the second of the
family. He was born on Long Island, April 2^
1836, and was reared at Gravesend. He received
the advantages of a collegiate education and was
well fitted by home and school training for the
duties of this life. He prepared for college in New
York City and in 1856 was graduated from the
Columbia College with the degree of A. B. Later
he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1859
in New York City where he practiced for two
years. He was then engaged as teacher of the
classical branches in his father's school in Marengo,
111., and in April, 1861. he laid aside all other
duties to become a member of Company D, Fif-
teenth Illinois Infantry, that he might aid in the
defense of his country which was imperilled b^'
the threatened secession of the South. He enlisted
in April, 1861, on the first call for troops and
served one year as Second Lieutenant of his com-
pany, when he was forced to resign on account of
ill health. He was then employed by the Illinois
Central Railroad in Cairo, III., to take charge of
the army and navy freights, after which he re-
moved to Mound City, 111., where he was employed
as book-keeper in the navy department until the
close of the war.
The month of December, 1865, witnessed the ar-
rival of Mr. Labagh in Fairfield and soon after-
ward he made a location a mile and a half east of
the city, having determined to devote his attention
to agricultural pureuits. October 10, 1866, in
Fairfield he married Martha I. Bright, daughter of
Nicholas M. and Isabel (Kelley) Bright. They
have become parents of seven children — Isaac H.,
a plumber of Omaha, Neb.; Steel B. who is associ-
ated with his brother; Mary G., Belle B., Nicholas
B., John and Martha H. The mother is a member
of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Labagh has been
a life long Democrat and socially is a member of
the G. A. R. Post of Fairfield. Widely and favor-
ably known throQgfaoat the community as a repre-
sentative citizen and a man of sterling worth, he
well deserves representation in this jvolume and it
is with pleasure that we record his sketch.
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THOMAS TULLEY, proprietor of a meat-
market of Cantril, Van Buren County, is a
native of Pennsylvania. He was born in
Schuylkill, August 15, 1847, and is a son of Thomas
and Margaret (Canfil) Tulley. His parents were
both natives of Ireland, where they grew to matu-
rity and were married, after which they left the
Emerald Isle and came to America, locating in the
Keystone State, where our subject was born. The
father engaged in coal mining for some time and
then started westward with the hope of bettering
his financial condition. He took up his residence
in St. Louis, Mo., where he opened a grocery store,
carrying on business in that line until, attracted by
the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak, he started for
the scene of supposed wealth. He was last heard
of at Salt Lake City and a report came that he was
there taken sick and died, but it was supposed that
he was killed for his team and the money which he
carried with him. His widow ever remained true
to his memory and devoted herself to her six chil-
dren thus left dependent upon her for support.
Catherine, the eldest daughter, is now the wife of
John Smith; Lydia wedded John A. Leas and is
living in Keokuk; Lizzie is the deceased wife of
Noah Pritchett, of Cantril; John, William and
Thomas complete the family. Mrs. Tulley- came
with her children to Iowa in 1850, where she re-
mained until her death which occurred some twenty-
four years later. Her remains were buried in
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Hoskins Cemetery, and a beautiful monument
marks her last resting place, erected as a token of
the love which her children bore her.
We now take up the personal history of Thomas
Tulley, who at the early age of thirteen years be-
gan life for himself and has since made his own
way in the world. It was his desire to follow rail-
roading and to that end he became an engine wiper
on the Wabash Road. On the expiration of a term
of apprenticeship he was made fireman, and after
three years, in recognition of his efficiency and
faithfulness, he was placed in charge of an engine.
He continued railroading then for a period of
thirteen years, but at length desisted from it
at the request of his aged mother, who feared that
her boy might in that manner meet his death. In
several instances he did narrowly i<scape death,
having been in several wrecks, in one of which his
left wrist was crushed. During his thirteen years'
service as an engineer he was employed upon the
Wabash and the Union Pacific Railroads, and after
his return to the road, following the death of his
mother, he entered the employ of the Keokuk, St.
Louis <fe Western, a branch of the Chicago, Bur-
lington A Quinc}^ system.
At length Mr. Tulley permanently abandoned
engineering and turned his attention to the breed-
ing of horses and jacks, purchasing a thoroughl3red
Clyde and Norman stallion and a Kentucky jack.
This business he sold out and then embarked in the
butchering business, which he followed in Illinois
until the autumn of 1881, when he came to Cantril,
Iowa. On the 22d of October, he opened a meat-
market in Cantril and to that vocation he has since
devoted his energies. He slaughters on an average
of three cattle per week, does all his own killing,
preserves his own meats and has a good trade.
Considering the disadvantages under which he la-
bored in early years, he has met with excellent
success in his business career which is due to his
thrift and industry.
In 1874, Mr. Tulley wedded Louisa J. Struble,
who was born in Van Buren County in 1863, and
is a daughter of Jacob and Louisa Struble, natives
of Germany. Five children grace their union and
the family circle yet remains unbroken. In order
of birth they are as follows: John, F. Clare, Speed,
Bessie and Rutledge L. Mr. Tulley is one of the
active members of the Methodist Church, is one
of the Board of Directors under whose manage-
ment the bouse of worship was erected, and to the
support of the Gospel he gives liberally. As every
true citizen should do, he feels an interest in po-
litical affairs, his views being in harmony with the
principles of Democracy. He is a member of the
City Council, which position he has filled five years
to the satisfaction of all concerned. In civic so-
cieties, Mr. Tulley takes considerable interest and
is an honored member of several organizations.
He belongs to Apollo Lodge No. 461, A. F. <fe A. M.,
Moore Chapter, and Commandery of Keosauqua ;
also holds membership in Prairie Gem Lodge, No.
50, 1. O. 0. F.,which he has three times represented
in the State Lodge, and also in Cantril Lodge, No.
235, K. P. He is a retired member of the Brother-
hood of Locomotive Engineers.
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^ V**^'
njijALDON PARSONS, who resides on section
^^ 25, Buchanan Township, claims the honor
of being a native of Jefferson County — and
it is an honor of which few as old as he can
boast — his birth having occurred on the 11th of
April, 1839. His father, John R. Parsons, was
born in Randolph County, W. Va., December 22,
1806, and was of German and Irish descent. He
married Diana Parsons, who though of the same
name was not related. She was also born in
Randolph County, June 22, 181 1, and was a daugh-
ter of one of the Revolutionary heroes. The
marriage of the parents of our subject was cele-
brated December 11, 1827, and in 1836 they left
their native State, where Mr. Parsons had previ-
ously carried on farming, and started for Iowa, but
winter overtook them ere they reached their desti-
nation, one of the children was taken sick and they
determined to spend the winter in Illinois. The
husband, however, in company with Sexton Mount,
crossed the Mississippi on the ice, made his way
directly to Jefferson County and near Brighton
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located a claim, after which he returned to his
family. The following April, accompanied bj
wife and children, he completed the journey to
Jefferson County and located on section 30, Lock-
ridge Township, where he built a pioneer cabin
and began life in true frontier style. He was one
of the progressive farmers of the county and
succeeded in accumulating four hundred and eighty
acres of land. He brought the first reaper and the
first mower into the county, was among the first
to introduce Short-horn cattle and made a specialty
of raising fine stock. He also helped to make the
coffin for David Coop, the first white man buried
in the county. He served as township trustee for
several years and also one term as a member of the
Board of County Supervisors. He helped to lay
out the now flourishing city of Fairfield and in
many other ways was prominently identified with
the county's interests and deserves no little credit
for the labors he t)ut forth for its advancement
and progress. In politics he was a life long Dem-
ocrat and both he and his wife were members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church from childhood.
Mrs. Parsons passed to the better land August 28,
1876, and on the 27th of November, 1882, having
survived his wife six years, the death of Mr. Par-
sons occurreiL He stood in the front rank of any
enterprise for public improvement, was honored as
a citizen and friend, and in the church was one of
the most faithful and devoted workers.
To the worthy couple just mentioned was born
a family of twelve children, nine of whom lived to
mature years, were married and reared families ;
Jerome died in the prime of life ; Eugene is
engaged in farming in California ; Lucy A. is the
wife of Jeff Travis, a resident of Rooks County,
Kan.; Robert E. is a farmer of Buchanan Town-
ship, Jefferson Count}' ; Baldon is the next in
order of birth ; he is followed by Solomon;
Rebecca is the wife of Benjamin Archibald, a
resident of Jefferson County; Mary J. is the wife
of Charles Linstrum who makes his home in Lucus
County, Iowa; and John J. is engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits in Smith County, Kan.
Our subject was reared amid the wild scenes of
pioneer life and in consequence his educational
advantages were limited. He had to walk four
miles to the first school he attended, and after he
had attained a sufficient age he was compelled to
leave his studies and engage in farm labor. He
drove cattle to a plow used in breaking prairie, so
that we see the work of advancement had not yet
been carried very far forward for the land was
still in its primitive condition. Baldon remembers
having accompanied his father to mill when they
had to go all the way to Illinois to have their
bread stuff ground. This is only one instance of
many disadvantages to be borne by the early
settlers, and to them more than to any other class
of people is due the advanced position which
Jefferson County today occupies. At the age of
twenty years, Mr. Parsons started out in life for
himself to make his own way in the world and
chose as a companion on life's journey Miss Mary
M. Overhulser, thtir union being celebrated on the
21si of April, 1869. The lady was born near
Dayton, Ohio, September 2, 1840, and is a daugh-
ter of Henry and Mary M. (McCormIck) Over-
hulser, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the
latter of Virginia. In their youth they removed
with their respective families to Montgomery
County, Ohio, where they were married and in
1845 they came to JeffersoB County, settling in
Buchanan Township. The first stove they owned
they gave in part payment for a forty acre tract
of land, but as year by year rolled on they met with
successes which placed them in comfortable cir-
cumstances. Mr. Overhulser was a Democrat and
held a number of township offices with credit to
himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Mrs. Parsons was the sixth child in a family of
twelve children, six of whom are now living,
namely: George W., a farmer of Marion County,
Kan. ; William, a retired farmer of Fairfield ; Jacob
L. who is engaged in farming in Madison County,
Iowa; Henry C, a resident of California; John L.,
who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Madison
County, Iowa; and James M. who follows the same
business in Buchanan Township.
Mr. Parsons and his wife have passed their
entire married life on the farm which is still their
home and four hundred and seventeen and one-half
acres of fine land, owned by himself and sons, now
pay tribute to his care and cultivation. He is also
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ASTOR. LFNOX
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C. E. BULL.
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doing a fine business as a stock-dealer, raising only
the best grades, and has one of the largest and
best barns in the county. His home is truly a
model farm with its comfortable dwelling, good
outbuildings, improved stock, etc., and the entire
surroundings indicate the thrift and enterprise of
the owner.
Mr. and Mrs. Parsons are the parents of seven
children — Ira E., who wedded May Park and after
her death married Bailie E. Low ; John H., George
B., Truman E., Ella, James E. and S. Delmer. The
parents and children are all members of the
Methodist Church and no family in the community
is more highly esteemed. Their home is the abode
of hospitality and good will and their friends are
sure of a hearty welcome and warm reception. Mr.
Parsons cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas
and has since supported the Democratic part3\
Socially, he is a member of the Old Settlers Society.
Great indeed hps been the change in his home and
in the county in the fifty 3 ears of his residence
here. He was a manufacturer of the greater part
of the furniture in his first home and few comforts
and fewer luxuries were found in the dwelling, but
the sun of prosperity shone upon him and he is
now one of the substantial farmers of the commun-
ity. The ounty has also undergone a like change
and from a wild and barren region it has been con-
verted into a region of fruitfulness, well rewarding
the efforts of those engaged in its cultivation.
-«-**
ON. CHANDLER E. BULL, Mayor of Mil-
ton, and a farmer and breeder and dealer in
live-stock, ranks among the progressive
and influential citizens of Van Buren
County. He is a native of Scotland County, Mo.,
born October 3, 1853, and a son of Hezekiah and
Abigail (Burris) Bull. His father was born in
Highland County, Ohio, June 22, 1827, while his
mother is a native of Marion County, Ind. In
August, 1 850, they became residents of Scotland
County, Mo., where they yet make their home.
The subject of this sketch received his primary
education in the district schools of the neighbor-
hood and later attended the Kirksvillc Normal
where he fitted himself for the profession of teach-
ing. He taught four terms of school and then em-
barked in farming in his native county, where he
continued his agricultural pursuits until 1881, which
year witnessed his arrival in Van Buren County,
Iowa. He purchased a farm in the southern part
of Jackson Township, near the State line, being four
and a half miles south of the city of Milton. He
has since increased its acreage until he is now the
owner of six hundred and sixty-five acres of well-
improved land, constituting one of the finest im-
proved stock farms In Southeastern Iowa. This is
well stocked with fine grades of horses, cattle and
hogs, but he is making aspecialty of breeding road-
ster horses. Other interests have also occupied the
attention of Mr Bull. In 1885, he removed to Mil-
ton but still retains the ownership of his farm, and
engaged in the lumber and grain business in com-
pany with J. D.HoUinshead as partner but later was
associated with H. C. Hill. That connection con-
tinued until July, 1890, when he sold out, since
which time he has been engaged in dealing in live
stock, making a specialty of good driving horses.
He personally superintends the operations of his
farm and does an extensive business in the lines
before mentioned.
It was in Scotland County, Mo., that on the 1st
of December, 1875y Mr. Bull led to the marriage
altar Miss Ida Billups, daughter of Joseph Billups,
formerly of Missouri, now a resident of Milton.
Mrs. Bull was born in Scotland County, where her
family were among the earliest settlers, on the lllh
of April, 1853. One child has been born of this
union, a daughter, Minnie May, who was born in
Scotland County, Mo., on the 15th of March, 1878.
Mr. and Mrs. Bull are Universalists in their re-
ligous views. In politics, he is a Democrat and has
been chosen to various local ofldces of honor and
trust. He has served as Township Trustee, Treas-
urer of the Township School Board, President of
the Milton Board of Education and is the present
'Mayor of the city. His faithfulness to the trust
reposed in him and the promptness with which he
discharges every duty, has made him a popular
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officer and won him the respect of all concerned.
Socially he is a member of Lone Star Lodge,
No. 155, L O. O. F.; of Aurora Lodge, No. 50, A.
F. & A. M. and of Jackson Lodge, No. 28, K. P.
Mr. Bull is recognized as one of the most enterpris-
ing and successful business men of Van Buren
County and is deservedly popular. His unpretend-
ing and aflfable manner, prompt and business-like
methods.coramand respect and confidence and have
won him a host of warm friends.
JOHN WELCH, who resides on section 31,
Buchanan Township, is one of the self-made
men of Jefferson County, and the record of
his life might well be studied by many
youths of today and his example of energy, per-
severance and industry be closely followed by
them. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, Feb-
ruary 19, 1822. His father, John Welch, Sr., was
a native of Maryland, and his paternal grandpar-
ents were of Irish birth. His ancestors on his
mother's side, however, were of German birth, and
with all their worldly effects tied up in two hand-
kerchiefs they left the Fatherland for America.
Their move proved a profitable one for they gained
a comfortable competence and became well-to-do
citizens of Ohio. In his youth John Welch, Sr.,
removed to the Keystone State, where he became
acquainted with and wedded Miss Susanna Schus-
ter, a native of Pennsylvania. Shortly afterward
they became residents of Stark County, Ohio, and
in the midst of its forests developed a large farm.
Both were members of the Lutheran Church, and
in politics Mr. Welch was a Democrat. The death
of the mother occurred in tne fifty- fifth year of
her ago, and the father died at the age of seventy-
five years. Of their family, which numbered ten
children, six sons and four daughters, four are
yet living — Margaret, who resides in Indiana;
John, of this sketch; Samuel, who served in the
late war and is now a practicing physician of
Washington County, Kan.; and William, who is
living in Stark County, Ohio.
The boyhood of our subject was not one of
unalloyed pleasure. The family lived upon a
wooded farm and as soon as he was old enough be
was compelled to aid in clearing the land and other-
wise advancing the interests of the household.
His educational advantages were therefore neces-
sarily limited, but experience and observation have
been to him profitable teachers, and his own life
may be called one of success. He remained at
home assisting his father until his marriage, having
never worked but two days for wages, and then
he received but forty-two cents per day. Having
attained to mature years and thinking himself able
to maintain a home of his own, on the 2d of
November, 1843, he led to the marriage altar Miss
Clarissa Chase, who was born in Columbiana County,
Ohio, July 26, 1824, and is a daughter of Josiali
and Sallie (Newman) Chase. Her parents wefe
married in Massachusetts and from that State
emigrated to Ohio, where they were among the
early settlefs. In accordance with their profes-
sions as members of the Methodist Church, they
lived consistent Christian lives and wou the re-
spect and confidence of all with whom they came
in contact. The death of the father occurred at
the age of eighty-eight years, and his wife was
called to her final home in the seventy -fourth
year of her age. Mrs. Welch was the sixth in
their family of eight children, five of whom are
now living.
Mr. and Mrs. Welch entered upon their domes-
tic life on a farm in his native county, and on the
27th of August, 1854, started for Iowjl Traveling
by wagon, they reached their destination after
four weeks, and Mr. Welch made purchase of a
two hundred acre farm in Cedar Township, w^hich
he has since sold. His home on section 31, Bu-
chanan Township, comprises two hundred and
five acres, well cultivated and improved, and he
and his family are now surrounded with all tlfe
comforts which go to make life worth the living^
One horse and two cows, some sheep and swine,
and some household effects constituted the com-
bined wealth of himself and wife when they began
life for themselves, but step b}' step he has worked
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his way upward, aided by the able assistance of his
wife, and pro^peritr has now crowned his eflforts.
As stated in the beginning, the energy and enter-
prise which has marked his course might well be
taken as an example by others who, lilce him, have
to begin life dependent upon their own resources.
In his political affiliations he has been a Republican
since residing in Iowa, but previous to that time
was an advocate of Democratic principles. Both
he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been born eight
children — Sarah, wife of Reuben D. Dubois; Su-
sanna, wife of John Hisel; John W., who married
Alice Stonebreaker and is engaged in farming in
Kansas; Amanda M., wife of Justin Snook ; Clarissa
I., who died in infancy; William L., who married
Delia Templeton; Josiah C, who died at the age
of three years, and an infant daughter, also de-
ceased.
'^AMES W. CLAPP, a leading farmer and
stock-raiser of Buchanan Township, residing
on section 28, is a native of North Carolina.
He was born in Guilford County, on the
2nd of June, 1836, and is a son of John and Maria
J. (Phipps) Clapp. His father was born in Guil-
ford County, on the 1st day of January, 1810, and
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in that
neighborhood where later he married Miss Phipps
who is some nine years his junior. In 1838, he re-
moved to Jennings County, Ind., with his wife and
two children, making the journey in a one-horse
wagon and when he had arrived at bis destination
and all his traveling expenses were paid he found
that he had but thirty-five cents remaining with
which to begin life on the then western frontier.
He was an athletic man and a great wrestler. Full
of energy, he betook himself to making a farm in
the heavy beech woods and accomplished the work
which he undertook. Some sixteen years later, in
18M, he came to Jeflferson County, locating in
Buchanan Township, but in 1856, he removed to
/^)
Wayne County, Iowa, where he and his wife still
reside. When the war broke out he equipped his
two sons, William L. and John P., for the Union
Army and himself enlisted as a member of the cele-
brated Graj^beard regiment, in which he did valiant
service. His sympathies bfeing heartily enlisted
with the oppressed negro^ of the South, on the
formation of the Republican party which was
organized to prevent the further extension of
slavery, he severed his connection with the old
Whig party and joined the ranks of the new one.
Although reared in the midst of a slave holding
settlement, he was always a strong opponent of the
practice. Both he and his wife have been life-long
members of the Presbyterian Church and are
respected citizens of Wayne County.
James W. Clapp, whose name heads this notice,
was the eldest in a family of thirteen children, five
sons and eight daughters, of whom eight, three
sons and five daughters are yei living. Being the
eldest of a numerous famil3% ^^ ^^ ^^ Qpnsequcnce
obliged to assist his father in clearing the farm and
getting the land in readiness that it might yield
some returns for their efforts, and hence had little
opportunity for securing an education. He was
eighteen years of age when became with his parents
to Jeffei*son Count}'. He accompanied them to
Wayne County also, but soon afterwards returned
and on the 15th of February, 1861, in Buchanan
Township, he was united in marriage with Miss
Samantha J. McCorrJtack, a native of Indiana, and
a daughter of John and Mary A. (Maxwell) Mc-
Cormack.
After his marriage, Mr. Clapp and his bride took
up their residence in Wayne County, where he
purchased and improved an eighty-acre farm, but
in 1864 we once more find him in Jefferson County
and since that time he has made his home in Buch-
anan Toienship. A self-made man, the posses-
sions which he has are the result of industry, good
management and enterprise. His farm comprises
three hundred and fifty-two and onehalf acres, all
highly cultivated and improved, upon which he
raises stock for market.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Clapp was blessed
with nine children, six sons and three daughters;
two daughters however died in infancy and Mary
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S. died at the age of eleven years. The living are
John E., a resident farmer of Nebraska ; William
L. at home; Charles H., who is also living in Ne-
braska ; George W. ; Marshall J. and Vernon H.
Mr. Ciapp easts his ballot with the Republican
party and both he and his wife belong to the
Fairfield Methodist Church. He is regarded as a
prominent and influential citizen of the community
but has never sought prominence through public
office preferring the quiet of home life to the turmoil
of politics. He is a man well informed on all
matters of general interest and we gladly record
the sketch of one so widely and favorably known.
^^^
EDMUND R. NORVELL, one of the early
settlers of Jefferson County, engaged in
'i farming on section 32, Buchanan Township,
is a native of Kentucky. He was born on the 6tli
of September, 1835, in Barren County, and is a son
of Edmund and Anna K. (Winn) Norvell. His
father, whose birth occurred near Lynchburg, Va.,
emigrated during his boyhood to Barren County,
Ky., where he became acquainted with and wedded
Miss Winn, who was born in that county on the
15th of August, 1812. He died when about
twenty-five years of age from hemorrhage of the
lungs caused by lifting at a log rolling. About
1838, the mother with our subject, her only child,
accompanied her brother to Carthage, III., and in
1840, she came to Van Buren County, where she af-
terward married Charles L. Cox, who had located
in Van Buren County, in 1838. Three years later
they came to Jefferson County, settling in Cedar
Township. Mrs. Cox, who was a member of the
Missionary Baptist Church, died on the 1st of Sep-
tember, 1887. Mr. Cox, who was born in Adair
County, Ky., November 16, 1817, and is a mem-
ber of the Christian Church, is still living.
Edmund R. Norvell, of whom we write, spent his
early life in the usual manner of farmer lads, re-
ceiving such educational advantages as were af-
forded in the old log school house, walking a dis-
tance of two and a half miles to the same. He
remained at home aiding in the labors of the farm
until he had attained his majority when he started
out in life for himself. It was his intention to fol-
low some other pursuit than that to which he had
been reared and for some eighteen months he read
law in the office of Judge Charles Negus, but health
failed him and he was forced to abandon his cher-
ished plan. In the summer of 1859, in company
with David Thompson and Ellis Woods he made a
journey to Colorado, locating near Central City,
where he engaged in mining for about two years.
He spent a part of the summer of 1860 in prospect-
ing in Southern Colorado and New Mexico, but
since his return to Jefferson County in the spring
of 1861, he has devoted his time and attention to
farming, meeting with excellent success. His farm
comprises two hundred and sixty acres, all bat
twenty of which are arable and it is furnished with
all the necessary buildings and stocked with a high
grade of horses and cattle, including a herd of
eight thorough-bred Short-horns.
A marriage ceremony performed near Pittsburg,
Pa., on the 8th of February, 1864, united the des-
tinies of Mr. Norvell and Miss Leonora Shearer,
who was born in Pennsylvania, February 2, 1840.
She accompanied her parents to Jefferson County
in 1 858, and was visiting in her native State at the
time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Norvell began
their domestic life upon the farm which is still their
home and their union has been blessed with fear
children — Anna, who is now the wife of Jesse Van
Nostrand, a resident of Thomas County, Kan.;
Charles S. and Amanda C, who are still with their
parents; and Mary, the youngest, who died at the
age of four years.
Mr. Norvell is accounted one of the leading and
representative citizens of the community in which
he makes his home and well deserves representation
among the prominent men of his adopted county.
In his political affiliations in early life he was a
Whig, but on the dissolution of that party joined
the ranks of the Democracy. He served acceptably
for seven years as Township Clerk. Mr. Norvell
may rightly be termed a self-made man, as his pos-
sessions which place him in comfortable circum-
stances have been acquired through his own efforts.
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For half a century he has been a resident of Iowa,
and forty-seven years he has spent in Jefferson
County. He is one of the original members of tlie
01(1 Settlers Society and is both widely and favor-
ably known.
-^
lUGENE MASON, one of the prominent
farmers and stock-raisers, owning one hun-
J^^ dred and fifty-six acres, and residing on
section 10, Des Moines Township, Van Buren
County, came to this county in 1858, having at that
time been a resident of this country for five years.
He was born in Alsace, North France, June 26,
1836, and was fourth in a family of six children,
of John and Margaret Mason, also natives of France.
His father was an extensive contractor in his native
city, and was recognized as one of the most promi-
nent of his time. He built some of the largest and
most extensive buildings in the district and during
the season employed from five to forty men. Up
to the time of his death he was one of the promi-
nent men of his locality. He died of asthma in
1853, at the age of fifty-six. His mother died in
1887 at the age of eighty, seven. Both died in
their native land. Our subject and his sister Mar-
garet are the only remaining members of the family.
£ugene Mason was the only representative of the
family that came to this country. He was edu-
cated in the common schools of his native country,
and in the summer learned the trade of masonry
and stonecutting and also that of a plasterer. At
the age of nineteen years, in company with two
companions, he left Havre, France, on an American
bound vessel, and was one hundred and five days
making the trip. The vessel was a sailer and had
four hundred and fifty passengers on board. The
yellow fever broke out among them and eighty-six
died before they got to the West Indies, where
Eugene landed on the Island of St. Thomas. He
ascribes his escape from death to the excessive use
of cherry brandy on the voyage. In 1855 he landed
in New Orleans, where he remained a short time
and then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he engaged
at his trade, cutting stone on the courthouse and
other buildings. In the following year he went to
St. Joseph, Mo., where he remained a short time
and then returned to St. Louis but in the same year
went to St. Charles, thence to Jefferson City, and
returning once more to St. Louis. Again leaving
the latter place he went up the river, working at
his trade in vatious cities. He was foreman on the
contract for the building in Fort Dodge, one of the
finest structures in the West. Since his residence
in this county he has done considerable work at
his trade. He laid the first stone work in Keosau-
qna, and has put up nearly all the large bridges of
this county, and in Appanoose County built a large
Court House. He erected his own residence of
stone and brick. His farm he improved until it is
now one of the best in the county.
Mr. Mason was married in 1866, to Eliza Hohr,
a daughter of William Hohr, who was a native of
Germany. Mrs. Mason was born in Keosauqua, in
1 848, her parents being among tne early settlors of
that place. They have five children living: Carrie,
wife of Sam Steinmeyer, a resident of Keosauqua;
Lena, wife of John Heim; Edward, Willa, and
Amelia. Mr. Mason politically is an Independent.
He is a member of Keosauqua Lodge No. 3, 1. O.
O. F. His family are members of the Christian
Church. As a citizen, Mr. Mason is well esteemed
by all who know him and is a warm supporter of
every enterprise calculated for the public good.
ORSINO D. STUBBS, residing on section 19,
Buchanan Township, Jefferson County, is su-
perintendent of the Empire Horse Ranch, one
of the leading stock farms of Southeastern Iowa. He
was born in Liberty, Ind., July 17, 1856, and when
a year old was taken by his parents, Daniel P.
and Carrie ( HoUingsworth ) Stubbs, to Fairfield,
Iowa, where his elementary education was received.
His early scholastic training, was, however, sup-
plemented by a course in the Denmark Academy
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and the Iowa Wcsleyan University, of Mt. Pleasant,
where he remaintd two years, after which he took
a course of instruction in the Bryant <& Stratton
Business College of Chicago. One of the first en^
lerpriscs in which he was engaged was with the
Chicago, Burlington <fe Quincy Railroad Compan}',
by whom he was employed as book-keeper for the
contractor and paymaster, as contractor on his own
account and as superintendent of construction for
others. He remained with the company for eight
years
In September, 1885, Mr. Stubbs became one of
the proprietors and manager of the Empire Horse
Ranch. The firm of D. P. Stubbs <fe Sons does the
most extensive business west of the Mississippi
River in the line of importing Belgian draft and
Oldenburg coach horses. On their farm is kept a
large supply of the above breeds together with
French draft horses. The last two years they have
run a branch sale stable in St. Joseph, Mo. Orsino
D. Stubbs is a young man well informed as re
gards the horse family, and displays considerable
business ability as the superintendent of the Em-
pire Horse Ranch. Politically, he reserves the
right to act and think independent of any party
and votes for the man who he believes will best
fill the office.
On the 23d of December, 1879, Mr. Stubbs was
united in marriage with Miss Alice Stubbs, who is
a native of Henry County, where the wedding was
celebrated. Unto them were born three children,
but two died in infancy; the other bears the name
of Rex. O.
THEODORE F. HIGLEY, City Clerk and
I ((«^\^ Superintendent of the Water Works of
S^ Fairfield, was born in Jamestown, Chau-
tauqua County, N. Y., on the 21st of March, 1839,
his parenU being Daniel and Nancy (Bentley)
Higloy. His father was bom near Bennington,
Windham County, Vt., but his mother was a native
of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and her people were
among the pioneers on the banks of Lake Chau-
tauqua. Ihe Iligley family is of English origin,
our subject tracing his ancestry in direct line back
to Capt. John Higley of England; while the family
was founded in America by Brewster Higley who
settled in Connecticut.
When a babe of about six months our subject
was taken by his parents in the fall of 1 839 to Ogle
County, 111., the family locating at Buflfalo Grove.
He received his education in Mt. Morris Semi-
nary and soon after the firing upon Fort Sumter
enlisted in the country's service in May, 1861, as
a member of Compan3' H, Fifteenth Illinois Vol-
unteer Infantry. He served for one year, during
which time he participated in the battle of Shiloh
and was then discharged on account of physical
disability. In December. 1863, he re enlisted as a
member of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and was
assigned to Company D, but later his regiment was
consolidated with the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry in
which he continued to serve until April, 1865,
when he was mustered into the Third U. S. Heavy
Artillery, in which he served until the close of the
war. He was mustered out of the service at
Memphis, Tenn., on November 28, 1865. His
service was in the western department entirely and
made him a participant in many important battles
and skirmishes.
From Memphis, Tenn., Mr. Higley made his way
to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, whither his family had re-
moved in the meantime, but in 1866, he came to
Fairfield and in connection with his brother Daniel
G., purchased a drug store, continuing in that line
of business until 1880, covering a period of four-
teen consecutive years. During the past ten years
he has been in the employ of the city in one or
another oflflcial capacity and it is needless to say has
ever discharged his duties with promptness and
fidelity. In December 1882, he was elected City
Clerk, a position which he still fills, and since the
acceptance of the Water Works by the city he has
been Superintendent of the same.
On the 9th of January, 1867, Mr. Rigley was
united in marriage with Miss Ella McElhinney,
daughter of Robert McElhinney, and unto them
was born five children, three sons and two daugh-
ters, four of whom are yet living ; Mary McEl-
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503
binney, Robert McElhinney, Helen E. and Theo-
dore. The third child, Harvey, died at the age of
two years. The death of the mother occurred
September 8, 1886, and on the 5th of June, 1889,
Mr. Higley wedded Mrs. Jennie C. Boner, daughter
of William D., and Elizabeth Clapp. She was born
in Buchanan Township, Jeflferson County, on the
present site of the town of Beckwith. Her parents
were pioneers of that place of 1842 and the history
of their lives is given elsewhere in this work.
In politics Mr. Higley is a Republican, and so-
cially is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 15., A. F.
and A. M. and of George Strong Post, No. 19, G.
A. R. He has proved an efficient and faithful pub-
lic officer and in the discharge of his duties mani-
fests an earnest desire to care for the city's welfare,
sometimes regardless of his own interests.
-»-^<:-'C
AMUEL PACKWOOD is the founder of
the village of that name. It was organized
in the autumn of 1883, and is pleasantly
situated on the Burlington <fe Western
Railroad. It is a thriving place with excellent
business facilities, and is doing a good general
trade. It contains three general stores, one hard-
ware store, two grain elevators, one brick and tile
factory, two good frame churches — a Methodist
Episcopal Church and a Christian Church — and its
school privileges are in keeping with all its other
advantages. The town site is located on the farm of
Samuel Packwood, on the north half of section 14,
Polk Township, Jeflferson County, in the midst of
as fine farming country as can be found along the
Mississippi. A bright future seems to be awaiting
this village, for its citizens are men of progressive
ideas, whose energy and ability will no doubt cause
it to rapidly increase in size and advantages.
Samuel Packwood, as well as being one of the
founders of the village is one of the pioneers of
this State, the date of his locating in Des Moines
County being 1848. From that day to the present '
he has borne his share in the upbuilding of the
county's interests, and has identified himself with
such enterpriaes as are calculated to benefit the
community. We therefore feel assured that his
sketch will be received with interest by many of
our readers. He was born in Clark County, Ind., in
1818, unto Samuel aud Isabel (McKinley) Pack-
wood. His father was a native of Virginia, and
his mother of Kentucky, in which State their mar-
riage was celebrated. He was a pioneer settler of
both Tennessee and Kentucky, also in Indiana,
where his death occurred in 1848. His widow
afterward came to Iowa, where her death occurred
in Des Moines County in 1875. Mr. Packwood
was a Captain in the War of 1812, and his father,
Samuel Packwood, Sr., served his country during
the Revolutionary War. The Packwood family is
of English descent, and the McKinley family is of
Irish origin. Our subject is the first in order of
birth in a family of four children. He was fol-
lowed by James, who is married and now resides
in Des Moinjss County, Iowa, on the farm which
has been his home since 1846; Jeremiah, who died
in Des Moines County in 1864; and Mrs. Isabel
Galloway, of California.
Samuel Packwood spent the days of his boyhood
and youth in a manner usual to farmer lads and
such advantages as were afforded by the district
schools of Indiana he received. Having attained
toman's estate in Clark County, Ind., in 1844, he
led to the marriage altar Miss Melinda M. Goss,
daughter of David and Mary (Couter) Goss, who
like their daughter were natives of Indiana, where
they continued to make their home tliroughout life.
In 1848 Mr. Packwood determined to make his
home in the new Stete of Iowa, for he had heard
of the opportunities it aflforded new settlers, and
desired to benefit his financial condition by a re-
moval thereto. He chose Des Moines County as
the scene of his labors, and while residing there
was honored with the position of County Super-
visor. He supix>rted the Democracy, and became
an infiuential member of the party in that locality.
His removal in 1875 caused a loss to that county,
but proved a gain to Jeflferson County, of which he
is now a valued citizen. On his arrival he pur-
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chased a partially improved farm of one hundred
and sixty acres and began its development, but
eighty acres of that amount he sold for the town
site of Packwood. He built a commodious and
tasty residence upon his land, and has provided it
with all other necessary improvements.
On the nth of March, 1890, Mr. Packwood was
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who
died leaving four children — J. M. is now married
and resides in Packwood; M. L. is married and
makes his home in Des Moines County; Mary is
now Mrs. Smith, of Clark County, Mo.; and Sam-
uel D., who is married, is a practicing physician
and surgeon of Oakville, Iowa, having been edu-
cated in the medical institute of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mrs. Packwood was a member of the Christian
Church and a most estimable lady, who it seemed
could ill be spared from the excellent work she was
here doing. Mr. Packwood is also a consistent
member of the Christian Church, gives liberally to
its support and works for its interests. He is chari-
table and benevolent, ready to extend a helping
hand to the poor and needy, and to aid those who
are willing to help themselves.
EVI G. MINERS, who Is now engaged iu
farming and stock-raising on section 34,
Polk Township, is a representative of one
of the early families of Jefferson County, and has
here made his home since his tenth year. The old
homestead farm is still his place of residence, and
will doubtless continue to be his abode for many
years to come. He was the eleventh in a family of
thirteen children, whose parents were Stephen and
Sarah (Huffman) Myers. They were highly re-
spected citizens of this community and are men-
tioned more fully in the sketch of Richard Myers
which appears on another page of this volume.
Levi G. began his school life in his native
county — Washington County, Pa., but the greater
part of his education was acquired in the district
schools of Iowa. He spent his bo3'hood days
under the parental roof, and received such instruc-
tion in his present business as coald be obtained
by assisting in the farm labors. Being reared to
agricultural pursuits, it was with an excellent
knowledge of the same that he embarked in business
for himself at the age of twenty -one years. In
Jefferson County, in October, 1867, Mr. Myers was
joined in wedlock with Mary A. Longerbone, a
native of Ohio, and a daughter of Parker and
Lucinda (Grist) Longerbone, who were born in
Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. The jear
1865 witnessed their arrival in Jefferson County,
Iowa, and Polk Township was the site chosen for
their future operations. There Mr. Longerbone
engaged in farjning for a number of years, ceasing
only when called from this life in 1889. His ex-
cellent wife still survives him and resides on the
homestead farm.
Previous to his marriage, Mr. Myers had re-
sponded to his country's call for troops, and in
February, 1864, though onrly eighteen years of age,
enlisted at Abingdon in Company K, Seventh Iowa
Infantry, for the remainder of the war. He was
mustered into service at Davenport, and on being
sent to the front entered at once upon active duty.
He participated in a number of important engage-
ments, including the battle of Fay's Ferry, Ga., the
celebrated March with Sherman to the Sea, the
campaigns in Carolina and the siege of Richmond.
He also had the honor of marching in the Grand
Review at Washington — the largest military pageant
ever seen on the face of the globe — and was hon-
orably discharged in Louisville, Ky., in July,
1865.
Returning to Iowa Mr. Myers resumed farming,
and by his untiring efforts and ceaseless energy
has become one of the substantial citizens of the
community. His farm, comprising one hundred
and forty-eight acres, is under a good state of cul-
tivation, and another source of income to him is
the fine grades of stock which he raises. In
February, 1883, Mr. Myers was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife, who died, leaving five
children, namely: OthoB., Clara, Merta, Raymond
and Leroy. On the 30lh of May, 1884, in Jeffer-
son County, Mr. Myers was again married, his
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second unicR being with Martha B. Hinton, who
was born in this county, and is a daughter of
Ezekiel and Arena (Ramey) Hinton. Her father
was a native of Indiana, and her mother of Ohio,
and they became residents of Jefferson County at
a very early day. Her father died in Wapello
County some years ago, but her mother is still
living. By this union of Mr. Myers one child has
been born, Floyd G.
In political affairs, Mr. Myers takes considerable
interest and casts his ballot in support of the Re-
publican party. He has been honored with a
number of official positions, served as Assessor of/
his township for six years, was County Com-
missioner in 1889, the following 3'ear was enumer-
ator of his township, and is now Secretary of the
School Board, with which he has been connected
some years. A friend to education, he has labored
for its interests, and other objects worthy the sup-
port of the best citizens receive his s^-rapatby and
hearty co-operatiop. Both he and his wife are
members of the Baptist Church, and socially he is
a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and
of Abingdon Lodge, No. 468, I. O. O. F. The
days of his boyhood were here passed, and his man-
hood years have been spent in this community, so
that the citizens of Jefferson County have had
ample opportunity to see and judge his life work,
and from the confidence and regard extended to
him by those who have so long known him we
infer that his career has been an honorable one,
and this inference is ajiproved by his many
friends.
•m^
"^^
^jf^LI SMITH, a pioneer of Jefferson County of
1846, and a representative citizen of Fair-
field, claims Ohio as the State of his nativ-
ity. He was born in Delaware County, October 20
1812, his parents being Samuel and Mary Smith
both of whom were members of the Methoiist Epis-
copal Church though the former in early life be-
longed to the Society of Friends. The father was
born in Loudoun County, Va., and was one of a
family of twenty-one children. His grandfather
was a preacher of the Quaker belief and our sub-
ject was reared in accordance with that doctrine.
His mother was of English and Irish descent but
her place of birth is not known to the writer. Sam-
uel Smith removed from Virginia to Delaware
County, Ohio, in 1801, while that region was a
part of the Northwest Territory. The Quaker hos-
tility to the institution of slavery led to the emi-
gration of the family from a slave State to a free
Territory.
When Eli Smith was seven years of age he ac-
companied his parents to Belmont County of the
same State, where he was reared on a farm, and
where, in 1834, he was married to Miss Mary Ann
James, who was also reared in the faith of the So-
ciety of Friends. Eleven children were born of
their union but only two of the number, a son and
daughter, grew to mature years. The daughter.
Sidney, is the wife of Oliver Tooth^her and re-
sides in Nebraska, while William R., married Mina
Chillister and is living on the old home farm in
Lockbridge Township, Jefferson County. Shortly
after his marriage, Mr. Smith removed with his
family to Guernsey County, Ohio, and there made
his home until 1846, when he emigrated to Iowa.
He at first settled in Lee County, cear West Point,
but after raising one crop removed to Lockridge
Township, Jefferson County, where he was success-
fully engaged in farming and stock-raising for
some years.
In November, 1849, Mr. Smith lost his wife and
in March, 1850, was married in that township to
Miss Elizabeth Hickenbottom, daughter of Joseph
and Rebecca Hickenbottom and a native of Ken-
tucky. Her parents were born in Adair County,
Ky., removed thence to Morgan County, 111., in
1828, and ten 3'ears later came to Jefferson County.
In the spring of 1839, they settled in Lockridge
Township, being among the earliest pioneers of that
region. Mr. and Mrs. Hickenbottom were parents
of eleven children, but only four of the number are
residents of Jefferson County. The mother was a
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Her death occurred in 1861, and in 1864
Mr. Hickenbottom wcddetl Mrs. Dr. Mobley, the
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widow of one of the pioneer physicians of Jeffer-
son County. He was a farmer by occupation and a
ver}' just and upritijht naan and in political senti-
ment was a supporter of the Democracy. His death
occurred in 1882 and his wife survived him but
two years.
Eli Smith, whose name heads this sketch, con-
tinued farming in Lockridge Township until 1879,
when, retaining the ownership of the farm, he re-
tired from active work and removed to Fairfiel:!
where he has since resided. Eor a number of 3'ears
he cast his ballot for the Republican party but dur-
ing the last few years has advocated the principles
of the Democracy. Socially, he is a Royal Arch
Mason, belonging to Clinton Lodge No. 15. A. F.
<fe A. M. and McCord Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.,
both of Fairfield. He still owns a fine farm of one
buodred and sixty acres in Clark County, Iowa,
which is operated by a tenant. Mr. ^mith has now
been a resident of Jefferson County for forty-six
years and has always been known as a man of in-
dustrious habits, upright in his business relation,and
kind and accommodating to his neighbors; such a
man as people respect and whose long life of use-
fullness leaves the world the better for his having
been in it.
^^^^^^
IRAM Q. SHAFFER, a pioneer settler of
Van Buren County, engaged in farming on
section 27, Lick Creek Township, has lived
Cv£^ at his present home since 1846, and from a
forty-acre farm it has been increased until now
three hundred and forty-three acres pay tribute to
his care and cultivation.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Shaffer was born in Har-
rison Count}', March 21, 1826, and is a son of
George and Margaret Shaffer. His paternal grand-
father, John Shaffer, was a native of Germany, and
died in Van Buren County, Iowa, Octoher 17, 1851.
His father, George Shaffer, was born in Pennsyl-
vania, where he grew to manhood, receiving a good
education. He served as Lieutenant in the War of
1812, and was present at Commodore Perry's vic-
tory. Leaving his native State, he removed to
Ohio, where he became acquaintoil with and niar-
ried Miss Margaret Saltzgiver, a native of Adams
County, Pa. They began their domestic life in
Harrison Count}^ Ohio, where Mr. Shaffer engaged
in farming in connection with work at his trade of
carpentering. In 1845, he came to the Territory
of Iowa, bringing with him his family and his aged
father. Making a location in Lick Creek Town-
ship, he entered a quarter-section of land from the
Government, which m consequence was in its
primitive condition, not a furrow having heen
turned or an improvement made, but he built a
cabin thereon, and as week by week passed the
amount of improved land grew, until at length a
finely cultivated farm supplied the wants of his
famil}'. Thirty years it continued to be his home,
and he then sold out to his son, removing across
the Des Moines River to Pittaburg, where his last
days were spent, his death occurring on the 18th of
May, 1875. His good wife had died on the 16th
of July previous. They were the parents of nine
children, five sons and four daughters: Mary,
widow of William Pickens, of Wapello County;
Hiram, of this sketch; Henry, of Oregon; John is
living in Kansas; Jane, whose home is in Jackson-
ville; Jacob and Peter, who reside in Kansas; Mrs.
Elizabeth Bergen, of Texas; and Matilda, deceased.
The father of this family was a faithful member
and active worker in the Lutheran Church, in
which he served as Elder for many years. While
living in Ohio, he served as Justice of the Pence
for nine years, and tilled the same ofl^ce two terms
in Van Buren County. He was first a Whig, and
then a Republican, and took an active interest in
political affairs, being an influential meml>er of the
county conventions. His sagacity and good judg-
ment made him a successful business man. and an
upright life won him the confidence of all, so that
his word was as readily received as his bond.
We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject, who u\K>n his father's farm in Ohio was reared
to manhood, and in the subscription schools of that
day was educated. He had attained to mature
years when he came to Iowa, and for some time
after his arrival he worked as a farm hand, but in
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1851 began life for himself. On the 5th of May,
1853, he married Miss Nancy Johnson, who was
born in Westmoreland County, Pa., March 16,
1835, and is a daughter of John and Catherine
Johnson, who removed with their famil}' from Ohio
to Iow» in 1886. Her father was a native of Ire-
land. She has two brothers living, but the other
members of her family are now deceased.
After his marriage, Mr. Shaffer settled upon a
rented farm near Kilbourn, which he operated two
3'ear8. During that time, by the practice of in-
dustry and economy, he accumulated a small capi-
tal with which he pure hased forty acres of raw
land. He had first to clear away the brush before
he could erect a house, and the land all had to be
broken, but a short time sufficed to work a com-
plete transformation, and in the years which have
since come and gone, the boundaries of his farm
have been extended until now his landed posses-
sions aggregate three hundred and forty-three acres.
He is also engaged quite extensivel}^ in stock rais-
ing, breedini; a good grade of horses. The greater
l>art of his farm products he feeds to his stock,
which fact alone shows that his business in that line
is not very limited.
Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have no children of their
own, but have reared an adopted son, Stephen; who
was born Januar3^ 23, 1867. He has been an in-
mate of their family since he was six weeks old,
good educational advantages were aflforded him,
and he has received all the care and attention of
an own child. They are also rearing a girl, Eva,
now thirteen years old. Mr. Shaffer is a progres-
sive and enterprising citizen, and manifests an in-
terest in all that pertains to the welfare and up-
building of the county. The cause of education
finds in him a special friend, and he served as
Treasurer and President of the School Board until
he would no longer accept the oflfice. He cast his
first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, and was
a supporter of the Whig party until the rise of the
Republican party, when he joined its ranks. Forty
years have come and gone since Mr. Shaffer's ar-
rival in Van Buren County. When he came to
Iowa, the flourishing city of Ottumwa contained
but two houses and a blacksmith shop. Wild deer
were yet plentiful, and the Indians in many locali-
ties were far more numerous than the white set-
tlers. Although hardship and trials attended the
establishment of a home in anew community, many
of the citizens of Van Buren County to-day would
give much for the honor of being numbered among
its pioneers.
P OBEKT R. ROWLAND, senior partner of
the firm of Rowland Bros., general mer-
chants, of Milton, is a native of Van Boren
County. He was born on the 5th of De#
cember, 1843, his parents being Samuel P. and Eliz-
abeth (Russell) Rowland, and was reared to
farm life receiving such educational advantages as
were afforded by the crominon schools of that day.
However, not desiring to make farmins: his life
work, he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits
and in Milton, in 1864, opened a dry. goods store.
He has since continued in that line of business and
is probably the oldest merchant, in years of service,
in Milton. During the twent\^.six years in which
he has given his attention to that pursuit, he has
been associated with several partners. The firm of
Rowland Bros, was established in the fall of 1876
and with the exception of about two years has
carried on operations continuously since. They
cai^ry a general line of merchandise and have a
large and constantly increasing patronage which re-
sults from^the excellent grade of goods which they^
carry and their courteous treatment and prompt at-
tention to the wants of their customers.
On the 2nd of April, 1874, in Davis County,
Iowa, Mr. Rowland was united in marriage with
Miss Fannie Thayer, a native of Adams County,
111., and a daughter of Oliver Thayer. Unto them
were born four children, three sons and a daughter,
but they have lost one son. The daughter, Netiie,
is the eldest, her birth having occurred March 23,
1875; Orin, was born October 26, 1877; Herbert
December 30, 1879; and Robert died at the age
of eight inoiithsi.
Mr. and Mrs. Rowland are members of the Meth-
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odist Episcopal church and are soon to have one of
the finest homes in Milton, which is now in process
of erection. He is also the owner of a farm of one
hundred and five acres in Davis County, which he
has leased. In politics, Mr. Rowland is a Demo-
crat and is an enterprising and successful business
man of good standing.
■»wt <»<
■♦ yv*«
^NDREW P. ANDERSON, salesman in the
Wl^I establishment of J. A. Spielman, of Fair-
field, was born in the eastern part of
Sweden, on the 23d of February, 1846,
his paernts being Jonas F. and Anna L. Anderson,
who were also natives of the same place. His
mother was boin August 2, 1811, and his father
was born November 16, 1809, and became a day
laborer. Their union was blessed with a family of
five children, the two eldest of whom never left
tluir native land. Anna, the first-born, died in
Sweden, and Caroline is yet living in that country.
.The three younger children, Christina L., Hannah
E. and Andrew P., who is the only son, accompan-
ied their parents to the United States. Bidding
good-by to their old home, in 1857, they sailed
from Guttenberg, and after eight weeks spent upon
the briny deep dropped anchor in Boston Harbor.
Having heard favorable reports of Iowa and the
advantages afl^orded to emigrants, they continued
iheir journey to this State and made a location in
Lockridge Township, Jeflferson County,where they
continued to make their home until the death of
Mrs. Anderson on the 24th of April, 1870. Since that
time the husband has made bis home with his chil-
dren. Like his wife, he is a member of the Lu-
theran Church, and is one of the respected citizens
of this community.
Andrew P. Anderson, whose name heads this
sketch, was the fourth in order of birth in his fa-
ther's family. He was a lad of eleven years when
with his parents he became an American citizen
He had attended school in his native land but com
pleted his education in Jefferson County, and can
fluently speak the German, Swedish and English
languages. He now keeps himself well informed
on all questions of importance pertaining to the
history of his adopted country, and is a gentleman
whose progressive ideas make him a valued citizen
and a worthy addition to the business circles of
Fairfield. He worked at various employments un-
til 1872, when he entered the service of the Ketchum
Bros, at Mt. Pleasant, with whom he remained four
years, serving as timber boss during the last two
years of his stay with that firm. In 1876, he en-
gaged with J. A. Spielman, of Fairfield, and has
been a trusted employe in that establishment con-
tinuously since.
The marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Martha
Fer was celebrated in Fairfield, on the 4th of July,
1877. The lady is a native of Iowa, her birth
having occurred in Linn County, on the 3d of July,
1850. Three children graced their union, but
Elizabeth, their first-born, die<l in infancy ; Nellie
F. and Samuel A. are at home. Mr. Anderson is a
Republican in political sentiment, giving his sup-
port and influence for the success and welfare of
that party. He is a faithful, conscientious and
trusted emplo3'e, and to him is due in no small de-
gree the success of the Spielman establishment.
-^f^
^1^ ANIEL WALMER, one of the most sub-
ll Jj] stantial farmers of Jefferson County, as
^^^^ well as one of its earliest settlers and a
resident of Fairfield Township, was born
in Wayne County, Ohio, February 13, 1838, and is
one of a family of thirteen children. With his par-
ents, Jacob and Sarah (Shoue) Walmer, he came to
Jefferson County in 1849, while an infant, and was
brought up on a farm and educated in the district
schools of the neighborhood. On the 5th of May,
1861, almost ii^medifitely after the breaking out of
the late war, Mr. Walmer, prompted by patriotic
impulses, enlisted as a member of Company E,
Second Iowa Infantry, and served three years. He
was captured at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862,
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509
and was kept a prisoner, mainl}' at Cababa, Ala.,
for three months until paroled and exchanged,
about the holidays. He participated in the capture
of Ft. Donelson, where the Second Iowa Regiment
won great praise for its gallant conduct and where
it sustained a heavy loss in killed and wounded.
He also took part in the hard-fought battles of Shi-
loh, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and several minor
engagements, and was mustered out of the service
at the expiration of the three years in Tennessee, in
June, 1864, and returned to his home in Jefferson
County, Iowa.
On the 13th of November of the same year, Mr.
Walmer was united in marriage, in Jefferson
County, to Miss Mary £. Duncan, daughter of
Preston and Margaret Duncan. The lady is a na-
tive of Indiana, and by her marriage two children
have been born, a son and daughter — Ida is now
the wife of Samuel Lathers, who is engaged in
farming in Black Hawk Township, Jefferson
County, and William, who died at the age of nine
months. The death of the mother occurred on the
13th of October, 1868, and on the 13th of March,
1870, Mr. Walmer was again married. His present
wife, whose maiden name was Susanna Whitson, is
a daughter of Samuel and Caroline Whitson, and
her birth occurred in Liberty Township, Jefferson
County, on the 15th of March, 1851. Her parents
were among the early settlers of this county, dat-
ing their residence from 1842, and she was born,
reared and married in the same house. Four chiU
dren, two sons and two daughters, have been born
of the second marriage and are as follows; Cora
Alice, who was born April 6, 1871; Jacob Hamil-
ton, born December 15, 1872; Sarah C, born Feb-
ruary 6, 1875, and Charles Nelson, born October
8, 1879. The birth of all occurred in Fairfield
Township, Jefferson County, where the parents have
resided since their marriage.
Since 1871, Mr. Walmer has occupied the old
homestead farm of the family, which is situated
south of the city on section 12, Fairfield Township,
and which comprises one hundred and eighty acres
of highly cultivated land, on which are found large
and tasty farm buildings, together with many other
excellent improvements. His post-oflftce is Fair-
field and his home is conveniently situated about
three miles from the city. Mr. Walmer is a Repub-
lican in politics and belongs to George Strong
Post, No. 19, G. A. R. By industry and judicious
management, combined with the able assistance of
his estimable wife, he has prospered in the affairs
of life and is now classed among the well-to-do
farmers of his adopted county. His course in life
has been marked bj' strict integrity and fair treat-
ment of all with wliom he has had business rela-
tions, and has won for him the confidence and
esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mrs. Walmer is a
member of the Lutheran Church.
R. SAWYER ROBINSON, deceased, was a
pioneer physician of Jefferson County. The
early historj' of this county would be incom-
plete without a sketch of the Doctor, who was
widely known throughout the community both as
a citizen and skillful physician. He was a native
of Ohio, born in Middletown, January 17, 1817.
His parents were James and Mary Robinson. ' Our
subject was reared to manhood in his native State,
and on the completion of his literary education,
having determined to make the practice of medi-
cine his life work, he entered the Cincinnati Medi-
cal College, from which he was graduated in the
class of '41. Going to Collinsville, Ohio, he en-
tered upon the prosecution of his chosen profes-
sion, and in that place formed the acquaintance of
Miss Leah B. Brooks. Their friendship ripening
into love, on the 6th of November, 1845, they
were united in marriage and began their domestic
life in Collinsville. The lady was born near Ham-
ilton, Butler County, Ohio, June 2, 1826, and is a
daughter of Tinley M. and Elizabeth (Gray)
Brooks.
In the spring of 1846 Dr. Robinson decided to
emigrate to the West, which he believed a better
field for young men Just starting out in a profes-
sional career. He came to Iowa and was so well
pleaded with Jefferson County and its future pros-
pects that he made a location in Locust Grove
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Township, at what is now the town of Brookville.
He lived upon a farm but devoted his attention to
the practice of med'cine until 1851, whep he was
elected Clerk of the Court. After serving in that
position for two years, he spent twelve months in
Wapello County, which time sufficed to convince
him that he preferred Jefferson County as a loca-
tion. On his return he engaged in practice for one
year in Fairfield, but in 1855 again settled in
Brookville, where he made his home until his
death, which occurred on the 4th of June, 1857.
Dr. Robinson was always ahead instead of behind
the times, being by nature an enterprising and pro-
gressive man. In his profession he was possessed
of such skill an«i ability that he took rank among
the foremost physicians of his time in the State,
and wjis an honored member of both the county
and State Medical societies.
The Doctor and his wife were the parents of
seven children, five sons and two daughters. John
D., the eldest,* born December 5, 1846, married
Melissa Swain and is living in Clarks, Neb.; Saw-
3'er, born January 29, 1848, entered the Keokuk
Medical College, but death ended his career on the
2d of June, 1871, ere he had completed his course
of study; he was a soldier. Leah M., born Au-
gust 26, 1849, died November 30, 1850; Emmett
L., born January 16, 1851, married Anna Harris
and is a practicing physician of Central City,
Neb.; Mary E., born July 9, 1852, became the wife
of the Rev. A. J. Combs and died July 9, 1878;
Melvin, born October 13, 1854, died April 19,
1855; Tinley, born May 13, 1856, died June 13,
1858.
Dr. Robinson was a Whig in political sentiment
until the organization of the Republican party,
when, among the first, be espoused its cause. How-
ever, he did not live to see the enforcement of the
principles which it advocated. He was a man of
great firmness of purpose and nothing could deter
him from walking in that path of duty or pursuing
any course which he believed to be right. He was
a member of the Methodist Church, in which he
served as Steward, and was also Superintendent of
the Sabbath School. His last work in the church
was the erection of the fine church building at
Brookville, with which he had much to do. The
cause of temperance found in him a warm advocate
and the society known as the Sons of Temperance
numbered him among its faithful members. Dr.
Robinson is well remembered by many of the older
settlers of Jefferson County, and this brief sketch
of his life will be received b}' them with interest.
His widow became the wife of the Hon. Thomas
Moorman, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work.
\f]OHN AUGUST, whose home is in Fairfield,
Iowa, was born in Hohen Soken, Sweden,
May 8, 1832. His parents were very poor,
/ so much so that, until he was fifteen years
of age, on special occasions he wore his mother's
shoes having none of his own. As soon as he was
large enough to perform any kind of service, he
was put to work, and when he was thirteen years of
age could accomplish as much work as a full grown
man. He never attended school a day but at home
he learned to read the Bible. Having decided to
come to America he knew that he must secure the
money needed to defra}'^ the expenses of an ocean
voyage for himself and parents. In one year, by
making tar and burning charcoal, he almost ac-
quired a sum suflScient to defray the expenses. He
worked day and night and happy indeed was he
when, after selling all their worldly effects he
found that he had enough to bring them to the
**poor man's country." In 1853, they sailed for
Quebec but on reaching that city their exchequer
was exhausted. They were in a strange land among
strangers and although it was somewhat difficult
to make a start, in the years which have since passed
away little adversity checked the prosperous career
of Mr. August. From Quebec, his parents were
given a free pass to Chicago and he went to work
on the canal near Montreal. In the meantime his
partfuts had nothing to live on. They obtained
shelter with another Swede family that was fixed
but little better than themselves, and Mr. August
and his wife slept on the floor, faring very hard
indeed. He worked at whatever he could get to
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611
do until he was taken sick and they would almost
have perished through want of food had it not
been for two little girls belonging to the family
where they stopped, who collected from hotels or
wherever they could enough to sustain them until
Mr. August was again able to work. After he had
been employed about eighteen days upon the
canal, his son John joined him and relieved their
necessities. Soon afterward the father died, being
then sixty-two years of age. His widow spent her
remaining days with her faithful son, being sur-
rounded in her declining years with all the com-
forts which his loving care could provide, and
passed away in her seventy-third year.
Onr subject left Chicago to work on the Illinois
Central Railroad, and after having labored there
through the autumn and a part of the winter his
employer ran away owing him some 8200. When
spring came he had neither money nor clothes.
Going to Stillwater, Wis., he hired on a raft and
floated down the Mississippi to Keokuk, where the
raft was sold. His future history is connected with
that of Iowa. Going to Burlington he worked in
the harvest field for a time but was soon taken sick
with ague and had to spend all that he had accum-
ulated. After chopping wood on the island below
Burlington for a few months, he hired out to work
in a stone quarry for $13 per month and continued
that occupation for three years, his wages being
advanced in the meantime to $25 per month. The
year 1858 proved to be an eventful one in his his-
tory as it witnessed his arrival in Jefferson County,
where b}' the exercise of industry, good manage-
ment and business ability he has acquired a com-
fortable competency. On his arrival here he pur-
chased forty acres of brush land and ten acres of
worthless timber in Buchanan Township for $380,
paying $100 down and giving tvfenty per cent for
the use of the remainder. By unceasing toil, per-
severance and energy he was enabled to add to his
possessions until he is now the owner of four hun-
dred apd ten acres of good land, together with
some property in Fairfield.
On the 22d of September, 1858, in the home of
Ward Lamson, Mr. August and Matilda Samelson
were united in marriage. The lady was born in
Kisa Count}', Sweden, April 12, 1835, and when
eigliteen years of age came to this country with a
Swedish family for whom she was to work to pay
her passage. After his mHrriage, Mr. August settled
upon the farm which he had purchased and as soon
as he and his wife had gained a suflScient surplus,
they sent for her parents to come and spend their
last days with them. Eight children were born
unto them, of whom three were deaf mut«s. One
of the three and also three others died in child-
hood. The living are Emma E., wife of Christian
Johnson; Albert A.; Alfrida A., wife of Frank
Lundguist; and Hannah E. Both Mr. August and
his wife are Lutherans and in politics, he is a Re-
publican. The life of Mr. August has been thus
minutely detailed that some idea may be gotten of
the hardships through which the early foreign
emigrants had to pass and also to show how he,
without money, friends or education, has won a
place in the front ranks of the farmers of Buchanan
Township. Many of^his characteristics are worthy
of emulation and his record is one of which he
may well^be proud.
^^*»»:
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7 ON All GLOVER, who carries on farming
and stock-raising on section 34, Farming-
ton Township, Van Burcn County, was born
in Orange County, Ind., March 11, 1821,
and is a son of Stephen and Sarah (Kirkhan)
Glover, both of whom were natives of Kentucky,
where their marriage was celebrated. About 1810
they removed to Indiana, which at that time was a
wild and unsettled region where the red men were
numerous and game was plentiful. The father
died in the prime of life in that State, and the
mother died in this county in her eighty-ninth
year. She was a member of the Baptist Church
for fifty-five years and a lady whose life was most
exemplary. In the family were nine children,
eight of whom reached mature years and were mar-
ried, while four are yet living, namely — Mrs. Jane
Archer, Mrs. Hulda Case, Jonah and Newton.
Our subject is of English descent on the pater-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
nal side, and on tho maternal side is of Irish ex-
traction. His boyliood days were spent amid the
forests of Indiana, and in the old log schoolhouse
with its punchein floor, slab seats and huge fire-
place, he familiarized himself with the three R's.
He used to make wooden mold-boards for the plows,
and like a dutiful son remained at home until he was
about twenty-four years of age. In Washington
County, Ind., he married February 29, 1844,
Amanda Mitchell, who was born in that county.
Their union was blessed with two children — Rob-
ert E., now a physician of Corning, Iowa, and
Benjamin F., a farmer of Scotland County, Mo.
In 1845, Mr. Glover removed with his family to
Jasper County, Ind., where in 1852 his wife died.
He was again married March 17, 1853, to Elizabeth
Mack, a native of Fayette County, Pa., born No-
vember 7, 1829, and a daughter of James and
Catherine (Grawl) Mack, both of whom were na-
tives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio
in 1833, and four years later became residents of
Jasper County, Ind. The father died at the age
of seventy six years, but his wife reached the
advanced age of eighty. After his marriage, Mr.
Glover continued bis residence in Indiana until
1855, when he removed to Crawford County, Wis.,
where the succeeding nine years of his life were
spent. It was in 1864 that he settled in Van Bu-
ren County. Farming has been his life work, and
he is now the owner of two hundred and twenty
acres of nearly all arable land, highly improved
and cultivated. He raises some fine stock, includ-
ing thoroughbred Merino sheep, and is the owner
of the largest Perclieron horse in this part of the
State, his weight being 2020 pounds. When Mr.
Glover started out in life for himself in Northern
Indiana he had no capital, but rented land until he
liad saved $100, with which he made a partial pay-
ment on an eighty-acre farm. He lived in a pole
cabin and was his own cabinet-maker, but by hard
work and good management he rose from the ranks
and is now accounted one of the leading and sub-
stantial farmers of his township. Fair and honest
dealing, strict adherence to correct business prin-
ciples and a determined will have won him his
success, and at the same time secured to him the
confidence and regard of those with whom he has
come in contact. Politically he was a Whig until
the organization of the Republican party, since
which time he has supported the principles of that
body. In religious belief he is a Baptist, but his
wife is a Methodist, and his first wife was a mem-
ber of the Christian Church.
The four children born unto Jonah and Elizabeth
Glover are Waldo E., who is living in Washington;
Ella A., at home; Truman J., assistant in the Chief
Engineer's office of the War Department; and New-
ton L., telegraph operator. The family was repre-
sented in the late war by Robert E., who enlisted
at the age of seventeen and served three years in
the Thirty- third Wisconsin Infantry; and Benja-
min F., who in his sixteenth year entered tbe Six-
tieth Illinois Regiment and served a year and a
half. Though not a pioneer settler, Mr. Glover is
a valuable citizen, and deserves a front rank among
the representative mtn of this county.
JOHN A. ROBINSON of Keosauqua, has been
a resident of Van Buren County, since 1850,
and is widely and favorably known in the
community where he makes his home. He
is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster
County, June 4, 1832, and is a son of James B.
Robinson. When a young man he learned the
trade of blacksmithing in the Keystone State. In
1850, he resolved to seek his fortune in the West
and came to the new State of Iowa. He chose
Winchester as the scene of his labors and at that
place carried on blacksmithing until 1871, when he
removed to Keosauqua, where he still resides, con-
tinuing the business which has been his life work.
In Winchester, in 1855, Mr. Robinson was uni-
ted in marriage with Miss Ella J. Smith, daughter
of Asa Smith. She is a native of Tennessee, her
birth having occurred near Nashville in 1835.
When a maiden of fifteen summers she came to
Iowa, locating to Van Buren County, where she
formed the acquaintance of Mr. Robinson. Three
children have been born of their union, of whom
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THE N."7/ voKK ,
'UBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX
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ROBERT PRALL.
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515
two are jet living — James B., born December 2,
1855, in Winchester, is a furniture dealer of Mil-
ton, and his sketch is given on another page of this
work ; Nellie F., the daughter, is a teacher of con-
siderable ability, now employed in the schools of
Keosauqua. The third child, Arthur, died at the
age of two years.
Mr. Robinson and his wife are faithful members
of the Methodist £piscopal Church, to which their
daughter also belongs. This worthy couple also
reared an adopted daughter, Mary Bird Robinson,
who engaged in the profession of teaching. She
was a young lady of intelligence and possessing
many excellencies of character, but her death oc-
curred at the age of nineteen years. Our subject
and his wife, who for forty years have been num-
bered among Van Buren County's citizens, are
highly respected in the community where they re-
side and their friends are many.
POBERT PRALL, who is engaged in farming
-5,-, and stock<raising on section 23, Des Moines
> \\\ Township, Van Buren County, was born
^^ in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 7,
1832. and is of German, Irish and English descent.
The founder of the Prall family in America was
the grandfather of our subject, Thomas Prall, a
gentleman of German birth who left his native
land and emigrated to America in the early part of
the eighteenth century. His son, Asa, father of
our subject, was bom in Pennsylvania where he
grew to manhood and in 1828, wedded Asenath
Botkin, also a native of the Keystone State. Her
parents were Robert and Sarah Botkin, the former
a native of Ireland and the latter of England.
They came to America during Colonial days and
settled in Greene County,Pa.,where they continued
to make their home until called from this life. For
two years after his marriage Mr. Prall and his wife
continued in Pennsylvania but the year 1830 wit-
nessed their removal to Ohio. He was a farmer
by occupation and followed that pursuit in Morgan
County until 1842, when accompanied by wife and
children he went to Clark County, Ind. Ten years
were there spent and in the winter of 1852 he went
to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he purchased
a partially improved farm. At once beginning
the work of improvement he soon had a com-
fortable home, which continued to be his shelter
from the storms of life until 1880, when he was
called to his final rest. His wife who had proved
to him a true helpmate, survived her husband some
six years. Their family once numbered ten chil-
dren, of whom the following are now living —
Thomas, who is married and resides in Des Moines
Township, Van Buren County; Robert, of this
sketch; Cornelius, who is married and makes his
home in Coles County, III.; Mrs. Sarah Bradford,
of Schuyler County, Mo.; Mrs. Matilda Fowler, of
Harper County, Kan.; and C. C. who is married and
living in Ringgold County, Iowa.
In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject
spent theday« of his boyhood and youth,and in the
common schools of Ohio and Indiana he acquired
his education. On attaining to mature years, he
left the parental roof and began life for himself.
Farming has been his chief occupation and his suc-
cess has proved that his choice of labor was a wise
one. His first purchase of land consisted of a one
hundred and sixty-acre tract of timber but he
cleared away the trees and brush, plowed the broad
acres, planted crops and soon had a fine farm, the
the value of which he also greatly increased by the
erection of a commodious residence and good
barns. As time passed and his financial resources
were increased-, he also extended the boundaries of
his land,his possessions now aggregating three hun-
dred and eighty acres, part of which is under a high
state of cultivation, while the remainder aflFords
excellent pasturage to the fine stock which he
raises in considerable numbers.. Mr. Prall is prac-
tically a self-made man, having acquired his pos-
sessions by industry, energy and good management,
which in almost every instance will bring about
success.
In Van Buren County, October 11, 1855, Mr.
Prall led to the marriage altar Miss Aliza Single^
ton, a native of Ohio, born October 25, 1831, and
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came to this county with her grand-parents in
1836, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Singleton,
both of whom died in Ohio some years ago. To
this union have been born four children — Asa Wil-
liam, who is married and resides in Bonaparte,
Iowa; Frances, now Mrs. Craig, of Des Moines
Township, Van Buren County; Carrie and Delia
at home. Mr. Prall manifests considerable interest
in political affairs and casts his ballot with the Re-
publican party. He held the office of Township
Trustee, serving with credit to himself and satisfac-
tion to all concerns I.
=*-SB-
^ OSEPH BLAKELEY, who resides on section
31, Buchanan Township, is an extensive
landowner of Jefferson County, having six
hundred and fifty acres of land lying in three
townships, which pay to him a golden tribute for
his care and cultivation, and his prosperity is all
the more deserved when we know that he has made
his own way in the world, steadily pushing forward
from a humble position to one of wealth and afflu-
ence. He was born in Butler County, Pa., Decem-
ber 27, 1824, and is a son of Lewis and Jane
(McCallister) Blakeley. The family is of German
origin and the progenitor in America was Lewis
Blakeley, the great-grandfather of our subject, who
at an early day in American history braved the
dangers of an ocean voyage to make a home in the
New World and settled in Chester County, Pa. He
married Jane Nearis, who was of Irish birth. Her
father died in the old country, after which her
mother was again married. The step-father came
to America and later sent for the mother and Jane
to Join him in his new home, but his wife died on
the ocean. The daughter continued on her way to
Pennsylvania, but never found any trace of her
step- father. She was sold to a man to pay for her
passage, and in the employ of the same gentleman
was Lewis Blakeley, who fell in love with the
young Irish lass and married her. Unto them, on
the 2l8t of September, 1767, in Pennsylvania, was
born a son, Joseph Blakeley, who became an expert
weaver. Having attained to mature years, he mar-
ried Sarah Harvey, a Scotch lady, bom May 15,
1768. He was one of the first tavern-keepers of
Washington, Pa., and was there living at the time
of the Whisky Insurrection, which arose largely
from the heavy taxation which was placed upon
that commodity, which was about the only article
they could pack over the mountains and get money
for. Afterwards Mr. Blakeley removed with bis
family to Butler County, Pa., where his wife died
in 1830, and he in 1841.
Their third child in a family of eight children,
Lewis Blakeley, was born on the 28th of May,
1794, in the Keystone State, and in his youth was
inured to hard labor. On the 3 1st of August, 1815,
he married Miss McCallister, who was born in
Pennsylvania March 7, 1796. Her father, Archi-
bald McCallister, who was born in 1759, in Ireland,
was a well-educated man who engaged in the pro-
fession of teaching for a livelihood. He married
Hannah Blakeley, who was born on the 24th of
February, 1770. His death occurred February 24»
1825, and she was called to her final rest January 19,
1847. Upon the marriage of the parents of our
subject they settled upon a farm in Butler County,
Pa., where they spent the remainder of their lives
engaged in the useful and honorable pursuit of till-
ing the soil. They reared a family of twelve chil-
dren, eleven sons and one daughter, nine of whom
arc yet living. Both were members of the Coven-
anter Church and in the community where they
lived they ranked among the highly respected citi-
zens. The death of Mr. Blakeley occurred Septem-
ber 3, 1845, but it was' not until many years
afterward that his widow passed away, her death
occurring June 15, 1882.
The subject of this sketch was the fifth child in
his father's family and is the only one now a resi-
dent of Iowa. He received a common-school edu-
cation, and on reaching manhood began life for
himself by working in a sawmill. Later he turned
his attention to farming, which has been his chief
occupation in later years and which now engrosses
his attention. lie chose as a companion on life's
journey Miss Margaret Harris, who was born in
Butler County, Pa., March 30, 1830, and is a
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.MT
daughter of William and Margaret (Evans) Harris.
When a young man her father removed from Vir-
ginia to Pennsylvania, where he married Miss
Evans, a lady of Welsh descent. Ten children were
born unto them, six sons and four daughters, hut
the wife of our subject is the only one whose home
is in Iowa. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Blake-
ley was celebrated on the 28th of June, 1848. in
Butler County, Pa., where they at once began their
domestic life, remaining in the neighborhood for
some two years. It was the desire of the husband
to try his fortune in the new State of Iowa and to
this end he si)ent the winter of ,1850-51 in Arkan-
sas, engaged in chopping wood, whereby he pro-
cured the money to bring himself and family to
Fairfield. The 10th of May, 1851, saw the realiza-
tion of his hopes. A struggle with poverty then
began but triumph awaited him in the end. On his
ftrrival in Iowa he had not a chair or table with
which to furnish his house and in addition he was
not free from indebtedness. When company came
the door was taken from its hinges and used as a
table, and for other necessaries like conveniences
were resorted to. Truly necessity is the mother
of invention, and what their limited store could
not supply their fertile brains provided. To sup-
ply the wants of his family, Mr. Blakeley began
work in a brickyard. He also aided in the erec-
tion of the second steam sawmill in the county,
which turned out much of the lumber used in the
construction of the first houses. Subsequently he
purchased an interest in a wagon shop, picked up
the trade and for seven years did a good business
in that line, after which, having accumulated some
capital he purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land and began the development of a farm. Not
a furrow had been turned or an improvement made
but clearing away the brush he plowed the land
and soon abundant harvests were gathered as the
result of his persistent efforts. In 1861, Mr. Blake-
ley returned to the East, locating in Oil City, Pa.,
where he carried on his trade of wagon-making for
a year, returning to his Iowa farm in 1862.
The Civil War was then in progress and, although
he himself did not enter the service, his family was
well represented, five of his brothers entering the
ranks. Archibald served as Colonel of the Seventy-
eighth Pennsylvania Infantry ; William was Colonel
of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and
Thomas was Post Hospital Steward of the Seventy-
eighth Pennsylvania Infantry. The other two
brothers were jrivates and did as effective service
for their country as the three mentioned, although in
a less conspicuous way — Harvey dying at Atlanta,
Ga., while en route with Gen. Sherman while mak-
ing his famous march, and the other four were all
spared to get home.
The sun of prosperity has shone upon the path-
way of Joseph Blakeley and crowned his efforts
with success, yet at times his sky has been dark-
ened by clouds of adversity. The reward of in-
dustry, perseverance and good management has,
however, made him a comparatively wealthy man.
He is a Republican in politics and as a citizen is
true to every trust reposed in him.
By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley eight
children were born, but the eldest,William H., died
when about two years of age ; Margaret Jane is now
the wife of Henry McKinney, of Clark County,
Mo.; Elizabeth E. is at home; Oscar C. married
Clara Turuham and is engaged in farming in Jeff-
erson County, as is also his brother — John E., who
married Oregon M.Reed ; Josie H.is at home; James
M. is a resident farmer of Jefferson County; George
W. is still under the parental roof.
*^' ~^
^^•
f
SAAC H ALSTEAD,one of the prominent farm-
ers and stock-raisers of Juckson Township,
ji\ came to Van Buren County, in 1862, but since
1847 has made his home in the State, having prev-
iously resided in Franklin and Keokuk. He has
taken an active part in the growth of the county
and to the extent of his ability and resources has
assisted in its development and progress.
The Halstead family is of German origin an<l
was founded in America during Colonial days by
ancestry who settled in New York, where the father
of our subject, Timothy Halstead, was born in
1799. His boyhood days were passed in New
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York, but before he had arrired at years of ma-
turity he went to Ohio, where he married, in 1820,
Miss Hester Timmons, a native of Maryland, in
which State her parents, Ephraim and Mary Tim-
mons, were also born. They were parents of four
children as follows: Mary Ann, deceased wife of
Richard Massey ; Martha, wife of Isaiah Preston, of
Davis County, Iowa; Isaac of this sketch, and
Timothy J. who is also living in Davis County.
Our subject was born on the 18th of March,
1826, and his birthplace was in Ross County, Ohio,
where under the parental roof the days ot his child-
hood were spent. He accompanied the family on
their emigration to Franklin, Iowa, and in Keokuk,
be Earned the trade of a brickmason, which he
there followed until 1857. Removing in that year
to Edina, Mo., he engaged as a contractor and
builder, erecting some of the principal business
blocks of that city, including the Bryant <fe Con-
nelly two story brick block*and Col. Pratt's build-
ing, which was two stories in height with a base-
ment. He was also the architect of a large number
of fine brick dwellings in the city and county, but
after successfully carrying on business for five
years in Edina, he returned to Iowa and began
farming in Van Buren County. He traded for his
first eighty acres of land and to that amount has
added until he now owns two hundred acres of
choice land, forty of which is timber, while the
quarter section is divided into rich and fertile
fields which yield a golden tribute for the care and
cultivation he bestows upon them. The value of
the farm has also been greatly increased by* the
erection of a comfortable residence, a large barn,
shed, etc. and the whole is surrounded by beautiful
shade trees of his own planting. Mr. Halstead, by
fair dealing and just treatment has won a place in
the eiteem of his fellow townsmen and ranks among
the representative citizens of the county. To have
won the success which has crowned his business
efforts he must have applied himself assiduously to
his woik, yet he has found time to encourage and
aid all laudable enterprises. In politics, he is a
supporter of Republican principles and has held a
number of local offices.
In 1856, Mr. Halstead formed a matrimonial alli-
ance? with Caroline Young, then a resident of Bon-
aparte Township, Van Buren County. Her birth,
however, occurred in New Jersey, September 7,
1829, and her^ parents were Benjamin and Mary
(Fangboner) Young, natives of the same State.
Unto them have been bom four children but they
had the misfortune to lose their eldest son and
second child, George W. Amanda is now the wife
of Caleb Tufts; Benjamin F., twin brother of
George, is at home, and Ella is the wife of Theo-
dore McMillen.
EORGE HUMPHREY, deceased,is numbered
among the pioneer settlers of Van Bureo
County, Iowa. He was bom in Ohio, about
the year 1826, and was a son of David and Mary
(Smith) Humphrey, the former a native of Virginia
and the latter of the Buckeye State. The family
came to this county in 1832, our subject being then
a lad of six summers. He was reared to manhood
amid the wild scenes of frontier life and in conse-
quence his educational advantages were limited.
Having attained to mature years, Mr. Humphrey
was united in marriage with Miss Mary Sheets.
Their marriage was celebrated in Van Buren
County, and unto them were born three children,
but two died in infancy. Benjamin F., who was
bom July 3, 1854, in Illinois, is the only surviving
child of that marriage. He is now engaged in busi-
ness in Milton.
Mr. Humphrey was a farmer by occupation and
followed that business throughout his entire life.
He continued the cultivation of his farm in Des
Moines Township until about 1853, when he re-
moved to Illinois, where he continued to i-eside
until 1856. Again coming to Van Buren County,
he located upon a farm in Des Moines Township,
where he continued to reside until called from this
life. His wife died in 1858, and in 1861, he was
again married, his second union being with Miss
Nancy Lewis. In the fall of that year, while riding
in Northern Missouri, Mr. Humphrey was caught
and shot by guerrillas near Mt. Sterling, and after
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his death a son was born unto Mrs. Humphrey,
George, who went West, was married in Oregon
and is now living in Thompson Falls, Mont. Mr.
Humphrey was a Republican in politics and a
valued citizen whose loss was felt throughout the
entire community. He had been identified with
the growth and progress of the county in its earlier
days, had done what he could for its advancement
and in both public and private life had so conducted
himself that he won the respect of all with whom
he came in contact. Mrs. Humphrey still survives
her husband and is living in Thompson Falls, Mont.
^^N|<^#
^^^USTAV A. SMITHBURG, who served his
(■[ ^—^ adopted country faithfully during the late
%;jjl( war and is now a progressive farmer of
Lockridge Township, Jeflferson County, residing on
section 21, is of Swedish birth, his parents being
Peter and Annie Smlthburg. His father, also a
native of Sweden, learned the trade of a copper-
smith in his youth and carried on that business in
connection with farming. The lady whom he mar-
ried was a widow and by her former union had two
cbildren. A family of six children was born of her
second marriage, as follows : Inga Peck, now living
in Blakesburg, Iowa; Charles, deceased; Sophia,
widow of O. Gunderson, of Portland, Ore. ; David,
who served as Corporal of Company M, Fourth
Iowa Cavalry, died soon after the close of the war
from wounds received while in the service; Gustav
A. is the next younger; and Bertha, wife of Lewis
Mendenhall, of Fairfield, completes the family.
In 1848, through the instrumentality of Peter
Cassel, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
work, a colony of Swedish emigrants was formed,
among which was the family of Mr. Smithburg.
The party crossed the ocean together and all sought
homes in this vicinity. Mr. Smithburg purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land, the present
farm of our subject, but at that time only thirty
acres had been cleared while a log cabin constituted
the entire improvements. He arrived with his
family in August and two weeks later while cross-
ing Brush Creek^with a yoke of cattle, to get lum-
ber for repairing his house, he was drowned. The
mother kept her family together and with the
aid of her sons, improved the farm. Some ten
years later she mat ried Philip Anderson and her
death occurred in 1870. Mr. Smithburg was a
member of the Lutheran Church as was also his
wife for many years, but in later life she united
with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject was a lad of six summers when as a
member of the Swedish colony before mentioned,
he crossed the broad Atlantic and became a resi-
dent of Jefferson County. He was reared to man-
hood on the farm which is yet his home and in
his youth acquired a common school education and
shared in the diflBcult task of developing from the
wild land a productive farm. He was only nine-
teen years of age when the Civil War broke out,
but anxious to strike a blow against the rebellion,
he responded to the President's call for troops and
on the 25th of November, 1861, became a member
of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, in which he served
three years and ten months. During the winter of
1861-62, the regiment remained at Mt. Pleasant,
but the following spring was sent to the front and
during the period in which he wore the blue he saw
service in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia.
Alabama, Louisiana and Kentucky. He partici-
pated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Vicksburg,
Jackson, Miss., and the Guntown raid, was in the
battle of Tupelo and followed Price on his raid
through Missouri. The regiment once traveled
one hundred and twenty-four miles in thirty-six
hours and made three charges. He continued with
his command until the war was over, when he was
honorably discharged as a loyal soldier and faithful
adhtrent of the Union cause.
The year succeeding his return from the fiqld,
Mr. Smithburg spent in Galesburg, 111., after which
he returned to Iowa, and made a location on his
present farm which has now been his home for
twenty-three consecutive years. On the 20th of
December, 1868, lie married Miss Christina Ander-
son and unto them have been born eight children.
The two eldest are deceased, those living are: El-
mer M., and Elma, twins, born October 17, 1874;
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Bertha, January 29, 1878; Ralph, October 25, 1882;
Walter, March 12, 1884; Minnie, June 21, 1887.
Mrs. Smith burg is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church and a most estimable lady. Her
husband although not holding membership is gen-
erous with his meani< in support of the church and
gives liberally for all charitable and benevolent
interests. As a business man, he is successful, hav-
ing by industry and enterprise gained a comfortable
competency and by fair and honest dealing secured
the confidence and regard of all with whom he has
come in contact. His farm comprises one hundred
and sixty acres of highly cultivated land, which is
furnished with good grades of stock and all neces-
sary improvements. His barns and outbuildings
are such as should be seen on a model farm of the
nineteenth century, and his home is an elegant and
commodious residence, tastefully furnished. Mr.
Smithburg cast his first vote when only nineteen
years of age for President Lincoln, and has since
been a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
He has frequently represented his township in the
county conventions, and for two or three terms
served as Township Trustee. An honored veteran
of the late war, a representative farmer and valued
citizen, are terms which aptly describe the gentle-
man whose name heads this sketch.
jOBERT E. MEEK, a representative of that
^ pioneer family which is so well and favor-
i \\\ ably known throughout the county, and a
^^ son of Robert and Abigail P. Meek, was
born in Bonaparte, on the 21st of January, 1861.
He was educated in the schools of his native town
and with a desire to increase his store of knowledge
subsequently spent three 3^ears in the Central Iowa
University, of Pella. After completing his educa-
tion he entered upon his business career as an em-
ploye in the Bonaparte woolen mills, where he
remained some six or seven years, being engaged a
part of the time as shipping clerk and the re-
mainder as book-keeper. In February, 1888, he
purchased the interest of Mr. Christy in the mer-
cantile firm of Christy <fe McDonald and the new
firm as&umed the title of McDonald & Meek, under
which they still continue to do business. They
carry a good stock of dry goods and clothing, have
one of the most tastefully kept establishments in
town and receive a liberal patronage.
It was in Bonaparte, on the 25th of February,
1885, that Mr. Meek led to the marriage altar Miss
Maggie C. Cresap, a daughter of Michael and Sarah
Cresap, who are numbered among the early and
highly esteemed settlers of this county ,of wliiph Mrs.
Meek is a native. The young couple have spent their
lives in Van Buren County and are known to a
wide circle of friends. Their hospitable home is a
favorite resort of the young people who are sure to
receive a warm welcome. Mr. Meek, in politics,
marches with his worthy ancestors, being a stanch
Democrat.
-^
in Keosauqua, August 12, 1852, his parents being
George and Hannah C. (Calhoun) Parker. His
father, a native of Lewis County, W. Va,, was born
December 22, 1814, and having remained under
the parental roof until 1835, he went to Illinois,
where he remained some time. Eleven years later,
he made his appearance in Van Buren County,
Iowa. He was without capital, yet by splitting
rails, digging wells, etc., he succeeded in accumulat-
ing a small sum, with which he began merchandis-
ing in a log store in Birmingham. Business at
that time was done in a very primitive way. The
proposed purchase of a barrel of molasses would be
announced before hand and on its arrival all would
be there with their jugs, waiting to be supplied.
He continued in business until the war and in that
w-jy became widely known throughout the com-
munity. In 1851-52, he was County Treasurer and
during his term of oflBce lived in Keosauqua. He
helped hew the logs for the first county jail and in
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other ways was connected with the early history of
the community. Mr. Parker was married on the
23d of December, 1847, and from that time until
his death devoted himself to his family and the
advancement of their interests. His wife was born
December 25, 1825, and like her husband was an
active and faithful member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, to which they also made liberal
contributions in money. His beneficence however
did not extend to the church alone, but also to the
poor and afflicted. He died in June, 1888. Thus
another pioneer, whose life was a blessing to all
with whom he came in contact, passed away. His
wife still survives him. In their family were five
children, but only two of the number are now liv-
ing— William R. and Jesse F.
The subject of this sketch has spent his entire
life in Van Buren County, and was educated at the
Birmingham schools and at Bailey's Commercial
College, from which he graduated. At the age of
eighteen years he began life for himself and since
that time has been dependent upon his own
resources. He was then quite young for such an
undertaking, but he purchased the Birmingham
Enterprise and after running it alone for six months
he took as a partner C. L. Sheward. Together
they operated the paper successfully for twelve
years, at the end of which time, on account of
failing health, Mr. Parker sold out to his partner.
Having disposed of his interest in business, he took
a trip to California where he spent the winter.
Shortly after his return he went to Pennsylvania,
where for a paper published in Beaver Falls, he
acted as city solicitor until he was taken sick and
brought home.
On the 10th of June, 1877, in Birmingham, Mr.
Parker was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary J.
Randall, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of
Capt. William Randall, who was killed in the war.
She belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church
and is the leading milliner of Birmingham, having
carried on a store for four years. Her exquisite
taste which is an important factor in the selection
of goods, together with her pleasant and afifable
manner, makes her a favorite with the ladies and
has brought her an excellent trade.
In political sentiment, Mr. Parker is a Republi-
can. He is engaged in mercantile pursuits being
senior i»ember of the firm of Parker and Cramer,
who carry a large stock of general merchandise,
and is also interested in the dairy business, having
engaged in that pursuit, in company with his
brother since the spring of 1890. They own sixty
head of cows which are pastured upon their four
hundred ahd thirty-five ^cre farm. As a citizen,
he cheerfully performs every duty devolving upon
him and as a business man of eiiterprise, as well as
a representative of one of the pioneer families of
the community, he is deserving a representation in
this volume.
ENRY M. DY8ART, editor and proprietor
of the Milton Herald^ was born near Farm-
ington, Marshall County, Tenn., November
19, 1841, and is the son of Milton H. and
Harriet C. (Neill) Dysart, who were also natives
of the same State. His education was acquired in
a subscription school which was taught alternately
by his father and mother, this being the only means
of education, as the common school system was
not then in operation in that part of the State.
His parents seeing the inevitable conflict with
slavery approaching, determined to remove to a
free State, consequently', at considerable financial
sacrifice they removed to Iowa, arriving at their
destination — Troy, Davis County — on the 1 1th of
April, 1854. Henry M. was reared on the farm
and attended the Troy Academy until November
12, 1860, after which he taught a winter's term of
school. Although his early life was spent in a
slave State he opposed that institution, and on the
26th of September, 1861, enlisted in the service of
his country. On the 1st of May, 1863, he was
captured at La Grange, Ark., and for four months
was held pnsoner at Little Rock, after which he
was discharged. He returned to active service and
remained with his command until the term of enlist-
ment had expired. He participated in the battles
of La Grange and Pea Ridge, Ark., and in various
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skirmishes and campaigns. He was accidentally
wounded in camp at Little Rock in April, 1864,
while on duty, but otherwise escaped uninjured.
After three years of warfare in the South, he re-
ceived his discharge from the service September
19, 1864.
On returning from the war, Mr. Dysart engaged
in the mercantile business at Troy, Iowa, which he
continued until 1870, when he sold out and re-
moved to Bloomfield, of the same county. The
real-estate business there engrossed his attention,
and he made many excellent improvements at that
place. His residence in Milton covers a period of
nineteen consecutive years. On here locating, in
1871, he engaged in the mercantile business with
his brother, G. S. Dysart, but after two years that
connection was discontinued, and he accepted the
appointment of Postmaster of Milton from Presi-
dent Grant, his commission bearing date 1872,
He continued to hold office until the year 1873,
when he resigned and was employed as traveling
salesman, continuing his services in that capacity
until 1878, when he was again appointed Postmas-
ter by President Arthur, and retained the office un-
til G rover Cleveland had been one year President,
when he resigned in March, 1886, and bought out
the Milton Herald^ which he has edited and pub-
lished continuously since. After speaking of the
Milton Headlight, which it says was started in Oc-
tober, 1876, and suspended in March, 1878, the
county history of 1878 says: *The Milton Herald
was started in April, 1 878, and is now run by McNeil
<fe Baxter.** Mr. Dysart purchased it in 1886 of Mr.
Baxter. It was then a seven-column folio with a
very limited patronage, but under the management
of its present proprietor it has been increased one
(tolumn in width, and very largely in circulation and
material, until now it is one of the leading papers
of the blue grass region of Southern Iowa. It is
independent in politics and devoted largely to the
interests of Milton, and to that of Van Buren and
neighboring counties.
Mr. Dysart was married in Troy, Iowa, on the
2d of October, 1867, to Miss Jane Olivia Bruce,
daughter of Amor and Margaret Bruce. Mrs.
Dysart wag born in Dearborn County, Ind., and
on her father's side is of Scotch ancestry. They
have two children, a son and daughter — Paul, bom
in Troy, Iowa, July 22, 1868; and Chloe, born in
Milton, November 7, 1883. The parents are meVK
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are
highly respected citizens of the community. Mr.
Dj'sart is one of the enterpriaing business men of
Milton, and is an honored member of Charles W.
Fisher Post, No. 433, G. A. R., of Milton, and of
Jackson Lodge, No. 28, K. P., in both of which he
has held all the offices. He has served one term as
Mayor of Milton, and has just recently been
elected for the sixth consecutive year as Secretai-y
of the Milton District Agricultural Society, a
flourishing organization in the district.
Mg>ii|[n.gi. f
<J MLLIAM M. V. B. FELLOWS, who re-
\^ll ®^^^^ ^" section 9, of Van Buren Town-
Vj^ ship, is an intelligent and enterprising
farmer and stock-raiser of Van Buren County. His
family is of English descent and his parents, Asa-
hel and Susanna (Harrison) Fellows, were natives
of Pennsylvania. For some years the father fol-
lowed farming in the State of his nativity, but in
the autumn of 1835 he left for the West, think-
ing to better his condition by a removal to a
community where lands could be obtained cheap,
and where one might, if willing to work, soon
make for himself a comfortable home. He spent
the winter in Michigan and the following spring
resumed his journeys which he continued until
reaching what is now Van Buren County, Iowa.
He made a settlement along the Des Moines River,
near Keosauqua, entering land and also purchas-
ing a claim, which, from a wild and unimprovinl
tract, he developed into a highly cultivated farm.
He was a man of energy, not afraid of labor, and
in consequence he met with success in his under-
takings. For many years he continued his farm-
ing operations, laying aside the duties of life only
when called to his final rest, in 1868. His wife
survived him many years. They had quite a large
family of children, of whom three sons and one
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523
daughter are yet living — Whiting A., who is mar-
ried and resides in Van Burcn Township; Elvira,
now Mrs. Hinckle}', a resident of Clark County,
Mo.; Stephen D., who is living near Keosauqua;
and William, of this sketch.
In his youth our subject assisted in the devel-
opment of the home farm and became familiar
with pioneer life, when their neighbors were the
red men and when deer and other wild animals
were quite numerous in the settlement. They liad
to drive many miles to market and to mill and as
the roads were often almost impassable this was no
easy task. Amid such surroundings the boyhood
days of our subject were spent, and to the occu-
pation of farming he was reared. On attaining
to his majority he began making his own way in
the world, operating a part of the old homestead.
In 1854 he was married, in Van Buren County,
to Miss Matilda A. Peterson, a native of the county
and a daughter of Ralph and Mary (Groves) Peter-
son, who wore natives of the Buckeye State but
came to Iowa at a very early day. They settled
upon and improved a farm in Vernon Township,
Van Buren County, where they si>ent the remainder
of their lives. The death of Mr. Peterson occurred
in 1888, three years subsequent to the time when
bis wife was laid to rest.
Mr. Fellows, shortly after his marriage, purchased
a partially. improved farm of three hundred and
forty acres, which he has now placed under a high
state of cultivation, while he has greatly enhanced
its value by the addition of many excellent im-
provements, including a good residence, barn, etc.
He raises an excellent grade of thorough-bred
stock, and in that branch of business, as in the de-
velopment of his land, has been quite successful.
In political sentiment he is a Democrat, but not
an active politician. He gives his support to the
cause of education and to other worthy enterprises
calculated to upbuild and benefit the community.
In 1876 Mr. Fellows was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife, who died, leaving six chil-
dren— Evan is married and engaged in farming;
Ocee, who is married and resides in Colorado;
Homer C. is Superintendent of the schools of vSac
City, Iowa; Clay, Lena and Ed at home. In 1878
Mr. Fellows was again married, his second union
~tP^UJlW
being with Valena A. Sperry, who was born in this
county, and is a daughter of Reuben and Eliza-
beth (Whitten) Sperry, natives of Ohio. They
came to Van Buren County at an early day, lo-
cating in Village Township. Mr. Sperry died in
Cass County, Neb., in 1875, but the mother is still
living and makes her home with her children. He
served in the Mexican War and was also for three
years one of the boys in blue during the late war.
The second union of Mr. Fellows has been blessed
with five children — Mary S., Rayj Lizzie Pearl mA
y^e (twins),'ana*A8a. The parents are members
of the Zion Church and their lives have ever been
such as to win them the high regard of those with
whom they come in contact.
^1* A.' KECK, who devotes his time and atten-
tion to farming and stock-i aising, his home
being on section 32, Cedar Township, dates
his residence in Van Buren County from
1846, in which year he emigrated Westward from
Westmoreland County, Pa., the place of his nativ-
ity. The year of his birth/was 1827, and he was the
second child born unto Henry and Mary (Hardin)
Keck, both of whom were natives of the Keystone
SUite. The Keck family is of German origin, and
was founded in America at an early day. The par-
ents of our subject spent the days of their child-
hood in Pennsylvania, were there married, and
made their home in Westmoreland County until
the spring of 1846, when desiring to try his for-
tune ill the West, Mr. Keck, accoraimnied by his
wife and children, made the journey to Van Buren
County, Iowa. They settled in Utica, but spent
their last da^^s in Bentonsport. The father died in
18G2, the mother in 1874. They were worthy and
respected citizens, and ranked among the promi-
nent early settlers of the community.
Until eighteen years of age, J. A. Keck contin-
ued to reside in his native State, bis time being de-
voted to farm lal»or during the summer months,
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wliile in the winter season he attended the public
schools. It proved an important decision for him
when the family determined to seek a home in the
West, for in Van Buren County he has been blessed
with prosperity, and won for himself a foremost
place among its citizens. He remained under the
parental roof until the spring of 1852, when bid-
ding good-b}' to home and friends, he crossed the
plains to California, making the journey with an
ox-team, and reaching his destination after four
months of travel. For some time he engaged in
mining on the American River, and in his opera-
tions met with a good degree of success. After
several months he returned to his home by the way
of the Isthmus of Panama and New York City, but
during the voyage cholera broke out among the
passengers, and the vessel was quarantined at Key
West, Fla. The greater part of the crew died of
the disease, and the vessel was detained some time
before a sufficient number could be obtained to re-
place them. To the homesick Californian this de-
lay was very tedious and wearisome, but finally the
vessel again started on its way to New York City,
whence Mr. Keck proceeded by rail to Rockford,
111. Only a short time then elapsed before he was
again at home, receiving the welcome greetings of
family and friends.
A marriage ceremony performed in Van Buren
County, in the spring of 1853 united the destinies
of J. A. Keck and Miss Ingaba Ebbert, daughter of
James and Eliza (De Vecmon) Ebbert. The lady
is a native of Fayette County, Pa., and in the Key-
stone State, her father was also born, but her mother
was a native of Maryland. Twelve children graced
this union, and with one exception all are yet liv-
ing, namely: Mary, wife of Charles Dougherty, a
resident farmer of Cedar Township, Van Buren
County; Hugh G., who is married and is engaged
in the transfer business in Dodge City, Kan.; Cathe-
rine B., wife of Robert Ely, of Harrisburg Town-
ship; Rose E., wife of Taylor Easter, of Sumner
County, Kan.; George C, who is married and de-
votes his attention to the insurance business in
York, Neb.; Lida, wife of Delbert Jack, of Ben-
tonsport; John H., is married, and is a conductor on
the Burlington <fe Missouri Railroad, running in
Nebraska; James E., who is married, and is school
teaching in Harrisburg Township; Allie J., Charles
R., and Robert R., are at home. William died in
1873, at the age of two years.
The first purchase of land which Mr. Keck made
comprised two hundred acres, and became his prop-
erty in 1851. After his marriage, he took up his
residence thereon, and began the work of develop-
ing the same. So successful has he been in his
operations, that he was enabled to extend its bound-
aries until it now contains three hundred and forty
acres, three hundred and twenty of which is under
a high state of cultivation. The land is divided
into fields of convenient size, these are well tilled,
a substantial and commodious residence haa been
erected, barns and other outbuildings have been
built, and everything necessar}* to a well regulated
farm may there be found. He is also raising fine
grades of all kinds of farm stock, and has several
head of thorough-bred cattle. His farming inter-
ests are extensive, and no branch of the business is
neglected, yet, a man of great energy and enter-
prise, Mr. Keck has found time to devote to other
interests. Since 1868, he has been connected with
the Bentonsport Flouring Mills, and for a number
of years operated a creamery at the same place.
He was at one time one of the most extensive stock
shippers in this section of the State, but increasing
years have caused him to lay aside some of his busi-
ness cares. Sagacious and far-sighted, he possesses
excellent business ability and to his own efforts may
be attributed his success in life. In political senti-
ment Mr. Keck is a stalwart Republican, having
supported that party since its organization. He
now holds the ofl3ce of Justice of the Peace of Cedar
Township, a position which he has filled at inter-
vals in former years, and as Township Trustee he
has also done effective service for the community.
He was President of the County Agricultural Fair
for two years, and has frequently been a member
of the Board of Directors. During the late war,
although he could not enter the field, he served as
captain of a company of home guards, and in many
other ways displayed his patriotism and loyalty to
the Government. Socially, he is a member of the
Masonic order, belonging to Bentonsport Lodge,
No. 47, A. F. A A. M., La Fayette Chapter, of
Bonaparte, and Elchanan Commandery,of Keosau*
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qua. Hioidelf and wife are members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church of Utica, and their friends
and acquaintances in Van Buren County form an
extensive circle. Many years they have here re-
sided, and in the social world they are held in high
regard, while the Keck household is the abode of
hospitality.
J "JACOB E. HAINLINE, M. D., the popular
Mayor and prominent ph^^sician, of Cantril,
deserves more than a passing notice in this
' volume. His enterprising and progressive
spirit has made him a leader in the community and
he has been instrumental in the establishment of
many interests calculated to benefit both town and
county. His residence here covers a period of but
eight years yet few men are more widely, and none
more favorajbly, known than the Doctor.
He was born in McDonough County, III, Au-
gust 30, 1851, being the second child in a family of
ten children, whose parents were William C. and
Sarah E. B. (Logan) Hainline. His father was a
uative of Kentucky, his mother of Illinois. The
Hainline family is of German origin, and was
founded in America in the early part of the eight-
eenth century. The great-grandfather of our sub-
ject was one of eight men who accompanied Daniel
Boone, the celebrated pioneer, when he made a
permanent settlement in Kentucky. The grand-
I)arents were George and Flora (Cockerell) Hain-
line. Both were natives of Kentucky and the wife
was an aunt of Senator Cockerell, of Missouri.
William Hainline was a farmer by occupation
and follows that pursuit in McDonough County,
III., being still the owner and operator of the farm
on which our subject first opened his eyes to the
light of day. The Doctor received good educational
advantages in his youth, his primary training in
the district schools being supplemented by a course
in the Normal and Scientific College of Macomb,
III., of which he is a graduate. He then entered
upon his business career as a teacher and followed
that profession until 1870, when he began the
study of medicine with Dr. H. B. Livermore, of
Macomb, under whose instruction he continued his
reading for two years, when he entered the Jeffer-
son Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa. After
attending two courses of lectures he was graduated
from that institution in the class of 1872. He re-
mained in the hospitals in the City of Brotherly
Love for five years, during which time he acquired
a knowledge of his profession which many an older
practitioner might well envy. For three years he
was the surgeon of the eye and ear department of
the Wells Hospital, and for two years had charge of
a ward in the Blockley '-lying in" hospital, after
which he spent about eighteen months in the St.
Luke Hospital as physician. He was also first as-
sistant of the Chair of Clinical Surgery at the Jeff-
erson Medical College. Although young in years,
Dr. Hainline showed rare talent and was given po-
sitions of distinction which enabled him to perfect
himself in his studies and acquire a skill which has
placed him in the front rank in the medical profes-
sion of Southeastern Iowa.
Leaving Philadelphia, the Doctor returned to
his native State, locating in Fulton County where
he embarked in practice. Previous to this time he
had wedded Miss Anna R. McElrath, daughter of
John McElrath, a native of Pennsylvania. The
lady was born in McDonough County, III., April
3, 1851, apd their n arriage was celebrated on the
9th of February, 1871. After a short married life
of little more than a year Mrs. Hainline died, leav-
ing one child — James S. Some ten years later the
Doctor was again married his second union being
with Emma L. Roe, the only child of the distin-
guished Dr. Roc, who for some time filled one of
the Chairs in the St. Louis Medical College. He
was a stockholder in that institution but afterward
sold out and removed to Kirksville, Mo. Mrs.
Hainline was born in Knox County Mo., February
14, 1863, and spent the days of her maidenhood in
Kirksville. Two children have been born of the
second marriage — Beatrice and Russell.
Determining to seek a location further westward,
in 1880 Dr. Hainline came to Iowa. He first lo-
cated in Mt. Pleasant, where he was engaged in
practice two years, after which he came to Cantril,
where he at once opened an office, having now one
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of the largest and most lucrative practices of any
physician in the county. In 1844 he was the means
of saving the people from the terrible scourge that
passed through this country, known as the dysen-
ter}' epidemic. Although he has a superior knowl-
edge and skill in his profession be is yet a student
and keeps abreast with all the improvements and
discoveries relating to the science. Other interests
have also engrossed his attention. In 1887 he es-
tablished a drug-store which he still carries on, and
in the same year he began the publication of a
paper, known as the Cantril Ne^vs, but after eight-
een months he discontinued the same as his prac-
tice and their business interests were so large that he
could not give to it the proper attention. Socially,
he is a member of Cantril Lodge, No.535.K.P.,hold-
ing the office of Vice-Chancellor and also belongs
to Prairie Gem Lodge, No. 288,1. O. O. F.,in which
he is Left Supporter of the Vice-Grand. In political
sentiment he is a stalwart Republican and an influ-
ential member of his party in this locality. He
often attends the conventions and was a delegate
to the State Convention which nominated Gov.
Lnrrnbee for Chief Executive of the State. In
March, 1890. he was honored with an election to
the office of Mayor of Cantril, a position which he
is creditably and acceptabl}' filling.
^1 AMES NELSON SMITn,one of the most ex-
tensive stock-rrisers and dealers of Jefiferson
County, was born in Liberty' Township, and
*ugy/ is now living in Fairfield. His business
interests are extensive and he ranks among the
substantial citizens of the community.
The family of which Mr. Smith is a member is
of German origin and was established in America
by his grandfather, John Smith, who emigrated
from Germany and settled in Kentucky, where
Greenup Smith, father of our subject, was born
November 27, 1806, near Cumberland Gap. In
his native State, Greenup Smith became overseer of
an extensive plantation, kaving charge of some
sixty negroes. In early manhood he became ac-
quainted with and wedded Miss Sarah A. Johnson,
the union being celebrated near Cumberland Gap,
August 27, 1829. Mrs. Smith was born in Ken-
tucky, May 29, 1812, and was also of German de-
scent. Her father served in the Revolutionary
War as a valiant supporter of the cause of inde-
pendence. Among the early settlers he emigrated
to Morgan County, 111., where a marble slab marks
his last resting place. His wife spent her last days
in Jefferson County, Iowa. Having engaged in
agricultural pursuits in Illinois until 1837, Greenup
Smith removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, i^nd
in the summer of the following year came to Jeff-
erson County, locating four miles east ot Liberty-
ville, where he entered a farm, on which he and bis
wife spent the remainder of their lives. The
Territory of Iowa bore little resemblance to the
great commonwealth of to-day. Mr. Smith bore
an important part in the transformation of the
wild land into fertile farms and although by an
accident he was greatly incapacitated for labor, in
all possible ways he assisted in the progress and
advancement of the best interests of the commun-
ity. In 1842, while raising a building, a log fell
on his leg and crippled him for life but although
this placed him under great disadvantage he made
the most of his opportunities and became one of
the substantial farmers of Jefferson County. Widely
known, he was esteemed by all, and was a leading
citizen of the community during the early days of
its history. In 1844 and 1845 he served as County
Treasurer, being elected by the Whig party of
which he was a stanch advocate until the organiza-
tion of the Republican part3\ He and his wife
were faithful members of the Cumberland Presby-
terian Church and church, society, and many
friends felt that they had suffered a deep loss when
these worthy people were called to the home
beyond. On a Sunday morning, the 12th of June,
1870, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, their daughter, and
Mrs. Smith's mother were driving to church when
the horses became frightened and dashed down a
slope. The driver tried to stop them, but a bridle
bit broke and after running some two hundred
yards the team made a sudden turn, throwing all
from the carriage. Mrs. Smith and her mother
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were killed and Mr. Smith and the daughter badly
injured, but in time they recovered. His death
occurred June J 2, 1876.
In their family were nine children — John, born
July 9, 1830, died May 21, 1861 ; Martha A., born
October 12, 1831, died August 29, 1880 ; William
L., born March 6, 1833, is a farmer of Jefferson
County, Iowa ; Margaret A., born April 13, 1834,
is the wife of Peter Yost, a resident of Jefferson
County, Iowa ; Mary J., born June 4, 1 835, is the
wife of Henry Newman who resides in Santa Rosa,
Cal.; Washington J. M., who* served in the army
and received a severe wound in the arm, makes his
home in Fairfield, Iowa ; Sophia L., born Septem-
ber 7, 1838, died at the age of one year ; Sarah
L., born December 3, 1843, is the wife of James H.
McCoy, a resident of Jefferson County, Iowa.
The subject of this sketch, who was born on the
26th of November, 1841, was the eighth child of
the family. In his youth he became inured to the
hardships of farm life on the western frontier but
the training has doubtless proved a profitable one
as the lessons of industry, economy and enterprise
which he learned have been important factors in
his success in after life. After attending the
district schools in the neighborhood he supple-
mented his early education by a partial course in
Cherry Grove Seminary, of Illinois. When the
war broke out it was his desire to enter the army
but his father, not willing that he should do so.
proposed to fit him out for a trip across the plains.
In company with Joseph Rodabaugh, he drove five
yoke of cattle to Powder River in Baker County,
Ore., five months being consumed in making the
trip and in the West he engaged in freighting and
dealing in cattle. After operating successfully for
five years he returned by way of the Isthmus of
Panama and New York, in 1867.
In Van Buren County, on the 7th of May, 1868,
Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Isa-
bella, daughter of Joseph and Mar}' (Robins) Tay-
lor. She was born in Scotland, November 18,
1846, when seven years of age crossed the Atlantic
with her parents to America and in 1853, with the
family, located in Van Buren County. The young
couple began their domestic life in Birmingham,
Van Buren County, where Mr. Smith <iealt in stock
and carried on pork packing. The latter business
he also followed in Keokuk and in 1873, he shipped
from northeastern Kansas, forty-five car loads of
hogs and cattle, being the largest single shipment
ever made from that State. His residence in
Fairfield dates from 1876, since which time he has
dealt in stock and grain, doing a most extensive
business in that line in the county. That does not
comprise his business interests, however. In con-
nection with J. E. Roth, he owns the Blue Grass
Horse Farm, containing three hundred acres in
Liberty Township and in 1887 made a trip to
Europe, importing ten Norman and Belgian stall-
ions, six for his own ranch and the remaining four
for other parties. They now have some sixty
horses on the Blue Grass Farm. Besides the above
farm, Mr. Smith owns two hundred and eighty
acres of farm land, a grain house, a bus barn and
good residence. He has indeed prospered in his
business affairs and may be justly proud of his
success which is due almost entirely to his own
efforts. Such men make good citizens and it was
a fortunate daj- for Jefferson County when he de-
cided to make his home within its borders. While
in Oregon, Mr. Smith cast his first Presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln, nor has he yet wav-
ered in his support to the Republican party. Both
he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church of which he is a Trustee.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of three
children, two of whom are living; Pearl M., died at
the age of seven months ; E. Russell, the eldest,
is a student of Parsons College, and Harry, who
at this writing, is attending Elliott Business Col-
lege, of Burlington, Iowa.
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^i^ICHARD MYERS is a farmer and stock
ji!^ raiser of Polk Township, Jefferson County,
/t ^V carrying on operations in those lines of in-
dustry on section 35. He has made his
home in this community since 1855, and has there-
fore witnessed much of the growth and develop-
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ment of Southeastern Iowa. He is a respected
citizen, worthy the esteem of his fellow-raen and
we are glad thus to present his sketch to his many
friends.
The record of his life is as follows: He was born
in Washington County, Pa., in 1830, and in a family
of thirteen children, was the eldest. His parents,
Stephen and Sarah (Hufifman) Myers, were also
natives of the Keystone State, where the father
followed farming until 1865, which year witnessed
his emigration to Jeflferson County, Iowa. The
West, with its splendid opportunities attracted him
and with the hope of bettering his financial condi-
tion, he made a settlement in Jefferson County,
where he purchased three hundred and seven acres
of partially improved land, located in Polk Town-
ship. His excellent wife died at her home in this
community in 1872, and four days later he was
also called, to his final rest.
The days of his boyhood and youth our subject
spent upon his father*s farm and in the schools of
his native State, he acquired a good English edu-
cation. Having attained to mature 3^ears, in 1852,
he married Miss Matilda Gault, a native of Penn-
sylvania, and their union hus been blessed with
five children yet living: John, the eldest of the
family, is married and resides in Pueblo, Col.;
Sarah is now Mrs. Tate, of Black Hawk Township,
Jefferson County; Curtis is married and resides in
Jefferson County; Stephen, a resident of Fairfield,
is also married ; and the youngest, Mary, is now
Mrs. Gilmer, of Abingdon.
The same year in which bis father emigrated to
Iowa, Richard M^'ers ana his famil}' sought a home
yi the West. His life work has been that occupa-
tion to which he was reared. Purchasing a par-
tially improved farm of eighty acres, five years
after his arrival, he at once began its development
and has been so successful in his undertakings that
he was enabled to extend its boundaries until it
now comprises two hundred and five acres in Pulk
and Locust Grove Townships. Many excellent
improvements, both of a useful and ornamental
character, have been added, good grades of stock
are there to be seen, together with the latest im-
proved machinery, while the well-tilled fields give
evidence to the passer-by of the thrift and enterprise
of the owner. He is truly a self-made roan, for
with no pecuniary assistance, he started out in life
and through his own efforts has acquired the prop-
erty which today places him in comfortable cir-
cumstances and ranks him among the substantial
farmers of the community. His life has been a
busy one, yet he has found time, aside from his
business, to devote to the advancement of all
worthy interests calculated to benefit the commun-
ity and also to church work, himself and wife being
members of the Baptist Church. He does not take
an active part in political affairs, but keeps himself
well informed on the leading issues of the day and
casts his ballot with the Republican party.
In 1868, Mr. Myers was called upon to moura
the loss of his wife and the following year he wm
joined in wedlock with Ruth Fisher, a native of
Des Moines Township, and a daughter of George
and Mary Jane (Cloke) Fisher, of whom further
mention is made later on in this sketch. Three
children grace their union: Frank, Emmett and
Laura Alice. Mr. Myers is a practical and pro-
gressive farmer, who, thoroughly understanding his
business, manages his interests in the best possible
way and thereby reaps a good income as the reward
of bis labor.
George Fisher, father of Mrs. Myers, was a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, but in his youth removed to
Indiana, where he became acquainted with and
married Miss Cloke, a native of that State. From
Indiana they removed to Illinois in 1836 and two
years later came to what is now Des Moines Town-
ship, Jefferson County, Iowa, but was then a part
of the Territory of Michigan. He entered land and
improved it, settling upon the purchase where he
continued to make his home for many years. He
was a stirring and wide-awake farmer who labored
unceasingly for the interests of himself and family.
He became a prominent citizen of the community,
took an active part in politics and was an untiring
worker in the Baptist Church. His upright life
commended itself to the respect and confidence of
all with whom he came in contact and won him
many warm friends. He was called to his final
home in 1876, having survived his wife for some
twenty-six years. They were the parents of eight
children: Mary Ann, now Mrs. Black, of Kansas;
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Ruth J., the honored wife of Richard Myers; Mil-
tonf who is married and makes his home in Locust
Grove Township, enlisted for the late war in 1861,
in Company H, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry and after
serving three years was honorably discharged in
Davenport; Rachel is now the wife of William
Salts; Rhoda married Samuel Salts; Clara C. mar-
ried Christian Maxson und died in 1872; Martha E.
died when two years of age. Barbara, the young-
est, is the wife of David Salts.
JOHN C. HAGLER, an honored pioneer of
Iowa, of 1 832, who, since 1 848 has made
his home in Van Buren County, and is now
a resident of Milton, was born in Stewart
County, Tenn., on the 19th of March, 1814, and is
one of a family of thirteen children, numbering six
brothers and seven sisters, of whom five brothers
and four sisters are now living. The parents of
this family were Cleveland and Nancy Hagler,
natives of North Carolina, both born and reared in
the region of the Little Pedee River. They removed
to Tennessee in early life, whence the}' emigrated
to Madison County, III., with their children, in
1819, and Mr. Hagler there devoted himself to
farming until 1832, when, accompanied by his fam-
ily, he took up his residence in Warren County of
the same State, where he made his home until 1843,
when he emigrated to the Iowa Territory, the fam-
ily locating in Jackson Township on Government
land. Mr. Hagler followed the occupation of
farming throughout his entire life. He held vari-
ous township offices and lived to a ripe old age, his
death occurring in 1877, having survived his wife
about three years.
John C. Hagler was reared on a farm and re-
ceived bis education in the country district schools
of IllinQls. When eighteen years of age he turned
his face toward the setting sun, and crossing the
Mississippi at a point where now flourishes the
great city of Burlington, set foot upon Iowa soil.
At that time one log house alone marked the advent
of the white race into what was then an unorgan-
ized territory, but which was attached to Michigan
in 1834, became Wisconsin Territory in 1836, and
was organized into the Territory of Iowa in 1838.
Mr. Hagler erected a log cabin on a claim near the
present site of Burlington, where he spent the
winter, returning to Illinois in the spring of 1833.
Tbe following fall he went to Dubuque, Iowa, then
a mere hamlet, and followed teaming with a yoke
of oxen, between Keokuk, Galena, Mineral Point
and Plattville, until the fall of 1834, when he re-
turned to Warren County, 111. He engaged in
farming there and was married in that county on
the 30th of November, 1837, to Miss Rachel Baker,
who was born in St. Claire County, 111., May 10,
1817.
In the spring of 1843 Mr. Hagler emigrated
from Illinois to Iowa, and located in Jackson
Township, Van Buren County, near Milton. His
brother, Amos Hagler, in company with two other
families, were the earliest settlers in this township,
they having located here in the spring of 1838.
The brother died November 10, 1864. John C.
Hagler purchased Government land on section 32,
town 68 north, range 1 1 west, where he engaged in
farming and stock-raising. He added to his origi-
nal purchase until he had four hundred acres in
this township, in addition to which he now owns
two hundred and forty acres near Rippey, Greene
County, Iowa, and eighty acres in Woodbury
County. In 1866 he began buying and shipping
live stock, which business he continued until 1884.
His first markets were St. Louis, Mo., and Pittsburg,
Pa., and he also shipped some stock to New York,
but later the greater part of his shipments were
sent to Chicago. He purchased considerable Texas
stock in early days, but subsequently bought Iowa
cattle. His shipments averaged about two cars of
stock weekly, and he was known throughout Iowa
as one of the largest stock dealers of the State. In
1877, retiring somewhat from active business life,
he removed to Milton, whore he has since resided.
Mr. and Mrs. Hagler were the parents of seven
children, four sons and three daughters, of whom
five are living. George W., the eldest, was born
August 9, 1840, served three years during the late
war as a member of the Ninth Missouri Cavalry,
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married Miss Ilattie Wright, and resides in Ida
County, Iowa, where he is engaged in farming;
Nancy E., born July 30, 1842, is the wife of George
Pippinger, and is a resident of Ida Count3% Iowa.
Mr. Hagler, Sr., has two brothers and a sister liv-
ing in Ida County, besides his son and daughter.
Marion C, the next younger, waa born March 25,
1844, and died August 4, 1845; Elisha C, born
May 20, 1846, and died August 15, 1847; Susanna,
born February 16, 1848, is the wife of Calvin
Huddleston, a farmer of Jackson Tov/nship, who
enlisted in the Ninth Missouri Cavalry, and served
three years in the late war; John Fletcher was born
January 31, 1850, wedded Lizzie Abernathy, who
lives in Shenandoah, Iowa; David M., born January
27, 1855, married Emma Smith, and is farming in
Jackson Township.
On the 24th of September, 1883, Mr. Hagler was
called upon to mourn the loss of his esteemed wife,
who had been his companion on life's journey for
nearly forty -six years, and who was a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
was again married September 30, 1885, the lady of
his choice being Mrs. Mary J. Corwin, widow of
B. W. Corwin, and daughter of Josiah and Hattie
(Taylor) Tufts. Mrs. Ha|:ler was born in Lebanon,
Warren County, Ohio, January 22, 1844, was
reared and educated in her native town, and on the
14th of September, 1865, became the wife of
Lieut. B. W. Corwin. Her husband was born
in Warren County, Ohio, April 2, 1841, and was a
Lieutenant of the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery.
In 1867 he removed with his family toKeosauqua,
Iowa, and on the 15th of February, 1877, his death
occurred in Scotland County, Mo. Mrs. Hagler
had five children by her first marriage. Hattie
Corwin, the eldest, was born October 8, 1866, and
is the wife of Charles EVrake, of Scotland County,
Mo.; Winnie, born December 31, 1867, died Octo-
ber 29, 1887; Joseph E., born October 14, 1869;
Frank E., April 11, 1875; and John W., August
20, 1876. Mrs. Hagler is a member of the
Christian Church. Mr. Hagler has always been a
Republican in politics and has held various town-
ship oflSees; was Justice of the Peace, Notary Pub-
lic, Township Trustee, and a member of the School
Board. Socially, he is a member of Aurora Lodge,
No. 150, A. F. & A. M., of Milton. Toward the
breaking out of the war he engaged in merchandis-
ing with John Wright, and continued some six
3ears. Fifty-eight years mark the time since he
came to Iowa.
vORVIL N. GREEN. Among the living
representatives of one of the sabstantial
pioneer families of Jefferson County, is the
gentleman whose name appears at the head of this
sketch and we feel that we afford our readers
pleasure in presenting to them this record of bis
life. His father, Wilson Green, a native of Hun-
tingdon County, Pa., was bom August 25, 1 809,
and was a son of Nathaniel and Ruth (Johnson)
Green, the former of English descent and the
latter of Scotch lineage. Nathaniel Green lived to
the age of eighty -eight years and his wife reached
the advanced age of ninety-eight years.
Wilson Green, father of our subject, it one of
nine children, six sons and three daughters. In
early life he learned the carpenter's trade which
served him admirably on coming to Iowa, for in
that early day workmen were scarce and his ser-
vices were highly prized. On May 14, 1835, he
wedded Emily J. Frazey, a native of Bedford
County, Pa., born March 10, 1818. Soon after
their marriage they removed to Portage County,
Ohio, and in 1845, emigrated to Jefferson County,
Iowa, locating on section 31, Lookridgc Township.
Mr. Green was a successful farmer, owning a good
farm, the value of which he greatly enhanced by
adding many improvements thereto. Both he and
his wife were active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, as w^re also his parents before
him. Politically, he was a Democrat. His death
occurred on the 26th of September, 1854, and later
his widow married James H. Hendricks, with whom
she still lives on the old homestead. By her flrst
marriage she became the mother of seven children,
ail of whom are yet living save Ira E., who died
when about twelve years old. Those who still
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survive are Norvil N., the eldest of the family;
Morrison B., a farmer.of Washington County, Iowa;
Joseph A. who is engaged in the hotel business in
Curtis, Nebraska; AlmiraE. wife of Horace Steel,a
resident of Washington County, Iowa; Frances
M., wife of Simeon T. Caviness, whose home is in
J^flferson County, and James W. who devotes his
time and attention to farming in Kansas.
We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject. Ohio is the State of his nativity and October
8, 1 836, the date of his birth. The first nine years
of his life were spent in Portage County, whence,
in 1845, he accompanied his parents on their west-
ward journey to the Territory of Iowa. Since that
time he has never left the old homestead on which
the family located, but novv has charge of and owns
the greater part of it, consisting of two liundred
and eighty acres of good land, most of which he
has placed under a high state of cultivation and
which therefore yields a ready and suitable return
for the care and labor he bestows upon it. Ac-
quainted with the occupation of farming in all its
details and possessing unbounded thrift and in-
dustry he cannot but be successful. He is largely
interested in sheep raising.
Religious!}', Mr. Green has embraced the faith of
his parents and is an active member and faithful
worker in the church, but in politics he has not fol-
lowed the paternal cxample,being a stanch Republi-
can and a warm advocate of prohibition. He de-
votes himself entirely to the interests of his farm
and as the result ranks among the successful agri-
culturalists of his township.
^^■s*:
^-^^^VtV^^^^
•<<t^^'
\f]OHN A. SPIELMAN, a retired hardware
merchant of Fairfield and one of the promi-
nent pioneers of Jefferson County, was born
in Columbus, Ohio, July 10, 1834, and is
the son of John and Saloma (Berge) Spielman,
whose sketch appears on another page of this work.
Our subiect came to Jefferson County with his
parents in the spring of 1840. and spent the succeed-
w
ing ten years of his life on his father's farm in
Walnut Township, attending the primitive schools
of pioneer times or aiding in the cultivation of the
homestead. In 1850, when sixteen years of age,
he returned to his native city and entered the Cap-
ital University, where he pursued his studies for
two years. He then served an apprenticeship to
the tinner's trade and in the fall of 1855, when a
little past his majority returned to Iowa. For a
year and a half he worked at his trade in Burling-
ton and then went to Mt. Pleasant, where he en-
gaged as clerk for Presley Saunders, the pioneer
merchant of that town and after spending a year
in that place started a general store in a little
village in Jefferson County, called German ville,
which was situated in Walnut Township. He was
there married on the 24th of April, 1860, to Miss
Christina Hirschberger, a daughter of Godfrey
Hirschberger, and a native of Lancaster, Ohio.
In the Presidential campaign of the same year,
when Lincoln was the nominee for President, Mr.
Spielman organized a company of Wide-awakes
which he drilled and subsequently, after the break-
ing out of the war, converted many of them into
soldiers. lie raised a company for the Seventeentli
Iowa Regiment — Company D — and also a part of
Company K. In February, 1862, he was commis-
sioned Second Lieutenant and leaving his wife to
carry on the store, marched to the front. The
Captain of his company was dismissed from the
service and Lieut. Spielman should have succeeded
to the captaincy, but by some mistake the order
was never enforced. However, the command of
the company devolved upon Lieut. Spielman who
acted as captain until his former superior oflScer
was reinstated when he resigned , after eighteen
months of active service. He was commissioned
Captain on Gen. John E. McPherson's staff, but the
commission did not reach him until after his
resignation. Capt. Spielman took part in the seige
of Corinth and the battle of luka, and after the
engagement at the former place on the 2nd, 3d and
4th of October, the regiment was complimented by
Gen. Rosencrans, who said that it had captured
more prisoners an.l colors than any other regiment
in the field. Our subject was in command of his
company during Grant's march in the rear of Vicks-
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burg, participated in Xhe Yazoo expedition, the
battle at Grand Gulf, Miss., on the Ist of May,
1863, fought at Bayou, Miss., Port Gibson, Black
River and the battle of Raymond, May 12 ;
participated in the capture of Jackson, Miss., May
14, the battle at Champion Hills, May 17 and 18,
the engagement at Black River on the following
d^y and the celebrated charge on Vicksburg, May
27. The Seventeenth Iowa and Fifty -sixth Illinois
Regiments were the only two that guarded Ft.
Hill which Logan blew up. Capt. Spielman was
also in the seige of Vicksburg until after its sur-
lender. A month later he went up tho river and on
the 18th of August, 1863, resigned his position,
Returning from the war he located in Fairfield and
established himself in the hardware business which
he has carried on continuously since.
Mr. and Mrs. Spielman were blessed with a
family of six children, three sons and three daugh-
ters— Henry A., the eldest was born on the 4th of
March, 1861, the day on which President Lincoln
was first inaugurated, graduated from Carthage
College, of Carthage, 111., married Miss Alice
Geiger and is now a commercial traveler, residing
in Fairfield. John G. who graduated from the
State University of Iowa, is a civil engineer by
profession. Carrie E. is the wife of Rev. C. S.
McElhinney of the Presbyterian Church, of Colum-
bus Junction, Iowa ; Fred A. is a hardware mer-
chant of Fairfield, the junior member of .the firm
of J. A. Spielman & Son. The younger daughters,
May and Louisa Belle, are still at home.
Mr. Spielman and wife are members of the
English Lutheran Church, and Mr. Spielman has
been prominently connected with that church
officially. He was Treasurer of the State Synod
for seventeen consecutive years, a delegate to the
General Synod six times, and has acted as special
agent for the Board of Church Extension of the
General Synod, in securing locations for new mis-
sions in Iowa and while serving in that capacity
aided in locating three churches. He bought the
church of his denomination in Burlington and
deeded it to the society. He also aided in establish-
ing the church at Davenport and one in Sioux City.
He has held the offices of Deacon, Elder, Trustee
and Secretary of his local church and has been an
efficient worker in the Sunday-school cause, having
served as president of the Jefferson County Sunday-
school Association and labored in the interests of
the State Sunday-school Association. He was also
a member of the Board of Trustees of Carthage
College and served as its President two years, when
he resigned on account of failing health.
Mr. Spielman is a member of George Strong
Post, No. 19, G. A. R. and while serving in the
capacity of Post Commander had the honor of un-
veiling the only soldiers* monument in Jefferson
Count}'. At the exercises attending that event he
presided and made the opening address. He is the
father of the regimental organization, was its first
president and held that position four years. He
has attended all the re-unions in this part of the
State and was the presiding officer on the second
day of the reunion in Creston, in October, 1886,
when Gen. Phil Sheridan was present the last time
he was west of the Mississippi. In political senti-
ment, Mr. Spielman is a Republican and has been
an active worker for his party since its organiza-
tion, aiding not a little in its advancement by his
entertaining speeches in its behalf. He has held
various local offices, such as township trustee and
clerk and Alderman of the city, and is the present
secretary of the Old Settlers Association. He is
an afi'able, genial gentleman, well informed, broad
and liberal in his views, and enjoys the confidence
and respect of a large circle of acquaintances.
Vl/ONATHAN D. ROWLAND is the junior
member of the firm of Rowland Bros., gen-
eral merchants of Milton, Iowa. He is a
native of this State, his birth having occur-
red in Davis County, on the 4th of November,
1853, his parents being Samuel P. and Elizabeth
(Russell) Rowland. The early life of our subject
passed uneventfully. His education was acquired
in the district schools of the neighborhood, and at
the academy of Troy, and he was reared upon the
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farm until twent3'-two ^'ears of age, when he left
the parental roof. On approaching years of ma-
turity, he was united in marriage with Miss Mamie
Claflin, their marriage being celebrated in Johnson
County, Kan., on the 27th of February, 1872. The
lady is a daughter of Major Wallace Claflin, de-
ceased, who was born in Van Buren County, Iowa,
and was a son of Ira Claflin. He graduated from
West Point. Mrs. Rowland is a native of Hagers-
town, Md., and by the union of the young couple,
two children, sons, have been born: Lamar, born
November 23, 1883; and Downs, born on the 19th
of September, 1885.
In political sentiment, Mr. Rowland is a Demo-
crat, and a stanch supporter of that party, with
which he has affiliated since attaining his majority.
He is not only connected with the business inter-
ests of Milton as a member of the firm of Rowland
Bros., but is also a director and stockholder in the
Citizens' Bank. He is one of the live young busi-
ness men of the city, whose future promises success,
and if he pursue the path in which he is now walk-
ing, in a short time he will doubtless be ranked
among the substantial and leading citizens of Van
Buren County.
-=^^
•^%-
J=^
=5^-
^^>
^p^ EORGE PENNINGTON, an early settler of
ij Van Buren County, who for thirty-three
'\^5l years has held the office of Justice of the
Peace, is now a resident of Milton. Delaware is
the State of his nativity. He was born in Kent
County, September 30, 1823, and is a son of Ben-
jamin and Ann (Wilson) Pennington, who were
also natives of the same county. The father died
in Delaware in early life, after which the mother
became the wife of William Russell. The family re-
moved to Rush County, Ind., in 1835, and some
years later to Franklin County, where the subject of
this sketch was reared on a farm and received a com-
mon-school education. He was married on the 24th
of September, 1843, in Franklin County, Ind., the
lady of his choice being Miss Casander Amos,
daughter of Ditto Amos, and a native of Kentucky.
One child, a daughter, was born unto them — Mary
Adeline, who died aged three years, in this
county.
In April, 1846, Mr. Pennington came to Iowa
and settled in Jackson Township, Van Buren
County, ^nd engaged in farming. During his
residence there his wife died on the 24th of July,
1848, and on the Ist of August, 1850, he was again
married, to Miss Mary M. Mowre, daughter of
David and Snrah Mowre. She was born in Ken-
tucky in February, 1834; during her girlhood
accompanied her parents to Indiana, and in 1848
came to Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington are pa-
rents of the following children: David Benjamin,
the eldest, died at the age of eight months; Sarah
Ann resides with her parents; Mary Frances is the
wife of Samuel A. McCombs, of Milton; Charlotte
E. is the wife of Oscar Smith, a resident of Fairfield,
Iowa; Amanda J. wedded A. H. Dodge, who is liv-
ing in Bloomfield, Iowa; George Sherman married
Miss Kate Gilfillan, and resides in Milton; Charles
E. is single, and is now located in Center ville, Iowa;
Cora Belle, the youngest,i8 unmarried and yet makes
her home with her parents.
In 1867, Mr. Pennington left the farm and re-
moved to Milton, where he engaged in hotel keeping
with good success for a number of years. He was
elected Justice of the Peace in 1851, immediately
after the first code of the State was enacted, and
was re-elected from term to term, having for the
past forty years, with the exception of six terms,
held the ofl3ce continuously. He is now serving
in the same position, his time not expiring until
1891. He has served more years in the office of
Justice than any man in Van Buren County, and
more acceptably — a fact indicated by his lono-
retention in the position and by the large majorities
which he receives at the elections. His views on
political subjects are in support of the principles
of the Democratic party. Other local offices he has
frequently filled. He was at one time the candidate
of his party for the position of Sheriff, and
received the flattering home endorsement of one
hundred and six votes out of one hundred and
forty-six cast in the precinct, although defeated by
an adverse party majority in the county. Mr. Pen-
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ningloD served as Notarj Public many years; has
held the office of sub-district Treasurer of his town-
ship, and is now Secretary of the independent
scliool district of Milton. He has also assessed the
city of Milton ever since it was incorporated as a
city, and is now entering upon a new term in that
position, and has assessed the township several
times. He is a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 28,
K. P., and he and his wife, with several of their
children, are members of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Pennington Is a genial and affable man, whose
sound judgment and upright and impartial dis-
charge of duty have won for him the confidence and
esteem of his fellow citizens.
♦^^
-S^^ ^
J'~ AMES BELL, deceased, an honored pioneer
of Van Buren County, of 1837, was born
in Virginia, about 1810. In early child-
' hood he was left an orphan and reared by
strangers, with whom in his boyhood he went to
Kentucky. Prior to his marriage he emigrated to
Illinois, locating in Hancock County, where he
formed the acquaintance of Miss Barbara Walker,
whom he afterward made his wife. With the hope
of securing a home, in 1837, they started westward
crossed the Mississippi and made a location in the
central part of Van Buren County, Iowa, about
two miles north of Keosauqua. At that time there
were only one or two families living in the central
portion of the county and a cornfield marked the
site of the present county seat. It will thus be seen
that the work of advancement and development
had not been carried forward with very rapid
strides. Mr. Bell entered land which he trans-
formed into a fine farm, and at his death the old
homestead comprised two hundred and forty acres
of as highly cultivated land as could be found in the
county.
Seven children, four sons and three daughters
were born of the union of James Bell and Barbara
Walker. Eli, the first born, married Sarah A.
Matthews and his farm, a short distance north of
Keosauquji, joins the old homestead; Rachel is the
wife of Mr. Jackson, a Resident farmer of Davis
County, Iowa; John R. who operates the home
farm has been three times married, his present wife
being Mary Miller; George W., an enterprising
business man of Milton, is represented elsewhere in
this work; Sarah E. is the wife of Jonathan Denning
who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Van
Buren County; Henry who married Almira Kim-
ball, was drowned in the Des Moines River at
Pittsburg, in 1870, and one died in infancy.
The death of Mrs. Bell occurred in October,
1863, but Mr. Bell survived his wife some seven
years, dying in 1870, in the sixty-first year of his
age. Both he and his wife were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and were identified
with the first church in the county. He was a
Democrat in politics but gave little attention to
political affairs. He was familiarly known among
his neighbors and friends as *'Uncle Jim," and the
word of Uncle Jim was as readily received as the
bond of most men. He was genial and kindly by
nature and was always ready to give assistance, en-
couragement or sympathy to those in need of his
kindly offices. A typical pioneer, such as made the
era of good feeling proverbial in the early settle-
ment of the West, his sketch deserves representa-
tion in this volume which will long perpetuate his
memory.
ENJAMIN F. HUMPHREY, a jeweler of
Milton, is a native of Illinois, born July 3,
^ 1854.
His father was George Humphrey,
who was born in Ohio, about 1826. and in
1832, with his parents came to Van Buren County,
where he wedded Miss Mary Sheets, the mother of
the subject of our sketch. A more extended notice
of this worthy couple is given on another page of
our history.
Benjamin F. Humphrey during his childhood
days was brought by his parents to Van Biiren
County, where in the common schools his education
was acquired. His early life passed uneventfully
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and on nearing the years of maturity he made
choice of the jeweler's trade as a business which
he believed he could profitably and pleasantly fol-
low through life. In 1877, he be^an learning the
trade in Lebanon, where he continued about a year.
He came to Milton the following year and in 1879
established his present business. Mr. Humphrey
has now been located in Milton some eleven years
and has biiilt up a fine trade, while his skill in his
calling has won for him the confidence of those
needing the services of a skilled watchmaker.
An important event in the life of Mr. Humphrey
occurred on the 5th of April, 1882, which day wit-
nessed the celebration of his marriage to Miss
Mattie Pennington, daughter of Benjamin Pen-
nington, of Milton. The lad}' Is a native of Davis
County, Iowa, and four children have been born of
their union, one son and three daughters: Mabel,
Laura Elota, Sidney Glenn and Edith LaRue, all
born in Milton. Mr. Humphrey is a member of
the Order of Knights of Pythias, belonging to
Jackson Lodge, No. 28, K. P., and a Republican
in politics.
THOMAS R. SMITH, an extensive farmer and
stock-raiser located on section 20, Polk
Township, came to Jefferson County in the
spring of 1845, from Hancock County, Ind., where
in 1830, he first opened his eyes to the light of day.
He was the sixth child born unto David and Nancy
(Davis) Smith, both of whom were natives of Vir-
ginia. The family became residents of Jefferson
County, Iowa, in 1845, and the parents continued
to here make their home until called to their final
rest. Mr. Smith first bought about four hundred
acres of land but added to this by subsequent pur-
chase. He was a man of excellent business ability
and became an influential citizen of the commun-
ity.
The subject of this sketch acquired a limited
education in the schools of Hancock County, Ind.,
t^nd Jefferson County, Iowa, after which he assisted
in opening up a farm for cultivation. On attain-
ing his majority, he began life for himself on a
farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of raw
land which he placed under fence, transformed into
fertile fields and improved by the erection of good
buildings, etc. Jn 1866, he was married, the lady
of his choice being Miss Nancy Muse, daughter of
Warner and Martha (Stewart) Muse, and Mrs.
Smith like her parents is a native of Virginia. Her
father is now deceased, but her mother is still liv-
ing and makes her home with her daughter.
Since coming to this county, Mr. Smith has re
sided upon the old homestead. After his father's
death, be purchased a half interest in the farm
which he still owns and operates. His landed pos-
sessions aggregate nine hundred and twenty acres
in Jefferson County, the greater part of which he
uses for pasturage as he raises a large amount of
stock. In this branch of his business he has been
quite successful, it netting him a good income.
Throughout the years of his manhood he has been
blessed with prosperity and is now numbered
among the wealthier citizens of the county. His
business abilities are above the ordinary; shrewd
and far sighted, he considers well before he makes
a bargain and then does not come off loser, neither
does he make the other party lose by the trans-
action for he is fair and honest in all his dealings
and finds no need to resort to strategy to accom-
plish his end. Socially, he is a member of Abing-
don Lodge, No. 104, A. F. & A. M. and his wife is
a faithful member of the Christian Church of
Abingdon. He takes quite an active part in edu-
cational matters and in politics is a stalwart sup-
porter of Democratic principles.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three
children and the family circle yet remains unbroken,
though the elder two have married and gone to
homes of their own. Nathan, the only son, married
Miss Lillie Schoolen and is now engaged in farming
in Polk Township; Martha is the wife of Jones
Johnson, a resident farmer of the same township,
and Myrta is still with her parents. The children
have been provided with good educational advan-
tages, such as to fit them for the practical duties of
life and have become useful members of society.
Mr. Smith resided for two years under the terri-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
torial g^overnmcnt of Iowa and has made his home
in the State during its entire existence as such. He
is widely and favorably known and the friends of
the family are many.
ON. MOSES BLACK is numbered among
the pioneer settlers of Jeflferson County, of
yr^ 1844, and from that time until his death
(^ was prominently identified with its liistory,
growth and advancement. He was born in Adams
Count}', Ohio, September 2^, 1801, and was a son
of Samuel and Jane (Mahaffey) Black. He was
of Scotch-Irish descent, his paternal grandfather,
James Black, having emigrated to America from
the North of Ireland, and settled in Westmoreland
County, Pa. He was born in Londonderry, of the
Emerald Isle, in 1732, and wedded Sally William-
son. Their son Samuel Black married Jane Ma-
haflfey and their union was blessed by the birth of
Moses Black, the subject of this sketch.
Having attained to mature years, our subject
was joined in wedlock on the 30th of August, 1827,
in Ohio, with Nancy Glasgow, and during their
residence in the Buckeye State, they became par-
ents of six children, as follows: Sarah J., who is
now the wife of C. W. Gage, of Fairfield; William
G., who married Rachel Stever, and resides in Fair-
field Township; Rhoda M., wife of J. G. Burkhart,
of Locust Grove Township; Selina, who died it
the age of two years; James Madison, who married
Emeline Rider, and is living in Fairfield ; and Pau-
line, who died at the age of twenty years. After
the birth of the last named daughter, the family re-
mored to Jefferson County, and the following chil-
dren were here born: Catherine, who died at the
age of twenty -two years; Susanna, who is the wife
of George McRea, of Fairfield; Iladdassah M., who
is living in Fairfield ; Francis, who died in infancy;
Moses .Walker, who married Catherine AverilL and
resides in Fairfield; and Robert Theodore, who
died at the age of twenty -two years.
It Wft8 in 1841 that Mr. Black first left his na-
tive State; journeying Westward, he at length lo-
cated in Brown County, 111., where he remained
until the spring of 1844, which witnessed his ar-
rival in Jeflferson County, Iowa. He made a set-
tlement in Des Moines Township, and continued
to own and operate that farm for nineteen years,
when in 1863, he sold out and purchased a farm
north of Fairfield, where he resided until his death
May 1, 1867. In his early life he was a ship car-
penter, but his later years he devoted exclusively to
agricultural pursuits. His wife, who long survived
him, died on the 14th of October, 1880, at the age
of seventy -two years.
During his entire residence in this community,
Mr. Black was regarded as a prominent and infiuen-
tial citizen, highly esteemed for his sterling worth
and strict integrity. In his early manhood he be-
came a member of the Ignited Presbyterian Church
and continued one of its faithful workers for forty
years or up to the time of his death. He was hon-
ored by being made the first County Judge of
Jeflferson County, under the system of county or-
ganization that went into eflfect in 1^51. He was
an antislavcry Whig in earl}^ life, and while serv-
ing as County Judge, aided in the organization of
the Republican party in Iowa, at Burlington, and
was one of those who took part in the informal
meeting in that city in 1863 for the purpose of or-
ganizing the party. He had little taste for public
oflrtce, and accepted the County Judgeship with re-
luctance, but having been elected to the ofl3ce, he
displayed the same fidelity to duty which ever
marked his career, whether as a public or private
citizen. He was an industrious, upright, honorable
man, enterprising and public-spirited, and was
most highly respected by all who knew him.
\i^ LISHA H. SKINNER, banker and general
{1^ merchant of Birmingham, is a native of
J' — ^ that town, his birth having occurred on the
24th cf October, 1846. His father, Charles D.
Skinner, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y.,
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May 21, 1816, and when thirteen years of age re-
moved with his parents to Holmes County, Ohio.
In 1839, he came to this county a single man and
took a claim near Birmingham. Soon afterwards,
however, he met a lady whose hand he sought in
marriage — Miss Nancy Barnes, and on tlie 12th of
November, 1840, the}' were united in marriage.
Mrs. Skinner was a native of Holmes County, Ohio,
and with her parents came to Iowa in 1839. Mr.
Skinner made farming his life work. He took a
lively interest in polities, though not for selfish
ends; adhering to the doctrines of the old Whig
paity until the rise of the Republican party, when
he joined its ranks. In 1850, he made a trip to
California, where he was engaged in mining tor
some three years. Returning once more to Iowa,
he resumed his former calling, which continued to
be his occupation until laying aside the duties of
life, he was called to his final home. He died on
the 24th of February, 1890, in the faith of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he had been
a member for forty-seven years. His wife and
seven children survive him, while five of the fam-
ily have passed on before.
Our subject was the fourth in order of birth.
On the farm he learned the useful lessons of indus-
try and energy and in the public schools and Mc-
Arthurs Academy, of Birmingham, he acquired a
good English education. Although seventeen
years of age, in June 1863, he enlisted in Company
C, of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and from Daven-
port went to Nashville, Tenn., and then on the
Atlanta Campaign, participating in nearly all the
engagements from Chattanooga to Atlanta. He
was in the famous Kilpatrick raid, where a good
part of his regiment was captured though he was
more fortunate. Having returned to iVashville,
reorganized and received fresh horses, the com-
mand marched to the Tennessee River to harass
Gen. Hood in his movements. Having taken part
in the battle of Spring Hill and Franklin, they
went into Kentucky and were remounted, after
which, returning, they participated in the battle of
Nashville, driving Hood beyond the Tennessee
River. In a cavalry charge near Tuscaloosa, Ala.,
Mr. Skinner received an almost fatal wound, a ball
Striking him at the lower part of the left ear and
passing through his neck. Falling from his horse
he was left for dead, not however without some
kind-hearted rebel appropriating his hat, coat and
shoes. He was found by a negro and taken to a
house near by. When Gen. Forrest and his staff
came up, the surgeon said it was not worth while
to parole him as he would die before morning.
But not so, after remaining there some three weeks,
the rebels took him from his bed and made him
walk thirty-two miles the first day under a
summer's sun. Faint and exhausted, he laid
down on the ground and told his captors that
he would rather die than go farther. He was
then put on a horse and taken to Columbus,
Miss., but four days later was removed to
Jackson, Miss. One morning a rebel oflScer
ordered him to be ready to travel by one
o'clock and at that hour he was put into an ambu-
lance to be driven away, whether he was to be made
a victim of retaliation or not was impossible to tell.
After driving nearly all day, he was informed that
he was being taken to Natchez to exchange him
for a Confederate prisoner they wanted, but as
there was no one there having authority to make
such a change, it only remained to him to be driven
back again. As soon as it was suflficiently dark he
sprang from the ambulance and took to the woods.
His pursuers were unable to catch him and by one
o'clock that night he was within the Union lines.
He presented himself to Gen. Davidson who gave
him a pass to Cairo, 111., where the Christian Com-
mission furnished him with clean clothes, an in-
estimable gift. On the first boat he went to Nash-
ville, where he met some of his comrades from
Andersonville prison. Together the}^ joined their
command in Macon, Ga., where he remained un-
til mustered out at the close of the service in
August, 1865.
After receiving his discharge at Clinton, Iowa,
Mr. Skinner returned to Birmingham and once
more resumed peaceful pursuits. For a time
he was employed as clerk by the firm of Moss
& Pitkin, and later was a salesman for the latter
gentleman, Mr. Moss having retired. After clerk-
ing for ten years, he was admitted to partner-
ship with Mr. Pitkin, which connection he has since
continued with the exception of one yeai*. They
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do an extensive mercantile and banking business
and are ranked among the enterprising citizens of
the place.
At Birmingham on the 4th of Novembtr, 1866,
Mr. Skinner was united in marriage with Miss
Alice Gibbs, a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind.,
and unto them were born five children, but one
died in infanc}'. The living are Walter G., Effie M.,
Bert and Nellie. Mrs. Skinner is a'member of tlie
Methodist Episcopal Church. Political!}', Mr.
Skinner is a Republican. During the second term
of Gov. Larabee's administration, he was commis-
sioned Lieutenant Colonel on his staff. He is a
member of the G. A. R. Post, of Birmingham, of
which he has served as Quartermaster since its
organization and has also been Treasurer of the
city and school fund for a number of years.
He takes a prominent part in the political affairs
of his county, but without desire on his part of
official recognition; He is accounted one of the
foremost business men of Southeastern Iowa, an**!
the reputation which he has gained as a man of
enterprise and sterlicg worth is certainly well
merited.
^^ TEPHEN D. FELLOWS is engaged in
farming and stock-raising on section 36,
Van Buren Township, Van Buren County,
where he owns a good farm, comprising
some four hundred and fifty-two acres of land. A
man of practical yet progressive ideas he keeps
abreast of all improvements, and his home with its
surroundings indicates the thrift and enterprise of
its owner. Mr. Fellows was born in Luzerne
County, Pa., on the 3d of October, 1833, being the
fourth in a family of nine children whose parents
are Asaheland Susannah (Harrison) Fellows. They
were both natives of the Keystone State, and there
on the 7tb of May, 1827, their marriage was cele-
brated. Asahel Fellows made farming his life oc-
cupation and followed that pursuit in Pennsylvania
until 1836, when he emigrated to the Territory of
Michigan, but not being 3ati$fied to make a home
in that locality, in November of the same J year he
continued his journey to Van Buren County, Iowa,
and here purchased a claim located on section 31,
Van Buren Township. The following year he
bi ought his famil}' to the home which he had pre-
pared, and here during the remainder of his life he
continued to reside. lie became an influential
citizen of the community', and at his death, which
occurred March 19, 1869, friends and neighbors
felt that they had suffered a great loss. He also
took an active part in political affairs, voting with
the Democratic party. While a resident of Penn-
sylvania he served in the State Militia for seven
years, and was also a regularly' enlisted soldier in
the War of 1812. His wife survived him a num-
ber of years, dying on the 30th of November,
1888. Of their family of children, the following
yet survive — Whiting A., who is now married and
resides in Van Buren Township; Mrs. Elvira A.
Ilinklcy, of Clark Count}-, Mo.; Stephen D., of
this sketch; and William M. V. B., who is married
and makes his home in Van Buren Township.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
Abiel and Catherine (Mann) Fellows, both natives
of Connecticut and of English descent. The family
dates its residence in America back to Colonial days,
and Abiel Fellows gallantly served his country dur-
ing the War for Independence. On the maternal
side our subject is of German and Welsh descent.
His mother's father was Stephen Harrison.
In the usual manner of farmer lads, Stephen D.
Fellows spent the days of his boyhood and youth.
The educational advantages which he received were
very limited, in fact, his school life covered a pe-
riod of several years, though he never attended
but one full term. At the age of nineteen years
he began life for himself, taking charge of his
father's farm, and displaying in its management
ability and businesr. knowledge which woijld have
done credit to a man farther advanced in ^eai^.
From that time without interruption he has devotetl
himself to agricultural pursuits. He aided in open-
ing up and clearing a farm for his father, after
which he i>erf(>rmed the same task for himself, and
he is now the owner of 452 acres of highly im-
proved land which yields to him a good income.
He raises good grades of stock, making a sj)ecialty
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541
of Short-horn cattle, and has all the improvements
and conveniences known to the agriculturalist of
the nineteenth century.
It was in 1862, in Van Buren County, that Mr,
Fellows led to the marriage altar, Miss Ann Bowen,
a native of Wales, and a daughter of Thomas and
Sarah (Hopkins) Bowen, both of whom were born
in the same country. In 1847, accompanied by
their family, they left their native land for America,
crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel. After a
pleasant voyage of forty-five dajs they dropped
anchor in the harbor of New York, but did not
continue in the metropolis; but made a settlement
in Pennsylvania. Some five 3'ears later, in 1852, we
find them in Van Buren County, Iowa, and in 1857
they removed to a farm in Van Buren Township.
Mining was the life occupation of Mr. Bowen,
and in 1869 he was called from the toils of life,
dying in Mahaska County, Iowa. His wife sur-
vived him eight years, and was called to her final
rest in 1877. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fel-
lows, eight children have been born, of whom seven
are now living. The eldest, A. G., is married and
resides on the home farm; A. D. is married and
makes his home in Auburn, Cal. He completed
his literary education by graduating from the
Bloomfield College; S. G. was graduated from the
School of Pharmacy, of Chicago, in which city he
is now carrying on a drug store; Chloe, T. IL, S.
L. and Keo are still with their parents.
Among the representative men of the county is
numbered Stephen D. Fellows, who from the days
of fhis early boyhood has made his home in this
community. He is acquainted with every phase
of pioneer life, and slmred in the hardships and
trials which come to those who make homes on the
frontier. The first day which the family spent in
the county they were surrounded by four hundred
Indians encamped upon their claim, and the red
men were not unfrcquent visitors at iheirhome for
some years afterwards. The greater part of the
land at the time was wild and uncultivated, the
homes were mostly log cabins, oxen were used in
breaking land, and the condition of affairs at that
day gave little promise of the present prosperity
and progress of the county, but the work and ef-
forts of the pioneers have wrought a wonderful
transformation, and in all possible ways Mr. Fel-
lows has aided in this beneficial change. The cause
of education has found in him a special friend, and
he did effective service while on the School Board.
He was also a member of the State Militia and
holds a commission as Second Lieutenant. The moral
interests of the community receive his support,
and both he and his wife are members of the Chris-
tian Church, of Pleasant Hill. He takes consider-
able interest in civic societies, is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows* lodge, and
the Keosauqua Encampment, belonging to Keo-
sauqua Lodge, No. 10, A. F. <fe A. M., Moore
Chapter, No. 23, R. A. M., and Keosauqua
Lodge, No. 3, I. O. O. F. For four consecu-
tive years he was Worthy Master, and also filled
the various oflBces in the Chapter and Odd Fellows
society, representing the latter in the Grand Lodge.
He is an influential member of the Democratic
party, and in 1849 was honored by the nomination
for Representative, but his party being in the
minority was, in consequence, not elected. His
public and private life are alike above reproach,
his name is honored thi'oughout the community,
and as one of the leading citizens of the county he
deserves representation in this volume. ^
^<*S»* v:»t>-^3b«*^S^^^^*^^''^^^
(\ jh ALTER ATKINS, a physician and surgeon
\r J o^ Lebanon, Iowa, commenced the prae-
^^ tice of medicine in that place in 1887. He
has resided in Van Buren County during the
greater part of his life but is a native of Dela-
ware. The famil3^ is of French extraction and
was founded in America during the seventeenth
century. Many of its members were seafaring
people and through several generations they con-
tinued their residence in Delaware. The father
of our subject, Henry Atkins, was born in that
State and in his youth learned the carpenter's
trade which he there followed until 1860, when "he
came to Van Buren County, Iowa, with his family.
He 3ettled in Milton, whore he engaged in the
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furniture business until his death, which occurred
in April, 1869, at the age of forty -eight years. He
married Mary Joseph, who was a native of Dela-
ware and whose father served in the Revolutionary
War. She still survives hex husband and makes her
home in Milton. The children born unto this
worthy couple are Walter, whose name heads this
sketch ; James who is married and resides in
Jackson Township, Van Buren County ; Ida, wife
of Oliver Burton, of Osceola County, Iowa ; and
Theodosia, wife of George Russell, of Milton.
The birth of our subject occurred in 1853, and
when a lad of seven summers he was brought by
his parents to Iowa. The family located in Milton,
and in its schools he b^gan his education which he
completed by a full course of study in the Troy
Academy, of Troy, Iowa. His school life being
ended, he entered upon his business career as a
teacher in Jackson Township, and in connection
with the prosecution of that profession engaged in
painting and plastering for some five years. It
was his desire to make the practice of medicine his
life work and by the pursuit of those vocations just
mentioned he acquired the funds necessary to fit
him for his chosen work. In 1884, he entered the
Medical Institute, of Keokuk, Iowa, and after two
years of thorough study was graduated in the class
of 1886. He then opened an office in the vicinity
of his old home. It is said that one cannot make
a success of such a business in the community
where they have been reared, but if this rule holds
good in most cases Dr. Atkins is an exception to
it. By close application to business as a supple-
ment to his skill and ability, he has won a large
and lucrative practice which is increasing from
year to year. The past year, 1889, netted him
$3,500.
An important event in the life of Dr. Atkins
occurred in Davis County, Iowa, in 1877, when he
was joined in wedlock with Miss Catharine Oliver,
daughter of James and Mercy (Noel) Oliver, who
were natives of Ohio and emigrated to Davis
County, Iowa, in 1863, where they now reside. To
this union have been born three sons — Perry, now
a lad of twelve years ; Clarence, ten years of age ;
and Clyde who is now in his seventh year. The
Doctor and his wife are well known throughout
the community where they make their home and
rank high in the social world. He is a worthy and
enterprising citizen and one who manifests a com-
mendable interest in everything pertaining to the
welfare of town and county. He votes With the
Democratic party and socially is a member of Lone
Star Lodge, No. 155, 1. O. O. F.
■g^HARLES E. MOSHER, the owner of seven
hundred and sixty acres of land in Van
Buren County, his home being situated on
section 12, Jackson Township, has resided in this
community since 1854. In September of the previ-
ous year he came West and made purchase of three
hundred and twenty acres of land in this countj*, to
the cultivation and improvement of which he
has since devoted his energies with excellent
success.
Mr. Moaher was born on the 29th of August,
1820, in Vermont, of which State his parents, Alan-
son and p]unice (Emerson) Mosher, weie also
natives. His maternal grandfather was one of the
leading citizens of Windsor County, Vt.; in fact,
he had a State wide reputation, especially in the
Congregational Church, of which he was a promi-
nent and active member. He was a contractor and
builder by trade, and in connection with that
carried on farming and operated a saw and grist
mill. His business was an extensive one and he
became a wealthy citizen. The father of our sub-
ject spent his entire life in the Green Mountain
State, his death occurring in 1825. His wife
survived him many years, dying at the age of
seventy-five years. They were parents of four
children, the youngest of whom died in infancy.
Our subject is the only one of the family now liv-
ing; George C. died in Vermont some years ago;
and Francis T. died on the 2nd of September, 1890,
of heart disease, in Rochester, Vt. He was then
seventy-two years of age and was one of the most
prominent and leading citizens of that community.
His popularity was due to his upright life which
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543
won him the respect of all with whom he came in
contact. He filled various offices of trust in the
county and his public and private career were alike
above reproach. He became a well-to-do citizen,
which leaves his family in comfortable circum-
stances. A wife, four children and his brother
Charles were left to mourn the loss of one who had
never forfeited a claim to their afifection, but had
bound himself to them bj*^ closer ties of love as the
years rolled along. His memory will ever be
cherished by the brother left behind, until he too
shall have crossed the dark river.
Mr. Mosher spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in his native count}*, whence he came
directly to Van Buren County, Iowa. Having
previously attained to mature years, he chose as a
helpmate on life's journey Miss Caroline T. Whit-
ing, their union being celebrated in July, 1850.
The lady was born November 16, 1832, and was a
daughter of Stephen A. and Rebecca (Morris)
Whiting. Seven children were born unto them,
four sons and three daughters, namely: Napoleon,
Charles, George, Frank, Eunice, wife of George W.
Gillson ; Rebecca and Carrie. After a happy wedded
life of thirty-six years Mrs. Mosher passed away in
1886, dying of consumption. Mr. Mosher was
married the second time, to Lutherie Cutler Hervejs
in November, 1887, and in whom he finds a most
agreeable companion and helpmate.
As before stated, on his arrival in this county
Mr. Mosher purchased three hundred and twenty
acres of land in Jackson Township, and the follow-
ing year purchased an adjoining eighty acre-tract.
To ^his he has added from time to time as his
financial resources have increased, until he is now
one of the most extensive landowners of the county,
his possessions aggregating seven hundred and sixty
acres, the greater part of which is under a high
state of cultivation and finely improved. In con-
nection with general farming he is also engaged in
stock-raising, which branch of his business has
proved very profitable, he keeping from thirty to
forty head of horses, from forty to fifty head of
cattle, and seven hundred head of sheep of the
medium breed. He is a member of the Anti Horse
Thief Association, and in politics is a Republican
when questions of State or national importance arc*
brought up for settlement, but at local elections he
votes for the man who he thinks will best fill the
office. Mr. Mosher is an independent thinker. He
arrives at conclusions unbiased by the judgment of
others, but independently determines each question
for himself after careful consideration. To others
he allows the same privilege, and although he may
differ radically on many points, those opposing
him recognize his fair and upright spirit and reader
him respect accordingly.
Mr. Mosher, though not a soldier, was one of the
most active supporters of the Union cause. He was
a member of a home company known as the **True
Blues," whose object was to guard the interests of
the Union at home. Mr. Mosher was the Captain
of the company.
*^^^-
,» ir ^ »^
^TfAMES MORSE, proprietor of the Morse
House, of Birmingham, and a son of Titus
and Bedie (Doolittle) Morse, claims Con-
necticut as the State of his nativity. He
was born in New Haven County, October 15, 1822,
and his training was such as the sons of pioneer
farmers in Iowa received. On reaching his major-
ity he commenced his career as a farmer and on
the 22d of March, 1850, his marriage with Mrs.
Elizabeth J. Robertson was celebrated. The lady
is a daughter of Dr. James A. and Nancy (Brook-
hart) Randall. The Randall family was established
in America during Colonial days by ancestors who
emigrated from England. The great-grandfather
of Mrs. Morse settled on Staten Island and her
grandfather served under Gen. Washington in the
War for Independence. He was forced on board
an English man-of-war that he might be compelled
to serve in the British Army, but <leserting, ho
joined the Colonial troops. He married Margaret
Adams, a cousin of John Adams, our second Presi-
dent, and from Virginia, where their union was
celebrated, they removed to Kentucky. Dr. Ran-
dall was born in an Indian fort in Shelby County,
Ky., April '26, 1788, and in Bowling Green, Ky.,
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he marrieil Miss Brookhart, the wedding taking
place October 28, 1817. She was born October 13,
1792, in Virginia near the Natural Bridge. Her
parents came from Germany to America with their
respective families in childhood, were married in
Virginia and afterwards emigrated to Kentucky.
The 3'ear 1822 witnessed the removal of Dr. Ran-
dall and bis fannily to Clark County, Ind., where
for many years they made their home; coming in
1850, to Van Buren County, Iowa, they here spent
the remainder of their lives. He served through-
out the War of 1812, and was a successful physician,
taking rank among the leading practitioners in the
community where he resided. In politics, he was
first a Whig and later a Republican and both he
and bis wife accepted the faith of the Methodist
Church, in which he huld membership for many
years. The Doctor died in his home in Birmingham
in March, 1858, and on Christmas Day following
she too passed away.
In the family of Dr. and Mrs. Randall were ten
children, five sons and five daughters, of whom five
are yet living, namely: Mrs. Morse, the honored
wife of our subject; Mrs. Mary A. Prather, a resi-
dent of Ottumwa; Josephine and Sara J., who are
living in Birmingham, and James J., who makes
his home in Nebraska.
Mrs. Morse was born in Kentucky, September 1,
1818. By her first husband she became the mother
of four children, all of whom are deceased. One
son, William M., who served in the Thirteenth Iowa
Infantry during the late war. He was fatally
wounded in the charge on Vicksburg and died in
the hospital at Memphis, Tenn. Unto Mr. and
ISIrs. Morse have been born four children: Mary J.,
wife of E. A. Kerschener, a resident of Appanoose
County, Iowa; James Frank, -a stock shipper of
Douds Station; and the other two died in childhood.
They also have an adopted daughter, Ella C, who
has found a home with them since she was four
years of age.
From 1850 until 1852, Mr. Morse was engaged
in merchandising in Birmingham, after which he
farmed for two succeeding years. In 1854 here-
turned to Birmingham and for the past thirty-two
years has been employed as book-keeper in thf
Birminghan; MjHs, His long continued service
not only indicates his eflSciency from a business
point of view, but is an enviable mark of approval
of honesty and faithful service. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Morse are members of the Methodist Church,
in v/hich he has been Steward for forty years and
also recording Steward for many years. Politically
he was a Democrat until* the war, since which time
he hfis been identified with the Republican party,
by which he was elected Justice of the Peace, hold-
ing the oflSce eight 3'ears. For the same length of
time, Mr. Morse has entertained the public at his
excellent hotel, the Morse House, which is the best
in Birmingham and one of the best in this part of
the State.
■€-»-»-
^ SAIAH HARRIS, a leading business man of
I, Milton and the President of the Milton District
i^ Fair, has carried on the grocery business at
this place since 1872, a longer continuous period
than any other engaged in that line in the city.
The life record of Mr. Harris is as follows: He was
born in Preble County, Ohio, March 29, 1844, and
when a lad of seven years, in 1851, accompanied
his parents to Iowa, where he was reared to man-
hood on a farm and received a common school
education. When only seventeen years of age he
responded to his country's call for troops and on
the 9th of October. 1861, enlisted as a member of
Company D, Third Iowa Cavalry, being mustered
out October 9, 1865, after four years of active ser-
vice. During that time he was three times wounded,
first on the 7th of March, 1862, at Pea Ridge, where
he received a gunshot wound; again in Benton,
Ark., in November, 1863, he sustained a gun-shot in
the left hand and a third time in the fall of 1864
at the battle of Big Blue. Mr. Harris participated
in the capture of Vicksburg, was in the two battles
of Jackson, Miss., and in the engagement at Pea
Ridge, Guntown, Tupelo, Miss., and Columbus,
Ga., under Wilson. He was made Orderly to Gen.
A. J. Smith, and was appointed Quartermaster of
his regiment, aboqt three weeks before the battle
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546
of Tupelo, and later iiad charge of about sixty itien
guarding the division supply store.
On his return from the war Mr. Harris engaged
in farming in Davis Count}', Iowa, six miles west
of Milton, where he continued operations until
1872, when he remove<l to the city and embarked
in the grocery business as before stated. Eighteen
years has he continued in that line of trade and the
large patronage which be has received has made
him one of the substantial citizens of the place.
On the 13th of December, 1866, in Pulaski, Iowa,
Mr. Harris led to the marriage^ altar Miss Leah
Stover, a native of Smithfield, Ohio, and a daugh-
ter of Jacob Stover. Two children were born of
their union but both died in infancy. This worthy
couple are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of West Union, and in the social world are
held in high regard. In politics, Mr. Harris is a
Democrat but has never sought official distinction.
He was one of the organizers of the Milton District
Agricultural Society in 1881, held the office of
President for three years and is its largest stock-
holder. His enthusiasm and energy in support of
the enterprise has done much to insure its success.
Socially, he is a Master Mason, holding member-
ship in Aurora Lodge, No. 50, A. F. <fe A. M., of
Milton. Mr. Harris is a man of superior business
and executive ability and is recognized as an en-
terprising, energetic and successful business man,
whose integrity is unquestioned and whose judg-
ment is always respected.
-^i'--:-®^^-
OLOMON H. MYERS, a progressive
farmer and leading stock- raiser of Polk
Township, Jefferson County, residing on
section 14, is a native of Washington
County, Pa., and a son of Stephen and Sarah
(Huffman) Myers. The days of his boyhood and
youth were spent in the county of his nativity
and with the other members of the family he emi-
grated to the West in the spring of 1855. Making
a location 'n Jefferson County he embarked in
farming which he continued for seven years, when
in the spring of 1862,' he crossed the plains to
Idaho with an ox-team, arriving at his ["destination
after four months and eight days of travel. On
reaching Idaho he turned his attention to mining,
which he followed^for four years, being compara-
tively successful in that line of work. He then re-
turned to Jefferson County and made purchase of
eighty acres of improved land along the eastern
boundary of Polk Township. That farm continued
to be his home for some twenty years, during which
time manyjimprovements were added,while the well
cultivated fields gave evidence of the thrift and
industry of the [owner. About 1886, Mr. Myers
exchanged that farm for his present home on sec-
tion 14, embracing a quarter section of land, all
nicel}'^ improved, with a fine dwelling, good barns
and outbuildings, well kept fences and everything
necessary to a model farm of the nineteenth cen-
tury. In connection with the cultivation of his
land he also devotes considerable attention to
stock-raising, and being a believer in the improved
breeds of farm stock, is raising thoroughbred Short-
horn cattle and an excellent grade of horses and
hogs.
The month of March, 1870, witnessed the mar-
riage celebration of Solomon H. Myers and Mrs.
Arena (Ramey) Hinton, daughter of Jacob and
Sarah (Longerbone) Ramey, who are numbered
among the pioneer settlers of Jefferson County.
By this union there is but one child now living,
Hiram R., who is still with his parents, but they
have also reared an adopted daughter, Jessie B.
Hoffman, a niece of Mrs. Myers, who has been an
inmate of their home from infancy and shared in
the love and care given to their own child. Mr.
Myers is a stalwart supporter of Republican prin-
ciples and is one of the earnest workers of the
county for the success and welfare of his party.
A well balanced mind and an upright life make
him an influential roan and in political affairs and
other interests he is a leader. He has ever taken
an active part in the promotion of any enterprise
for the benefit of town and countjs and has done
not a little toward the improvement of the. town-
ship in which he makes his home. His residence
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in the county covers a period of thirty-five years
an(i has been an era of prosperity to him. His
wife, an estimable lady, is a member of the Baptist
Church of Abingdon and both are held in high re-
spect by all who know them.
WILLIAM A. WOODSIDE, who is num-
bered among the honored pioneers of
W^S Jefferson County, is the owner of a fine-
farm of two hundred and seventy acres on section
30, Buchanan Township, where he has lived for
many years. His home is situated on a natural
building site, and overlooks the city of Fairfield.
There, for a long period, he has watched tiie growth
• ana progress of the county, in whose development
he feels a deep interest, and has seen its progress in
the various lines of industry, educational, moral
and social growth.
Mr. Woodside is a native of Kentucky. His
birth occurred on the Slst of March, 1823, and he
is a son of John J. and Sarah (Bagby) Woodside,
who were married in Kentucky, but removed to
Tennessee during the infancy of our subjact, and
thence emigrated to McDonough County, III.,
when he was a lad of some six years. In early life
Mr. Woodside learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he made his chief occupation until his re-
moval to Illinois, when he turned his attention to
farming. His death occurred in that State at the
age of sixty-five years, and his wife died in Ma-
haska County, Iowa, at the advanced age of eighty-
four years. Both were active church workers, and
their consistent Christian lives won for tfiem many
warm friends. The generosity of Mr. Woodside
led him to go security for friends who neglected
or could not make payment, and he thus suffered
heavy losses. In politics he was a supporter of
Democratic principles.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest son and
fourth child in a family numbering seven sons and
three daughters, all of whom lived to mature years.
He received very limited educational advantages,
but experience, observation and reading have made
him a well-informed man. When quite young it
was his desire to learn the blacksmith's trade, but
his father did not wish him to follow that occupa-
tion, and he was forced to turn his energies into
some other channel. He celebrated his nineteenth
birthday by his arrival in Jefferson County, and
never yet has he had occasion to regret his deter-
mination to become a citizen of this community.
On the 23d of March, 1843, Mr. Woodside was
united in marriage with Martha A. Warner, who
was born in White Count}-, Tenn., on the 11th of
April, 1824, and is a daughter of William and Mar-
garet (Howard) Warner, the former of English ex-
traction and the latter of Scotch-Irish descent. Her
parents were natives of Virginia, but were married
in White County, Tenn., whither they had removed
with their respective families in childhood. Later
they removed to Montgomery County, Tenn., and
in 1836, in a wagon drawn by oxen, made their
way to Hancock County, 111., but after two years
became residents of Iowa. They settled on Cedar
Creek in Henry County, near Warner's Ford, which
was named in honor of Mr. Warner, but sickness
caused them to leave that home, and in the spring
of 1840 we find them in Jefferson County. Mr.
Warner was a stone and brick mason by trade,
but entered land and engaged in farming after
his settlement in the Territory of Iowa. Many
hardships and trials incident to pioneer life were'
borne by the family, such as living for two
months on ix)tatoes and squashes, and taking their
corn to mill in Hancock County, 111. Mr. Warner
was an inflexible adherent of Democratic princi-
ples, and for many years served as Justice of the
Peace. He died in the sixtieth year of his age,
and his wife had passed her sixtieth birthday when,
in Mahaska County, she was called home.
Having married him a wife, Mr. Woodside then
began preparation for making a home to which he
might take his bride. Going to the woods, he cut
the logs for a cabin, and splitting them in halves
made a floor. In this rude dwelling they began
their domestic life, but those days were among
their happiest, for children came to bless their
home, and friends, although widely scattered, were
truly friends, and the sociability which then ex-
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547
isted stood in place of the formality of today.
Their housekeeping outfit cost but $5, yet mutual
confidence and love were among th^ furnishings of
their home and made bright the otherwise dark
places in pioneer life. By industry and good man-
agement they have accumulated a handsome prop-
erty. The first purchase of Mr. Woodside con- isted
of but eighty acres in Fairfield Township, but as
before stated he now owns a well-improved farm
of two hundred and seventy acres adjoining the
corporation limits of the city of Fairfield.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woodslde have been born
fourteen children, two of whom died in infancy,
and a third at the age of sixteen years. In order
birth they are as follows: John W., a resident of
Fall River, Kan.; William N.; Robert C, a farmer
of' Buchanan Township, Jefl'erson County; Fran-
cis A., who is engaged in farming in Jefferson
County; Sarah E. ; Mar}' J.; Douglas M., who ope-
i-ates the home farm; Laura E., Alice J.. Albert, a
painter by trade; and Maggie.
Mr. Woodside has been a life-long Democrat,
and cast bis firet Presidential vote for Polk. His
wife is a member of the Free Methodist Church.
Their home is noted for its hospitality, and the
members of the household rank high in the social
world.
\fp\\EUBEN ELLMAKER, farmer and stock-
ilWf raiser of Des Moines Township, residing on
L \\\ section 3, located in Jefferson County on
^)the 5th of June, 1838. He was born in
Perry County, Pa., June 3, 1819, and is a son of
Adam and Elizabeth (Ramcr) Eliraaker, both of
whom were also natives of the Keystone State and
were of Holland descent. The father was born in
Lancaster County, but when about twenty years of
age removed to Perry County, where he continued
to make his home during the remainder of his life.
He died on the Ist of September, 1836, and his
wife died June 23, 1816, when our subject was but
twenty days old. They were parents of threa
children. Enos accompanied our subject to this
county in 1838, but in 1853 removed to Oregon,
where he spent [his last days, dj'ing on the 6th of
May, 1890. The only daughter, Eliza A., also
went to Oregon, where she married and died.
Reuben Ellmaker is the only one of the family
now living. He spent his boyhood days under the
parental roof and in Perry County was reared to
manhood. In 1837, he attained to mature years
and the following June made a trip to what is now
Jefferson County, Iowa, where he purchased a claim
of one hundred and sixty acres, mostly prairie
land. In May, 1848, a log cabin was erected
thereon, which ^is still standing, one of the few
landmarks of pioneer days left to give evidence
of the rapid growth and advancement made by the
county. His farm now comprises two hundred and
twenty acres, one hundred and eighty of which is
under fence and has all the improvepients necessary
to H model farm. There may be found a good
dwelling together with substantial outbuildings, a
fair grade of stock and the latest farm machinery,
all of which indicates that the owner is a man of
progressive ideas who keeps abreast with the times.
The 21st of February, 1843, Mr. Ellmaker was
united in marriage with Miss Clarinda C. Mosier,
daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Rigny) Mosier, who
are numbered among the pioneer settlers of this
county of 1842. Her father was born in Pennsyl-
vania, her mother in Virginia, arid the birth of
Mi-s. Ellmaker occurred in Orange County, Ind.,
in January, 1823. Mr. Mosier was not long per-
mitted to enjoy his new home, for in 184#hi8 death
occurred. His wife survived him until 1^60, when
she too passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Ellmaker are
parents of six children, but two died in infancy:
Cyrus is living in Eugene City, Ore.; Solon mar-
ried Miss Harriet Pumphrey, and is living on the
old homestead; Maria L. is the deceased wife of
Charles Stansbury; and Clarinda is the wife of
John L. Oilman, of Des Moines.
Mr. Ellmaker is an active Democrat in politics
and served for a number of years as Justice of the
Peace and in other township offices, proving a ca-
pable and trusted official. Both he and his wife
are members of the Old Settlers Society and since
its organization, he has never failed to be present
at its meetings. His wife is the oldest lady in
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years of residence, with one exception, now living
in the township. He was present at the gathering
of the Indians when the treaty was made in 1842
and also witnessed their removal. They have seen
the development of the county almost from its in-
fancy, have watched with interest the progress here
made and have borne their share in its upbuilding
and advancement. A more extended account of
their pioneer experience would certainly prove of
interest for they bore the hardships and trials inci-
dent to pioneer life, lived in a log cabin in true
pioneer style, with Indians for neighbors and with
miles of uncultivated prairie or unbroken timber
between them and the nearest settler.
Vf OHN WILKIN, one of the pioneers of Jef-
ferson County, residing on section 28,
Buchanan Township, and an enterprising
farmer, was born on the banks of the river
Thies in Yorkshire, England, on the Duke of
Northumberland's estate, May 7, 1804, and his
parents were Robert and Ann (Moses) Wilkin. In
early life his father learned the drug business and
to operations in that line ever after devoted the
greater part of his attention. His grandfather was
a servant to the Duke of Northumberland, and when
he becaife too old to work longer was provided
with a ccAn forcible home in which he spent his last
days. The mother of our subject was a grand-
daughter of one of the leading merchants of Stock-
ton. His father traveled as collector for a wholesale
drug house for some time and after residing in
London for many years removed to Glasgow, Scot-
land.
Our subject was the fourth child in a family of
five children, numbering two sons and three daugh-
ters. He received a good education and made such
rapid advancement that before he was twelve years
of age he had studied both Latin and Greek. When
a lad of fourteen years he commenced to learn the
cabinet maker's trade at which he served until at-
taining his majority. Having worked for some
time in neighboring towns, he then went to Liver-
pool, where he was employed for three years. He
was in that city at the time when the Duke of
Northumberland was discharged from the position
of Lord Lieutenant of England, and his servants,
among whom were an uncle, an aunt and two cousins
of our subject, passed through Liverpool to Lon-
don and Mr. Wilkin rode one of the Duke's horses.
In IBS'), accompanied by his mother and sister
with her husband, Robert Stevenson, he sailed for
the United States, and at length arriving safely on
the shores of the New World made his way to
Utica, N. Y., where he worked for a short time at
his trade but the cold weather came on and heating
such unfavorable reports of the severity of the
winters in that region, he determined to go further
south and made a location in Cincinnati, Ohio,
where he lived some six years. Wishing to marry,
but afraid he could not support a wife, he asked his
employer how long he could give him work and on
receiving the reply that he could have employ-
ment as long as he wished it, the question was soon
solved and in Cincinnati he led to the marriage
altar Miss Beatrice Nicholson, who was born in
Yorkshire, near Leeds, England. Miss Nicholson
was a dressmaker in the city of London, and became
acquainted with Mr. Wilkin when she was on a
visit to friends in Essex. She came to America
about a mouth later than Mr. Wilkin, and lived for
a time at Waterville, N. Y., but at the time of her
marriage was engaged in dressmaking at Cincinnati,
Ohio. Her father was a prominent farmer and
stock-raiser in the old country where he spent his
entire life. His wife however came to America ac-
companied by two sous and two daughters, but a
fifth child continued to reside in the old country.
In the spring of 1839, Mr. Wilkin purchased
three horses and accompanied by two brothers-in-
law started for Central Illinois, but on arriving at
their destination found land so high in that region
that they continued their journej^ westward to
Jefferson County, Iowa, Here Mr, Wilkin made a
claim in Lockridge Township, and the following
year brought his family to the home which he had
prepared. He fixed up his cabin and had but just
moved into it when his wife was called to her final
rest, dying in March, 1841. She left three chiU
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THE NEW YORK
[PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LFNOX
TILn N FOU* Pa ICNS
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DR. GEO. S. GUERNSEY.
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MRS. DR. GUERNSEY.
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PORTRAIT AND MOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
553
dren, James, who died in earlj' life; Jennie, now at
home, and Beatrice who died at the age of forty-
two years. The mother was a member of the Epis-
copalian Church, to which denomination Mr. Wil-
kin also belonged.
In a financial sense Mr. Wilkin has prospered
since his arrival in Jefferson County. The un-
broken land lie plowed and planted, made improve-
ments and to-day is the owner of a good farm of
ninety-two and one- half acres which yields him a
golden tribute for the care and cultivation which he
bestows upon it. In his political affiliations, he was
for some time a Republican but for the past twenty
years has supported the Democratic party. He held
the office of Township Clerk of Loekridge Town-
ship, and is esteemed as an upright and valued cit-
izen and as a worthy progressive farmer who takes
a deep interest in the progress of his county and
who is always willing to aid in its advancement.
More than half a century has passed since he first
located a claim. He lived for seven years under
the territorial government of Iowa and has made
his home in the State during its entire existence as
such. When he came, Indian wigwams marked the
site of many a white man's home of to-day and the
work of civilization seemed scarcely begun, and it
is to the pioneers that the greatest credit is due for
the wonderful progress which has been made by
Iowa and her people.
R. GEORGE \S. GUERNSEY, a retired
physician who is extensively engaged in
farming near Lebanon, Iowa, his home
being situated on section 2, Jackson Town-
ship, has been a resident of Van Buren County
since the 1st of October, 1848. Emigrating west-
ward from Rochester, Windsor County, Vt., he here
located and began the practice of medicine, which
he followed until within a few years, but he is now
practically living a retired life, attending only to a
few of his old patrons who refuse, while he has
health, to employ any other physician.
The Doctor was born in Rochester, Vt., July 27,
1822, and is of English descent. His parents were
Ntwson and Ruth (Jefferson) Guernsey, the latter
a relative of President Thomas Jefferson; and his
grandparents were Eldad W. and Sarah (Perry)
Guernsey. His grandfather was born March 20,
1770, and his wife on the 29th of November of the
same year. Their family numbered nine children,
the eldest of whom*, Sarah, was born October 1,
1792; Newson, May 7, 1794; Hiram December 11,
1796; Lyman, July 12,1799; Mary, October 1,
1801; Hannah, April 25, 1803; Amanda, Janu-
ary 9, 1805; Triphena, January 4, 1807, and Gard-
ner, August 22, 1810. The father of this family
was a tanner and shoemaker by trade, and in con-
nection with those occupations carried on farming.
His death occurred December 20, 1810, but his wife
survived him thirty 3'ears, dying in 1840.
Newson M. Guernsey learned the tanner's and
shoemaker's trade with his father, and continued to
engage in those pursuits as a means of livelihood
until his emigration to Van Buren County, Iowa, in
1857. He spent his last days in Bloomfield, where
his death occurred April 21, 1879. His wife had
passed away some ten years previous. Their mar-
riage was celebrated October 15, 1820, and unto
them were born ten children, six of whom are living
at this writing (in the fall of 1890): Louisa, born
August 10,1821, is deceased; George S. is the second
in order of birth; Joseph, born September 14, 1824,
was drowned in a tub when a year old ; Ruth, born
July 23, 1826, is deceased; Elizabeth, born August
14, 1827, is now the wife of J. Q. Megrath; Clarissa
Jane, born September 31, 1830, is the widow of Orin
Harvey, of Rochester, Vt.; Samuel, born July 9,
1833, died in infancy; Julia A., born in Septem-
ber, 1835, is the wife of John Warner, 'of Des
Moines Township; Mary A., born November 8,
1838, is the wife of John Evans, of Davis County,
Iowa, and Henry C, born January 14, 1842, is a
resident of Bloomfield, Iowa.
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood
in his native Stat« and in his youth received ex-
cellent school privileges, completing his literary
education by a year's course in the academy of
Potsdam, N. Y. Having arrived at years of ma-
turity, on the nth of December, 1845, he was
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
joined in wedlock with Miss Olive M. Hazen,
daughter of Elder and Abigail (Thomas) Hazen of
Woodstock, Vt. Her father was of Scotch descent,
and her mother of English extraction. Mrs. Guero-.
sey is a descendant of very old New England
families. On her father's side she traces her ances-
try back by direct descent to Edward Hazen, who
came to Massachusetts Bay in 1639. Her mother's
family trace back to the landing of the Pilgrim
Fathf rs,'who came over in the ''Mayflower*', the
founder of the family in America being one of that
number. Her great-grandfather on the maternal
side was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and
her grandfather, Elias Thomas, built the first frame
house in Woodstock, Vt. Unto her parents were
born nine children, two of whom died in childhood,
and the following seven grew to maturity: Ursula,
a resident of Woodstock, Vt. ; Daniel T., a farmer
of Michigan; Edwin R.,^a practicing physician of
Woodstock, Vt.; Jasper, also a resident of Wood-
stock; Laura W., wife of the Rev. Moses Kidder, of
the same city; Jacob T., who is engaged in farm-
ing near Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and Olive M.,
wife of our subject. Eleven children were born
unto the Doctor and his worthy wife, but only five
of the number grew to mature years, four of whom
are still living: Julia, the eldest, is the wife of Har-
vey Dean, of Chicago, 111.; Laura, George W. and
Jasper are at home. Minnie became the wife of
Charles Owen, of Toledo, Ohio, but is now de-
ceased.
The Doctor began the study of medicine in
March, 1842, with J. H. Phelps, M. D., of Roches-
ter, Vt., in whose office he remained two years,
after which he continued his reading under the
direction of Prof. B. R. Palmer, of Woodstock, Vt,
a professor in the Woodstock Medical College, and
attended three courses of lectures m that institution,
from which he was graduated in June, 1 845. He first
opened an oflftce and hung out his shingle in Felch-
ville, Vt., but after practicing a year at that place
he returned to his native city, where for two years
he engaged in the practice of the medical profes-
sion. Believing that the West would furnish su-
perior advantages to young men, he determined to
try his fortune on its broad prairies and started for
the new State of Iowa, making the journey mostly
by steamboat. After four weeks of travel he ar-
rived at his destination, finding on his arrival that
the country was a wild and sparsely settled region,
the home of a few sturd}' pioneers, whose dwellings
were log cabins, but who had come with a firm
purpose of making homes for themselves and fam-
ilies in the West. In 1849 the Doctor purchased
twenty acres of land, which formed the nucleus
around which his other possessions have gathered.
Meanwhile he engaged in the practice of medicine
and steadily built up a good trade. In the fall of
1858, he went to Keosauqua and purchased ao in-
terest in a drug store, which he carried on until
1866, when he sold out. Six years previous to this
time he had bought a sixty-acre tract of land, that
upon which the old homestead now stands. On
disposing of the drug business he made another
purchase of one hundred and twenty acres and
other purchases have increased his landed posses-
sions until he is now the owner of four hundred
and ten acres. In 1868 the Doctor erected his com-
modious residence, one of the best in the township.
Three years later he went to Council Bluffs, where
he purchased a drug-store and fine residence,moving
his family thereto, but after a year he sold his store
and devoted himself exclusivelj' to the practice of
medicine. His residence in that city covered a period
of six years, and on leaving Council Bluffs in 1878
he went to San Francisco, Cal., as one of the incor-
porators and stockholders of the Continental Oil
and Transportation Company. He was made Presi-
dent of that organization and for some time served
as manager in San Francisco, but after two 3 ears
he returned to Council Bluffs, where a succeeding
twelvemonths was passed. About 1881 he returned
to his farm where he has since resided.
The Doctor and his wife have an elegant home
in Jackson Township, which presents rather the
appearance of a city mansion than a country dwell-
ing. It is commodious, nicely arranged, substan-
tially built, but above all tastefully and comfortably
furnished. Everything which goes to make life
worth the living is there found, and in the enjoy-
ment of the fruits of former toil the Doctor is now
spending his days. Large and beautiful trees of hia
own planting throw their delightful shade across
the lawn. The outbuildings are also in keeping
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with the residence. Beside the fine, large barn
there is a harness and buggy house, granaries and
such other buildings as are necessar}' for the care
of the stock and grain raised upon this homestead.
Through his practice and other business interests
the Doctor has acquired his handsome possessions
which stand as monuments to his thrift and enter-
prise. Himself and family are members of the
Presbyterian Church of Lebanon, and he holds
membership in Council Bluffs Lodge, A. F. & A. M.
His political views are in harmony with the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party and he has served as
Supervisor of his county, and for three years was
President of the Agricultural Society. The Doc-
tor is vtry popular throughout the county, is an
Acknowledged leiider among his neighbors, and in
public assemblies is almost invariably called upon
to act as chairman.
% /^AVIKR NADY, one of the leading import-
^ ers and raisers of Percheron horses, owns a
^ \^ fine stpck farm situated on section 4, Cedar
Township, Jefferson County. In the business in
which he is engaged he has gained a wide reputa-
tion and deserves nO little credit for his efforts to
advance the grade of horses in the county. His
life record is as follows: On the 1st day of April
1830, in Belfort, France, he was born unto Alex
and Tercssa (Pininger) Nady, who spent their en-
tire lives in the old country. His father, a farmer
by occupation, died when our subject was about
eighteen month 3 old. As the family was in com-
fortable circumstances the children were liberally
educated and Xavier had the advantages of a nor-
mal course. He worked at home until twenty-one
years of age and being the eldest of the family
and consequently their support, was exempt from
military service.
On the 25th of January, 1855, Mr. Nady was
united in marriage with Miss Julia Demenn who
was born in the same neighborhood as her husband,
on the 28lh ot June, 1828. With her parents,
Peter and Anna (Prevost) Demenn and a brother
she came to America. The emigration of Mr.
Nady to this country occurred in 1848, in which
year he sailed from Havre to New Orleans, reach-
ing the latter city on the 16th of March, after
fifty-four days spent on the water. He continued
his travels until reacliiug Fairfield, where he began
pre[)arations towards securing a home. He had to
"grub" up the roots before he could plow and plant
and says had he known such work awaited him he
would never have crossed the water. Soon after,
ward he went to St. Louis, where he obtained em-
ployment in a lumber yard. He also met a cousin
in that city and the days passed more pleasantly
than when working at uncongenial labors among
strangers in Iowa. Later he went down the Mis-
sissippi River to Baton Rouge but not finding em-
ployment as he had anticipated, walked twenty-two
miles to Plaquemine, arriving at that place with
fifty cents in his pocket. He then worked on a
plantation and afterward built and operated a sugar
mill but later had the misfortune to have his foot
cru8he(/by a falling timber which disabled him for
any employment for some time. Subsequently he
became overseer on a plantation but when the war
broke out he left the South and returned to his
family, who in 1860, had taken up their residence
in Fairfield. On again reaching Jefferson County,
Mr. Nady purchased sixty-four acres of land and
began the development of a farm, the boundaries
of which have since been extended until now three
hundred and seventy acres pay tribute to his care
and cultivation.
Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Nady, the eldest of whom, Adolph, was born in
France, November 19, 1855, and died January 15,
1866; Mary J., born in France, March 16,' 1857, is
the wife of Alphonse Pequignot, a resident of
Cedar Township; Louis born in France, July 17,
1858, and Xavier, born in Cedar Township, Janu-
ary 9, 1863, are still at home.
All of the mtmbei-s of the family are Catholics,
and in politics, Mr. Nady is a Democrat but not
strongly partisan. He has the distinction of being the
first man in the county to import a Percheron horse.
In March, 1885, he imported Prince Victor, one of
the best animals ever brought to this section of the
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State. Id all, he has made six importations, bring-
ing with him thirty-seven horses, the best procur-
able. It will thus be seen that he has done much
to improve his county in this particular. He thor-
oughly understands his business, is an excellent
judge of horses and has made his importations a
paying investment.
^HITING A. FELLOWS. With the his-
tory of Van Buren County the name of
^^ • Fellows is inseparably connected, and the
work which they have done for its upbuilding and
advancement is worthy of honorable mention in
this volume. The family is of English origin, and
was founded in America during Colonial days.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Abiel
Fellows, was a native of Connecticut, and through-
out the entire Revolutionary War aided in the
struggle for independence. At an early day he
emigrated to Pennsylvania, becoming an influential
citizen and prominent politician of that State. He
was honored with a number of important offices of
trust, and proved himself worthy of the confidence
reposed in him. He married Catherine Mann, who
was also a native of Connecticut, and after many
years residence in the Keystone State they emi-
grated to Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1835. Both have
long since passed away. The maternal grandpar
cuts of our subject were Stephen and Mary (Dod-
son) Harrison, also natives of Connecticut. The
father of Stephen Harrison served in the Revolu-
tionary War, and was a descendant of him to whom
Piesident Harrison traces his ancestry. The grand-
parents, who had lived in Luzerne County, Pa.,
from childhood, were there married and spent the
remainder of their lives upon a farm.
Asahel Fellows, father of our subject, was born
in Luzerne County, and on attaining to mature
years was united in marriage, on the 8th of May,
1827, with Susanna Franklin Harrison. After
some nine years spent in the Keystone State they
removed to Schoolcraft, Mich., and in the spring of
1837 made a settlement in what is now Van
Buren County, but was then comprised within the
bounds of the Territory of Wisconsin. They set-
tled on a claim cm the Des Moines River, and also
purchased land, from which Mr. Fellows developed
a fine farm, that in later years paid a golden tribute
to his care and industry. He was one of the
prominent citizens of Iowa in that early day. He
took an active part in forming the State, also as-
sisted in the organization of the county, and by
his support and influence was instrumental in
much of the progress made in those earlier years.
He was an active politician, and a stalwart suppor-
ter of Democratic principles. Socially, be was a
member of Keosauqua Lodge, No. 3, 1. O. O. F.,
and his wife held membership in the Christian
Church of Pleasant Hill. After a long and useful
life he was called to his final rest on the 19th of
March, 1869, and his wife, who was a most estima-
ble lady and a true helpmate to him, passed awaj'
in 1888.
Whiting A. F'^llows was a lad of eight summers
when he accompanied his parents on their emigra-
tion to Iowa. In his boyhood he had for his com-
panions the sons of the celebrated Indian chief,
Black Hawk, whom he accompanied on many
a hunting expedition. He became familiar with
their language, and the most friendly relations
existed between the lads. His educational advan-
tages were necessarily limited, as the opportunities
which a new settlement affords in that line do not
compare favorably with those of older communi-
ties. He spent much of his time in aiding his
father in the development of the home farm, and
when twenty-one years of age left the parental roof
to begin life for himself. In that year, 1849, he en-
gaged in cutting wood along the Mississippi River.
In 1852, attracted by the discoveries of gold in
California, he crossed the plains to the Pacific
Slope, where he engaged in mining with reasonable
success for some six years. Desiring once more
to be among his family and friends, in 1858 he re-
turned to Keosauqua by way of the Isthmus of
Panama and New York City and settled upon the
farm which is still his home.
Mr. Fellows was joined in wedlock with Miss
Susan E. Dodson, one of the fair daughters of Van
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557
Buren County, on the 12th of March, 1862. Their
union, however, was celebrated in Somerville,
Somerset County, N. J. The lady is a daughter of
Styles Richard and Caroline Matilda (Harrison)
Do<ison. They were natives of Luzerne County,
Pa., where their marriage was celebrated in 1836.
The same year they emigrated to Michigan, and
the following year came to Van Buren County, lo-
cating in Henry Township, where Mr. Dodson en-
tered land and improved a farm. His death
occurred in 1845, leaving to his widow the care of
four young children. To provide for their sup-
port she opened her home as a school, and engaged
ia teaching for several years, when she returned to
Luzerne County, Pa., to make her home with her
father. The children of the family were: Melvina
Augusta, who was born in the Territory of Wis-
consin, now Henry County, Iowa, and died in
Pennsylvania, in 1862; Mrs. Mary E. Bateman, of
Philadelphia; Susan, wife of our subject; and
Caroline Matilda, who was graduated from the
Women's Medical College, of Philadelphia, and is
now engaged in practice in that city, and is also
President of the National Woman's Health Asso-
ciation of America.
Mr. and Mrs. Fellows began their domestic life
upon a farm which is still their home — a highly -
improved quarter-section of land. The flelds are
well tilled, good buildings have been erected; and
a glance at the home shows that the work of farm-
ing is carried on in a systematic and methodical
miinner. But one child has come to bless the
union — Harry D., who is still with his parents.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Mr. Fel-
lows supports the Democratic party, but has never
been a politician in the sense of ofllce-seekiug. He
served in the State Militia as First Lieutenant, and
has been a member of the School Board. No en-
terprise calculated to upbuild the community fails
te receive his hearty support and co-operation, but
as a valued citizen, he lends a helping hand to all
worthy undertakings.
Mr. Fellows was one of the leaders in organizing
the Grange in Van Buren County, was a firm be-
liever and supporter of the principles of the same,
and was also an ardent supporter of the Farmers'
Alliance; is at the present time actively engaged
in organizing a Farmers' Mutual Insurance Com-
pany, is one of its officers, and is a firm believer iu
co-operation among all classes. He is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a
firm believer in the principles of Friendship, Love
and Truth.
■^
HARLES LLOYD MOSS, proprietor of the
Birmingham saw and grist mill, is a busi-
ness man of many years experience who by
industry, enterprise and perseverance has made his
way in the world and acquired a reputation for hon-
esty and fair dealing. He was born in Cheshire,
New Haven County, Conn., May 7, 1831, and is a
son of Titus and Bedie (Doolittle) Moss. The fam-
ily is of Scottish origin, and was estal)lished in New
Haven County, Conn., prior to the Revolutionary'^
War, by ance^tryfrom Scotland. The family name is
spelled in no less than four ways. Moss, Moose,
Mors and Morse. The latter seems to be the spell-
ing usually adopted. The grandfather, Joel Morse,
was a lumberman and a woolen manufacturer of
Cheshire, at which place Titus Morse was bom in
1799. He was reared in his father's factory and on
reaching manhood married Miss Doolittle of Che-
shire who belonged to one of the New England
families. About 1827, they removed to Wayne
County, N. Y., where he followed the noble pur-
suit of farming. There his wife died in the prime
of womanhood being about twenty -six years of
age. Afterward, having married Mrs. Almira San-
ford, nee Barker, Mr. Morse emigrated with his
family to Kalamazoo County, Mich., in 1833, but
after a residence of four years in that locality, they
sought a home in Van Buren County, Iowa, arriv-
ing at their destination on the 8th of May, 1837.
The father purchased a claim of three hundred and
twenty acres lying three-fourths of a mile southwest
of Birmingham, from James G. Richie, and as soon
as the land came into market secured a patent from
the Government. In the early day of their arrival,
nature wore her most primitive robes, the broad
prairies had not been upturned by the plow, nor had
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the woodman's ax awakened the echoes of the for-
est. The few people of the settlement were very
widely scattered and in true pioneer style the}'
lived. Though not surrounded by the luxuries
which we to-day possess, their lives were fully as
happy and joyous, for a feeling of brotherliness ex-
isted among neighbors which is almost unheard of
to-day and the pleasures were participated in by all
with the heartiest enjoyment. Mr. Morse and his
first wife were members of the Episcopal Church,
but after his second marriage he joined the Metho-
dist Church, in which Mrs. Almira Morse held mem-
bership, and in which he became an active worker,
being Class- Leader for many years. He was liberal
to the extent of his means in the support of church
and charitable work and was ever ready to speak a
word of encouragement or extend a helping hand
to those less prospered than himself. Politically,
he was a Democrat until the rise of the Republican
party, to the principles of which he ever afterward
adhered. He died in Birmingham at the age of
fifty-six years and his wife at the age of sixty-six
years. Two sons, Charles Lloyd and James, were
children of the first marriage and by the second
there were born Reuben, who died in 1839,
being the first white person who died in this vicin-
ity; Mary, who became the wife of William T. Win-
ner and died in Fairfield; Martha, wife of William
Thompson who resides in Fairfield.
Until he had attained his majority, C. L. Moss
worked for his parents, receiving such educational
advantages as the district schools afforded, but when
he had attained to man's estate he started out in
life for himself, hiring out to a farmer in the
neighborhood who paid him the munificent sum of
$75 a year in return for his services. By a mar-
riage ceremony solemnized on {he 4th of April,
1843, Miss Hannah Barnes became his wife. She
was a native of Ohio, but in childhood came to
Van Buren County with her parents v\ho were
among its pioneer settlers.
The young couple began their domestic life upon
a rented farm but after a time Mr. Moss laid aside
agricultural pursuits and engaged in merchandise
ing in Birmingham, from which business he turned /
his attention to buying and shipping stock. In
1850, he drove a team across the plains to Califor-
nia, reaching his destination after four months of
travel. For a year and a half he remained on the
Pacific Slope selling miners* supplies at Rough and
Ready, Nevada County, Cal. Returning by the
way of the Isthmus of Panama and the Mississippi
River, he reached Birmingham in 1851. some
15,000 better (»ff than when he started. Soon after
his return, in comp?iny with E Pitkin, and J. T.
Guinn, he built a large flouring mill at Birming-
ham to be run by the same power as the sawmill
which was already in operation. Things were mov-
ing along nicely and the business prospered until
1854, when the entire structure was burned to the
ground but the gentlemen of the firm, with char-
acteristic energy, began to rebuild before the smoke
had ceased rising from the ruins. After a time,
Mr. Moss became sole proprietor of the mill. which
he has owned and operated alone continuously
since. The grinding department and that devojted
to the manufacture of lumber are now in operation
and therein is done an extensive business. This is
recognized as one of the leading industries of Bir-
mingham but other enterprises have also occupied
the attention of Mr. Moss. In 1856, he was one
of the firm that erected the Birmingham Woolen
Mill and in 1871, he put in operation a cheese fac-
tory. It will thus be seen that he has taken an ac-
tive part in the building up of the manufacturing
interests of Birmingham. His sawmill never stands
idle, but through that agency he has furnished a
vast amount of timber for the Des Moines Valley,'
for the Rock Island and for the Chicago, Ft. Madi-
son & Des Moines Railroads, whereby employment
is furnished to some thirty-five hands. It is safe
to say that he has given work to more laboring men
than all the rest of the city. He himself has al-
ways been a hard working man, has done an exten-
sive business and has made a prominent place for
himself among the prominent citizens of the com-
munity who liave won respect and confidence by
their honorable dealings and fair transactions. The
work of the day is not written down at the time
but is recorded in his memory and after the labois
of the day are done he retires to rest and about
two o'clock rises to record the business of the past
day.
Mr. Moss was the first man who shipped hogs
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from west of the Mississippi River. In December,
1 856, he shipped from Rome, Iowa, then the ter-
minus of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
road, a lot of fat hogs, intending to take thorn to
New York if he could not sell them at a profit
this side of that city. He had 1.837 head and the
train was run as a special all the way to New York
and drawn to Chicago with two locomotires. He
unloaded at Chicago but could not sell. After feed-
ing and resting them one day he loaded them and
shipped to Cleveland, Ohio, where he unloaded and
fed and spent another day. From there he shipped
to Buffalo, N. Y., where he unloaded them and re-
mained a week. Not finding a profitable market he
proceeded to New York. The market rose and he
sold out at a pric« that netted him upwards of
$2,000 clear profit after all expenses were paid. The
event cau8e<l quite a stir among the stock dealers
of that city, and at the opening of the Miles House
^a drover's hotel) on 44th Street, which took place
while he was in the city, Mr. Moss was invited and
made the principal guest of the occasion and had
to make a speech for them. Horace Greeley sent
Mr. Robinson, a representative of the Tribune to in-
terview Mr. Moss, and published an account of man
and journey, eulogistic of his pluck and enterprise.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Moss has been blessed
with eight children — Marj', wife of Joel Moss a
resident of Montana; Thomas, a lumberman of
Missouri; Edgar, a stock dealer of Fairfield; Syl-
vester, twin brother of Edgar, who died at the age
of two years; Abbie, wife of E. J. Honshel, Presi-
dent of Holton College, of Chicago; Albert and
Charles, lumber dealers of Missouri; and Kittie,
wife of J. E. Paxton, of Butte City, Mont. Mr.
and Mrs. Moss have also twelve grandchildren.
^This worthy couple, members of the Methodist
Church, are active workers in the Master's vine-
yard and give liberally and cheerfully for the ad-
vancement of any interest whereby the cause of
Christ may be advanced. Politically, he is a Re-
publican, but has never sought for official distinc
tion, the only oflSce which he has held being that
of Mayor of Birmingham. Though nearly seventy
years of age, Mr. Moss has as steady nerves as &
man of twenty-five. He has never used tobacco or
strong drinks and has even abstained from tea and
coflfee. This, no doubt is, in a great measure, the
reason for his wonderful strength both physical and
mental. He has lived an exemplary life and the
youth of to-day might well take his record as a
guide, which will point him on, like a beacon star,
to success and honor in the future.
■»w4 *>
M» >w»
JOSEPH BEELER, a blacksmith and wagon-
maker, of Lebanon, Van Buren County, is a
native of Iowa. He was born in Lee Count3\
May 28, 1847, and is a son of John and
Hannah (Vale) Beeler, both of whom were natives
of Indiana. His father was born in 1817, and
having attained to mature years, led to the mar-
riage altar, in 1839, Miss Vale, who was born in
1818. They removed to Lee County, where Mr.
Beeler died in the prime of life, being but thirt}'-
four years of age when called to his final rest. His
wife long survived him, dying at the age of sixty-
three years. They were parents of four children,
of whom our subject was third in order of birth,
and Jacob and Joseph are the only ones now
living. The former is a resident of Washington
Territory.
Joseph Beeler passed the days of his boyliood
and youth in his native countj", where he learned
the trades of blacksmithing and wagon-making.
Going to Garden Grove, Iowa, in 1862, he fol-
lowed his trade at that place, but the Civil War
being then in progress, and feeling it his duty to
aid in the preservation of the Union, he enlisted in
the Third Iowa Cavalry under Capt. J. D. Brown.
The regiment was commanded by Col. Noble, now
Secretary of the Interior under President Harrison.
They participated in a f jw important engagements
during that campaign, but in the summer of 1 8G4
were engaged mostly in raids against the troops of
Gen. Forrest. They did guard duty at Memphis
and participated in the battles of Tupelo and Gun-
town. In September of that year they crossed the
river and started on a raid against pen. Price,
whom they followed through Missouri and Kansas.
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The forces were then scjittered and the Third Iowa
Cavalry went to St. Louis, at which place its mem-
bers boarded a steamer which was blown up by the
bursting of a boiler. They afterwards joined Gen.
Wilson, and with whom they participated in the
raid through Alabama and Georgia, in which took
place the battles of Selma, Montgomery, Macon
and Columbus. Their next move was against At-
lanta, Ga., where they were mustered out on the
9th of August, 1865. Mr. Beeler was present at
the capture of Jeflf. Davis. He was a faithful
soldier, ever found at his post of duty, and at the
close of the war was honorably discharged.
When hostilities had ceased and the troops were
once more free to return to their homes, Mr.
Beeler resumed the trade of blacksmith ing and
wagon-making in Garden Grove, Iowa, where he
remained until 1875, when he came to Lebanon
and purchased his present shop. He is doing a
general line of blacksmithing and general jobbing
business together with wooden work, and also
manufactures wagons and buggies. His business
now yields him an annual income of $1,200. He
is an expert workman in both branches of his
trade, and by fair and honest dealing he has se-
cured the conOdence of those who give him their
patronage.
The accomplished wife of Mr. Beeler, was in her
maidenhood, Miss Gracie Warner. She was born
in October, 1863. and is a member of the Presby-
terian Church. Mr. Beeler is a Republican in
politics. They have but one child, a little son,
Stanley.
RCHIBALD McDonald, of the firm of
W^ll McDonald & Meek, was born in Ft. Madi-
ii son, on the 1st of December, 1844, and
when a babe of three years was brought
by his parents to Van Buren County, where he has
since made his home. In his youth he was liber-
ally educated, and throughout his life has mani-
fested an interest in the cause of education, and
done not a little for the schools of this community.
His primary training was supplemented by a course
in Howe's Academy, of Mt. Pleasant, and for a
lime he further continued his studies in Oskaloosa
College. When his school life was ended he took
up the profession of teaching as his life work. For
three terms he taught in the district school, and
then accepted a call as teacher in the public schools
of Bonaparte, where he remained two years. He
was then employed three years at Vernon, after
which, about the year 1867, he took a trip to Cali-
fornia, where he followed his profession during the
winter at Salmon Falls. After a year spent on the
Pacific Slope, he returned to his home in Van Buren
County, and again took charge of the Bonaparte
schools. His efforts as a teacher have been at-
tended with marked success, he having given
entire satisfaction wherever employed. In 1874
he was elected County Superintendent of Schools,
of Van Buren County, and would have again been
nominated had he not refused to accept a renoini-
nation. His official term having expired, in 1878
he went to Colorado, where he spent two seasons,
also engaged in teaching. On his return to Bona-
parte, Mr. McDonald was employed as a salesman
until 1881, when he purchased the interest of Mr.
Johnson in the mercantile business, the firm name
being changed from Christie <fe Johnson to Christie
<fe McDonald. They carried on business together
for some time, the connection being dissolved only
at the death of Mr. Christie, when Robert E. Meek
succeeded to the business as a partner of our sub-
ject. They now carry on operations under the firm
name of McDonald <k Meek, and theirs is one of
the leading business industries of Bonaparte. -
Mrs. McDonald was, prior to her marriage. Miss
Mary L. Rehkopf. This lady was born in Bentons-
port, Iowa, but their marriage was celebrated in
Wisconsin. One daughter was born of their union — *
Mary M. After eighteen months of happy wedded
life, the young wife and mother was called to her
final rest. For his present wife Mr. McDonald
chose Miss Cora L. Brown, daughter of N. G. and
Letitia Brown, of Bentonsport. Two children have
been born unto them, a son and daughter — Brown
Archibald and Gertrude C.
Mr. McDonald takes considerable interest in civic
societies, and is a prominent Mason, beUmging to
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t— t-^i>«^«<^
Bonaparte Lod^e, No. 73, A. F. & A. M.; La Fay-
eltft Chapter, No. 61, R. A. M., and Commandery
Nt>. 28, K. T. Ho was Master of the lodge and
Treasurer and Secretary of the chapter, and repre-
sented the local organization in the Grand Lodge.
The business abilities of Mr. McDonald are such as
to win« him success, and he is now numbered
among the substantial citizens of the community.
>-:^«<-H^-
W EVI ANDERSON owns and operates two
,1 (@ hundred and seventeen acres of land on
;L;^^ section 34, Lick Creek Township, Van
Buren County, where has been his home for many
years. The Anderson family was established in
America by Stoddard M. Anderson, the grandfather
of our subject, who left Ireland, the land of his na-
tivity, in the days of his j'oung manhood and
crossed the Atlantic to America. He settled in
Pennsylvania, and there married Ellen Johnson.
When the Revolutionary War broke out he was
among the first to take up arms against the mother
country, and fought at the famous battle of Bunker
Hill. His wife's relatives were also in the same
struggle. Mr. Anderson was a mechanic by trade,
and spent the greater part of his active life in the
Keystone State. Id 1831 he removed to Oiiio,
where his death occurred in 1862. His wife sur-
vived him and died near Birmingham, Iowa.
John Anderson, the father of our subject, was
born in Somerset County, Pa., February 15, 1819,
but was reared to manhood on his father's farm in
Ohio. In Holmes County, that State, on the 27th of
February, 1841, he wedded Elizabeth Harbaugh, a
native of Ohio, after which he began life in earnest,
continuing his farming operations in the Buckeye
State until 1846, when, accompanied by his family,
he emigrated to the new State of Iowa, locating
near Birmingham, Van Buren County. He at first
rented land, but as his financial resources increased
purchased a farm. The prairie was then all open,
and one could ride miles without coming across a
fence or settlement to impede his progress. Mr.
Anderson continued to reside in Van Buren
County until 1880, when he sold out and removed
to Kansas, but the year 1889 witnessed his return,
and he is now living in Lick Creek Township, a
respected citizen of that community. His wife
died on the 17th of February, 1873, and her death
was the occasion of sincere grief on the part of
many friends. Their children were as follows:
Levi, of this sketch; Benjamin, who enlisted in the
Thirtieth Iowa Infantry during the late war, and
died in the service; Josiah, of Birmingham; Mary
E., wife of G. W. Bonnette, of Union Township,
Van Buren County; Charles F. living in Kansas;
Elizabeth, wife of George Deal, of Birmingham;
James, of Kansas; Samantha, wife of Israel Bon-
nette, of Union Township; and Annie, wife of
Melvin Nelson, who resides near Birmingham.
Our subject has passed almost his entire life in
Van Buren County. Although only four years of
age at the time he yet retains a recollection of the
journey to Iowa, which was made by team across
the country. His childhood days were spent in the
usual manner of farmer lads, and until twenty
years of age he remained under the parental roof but
at that time he bade good-bye to home and friends
to enter the service of his country. His educa-
tional advantages had been limited, and were some-
what restricted by his enlistment, but with the
blood of Revolutionary heroes flowing in his veitis,
he could not but respond to his patriotic impulses,
and on the 15th of August, 1862, became a member
ol Company D, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry. The first
engagement in which he participated was an attack
on Vicksburg, which was followed by the battle of
Arkansas Post and Jackson, Miss. Then came the
long and trying siege of Vicksburg, which lasted
two nights, and during which Mr. Anderson's regi-
ment lost heavily. Later occurred the charge on
Ft. Gibson, which was followed by the battle of
Cherokee Station, where the Colonel of the legi-
ment and the Captain of Company D. were killed,
together with many men. Mr. Anderson then took
part in the ** Battle Above the Clouds," with
Hooker, followed by the engagements at Missionary
Ridge and Ringgold. Under Gen. Sherman he
fought at Rosaca, Dallas, Kcnesaw Mountain, Chat-
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tahoochie River, and participated in the siege and
capture of Atlanta, where he was taken sick and
sent back to the hospitaL He was diseharj?ed June
17, 18fi5, after having served three years, in which
he participated in some twenty battles. He faith-
fully performed his duty throughout the entire
service, but carae out of the army with impaired
health, and has never regained the strength of
former years.
The first land which Mr. AndiTson owned was a
one hundred and twenty-acre tract given him by his
father. This he began to operate in 1866, and the
same year, on the 15th of March, he married Miss
Margaret Jane Wharton, a native of Ohio. They
have become parents of seven children: Flora, born
March 1, 1867, died at the age of nineteen; Ella,
born November 13, 1869; Frank, March 12, 1871;
Zachariah, October 2, 1874; Lewis. June 7, 1876;
Roy, November 6, 1880; and Lola, March 15,
1883.
Mr. Anderson's farm of one hundred and twenty
acres he has increased to a two hundred and seven-
teen-acre tract, and the greater part of the improve-
ments which we find thereon stand as monuments
of his own thrift and industry. He is a Republican
in politics, and cast his first Presidential vote for
Lincoln. Like a true American citizen he feels an
interest in political afiPairs, has frequently attended
the conventions of his party and labors for its suc-
cess, but has never sought or desired public prefer-
ment for himself.
-^''^^^^^i^^^V^fi^^^-^
^OHN BRYCE SPEE8, M. D., retired physi-
cian of Birmingham, was born in Bracken
County, Ky., October 16, 1814, and is the
only survivor in a family of seven children,
six sons and one daughter, of whom he was the
eldest. The parents were Christian and Mary
(Young) Si)ees, and the family is of (ierman and
English extraction. The paternal grandfather of
our subject, a native of Germany, crossed the
Atlantic and located in Pennsylvania, where he met j
and married a lady of Germart descent. Their son
Christian was born in the Keystone State in 1788,
and when a lad of nine summers accompanied his
parents on their emigration to Kentuck}', which
State was then in such a wild and unsettled condition
that they had to live in forts to protect themselves
against the Indians. On reaching man's estate.
Christian Specs marrie<i Miss YQung who was born
about 1795 in Pennsylvania. Her ancestors were
of English birth and were among the early settlers
of Virginia during Colonial days. In the Slate
where their marriage was celebrated Mr. and Mrs.
Specs continued to make their home until their
lives on earth were ended and they were called to
the rest prepared for the righteous. Mr. Spees
made farming the means of maintenance for his
family, but as a labor of love performed much ser-
vice as a local minister in the Methodist Church.
He was ably seconded in his noble efforts by his
wife and the influence which they exerted for good
was certainly not without its results. They died
in 1 852, within a day of each other, of cholera.
The early history of Dr. Spees is a record of
struggles to overcome the disadvantages which
surrounded him in his youth. He had almost no
educational opportunities, yet he was of a studious
nature and determined will and by private study
he became well informed, fitting himself for the
profession of teaching, which he followed several
years. Every moment which he could find from
his school duties he devoted to reading medicine
and under the direction of his cousin. Dr. S. J.
Spees, and his brother, Dr. T. M. Spees, of Hills-
boro, Ohio, he continued his studies. In 1843 and
1844, he attended a course of lectures in the Ohio
Medical College of Cincinnati. His first visit to
the Territory of Iowa occurred in 1843, when with
the desire to better his financial condition he made
a plaim near Ottumwa upon which he built two
cabins. He then returned and took the course of
lectures before mentioned but during his absence
his claim was jumped and on his return, finding
that he could do nothing to regain possession of
h/s property, he started once more for Ohio, but
fate had other things in store for him and the West
was yet to be his home. He believed that the
village of Birmingham offered fair opportunities
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568
for one of bis profession and at thut place opened
an office but at the end of the first year he found
himself $50 in debt for his board and because he
could not pay, his landlord drove him off. How-
ever he had not the money with which to go else-
where and it was necessary that he remain where
he was. Perseverance, energy and ability at length
won him a patronage and for fifteen years he
practiced very successfully in this community.
Throughout the countr}^ round about, calls were
*made for Dr. Specs and often he would ride as
much as fifteen or twenty miles. He not only
manifested an interest in his profession as the
means whereby he might gain a livelihood, but his
sympathy for his patients and genial and pleasant
words proved an excellent toniti in the sick room
and made him many warm friends. As his financial
resources increased he made judicious investments
in land and he is now the owner of one thousand,
six hundred and forty-five acres, much of which
yields to him a goldrn tribute. He has now
practically retired from the practice of his profes-
sion but still prescribes for a few old friends who
are not willing to change their well known family
physician for a stranger.
Near Birmingham, on the 9th of Aiiril, 1846,
Dr. Specs and Miss Susanna Endersby were united
in marriage. The lady w^as born in Gilden Morden,
Cambridgeshire, England, December 17, 1824, and
when seventeen years of age accompanied her father
to this country, locating in Hillsboro, Henry
County. He died in Lee County at the age of
seventy-five years. The Doctor and his wife began
their domestic life in a portion of the house which
is still their home and seven children came to bless
their union — Cephus, a resident farmer of Van
Buren County ; Thomas L. and Linnaeus R. who
died in childhood; John C, a farmer of Lewis
County, Mo. ; Mary M., wife of David Miller, a
resident of Van Buren County; Florence E., wife
of William Specs who is also living in this county,
as does Helen I. and her husband, George Manning.
Dr. Specs is known throughout the greater part
Qf Iowa and is one of the honored and prominent
pioneers. In many ways he has been identified
with the upbuilding and advancement of town,
county and State. He helped to secure the corpora
tion for Birmingham and served as Mayor of the
city. He came to this place when four families
constituted its population. He was the first to
build away from the square and thusjji^ive a new
direction to the town.
In past years Dr. Specs has given employment to
a great many men, and always paid them promptly.
Five different men who were his tenants, made
suflficient money while in possession of his property
to enable them each to buy homes of their own.
He has acted generously with his patients, never
having sued any of them'for pay for his services and
cheerfully given his attendance to those unable to
pay.
With the State history he is also connected. As
a candidate of the Whig party, he was elected in
1850 to the State Senate from this district. He
assisted in establishing^^the capital at Des Moines
and in publishing the first statutes of Iowa. On the
dissolution of the Whig party he joined the new
Republican party, but in late years has been inde-
pendent in politics. A faithful friend to many, he
in turn has many friends who respect and love him
for the valuable service he has rendered in time of
afiQiction.
-5^-4^
(lj ^ILLIAM G. BLACK, of Fairfield Town-
\ A 7/ ^*^*^' ^^® ^^^^ *° Adams County, Ohio, in
)^ 1830, and is the son of Moses and Nancy
(Glasgow) Black. In 1841, when a lad of some
eleven summers, he accompanied his parents to
Brown County, III., and thence came to Jefferson
County, Iowa, in May, 1844. He was reared to
farm life and received his education in the common
schools of the neighborhood. When he had reached
man's estate he was united in marriage September
11, 1856, with Miss Rachel Stiver, daughter of
Adam and Elizabeth Stever. She was born in
♦Huntingdon County, Pa., on the 15th of April,
1833, and is the fifth in a family of twelve chil-
dren. Hor father was also a native of Huntingdon
County, but her mother was born in Hunterdon
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County, N. J. They came to Iowa in 1844, and are
therefore numbered among its early settlers.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Black has been born a family
eight children, seven of whom are yet living — Al-
letta, now the widow of W. T. Hunt, resides with
her father; Moses F. is an insurance agent of Fair-
field; Bessie P. and John F. are at home; Samuel
died at the age of a year and a half; Nanie G. is
the wife of F. K. Laughlm, of Locust Grove
Township; Joseph Guy and Robert Roy complete
the family.
For some years Mr. Black lived upon the old
home and in connection with its cultivation
operated a sawmill, but later he removed to near
Liberty ville. In 1861, he came to Fairfield and
for three years was emi)loyed as a clerk but in Feb-
ruary, 1865, he resumed milling which he has since
continued to the present time. For the past twelve
years he has also been a bridge builder for Jeffer-
son County. In 1865, he removed to Locust
Grove Township and two years later to his present
place of residence and now owns a farm of about
four hundred acres. He is a Republican in politics
and himself and family are members of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian ('hurch. By his extensive
purchase of timber, he has done more to improve
and develop the county than any other man in
this region. Mr. Black is widely and favorably
known and is generally esteemed for his thorough
integrity, industry and enterprise.
^'*^;^
OHN W. BURNETT, President of the J. W.
Burnett Lumber Company, of Fairfield, and
dealer in hardware, lumber and building
material, established business in this city in
1874, and is now at the head of one of its leading
enterprises. He came to Fairfield as agent and
resident manager of the E. D. Rand Lumber Com-
pany, of Burlington, here established a yard and
was associated with that company until \ 880. He
embarked in the hardware business soon after his
W
arrival and from 1880 until January, 1890, con-
tinued operations alone. At the last mentioned
date, he was instrumental in organizing and incor-
porating the existing J. W. Burnett Lumber Com-
pany, which was incorporated with an authorized
capital of $100,000 and a paid up capital of $25.-
000. Mr. Burnett was elected President; William
Day, Vice-President; and Frank Zimmerman, Sec-
retary and Treasurer. The extensive hardware
business carried on by Mr. Burnett is his individ-
ual affair. In 1879, he established a branch house
in Elden, Iowa, consisting of A lumber yard and
hardware store which business was included in the
stock of the J. W. Burnett Lumber Company on
the incorporation of that company and is conducted
under the management of Vice-President William
Day. The annual business of the Fairfield house
is $50,000 and upwards, while that of the Elden
branch is $15,000.
As a leading and influential citizen and the bead
of one of the important business industries of
Fairfield, we feel that a sketch of the life of Mr.
Burnett will be of interest to our readers. He was
born in the town of Chatham, Morris County, N. J.,
April 28, 1847, and is a son of Andrew J. and
Lydia (Badgeley) Burnett. His parents were na-
ti\es of New Jersey and were descended from old
Colonial families. The paternal great-grandfather
was a patriotic soldier of the War for Indepen-
dence. During his early childhood, John W. Bur-
nett lost his father and with his mother removed to
Mansfield, Ohio, in 1855, where he was educated in
the public schools. Thirteen years later, in 1868,
he first set foot upon Iowa soil, making a location
at Osceola, where he spent nine months as a clerk,
after which he removed to Cromwell, Union
County, there having charge of the E. D. Rand <fe
Co*s lumber business until 1874, when he came to
Fairfield as agent for the same company.
Mr. Burnett was married in Mansfield, Ohio, on
the 3d of May, 1871, the lady of his choice being
Miss Rosetta Zimmerman, who was a native of that
city and a daughter of Levi Zimmerman. Six
children have been born of their union, five sons
and a daughter, as follows: Jennie E. James M.,
Hubert IL, Levi Z., John Fred and Carl D. The
last named died in infancy.
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Mr. and Mrs. Burnett are members of the Con-
gregational Church and in politics he votes with
the Republican party but has bad neither time nor
inclination to serve in official positions. In addi-
tion to his lumber and hardware business, he has
other important business connections. He is a
stockholder in the Fairfield Manufacturing Com-
pany; an equal partner with C. C. Risk in the
Fairfield Canning Company; and is one of the or-
ganizers and original stockholders of the Iowa
State Savings Bank, of Fairfield. Mr. Burnett has
now been identified with the mercantile and manu-
facturing interests of Jefferson County for sixteen
years and is widely and favorably known as an en-
terprising and successful business man, whose in-
tegrity and promptness is always to.be relied on.
He is public-spirited, taking a warm interest in all
that affects the general prosperity of the people,
and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow-
citizens in a marked degree.
J— L^--J_
d^)
'7 0SEPH GRABER, a farmer of section 23,
Lock ridge Township, Jefferson County, was
born in France, on the 8th of May, 1823.
Upon a rented farm his fatheb, John Graber,
Engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the year in
which he attained to man's estate, he united his
destiny with that of Miss Catherine Roth, and their
marriage was blessed with seven children, all born
in France, of whom Joseph was the youngest;
John, the eldest, is now deceased; Peter is living
in Henry County, Iowa; Christ, is also dead ; Cath-
erine is the widow of John Roth, of Henry County;
Jacob died in Ohio; Mary is also passed from
among the living. In order to prevent his sons
from being forced into the army, Mr. Graber, in
1830, brought his family to America, and in Wayne
County, Ohio, near Wooster, made a settlement.
He tliere continued to reside some twelve years,
after which he came to Iowa, locating in Lockridge
Township, where he entered some eight hundred
acres of land. His farming operations were quite
successful, and possessing good business ability he
accumulated a competence. In his youth he had
acquired a good education, and was a man who
kept himself well informed on all matters of gen-
eral interest. Public spirited and progressive, he
was ready to aid in the advancement of any enter-
prise that would benefit the community, and did
not a little for the progress of the immediate com-
munity in which he made his home. He lived
eight years in Iowa and was then called to his final
rest, while his wife survived him until 1865.
The educational privileges afforded in a new set-
tlement are not very extended in character, but
are confined chiefly to the three R's. Such were
the scholastic privileges which Joseph Graber re-
ceived, but during his youth he learned useful les-
sons of industry and economy upon the new farm
in Ohio. He aided in clearing the land and trans-
forming it into fertile fields. He was nineteen
years of age when he came to Iowa, and after his
father's death he and his brother Peter managed
the business affairs of the family until 1857, when
he left the parental roof for a home of his own.
On the 30th of April of that year he was joined in
wedlock with Mii?s Catherine Egly, a native of
Alsace, France. He then returned with his bride to
the old homestead, but at the end of two years
made purchase of two hundred and forty acres of
land, on section 23, Lockridge Township, where he
has resided continuously since. Erecting a small
frame house, he removed to his new home and be-
gan elenring the land, which was then covered
with brush and timber. Week by week saw other
acres added to the cleared space, until at length
rich fields yielded him abundant harvests as a re-
ward for his toil and labor. He has now a com-
fortable home, surrounded by good buildings, and
is enable<l to enjoy many of the comforts and lux-
uries which go to make life worth living.
Untq^ Mr. and Mrs. Graber have been born
eleven children, nine of whom are yet living : Bar-
bara, their first born, is now the wife of John Lar-
son, of Lockridge Township; Mary is at home;
Catherine is the wife of Joseph Rich, of Colorado;
Jacob E. aids his father in the cultivation of the
home farm; John W. is yet under the parental
roof; Lena is the wife of Jacob Rupp, of Colorado;
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Margaret died when in her second year; Leah;
Joseph died at the age of sixteen months; Samuel
and Emma are the youn*?er children. Mr. Graber
and hii wife and children are all faithful members
of the Mennonite Church, as were his parents. He
takes an active interest in the work, and has con-
tributed liberally of his means to the cause. lie
casts his ballot with the Democratic party, and is
a valuable citizen and representative farmer.
Mrs. Graber, whose maiden name was Catherine
KgJy* was born in Alsace, France, August 17, 1837,
and is a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Ries)
Egly. Her father was born in Strasburg, and was
reared to the miller's trade. In accordance with
the laws of his native land he served for seven
years in the army. Desiring the freedom of the
Xew World, and wishing to test the opportunities
which it offered, he crossed the Atlantic in 1847.
In Canada he made his first settlement, but after
he had engaged in farming for eight years he
sought a home in Iowa, buying sixty acres of land
near Glendale, in Lockridge Township. The farm
on which he located continued to be his home until
his death, which occurred in July, 1879. He was
an invalid, and endured suffering for twenty years
ere death released him. His wife died on the 20th
of August, 1888. Both were followers of the faith
of the Mennonite Church, and were highly respected
people. Of their family of six children, Mrs.
Graber is the eldest; Barbara is the wife of Jacob
Christina, of Swedesburg, Iowa; Jacob is living in
Henry County; Mary is the wife of Joe Roth, of
Arkansas; Christian and John both make their
home in Henry County.
^£3fe
ATTHEW Q. CRETCHER, a prominent
farmer and pioneer settler of Van Buren
^ County, residing in Milton, was born in
Champaign County, Ohio, April 20, 1821,
and is a son of Jabez and Nanc> (Pollock) Cret-
cher. His father was born in Delaware in 1791,
and removed with his parents to Kentucky in
childhood, where he was reared to agricultural
pursuits, removing thence to Champaign County,
Ohio, in 1814. The Cretcher family is of English
origin, and was founded in America by three
brothers who emigrated to this country in early
Colonial times. One of these brothers was the
great-grandfather of our subject. His son, M. Q.
Cretcher, was born in Maryland, was an only son,
and at the age of fifteen years enlisted in the War
of the Revolution. He was present at the sur-
render of Lord Cornwallis, and served until the
colonies had secured their independence. Mr.
Cretcher's mother was born in Delaware, about
1794, and died in Miami Township, Logan County,
Ohio, in 1878.
When a babe of two years our subject was taken
by his parents to Logan County, Ohio, where he
received a common-school education, and was
reared on a farm. He learned the carpenter's and
joiner's trade, and in 1842 came to Van Buren
County, Iowa, wiih his father, looking up a loca-
tion. Returning to Ohio that fall, he spent the
winter and spring in his native State, and in July.
1843, returned to Iowa, on foot and alone. For a
few years after coming to this county he worked
at his trade in order to secure money to enter land
and make a home. The year 1846 saw the realiza-
tion of his ho|)e3 in the former particular. He en-
tered eighty acres of land lying on sections 1 1 and
14, Des Moines Township, and adjacent to the
southern boundary of the State. From that time
his success seemed assured, and to his possessions
he added from time to time until he is now the
owner of seven hundred and two acres. There are
two hundred and forty acres in 'the homestead
farm in Des Moines Township, one hundred and
eighty acres joining it, but lying in Missouri;
another farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres
in Missouri, and eighty acres in Hancock County,
Iowa.
Mr. Cretcher w/is married in Scotland County,
Mo., on the 31st of January, 1847, to Miss
Lucinda Sayre, daughter of Joseph and Han-
nah Styre, and a native of Preston County, Va.,
born May 3, 1827. When nine years of age
she went with her parents to Ohio, and in 1841
came with them to Van Buren County. Both aie
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567
now deceased, the father having departed this life
in July, 1846, at the age of fifty years, while the
mother's death occurred in April, 1880, at the age
of seventy-four. Both died in Scotland County,
Mo., where their remains were laid to rest. A
family of nine children has been born of the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Cretcher, four sons and five
daughters, and the family circle yet remains un
broken. William, the eldest, born December 30.
1847, married Miss Josephine Meredith, and is now
farming in Des Moines Township; Lycurgus, born
September 7, 1849, wedded Ella Fix, and is also
farming in De^ Moines Township; Elizabeth Ann,
born September 1, 1851, is the wife of Charles
Langford, a resident farmer of Ihe same township;
Daniel, who was born August 26, 1854, carries on
the old homestead ; Lu'cy Jane, born January 7,
1857, is the wife of John Bell, a farmer of Vernon
Township, Van Buren County; Ida May, wife of
Franklin Case, of Johnson Township, Scotland
County, Mo., wns born June 14, 1854; Mary
Frances, born September 17, 1861, is the wife of
J. W. Smith, atarmer of Des Moines Township;
Lucinda, born July 19, 1865, wedded Henry Davis,
of Woodson County, Kan.; and Matthew Q., the
youngest, who was born June 2, 1873, is pursuing
his studies in the Milton high school.
Mr. Cretcher continued his residence upon his
farm in Des Moines Township until October, 1889,
when he temporarily removed to Milton for the
purpose of affording his youngest son better facili-
ties for education. In politics he was a Free-soil
Democrat until the organization of the Republican
party, when he'joined its ranks, voting for Fremont
in 1856, and for each successive Republican candi-
date since that time, inchiding Benjamin Harrison,
our present Executive. In his religious views he is
liberal, and does not affiliate with any sect or de-
nomination. He was made a Mason in 1856, being
initiated into the mysteries of that order in Mt.
Sterling Lodge, now Aurora Lodge, No. 50, A. F.
& A. M., and has since maintained his connection
with the fraternity, being now a member of Ap-
pollo Lodge, No. 461, A. F. <fe A. M., of Cantril.
Thronghout his entire life Mr. Cretcher has always
been a hard-working, industrious man, of temperate
habits, and of correct business principles. He is
recognized as a man of superior judgment and
practical sense, unpretending and plain in manner,
and of unquestioned integrity. He has reared a
large family, and has lived to see them become
useful and respected members of society and en-
joying comfortable homes; while he has, by pru-
dent management and patient industry ,accumulated
a large and valuable property.
1839.
AMUEL THRASH, who is the owner of a
good farm of two hundred and twenty-
nine acres on section 29, Fairfield Town-
ship, settled in Jefferson County, in April,
Few of the settlers of that day are left to
tell the story of life on the frontier, many having
removed to other States while some have gone to
that land whence no traveler returns. Year by
year has brought changes until in the Jefferson
County of to-day one would scarcely recognize the
almost uninhabited prairies of fifty years ago. In
the work of progress and advancement, in the
transforming of the wild lands into rich and fertile
farms, in the promotion of such enterprises as are
calculated to benefit the community, Mr. Thrash
has ever borne his part and will be remembered as
one of the founders of the county long after he
shall have passed away.
In Montgomery County, Va., on the 30th of
January, 1816, he first opened his eyes to the light
of day, his parents being William and Catherine
(Lester) Thrash, both of whom were native Vir-
ginians. The family were among the early settlers
of the old Dominion and was of German origin.
The great-grandfather of our subject returned to
Germany for his inheritance but was lost when
again crossing the Atlantic to America. On the
maternal side, Mr. Thrash is of English descent.
In 1818 the family removed to Dearborn County,
Ind., and in the common schools of that State,
Samuel received his education. He was reared
to farm life and since attaining to manhood has
made farming his occupation. The year 1836
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witnessed the removal of the family to Knox
County, 111., and in the fall of 1837, he accompa-
nied his father to Henry County, Iowa,where claims
were located. Later the family became residents
of Mahaska County, this State, where Mr. Thrash
Sr. departed this life, on the 3d of September?
1853, at>the age of fifty-nine years. His wife died
in Henry County, July 11, 1850, in the fifty-
seventh year of her age.
In the month of February, 1839, history chroni-
cles the advent of Samuel Thrash in Jefferson
County, Iowa, where he made a claim constituting
what is now known as the Zeigler place, in Fairfield
Township. Having thus made some preparation
for a home he returned to Henry County, and on
the 31st of March, 1839, was united in marriage
with Jane Thornton and in April made a perma-
nent location in this community. Later, selling his
claim, in the fall of 1843 he purchased a farm
which has now for forty- seven years continued to
be his home. Prosperity has attended his efforts,
success has crowned his labors and in addition to
worldly gifts the home was blessed with the pres-
ence of ten children, but only four grew to mature
years. The mother, whose maiden name, as before
stated, was Jane Thorn *:on, was born in Jackson
County, Tenn., January 31, 1818, and she is a
daughter of Felix and Lecy (Hawley) Thornton,
who were born and reared in North Carolina. In
1 838, she accompanied her sister and her husband
to Iowa and remained in Henry County until her
marriage. The children born of this union who
lived to adult age are John F., who wedded Jane
Wilson and is living in Southern Kansas; Cather-
ine, wife of Ilgin Fritzof Kirks ville, Adair County,
Mo.; Eliza, wife of Samuel Zeigler of Fairfield; and
S. Douglas, who married Annie McConly, and is
a resident of Louisiana. The eldest of the famil}^
William F., was born January 3, 1840, and died
from a snake bite July 7, 1 845 ; John F. was born
November 11, 1841; Sarah C&therine was born
April 6, 1843; Jackson, born November 13, 1844,
died August 13, 1848; Harriet, born May 31, 1846,
died August 10, 1848; Eliza was born February 5,
1848; George, born April 9, 1850, died December
17, 1853; Maria, born April 27, 1852, died Octo>
ber 1, 1856; Martha, born April 13, 1854, died
when only a few hours old; S. Douglas, who com-
pletes the family was born on the 9th of April,
1861.
In political sentiment, Mr. Thrash is a Democrat
and has held a number of township offices. He has
now been a resident of Jefferson County for the
long period of fifty-one years. On his arrival the
Indians were more numerous than the white settlers
and he and his wife endured many of the priva-
tions incident to frontier life. However, the}-
overcame all obstacles which they encountered and
Mr. Thrash is now a fair representative of the suc-
cessful pioneer. Large hearted and true as steel,
he has won hosts of friends and is held in high re
gard by young and old, rich and poor.
ILLIAM RUSSELL, deceased, is ranked
among the pioneers of Van Buren County,
Iowa. He made a location in Des Moines
Township in 1844, during Territorial days, and
subsequently was a resident of Jackson Township.
He was born in New Jersey in 1790, and on attain-
ing to years of maturity was united in marriage in
Kent County, Del., in 1834, with Mrs. Ann Pen-
nington, widow of Benjamin Pennington, and for-
merly a Miss Wilson. She was a native of Del-
aware, and by her previous marriage became
the mother of one daughter and two sons — Sarah
Ann, who wedded James Price and died in 1876;
George, who is a Justice of the Peace and leading
citizen of Milton, Iowa, and whose sketch api^ears
elsewhere in this volume; and Benjamin, who
married Elizabeth Cowger, and is a harness-maker
of Milton.
In 1835 Mr. Russell removed with his family to
Indiana, and nine years later, in 1844, crossed the
Mississippi into the Territory of Iowa. He made a
location in Des Moines Township, Van Buren
County, then a wild and sparsely settled region.
He embarked in farming, but subsequently removed
to Jackson Township, where he engaged in agri-
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THE NEW YORK
IPUBLIC LIBRARY
A8TOR. LENOX
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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D. P. STUBBS.
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571
cultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in
1849. He was a member of the Methodist Church
and a Democrat in politics. His wife survived
him many years, dying in April, 1879.
ON. DANIEL PARHAM 8TUBBS, who
for many years has been known as one of
the most successful crinunal lawyers in
Iowa, was born in the extreme southern
part of Preble County, Ohio, on the 7th of July,
1829. His parents, William and Delilah (Parham)
Stubbs, were natives of Appling County, Ga,, the
father born in 1795, the mother in 1798, and both
were of pure English descent. The grandparents
of our subject on both sides were all natives of
Georgia, and his maternal grandfather, who served
in the Revolutionary War, was present at the sur-
render of Cornwallis. In 1805 the paternal grand-
parents emigrated with their family to the new
State of Ohio, which State was then only three
years old. They belonged to the society of Friends,
or Quakers and were strongly opposed to slavery,
which fact led them to seek a home in the first
State which had been created from the Northwest
Territory, from which that institution had been
prohibited.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm
in his native State, where he received only the edu-
cational advantages of a common district school and
that of a select school, which was conducted under
the auspices of the Society of Friends and which was
situated three miles distant from his home. After
attaining his majority, he attended Union Seminary
in Liberty, Ind.. where William • Houghton was
Principal. Having spent five months as a student
in that institution, he engaged in teaching and soon
became one of the principals of the seminary,
where he was but a short time previous a student.
While only a boy on the farm, he conceived the
idea of one day becoming a lay wcr, and to this end
worked in a sawmill for the munificent salary of
half a dollar per day. in order to procure money
with which to carry out his cherished plan. Thus
he purchased his first law book, a copy of Black-
stone's Commentaries, which he still has in his
library, and while teaching pursued his law studies
as he found opportunity. In 1854 he was appointed
Deputy Clerk of the court in Union County, Ind.,
under the Hon. Eghill Burnside, the father of Gen.
A. E. Burnside, and w^o had held that ofiSce for
twenty-eight consecutive years. While engaged in
the discharge of the duties thus devolving upon
him, he continued his law studies and learned
much of the routine of court business.
Shortly afterward Mr. Stubbs entered upon a
systematic course of law study under the direction
of the Hon. John Yaryan. About the same time,
in the fall of 1855, he married Miss Carrie Hol-
lingworth, a native of Union County, Ind., and a
daughter of Abijah Hollingworth. The following
winter, he entered the law department of Asbury
University, under the tutelage of the Hon. A. C.
Downing, late Supreme Judge of Indiana. While
it was the rule of the University tliat a student
should take a two years* course before graduating.
Mr. Stubbs by hard study and close application ac-
complished the required work in one year and was
graduated with the degree of B. L. in 1856. In
the spring of that 3*ear he assumed editorial charge
of the Liberty Herald^ of Liberty, Ind., which sup-
ported the Republican cause in the first national
campaign of that party. The same year he formed
a law partnership with the Hon. N. H. Treuseier.
In the early summer of 1857, Mr. Stubbs started
on a prospecting tour with a view of locating in the
West. He traveled through Missouri, Kansas, Ne-
braska and Iowa, and having reached Fairfield, of
the last named State, he decided to stick his stakes
there and make that his future home. That resolu-
tion he has never had reason to regret through a
thirty-three years' residence in the community. On
establishing himself in Fairfield, he formed a law
partnership with the Hon. James F. Wilson, now
United States Senator, with whom he was associ-
ated for five years. Mr. Wilson soon became
prominent in politics and necessarily devoted much
time to public matters, while the junior member of
the firm gave his undivided attention to a large and
increasing law practice and built up a lucrative busi-
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ness. He practiced in the federal courts and was ad-
mitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United
States in 1867.
The subject of politics had its attractions for
him and we find the city records show that Mr.
Stubbs was elected Mayor of Fairfield in 1859
and re-elected in 1860. In 1863 he was elected
to the State Senate and served four years in that
body, during which time he was a member of the
committees on judiciary and federal relations and
was the author of the resolution which passed the
Legislature ratifying the amendment to the consti-
tution of the United States which provided for the
final abolition of slavery in this country and which
is as follows:
'* Whereas, The Congress of the United States
has proposed to the several States the following
amendment to the federal constitution, viz:
ARTICLE XIII,
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary ser-
vitude, except as punishment for crime, whereof
the party shall have been duly convicted, shall
exist within the United States or any place subject
to their jurisdiction.
Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce
this article by appropriate Igislation; therefore.
Be it Resolved:, by the General Assembly of the
State of Iowa that the Stat^ of Iowa, by its Legis-
lature, hereby ratifies and assents to said amend-
ment."
During the last session of his service, Mr. Stubbs
was President pro tent of the Senate. He was also the
author of the resolution adopted by the Legislature
of Iowa, in the session of 1866, in regard to the
punishment of Jeflf Davis. Mr. Stubbs, from the
committee on federal relations, submitted the fol-
lowing majority report:
The Committee on Federal Relations, to whom
was referred House Resolution "to hang Jeff Davis"
have had the same under consideration and having
instructed me to report the same back to the Sen
ate with the recommendation that the following be
substituted therefor:
Whereas, the laws of the United States require
that treason against the United States shall be pun-
ished with death, and
. Whereas, the constitution requires that the
President shall take care that the laws be faithfully
executed, and
Whereas, Jefferson Davis, a prisoner of war,
held by authority of the Government of the United
States, is subject to be tried for the crime of trea-
son, therefore,
''Be it Resolved, by the General Assembly of the
State of Iowa that Jefferson Davis is not a proper
subject for executive clemency, and it is the dut3'
of the President of the United States to cause the said
Davis to be brought to a fair and impartial, but
speedy, trial before the proper tribunal and if found
guilty of the crime of treason that he suffer the
penalty provided by law."
'^That the Secretary of State be and is hereby in-
structed to forward a certified copy of the forego-'
ing resolution to our delegation in Congress with
the request that they present the same to the Presi-
dent of the United States."
Mr. Stubbs was reared an Abolitionist and cast
his vote in a Presidential campaign for the first time
in 1852, for John P. Hale and George W. Julien.
He took an active part in the campaign of 1856
and in that year voted for Fremont and Daj'ton,
the first Republican candidates for President and
Vice President. He continued to support the party
until 1872 when, like many of the Old Line Abo-
litionists, he cast his ballot for Horace Greeley for
President, since which time he has never been in
harmony with the Republican party. In the Presi-
dential campaign of 1876 he voted for Peter Cooper
and Samuel F. Cary. The following year he was
nominated unanimously for Governor of Iowa by
the Independent Greenback party, but without his
previous knowledge. He accepted the nomination
and made an extended canvass, and to the astonish-
ment of both the old parties he received 35,000
votes. In 1879 he was the candidate of the Green-
back party for Congress, and while he made a spir-
ited canvass his party strength was not great enough
to insure success. In 1880 he received the entire
vote of his party in the Legislature for United
States Senator.
Ever since entering the political field Mr.
Stubbs has been an earnest and influential worker
in support of his party principles. As time
passed he gradually abandoned the line of general
law practice and made criminal and chancery cases
a specialty. He won a wide reputation as a crim-
inal lawyer and for many years was employed
in a large proportion of the greatest criminal cases
tried in Southeastern Iowa. He won special prom-
inence in his defense of the noted desperado, Rand,
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573
who was tried in Galesburg, III., in the winter of
1878. The strongest prejudice of the whole com-
munity was aroused against both client and attor-
ney, yet in a five hours' speech Mr. Stubbs sue-
ceeded in averting the death penalty from the
prisoner. It Is said of our subject that when he is
engaged in the trial of a specially difficult or im-
portant case that he seems to devolop a latent force
that makes him a tower of strength. Every faculty
seems to expand and quicken; argument, logical
and eloqupent, greets his hearers. At times, tender
and pathetic, or again with a fierce energy, he car-
ries conviction to the minds of all. That he has
won success and a brilliant reputation in his pro-
fession is a fact too well known to be questioned.
For several years past, he has only accepted retain-
ers in the more important cases in his favorite line
of practice, and since 1887 he has almost entirely
withdrawn from professional work. He is a popu-
lar stump speaker and does good service in every
political campaign.
Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs have four children, two
sons and two daughters: Orsino D., the eldest, mar-
ried Miss Alice Stubbs, a very distant relative, and
is engaged with his father in the live-stock business;
Chirles E. studied law with his father and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1883, then formed a partner-
ship with his father in the law business and is now
engaged in practice in Fairfield, besides being
largely interested with his father and brother in
dealing in horses. He is at present Secretary of
the National French Draft Horse Association of
America. He married Miss Carrie Hunter, daugh-
ter of Dr. Hunter, of Newton, Iowa; Cora May,
the third child, is the wife of D. C. Bradley, of
Centerville, Iowa: Minnehaha, the youngest, is un-
married and resides at home.
Mr. Stubbs is liberal in his religious views and
is not a member of any religious denomination.
He was for some years connecte<l with the Odd
Fellows fraternity and is now an Ancient Odd Fel-
low. In 1885 he purcliased the Empire Ranch, a
stock farm of four hundred acres, which is situated
adjacent to the city of Fairfield on the east, and
which is admirably adapted for stock purposes,
being largely a blue-grass pasture, well watered and
rolling enough to be picturesque and healthful for
stock. On this ranch Mr. Stubbs and his sons are
carrying on an extensive business in importing
and breeding Oldeuberg coach and heavy draft
horses. He and his son Charles have traveled
extensively in Europe in connection with that en-
terprise and have selected and imported a large
number of the finest horses to be found in the Old
World. The son has crossed the ocean twelve
times in the interest of the ranch and has been very
successful in his purchases. Their horses are princi-
pally of the French and Belgian stock — heavy draft
animals, yet they have many fine specimens of the
coach horse. The ready sale the proprietors of the
Empire Ranch have found for their stock and the
large number disposed of, testify tojthe good judg-
ment shown in the selection of the animals for im-
portation. The benefit of this enterprise to the
country will be shown by a marked improvement
in the growing horses which will make Fairfield
one of the most popular horse markets in the West.
^ ARTIN KAYS, an insuracce agent, of
^^■^ Milton, Van Buren Count}', was born in
Sussex County, N. J., March 30, 1817,snd
is descended from good old Revolutionary
stock. His grandfather, John Kays, who was born
on the bank of the Delaware River, near Philadel-
phia, served in the War for Independence, and it
is said that he carried the dispatch telling of the
surrender of Burgoyne to Gen. Washington. His
seventh son, Samuel Kays, the father of our subject,
was born in New Jersey in 1792, and died in that
State about 1849. He married Elizabeth Tuttle,
who was about five years his junior, and who was
descended from an old New England family. Her
death occurred in 1887.
The subject of this sketch received such educa-
tional advantages as the subscription schools of
that day afforded, and was reared to the occupa-
tions of farming and milling. On the 7th of Oc-
tober, 1849, in Warren County, N. J., he was
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united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Lanning,
who was born May 21, 1822, and was a daughter
of Isaac and Mary Lanning, who were of German
descent. Their union was blessed with four chil-
dren, two sons and two daughters: Sarauel Irving,
born in New Jersey, September 21, 1850, died in
Van Buren County, March 19, 1881 ; Harriet, born
April 11, 1852, is the wife of Thomas H. Dye, who
resides pear Cantril, Iowa; George, born March
23, 1856, married Mattie Snodgrass, and is now a
member of the firm of Bell, Hill & Kays; Mary
Elizabeth, born in New Jersey, August 22, 1857,
is keeping house for her father. The mother of
the family died in Milton, August 10, 1887.
Mr. Kays came to Keosauqua in the spring of
1857, and thinking it would prove a favorable loca-
tion brought his family to Van Buren County in
the spring of the following year. He purchased a
steam flouring-mill, which he operated for some
five years. About 1866 he removed to Milton,
where he carried on business for twelve years with
a partner, since which time be has been in the in-
surance business. He is a man of upright moral
character, respected and honored by his fellow-
citizens, but is not a member of any religious
organization. In early life he supported the Whig
party, but now casts his ballot with the Republican
party.
ON. JACOB G. VALE, ex-Senator of Iowa,
was born in the western part of York
County, Pa., July 7, 1821. The family is
of English origin. He traces his ancestry
back to Robert Vale, a native of England, who
followed a seafaring life, being captain of the ship
on which William Penn made his second voyage to
America. In order to induce him to locate in
America, Penn gave him one thousand acres of
land in York County, Pa., on which he settled.
Soon afterward he married Anna Bula, a native of
Ireland, but a Quaker in religious faith. They had
a family of six children, including William Vale,
grandfather of our subject, who married Miss Anna
Witherall, a native of Ireland. They became the
parents of two sons and five daughters, the young-
est son being John, who was born on the old home-
stead, and there lived until the age of thirty years.
On attaining his majority he married Miss Lydia
Garretson, a native of Pensylvania,.but of English-
German ancestry, and the union was blessed with
a family of four children.
Our subject is the only survivor. He was but
two months old at the time of his father's death,
and he made his home with his maternal grand-
father until the death of that gentleman, when
Jacob was a lad of nine years. He then lived with
his mother's brother, Daniel Garretson, until nine-
teen years of age. With his brother he emigrated
to Jefl'erson County, Ohio, and after attending
school for a few terms was engaged as teacher in
the district schools. He then spent a year in the
Mt. Pleasant boarding school, under the manage-
ment of the Society of Friends, and during the
succeeding twelve 3'ears followed teaching, and per-
fected his previous imperfect knowledge of the
higher scientific branches. For eight years of this
time he served as Principal of theSmithfield public
schools, and also studied law under Edwin M.
Stanton, Secretary of War under President Lin-
coln. He was admitted to the bar in 1844, in Jef-
ferson County, Ohio, and in 1847 was a candidate
for the State Legislature in a Democratic county
in Ohio, where he was beaten by only twenty-one
votes.
The same year Mr. Vale was united in marriage
with Miss Anne, daughter of Benjamin Rex, a
wealthy Ohio farmer, and unto them were born six
children. They came to Iowa in 1850, after which
Mr. Vale continued to practice only as an accom-
modation to his friends until 1860, since which
time he has devoted himself entirely to the care of
his farm. He first located in Lee County, where,
in 1853, he was a candidate on an independent
ticket for the Legislature but was beaten. In 1856
he came to Van Buren County, and in the fall of
1869 was solicited by representatives of both par-
ties to become a candidate for the State Senate,
and was elected by a fair majority, beit»g the only
independent Senator in the Thirteenth General As-
sembly. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and
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religiously is a faithful Presbyterian. In his leg-
islative labors he was conscientious, never advoca-
ting a measure until he was fully persuaded that
he was right, and then it would require facts with
the force of logic to turn him aside from the appar-
ent path of duty. Opposite to his name in every
enterprise, social, moral, financial or offioinl, may
be written the word "success."
EDWIN MANNING, the honored pioneer,
has for half a century made his home on the
site of Keosauqua, Van Buren County, of
which city he was the founder. This volume would
be incomplete without bis sketch for he has not
only been long a resident of the county, but has
been identified with its growth and progress and
few have aided more in the advancement of its in-
terests.
Mr. Manning was born in Coventry, Conn.,
February 8, 1810, and isasonof Calvin and Desire
(Gurley) Manning who belonged to old New Eng-
land families. They were parents of two sons and
two daughters. Fannie the eldest, married James
Preston and died in her native county; Edwin is
the second in order of birth; William died on the
old homestead at the age of thirty years, and Anna
R., wife of Dr. S. W. Barrow8,is living in Hartford,
Conn. The parents, who were consistent and faith-
ful members of the Congregational Church, died in
Coventry, Conn., respected by all who knew them.
Mr. Manning was a Whig in political sentiment and
was honored by an election to the office of Com-
missioner of Des Moines River Improvement and
also serred in said office until its affairs were finally
adjusted.
The subject of this sketch was reared in a man-
ner similar to the majority of boys of his day and
received his education in the primitive schools of
his native State. When a lad of sixteen years he
entered the store of his uncle, Royal Manning, as
salesman, which position he held for six months,
when he went to Bethany, Pa., where he accepted
a similar position with another uncle, James Man-
ning, receiving $10 per month as a compensation
for his services. After five j^ears, in which time he
had mastered the business, he was taken in as a
partner with a third interest. Aside from the
knowledge gained concerning mercantile life, Mr.
Manning acquired other information which proved
of much value to him in after life. His uncle dur-
ing his sta}'^ in Bethany, was elected Associate Jus-
tice and Recorder of the county, and Edwin became
acquainted with the routine of those offices which
knowledge proved of great benefit t6 him in after
life in making plats, etc. In 1831, he left Bethany
and embarked in business at Canton Corners, Brad-
ford County, Pa., forming a partnership with J. C.
Rose under the firm name of Manning <fe Rose,
which connection was continued until the autumn
of 1836, when he disposed of his interest and
started for the West. He boarded a boat for St.
Louis, then the metropolis of the West, and on
reaching his destination Col. Benton advised him
and his associates to locate in that city, but think-
ing his purse too light to invest much in real estate
there, he pushed on to Lexington, Mo., where he
made inquires in regard to lands. On receiving in-
formation that he could obtain property in Saline
and Jackson Counties, accompanied by his uncle
and a Mr. Tyler he made his way to the places in-
dicated and became owner of some real estate, of
which Mr. Tyler was left in charge. Being op-
posed to slavery, he and his uncle proceeded north-
ward up the Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers to
St. Francesville, Lee County. That was in De-
cember, 1836. After making some investments
they continued on to Ft. Madison, where they
visited the wigwam of thq noted chief. Black
Hawk, who treated them in a friendly manner but
appeared rather reticent in regard to giving in-
formation, seeming to realize that his power was
fast being taken from him.
In January, 1837, Mr. Manning,with James Hall,
John Fuirman and John Carnes, purchased a claim
to the land and platted the town of Keosauqua.
Our subject then returned on a visit .to Pennsyl-
vania, but the following year again came to Iowa
and attended the first land sale at Burlington, pur-
chasing several small tracts of land for himself to-
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gether with quite a large amount for others. In
1 839, he purchased in New York the first stock of
goods ever brought to Keosauqua, shipping the
same by way of the sea to the mouth of the Mis-
sissippi and up that river to Churchville, the
moutli of the Des Moines River, being seven weeks
on their way. He also built the first flatboat, in
1844, that floated down the Des Moines River, and
ran the first loaded steamer from St. Louis to Des
Moines, in 1851. He was appointed Commissioner
of the Des Moines River Improvement, by Gov.
Grimes, serving in that capacity in 1859. In fact
there are few industries or enterprises, or works of
improvement and progress of the early days with
which he was not connected.
Mr. Manning has been twice married. In Lee
County, Iowa, March 8, 1842, he was joined in
wedlock with Miss Sarah J. Sample, who was b>rn
in Pennsylvania, July 21, 1816, and died June 1,
1857, leaving three children — Calvin, a prominent
attorney of Ottumwa, Iowa; William who is en-
gaged in farming, and Anna G. The second mar-
riage of Edwin Manning was solemnized November
3, 1859, the lady of his choice being Nannie Bryant,
who was born in Indiana, February 3, 1832, and is
an adopted daughter of Hon. Joseph A. Wright.
Unto them have been born five children: Albert,
Edward Bates, Stanley, Craig and Katie W. Mrs.
Manning and Katie are members of the Congre-
gational Church, and are among its most active and
faithful workers. Out of the kindness of her
heart Mrs. Manning performs many acts of
charity and deeds of love which have won for her
the lasting gratitude and affection of those who
were recipients of her bounty and the respect of all
who were witnesses of her kindness. However her
work is all performed in a quiet and unostentatious
manner that it may not be praised by men.
In early life, Mr. Manning was a Whig and cast
his first vote for Gen. Harrison. Since the organi-
zation of the Republican party he has been one of
its stalwart supporters, yet notwithstanding his
prominence in the county and State he has steadily
refused to accept public oflRce, devoting his atten-
tion exclusively to his business interests and the
discharge of his duties as a private citizen. Words
of praise and high regard are spoken on every
hand of Mr. Manning who, it would seem, is with-
out an enemy. Stories are told of his generosity,
of numberless good deeds quietly performed, of
words of encouragement offered to the despondent,
and of substantial aid given to those in need. In
his earlier years his own life was a struggle to gain
a firm financial standing and he therefore readily
feels a sympathy for others. His capital when he
started out in life for himself consisted of a good
constitution, temperate and frugal habits, pluck and
perseverance and unquestioned integrity, but he
has in the years which have come and gone ac-
quired an ample competence and worked his way
upward to a prominent position and is respected
of all men.
As an illustration of the changes which have
taken place during the half century which Mr.
Manning has spent in Van Buren County, he cites
the fact that he has lived in the territories of Mich-
igan and Wisconsin, and the Territory and State of
Iowa all under one roof. On his arrival there were
only about one-fourth as many inhabitants in the
whole Territory as we now find in the county. Few
improvements had been made, the land was in its
primitive condition and the future of the State was
unknown. Even the most far-sighted could not
have dreamed of its brightness an<l we would cer-
tainly claim it an honor to have been an eye-wit-
ness of the wonderful transformation, but to be an
active participant in the various changes which
have taken place is a favor not shown to every one,
yet among the latter class is enrolled Edwin Man-
ning, the pioneer of Van Buren County, and the
builder of the first brick court-house in the StaUi of
Iowa in 1842, which is now as good as new.
-^
m
/OHN RUPP is now living a retired life on
section 24, Lockridge Township, Jefferson
County. During his business career, he devot-
ed himself to farming and by industry, econ'
omy, perseverance and good management acquired a
capital which now enables him to spend his declin-
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577
ing years in retirement from labor. He was born
near Strasbnrg, France, on the 23d of January,
1812, and his parents, Joseph and Barbara Rupp,
were also natives of that place. Both spent their
entire lives in France, the mother dying when John
was a lad of fifteen, and the father while he was
serving his terra in the army. There were six
children in the family but our subject is the only
one now living.
John Rupp is indeed a self-made man for since
the early age of ten years he has been dependent
upon his own resources for a livelihood. At that
nge he began herding cattle and his life was one of
hard labor until he entered the army at the ag^ of
twenty-one. He served for some five and a half
years, doing duty in Paris and on the Spanish
frontier. Not long after his term bad expired one
of the most important events in his career took
place, his marriage to Miss Magdelena Bachman.
He was now twenty-nine years of age, he had a
wife depending upon him for support and had little
that he could call his own. Although he might
provide for their wants in his native land he felt
that he could better his financial condition in the
New World where opportunities offered were super-
ior to the advantages afforded in the old countries.
After a voyage of thirty-nine days, he set foot
upon American soil and then continued on his
journey to Holmes County, Ohio, where he made
his first start in life. For four years he worked by
the- day, clearing land and having accumulated
some surplus capital, he then made an investment
in stock and renting a farm devoted his attention
to the breeding of hogs and cattle. Continuing
to be blessed with a fair degree of prosperity, in
1852 he was enabled to come to Jefferson County,
Iowa, and purchase one hundred and sixty acres of
land in Lockridge Township, paying $515 for the
quarter section. As the tract was still in its primi-
tive condition with not a furrow turned or an im-
provement made, he rented land one season while
he was erecting a dwelling and barns upon his own
farm. That work being accomplished he removed
to bis new home and then began life in earnest.
He devoted himself to general farming and became
the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of
good land which is still in his possession, although
he is not now operating it. He could not speak
the English language on his arrival in America,
but he soon mastered the tonf ue and by his fair
and honest dealing and his evident desire to please
those for whom he worked he was not long in
obtaining employment. The property which he
acquired is but a just recompense for his labors.
It surrounds him in old age with the comforts of
life and enables him to spend his declining years
unharassed by the trials and perplexities of busi-
ness.
In 1890 Mr. Rupp was called upon to mourn the
loss of his wife who died on the 24th of April. For
more than half a century they had traveled life's
journey together and her loss made a desolate
home. Mr. Rupp has since lived with his daughter.
The following are the children born of their union :
Christian, now deceased ; Daniel, who is living in
Nebraska; John, of Oregon; Henry, who resides
on the old homestead ; Joseph, now deceased ; Jacob,
of Colorado; and Magdelena, wife of Charles
Erickson, a farmer of Lockridge Township, by
whom she has four children living. They also lost
one child. Mr. Rupp, as was his wife, is a member
of the Mennonite Church and a liberal supporter of
the work. In politics he has been a stanch Demo-
crat since becoming an American citizen, but takes
no active part in political affairs. He has lived an
upright life worthy the respect and confidence of
all who know him and is an honored citizen, whose
life work we are pleased to record in this volume.
A. MYERS, a representative farmer and
stock-raiser residing on section 34, Polk
Township, Jefferson County, is a native of «
Washington County, Pa., born in 1849, and
the youngest child in a family of thirteen children,
whose parents, Stephen and Sarah (Huffman)
Myers, were also natives of the Keystone State.
His father was bom in 1802, and on attaining
to mature years wedded Miss Huffman, after which
he continued to make his home in- Pennsylvania
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until the spring of 1855, when, accompanied by
his family, he followed the course of emigration
which was steadily drifting westward, and made a
settlement in Polk Township, Jefferson County,
Iowa. Pie became an extensive farmer of this
community and was also recognized as one of its
leading citizens. On his arrival, he made pur-
chase of three hundred and seven acres of partially
improved land, to which he afterwards added one
hundred and sixty acres, placing the entire amount
under cultivation and adding many substantial and
ornamental improvements. He was a man of more
than average ability, possessed good business
qualificntions, was fair and honest in all his deal-
ings and won for himself a comfortable competency.
His death occurred in 1872, and* his wife, who was
a faithful member of the Baptist Church and a
most estimable lady, was called to her final rest in
the same year. As before stated, Mr. and Mrs.
Myers were parents of thirteen children and the
family circle remained unbroken until all had
grown to manhood and womanhood. Richard is now
a farmer of Polk Township ; Amanda is the deceased
wife of P. T. llenness; Mary is the deceased wife
of George Campbell; Solomon H. is a resident
farmer of Polk Township; Jacob C. is a shoe
maker of Iledrick, Iowa; Lavina is the deoeased
wife of George Hayes; Elmira became the wife of
Krastus Ramet, but has also been called from this
life; Casandre is the deceased wife of Jackson
liiie}^; Sarah his also departed this life; Elizabeth
became the wife of George Scott, but is now
numbered among the dead; Levi G. is engaged in
farming in Polk Township; Rhoda is the wife of
Jonathan Longer bone, a resident farmer of Polk
Township; and S. A. completes the family.
When a lad of six summers, our subject ac-
companied his parents on their emigration to Iowa,
and in the district schools of the neighborhood he
•acquired a good English education. Under the
paternal roof he was reared to manhood and at the
age of eighteen years he began life for himself as a
farmer, renting land of his father. In 1874, when
about twenty-five years of age, he was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Longerbone, whose
home was in Polk Township, and who is a daughter
of Parkerson and Lucinda (Grice) Longerbone,
who arc residents of this community. Their union
has been blessed with five children, four sons and
one daughter. The latter, Daisy, is the eldest of
the family, and her brothers are Charles O.,
Lawrence A., Truman O. and Walter A.
The family has a comfortable home as the result
of the industry and perseverance of Mr. Myers,
who is regarded as one of the progressive farmers
of the township. He now owns a well-improved
farm of three hundred and eighty acres, a glance at
which will give Evidence of its thrift and enter-
prise. He provides his wife and children with
every thing that will enhance their happiness, their
home is the abode of hospitality and the members
of the household rank high in the social world.
Mr. and Mrs. Myers are members of the Baptist
Church. He gives liberally for the support of all
laudable enterprises, and in politics is a supporter
of Republican principles.
:^^
V\^
) AMES W. GORDON, proprietor of a livery,
sale and boarding stable, of Fairfield, Iowa,
commenced business in his present line in
1886, but has been a resident of the county
since 1 876. He is a native of Waynesburg, Greene
County, Pa., born September 18, 1856, and a $on
of Adam and Lydia A. (Rhodes) Gordon, both of
whom were also natives of Greene Count}'. On
the father's side the family is of Scotch origin, and
on the maternal side of Irish descent.
The days of his boyhood and youth our subject
passed uneventfully in his native State, and at the
age of twenty years ho came to Iowa, where he
has since made his home, locating on a farm near
Fairfield City. To the cultivation and improvement
of his land he devoted his attention for some ten
years, when in 1 886, he sold out and bought into
his present business.
On the 14th of October, 1883, in Lonica, La
Salle County, 111., Mr. Gordon was married, the
lady of his choice being Miss Cora A. Van Atta, a
native of La Salle County, and a daughter of
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579
Wilson Van Atta. By their union were born
three children, but one of the number, the second
in order of birth, Ora, died at the age of ten
raontiis. Those living arc Lidda A. and Hazel A.
In his political affiliations Mr. Gordon is a
supporter of Democratic principles, and socially he
is a member of the Royal Arcanum, belonging to
the local lodge of Fairfield. His business is now
in a flourishing condition and he is winning a fair
share of the public patronage. He has all the
accommodations of a fiist-class livery, and those
who once do business with him are ever afterward
wiUing to extend to him their further patronage
on account of his promptness and courteous
treatment.
.^-=^>^.^.^.
A McREYNOLDS. The history of Jef-
ferson County would be incomplete with-
^ out this sketch, for our subject is one of her
I i prominent citizens and honored pioneers,
who for forty-six years has made his home
upon section 19, Polk Township. He was born
in Allen County, Ky., in 1814, being the sixth
in a family of eleven children, whose parents
were Edward and Sally (Anderson) McRe3'nclds.
The McReynolds family is of Irish origin and
was founded in North Carolina during Colonial
days. The paternal grandfather during the War
for Independence entered the service as a
private, but for meritorious conduct and bravery
displayed on the fif^ld of battle was promoted to
the rank of Major. The grandfather Andersom
who was also a Revolutionary hero, was of Swed-
ish descent. Edward McReynolds, father of our
subject, was a native of North Carolina, but dur-
ing his youth went to Tennessee and was married
in Kentucky to Miss Anderson, who was born in
Virginia. They began their domestic life upon a
farm in Tennessee along the banks of the Cumber-
land River, but after a number of years, in 1831,
removed to Indiana, locating in Gibson County,
which continued to be their home until 1844.
That year witnessed the arrival of the family in
Jefferson County, Iowa, and upon a farm in Polk
Township, Mr. McReynolds sj)ent the remainder of
his life, dying in 1865, at the age of eighty-one
years. The death of his wife occurred in 1852, at
the age of sixty- three years.
Our subject was reared among the wild scenes
of frontier life as during his boyhood days, Gibson
Couut3^ Ind, was but sparsely settled. The priva-
tions of pioneer life were therefore not unfamiliar
to him and in a measure he was prepared for his
experience on this side of the Mississippi. He en-
tered upon his business career as a farmer in Gib-
son County and was there married in 1840, to
Clarissa Prince, a native of New York, and a
daughter of Elijah and Caroline (Jones) Prince,
the former born in Connecticut and the latter in
the Empire ^^tate. In 1837 they became residents
of Indiana, where both passed away, but Mi*s.
Prince survived her husband some twenty years.
Mr. McReynolds continued his farming opera-
tions in Indiana until 1844, when enticed by the
opportunities afforded by the Territory of Iowa, he
settled in Jefferson County. Entering eighty acres
of land from the Government, he at once began its
development, and greatly increased its value by
the erection of a nice house and good barns. A
one hundred and seventy-acre tract now pays tribute
to his care and cultivation, but he has not attained to
his present prosperous condition without laborious
effort. His only property on his arrival in the
county was a team and wagon and the latter lie
traded for his claim. He engaged in driving cattle
to market and in various ways added to his capital
until he could make another investment. At that
day the Indians were about as numerous as the
white settlers, wild game of all i<inds was yet plen-
tiful, the rude homes of the pioneers were widely
scattered and the work of development and civili-
zation seemed scarcely begun. In many ways
Mr. McReynolds lias aided in the growth and up-
building of the community. He was one of the
first school teachers in Polk Township, is said to
have taught the first school in his district and has
ever identified himself with the educational in-
terests as he believes that to be an essential to
good citizenship. He assisted in organizing the
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
school district and has served on the School Board
for thirty years. Socially, he is a member of
Abingdon Lodge, No. 104, A. F. <fe A. M. and po-
litically is a Republican.
In 1858, Mr. McReynolds was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife. By tliat union were born
ten children, six yet living and four deceased —
George W. is married and resides in Ottumwa ; Mary
J. is now Mrs. Randall of Clay County, Neb.; O. H.
is married and also makes his home in Clay County ;
John W. is living in Clay County; Lucilla is now
Mrs. Collins of Kansas City; W. S. is married
and resides in Clay County, Neb. Mr. Mc-
Reynolds was agfein married in Jefferson County,
in 1859, his second union being with Miss Mary
McCord, who is a native of Virginia, and a
daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Webb) Rob-
inson. Her parents were also born in the Old
Dominion and from Illinois removed to Jef-
ferson County in 1844. They developed a farm in
Polk Township but both are now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. McReynolds are members of the
Methodist Ei)iscopal Church, having been connect-
ed with it for many years, during which time they
have labored for its interests and liberally support-
ed the cause. Their lives are in accordance with
tlii ir professions and their friends yield them the
respect and confidence deserved by their worth and
upright lives.
OHN NELSON NORRIS, M. D., a leading
physician and surgeon of Van Buren County
residing in Birmingham, was born in Steuben
County, N. Y., June 7, 1816, and is a son
of James and Hettie (Hyatt) Norris. The family
is of German origin. Shadrach Norris, the grand-
father of our subject, emigrated from Germany to
this country and settled in New Jersey. His wife
was a native of County Antrim, Ireland. After
their marriage they removed to Steuben County,
N. Y. The father of the Doctor was born in New
Jersey, in 1784. He served his country in the War
of 1812, and after his return from the army was
married in Steuben County, in 1815, to Miss Hyatt
who was born in the same count}' in 1790, and
came of pure English stock. He was a farmer by
occupation but at the time of his death which oc-
curred in 1829, he was working at contracting on
the Ohio canal. His wife died some six years later
in the faith of the Baptist Church, of which she
was a member. In political sentiments, Mr. Norris
was a supporter of Democratic principles. In their
family were four children, of whom three are yet
living — Rebecca, widow of Isaac Young, a resident
of Albany, Ore. ; John Nelson of this sketch, and
Weltha, widow of Dr. William Miller, also resid-
ing in Albany, Ore.
The days of his boyhood and youth our subject
spent upon a farm and in the common schools of
that day acquired a good English education. How-
ever, not desiring to follow the pursuit to which
he had been reared, he left the parental roof and
bidding good-by to home and friends started out
in life to make his own way in the world. The
first pursuit to which he turned his attention was
that of clerking, being employed in a store at Mil-
lersburg, Ohio. He conceived the idea of making
the practice of medicine his life work and during
his leisure hours gave his time to the study of that
science. In 1837, he and his brother-in-law, Dr.
William Miller, came to Iowa, and in February of
1838, located adjoining the site of the present
town of Birmingham, which has since grown up
around them. They built a cabin of hickory poles
which they adorned with a stick chimney and
though the roof served well in dry weather it
proved hardly adequate in the rainy season. The
Doctor was his own cabinet maker; with auger and
ax he constructed a bed which at least possessed
one admirable quality, that of strength. Soon after
arriving, Dr. Miller and his wife were taken sick
and Dr. Norris, being an "all around man" served
as housekeeper, nurse, doctor and cook. To fill the
last position required no little ingenuity. They
had brought a sack of meal with them but it had
got wet and spoiled and he therefore had to im-
provise a grater and provide the bread stuflf. Salt
was wanting but he boiled salt beef bones and thus
obtained the much desired article. Stagnant pond
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water was not very palatable but who cared for
that when with one stroke of the bucket you could
drive the scum away and scare the tadpoles- to the
bottom. Is it any wonder that a person who could
find some way to surmount such obstacles as this
should succeed in professional life. The Doctor
was blessed with a liberal patronage from the first.
He would often have to drive twenty or twenty-
five miles to visit a patient and became known all
over the county. Having practiced until 1854, he
was graduated from the medical department of the
State L^niversity, then at Keokuk. Twenty-two
students have prepared themselves for college un-
der his instruction; he has been very successful in
surgery, having cut out sbme twenty-two tumors
and has had an extensive and successful course of
practice on the eyes, patients coming to him from
different States to receive treatment.
On July 26, 1842, Dr. Norris was united in mar-
riagc with Miss Margaretta S. Culbertson, a native
of Ohio, and unto them were born two children —
Hettie F., widow of C. M. Selvey, and Samuel C.
who served in the Third Iowa Cavalry during the
lati» war. He was taken prisoner near Memphis,
Tenn., and then sent to Andersonville, where he
remained in captivity for four months. He died in
1871, from the effects of prison life. The mother
of these children was called to her final rest in
September, 1847. The Doctor was again married
October 26, 1848, the lady of his choice being
Barbara Miller, who was born in Highland County,
Ohio, December 22, 1823, and came to this county
among its early settlers. Their union has been
blessed with six children — Izora M., wife of John
S. Ragsdale, a druggist of Birmingham; John M.
who died when about two years old ; Dr. W. Pitt,
who for some sixteen years has been a partner of
his father, and Dr. Jay C. who has shared in their
business for some seven years.
In early life, Dr. Norris supported the Whig
party until the rise of the Abolition party. On the
organization of the Republican party he joined its
ranks but within the past fifteen years he has been
independent, voting alone for the man who he
thinks will best fill the position. Religiously, he
grasps the broad idea of the brotherhood of all
Christians, making the test of fellowship, loyalty to
Christ. The Doctor has the honor of having aided
inlaying out the town of Birmingham and giving
it its name. In 1839 John Harrison took a claim
on which the city now stands. The Doctor after
much argument and many promises of assistance
induced Mr. Harrison to make the; venture of
founding the town and the result shows that his
ideas were correct. He has witnessed its growth,
has been identified with its advancement and has
done not a little for its upbuilding. For fifty-one
years he hks been engaged in thejpractice of medi-
cine in Van Buren County, during which he has
won a reputation equal to any in this section and
as a true student still keeps himself well informed
concerning the progressive movement of the science.
-'-^^'^^^i^^t^;^
-r-V-
^^HARLES SHIPMAN CLARKE, M. D., a
(li fil P*^"^®^ physician of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa,
^i.^^ and for many years a prominent business
man of Fairfield, was born in Marietta, Ohio, De-
cember 15, 1814, and was a son of Sylvester and
Mary (Bull) Clarke. His father, Sylvester Clarke,
was of English descent, born March 27, 1786, in
West Middleton, Conn. His mother, Mary (Bull)
Clarke, was also of English descent, born in Weath-
ersfield, Conn., March 5, 1787. They were married
September 20, 1807, and became the parents of six
children. Charles Shipman, the eldest son, was
born, as stated, in Ohio, where his parents had emi-
grated at an early day, his mother having an inter-
est in what was known as the Ohio Company's
Purchase. The family lived in Marietta until 1817
when they removed to Fredericktown,Knox County
of the same State, where they made their home for
many years, coming to Iowa in the autumn of
1843, settling in Mt. Pleasant, where they spent tlie
remainder of their lives. The father died March
3, 1858, and the mother departed this life October
22, 1845.
Dr. Clarke received a liberal education and at-
tended a course of lectures at the Columbus Medi-
cal College in 1835, after which he entered upon
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the practice of his profession in Suiibury, Delaware
County, Ohio. On the 8lh of October, 1837, he
was married, in Fredericktown, to Miss Sarah L.
Wadsworth, who is a native of Pittsford, Vt., and
a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Yemans) Wads-
worth. Iler father and paternal grandfather were
born in Stoughton,Mass.,and were related to Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow, America's ilUistrious poet.
Mrs. Clarke is a descendant of Christopher Wads-
worth, the founder of the family in this country,
who landed on the American shore from the good
ship "Lion" September 16, 1632. He had four
children, three sons and a daughter. The eldest
son, Cipt. Samuel Wadsworth, was killed in the
Indian War in Sudbury, Mass. Mrs. Clarke's
grandfather, David Wadsworth, and father, Sam-
uel Wadsworth, were bora in Stoughlon, Mass.
The former married Eleanore Capen and unto
them were born six children, of whom Samuel was
the eldest. The family removed to Rutland, Vt.,
where on the 21st of October, 1813, Samuel mar-
Tivd Sarah Yemans. Unto them were born eight
children, three of whom died in infancy. Through
the persuasion of David Wadsworth, who had been
in the West several years and who returned to
Vermont to visit his aged parents, his brother
Samuel decided to emigrate to Ohio, hoping thereby
to better the condition of his children. He settled
in Fredericktown, the home of Dr. Clarke, who
first became acquainted with Sarah Wadsworth
during their school days.
The Doctor practiced a year with his old precep-
tor and after marrying Miss Wadsworth removed
to Sunbury, Delaware County, where he spent
about four 3'earg, when his wife became so ill that
her life was despaired of. She finally rallied so far
as to be able to travel and the Doctor took her to
Kentucky, hoping that a milder climate would re-
store her health. After four pleasant years of im-
provement they returned to Ohio. The Doctor now
carried out his long-cherished wish of attending
another course of le(;tures and was graduated with
honor in Cincinnati in 1843. Returning home he
found a sister and brother-in-law on the eve of re-
moving tb Iowa and anxious that he should accom-
pany them. As he wtj^ unsettled he concluded to
do so and found a good opening in Mt. Pleasant,
where he devoted fourteen years to an active and
successful practice. His ability and skill gave him
rank among the leading physicians of the State and
he was recognized as a prominent member of the
county and State medical societies. On the 24th
of January, 1855, he was appointed by the Gen-
eral Assembly a member of the Board of Commis-
sioners whose duty it was to purchase and locate a
site and adopt plans for an insane asylum. Gov.
Grimes and Judge Edward Johnson were appointed
his associates on the Board. The Commissioners
made a tour of nine of the Eastern States, decided
on a plan and selected Mt. Pleasant as the site of
the pr()jx)sed asylum. During the erection and
completion of the institution the Doctor was act-
ively identified with its management and to his
foresight the people of the State are much indebted
for the perfection and successful start of that im-
portant State institution. In 1857,on acount of im-
paired health, he removed to Fairfield and engaged
in the drug business with the view of retiring from
the more arduous life of a practicing physician.
From that time forward he virtually abandoned all
practice, only making an occasional exception to
the rule, when, out of the kindness of his heart, be
attended without charge a member of the family of
some intimate friend.
Dr. Clarke's family consisted of his wife and five
children, two daughters and three sons, to whom he
was devoted with that earnest tenderness which
characterized his nature. Charles A., the eldest
son, married Miss Ella A. Acheson, a daughter of
George Acheson, and is a Lieutenant in the United
States Navy, now stationed on the Sandwich Isl-
ands. George D., the next younger married Miss
Etta Montgomer}^ and is engaged in the drug busi-
ness in Faufield ; J. Frederick, the youngest of the
family, was graduated from the State Univrrsit}' of
Iowa in the class of 1886 and from the University of
Pennsylvania with the degree of M. D. in the class
of 1889. He now holds the position of resident
physician in the Philadelphia Hospital.
Dr. Clarke was a Whig in early life and on the
dissolution of that party was one of the first to aid
in the formation of the Republican party. He was
an earnest patriot and during the late war for the
preservation of the Union was a stanch supporter
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of the administration of President Lincoln. Ilis
acquaintance was extensive, among the leading pub-
lic uien of Iowa and he enjoyed the confidence and
personal regard of such as Gov. Kirkwood, Gov.
Grimes, Senator Harlan and many others of prom-
inence. He was well versed in politics and always
manifested a deep interest in public affairs and ex-
ercised a strong influence in that direction without
desiring preferment for himself. For many years
his place of business was the political headquarters
for the leaders of his party in Fairfield, and Dr.
Clarke's opinions and advice were much sought
and consulted. When in the year 1872 Horace
Greeley and many other leading Republicans op-
posed the re-election of Grant, Dr. Clarke joined
that part of the party called '^Liberal Repub-
licans" and opposed the regular , nominations of
the old party. True to his convictions and in spite
of the strong ties of personal friendship existing
between himself and the Republican leaders in
Iowa, Dr. Clarke continued to support the opposi-
tion and thereby necessarily became estranged to a
certain extent from his old party affiliations. He
at once became prominent on the other side and at
one time was nominated for the State Senate by
the Democrats and Liberals but his party strength
was not equal to securing his election. In his re-
ligious views. Dr. Clarke was broad and liberal
and should properly be classed as a Unitarian.
However, he gave to the support of churches of all
denominations and was free-hearted and generous
in support of all worthy public enterprises. To
young men he was especially helpful in encourag-
ing and aiding them to make a start in life. The
unfortunate and needy always found in him a iruc
friend and were always benefited by his warm sym-
pathy and substantial generosity. He continued in
the drug business in Fairfield up to the time of his
last illness, which resulted in his death on the 4th
of March, 1882.
The principles of fraternal and benevolent socie-
ties attracted the attention of Dr. Clarke in early
life and were in sympathy with his generous and
^social nature. He became a Mason in Mt. Pleasant
and was at the time of his death a member of Clin-
ton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M. and of Jefferson
Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., of Fairfield. He tc^ok a
warm interest in educational matters and in 1859
was elected the first President of the Board of the
Fairfield independent school district and was ac-
tively connected with the Board for several years.
The Jefferson County Public Library enlisted his
warmest interest from the time of his coming to
Fairfield. He was elected a member of the Library
Board in 1858 and that institution had few more
devoted friends or workers than he.
Mrs. Clarke survives her husband and is still a
resident of Fairfield, where she enjoys the high es-
teem and kindlv regard of a wide circle of friends.
> •>:m<' <
^^^ S. BAILEY, M. D., is one of the pioneer
(11 (—! physicians and early settlers of Van Buren
\^J41 County, having made his home within its
borders since June, 1837. Probably no man in
the community has been more prominently identi-
fied with its history, especially during the early
days, than he, and the active part which he took
in the upbuilding and advancement of the county's
interests certainly deserves mention in this vol-
ume and should be remembered with gratitude by
the citizens through coming generations. Indiana
was the State of his nativity, and in Lawrence
County, on the 3d of June, 1809, he first opened
his eyes to the light of day. His parents were
Charles and Sally (Smith) Bailey, and he was
the sixth child of the family. The days of his
boyhood and youth were spent in Lawrence County
and at an early age he determined to engage in the
practice of medicine. To this end he entered the
office of Dr. Moberly, under whose direction he
pursued a course of reading, which he continued
until accompanying his family on their removal to
Shelby County, 111., where he completed his medi-
cal studies and entered upon the practice of his
chosen profession in Charleston, Coles County. It
was during his residence in that place that he led
to the marriage altar Miss Julia Manwaring, an ac-
complished lady, a native of Connecticut. Their
union was celebrated in 1835, and for three years
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they resided in Illinois, but believing that the
countr}^ beyond the Mississippi would furnish bet
ter opportunities for a young man in his profes-
sion, the Doctor and his wife crossed the Father of
Waters into Iowa. He chose Van Buren County
as the^ scene of his future labors, and they took up
their residence in a rude log cabin, but ere the fiist
season had passed he erected a neat frame residence.
At once, after reaching Iowa, Dr. Bailey em-
barked in the practice of his profession and for a
few years did an extensive business in that line,
but his attention was then attracted toward politi-
cal questions, and laying aside his business inter-
ests, he entered actively into political life. From
1838 until 1861 he was continually serving the
people in some official capacity, whereby he gained
a wide reputation and made many friends among
the prominent citizens of the State. He represented
Van Buren County in the First General Assembly
under Territorial Government, which convened in
the Methodist Church in Burlington in 1838; he
was a member of the Territorial Council and served
as United States Marshal of Iowa under the admin-
istration of President Polk. He was a member of
the State Senate during the special session of 1861,
when questions of the greatest importance, attend-
ing the Civil War, came up for decision. His pub-
lic, as well as his private life is above reproach, for,
ever faithful to the trust reposed in him, he dis-
ch.arged his duties with fidelity and promptness,
winning the respect of all with whom he came in
contact.
In 1865 Dr. Bailey was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife, who died in the month of Feb-
ruary. They were the parents of two childien, a
son and a daughter — Augustus C, now living in
Lancaster, Mo.; and Julia, deceased wife of Har-
ris Waterman. The Doctor was again married
September 3, 1869, his second union being with
Ann M. Schneck, daughter of Jacob Schneck. She
was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1839, and
came to this country when twenty years of age.
Their union has been blessed with one child, Gid-
eon C. S., now a youth of fourteen years. The
Doctor has for some time past lived a retired
life. Being now in his declining years, he is rest-
ing from the toils and labors of the past, having
acquired a competence, which releases him from
all cares. He was formerly one of the most promi-
nent and energetic citizens of Van Buren County,
and is now an honored pioneer, who yet retains his
interest in the growth and upbuilding of the county
for which he did so much in earlier years.
-' '> '>IN<' ^'
[/ ENRY D. BLOUGH, farmer and breeder of
!lf ji/ fine stock, resides on section 5, Cedar
Township, Jefferson County. He was born
in Somerset County, Pa., July 14, 1830,
and is a son of David and Mary (Speicher) Blough.
He is of German descent, belonging to a family
which was established In America during Colonial
da3's by the great-grandfather of our subject who
left the Fatherland during the early years of his
manhood to become a resident of America. He
settled in Pennsylvania and when the war broke
out between the Colonies and the mother country
he took his stand in defense of the oppressed p^-
ple and did valiant service for his adopted country.
The grandfather of Henry was born in Pennsyl-
vania and was a farmer by occupation.
His father, David Blough, was born in Somerset
County, Pa., in 1777, and was the youngest of a
family composed of six sons and one daughter. In
his native county he married Fannie Geiman, and
unio them were also born seven children, three
sons and four daughters, viz: Elizabeth, Barbara,
Peter, John, Sarah, Fanny and Christian. After
her death he wedded Miss Speicher, who was born
in Somerset County in 1793, and was also of Ger-
man descent. Having engaged in farming in the
Keystone State until 1836, he then removed to
Wayne County, Ohio, where both he and his wife
spent the remainder of their lives, the former dying
at the age of sixty-nine years and the latter in the
sixty-seventh year of her age. Both were mem-
bers of the Oujisb Church and he was a supporter
of Democratic principles. By their union were
born five sons, allof whom followed in the footsteps
of the father, making farming their life occupa.
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585
tion. David and Joseph follow that pursuit in
Wayne County, Ohio; Henry D. is the next
younger; Moses carries on carpentering in connec-
tion with farnoing, and Jacob devotes his energies
to the cultivation of the soil in Wayne County,
Ohio.
The first five years of his life Henry D. Blough
spent in his native State, but when a lad of some
six summers, he accompanied his parents to Ohio
where he acquired his education in an old-time log
schoolhouse to which they gave the very inappro-
priate name of the Temple. As there were five
boys in the family they would take turns in attend-
ing school. They were mostly educated in' the
language of the Fatherland, but our subject also
managed to acquire a fair English education. He
was but sixteen years of age when his father died
and he then began life for himself, running one of
the first Massillon separators for several years. He
also devoted his energies to farming which has
been his principal occupation through life.
A marriage ceremony performed on January 11,
1852, united the destinies of Henry D. Blough
and Miss Anna Baughman, who]was born in Wayne
County, Ohio, on the 15th of September, 18J50.
Her grandfather, who was of German birth, was
the founder of the family in America, his home
being in New York. Her father was left an orphan
at a very early age and sold for his raising. He be-
came a shoemaker and followed that trade both in
Pennsylvania and Wayne County, Ohio. In Stark
County, Ohio, he was joined in wedlock with Anna
Gerber, a native of Somerset County, Pa., and soon
afterward they removed to Wayne County, Ohio,
where six children were born unto them.
Upon the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Blough Ihey
took up their residence in Elkhart County, Ind.,
where for three years, he engaged in farming,when
in 1855 he came to Iowa. In Davis County, he
purchased two hundred and forty acres of land,
added many improvements thereto and continued
its cultivation with good success until his removal
to Jeflferson County. At one time while operating
a threshing machine, he had the misfortune to catch
his arm in a tumbling shaft which broke the bones
between the wrist and elbow and prevented him
from entering the service of his country which was
then engaged in civil warfare. In February, 1865,
he came to Jefferson Count}', and soon afterward
purchased the farm upon which he yet makes his
home. At one time he owned and operated four
hundred and twenty acres of good land but has
since deeded a one hundred and twenty-acre tract
to his son. A good dwelling, commodious barns
and all the improvements necessary to a model
farm of the nineteenth century are there found
and he takes delight in keeping everything about
his place in first-clas3 order, but he devotes the
greater part of his attention to stock-raising. In
1874, he introduced the first imported Percheron
horse into the county — Granger, by name, which
he exhibited at the fairs of Van Buren, Davis, Lee,
Wapello and Jefferson Counties, securing premiums
as he went. Since that time he has always had on
handsome fine specimens of imported horses. Be-
side sixteen he hns imported for himself, he secured
six head for other parties. He has now in his
stables seven full blooded Percherons, six of which
he himself brought across the water. In 1886,
again in 1887 and a third time the following year
he went to France on that business. On the second
voyage he was accompanied by his son John and
when far out at sea the ship burned with two hun-
dred and fifty passengers on board. Crew and
passengers worked hard all through the night but
were not able to quench the flames and were forced
to take to the life-boats. Late that evening, a Ger-
man vessel loaded with turpentine, took them on
board but it was not a passenger vessel and they
were compelled to stand on deck all night with
high waves dashing over them. In the morning a
packet took them and carried them to Queenstown,
Ireland, where they arrived after eight days, dur-
ing which time they had been kept on half rations
as the boat was not prepared to feed so many. How-
ever they at length arrived safely, not a soul on
board the unfortunate steamer having been lost.
As before stated, Mr. Blough has himself made
three trips across the water and in 1889 his sons,
John D. and Eli M. went to France and made the
importations.
As a citizen, Mr. Blough is faithful to every duty
devolving upon him and when called upon to aid
in the advancement of any public enterprise calcu-
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lated to benefit the community be responds cheer-
full3' and willingly. In political sentiment, lie is a
Democrat and he and his wife have accepted the
belief taught by the Ornish Church. A well-to-do
citizen, he is also a self-made man, for without
property or capital at the early age of sixteen years
he began life for himself and has steadily worked
his way upward to a position of affluence.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blough have been born nin<^
children — Simon H., a farmer of Des Moines Town-
ship; Mary A., wife of Polk Dubois, a farmer of
Fairfield Township; Elizabeth, Anna, John, Eli,
David, Melviu and Christian. The sons aid the fa-
ther in his business enterprises and like him are
advocates of Democracy'.
"2'^I'^'S"^
^OHN T. MADDIX has been engaged in the
grocery business in Birmingham since 1887.
He is a native of Holmes County, Ohio,
born October 13, 1843, his parents being
Samuel and Harriet (Guinn) Maddix. When he
was but three years old, the family came to the
Territory of Iowa, settling in the forks of the Coon
River, near Des Moines, where some two years
later the death of the father occurred. Mrs. Maddix
then removed with her family to Libertyville,
Jefferson County, where she yet makes her home,
having now reached the ripe old age of seventy-two
years. She has been twice married since. By the
first union there were seven children, four sons
and three daughters, and by her second marriage
a son was born.
John T. Maddix was the fourth in order of birth
and like the other members of the family the only
educational advantages which he received were such
as the district schools of that day afforded. As
soon as he was old enough he had to begin work
that he might provide for his own maintenance. A
lad of thirteen years, he started out in life for him-
self to fight the battle with the world. He entered
a mill in Birmingham, where he was employed
until the breaking out of the war. Prompted by
patriotism and a desire to show his loyalty by ser-
vice in the field, though only seventeen years of age,
he enrolled his name with the members of Company
H, Third Iowa Cavalry, enlisting on the 9th of
August, 1861. Having served in Southern Missouri
until 1862, with his command he marched with the
Union troops to Arkansas and participated in the
capture of Little Rock. There having veteranized
he came home on a furlough, at the expiration of
thirty days again joined his conunand at Memphis,
Tenn., following which he participated in the
battles of Guntown and Tupelo, Miss. Returning
to St. Louis, the troops were then sent out after
Price and on returning Mr. Maddix embarked on
the ill-fated boat, "Maria," which was blown up at
Carondelet. After some delay he went to Louis-
ville, Ky., where for a time he was detained by
sore eyes. He was then sent to Keokuk, where he
remained until the close of the war. He received
his discharge at Davenport, August 9, 1865, after
four years service.
Returning to bis home, Mr. Maddix and an uncle
soon afterwards purchased a saw mill at Unionton,
Scotland County, Mo., but a year later he sold out
and was employed as a salesman at that place. It
was during his residence there that on the 28th of
August, 1866, he wedded Elizabeth Hall, a native
of Scotland County. He then embarked in mer-
chandising but giving credit too freely caused his
failure. Again he returned to his old pursuit of
milling, purchasing a mill which he operated two
years. In 1871, he returned to Iowa and for the
succeeding two years engaged in nilling in Selma,
after which he came to Birmingham where be was
employed as sawyer for three years. In company
with a gentleman he then purchased a mill and
sawed ties for the railroad. Their partnership was
at length dissolved, Mr. Maddix receiving as his
share of the business the mill which he afterwards
sold for 11,800. In 1887, he opened the grocery
store in Birmingham which now takes rank among
the leading establishments of its kind. He is the
owner of the building and stock and has a good
trade among the best class of people. Politically,
Mr. Maddix is a Democrat and has served as city
Alderman and in other local positions. Socially
he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
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589
Three children have been born of the union of
John T. Maddix and Elizabeth Hall, the eldest of
of whom, Alva L., is a barber of Birmingham;
Minnie L. is the next younger, and Endymion C.
completes the family.
J'OHN BALDWIN ARNOLD, a le^iug far-
mer of Union Township, Van Buren County^
residing on section 34, was born iu Fair-
field County, Ohio, January 5, 1827, his
parents being George and Rachel ( Wright) Arnold.
The family is of English origin and was founded
in America by the grandfather of our subject, who
braved the dangers of an ocean voyage, crossing
the Atlantic to America, and settled in Maryland
in Colonial days. George Arnold was born near
Frederickstown, that State, and on reaching man-
hood wedded Miss Wright who was also a native
of Maryland. Her father was a native of Ireland
but her mother's people were of Scotch extraction.
In an early day the parents of our subject made
them a home in Fairfield County, Ohio. They
settled in the midst of a dense forest of maple and
beeches, but notwithstanding the difficulty of the
task a fine farm was there developed, upon which
they resided until called to the home above. He
died at the age of eighty-five years, strong in the
faith of the Catholic Church, and she was a strong
believer in the Presbyterian doctrine, dying a
member of that church, at the age of fifty-seven
years. Their family numbered seven children but
only two are now living — Mrs. Eliza Ewing who
makes her home in Ohio and our subject.
John Baldwin Arnold was the fifth in order of
birth in his father's family. He was early inured
to hard labor,being reared on a new farm in the midst
of the forest, but the lessons of thrift and industry
which he learned in his j'outh were never forgotten
and have proved of incalculable benefit in later
years. On reaching his majority his father began
to pay him for his services on the farm at the rate
of $d per month, lie having hitherto performed
the same service without compensation as the re-
turn of a dutiful son for the care which he had
received in his childhood. His first business ven-
ture was accomplished after riding five hundred
miles on horseback to Maryland, where he settled
up the business pertaining to a small estate left his
mother.
On the 10th of September, 1848, Mr. Arnold
was joined in marriage with Miss Louisa Cupp,
who the same year had come to Van Buren County.
She was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 25,
1828, and the same year of his marriage Mr. Arnold
came with his father-in-law to Iowa, where he spent
one winter, but having no money with which to
purchase land he returned to Ohio, where he rented
a farm some seven years. In 1855, having in the
meantime accumulated some capital, he once more
came to Van Buren County and purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land, his present farm,
or rather a portion of it, as its boundaries have
been greatly extended by additional purchases.
Only thirty-five acres had been placed under culti-
vation but in a short time the entire quarter section
was yielding him a ready return for the labor
bestowed upon it. As opportunity offered he made
other investments in lands and at one time was the
owner of seven hundred acres, but a portion of this
amount he has since given to his children. Two
sons and six daughters were born unto Mr. and
Mrs. Arnold as follows: Emma F., wife of Richard
Brewer; George W. who died in infancy; Mary
A., wife of A. Bruraley ; John L., a resident farmer
of Union Township, Van Buren County; Rachel
L. who died in infancy; Clara A., wife of Elias
Hall; Alpha N., wife of Charks Warner; and Ada
C. who is yet with her parents.
In political sentiment Mr, Arnold is a Democrat
but not an active partisan. He would never accept
any office although tendered some positions of
honor and trust, preferring to devote his entire at-
tention to the interests of his family and his busi-
ness. He has been a successful stock- raiser and
keeps on hand only the best grades. He was
perhaps the first to introduce Cotswold sheep and
Galloway cattle into the county and was the first
to make an exhibit of the same at the county fair.
For thirty-five years, Mr. Arnold has been a resi-
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dent of Van Buren County, during which time he
has never so much as testified in court, which fact
shows that he has lived a peaceable and upright
life as^well as a busy one. Though his (-.areer has
been pre-eminently prosperous, clouds of ^adversity
have sometimes shut out the sunshine of fortune.
One instance of this occurred on the 30th of May,
1879, when, between eleven and twelve o'clock at
night, a terrific cyclone [swept away three of his
barns, a corn crib, wagon shed, cattle sheds, one
hundred and seventy-five apple trees and several
miles of fence. It seemed to drop from the skies
for his especial discomfiture as no one else was
materially injured, whereas his loss was at least
$2,000. Kind neighbors and friends volunteered
their assistance in rebuilding the fences to protect
the crops from the stock, for which Mr. Arnold
still holds them in grateful remembrance. Various
causes were suggested to explain why one peYson
should thus be singled out as a victim. Some
thought it was because Mr. Arnold is a Universalist
in religious faith ; others, scouting an idea so foolish,
held it was a special visitation of Providence to
punish him for being a Democrat. Disastrous as
was the result it has long since been repaired.
<ji7 AWRENCE FLINSPACH, deceased, was
I ^ ^^^° ^^ Wurteraburg, Germany, August 5,
/t-^ 182i, and died at his home in Buchanan
Township, Jefferson County, Iowa, on the 5th of
September, 1879. His life of fifty-five years,
although quiet and unostentatious, was a useful
and honorable one, such as to win the confidence
and respect of those with whom he came in contact.
He grew to manhood in his native land, laboring
in his father's vineyard, and received a good edu-
cation. About 1849 he determined to seek his
fortune in the New World, and crossing the broad
Atlantic, made a location in Cincinnati, Ohio,
whence they made a trip to New Orleans, but sick-
ness in that southern clime caused him to return to
the North. Having remained in America for
some three years, he once more crossed the Atlantic
to visit the scenes of his|boyhood and his kindred
in his native land, but in 1855 we again find him
en route for America. This time he sought a home
further westward, locating in Buchanan Township,
Jefferson County, where he spent Jthe remainder of
his life, devoting himself to the occupation of
farming.
On the 14th of April, 18^6, Mr. Flinspach was
united in marriage with Miss Caroline Schmezer, a
native of Grosgartach, Wurtemburg, born May
26, 1834. Her people were in limited circum-
stances, and she was therefore forced to earn the
money to pay her passage to America, she making
the trip in 1855. Both Mr. Flinspach and his
wife were the only members of their respective
families who sought homes on this side of the At-
lantic. Upon their marriage they settled upon an
eighty-acre farm and began life in earnest. By
the untiring efforts of the husband, supplemented
by the counsel and assistance of his good wife,
their financial resources were increased, and they
extended the boundaries of their farm until it
comprised one hundred and ninety acres. A fam-
ily of fourteen children came to bless their union,
as follows: Mary, now the wife of John Kann, a
resident of Buchanan Township; George, who died
at the age of four years; Hannah, wife of Thomas
Thompson, a resident farmer of Walnut Township,
Jefferson County; Martin, who married Iowa Dall-
ner, and is engaged in agricultural pursuits Id
Buchanan Township; Fred, who married Jane Gil-
bert, and is similarly engaged ; Anna, wife of John
Diers, a resident of Buchanan Township; Lucy,
wife of Alex Gordon, who makes Lis home in the
same township; Jacob, who died at the age of five
years; Albert, Minnie, Gustave, Edward, Frank
and Robert, the younger members of the family,
are still at home.
As before stated, the death of Mr. Flinspach oc-
curred on the 5th of September, 1879, from can-
cer. He was a very successful farmer, and his life
was characterized by industry, sobriety and hon-
esty. In politics he was a Democrat, and religiously
was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church.
The Flinspach family ranks among the old estab-
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lishcd families of the county and deserves hon-
orable mention in this volume. All of the children,
from the eldest to the youngest, speak both English
and German, and the sons who have attained to
mature years, have followed in the footsteps of
their father and are stanch advocates of the Demo-
cracy. The mother is also a member of the Luth-
eran Church, and is a woman whose friends are
almost equal in number to her acquaintances.
-^^
PR. W. FORDYCE is a prominent physician
] of Glasgow, Jefferson County, and as a repre-
sentative citizen of the county deserves men-
tion in this volume. He was born in Lee County,
Iowa, in 1848, being the eldest son of Lewis and
Mary (Newby) Fordyce. His father is a native
of Illinois, born in Wabash County, about the
year 1820. In 1837, when a youth of seventeen
3'ears, he accompanied his parents to Van Buren
County, Iowa, but in Lee County married Miss
Newby, a native of Indiana, and located in that
neighborhood. Both parents are still living, their
home being in Des Moines Township, Van Buren
County. Mr. Fordyce has been influential in local
political circles, and has twice served as a Repre-
sentative to the General Assembly, being elected
to a seat in the Lower House from Van Buren
County in 1852, and from Jefferson County in
1884! At the former election he was a candidate
of the Whig pai ty, and is now a stanch Republican
in politics.
The Doctor, who is widely known throughout
the community, spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in Van Buren County, where he acquired a
common-school education and was reared to farm
life. His tastes, however, lay in another direction,
and, tiring of the dull routine of farm life, he de-
termined to engage in the practice of a profession.
Having at length determined upon a life work, at
the age of twenty -one he began the study of medi-
cine with Dr. J. M. Morris, of Birmingham, Van
Buren County, and later attended lectures in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk.
Having completed his course of study, he made a
location in Glasgow, where he has built up an ex-
tensive practice. However, he has never aban-
doned his studies, and like every successful prac-
titioner keeps himself well informed concerning the
science, its discoveries and improved methods.
A marriage ceiemony performed in 1876 united
the destinies of Dr. Fordyce and Miss Miriam Fell,
daughter of David Fell, of Round Prairie Town-
ship, and their union has been blessed with three
children — Mary, Elsie and Chester. In his social
relations the Doctor is a Mason, holding member-
ship with Glasgow Lodge, No. 60, A. F. <fe.A. M.,
of which he is now Secretary. He has also held
nearly all the other offices in the lodge. In his
political affiliations he is a Republican, and one of
the acknowledged stalwart supporters of the party
principles. His wife, who is a lady of many graces
and excellencies of character, is a faithful member
of the Methodist Church, and in support of tliat
organization the Doctor is quite liberal, as he is for
the advancement of every interest or enterprise
which is calculated to benefit and upbuild the com-
munity. His practice covers not only Glasgow,
but extends over a wide circuit throughout the
surrounding country, which liberal patronage is
justly desei^ved.
^OHN B.STEWART, a farmer and stock-
raiser of Buchanan Township, Jefferson
County, residing on section 14, was born in
Muskingum County, Ohio, August 21, 1845.
The family is of Irish origin. The father of our
subject, James Stewart, was a native of the Green
Isle of Erin, but when a lad of sixteen years he
bade good- by to the home of his childhood,
crossed the bropd Atlantic, and began life in the
New World. He made a location in Ohio, where he
married Miss Barton, who was also a native of Ire-
land, born February 11, 1814, and when six years
of age accompanied her parents to the Buckeye
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State. Both families, unlike many of their nation-
ality, were Protestants. The father of our subject
was a cabinet-maker by trade, but during his resi-
dence in Iowa devoted his time and attention to
agricultural pursuits. About 1845 he came to
Jefferson County and entered one hundred and
sixty acres of timber land in Cedar Township,
after which he returned to Ohio for his family.
Some two years later he made a location in this
community and, after renting a j^ear, bought two
hundred and thirty-four acres of land, now the
southern portion of the Manatrey farm. About
1848 he started to a mill which was situated on the
opposite bank of Skunk River. On arriving at the
stream he tied his team and took his grist across in
a skiff. Everything went well so far, but on
his return to the wagon he found that one of the
butt chains was gone, and returned to the other
bank to get one. Once more he started home, but
his family nerer saw him again. The skiff was
afterwards found below the dam with his whip in
it, but his fate is unknown. He was a good oars-
man, and as it is unlikely that he could have met
with an accident, he probably suffered foul play.
He was in the prime of life at the time, and his loss
to his family and the community was great. He
was a Whig in politics and a member of the Union
Church. His wife, who is still living, is a Metho-
dist. In their family were four children, but two
of the number died in early childhood ; John B.
and Anna M. alone attained to mature years. The
daughter is the wife of S. G. Gaumer, of Jefferson
County.
John B. Stewart spent hi6 early life in the usual
manner of farmer lads, and in his youthful days
became acquainted with the hardships and priva-
tions of pioneer life, such as fall to the lot of all
frontier settlers. He received the greater part of
his education in the subscription schools common
at that day, and became the mainstay of the family,
especially after the mysterious disappearance of his
father. Having lived in Cedar Township until
1861, he then removed with his mother to Buch-
anan Township, where they yet reside. Their home
is situated on section 14, and the farm comprises
two hundred and seventeen acres, of which one
hundred and fifty-seven acres are arable land.
More than half of that amount was still in its
primitive condition at the time of Mr. Stewart*s
settlement thereon, but he cleared and broke the
wild land, planted crops, and now has one of the
best farms in the community. Its well cultivated
fields indicate- his thrift and industry, and in con-
nection witli its cultivation he raises a high grade
of all kinds of stock except sheep. Mr. Stewart
casts his ballot with the Democratic party, but
takes no active part in politics, preferring to de-
vote his entire time and attention to his business
interests. The family of which he is now the only
male representative, well deserves mention in this
volume.
^/NDREW STONEBRAKER, Treasurer of
Cantril, won the position which he now
li holds ns the result of liis worthiness, abil-
ity and the high regard in which he is
held by his fellow townsmen. He is a retired
farmer of Van Buren County, having since 1883
made his home in Cantril, where he is the owmer
of the finest residence of the village. It is a tasty
and commodious two story dwelling, surrounded
by towering maples, while the beautiful lawn in the
front is adorned with many plants whose lovely
flowers and fragrance add not a little charm to
the scene. A fine bearing orchard at the rear of
his home is another of its pleasant additions.
Here surrounded b}'^ all the comforts which go to
make the life worth the living, Mr. and Mrs.
Stonebraker expect to spend their remaining days.
The family of which our subject is a descendant
is of German extraction and was established in
America in the year 1700. The father of Andrew
Stonebraker was born near Hagerstown, Md., in
1765, where he was reared to manhood. In 1798,
he married Lizzie Aultfather and unto them were
born three cliildren, but the mother did not long
survive the birth of the third child. After the
death of his first wife, Mr. Stonebraker emigrated
to Ohio, where in 1815 he was united in marriage
with Barbara Barr, who was born in Pennsylvania
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in 1785, and was a daughter of Daniel Barr, also of
the Kej^stone State. That marriage was graced by
nine children, the fourth in order of birth being
our subject.
Andrew Stonebraker was born on tlie 8th of July,
1821, in Belmont County, Ohio, where he was
reaped to manhood, receiving such educational ad-
vantages as the common schools afforded. He was
reared to farm life and chose that occupation for
his own, and ere his removal to the West he iiad
become owner of one hundred acres of choice land
in Athens County, Ohio, which yielded him a
golden tribute for the care and labor which he be-
stowed upon it. In 1873, he left the Buckeye
State, after disposing of his property, and came to
Van Buren County, Iowa. Upon his arrival he
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land
and began the development of a fine farm. Many
improvements he added which greatly enhanced
the value of the land and the well cultivated fields
indic'ited the thrift and enterprise of the owner,
but at length, having accumulated a competency
sufficient for all his wants in coming years he laid
aside business cares and in 1883, as before stated,
came to Cantril.
In August, 1844, Mr. Stonebraker was joined in
wedlock with Susanna Keefer, the marriage being
solemnized in Ohio. The lady is a native of Bel-
mont County, that State, born in April, 1827, and a
daughter of William and Jane Keefer. Her pater-
nal grandparents, Casper and Mary Keefer, were of
German descent. Nine children have been born
of this union, seven of whom are yet living,
namely : James A., Silas A., Charles V., Sherman
T., Narcissa J., deceased wife of Louis Zimmer-
man; Mary E.,wife of Henry Moore; Alice A., wife
of Wesley Welch; Viola M., wife of Martin Saar;
and William Henry, the eldest of the family, who
was killed at the battle of Corinth, Miss., during
the war.
The father also donned the blue and marched
southward in defense of the old flag. He served
as a member of Company K, of the Sixty. Third
Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, under Capt. Mc-
Ginnis and Col. Sprague. He enlisted November,
1861, but was not actively engaged, for owing to
illness he was placed on the sick list and at length
was discharged in September, 1862, on account of
physical disability. His duties as a citizen have
ever been performed with the same loyalty and
faithfulness as characterized his war record. He
is a man of progressive ideas and enterprising spirit
who gives supi>ort and encouragement to all
worthy interests, while to the poor and needy he is
a benefactor. In politics Mr, Stonebraker is a
Republican ; for three yeare he seivert as School
Director, for a similar period was a member of the
City Council of Cantril, and in March, 1889, he
was elected to his present ofiSce, that of Treasurer.
He and his wife are faithful members of the
Christian Church of which he is an Elder, and by
all who know them arc held in the highest re-
gard.
"325^
fOLONY VOLK SMITH was born in New
York, and removed with his parents to Keo-
sauqua, Iowa, in 1846. Here he attended
school until bis father went to the Pacific Coast,
settling in Linn County, Ore., in 1852, Volony
going with him. He continued his studies in the
schools of Oregon until the spring of 1861, when
he was appointed to a scholarship at West Point,
for which place he leftOrcgou by steamer, arriving
in New York City only to find that he had been
superseded by another appointment, caused by a
change in the administration; and the death of his
father in 1860, leaving him without an adviser, he
was thrown u|)on his own resources. Being now
about twenty -one years of age, he decided to enter
the United States service as a volunteer in the War
of the Rebellion. He enlisted in a New York regi-
ment, and served until the close of the war, when he
was ap[K)inted to a position in the Freed man's Bu-
reau, in the State of Arkansas. He filled this position
for some time, was also elected County Clerk of
his county in Arkansas, for two or th^e terms, and
was elected Lieutenant-Governor of the State, on
the ticket with Clayton as Governor, at the time
of the adoption of the new Constitution of Arkan-
sas. Clayton was elected United States Senator,
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but Mr. Smith failed to succeed him as Governor,
owing to some technicality in the Constitution in re-
gard to succession in office. Considerable trouble
arose over the matter, and Volony was compelled
to leave the State for safety. He was appointed
by General Grant as Consul to the Isle of St.
Thomas, which position he filled for three or four
years, after which he returned to Arkansas, and
has since resided there, filling many important
offices both in the county and State. He was mar-
ried in the State of New York about 1866 or '67.
In politics he was in early life a Democrat, but in
after years he told the writer that he was a Re-
publican by force of circumstances. He was a very
good speaker, and was admitted to the bar as a
lawyer while clerk of the courts in Arkansas.
4 ICHAEL B. TOBIAS is a prominent far-
mer residing on section 32, Lick Creek
Township, Van Buren County. He is now
practically living a retired life, having as
the result of his labors in former years acquired a
handsome competency which now enables him to
rest from all business cares. As his friends and ac-
quaintances are many and as he is widely and fav-
orably known throughout Southeastern Iowa, we
are pleased to record his sketch in this volume.
The history of his life is as follows: He was born
in Berks County, Pa., on the 15th of December,
1807, and is the only surviving one in a family of
seven children, whose parents were Christian and
Molly (Bucher) Tobias. His father was a native of
Pennsylvania, in which State he was reared to man-
hood, learning the carpenters' and coopers* trades
in his youth. About 1800 he wedded Miss Bucher
and after a twenty-eight years 'residence in the Key-
stone State, they emigrated westward, locating on
a farm near* Dayton, Ohio, which continued to be
their home until death. The wife and mother died
in 1824, and twenty days later the husband was
laid to rest by her side in the cemetery near that
place. They^were active members of the Lutheran
Church, and he was a supporter of Democratic
principles.
The year in which our subject reached man's es-
tate also witnessed the emigration of his father's
family to Ohio. In Mr. Tobias' shop he learned
the cooper's trade and for four years followed that
pursuit, after which he was emplo^^ed as a farm
hand. Subsequently he rented a cooper's shop and
engaged in business for himself in that line for two
years, when he turned his attention to farming,
renting a quarter section of land. As a helpmate
on life's journey he chose Miss Sarah Good, their
wedding being celebrated November 12, 1835. She
was a native of Germantown, Ohio, born Novem-
ber 6, 1817, and was left an orphan at the age of
eleven years. Her parents died and were buried in
the same grave.
Mr. and Mrs. Tobias began their domestic life
upon a rented farm, which he continued to operate
some years when he purchased eight}'' acres. Pros-
pects were brightening and he felt that in a short
time he would be in comfortable circumstances
but about this time he was taken ill, his sickness
exhausted his supply of money and he was left in
debt. His life in Ohio was checkered by seasons of
prosperity and adversity and at length he deter-
mined to seek his fortune elsewhere. With teams he
crossed the country to Iowa in 1851, bringing with
him about six horses and some 14,000 in money.
One of the old wagons in which the journey was
made is still in his possession, a memento of that
early day. He made a judicious investment of his
capital, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres
of land at $12.50 per acre, which farm for twenty-
one years he made his home. He cleared the
greater part of the land, built a fine brick residence
thereon, the finest in the township,' and erected
splendid barns, selling at last for $10,000. In
1872 he purchased his present home, comprising
two hundred and fourteen acres of the best farm-
ing land in the county. His residence is a fine
frame structure tastefully furnished, where he and
his family arc surrounded by all the comforts and
many of the luxuries of life. There are also many
other excellent improvements, including large
barns, a blacksmith shop and other nccessar}' build-
ings. He was also the inventor of many ingenious
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devices which add to the convenience of the home
and nothing necessary to a model farm of the nine-
teenth century is there lacking. He has an apiary
and orchards, and small fruit^s of all kinds in their
season find a place upon his well-spread table. All
this stands as a monument to the thrift, enterprise
and business sagacity of the owner. Mr. Tobias is
now living a retired life, as his property and bank
account is sufficient to supply all his wants through
the remainder of his life. Besides his farm of
three hundred and sixty-nine acres he owns an ho-
tel and two lots in Doud's Station.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tobias were born two chil-
dren. Elizabeth, the eldest, born in 1837, married
Alonzo Doud, by whom she had one child, and for
her second husband wedded Isaac Pence. She was
a lady of culture and refinement, well educated,
and her death, which occurred in 1872, was
mourned by many friends. William V., the son,
was born in 1847, reared to manhood on his father's
farm and received good educational advantages,
his early scholastic training being supplemented by
a two years' course in Birmingham College. When
twenty -one years of age he married Miss Alice
Short and brought his bride to the old home, that
he might operate the farm for his father. He also
ran a sawmill and in addition to those two branches
of industry is a good bricklayer and blacksmith.
He is now a manager of the machine works of La-
mar, Mo., where he has made his home for the last
two years. He possesses business ability of a high
order and the succe^ which has thus far attended
him will no doubt make him a wealthy man. By his
union with Miss Short five children have been born
— four sons and a daughter. The removal of Will-
iam Tobias to Missouri proved a loss to this county,
for he was ranked among the leading citizens and
was a favorite with all who knew him.
Michael Tobias, whose name heads this sketch,
cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson,
and has since been a supporter of Democratic prin-
ciples. He believes that his wealth has been given
him, not to store away in miserly fashion but for
his profit and enjoyment, and to this end he has
spent considerable time in traveling. Accompan-
ied by his wife he visited the Centennial at Phila-
delphia in 1876, was present at the New Orleans
Exposition, and during the St. Louis Exposition of
1885 had the pleasure of seeing President Cleve-
land and his wife and shaking bands with Vice
President Hendricks. He has also visited Canada
and many other points of interest in this country.
^
)HOM AS ANSON, who resides on section 20,
Henry Township, dates his residence in Van
*0 Buren County from 1835, therefore for
fifty-five consecutive years his history has been
connected with that of the community. Most of
his friends and neighbors of that early day have
passed away, he being one of the few left to tell the
story of life in Iowa when the State was situated on
the extreme western frontier. The story of those
pioneer days was one of great interest and we re-
gret that we cannot enter more elaborately into
details, but as we proceed to give a history of his
life we will doubtless mention facts which are new
to our younger readers.
Thomas Anson was born in Pike County, Mo.,
July 24, 1826. Little is known concerning the
early history of the family except that it was estab-
lished in America during Colonial days. His fa-
ther, Henry Anson, was born in Maryland, there
spent the days of his boyhood and youth and on
attaining to years of maturity wedded Elizabeth
Paralee, also a native of that State. About 1820,
they removed with their family to Kentucky but
four years later resumed their westward journey
and made a location in Pike County, Mo., where
Mr. Anson opened up a farm, clearing and devel-
oping the wild land. Again in 1835 a change of
residence occurred. The preceding year he came
to Van Buren County, Iowa, and laid a claim, after
which he brought his family to their new home and
from that time until his death he was numbered
among the leading citizens of the county. He took
an active part in political affairs and was interested
in all that pertained to the welfare and upbuilding
of the community. On the 15th of April, 1850, at
the ripe old age of seventy-seven years, he was
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called to his final rest. His wife preceded him to
their final home, dying in 1846. They had a large
family numbering twelve children but only four are
now living. Peter died in La Fayette County,
Mo., leaving a family; Keziah died in California in
1887s Catherine, wife of Isaac Rigsby, died at her
home in Henry Township, in June, 1887; Henry
died in Lick Creek Township, in 1882; George
makes his home in California; FAIzb. resides vvith
her brother Thomas; Flarious died in California in
1889; Christiana died in Van Buren County, in
1883; Thomas is the next in order of birth; and
William is married and living in Henry Township.
Mr. Anson, whdSe name heads this sketch, was a
hd of nine summers when he accompanied his par-
ents to Van Buren County. Iowa then formed a
part of the Territory of Wisconsin. He has there-
fore resided in the Territory of Wisconsin and the
Territory and State of Iowa, yet all the time his
home has been within the borders of Van Buren
County. The companions of his childhood he
found among the Indian boys and being thus
thrown frequently into their company he learned
their language. On many of their hunting expedi-
tions he accompanied them, for friendly were the
relations between the white and red races at that
day. In the subscription schools he acquired his
education and necessarily his advantages were quite
limited, but in a great measure experience and ob-
servation have overcome the difficulties arising
therefrom and he is now well informed on all mat-
ters of general interest. He assisted his father in
the arduous task of developing a farm, following
the oxen day after day in breaking prairie. When
only seventeen years of age he began life for him-
self. In company with his brother William, he
purchased four hundred and thirty acres of par
tially improved land which they placed under culti-
vation and thereby reaped a golden reward for
their efforts. Although he has met with some
obstacles and difficulties he has generally traveled
the road of success and is now the owner of eight
hundred and seventeen acres of land imiividually,
and half owner in a one hundred and eighty-four
and a half acre tract. The former amount is under
a good state of cultivation or in pasturage. With-
out interruption save about three years spent on
the Pacific Slope, INIr. Anson has resided in Van
Buren County, since 1835. It was during the gold
excitement in California that in 1850 he crossed
the plains with an ox-team to that State, reaching
his destination after three months of travel. He
gave his attention to mining for some three years
and in the spring of 1853 returned by way of the
Isthmus of Panama and New York City. Once
more resuming the occupation of farming he has
since devoted himself exclusively to that pursuit
and to stock-raising. A truly self-made man, he
deserves no little credit for his success. On reach-
ing California he had but thirty-fire cents in his
pocket but on his return his exchequer was in
somewhat better condition. In the years which
have followed he has gained a handsome property,
yet has been liberal with his means for the ad-
vancement of all enterpiises calculated to benefit
the town or county. For a quarter of a century
he has served on the School Board and to him in
no small degree is due the excellence of the school
system in this community. In political sentiment,
he is a Republican and a stalwart supporter of the
party principles.
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ON. GEORGE W. BALL, who resides on a
pleasant farm situated on section 19, Fair-
J^ field Township, adjacent to the city limits
(^0 of Fairfield, is the present representative
from his district in the State Legislature and is
numbered among the early settlers of the com-
munity dating his residence in Jefferson County
from 1854, when a lad of six summers, he accom-
panied his parents to Fairfield. He was born on
the 6th of March, 1848, in Hancock County, W.
Xa., and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Longfitt)
Ball. He received his education in what was
known as the P^airfield University and was reared
to farm life, becoming familiar with the ways and
methods of operating a farm by assisting his father
in the management of the homestead.
On the 31st of October, 1872, Mr. Ball was
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597
united in marriage with Miss Maggie Laughlin,
daughter of Harvey and Mary Laugbiin, who were
early settlers in Jefferson County. Their home was
originally in Tennessee, whence they removed to
Illinois, and in 1840 they settled in this community,
where the death of the father occurred in 1887.
His wife still survives him. Mrs. Ball was born in
Locust Grove Township, and by her marriage be-
came the mother of five children yet living, four
sons and a daughter—Charles F., the eldest, was
born May 20, 1874; Joseph L., July 6, 1878;
Harry L, November 5, 1880; Nellie B., May 17,
1884; and William N., September 25, 1886. They
also lost one child, the second, Harry L., who was
born May 31, 1876, and died February 15, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Ball are members of the Christian
Church, and in politics he is a Republican. In the
fall of 1877 he was elected by his party to represent
his district in the State Legislature, and in the
autumn of 1889 he was re-elected to the same po-
sition— a fact which indicates his fidelity and
ability during his 6rst term. His course during the
present term has also elicited the praise of his con-
stituents, and he has proved a useful member of the
Iowa Legislature. His business is that of farming
and stock-raising, and he owns four hundred acres
of valuable land in Fairfield Township. He raises
only the best grades of stock, and has been quite
successful in this branch of business. His public
and private life are alike above reproach. He is
an unassuming man of quiet dignity whose upright
course has won him the confidence and esteem of
all who know him.
AMUEL A. CUMMINGS,whois engaged
in farming on section 33, Buchanan Town-
ship, has been a resident of Jefferson
County for forty -seven years, during which
time he has identified himself with its best interests
and aided not a little in its advancement and
progress, especially In transforming the wild land
into tracts of rich fertility. He was born in Rock-
bridge County, Va., December 16, 1830, his parents
being William and Sarah (Cunningham) Cum-
mings, who lived many years in the Old Dominion
where the husband and father followed the carpen-
ter's trade. About 1833, he started for the West,
making a location in Parke County, Ind., where he
engaged in farming some ten years and in 1843
loading his household effects into a wagon drawn
by two yoke of oxen he left for the land beyond the
Mississippi. After some twenty-three days of travel
he arrived in Jefferson County in October, 1843.
The family spent the winter in a little cabin and the
following spring commenced preparations for mak-
ing a home. Mr. Cummings planted a crop two
miles north of Fairfield but had done little else
toward developing a farpi when he was called to his
final rest, d3'ing on the 4th of September, 1844, at
the age of fifty -eight years. In the spring of 1846,
his widow and children purchased a claim of one
hundred and fifteen acres on section 33, Buchanan
Township. Mrs. Cummings ever remained true to
his memory and died on the 5th of September,
1884, having lived a widow for forty years. They
were parents of eight children, four sons and four
daughters, and with the exception of the eldest
none have been taken away and the youngest is
now fifty-eight years of age. The parents were
members of the Presbyterian Church and their
deaths proved a loss to the entire community.
The early life of our subject passed uneventfully.
He attended the subscription schools for a short
time but during his youth remained mostly at home
caring for his mother and his sister^s children, so
that he had the care of a family long before he had
one of his own. When the war broke out he felt the
greatest desire to enter the service but he could not
be spared as the members of the family needed his
services. On the 8th of September, 1864, he led
to the marriage altar Miss Maria J. Case, the wed-
ding being celebrated in Fairfield. The lady was
born in Ohio, January 7, 1838, and during her
girlhood accompanied her parents to Jefferson
County. Four children were born of their union*
— William F., Fannie M., George H. and Charles
C. The mother of this family died on the 1st of
July, 1879, within ten minutes after being taken
with congestion of the lungs. She was a roost
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
esiiraable lady, a member of the Methodist Church
and had the love and respect of the entire
community. Mr. Cumming?, for some thirty
years has been connected with the Presbyterian
Church in Fairfield and in all possible ways has
aided in its advancement. He cast his first Pres-
idential vote for the Whig candidate in 1852, and
since the organization of the Republican party has
been one of its supporters. On the 1st day of Jan-
uary, 1890, he entered upon the duties of the ofiSce
of Township Trustee and is proving an efficient
and capable officer. As a farmer he is practical,
yet enterprising and progressive and his home
farm, comprising one hundred and fifteen acres, is
well provided with good buildings and all neces-
sary improvements. He also owns a controlling
interest in a one hundred and sixty acre farm in
Dallns County, Mo. He has now made his home
in Jefferson County for the long period of forty-
seven years and is accounted one of its most
worthy and upright citizens.
\f/OHN D. ELBERT, who was one of the hon-
ored and prominent citizens of Van Buren
County, was born on the 16th of May, 1806i
Jl/ in Fleming County, Ky., but when a lad of six
summers removed with his parents to Ohio in 1812,
The family first located in Urbana, Champaign
County, but afterward removed to Logan County,
where, having attained to mature years, Mr. Elbert
was united in marriage May 21, 1829, with Miss
Achsa llitt, daughter of Rev. Samuel and Nancy
Ilitt, of Urbana. Having fitted himself for the
medical profession, in the same year he was licensed
to practice by Dr. Drake, of the Cincinnati Medical
College. He received diplomas from the Missouri
Medical College at St. Louis and the University of
Pennsylvania. He was a skilled physician who
stood at the head of his profession in Southeastern
Iowa. The autumn of 1840 witnessed his arrival
in this State. He purchased a farm of one thousand
two hundred acres on Indian Prairie, Van Buren
County, where he lived until his death. A man of
superior ability, he at once took prominence among
his fellow citizens, and in 1842 was elected a mem-
ber of the Territorial Legislature, and was chosen
President of the Council. His life was a useful one,
devoted to the interests of humanity, and by all
who knew him he was held in the highest regard.
He died of erysipelas at the home of Hon. Edward
Manning, in Keosauqua, March 20, 1865, at the age
of fifty-eight years, ten months and four days, and
his remains were interred in the Keosauqua ceme-
tery. His widow still survives him and makes her
home with Judge and Mrs. Townsend, of Albia,
Iowa. She was born October 16, 1808, near Xenia,
Ohio, and has entered upon her eighty-third year.
She has four children, eleven grandchildren and
four great-grandchildren.
A family of ten children was born unto Dr. and
Mrs. Elbert, of whom four are yet living — Annie
C, who was born February 9, 1830, in Logan
County, Ohio, graduated from the Wesleyan Col-
lege, of Cincinnati, in 1862, and is now the wife of
Judge J. S. Townsend, of Albia, Iowa; Rebecca
H., born May 21, 1831, in Logan County, Ohio,
is the wife of R. M. Clarke, Beatrice, Neb.;
Samuel H., born in Logan County, April 3, 1833,
lives in Denver, Col.; John E. died in infancy;
Leroy S., born in Logan County, December 4,
1837, died in 1863, and was buried in the
Keosauqua cemetery; Achsa E., born in Iowa,
died in infancy; Ben. F., born in Van Buren
County, May 8, 1844, was a student in the College
of Evanston during the late war, and wishing to
enter the service, and being not yet of age, he ran
away, enlisted and served several months in Ken-
tucky. He has been a successful banker and stock-
raiser, and is now living in Des Moines; Daniel
Clarke, born January 22, 1847, in Van Buren
County, died May 26, 1868, while a member of the
junior class of the Northwestern University, of
Evanston, III.; George F., born October 20, 1849,
was a student in Douglas University, of Chicago,
after which he spent a year in Europe, but his
health failing him, he returned to this country and
located in Denver, Col., where he died November
1 7, 1 87 1 ; Charles Wilber, who completes the family,
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5i^9
was born August 14, 1852, in Van Buren County,
acquired his education in the Ohio Wesleyan Uni-
versity and died May 27, 1870. Leroy, Daniel and
Wilber are buried beside their father in the Keo-
sauqua cemetery.
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_L-^{^-J_
^fr^ D. H. ROCKWELL, one of the editors and
lU; proprietors of the Farmington Herald, was
'±_:_^ born in Huntington County, Ind., February
6, 1856, being the second of three children, whose
parents were Dr. William and Hester (Bunnell)
Rockwell. The Doctor was a native of Hartford,
Conn., and a son of Horace Rockwell, so favorably
known as a painter of portraits and landscapes,
whose productions have found their way into the
best art galleries, both at homo and abroad. The
artist lived to a ripe old age and died in Huntino[-
ton County, Ind., whither he had emigrated with
his family some time before. The Doctor followed
his profession in the Hoosier State until the break-
ing out of the war, when he enlisted and was made
Assistant Surgeon of the Eleventh Indiana Infantry
under command of Gen. Lew Wallace. After serv-
ing some three years he returned and resumed the
practice of medicine. At Ft. Wayne, Ind., he mar-
ried Miss Bunnell, a native of Syracuse, N. Y., and
a sister of Mrs. Lizzie B. Reed, who for six years
was President of the Iowa Woman's State Suffrage
Society, and who is widely known as a public lec-
turer. In 1867 Dr. Rockwell removed to Harrison
County, Iowa, where he continued practice; he had,
however, gone there two years before. Subse-
quently he journeyed westward to Richardion
County, Neb. For a second wife he chose Mary E.
Chase, with whom he removed to Decatur County,
Kan , where he spent his last days. He was a stanch
Republican but both of his sons are supporters of
Democracy. The family, as above stated, numbers
three children: Mrs. Hattie E. Tomlinson; Ed H.,
of this sketch, and F. W., who is represented else-
where in this work.
The subject of this biographical notice, after
pursuing a course in the]Little Sioux public schools
began life on his own account. After farming for
a couple_^of years he went to Des Moines, Iowa,
where he was employed as salesman by the firm of
Randall <fe Dickey, dealers in implements, after
which he entered the freight* department of the
Rock Island Railroad Company. We next find him
running a hotel in Voltaire, Sherman County, Kan.,
and in 1887 he came to Farmington and joined his
brother in business, the publication of the Farm-
ington Herald.
At Fall City, Neb., on the 15th of April, 1879,
Mr. Rockwell was joined in wedlock with Miss
Maggie E. Peters, daughter of Fulton ^ Peters, a na-
tive of Germany. Her mother, Euphrasia Barada
Peters, was born in Genevieve, Mo., and her mother
was a French lady.- Her father was'none other than
the celebrated Antonoine Barada, who lifted with
his hands the] stone that serves; as a step to the
United States Arsenal at St. Louis. The weight of
the stone sixteen hundred pounds, the date of the
feat and his name aie thereon engraved. That is
the heaviest bare handed lift on record. To Mr.
and Mrs. Rockwell were born two children — Rena
E. and Walter F.
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I^R. ELDRIDGE SHARP EDWARDS, of
!| jj Milton, was born near Bloomfield, Sullivan
J^ County, Tenn., April 16, 1839, and is a son
of O. M. and Amanda Theresa (Lougacre) Ed-
wards, who were also born in the same locality.
His father, born in 1806, was of English and Welsh
descent and belonged to an old Virginian family
which was founded in America during Colonial
days. His mother, whose maiden name was Sharp,
was born in 1807, and was of English lineage. Her
death occurred in Tennessee in 1843, and some
eleven years later Mr. Edwards came to Iowa, lo-
cating near Drakeville, Davis County, where he
engaged in farming until his death in 1872.
The subject of this sketch remained in Davis
County until 1862. He acquired his literary edu-
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cation in the common schools and at the age of
nineteen began the study of medicine. He began
practice some four years later and from Wapello
County, where he first located, removed to Milton.
In 1871 he returned to Drakeville, where he con-
tinued practice until 1887, which 3'ear witnessed
his arrival at this place. He attended lectures in the
Keokuk Medical College in the winter of 1884-85,
but did not graduate.
On the 6th of August, 1874, in Drakeville, Dr.
Edwards was united in marriage with Miss Mattie
Brown, a native of Hendricks County, Ind. Unto
them have been born six children, three sons and
three daughters, but two are now deceased — Clyde,
who died at the age of one year; and Charles, who
died when eight years of age.. The living are
Prince, Mary Jessie, Fannie and Nellie. The Doc-
tor and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and are widely and favorably
known in the community. In politics he is a sup-
porter of Democratic principles and socially is an
Odd Fellow and Mason. He has a good practice
and is one of the representative citizens of the
c< mmunit3\
OSTER ANDERSON, living on section 12
]|--^> Lick Creek Township, Van Buren County,
ll\ is a pioneer of 1845. He was born in
Somerset County, Pa., October 15, 1825, his par-
ents being Stoddard M. and Ellen (Johnson) An-
derson. His father was a native of Ireland, who
during the years of his young manhood crossed
the Atlantic to America, and in Pennsylvania mar-
ried Miss Johnson, who was descended from good
old Revolutionary stock. He was a mechanic by
trade, and an expert workman. For many years
he did business in Pennsylvania, and in 1831 re-
moved to Holmes County, Ohio, where his death
occurred in 1862. His wife survived him some
years, and died near Birmingham, Iowa. There
were nine children in their family, as follows:
Jane, now deceased; James, also deceased; Mar-
garet, Nancy, John, Francis, Abigail, Elizabeth and
Foster. John, Elizabeth and Foster, are residents
of this community. Mr. Anderson was a member
of the Methodist Church, also belonged to the
Masonic fraternity, and was a supporter of the
Whig party until the rise of the Republican party,
when he identified himself with that organization.
The first six years of his life our subject spent
in Pennsylvania, and from that time until seven-
teen years of age he lived upon his father's farm
in Ohio, during which time he attended the com-
mon schools for about three months in the \'ear,
which constituted his entire educational privileges.
He then served an apprenticeship of two years to
the carpenter's trade, and in 1845, at the age of
twenty, he made his way westward to Van Buren
County, in the Territory of Iowa. He chose Bir-
mingham as the scene of his future labors, and
then announced that he was ready to receive any
patronage which the public was willing to accord
him. Being an expert workman, his services were
soon in great demand as emigrants began to pour
in quite rapidly, and homes must be built for their
accommodation. For a quarter of a century he
followed carpentering with good success, and se-
.cured a competency which now enables him to live a
retired life.
Mr. Anderson has ever been a leading citizen of
the community, and one who has never shirked his
duty, but with commendable interest has done all
in his power for the advancement of Van Buren
County's best interests. lie has taken an active part
in political affairs, and his opinions carry weight
with them in the local conventions of his party.
He cast his first Presidential vote for Franklin
Pierce, but in 1856 he supported the first Republi-
can candidate, and has been a zealous partisan of
Republican principles since.
In 1849 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Ann Hardesty, and unto them were
born nine children, as follows: W. W., a resident
of Kansas; Flora E., wife of W. F. Hackney, of
Kansas; Oscar and Annetta, who are living in the
same State; James W. and Katie; Henrietta, wife
of J. D. All^ert, of Birmingham; Jennie, wife of
George G. Walker, and Belle, who is living in
Boise City, Idaho. The mother of this family died
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601
in 1873^ and Mr. Anderson wedded Herena Ketch-
em. Their union has been graced by one child,
Harry F., now a lad of ten years. Mr. Anderson
and his family have a pleasant home conveniently
situated about one mile from Birmingham.
*^2>- ^^!^^^^«»^^1»^^?5<^*^^5<5^-
'^ * ORTIMER D. BAXTER, photographer,
\ proprietor of the only gallery in Milton,
II) established business here in 1876, and has
carried it on continuously since, covering
a period of fourteen consecutive years. Mr. Bax-
ter was born in Union County, Ohio, Januarj^ 4,
1844, and is the son of Benjamin D. and Lucinda
(Harrington) Baxter. His father was born in the
State of New York in 1811, was of English descent,
and died in August, 1844, when our subject was a
babe of a few months. The mother was a native
of Vermont, born in 1819. Some years after the
death of Mr. Baxter, she married Daniel Kent, and
in 1851, with her family emigrated to Iowa, and
settled in Van Buren County.
Mortimer D., who came to Iowa with his mother,
attended school at Keosauqua, and in 1864 began
studying photography in that place. On account
of sore eyes he spent a year on the farm, and then
traveled with a car photographing. About 1868
he established a gallery in Milton. From 1871
until 1878 he devoted himself to the grocery trade;
since 1878 has devoted his attention exclusively
to photography. Mr. Baxter is a Republican in
politics, and in 1872 was appointed Postmaster at
Milton, under the administration of President
Grant, serving until 1877. In 1886 he was elected
Mayor of Milton, and served one term in that
office.
Mr. Baxter has been twice married. His first
wife was Miss Miranda Cooley, and their union was
celebrated in Milton in 1868. The lady was a
daughter of Fountain Cooley, and was born in
Davis County, Iowa. Her death occurred on the
27th of December, 1877, and Mr. Baxter was again
married on the 17th of February, 1880, his second
marriage taking place in Bloomfield, Davis County,
where he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Emma
Rosebrough, daughter of James II. Rosebrough.
She is a native of Davis County, where her
people were early settlers. Four children have
been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Baxter, three
sons and a daughter — Eugene Mortimer, Novem-
ber 21, 1881; Iowa M., October 3, 1883; Neal Dow,
July 18, 1885; and Rex R., November 21, 1887.
All were born in Milton.
Mr. and Mrs. Baxter are members of the Metho-
dist Protestant Church, in which he has been Class
Leader and Steward for many yeare. He Is also an
active worker in the cause of temperance, and is
considered a leader in all advanced ideas in moral
culture. He is a member of Jackson Lodge, No.
28, K. P., having been actively identified with that
order since 1881. In his business life he has pros-
pered and his gallery has won popularity. As an
official he won commendation and the respect of
all concerned. With the exception of a very brief
interval Mr. Baxter has now been a resident of
Milton for a quarter of a century, and is widely
and favorably known to the citizens of Van Buren
and adjoining counties.
^^gS»>-gS»j^^<5<?-Hggg^
\f'OSEPH RICKSHER, wholesale dealer in
butter and eggs, of Fairfield, Iowa, estab-
lished business in that city in 1871, and his
house has now gained a wide reputation,
being one of the leading enterprises of Jefferson
County. The proprietor is a native of Prussia, his
birth having occurred near Paderborn, February
1 7, 1 843, and a son of John and Catherine (Moener)
Ricksher. His mother died when he was but a
child, and in 1854, in company with his father he
crossed the broad Atlantic to America. On landing
on the shores of the New World they came directly
to Iowa, settling in Lee County. Joseph was edu-
cated in the common schools, and in August, 1862,
when a lad of nineteen summers, enlisted for the
late war as a member of Company I, Thirtieth
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Iowa Infantry, and served nearly three years. He
was a non-commissioned officer and with his regi-
ment participated in the battle of Gaines Blufif,
Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg and the At-
lanta campaign, including the celebrated March to
the Sea under Sherman. At the close of the war he
took part in the Grand Review in Washington, and
was mustered out of the service in June, 1865.
Soon after his return from the South, in 1866,
Mr. Rickshcr embarked iu his present line of busi-
ness in a small way, his • location being Ft.
Madison, and by good management he increased
his trade until he was the recipient of a handsome
income from an extensive business. In 1871 he
came to Fairfield, where he has since continued
operations in the same line with marked success, and
with increased resources he extended his business.
In 1882 he established a branch house in Brighton,
Washington County, with T. L. Emry as partner,
under the firm name of Ricksher & Emry, wholesale
dealers in butter and eggs, and proprietors of the
Brighton Creamery. The annual business of the
Fairfield house is $150,000 and that of the Brighton
establishment is about the same, giving a total of
$300,000. In addition to the business already
mentioned our subject is half owner of a fine farm
of five hundred and ninety-three acres situated in
Fairfield Township.
On the 11th of September, 1878, a marriage cere-
mony performed in Centerville, Appanoose County,
Iowa, united the destinies of Joseph Ricksher and
Mrs. Caroline Carpenter, widow of Richard Car-
penter and a daughter of George and Elizabeth
Cline. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and
her mother in Ohio. She is also a native of the
Buckeye State and is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. Their union has been blessed with
four children, sons, all born in Fairfield, namely:
Charles, born October 9, 1879; William, December
5, 1881; Frank, May 20, 1884; and Theodore, Sep-
tember 21, 1886.
Mr. Ricksher is a Republican in politics, but has
never sought or desired the honor of emoluments
of public office, preferring to devote his undivided
attention to the legitimate pursuit of business. He
is a man possessed of superior executive and busi-
ness ability, enterprising yet conservative, always
guided by correct business principles and strict in-
tegrity. He has been the architect of his own for-
tune, and his success in life has been the result of
his own unaided efforts.
AMUEL BOON, a farmer and plasterer, has
long been numbered among the leading
citizens of Van Buren County. A friend
to her best interests he has done not a
little for her advancement and progress and his
many friends will be glad to see his sketch in the
county's history.
His grandfather, Thomas Boon, at the age of sev-
enteen years, left the Emerald Isle, bis native land,
and sailed for America. On reaching this country
he was sold to a man in Philadelphia to pay his
passage. He became a mechanic and engaged also
in farming, following the dual ocpupation in the
Keystone State,where he mart-ied Margaret Dunlap,a
lady of Scotch descent. Their son, George W. Boon,
was born in 1777, grew to manhood in Pennsyl-
vania and learned the cooper's trade. On account
of his father marrying again he was thrown upon
his own resources at the tender age of twelve
years and from that time fought life's battle un-
aided. About 1800, in Westmoreland County,
Pa., he wedded Nancy Hutchinson and eleven
years later they emigrated to Ohio, locating in the
wilderness. They had to live in block houses to
protect them from the Indians who were far more
numerous at the time than the white settlers. No
roads liad been made through the forests and the
work of civilization had just begun. Amid such
surroundings our subject was reared to manhood.
In the family were fifteen children, seven sons and
eight daughters, but only three sons and one
daughter are now living. The father died in De-
cember, 1857, and the mother passed away ten
3'ears previously. They lived consistent Christian
lives and were members of what is now the United
Presbyterian Church.
Reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life in
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603
Ohio, the educational advantages which Samuel
Boon received in his youth were necessarily limited,
but I possessing an observing eye and retentive
memory he has by subsequent reading and observ-
ation made himself a well informed man. He was
born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 19, 1820,
and after he^had reached his twenty -first year he
learned the blacksmith's trade which continued to
be his occupation for a quarter of a century. In
March, 1845, he led to the marriage altar Miss
Sarah Crawford and then brought his bride to Iowa
where, in Birmingham, in company with his brother
he followed blacksmithing with good success for
sixteen years. Accumulating capital through his
industry and good management he made an Invest-
ment in one hundred and fifty acres of land which
has been his home for twenty years and in connec-
tion with the cultivation of that farm he has devoted
his energies to the plasterer's trade. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Boon were born three children — Rebecca, now
living in Ashland County; Edith L., wife of
Francis Harlan, a merchant of Stockport; and Rob-
ert L., now a practicing physician of Bentonsport.
When only fifteen years of age he entered the army
as a member of the Third Iowa Regiment. He grad-
uated from the Rush. Medical College, of Chicago
and has won for himself an honored place in the
ranks of the medical fraternity.
Mrs. Boon died in 1856 and in May, 1858, Mr.
Boon wedded Hepsibel Gould, by whom he had one
son and three daughters — Anna M., at home ;
Margaret H., wife of Warren Cunningham, Ja resi-
dent farmer of Union Township, Van Buren
County; Ada B., at home; and William Ross, who
married Irena Cunningham and is farming near his
old home. The children have been liberally edu-
cated and have all followed teaching. The parents
are members of the United Presbyterian Church in
which he serves as Deacon. In political sentiment
he was first a Democrat but later became a Free-
soiler and voted for John P. Hale. He was a del-
egate to the convention of Abolitionists in Keo-
sauquain 1848,which was twice mobbed but which
nevertheless performed its work successfully. He
then became a Republican and voted with that
party until the campaign of 1880, when he sup-
ported the Prohibitionists, with wluch he has since
been connected. He carried the Prohibition stand-
ard as candidate for [the Legislature in; 1887 and
made a strong canvass of the county, during which
he challenged the opposing candidates to a dis-
cussion but both Jre fused. Mr. Boon served ac-
ceptably in the office of Justice of the Peace for
eight years. He has been a citizen of the county
for forty-five years and a supporter of all its best
interests.
ON. S. H. ELBERT, who served as Chief
Justice of Iowa, is a citizen in whom the
people of Van Buren County feel a deep
interest for he was reared in their midst
and is known personally to many of them. The
Judge was born in Ohio, in 1833, and received lib-
eral educational advantages, graduating from the
Ohio University. In looking about him for a busi-
ness which he desired to make his life work his
choice fell upon the legal profession and he fitted
himself for the practice of law by a thorough
course of study in Dayton, Ohio. He entered upon
his life work in Nebraska and had been a resident
of that State but a short time until the people rec-
ognizing his superior ability and fitness for leader-
ship made him a member of the Legislative Council
of the Territory in 1860. In April, 1862, ho was
appointed Secretary of Colorado Territory, which
position he occupied for four years. On theexpira-
-tion of that time he retired to private life and re-
sumed the practice of the law, but it was not long
before he was again called to public duty, being
appointed Governor of the Territory in 1873. The
following year he went to Europe and on his return
in 1875 was elected to the Supreme Bench. This
election as Chief Justice of Colorado was the high-
est tribute that could have been paid to any man,
and as one of the papers said of him, ^^during the
six years of'his service ho won high opinions be-
cause of his rigid regard for the dignity of the
court." Later he was again called to the same office
and with the same fidelity and faithfulness dis-
charged his duty for several years, but at length
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resigned on account of failing health. In order to
recuperate he made a trip to Europe, where he spent
some time visiting the countries of the East, return-
ing in the spring of 1890.
On the 21st of June, 1865, Judge Elbert was
united in marriage with Miss Josephine Evans,
daughter of George Evans, of Denver. After a
short married life of three years her death occurred
and with their only child her remains were laid
away in the cemetery of Denver.
In speaking of the character of J udge Elbert we
cannot do better than quote from a sketch ^^ritten
of him in 1882. It said: ''For Judge Elbert, as a
man, we have the warmest admiration; but he is
no politician and the honors conferred upon him
have been the result of respect for his character
rather than the outcome of political work. It is
for this reason, doubtless, that be is less known
personally throughout the State than others of our
prominent men. He hns the regard of the bar and
in the fellowship of friends there is no more genial
companion than he. A man of a strong chiiracter
and of the most sterling integrity, he has, on the
Supreme Bench, fulfilled the duties to the satisfac-
tion of the entire State. The reserve that has
characterized him has caused him to be frequently
misunderstood among those who met him but casu-
ally; but an hour spent with him in social chat soon
removes this feeling of reserve. He is a good story-
teller and joins heartily in a laugh — two qualities
which are the best proof of fine fellowship."
♦43"CJ»
ON. JOHN W. CARR,a farmer and banker,
who for the past thirty years has been a
ci)^^ resident of Milton, Van Buren County, was
(^ born near Columbus, in Franklin County,
Ohio, on the 14th of November, 1836. His par-
ents were Jonathan and Margaret Jane (Weathering-
ton) Carr. The father was born in Virginia in 1810,
was a farmer by occupation, and settled in Franklin
County, Ohio, in early life. The mother was born
near Columbus, in 1813, and was the daughter of
John and Sarah Weatherington, who were natives
of Virginia. In 1844 John W. Carr removed with
his parents to Madison County, 111., where his
father died the year following. Soon after her
husband's death Mrs. Carr returned to her former
home in Ohio. John W. attended school in bis
native State until the spring of 1853 when, with
his mother, he emigrated to Iowa, settling on a
farm situated three miles to the northward of the
city of Milton, in the township of Jackson, Van
Buren County. He at once engaged in farming
and in making a home for his mother. The fol-
lowing winter he attended the Troy Academy for
one term and fitted himself for teaching, after
which, for several successive years, he was em-
ployed on the farm during the working seasons
and in teaching school during the winter months.
At length, having secured a cash capital of $350,
he embarked in merchandising in Milton in com-
pany with George Smith, under the firm name of
Smith & Carr. In 1862 Robert Russell was ad-
mitted to partnership, and in 1864 Mr. Smith sold
out to his partners. The business was conducted
by Messrs. Carr and Russell until 1867, when Mr.
Carr became sole proprietor, and from that time
carried on operations alone until January, 1875,
when his father-in-law, Joseph Moore, purchased
an interest in the business, and the connection con-
tinued until March, 1882, when Mr. Carr sold out
and turned his attention to his extensive farming
property which he had graduallj'- acquired while
merchandising. His farms, which aggregate twelve
hundred acres, lie principally in Jackson Township,
Van Buren County, while a portion of his land is
situated in Roscoe Township adjoining, just across
the line in Davis County.
In Van Buren County, on the 27th of December,
1860, Mr. Carr was married to Miss Henrietta
Moore, daughter of Joseph and Lucy Moore, of
Chequest Township, this count3\ The lady was
born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 21, 1840, and
came to Van Buren County with her parents in
1842. On the 5th of October, 1887, Mr. Carr, in
company with Messrs. J. E. Billups, Josjcph Moore,
J. D. Rowland, the Russell brothers and C. E. Bull,
bought out J. D. Nash and incorporated the Citi-
zens* Bank, of Milton, with a capital of $10,000
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Mr. Carr was elected President and W. D. Russell
Cashier. William Billups subsequently bought out
the Russell brothers' interest and served one year
as Cashier, after which he resigned the position to
Frank M. Edmundson, the present cashier, but still
retains his interest in the bank. Mr. Carr has held
the position of President uninterruptedly since the
organization of the company. In political senti-
ment he is a Democrat. He has held numerous
township offices in Jackson Township and enjoys the
distinction of having be^en the only Democrat ever
elected to the State Senate from the Second District
of Iowa. He was elected in 1 884 over one of the
most popular Republicans in the district, Col. 8.
A. Moore, by a majority of 350; Mr. Carr's
vote was 3,122, to Mr. Moore's 2,772, while Mr.
Trebblecock, tlie Greenback candidate, received
899 votes.
Mr. Carr is esteemed one of the most successful
business men of Van Buren County and has won
his success by his unaided efforts and sagacious
business management. As a financier, he is an ac-
knowledged leader in his community, where he en-
joys the unbounded confidence and respect of a
wide circle of friends and business associates.
>';X-» — •:
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JAMES HICKENBOTTOM, deceased. Among
the earliest and most highly esteemed
pioneers of Jefferson County is numbered
the gentleman whose name heads this sketch.
He was born in Kentucky, September 23, 1829, a
son of Joseph and Rebecca (Ferguson) Hicken-
bottom. His father was also a native of Kentucky,
born in 1802. But his mother was a Carolinian by
birth and first opened her eyes to the light of day
in 1 799. In early life she emigrated to Kentucky
with her people and there became the wife of Mr.
Hickenbottom. About 1823 the young couple re-
moved to Jacksonville, HI., where for some fifteen
years the husband carried on the shoemaking
business. In 1838 he emigrated to Jefferson County,
Iowa, making a first location near Brighton, but
soon afterward he secured a claim where Parson-
ville now stands, which is still held by the family.
Possessed of good foresight and sound business
judgment, he turned to good account nearly every
business enterprise with which he was connected.
Beginning life a poor man he labored on success-
fully until he had accumulated one thousand acres
of land. He not only had to overcome the disad-
vantages of poverty, but lack of education proved
an obstacle in his path, but like all other difficulties
in his way he overcame this. He could not read
at the time of his marriage, but by personal effort
he mastered the common branches of learning and
became a fairly well informed man. Politically he
was a life long Democrat. In 1862 his wife, who
for thirty years had been a member of the Metho-
dist Church and was a consistent Christian lady,
passed to her reward. After her death he married
Mrs. Moberly, widow of Dr. J. T. Moberly. His
children, eleven in number, were all by his first
wife. He died in 1882.
James Hickenbottom, the subject of this sketch,
inherited in full measure the business capacity of
his father. As the schools in this neighborhood at
that day were of the poorest sort, the most of his
knowledge was acquired by reading and observa-
tion, and experience was to him a faithful teacher,
by whose lessons he profited to the welfare of his
financial resources. Among his first business en-
terprises was a trip to the pineries of Wisconsin.
Borrowing ten dollars he went thither and began
work. At length he prepared a raft of lumber, but
a rise in the river and a fiow of ice swept it all
away. He was not disconcerted however, for no
obstacle so large arose in his path but what he
could find some way to surmount it. His whole
career was marked by indomitable perseverance,
and success was consequently attendant upon his
efforts.
Mr. Hickenbottom was also fortunate in his
matrimonial alliances as to the ladies of his choice,
he being three times m?rried. The wife of his
early manhood was Jane C. Allison, a native of
Washington County, Pa., born April 20, 1830.
She was tlie mother of all his children — ten in
number. His second wife was Mary Restine, after
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wbose death he wedded Susan L. Dean, a native of
New York City and a most estimable lady.
Mr. Hiekenbottom engaged in farming during
the greater part of his life, but his last years were
spent in Fairfield in the loan business. He took an
active interest in political affairs and was a strong
advocate of Democratic principles. He |was an
earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
a member of the Masonic order and- of the Old
Settlers Societ}'. In all those organizations he had
hosts of warm friends, and his circle of acquaint-
ances and friends embraced many outside of those
organizations. He died September 18, 1887, re-
spected by all who knew him. In his death Jeffer-
son County lost one of its earliest settlers and most
useful citizens.
'-*'^':>'^^^5Wit$«^—
AMUEL F. BOOKER who is now living in
Fairfield, is numbered among the early set-
tlers of Jefferson County. The history of
his life is as follows: He was born in St.
Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, on the 14th of
July, 1823, his parents being William and Patience
(Berry) Booker. His father was born near Win-
chester, Va., in 1791, and his mother, who was a
\^ear his junior, was a native of Brownville, Pa. In
their childhood, they accompanied their respective
families to Ohio, where they became acquainted
and were married, locating in St. Clairsville. Mr.
Booker was proprietor of a saddler's shop at that
place and did an extensive business. One of the
saddles which he manufactured in 1832 is now in
possession of our subject. He was a keen, shrewd
and energetic business man who generally accom-
plished whatever he undertook. No ordinary im-
pediment or obstacle could deter him from pursuing
a plan but he always found some way in which to
overcome the difficulty. In an early day he car-
ried on trading on the Ohio River and also dealt in
lands. He was instrumental in the establishment
of the Belmont Bank, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, which
was one of the important moneyed institutions of
its day. While living in St. Clairsville, he held
the office of Postmaster for a number of years. In
1869 he removed to Ralls County, Mo., where he
had acquired lands, in order to devote his attention
to the care of his property. His character was
» worth of every honor paid it and as an example of
his uprightness and the high regard in which he
was held, we state that he was made one of the ex-
ecut.ors having in charge the estate of the noted
Jacob E. Grove. On becoming a voter Mr.
Booker identified himself with the Democratic
party, but at the time 'of Van Buren's nomination
for the Presidency he became a supporter of the
Whig party, and on the organization of the Repub-
lican party joined its ranks. During the war he was
outspoken in favor of the policy of President Lincoln
and continued a warm defender of his party's princi-
ples until his death, which occurred in 1878. His
wife spent her last days at the home of our subject
and had attained the ripe old age of eighty. two
years when her life here was ended.
Samuel F. Booker is one of the worthy and re-
spected citizens of Jefferson County. In his youth
he was surrounded by Christian influences which
did much to mould the character which has been
admired by his many friends for its excellencies.
His educational advantages were also superior to
those afforded many youths of his day. He be-
came familiar with the higher branches of mathe-
matics, including geometry and surveying and his
scholastic training also embraced a course in Latin.
He was thus somewhat fitted for his life work, yet
on starting out to battle with the world he had not
the advantages of capital. At the age of eighteen,
he went down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to
New Orleans, shipping produce to that market, af-
ter which, for some sixteen years, he was engaged
in buying and selling horses, from which business
he realized a good income.
On the 18th of May, 1848, Mr. Booker was
united in marriage with Miss Narcissii A., daughter
of William and Harriet (Magill)Wilkins. Her birth
occurred at St. Clairsville, Ohio, December 12,
1829, where her father ran a saddler's shop for
some years. He was a native of South Carolina
but was reared in Pennsylvania and when a young
man removed to Ohio, where he was married. His
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wife was a native of Wincheste?S Va. Both died
at St. Clairsville, respected by allwho knew them.
They were members of the Metlfldist Church and
consistent Christian people. Mj
as associate judge of the court of i amnion pleas.
In 1854, accompanied by two
Booker came to Jefferson County
Wilkins served
ompanions, Mr.
and as he found
the country all that he anticipate I. he made pur-
chase of one hundred and sixty-fi e acres of land
on section 27, Buchanan Townshi ^ which is still
in his possession. He then retu ned to the East
and for some time longer was engr
horses. At the breaking out of the lar he took some
stock to Baltimore and at Harpevm Ferry he and
some others who were engaged in tie same business
were taken from the caboose and ilade prisoners in
the room where John Brown had bA?n captured, but
the Confederate authorities soon | afterwards re-
leased them. He succeeded in maifing a sale of his
horses and in payment received a if)te indorsed by
Stonewall Jackson. Two weeks \\tere passed be-
fore he could get the note discounted and then he
suffered som« annoyance before he was permitted
to leave; in fact, had it not been for his friend,
Capt. James Hunter, he would probably not
have succeeded in so doing. In 1865 Mr. Booker
took up his residence on his farm in Jefferson
County and continued its development and im-
provement until 1878. One glance from a pass-
er-by would serve to indicate that the owner was a
man of thrift and enterpri;>e who thoroughly un-
derstood his business and spared neither labor or
expense in making it what a farm of the 19th cen-
tury should be. Since 1878 he has spent a consid-
erable portion of his time in Missouri. On the
death of his father, he was made administrator of
the estate, which involved him in litigation concern-
ing the Grove estate but this he brought to a suc-
cessful termination. In his various business enter-
prises he has succeeded in acquiring a competence
which enables him to spend his declining years in
quiet retirement from business cares.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Booker have been born four
children who are yet living — Anna P., wife of Rob-
ert Sands; Charles H., who is employed as a book-
keeper in Cleveland, Ohio; Harry F., a merchant
of Fairfield; and Clara G. The larfl named is
one of the triplets but the other two died in in-
fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Booker hold membership in
the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a
Republican and has held the office of Assessor. A
large circle of friends and acquaintances hold them
in high esteem, and knowing this sketch will be
read with interest by many,we are pleased to record
it on the pages of the history of their adopted
county.
— ■" > ^>m^^ < ■■ —
^ L. EVERfiITT, a farmer residing on section
9, Locust Grove Township, Jefferson County,
is the son of Isaac and Amelia (Cosgrove)
Everett, who for a number of years resided
in this community and ranked among it« best
citizens. They were both natives of Pennsylvania,
and after their marriage which was celebrated in
the Keystone State, they removed to Ohio in 1839,
making a location in Hocking County. It was
during their stay in that county, that the birth of
our subject occurred, the 3'ear being 1848. In
1865 the parents removed to Burlington, Iowa, but
a year later took up their residence upon the farm
which is now the home of J. L. Their last days
were spent in this county Mr. Everett passing away
in 1872, while the death of his wife occurred in
October, 1884. Their family numbered nine chil-
dren— Mrs. Mary Danley,of Hocking County, Ohio;
Sarah, now Mrs. Connor, of Athens County, Ohio;
Mrs. Priscilla Parsons, of Lucas County, Iowa; J. L.
of this sketch; Nancy who is now Mrs. Ornduff, of
Oregon; Edward, a resident of Oregon; Ida, now
Mrs. Fleenor, of Polk Township, Jefferson County;
Survenas who is living in Oregon; and Clara now
Mrs. John Connor, of Kansaj. The Everett family
is inseparably connected with the history of Jeffer-
son County for a number of its members were
valued citizens of the community, while some are
still here residing and equally with the others are
held in high esteem.
It is said that each person is fitted for some par-
ticular business and that if he engages in that pursuit
his life will be a success. Accepting this theory, we
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should say that Mr. Everett found the work for
which nature had intended him. He commenced
farming for himself at the age of twent}' years, on
what is now the old homestead and has there carried
on operations, his labors netting him a good income
which provides him with all the comforts of life.
He was married in Jefferson County, in February,
1874, to Miss Mercy Peters, who was born in this
county and is a daughter of John W. and Ann
Elizabeth (Holden) Peters, who were natives of
Indiana. Their residence in Jefferson County dates
from 1844, when, settling in Polk Township, Mr.
Peters began the development of a farm, improv-
ing more than two hundred acres. In 1852, he
engaged in general merchandising in Abingdon,
where two yeais later his death occurred. He was
an earnest Christian gentleman, faithful to every
duty and the acts of kindness and deeds of charity
which he performed won him the love and gratitude
of many. His wife, a most estimable lady, still
survives him and makes her home in Abingdon.
The children of their family are James R., now a
resident of Polk Township, who enlisted in Daven-
port,Iowa,in Company D. Nineteenth Iowa Infantry
in 1862 and served three years; Sarah F„ wife of
G. A. Campbell, of Abingdon; Matilda who died
in 1865; Isaac who died in October, 1869; Mercy,
wife of our subject ; and Lucinda Jane, now Mrs.
Clark, of Abingdon.
To Mr. and Mrs. Everett have been born eight
children, six of whom are living — Eddie died in
1876, at the age of two years; Gladstone T., Maud,
Blanche, Mabel, John, Earl and Anna Lee are at
home.
Mr. Everett began life with no capital, save a
young man's bright hope of the future, pluck and
energy, but these proved ample to unlock the por-
tals of success. His first purchase consisted of
only twenty-eight acres of timber land, but this he
cleared and planted, adding to it from time to time
as opportunity afforded until he is now the owner
of a one hundred and seventy- five farm, all fenced
and under a good state of cultivation. He is not
an ofl3ce seeker but on the solicitation of friends
accepted the office of trustee and also served on the
School Board, where he did effective service for the
cause of education, of which be is a warm friend.
Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, he is a
member of Abingdon Lodge, No. 468, I. O. O. F.
He served as treasurer of the order for some years
and has passed through all the chairs of the order.
He and his wife are members of the Christian
Church and their circle of friends is extensive,
embracing the best citizens of the community.
^ )>;ILLIAM J. JOHNSON has been a resident
of Van Buren County for fifty-three years,
years in which the county has made much
progress, in which it has advanced rapidly in the
march of civilization and progress and in which,
through the instrumentality of the early settlers, it
has won a foremost place in the ranks of its sister
counties in this great commonwealth. He was
born in Warren County, Ohio,*on the 1st of De-
cember, 1821, and when a lad of six summers
accompanied his parents U> Indiana, where he
acquired such education as the pioneer schools of
that day afforded. In the spring of 1837, he ac-
companied his father to Van Buren County, and
assisted in making preparations for the reception
of the family, which preparations consisted in the
erection of a log cabin. He spent two years on the
farm aiding in the development of the wild land
and then went to Bonaparte where he assisted in
the construction of the first dam across the river.
A mill was then built and entering the same be
was there employed for nearly seventeen consecu-
tive years, when having acquired sufficient capital
to engage in business for himself, lie embarked in
mercantile pursuits. In 1856, the company of
Johnson <fe Christy was formed and for a quarter of
a century the partnership continued, the firm doing
a good business and gaining a wide reputation for
fair dealing, courteous treatment and the excellent
quality of the goods carried.
Id 1846, in Van Buren County, Mr. Johnson led
to the marriage altar Miss Mary J. Christy and
unto them was born a family of nine children.
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James, the eldest, died at the age of eighteen 3' ears;
Clarissa J. is the wife of George F. Smith, editoi
of the Keosauqua Democrat; Nancy B. is the wife
of George T. Ward ; Maggie M. wedded William
Meek; Ellen M. is single; Thomas H. is engaged in
the practice of law; Joseph A., is employed as
cashier in the Farmers' and Traders' Bank of Bona-
parte; George B. is chief train dispatcher for the
Ft. Worth & Denver Railroad Company, with
headquarters at Ft. Worth; and the ninth child
died in infancy.
In political sentiment, Mr. Johnson is a stanch
supporter of Democratic principles; he was elected
Clerk of the courts of Van Buren County and has
held other local offices of trust. In many ways he
is inseparably connected with the early history of
this county, having been identified with not a few
of its early projects and enterprises. Ever willing
to assist in the advancement of anything calcu-
late<i to benefit the community, his aid was fre-
quently solicited and response cheerfully made.
ON. CHARLES NEGUS, deceased, the pio-
neer lawyer of Fairfield, Iowa, who at his
death was the oldest member of the Jeffer-
son County bar, was born in Webster, Mass.,
in 1816. He lost his father in childhood, passed
his early years in hardships, and at the age of four-
teen chose a guardian for himself, and passed from
under the care of a step-father. When seventeen
years of age he joined the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he was an active member the
greater part of his life. He was ambitious to ac-
quire a good education, and was an industrious
student, making good use of his leisure hours.
Through the kindly assistance of a female relative,
in 1834 he became a student in the Wesleyan Uni-
versity of Middleton, Conn., and while pursuing
his studies in college, he sustained himself by teach-
ing and other employments as opportunity afforded.
Id 1838 he was graduated, and with the desire to
enter upon a legal profession, he turned his atten-
tion to the study of law. During the year 1839,
he went to Petersburg and Richland, Va., and was
engaged in teaching in that State until the autumn
of 1840, when he bade good-by to his old home,
and started for the far West. After several months
spent in travel and prospecting, he finally h)cate<l.
in the spring of 1841, in Fairfield, Iowa, where he
entered upon the practice of his profession. Three
years later he returned to Richmond, Va., and was
joined in wedlock with Miss Martha Eleanor Smithy
who comes of an old Virginian family, and is a na-
tive of Richmond, that State.
Immediately after their marriage, Judge Negus
returned with his bride to Fairfield, where he con-
tinued to make his home until his death, which oc-
curred on the 4th of May, 1877, leaving his wife
and three children to mourn the loss of a devoted
husband and father. The eldest child, Lyman
Smith, is an only son. He studied law with his
father, was admitted to the bar, and for several
years was his father's law partner. He is now a
resident of Red Oak, Iowa. The eldest daughter,
Mary Cary Ambler, is the wife of Thomas Griffith,
of Red Oak; Susan Ella, the youngest, wedded
Isaac Dryson, and is living with her husband in
Los Angeles, Cal. Mrs. Negus removed to Red
Oak, in 1881, and has since made that city her place
of residence.
The Judge was a life- long Democrat, honest in
his convictions, and fearless in defense of his prin-
ciples through the dark days of the late Civil War,
when to be a Democrat in Iowa, during the high
state of political feeling then existing, was to be
subjected to coldness and suspicion by over-zealous
supporters of the administration. Judge Negus
rose above the petty annoyances of the times, and
commanded and enjoyed the respect of his fellow -
citizens in a marked degree. His energy, enter-
prise and public spirit brought him into prominence
even in the early da3's of his residence in Fairfield.
He was chosen to many public positions of honor
and trust, the duties of which he discharged with
ability and fidelity. He was elected Judge of the
Probate Court in 1843, and served until 1846. In
1850 he was elected a Representative of the Gen-
eral Assembly of Iowa, in 1856 was appointed Pro-
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bate Judge, and the following year was elected
Prosecuting Attorney. lie was one of the origi-
nal projectors of the Iowa Railroad Company, was
very energetic and influentialinsupport of that en-
terprise, and was elected President of the company.
He twice served as Presi<lent of the School Board,
and also as Director. He took an active part in
securing the establishment of the branch of the
State L'niversity of Fairfield, which for years was
the important institution of learning here, and in
other ways did much to advance the educational
interests of the city.
At the holding of the first quarterly meeting in
Fairfield, held in 1841, Judge Negus was admitted
to membership, and gave liberally toward the build-
ing of the first church of that denomination in Fair-
field. Mrs. Negus is an Episcopalian, and we find
by the records that the Judge was chosen a mem-
ber of the First Vestry of St. Peter's Episcopal
Church, which was elected March 24, 1856. He
continued his connection with the Episcopal Church
during the remainder of his life. As a citizen, he
was always public-spirited, and was prominent in
every enterprise calculated to benefit the commu-
nity in which he lived. To his efforts and influ-
ence the people of Fairfield are more indebted
than to the labors of any other for the building of
the Southwestern Railroad through this city. The
high esteem in which he was held, is best shown by
the action of his brethren of the bar at the time of
his death.
On Saturday evening, May 5, 1877, a meeting
of the Jefferson County bar was held, to take ap.
propriate action upon the death of Judge Negus.
George Acheson, then the oldest surviving member
of the bar, was called to the chair; Charles B. Leg-
gett, now Judge of the District Court, was made
Secretary. Those present in addition to the two
above named, were C. W. Slagle, James P. Wilson,
now United States Senator; D. P. Stnbbs, W. B.
Culbertson, J. J. Cummings, M. A. McCoid, late
member of Congress; David Heron, J. R. Mc-
Cracken; W. A. Frush, R. H. Knight, J. D. Mount,
and George H. Case. The following resolutions
were adopted :
Whereas, Hon. Charles Negus, a member of
the bar of Fairfield, Iowa, after a successful prac-
tice in his professioi, for a period exceeding one-
third of a century, |as been stricken down by the
hand of death; Weihis associates in the profession,
who have long aijfel intimately known him, do
hereby place on recjird, this minute to his memory.
The deceased wa^the oldest practicing attorney
at our bar, and as sach was entitled to, and had our
esteem and reverenfco.
Asa lawyer, heVas courteous and honorable;
ever indefatigable in the preparation of his cases,
and in his efforts to §ecure the legal rights of his
clients. y
As a citizen, he*' was public spirited and inter-
ested himself in eacirand every project for the bene-
fit of our city and ci^unty.
As a member of the Iowa Legislature, Probate
Judge of this itounty> President of the Iowa Rail-
way Company, Director of our public schools, and
in many other prominent public positions, he faith-
fully discharged his ^uties, and has left his mark
upon the times in w\iich he lived and upon the
State of his adoption.
We have unfeiguedfsorrow in the death of our
brother, by which oux ranks are broken for the first
time in many years/and we accept our personal
and professional loss only with great sadness. Our
hearts go out in tend«rest sj-mpathy to the widow
and children <»f ourjjdeceased brother in their be-
reavement, and we ti^nder them our sincere con-
dolence."
Remarks were ma<!^ by the chairman and others
present, expressing thjir high opinion of their late
brother, of his ability, his faithfulness and energy,
his high standard of professional conduct, his pub-
lic spirit and leadership in all the enterprises which
have enriched our county and beautified our city;
and of the beauty and integrity of his character,
and testifying to the shock caused by the death of
one who was a friend to*each of us, the oldest of
all, the first to be CA'^fled away. The minute was
adopted by the vote ofall prp^ent.
George Acheson, Chairman.
Charles D. Legoett, Secretary.
Judge Negus took a rarm interest in all that per-
tained to the history of his adopted State, gathered
much interesting data o^ that subject, and wrote
industriously and ably in that cause. Many inter-
esting sketches pertaining to pioneer tim?s in Iowa,
from his pen, were published in the Annals of Iowa,
a historical periodical i^ued by authority of the
State Historical Society. ' For several years just
prior to hie death, he dte voted much labor to the
preparation of a history of Iowa, which he con-
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templatod publishing, but death came before his
work was completed. Judge Negus was a man of
marked individuality, brave, self reliant, dignified
in manner, yet genial and courteous to all; never
covetous or given to selfish desire of personal gain,
but earnest in a broad spirit of devotion for the
jmblic welfare, and best enjoyed that which bene-
fited his fellow-men through the prosperity of the
commonwealth wherein he lived.
OBERT MOORE, the subject of this sketch,
is a prominent pioneer settler of Round
\\\ Prairie Township, dating his residence in
^1@) Jefferson County from the spring of 1840.
However, two years previous he had located in Van
But en County, and may therefore be called a pio-
neer of fifty-two years standing. His home is now
located on section 17, and his post-office is Glas-
gow. He was once extensively engaged in farm-
ing, but has now practically retired, but we will
speak more fully of his business interests later on.
Mr. Moore was born on the northern bank of
the Ohio River in Dearborn County, Ind., Janu-
ary 4, 1819, and is the fifth child of Robert and
Elizabeth (Powell) Moore. His father was a^ na-
tive of Ireland, but when a lad of eight summers,
crossed the broad Atlantic with his parents to
America, and settled in Pennsylvania, where he
grew to manhood and was married. The lady of
his choice was a native of Washington, Pa., and by
their union were born ten children, but only three
are now living, the eldest of whom is Robert, the
subject of this notice; George, the second brother,
is a merchant of Bentonsport, Iowa; and Rachel is
now Mrs. Morris, of Pawnee County, Kan. As be-
fore stated, Robert Moore, Sr., was married in
Pennsylvania, but shortly afterward he became a
resident of Ohio, and later made his home in In-
diana. In 1838, he removed to Van Buren County,
Iowa, where he and his wife spent the remainder of
their lives. The death of Mrs. Moore occurred in
1860, and three years later he was laid by her side
in the cemetery of Bentonsport. They were highly
respected by all who knew them, and many friends
mourned their loss.
Robert Moore, Jr., reached the age of maturity
soon after the family settled in Iowa, at which time
he began learning the <;arpenter's trade. This
business he followed until he was enabled to n^ake
the purchase of forty acres of unimproved land in
Round Prairie Township, becoming owner of that
tract in 1841. The same year he married Miss
Sarah Stewart, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth
(Cheney) Stewart, who were also pioneers of Round
Prairie Township. With a thrifty helpmate to sup-
plement the undaunted activity and energy charac-
teristic of his own nature, Mr. Moore began to lay
the foundation of his home and fortune, and by
hard work and economy he was enabled to make
many improvements upon his farm, and add to his
original purchase an additional forty acres prior to
the year 1850, at which time he became infected
with the gold fever, and crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia. The trip was made with an ox-team, and
one hundred and eleven days were required to
make the pass^ige from the Missouri River to Cold
Springs, Cal., near where lie was successfully en-
gaged in mining about two years. Not wishing to
again brave the dangers, the trials and hardships of
a trip across the country, he returned to his home
by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York
City. In 1860, he again made a trip to the fields
of gold, but this time his destination was Pike's
Peak, Colo., and a few months suflflced to convince
him that it would be more profitable for him to de-
vote himself to his business interests in Iowa, than
to seek for gold where none was to be found. A
third time, in 1862, he again traveled Westward,
visiting Oregon and Idaho. His travels were not
only a success when considered from a financial
standpoint, but proved of a highly interesting and
instructive character. By his intercourse with the
different people with whom he came in contact, he
gained a knowledge of the world, not given in text
books, and saw many sights and encountered many
interesting experiences which make his conversa-
tion regarding his travels of pleasmg interest to his
hearers. His pioneer experiences in this and Van
Buren Counties, are also worthy of mention. The
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hardships and privations incident to frontier life,
were not unknown to the family, neither were its
peculiar pleasures and enjoyments. A people sep-
arated from friends, and with little means of com-
munication at their command, make for themselves
pleasures, and promote sociability such as is not
found in any other community. At the time of
his settlement in the neighborhood, Iowa did not
contain as many inhabitants as are now found in
some of her cities, the population was widely scat-
tered, and the work of progress and advancement
seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Moore was present at
the first land sale held in the Territory. One inci-
dent in his early life in Iowa is worthy of mention.
While living in Van Buren County, he started on a
trip to the mouth of tiie Des Moines River for some
goods that had been shipped to that point. On
reaching Lexington, he was asked to take charge of
a box which was to be conveyed down the river.
He consented and undertook the mission, but there
appeared to be something mysterious connected
•-vith the affair, and in course of time it was dis-
covered that the box contained the bones of the In-
dian chief, Black Hawk which had been stolen by
one Dr. Turner and John Synord, who took them
to St. Louis, where they expected to realize a
handsome sum from them. Failing to realize on
them as expected. Dr. Turner brought the bones
back to Quincy, III., after which they were returned
to the chiefs family.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore hold membership in the Free
Methodist Church of Mt. Zion. They are the par-
ents of ten children, but four have been called
home: William, who married Miss Elizabeth John-
son, is living in Pottawatomie County, Iowa; El-
len is now deceased; Margaret A. is the wife of
Alex Dowd, of Nebraska; Frances is the wife of
Albert Gregg, of Republic County, Kan.; Annie
wedded Judson Hogate, of the same county ; Emma
J. is now Mrs. Stephen Wadkins, and her home is
on the old farm; Etta J. is still with her parents;
George W., Robert and John W. are deceased.
In his political views, Mr. Moore is a Republican,
and is accounted one of the leading and valued
citizens of the com muni t3^ On his return from
his third trip in the West, ho settled down to active^
firm life, and during a few years following added
many improvements, and extended the boundaries
of his farm until he now owns two hundred acres.
His home is a commodious and pleasant dwelling,
good barna and outbuildings are provided for the
care of the stock and grain, the fences are all in re-
pair, and everything pertaining to a well arranged
farm is there soen. Mr. Moore has now laid aside
many of his business interests, devoting his atten-
tion solely to keeping his farm in repair, and to the
raising of fine stock. He has been especially suc-
cessful in the latter branch of his business, and has
raised some of the finest horses in the county, in-
cluding a team of Norman mares which were prob-
ably the best ever raised in Southeastern Iowa. His
property and wealth are the result of his own efforta
and he not only now has a comfortable income, but
has acquired sufficient capital to enable him to la}'
aside the more arduous duties of life, and spends
his time in the enjoyment of the fruits of former
toil.
j^^^^^ON. GEORGE F. WRIGHT, one of the
Wjjij prominent men of Keosauqua, Van Buren
y^ County, Iowa, now a prominent attorney of
(^) Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a native of Warren,
Washington County, Pa., born December 5, 1833.
His father, Franklin A. Wright, of English descent,
was a farmer by occupation and a man of decided
character, who exerted a great influence in his
community.
George received a good academic education,
and designed to pursue a collegiate course. At the
age of seventeen he engaged in teaching, continu-
ing that occupation four years; at the expiration
of that time, in the spring of 1855, Mr. Wright
settled in Keosauqua, Van Buren County, and be-
gan the study of law in the oflSce of Messrs. Knapp
& Wright; was admitted to the bar in 1856, be-
coming a partner in the firm with whom he studied;
continuing in practice in Keosauqua until 1868
wiih good success. Mr. Wright then removed to
Council Bluffs, his present home, and resumed the
practice of his profession with Judge Caleb Bald-
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win. During the partnership they acted as attor-
neys for the Chicago, Rock Island <fe Pacific Rail-
road, also for the Burlington <fe Missouri, and the
Union Pacific Railroad.
His fellow. citizens seeing in Mr. Wright peculiar
fitness for oflficial position, have honored him with
responsible trusts. While a resident of Keosauqua
he was solicited to become a candidate for the Leg-
islature, but declined on account of pressing en-
gagements. In 1874 he was elected to represent
in the State Senate the district comprising Mills
and Pottawattamie Counties for four years. In
public enterprises he has always been active, and
while in the State Senate he acted a pi ominent part.
During the Civil War he rendered ver}' efficient
service to the State in raising troops, and through
his efforts the necessity of a draft in Van Buren
County was avoided. Upon the first call for vol-
unteers by President Lincoln, he was commissioned
by Gov. Kirkwood, and raising a company, repaired
to the rendezvous, but the call being filled the com-
pany disbanded.
Personally, Mr. Wright is a man of sterling
qualities, and possesses a wide range of experience.
He was married in 1865, to Miss Ellen E. Brooks,
of Northfield, Vt., and by that union was blessed
with two sons and two daughters.
I'^i^liC^^i^*
W. FERGUSON, who is the owner of more
than eight hundred acres of land in Van
Buren County, his home being in Des Moines
Township, was born in Beaver County, Pa., in
1835, being the second child in the family of
John and Nancy (Adams) Ferguson, who were the
parents of three children. His father was also born
in the Keystone State and was of Scotch descent,
the family having been founded in Pennsylvania
by Scotch emigrants at an early day. He engaged
in merchandising in his native State and his death
occurred in 1886, having survived his wife for two
years. Her people were of English extraction.
In the schools of Pennsylvania, D. W. Ferguson
acquainted himself with the common branches, but
completed his education in Poland, Ohio. After
leaving school, he engaged in driving stock from
Western Pennsylvania to Philadelphia, and also
drove horses from that State to Illinois, at one time
being twenty-eight days upon the road. He fol-
lowed the life of a drover for several years and
then located, in 18o4, near where now is situated
the city of Aledo, in Mercer County, III. He saw
that town platted and after a few years' residence
in its vicinity resumed his westward journey. Cross-
ing the Mississippi River, he made a location in
Des Moines Township, Van Buren County, Iowa,
where h6 developed a farm, that still continues to
be his home. He first purchased two hundred
and forty acres of wild land, but after he had
placed it under cultivation he made additional pur-
chases from time to time until he owned nearly
nine hundred acres, all situated in Des Moines
Township, with the exception of two hundred
acres lying in Vernon Township. The cause of
his splendid success in business life may be attrib-
uted to hi^ enterprising and progressive spirit. In
connection with general farming, he engages ex-
tensively in stock-raising, much of the land being
devoted to pasturage, upon which may be found
many head of thoroughbred Durham cattle.
In this count3s in 1858, Mr. Ferguson was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah N. Alcorn, a
native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Alex-
ander and Mary (Phillips) Alcorn. Her parents
were born in Ireland, but in early life they left
their native land and settled in Pennsylvania, Mr.
Alcorn became an influential citizen of the commu-
nity where he resided, and was commissioned Ma-
jor of the State Militia in 1824. In November,
1856, he brought his family to Van Buren County,
Iowa, and settled upon an improved farm in Ver-
non Township, where he resided until his death,
in 1863. His wife survived him until 1881, when
she too passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson began their domestic life
upon his farm in Des Moines Township, and to-
gether they traveled life's journey for thirty-one
years, sharing with each other its joys and sor-
rows, its adversity and prosperity, but in Decem-
ber, 1889, the loved wife was called to her final
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rest. Three children were born of their marriage
— John Adams, who married Aurelia B. Lay ton in
1886; Isabella, now Mrs. Power, of Ccnterville,
Iowa; and Alex Phillips, who died in 1862, aged
one year and four months. The mother was a
consistent member of the Methodist Church, of
Mt. Sterling, to which Mr. Ferguson and his son
and daughter-in-law also belong.
On the organization of the Republican party,
Mr. Ferguson was one of the first to espouse its
cause, and continued an ardent supporter of its
principles for a number of years, but since 1870
he has been a stanch Prohibitionist. To the cause
of temperance he ever gave his support, and be-
lieving that the liquor traffic can only be abolished
by legislation, he supports that party which repre-
sents his views.
-^1=
--^-gg-^
ENRY C. CALDWELL was born in Mar-
shall County, W. Va., on September 4,
l^^ 1832. He was the son of Van and Susan
(^ Caldwell. On his father's side he is of
Scotch origin, the famiU' having originated at the
Cold Wells in Scotland, and on his mother's side
he is descended from Irish stock. His maternal
grandfather was au Irishman by birth, became a
Molhodist minister, volunteered in the War of
1812, and died in the service. His parents removed
from West Virginia to Iowa in 1836, where he was
educated in the private and common schools of
that day. He began the study of law in the
law office of Wright A Knapp, at Keosauqua, Iowa,
at the age of seventeen, was admitted to practice
in his twentieth year, and shortly thereafter be-
came a junior member of that firm. He at once
engaged in active practice, and was soon recog-
nized as one of the most successful lawyers of his
age in the State. In 1856, he was elected Prosecu-
ting Attorney for his district, and in 1868 was
elected to the Legislature, and for two sessions was
Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House.
In 1861, he was commissioned Major in the Third
Iowa Cavalry, and was promoted successively to be
Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel of that regiment.
Gen. Bussey, Assistant Secretary of the Interior,
Judge Caldwell and Gen. Noble, Secretary of the
Interior, were successively and in the order named
Colonels of that regiment. He was an efficient
officer. Gen. Davison, in his Official Report on the
occasion of the capture .of Little Rock, says:
''Lieut-Col. Caldwell, whose untiring devotion and
energy never flags, during night or day, deserves
for his gallantry and varied accomplishments as a
cavalry officer, promotion to the rank of a general
otHcer."
In June, 1864, our subject while serving with his
regiment, President Lincoln appointed him District
Judge of the United States for the district of Ark-
ansas. The United States courts were opened in
Arkansas in 1865, and immediately the docket was
crowded with business. From that time to the pres-
ent. Judge Caldwell has continued to hold the
Federal Court in this district, and has occasionally
held court in districts in other States.
Judge Caldwell is a self-made man, and pos-
sesses a vigorous grasp of intellect and a strong
sense of justice, and though not a classical scholar,
is a master of terse English. The force and clear-
ness of his opinions have attracted the attention
of the bench and bar of the country, and some of
them have become leading authority on the sub-
jects to which they relate. His administration of
justice has been characterized by^ ability, honesty
and impartiality, and it is probable that there is
not a judge in the United States who enjoys in a
higher degree the confidence and esteem of the bar
of his court, which numbers among its members
lawyers as eminent as any in the country.
On March 4, 1 890, Judge Caldwell was appointed
United States Circuit Judge, for the Eighth Circuit.
As a member of the Arkansas State Bar Assoeia-
tiorf, and otherwise, Judge Caldwell has partici-
pated actively in the amendment and improvement
of the laws of that State. His address on the ''In-
security of titles to real property*' led to impor-
tant legislation on that subject, and his address on
the ''Anaconda Mortgage System" prevailing in
that State attracted wide attention and caused an
amendment of the law and contributed largely to
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foster the spirit thj»t led to tlie establishment of
co-operative stores by the "wheel** organizations of
that State. He was active in procuring the enact-
ment of Ihe law which secures to married women
the absolute ownership and enjoyment of their
separate property, free from the control' of their
husbands or the claims of their creditors. He
aided in the establishment of the present system of
laws jn Arkansas regulating the liquor traffic, and
which is esteemed by many as the best code on that
subject in the country-. It was largely due to his-
influence that the act w^as passed making the debts
and liabilities incurred in the operation of rail-
roads liens on the road, paramount to the liens of
mortgages on the road. Judge Caldwell is a poor
man and utterly indiflferent to the acquisition of
property or money be^'ond a sum sufficient to de-
fray the current expenses of his family, who live
plainly.
-^
Ti
m
AMES H. JORDON, the pioneer Indian
tiader, who for many years did business
within the present limits of Van Buren
County, was born in Mercer County, K3^,
September 29, 1806. His paternal great-grand-
father emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky with
his family, where Peter, the father of our subject,
was born. Both the father and grandfather served
in the War of 1812, and the former rose to the
rank of General. Jn the Keystone State Gen.
.Toidon marrieVi Sallie Baker, a native of that
Slate, and unto them were born six children, but
only two are now living — Mrs. Nancy Wheat, of
Kentucky; and James H.
Our subject received good educational advan-
tages for that early day. In addition to attending
the district schools, he pursued his studies in Frank-
fort and Lexington. When only sixteen years of
age he pushed his way westward. In September,
1 882, he left home,making the journey on horseback,
crossed the Ohio at Louisville, and passing through
Vincennes, Ind., continued on his way to St. Louis
which was then but a village. Hairing spent most
of the winter in Palmyra, Mo., which was then the
outppst of civilization, he came into the Indian
country, and from that time until 1835, when he
made a permanent settlement near Towaville, he fol-
lowed trading with the red men, having trading-
posts in Farmington, Bonaparte, Kilbourn and
Doud's Station, in Van Buren County, besides
many others elsewhere. A trading-post consisted
of a log house, which the Indians built for him
or he rented, at a place agreed upon to meet and
trade. At these places the nation would come en
masse to receive their supplies. A large circle
would be formed around the goods and three of the
wise men were sent in to see they had full measure.
For every yard of cloth measured oflf one of the so-
lons would drop a hazel stick, and for a half yard
would break one in two. When the count was de-
cided correct a family came within the circle and
was fitted out from top to bottom, ribbons and all.
This was charged to the nation to come out of their
annuity. Private debts were contracted to be paid
for in furs, but if any failed to meet his obligations
they were paid by the nations.
Mr. Jordon traded with the Sauk, Fox, Winne-
bago, Pottawatomie and some with the Sioux Na-
tion. Black Hawk was a Sauk chief. When the Black
Hawk War broke out Mr. Jordon was ordered out
of the Territory to report at Palmyra, Mo., where
he enlisted in a regiment whose duty it was to
guard baggage wagons and haul settlers, who had
located out some twenty or thirty miles, back to
the town for safety. After the v/ar he again re-
sumed the trade, which he continued until 1840,
doing a yearly business of about $50,000. Mr.
Jordon was acquainted with a number of the great
chiefs and a warm friendship sprang up between
him ana Black Hawk, who, about 1837, made his
home within four rods of Mr. Jordon^s house.
They ran foot races, hunted and associated together
and nothing ever marred their friendly relations.
At his dying hour Black Hawk gave Mr. Jordon a
sword and a bowie knife as tokens of esteem. The
sword is now the property of Arthur Hinkle, a
grandson of Mr. Jordon's. The Indians and the
traders, for that matter, never washed their
clothes. On one occasion our subject was going to
i Burlington, and in honor of the event he thought
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to wear some newly-washed clothing. An Indian
squaw washed two suits of underwear for him and
in the operation used up a box of soap. When
asked how much she charged, she replied '*sower-
kot," hard to wash. She wanted $50 in money, a
blanket each for herself and husband, a fine 8birt,ben
or twelve dollars worth of calico, a shawl, blankets
and clothes for her children.
Becoming fully convinced that a good wife is
worth her weight in gold, Mr. Jordon, November
27, 1838, near Bonaparte, Iowa, married Miss
Frances M. Williams, a native of Woodford County,
Ky., born June 22, 1817. When young she emi-
grated with her parents to Columbia, Mo., and
while in Bonaparte on a visit she became the wife
of Mr. Jordon. They had three children, but all
are now deceased — Henry C; Sarah F., wife of
Capt. A. Hinkle, and Victor P. The mother died
October 14, 1887.
Politically, Mr. Jordon was a Whig in early life,
but since has been an ultra Democrat. Though
eighty-four years of age, he is quite active and his
hair is lightly touched with gray. He is the only
living specimen of those hardy rugged characters
that tirst set foot on Iowa soil.
=1^
AMUEL P. ROWLAND is numbered
among the early settlers of Iowa. He lo-
cated in Davis County, in 1845, three
years before the land sales and is now liv-
ing in Milton. He was born in Sussex County,
Md.. September 2, 1810, and is a son of John and
Deborah (0*Conner) Rowland. The days of his
boyhood and youth were spent in the usual man-
ner of farmer lads, and after attaining to mature
years he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza-
beth Russell, the wedding being celebrated on the
18th of February, 1840. The lady was born in
Sussex County, February 22, 1813, and is a
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Barr) Russell.
The following children were born unto them:
John W,,who died at the age of twenty-one years;
Debora, now Mrs. Price, of Jackson Township;
Robert R.; Mary; Hannah, who died at the age of
eight years; and Jonathan D.
It was in 1845 that Mr. Rowland, accomiianied
by his family started Westward. He crossed the
Mississippi into Iowa, and on the 29tb of April lo-
cated in Davis County, making bis home near the
boundary line of Van Buren County. He owned
land in both counties and engaged actively in
farming until 1874, when he removed to Milton.
He still owns his farm, three hundred acres of rich
land paying tribute to his care and cultivation. He
attends the Methodist Church and in politics is a
stanch supporter of Democratic principles.
W. ROCKWELL, who with his brother,
Ed H., owns and edita the Farmington
Herald^ is a native of Pleasant Mills, Ind.,
born March 15, 1861. With his parent's became
to Iowa, and in Harrison County, where the family
located, he acquired his education, attending the
public schools of Little Sioux. Almost his entire
life has been devoted to journalism. At the age
of fifteen be began to learn the printer's trade, and
two years later he trod the rough and thorny path
of a pedagogue. Before he had reached his ma-
jority he was editor and publisher of the La Harpe,
111., Sun, and subsequently of the Dallas Spirit;
also was for some time connected with the Burling-
ton Hawkeye as telegraph editor, and later became
manager of the mechanical department of the same.
In 1886 he established the Herald^ and the follow-
ing year was joined by his brother, Ed. H. Several
efforts had been made to carry on a paper at
Farmington, but so often had the project failed
that the people were afraid to subscribe for a whole
year; many would only take the paper for a quarter,
so as not to lose so much if it went down. Such
was the character of the Herald and such its man-
agement, that it soon gained the favor of the peo-
ple and was placed on a sound financial basis. The
Rockwell brothers deaerve 90 little credit for the
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masterly way in which they have worked up the
enterprise, fi^iving to their subscribei^s one of the
best journals in the country. The paper is devoted
largely to local interests and deals but little in
politics. However, in May, 1890, they started the
Radical Jeffersonian Democrat, which shoots the
grape and canister of the old line Democracy re-
gardless of whom it hits. These gentlemen are
also interested in the Farmington Music Company
and other business enterprises.
In 1883 F. W. Rockwell was united in marriage
with Clara A. Madison, a lineal descendant of the
President. She is a native of Dallas City, 111., and
they have two children — G. Idylmarch and an in-
fant. Mr. Rockwell is a gentleman of considerable
literary taste and ability, and has won a place
among the local poets.
*«-^
8 r
i^EV. JOHN MoCRARY, deceased, is num-
bered among the early comers of Van Buren
County, but died the same'year of his arrival
^ Jin the community. He was a son of James
and Isabel G. McCrary and was bom about the
year 1770, in Iradell County, N. C. Having at-
tained to man's estate, in 1793 he was united in
marriage with Ruth Wasson, and they began their
domestic life in the State of his nativity but on ac-
count of the institution of slavery they removed to
Tennessee where they made their home until 1810.
That year witnessed their settlement in Indiana,
where they spent a quarter of a century. In 1835,
they removed to McDonough County, 111., but after
a year continued on their westward journey to
what is now Van Buren County, Iowa, but only a
short time had been spent by Mr. McCrary in that
community when he was called to his final rest.
Unto this worthy couple was born a family of
eight children, four sons and four daughters, viz:
Polly, James, Lucinda, Rebecca, Miner, Minerva,
Abner H., and John C, whose sketch appears on
another page of this work.
Mr. McCrary was reared in the faith of the Pres-
byterian Church and maintained his connection
with the same until about the year 1800, when his
views having changed he severed his connection
with that denomination and became a member of
the Christian Church. He was one of the sturdy
and honored pioneers of Indiana and was the or-
ganizer of a number of churches in the vicinity of
his home. Living in a day when the slavery ques-
tion was the most important issue to engage the
attention of the people, he took strong grounds
against the institution, especially its introduction
into northern territory. Believing it to be a sin
he did not hesitate to express his views in regard
to it and in the division of the church occasioned
by the opposing views of the members on that sub-
ject, he took his stand with those who believed
that ''all men are created equal and that they are
endowed with certain inalienable rights, among
which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happi-
ness.'' On the temperance question he was no less
outspoken, urging upon the people the necessity of
abstaining from the use of alcoholic drinks. After
living a true Christian life during a half century,
the greater part of which time he was engaged in
the self-sacrificing labors of a pioneer minister of
the Gospel, this good man passed to his heavenly
reward. His wife was his able and faithful assis-
tant in his work and the promises concerning the
future life were dear unto her as unto him.
> '>m<^ r;.
ONTEREY HOSKIN, residing in Des
Moines Township, Van Buren County, has
spent his entire life in this count}', where
he was born in 1848, being the ninth child
of Neri and Rebecca (Dill) Hoskin, whose family
numbered twelve children. They were born, reared
and married in Ohio, and about 1837 came to the
Territory of Iowa, locating in Des Moines Town-
ship, where Mr. Hoskin entered land [ind with the
aid of his sons transformed it into a good farm. He
took quite an active part in politics during the
early history of the county and wns a valued citi-
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zen who won the respect of all with wliom he came
in contact. He continued his residence upon the
old homestead until called to his final rest in 1870.
His wife had passed away many years previous,
dying when our subject was an infant. The chil-
dren of the family are, Harris, who is married and
resides in Des Moines Township; Omer, who is
marrie<l and living in Montana; Jasper and Neri
are both married and live in Des Moines Township;
Inez died in 1875: Mary Ann is now Mrs. Roberts,
of Jackson Township; Rhoda is now Mrs. Gible-
man, of Davis County, Iowa; Martha is also a Mrs.
Roberts.
The subject of this sketch was reared to farm
life under the parental roof and spent his boyhood
days in assisting in the cultivation of the home
farm and in attending the district schools, where he
acquired his education. At the age of eighteen
years he began life for himself and the occupation
to which he was reared he has since followed in
pursuit of fortune. He was married in Van Buren
County, in 1 870, to Miss Rebecca Tackabary, a na-
tive of this county, and a daughter of Foster and
Ann (Switzer) Tackabary, who were natives of
Ireland, but emigrated to this country and settled
in Van Buren County, Iowa, in the early part of
the '50s. The father died in Davis County, Iowa,
in 1885, and her mother is still living in that
county.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoskin, after their marriage, set-
tled upon a part of the old farm where has been
born unto them a family of four children: Anna,
Inez, Fossy and Arthur. In 1878, Mr. Hoskin pur-
chased a partially improved farm of one hundred
and eighty acres, to which he has since added a
forty- acre tract, making in all two hundred and
twenty acres which yield to him a golden tribute
for his care and cultivation. 'A portion of this is
highly improved and the remainder is devoted to
pasturage, he engaging to a considerable extent in
stock-raising. Mr. Hoskin is a member of the
An ti- Horse Thief Association and in politics he is
a stalwart supporter of the Republican party. He
has served «s Township Trustee and also upon the
School Board, during which time he did effective
service for the cause of education, in which he is
deeply interested. He is numbered among the
pioneer settlers of Van Buren County, and has
witnessed the greater part of its growth and prog-
ress. His memory goes back to the time when
Alexandria, Mo., was their nearest market but now
he can supply all his wants in the line of merchan-
dise within three miles of his home. His fellow
townsmen regard him as one of the thrifty and en-
terprising citizens of the community for he has
always displayed a laudable interest in public af-
fairs and done what he could for the promotion of
all objects calculated to advance the general
welfare.
^SAIAH HUMBERT, one of the most subsUn-
I' tial farmers of Van Buren County, now a resi-
/ji dent of Milton, claims Pennsylvania as the
State of his nativity. He was born in Fayette
County, March 29, 1819, and is the son of Jacob
and Mary (James) Humbert, who were also natives
of the Keystone State, but the former was of Ger-
man birth and the latter of Irish descent.
Isaiah Humbert, whose name heads this notice,
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the
usual manner of farmer lads and received a com-
mon school education. Having attained to mature
years, he was married in Uniontown of his native
county, December 22, 1841, to Miss Mary Shoaf,
daughter of James Shoaf, and a native of Fayette
County, Pa., born in 1816, of German lineage.
Seven children graced their union, four sous and
three daughters, but only two sons and one daugh-
ter are now living. The record of the family is as
follows : William Breckenridge, the oldest was
born September 18, 1842, and died January 14,
1852 ; Ellis Bailey, born March 11, 1844, married
Annie Tatman and resides on a part of the old
home farm in Van Buren County; Peter, born
May 10, 1846, married Catherine Rhoads and is
living on the old homestead ; Serena Ann, born
March 5, 1848 became the wife of John Rhoads
and died March 7, 1873 ; Isaiah was born May 7,
1851, and died July 19, 1867, at the age of sixteen
years ; Mary Elizabeth who was born March 20,
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1853, died on the 12th of February, 1863; Martha
Belle is the wife of Thomas Coole}^ of Jackson
Township. The four oldest children were born in
Pennsylvania and the younger members of the
family in Van Buren County.
Mr. Humbert was engaged in farming in his
native State until the spring of 1 850, when believ-
ing he might better his financial condition, he
started Westward, accompanied by his family. The
new State of Iowa was his destination and he settled
near Bonaparte, Van Buren County, on a farm,
to the cultivation of. which in connection with
stock-raising, he devoted his time and attention
until 1861, when he removed to Jackson Township
of the same county and purchased a fine prairie
farm situated about four and a half miles south of
Milton. He is now the owner of five hundred and
ten acres of well improved prairie land, including
his original purchase, in Jackson Township, which
he leases from year to year. He continued to per-
sonall}'' operate his farm until the spring of 1889,
when he removed to Milton and purchased his
present residence, since which time he has practic-
ally laid aside all business cares.
In politics Mr. Humbert is a Republican and has
voted with that party since its organization, feeling
a deep interest in its success. He and his excellent
wife are consistent members of the Methodist
Church, as are his daughters. Mr. Humbert has
lived an active and useful life, well worthy of em
ulation. In his habits he is frugal and temperate
and he has, by patient industry and judicious man-
agement succeeded in acquiring a large and valua-
ble property.
^ILLIAM N. CHIDKSTER follows farming
and stock-raising on section 24, Polk Town-
ship. He is a valued citizen of Jefferson
County, where for a quarter of a century he has
made his home. Public spirited and progrossivo,
he is ever ready to aid in the a«lvancement of the
county's best interests and has identified himself
with many of its leading enterprises.
We have no records concerning the early history
of the Chidester family but know that it was founded
in America during Colonial days and that the pa-
ternal grandparents of our subject, William and
Lydia (Dean) Chidester, were natives of Connec-
ticut. He served in the Revolutionary War and
in 1798, accompanied by his family emigrated to
Mahoning County, Ohio, where in the midst of the
forest, he developed a farm, being the first settler
of that county. Both he and his wife spent their
last days in the Buckeye State where they died
many years ago. ' One of their children, Erastus
Chidester, who was born in Connecticut, accompa-
nied them on their emigration to Ohio, in 1798,
and in that State having attained to mature years,
wedded Miss Lydia Sackett, daughter of Benjamin
and Betsy (Carter) Sackett, who were also natives
of Connecticut, the former born of Welsh descent,
while the latter was of Dutch lineage. Mr. Sack-
ett also served in the War for Independence as a
valued soldier of the Colonial Army. After the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Chidester, they settled
in Ohio, where they continued to make their home
until 1862, when they removed to Mercer County.
III. With the blood of Revolutionary heroes flow-
ing in his veins, he was inspired by patriotic im-
pulses to enlist in the War of 1812, in which he
did good service for his country. He was out-
spoken and fearless in expressing his views on the
slavery question and took an active part in the
formation of the Abolition party in Ohio. He
did not live to see the day when the curse had been
driven from the land, for in 1864 he was called to
his final rest. The following year his widow came
to Jefferson County, Iowa, where she made her
home until her death in 1872. The following
were members of their family — Clark, their eldest
child, came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1866,
and died in 1882; Caroline is now Mrs. Reeder, of
Carroll County, Iowa; Julius is married and re-
sides in Erie, Pa.
William N. Chidester, another member of the
family arid the subject of this sketch, was born in
Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1834, and in his native
State was reared to farm life. Ho acquired such
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educational advantages as were afforded by tlie
subscription schools of that day but his opportu-
nities were very limited as compared with the priv-
ileges now extended to the youths of this land.
He began life for himself in 1855, when having at-
tained to mature years, he left home and removed
to Mercer County, III., where he was employed at
farm labor for some time. He was in the employ
of John Deere of Moline, the owner ef the exten-
sive agricultural implement factory of that city.
Later he embarked in business for himself and in
1857, chose as a companion and helpmate on life's
journey Miss Martha E. Titus, the union being cel-
ebrated in Knox County, III. The lady was born
in Indiana,and is a daughter of Benjamin and Lucre-
tia (Longly) Titus, the former a native of Pennsyl-
vania, the latter of Kentucky. Their marriage
was celebrated in Indiana, and in 1854, they emi-
grated to Knox County, III., settling upon a farm
which continued to be their home until 1865. That
year witnessed their removal to Kansas and a few
years later they came to Jefferson County, Iowa to
spend their declining years at the home of our sub-
ject and his worthy wife,where they were surrounded
by all the care and comfort which loving hearts
could devise. Mr. Titus died in 1876 and his wife
passed away in February, 1889.
Mr. and Mrs. Chidester began their domestic
life upon a farm in Mercer County, III., where for
some eight years they made their home, arriving in
Jefferson County, in 1865. Here he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land on
section 24, Polk Township, which he at once began
to develop. He has now a fine farm, the value of
which has been greatly enhanced by the erection of
a tasty dwelling and good barns and by a finely
cultivated grove of thirteen acres. Besides gener-
al farming, he raises a good grade of carriage and
road horses and also makes a specialty of fruit
growing, in which he has met with a reasonable de-
gree of success. Mr. Chidester is a man of good
business ability, energetic and industrious and de-
serves no little credit for his prosperous career, his
success being due to his own efforts and the
assistance of his estimable wife, yet he has not al-
lowed business cares to detract his attention from
other duties. As before stated, he gives his hearty
support and co-operation to all worthy interests;
he assisted in the organization of the school dis-
trict and has served as County Commissioner of
Jefferson County. Socially, he is a member of
Clinton Lodge, No. 104, A. F. & A. M., McCord
Chapter, R. A. M., and Unity Lodge, No. 62, V. A.
S. of Fairfield. He and his wife hold membership
in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Packwood,
and are among its faithful workers, doing what
they can for the advancement of the cause.
Four children have been born of the union of
William N. Chidester and Martha E. Titus. Car-
rie, the eldest, is now Mrs. Barr, a resident of Fair-
field Township; Eva^ now Mrs. Thomas, is living in
Black Hawk Township; Adda is a teacher of music
in the Hedrick Normal Institute of Hcdrick, Iowa,
and Vera is yet at home.
PENNINGTON, a harness-
maker of Milton, Van Buren County, and
wj one of the leading citizens of that place, was
born in Kent County, Del., April 25, 1826,
and is a son of Benjamin and Ann (Wilson) Pen-
nington. His father died when he was quite young
and with his mother and step-father he removed
to Franklin County, Ind., when a lad of nine years.
He remained in that county until 1844, which year
witnessed his arrival in Van Buren County, where
the greater part of his life has since been passed. In
the month of January, 1852, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Elizabeth Cowger who was born in
Rush County, Ind., in 1829. They have five chil-
dren, two sons and three daughters — William
George married Sarah Stall and is living in Col-
orado Springs, Col.; Thomas F. wedded Mary
Lavel and is living in Green Mountain Falls, Col.;
Clara, is the wife of Michael O'Connell, of Milton;
Martha, is the wife of Frank Humphrey, a jeweler
of Milton; and Addieis at home.
About 1854, Mr. Pennington removed to Davis
County, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming for
almost a quarter of a century. He came to Milton in
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1878 and turned his attention to other pursuits. lie
had previously learned the carpenter's trade and now
devoted hinnself ^to that business until February,
1884, when he purchased a harness shop, since
which time harness making has been the moans
employed whereby to gain a livelihood. He is an
expert workman as will be indicated by the fact
that in the same year injwhich he embarked in bus-
iness he made a set of harness which took the pre-
mium at the fair held that autumn. Since he be^^au
business in that line, Joseph^ Spencer has been as-
sociated with him in business as a partner. They
have the only harness shop in the city and have
secured a flourishing trade, their liberal patronage
yielding them a good income. Mr. Pennington is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in
political sentiment he is a supporter of the De-
mocracy and socially, a member of Lone Star
Lodge, No. 155, L O. O. F. of Milton.
JLLEN KOONS, who is living on section 26,
Locust Grove Township, is an honored pio-
neer of Jefferson County of more than half
a century, dating his residence from the spring of
1838. He is now in his declining years but though
he should soon pass away, he will not be forgotten
on account of the active part which he took in the
upbuilding of the county and the promotion of her
best interests. The record of his life is as follows:
He was born in Henry County, Ind., in 1820, the
fifth child in a family of nine children whose par-
ents were John and Bridget (Nolan) Koons. His
father was born in Ashe Count3', N. C, and there
grew to manhood and was married and at an early
day removed with his family to Indiana, where he
made his home until the spring of 1838, when ac
companied by wife and children, he again started
westward, his destination being what is now Jeffer-
son County, Iowa. Here he continued to spend
the remainder of his days and by the early settlers
was held in high regard. He died in 1850, and
his wife, who was a native of North Carolina, sur-
vived him twenty -six years, passing away in 1876.
Of their family of nine children only four are now
living: Dillen, of this sketch; Nancy, now Mrs.
McGuire, of Adair, Iowa; Rebecca, wife of Allen
Ferguson, of Clark County, Mo.; and Henry, a
stock-raiser of Wyoming Territory.
Dillen Koons was educated in the schools of his
native State and when a young man of eighteen
years accompanied the family to Jefferson County,
Iowa. Shortly after his arrival, he made a claim
of two hundred acres which was included within
the new purchase. The land at that time had not
been surveyed and not a house marked the site of
the present thriving city of Fairfield. The nearest
market was then at Keokuk, about seventy-five
miFes distant, where he drove his hogs and cattle
and hauled his grain. He assisted in raising the
first frame house in Bonaparte and in many other
ways has been identified with the early history of
the county. Great indeed have been the changes
which have taken place since that time. Jefferson
Count}', which whs then very sparsely settled, has
now a greater population than almost the entire of
Iowa contained in those early days. The Indian
wigwams might yet be seen along the banks of the
rivers but the red men were friendly, giving little
trouble except by occasional thefts. All kinds of
wild game was plentiful and wolves often made the
night hideous with their howling. The farming
implements with which the land was developed were
very crude as compared with the improved ma-
chinery of today and the land was broken with
oxen, yet notwithstanding these many disadvan-
tages the pioneer often looks back with a sigh of
regret for it was in those days that true hospitality
existed, that friendship was not a mere name, when
neighbors were willing to make sacrifices for each
other and share with those less fortunate than them-
selves anything which they might possess.
Mr. Koons came to this county a single man but
here became acquainted with the lady he desired to
make his wife. In 1849, he was united in marriage
with Miss Jemima Col well, who was born in Indiana
and was a daughter of David and Susan (Downey)
Colwell, who are numbered among the pioneer set-
tlers of Jefferson County. The family born of this
union numbered eight children: George, who died
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in infancy; David, a resident farmer of Piielps
County, Neb.; Sarah, wife of William Richardson,
of Holdrege, Neb. ; Allen, a farmer of Locust
Grove Township; Susan, wife of Michael Walker,
of Phelps County, Neb. ; Henry, a resident farmer
of Locdst Grove Township; John, who is engaged
in farming in Wyoming; and Etta, deceased.
Mr. Koons participated in the organization of
this county and was present at the first sale of lots
in Fairfield. He enlisted for the United States ser-
vice during the late war but was rejected on account
of having weak lungs. The cause of education
has ever found in him a warm friend who manifests
his interest in a substantial manner, he having given
an acre of land for the schoolhouse and helped to
organize the school district. In politics he takes
an active part but is not bound by party fetters,
YOting for the measure and the man regardless of*
the party to which he belongs. The death of Mrs
Koons occurred in 1875. She was a most estimable
lady and her loss was deeply mourned by many
friends outside of her immediate family.
^E^^' ^ a ^ iG^si^
•viJOHN WniTTEN,the present Deputy Treas-
urer of the State of Iowa, was born August
4, 1842, in Lick Creek Township, Van
Buren County; his parents, Walter and Re-
becca Whitten, having come to tlie county in 1840,
from Scioto County, Ohio. In his youth he re-
ceived the ordinary educational advantages of the
pioneer schools of those days, and on July 1, 1861,
although less than nineteen years of age, he en-
listed in Company H, Fifth Iowa Infantry. He
saw two years and six months of service in the
field and wore the blue for over four years. He
was with Gen. Fremont during the Springfield,
Mo., campaign in the fall of 1861, participated in
the siege of New Madrid, Mo., the battle at Island
No. 10, and the siege of Corinth, Miss., under Gen.
Halleck in the spring of 1862. In the battle of
luka. Miss., on the 19th of September of that year
he was wounded. He took part in the battle of
Corinth, Miss., on the 3rd and 4th of October fol-
lowing, was in the Yazoo Pass expedition under
Gen. Sherman, the battles of Jackson and Cham-
pion Hills, Miss., and the siege of Vicksburg. This
was followed by the battle of Lookout Mountain and
in the engagement at Missionary Ridge on Noyem-
ber 25th, 1863, he was taken prisoner. We quote
from a volume, "Iowa in War Times" written by
S. H. M. Byers, late Adjutant of the Fifth Iowa
Infantry. In writing about the battles of Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, he says: "The
Fifth Iowa Infantry's loss, including quite a num-
ber captured, was one hundred six officers and men,
out of the two hundred forty-eight engaged. Sev-
eral officers and the color guard were among those
captured in the assault. The flag too, though torn
nearly to pieces, was lost. At the moment it was
about to fall into the rebel hands, it was seized by
some of those nearest it, its stars torn out and
secreted about their persons. One of these stars
was saved by John Whitten, now Deputy State
Treasurer. He was captured a few moments later
and carried the star with him through many horri-
ble months of rebel imprisonment. That star,
worthier than any star of the Order of the Garter,
framed and preserved, is in the Capitol at Des
Moines. Mr. Whitten was confined on Belle Isle,
Va., for over three months and was then removed to
Anderson ville, Ga., in the spring of 1864, and
there confined until April 17, 1865. Of eleven of
his company confined at Anderson ville, nine died
from ill treatment and starvation, among which
number was his brother, Josiah A., a young man
full of promise of a useful life. Mr. Whitten was
released ten miles from Jacksonville, Fla., April
28, 1866, and discharged from the service on the
7th of July following, having for more than four
years under one enlistment followed the fortunes
of war.
On returning from the army, Mr. Whitten took
up farming but Lis health was so impaired that he
had to abandon that labor and then attended the
Iowa Agricultural College for two years. He was
married on October 8, 1872, to Miss Ella L. Rice
of Farmington, Iowa who is also a native of Van
Buren County. He was elected to the office of
County Auditor of Van Buren County in the fall
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of 1879, and re-elected in 1881, serving two full
terms. He received the appointment of Deputy
Treasurer of the State, January I, 1885, and his
third term of two years each, will close in January,
1891. Mr. Whitten is a member of Miles King
I*ost, G. A. R. of Farmington; of Mt. Moriah
Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Kadosh Chapter, R. A. M.
of Farmington; also of El Chanan Commandery,
K. T. of Keosauqua.
Wuat
iREER McKEE is the owner of a fine farm
four hundred acres, his home being sit-
^%^[ uated on section 34, Liberty Township,
Jefferson County. The record of his life is as fol-
lows: He was born on the 8th of November,
1827, in Washington County, Pa,, his parents
being Henry and Elizabeth (Duncan) McKee. The
family is noted for its faithfulness to duty and its
patriotism when the country was in danger. Will-
iam McKee, the grandfather of our subject, was a
member of the Colonial Army. Of Scotch-Irish
birth, he grew to manhood in his native land,
graduated from one of the leading universities of
Ireland, and attained considerable prominence, but
for political reasons sought a home in America,
bringing with him a fortune of $10,000 in gold — a
Vast amount for those days, which, together with
his personal services, was sacrificed on the altar of
his adopted country. In return he received worth-
less Continental money, which practically had no
value. Fortune was gone but the consciousness of
having done his duty remained and brought with it
a peace and satisfaction which could not have been
his had he shirked the responsibilities resting upon
him. In 1813, he removed to Fayette County, Pa.,
where he died. Other members of the family were
also men of prominence and on the maternal side,
in the Greer family were noted Presbyterian minis-
ters and also one of the judges of the Supreme
Court. During the War of 1812, Henry McKee,
father of our subject, enlisted in the service in
Mitftin, Pa. and became a recruiting officer. He
continued in the service until peace was declared
and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. He
was a carpenter by trade, and a consistent member
of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred at
Columbus, Ohio, in 1854.
Greer McKee has for a quarter of a century made
his home in Jefferson County. He was born in
Washington County, Pa., November 8, 1827, as
above stated, and at the age of seventeen years re-
moved from the Keystone State to Ohio, where he
continued to make his home until his arrival in Iowa.
In early life Mr. McKee learned the carpenter's
trade with his father, at which he worked for many
years. After his father's death he continued to
carry on the business of contracting and building,
in which he was extensively engaged up to the time
of his enlistment. After coming to Iowa he car-
ried on the same business for about five years, since
which time he has devoted his time and energies
exclusively to farming. On March 1, 1860, he
wedded Miss Mary Tedrow, daughter of Goliah
and Christina (Miller) Tedrow. In May, 1864, on
the day on which their third child was born,heJeft
home to enter the service of his country, feeling his
duty to the government to be greater than all do-
mestic ties, although it can be imagined that- the
sacrifice which he made in leaving was no small
one. He became a member of the One Hundred
and Fifty-Seventh Ohio Infantry, and during the
one hundred days of his enlistment was detached
as superintendent of carpenter work at Ft. Dela-
ware. His services to his country were so valuable
and so faithfully did he perform every task devolv-
ing upon him that his General doubled his wages,
saying that he was worth $500.
Twelve children have been born of the union of
Mr. and Mrs. McKee and with the exception of one
who died in childhood, all are yet living — Flora
Belle became the wife of James F. Lawson, of Jef-
ferson County; Goliah T. is married and lives in
Van Buren County; Mary Elizabeth, who was born
on May 15,1864, the day on which her father en-
tered the service, is now the wife of Reuben John-
son, of Cedar Rapids; William G., Ann Eliza, John
and Rosetta are at home; Ira is now deceased;
Willis Craig, Ulysses Grant, Jennie May and N.,ra
are yet with their parents. Good educational ad-
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vantages have been placed before the children that
they may be fitted for the practical duties of this
life and three of j^thej number have been students in
the'Birminghara Academy.
The present farm of Greer McKee, as before
stated, comprises some four hundred acres of valu-
able land. His first purchase consisted of a one
hundred and fifty -acre tract but by industry, per-
severance and f^ood management he was enabled to
extend its boundaries to its present size. . Collett,
a postoffice situated at the terminus of the Ft.
Madison Narrow Gauge Railroad, is located on this
farm. Mr. McKee has been identified with all
measures for the progress and advancement of the
community and has held many of the township
offices of trust. For years he has been a teacher of
the Bible classes of the Presbyterian Churches in
Birmingham and Bethel and with his family has
been one of the most prominent members and
workers in that denomination. He was made a
Mason in 1861, and was an active member for some
years, but some years ago took his demit, and is
not aflSliated with any lodge at present. As every
true American citizen should do, he has given con-
siderable attention to the political questions of the
day. He is a. Republican in polities and his first
Presidential vote was cast for Gen. Scott, the Whig
candidate in 1852. On the organization of the
Republican party he joined its ranks and has since
supported its principles.
■^—^ -H
JOHN HUFF, with one exception, is the oldest
settler of Jefferson County. He was born
in Montgomery, now Floyd County, Va.,
^^ May 11, 1811, and is a son of John and
Elizabeth (Pratt) Huff. His father was born in
Greenbrier County, Va., in 1770, and married a
Miss Thompson, by whom he had four daughters.
His second union was with Miss Pratt, a native of
Bedford County, Va., and unto them were born
seven children, four sons and three daughters. Mr.
Huff was an expert mechanic and could manufac-
turealmost everything from wood, but in his later
years he gave^some attention to farming.' In 1817,
accompanied^by his family, he removed to Floyd
County, Ky., and while his boys engaged in the
cultivation of the farm he continued his own line of
business. He|was a Jackson Democrat^and lived
to the advanced age of nearly ninety -one years, his
death oc< urring in 1861. The mother of^John died
when he was a lad of sixteen {years.
Our subject was the eldest child in the] family
and in consequence had little*ad vantages in his
youth. Moving to^the mountainous part of^{Ken-
tucky, he^had almost no chancejto secure an educa-
tion, having never attended school]but three months
in his[^life and then the school was of "the most
primitive character. In his youth he learned the
cooper's trade and^at the age of seventeen years
began life for himself. Attracted *[ by the oppor-
tunities [and advantages of the West, in 1831 he ac-
companied Mason Cope to Schuyler County, III.,
and four years later made a trip up Skunk River
and camped on Jefferson County soil. Having
collected about two thousand pounds of honey,
beeswax, etc., h% improvised a boat by digging out
two canoes and fastening them together. Having
floated down the river as far as Rome, he struck a
snag'and twirled upside down. This was in the
month of November. During the struggle to save
his boat from floating away he kicked off his shoes
and had to walk to Burlington, a distance of fifty
miles, bare-footed. There he had some hooks
made, and returning, grappled his barrels of honey,
wax, gum, etc., out of thirteen feet of water and
proceeded with his cargo to Carthage, where he
sold out.
On March 3, 1836, Mr. Huff was united in mar-
riage with Sarah Woodard, who was born July 6,
1814, in Middle Tennessee. Her mother was also
a native of that State but her father came from
North Carolina. Soon after his marriage, Mr.
Huff returned to Iowa and made a settlement on
section 1, Cedar Township, Jefferson County, the
date of his arrival being June 17, 1836. The hnd
soon afterward came into market and as he had not
money ei>ough to enter it, he sold his three hun-
dred and twenty acre claim which brought him
in enough to pay his debts and enter a one hundred
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and twenty-acre tract. Afterward, having sold that
farm, he bought a farm of two hundred and forty
acres in Buchanan Township, which he improved
and on which he made his home until 1874, when
he took up his residence in Fairfield.
In 1871, Mr. Huff was called upon to mourn the
loss of his wife who died on December 3. They
were parents of eight children — James D.; William;
Nancy, deceased ; Henry! Rebecca, deceased ; Jeffer-
son; Sarah, wife of George Mower; and Louisa.
James D. and Jefferson are also married. In politi-
cal sentiment Mr. Huff is a Democrat, having sup-
ported that party since he cast his first vote for
Jackson in 1832.
-^
-^i^-
HARLES McDonald, deceased, is num-
bered among the pioneer settlers of Van
I' Buren County, and at his death, which oc-
curred in 1877, much sorrow was felt, for the com-
munity lost a good citizen, his neighbors a kind
friend, and his family a loving husband and father.
He was born in the North of Ireland, in 1813, but
the family is of Scotch origin. When he was a
mere child his father died, and in 1818, with the
other members of the family, he was brought by
his mother to this country, they taking up their
residence in Philadelphia, Pa. He there acquired
a limited education, and when a young man learned
the trade of a plasterer. He was married in Phila-
delphia, Pa., to Martha McGarvey, and shortly
afterward emigrated to La Grange, Mo., where he
followed his trade for some years. His next place
of residence was in Quincy, III., after which he
made a settlement in Ft. Madison, Iowa, and in
1847 purchased land in Van Buren County, and
here removed in order to rear his family upon a
farm. Mr. McDonald came to the West in limited
circumstances, and not only overcame the hard-
ships and difficulties of pioneer life, but surmounted
all obstacles which impeded his progress toward
the goal of prosperity. He performed the not
easy task of developing from the wild land a ri( h
and fertile farm, and at the same time carried on
his trade of plastering. He had no leisure time in
those days, but gave his attention solely to his
business, that he might provide for the wants of
his family and surround them with all the comforts
possible.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McDonald were born ten
children, of whom the following lived to adult age:
Maggie, wife of James Dick, a prominent farmer
of Lee County, Iowa; Mattie, at home; Ella, wife
of Charles E. Rau, of Mason City, Iowa; Archi-
bald, a resident of Bonaparte; Col well, a farmer of
Harrisburg Township; Charles W., who makes his
home in Council Bluffs; and Robert, who is also
living in Harrisburg Township. Helen died at the
age of nineteen; the other two members of the
family died in childhood.
In politics Mr. McDonald was a stanch Demo-
crat, was well [X)sted in political affairs, and could
always hold his own in an argument, but never
sought public office for himself. He was a man of
more than average ability, was well informed con-
cerning all questions of general import, and Was
familiar with many of our standard authors. He
was especially fond of reading Burns, and could
quote page after page of his writings. In his views,
he was charitable; in his dealings, upright and
honorable, and his word was as good as his bond.
He died at his home in this county in 1877, re-
spected by all who knew him. His wife, who was
a most estimable lady, and the equal of her hus-
band in literary attainments, also has many warm
friends.
''>*^^i^i;^^ff:^<^
■* v*—
AMUEL P. ROWLAND is the owner of
a fine farm of four hundred acres lying
partly within Davis and partly within Van
Buren County, his old homestead being
situated just across the border line iri the former
county. This gentleman, who is widely and favor-
ably known throughout the community, is a na-
tive of Delaware, born on the 4th of September,
1810. His parents, John and Deborah (Connell)
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Rowland, were also natives of tbat State, where
our subject spent the days of his lioyhood and
youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, he at-
tending school in the wint«r season and working
on the farm in the summer months. When he had
arrived at years of maturity, he was married to
Miss Elizabeth Russell, a native of Delaware, born
February 22, 1813, and a daughter of Thomas and
Mary (Bower) Russell, who were also natives of
the same State. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Rowland was celebrated in Delaware in February,
1836, and unto them was born a family of eight
children, of whom four are now deceased. The
living are: Deborah Ann, wife of Thomas Price;
Robeit, Mary and Jonathan D.
The year 1840 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Row-
land and his family in the Territory of Iowa, where
he has since resided. He has made farming his life
work, and in that pursuit has acquired a hand-
some competence, which supplies him with all the
necessaries and comforts of life. As before stated
his original homestead is situated just across the
boundary line in Davis County, but his fine farm
of four hundred acres also lies partly in Van
Buren County, where he has resided for the
past seventeen years. lie is an honored pioneer
of the community, and has been a witness of the
entire growth and progress of Iowa made during
the past half century. He is respected by all who
know him, being a man whose upright character
has won him universal regard.
AMUEL MoWHIRTER, deceased, was, to
many of our readers, known as a leading
and successful farmer of Cedar Township,
Jefferson Count}', as well as a valued citi-
zen, and we therefore take pleasure in presenting
unto them a sketch of his life work. He wr.s born
in County Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1820, and
spent his boyhood days in a manner usual to farmer
lads in that country. The occupation to which ho
was reared continued to be his business until 184I>,
when he determined to brave the dangers of an
c»cean voyage and seek his fortune in America.
The water was crossed in safety and on the 2dtb
of May of that year he arrived in Fairfield with a
cash capital of $5, but energy and thrift were
among his characteristics, and instead of feeling
discouragement at finding himself in an unknown
land among strangers he set to work to gain the
means of livelihood, and as the result of economy
and industry was some time afterward enabled to
purchase eighty acres of wild land on section 16,
Cedar Township. A little log cabin constituted
the improvements at that time, but hard work and
good management made many changes and in-
creased his acreage until he was the owner of two
hundred and twenty-five acres of good farming
land at the time of his death.
Mr. McWhirter chose as a companion on life's
journey Miss Martha Logan, and on the 30th of
November, 1849, their union was celebrated. The
lady, who was born in. County Antrim, Ireland,
February 1 4, 1 824, crossed the ocean in the same
vessel in which her husband was a passenger. She
was the only one of her family who sought a home
in the New World, but Mr. McWhirter was one
of four brothers who came to this country. Both
he and his wife were of Scotch-Irish descent and
were reared in the faith of the Scotch Presbyterian
Church. Upon their marriage they began life in
the little log cabin before mentioned, which con-
tinued to be their home until increased financial
resources enabled them to replace it by a more
commodious residence. Ten children were born
unto them, but four died in infancy. The living
are: John, who married Lucinda Trembley and is
a farmer of Clay Count}^ Neb.; David A., who
wedded Martha Ternibam and farms in Lane
County, Kan.; Mary, at home; Jennie M., wife of
Thomas Louden, a resident farmer of Cedar Town-
ship; and Robert L. and William, who are operat-
ing the home farm.
The McWhirter family has lived in Jefferson
County for forty -one years and is one of the sub-
stantial and highly esteemed families of Cedar
Township. Like the father, the sons are all sup-
porters of Democratic principles. As every true
American citizen should be, he was interested in
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political affairs, but never sought official recogni-
tion, content to devote his time and energies to his
business, which prospered greatly under his energy
and excellent management. He died on the 31st
of December, 1 886, respected by all who knew him
and lamented by many friends. He lived a life of
uprightness, and when earth's pilgrimage was ended
was ready to enter upon the home prepared for the
pure and good of this earth.
^5^S»^3^«»^g^^<?5tf-»<5^
JOSEPH V. CLARK, who is engaged in
farming and stock-raising on section 27,
Liberty Township, Jefferson Count}-, is a
(^)j native of Van Buren County, born October
29, 1849. His parents, Julius L. and Emeline
(Carson) Clrtrk were natives of Ohio, and a sketch
of their lives is given on another page of this work.
The family was founded in America during Col-
onial days and on both the paternal and mater-
nal sides the grandfather served in the Revolution-
ary War. The family also had its representatives
in the late war.
The subject of this sketch, who was the eldest in
a family of nine children, spent his early boyhood
days in his native county and at the age of sixteen
years accompanied his parents to Jefferson County,
where he grew to manhood. He acquired his edu-
cation in the district schools of the neighborhood,
and upon the home farm remained until his mar-
riage, which was celebrated on the 18th of Febru-
ary, 1873, when he was joined in wedlock with
Miss Mary Ella Tower, daughter of Joseph and
Philena (Burton) Tower. Her father was born in
Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1825, and was left fa-
therless at the age of four, after which he removed
with the remainder of the family to Ripley County,
Ind. His grandfather served in the earlier wars of
this country, and his great-grandfather, who was a
native of England, was among the pioneer settlers
of this land. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Tower
took place on the 31st of May, 1849, and unto them
have been bom a family of eight children: Sybil
S., the eldest, born March 18, 1850, is now the wife
of F. Marion Green, of Des Moines; Mary Klla was
born February 24, 1852; Julia Josephine, boin
May 20, 1854, is the widow of Thomas J. Can-
Frank Burton was born October 2, 1857; William
Everett, born January 4, 1860, married Belle Fer-
guson, of Van Buren County; Emma Orpha, born
August 3, 1864, is now living with her father; and
two children died in infancy. Mrs. Tower who
was born December 13, 1828, died December 14,
1867. She was a descendant of the famous Dudley
family and a daughter of Hiram and Sybil (Dudley)
Burton, the latter an authoress of considerable re-
nown, who at the advanced age of eighty -two wrote
a reminiscence of early Indiana Methodism, which
was published in the Western Christian Advocate
in 1885. She died in her eighty -sixth year. She
was a Methodist, and lived to see the fourth gener-
ation. Mrs. Clark was born in Ripley County, Ind.,
February 24, 1852. She emigrated with her parents
in her third year to Wapello County, Iowa, from
which place they removed, in 1865, to Van Buren
County. She was educated in the public schools
of the county,
The year succeeding their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Clark si)ent in Wayne County, after which they
took up their residence in Jefferson County, trad-
ing the farm in the former county for eighty acres
of land on section 27, Liberty Township. To this
has been added a forty acre tract and now a highly
improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres
pays tribute to the care and cultivation of its owner.
Besides his own land, Mr. Clark is also Of)erating
about two hundred acres of leased land. He has
introduced into the county a new variety of oats,
known as the "Welcome" which he thinks will rap-
idly gain public favor. He is regarded as a most
successful agriculturist and is also a successful
stock-raiser. He makes a specialty of Poland-China
hogs, breeding in large numbers and his other stock
is of equally good grades. A short time since he
sold a Norman gelding, five years old,which weighed
seventeen hundred and fifty pounds. As before
stated, he takes rank among the leading farmera of
the community, and in enterprises of public inter-
est is also found ready to aid with his support and
influence in their advancement. For several years
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he lias been a member of the School Board, and to
Ills strong advocac}^ and untiring efforts is largely
due the introduction of the graded system into the
schools, a measure which has proved of great ad-
vantage. To secure this, however, he had to over-
come the influence of an opposing majority, but
with ceaseless energy he labored until the desired
result was obtained. Politically, he is a Republican
and socially is a member of* the Temperance Alli-
ance.
To the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clark have come
four children, three of whom are yet living, namely :
Clara M., the eldest, who was born January 28,
1874; Lester Tower, born April 1, 1877; Inez Josie,
May 18, 1883; the fourth child was born in 1880
«nd lived but three days.
^r»
-l^m-
.-•A*-*
AMES SHERMAN SHEPHERD was born
in Sangamon County, III., December ii
1834. His parents, James and Jane (Sher-
(^^ man) Shepherd, were natives of Maryland
and North Carolina respectively. In October,
1844, the family removed from Springfield, III., to
Kcosauqua, then Van Buren County, then Terri-
tory of Iowa. Here for the next six years the
father published the Imca Democrat, and also kept
hotel until 1877. His mother died September 22,
1870, aged sixty-five years, and his father Septem-
ber 14, 1880, aged eighty years and six months.
Of their twelve children, five sons, the oldest sixty-
eight, and the youngest forty years old, are living.
The subject of this sketch is next to the oldest
living. He was first employed in his father's
printing-oflace when only ten years old, the work
at that time, however, not being steady, as he at-
tended school regularly until sixteen years old. He
then served a regular apprenticeship of four years,
and jour work one year. In April, 1856, he was
appointed Postmaster of Keosauqua, holding that
office until the fall of 1860, when ht resigned, he
nnd his father having puchascd the Des Moines
yctcs^ at Keosauqua. to which he devoted his
whole attention until the fall of 1865, when they
sold the office. For the next fifteen years he was
varicmsly employed — at his trade, insurance, real-
estate, running a hotel, selling patent rights, and
for two seasons cutting stone. The 1st of Janu-
ary, 1880, he removed from Keosauqua to Cory-
don, Wayne County, Iowa, where he published t^le
Corydon Democrat for two and a half years, and in
the fall of 1883 was elected County Superintendent
of Schools. He held this office during the years
1884 and 1885, and in November of the latter year
he bought the t/owrnaZ newspaper at Mt. A3T, Ring-
gold County, Iowa, of which he is the present pro-
prietor, and has made it the leading official paper,
as well as the fearless organ of the Democratic
party in the county. He moved to Mt. Ayr from
Corydon January 6, 1886.
Mr. Shepherd was married to Miss Mary Moore,
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Moore, January
9, 1862, and to them four children were born, two
daughters and two sons, of whom three are living:
Minnie (now Mrs. Hartshorn), Littie J. and George
S. The other son, Alvah C, died in Corydon,
November 7, 1881. Mrs. Mary Shepherd died in
Mt. Ayr, May 28, 1890, aged fifty-one years and
nine months. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have been
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since
1 858.
Mr. Shepherd was made a Master Mason in Keo-
sauqua Lodge, No. 10, in January, 1856, a Royal
Arch Mason in 1858, and Knight Templar in 1878.
He has filled the office of Master in three different
lodges, and is the present Master of Faith Lodge,
No. 179, at Mt. Ayr. He is a zealous Mason, a
conservative Democrat in politics, and endeavors to
live a consistent Christian life.
V|7AMES SHEPHERD was born in Hagers-
town, Md., March 15, 1800. At the age of
one year his parents moved to Clinton
/ County, Ohio, where he grew to the age of
manhood and learned the shoemaker's trade. On
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March 7, 1821, he was married to Jane Sherman,
and lived in Clinton County until 1827, when, with
his wife and two children, he moved to Salem,
then in Sangamon County, Uh, where he worked
at Ills trade, and also milling, farming and other
pursuits. He was twice elected Tax Collector of
Sangamon County, and moved to Springfield in
1838 or '39. He was a warm personal friend of
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Dur-
ing the campaign of 1840, he was engaged as as-
sistant editor of the State Register^ and made sev-
eral speeches in the county advocating the election
of Martin Van Buren to the Presidency. In May,
1843, he made a trip to the Territory of Iowa,
looTting for a location to establish a newspaper,
and selected Kcosauqua, Van Buren County, as the
point, and in the June following sent his eldest son,
Jesse M. and J. L. T. Mitchell, both printers, who
had learned the trade in Springfield, to take charge
of and run the paper, the first issue of which appeared
July 3, 1843, and was called The Iowa Democrat
and Des Moines River Intelligencer^ which they con-
tinued to publish until July 1, 1844, when he pur-
chased the interest of J. L. T. Mitchell, and dropping
the latter part of the name, rontinued the publica-
tion of the loica Democrat with firm name of James
Shepherd <fe Son, until 1847, when he bought Jesse
M. out, and became full owner, and continued its
publication until 1850, when he sold the olfice. On
the removal of his family to Keosauqua, October
8, 1844, he went into the hotel business, in the
Des Moines House, near the court-house, now torn
down, and ran it one year, and in the spring of
1847 bought the Kcosauqua House, on Front
Street, which he continued to run until 18(^6, when
he sold it and went on a farm, and two years
later bought a house on First Street, and opened
out in the hotel business again, which he continued
to run until the death of his wife, September 22,
1870. In 1845 he put in a bid for and wns
awarded the contract for carrying the mail from
Keosauqua to Ottumwa, and also to Bloomfield.
He was twice a candidate for the legislature, but
failed of an election, but was frequently elected to
minor offices, and was a Justice of the Peace for
years. In 1860, he in connection with his son, James
S. bought the Des Moines News^ published in Keo-
sauqua, being the same printing press and office he
shipped to this place in 1843, which paper they
continued to publish until the fall of 1865^ when
they sold the office.
In the fall of 1870, just after the death of his
wife, his daughter, Mrs. Delazon Smith, arrived
from Oregon, and in December, on her return, he
accompanied her to her home in Albany, Linn
County, and was with her at her death, January 1,
1871. From Albany he went to his son, Jesse M.,
in Baker Cit}'. Ore., where he remained , until the
fall of 1871, when he returned to Keosauqua, and
again took charge of the hotel until 1878, when he
again made a trip to Baker City, Ore., in the
spring, and returning home again to Keosauqua in
the fall, where he remained until his death, Septem-f
ber 14, 1880.
Mr. Shepherd was made a Master Mason, and
received the chapter degrees in Springfield, III.,
and in 1845 was a charter member and first Master
of Keosauqua Lodge, No. 10, and continued its
Master for a number of years. While in Illinois
he was Colonel of a regiment of State Militia, and
his sword is now the property of Keosauqua Lodge,
No. 10, by his gift. He was also one of the first
members and High Priest of Moore Chapter, No.
23, at Keosauqua, and was a zealous Mason and a
prominent member of the Grand Lodge and Grand
Chapter of the State. In early life he was con-
verted and became a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and continued faithful until
called home to his Master. In the latter years of
his life he was commissioned a local preacher, and
was a worthy worker for Christ. He was the father
of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all
of whom except five sons had preceded him to that
heavenly home, where their mother had gone to
give them welcome. Of the five sons still liv-
ing, three are now engaged in the newspaper busi-
ness, the eldest, Jesse M., in Baker City, and the
youngest, Stephen H., at Vale, Ore., and James S..
at Mt. Ayr, Iowa; the other two, Charles W. is a
Methodist Episcopal minister, member of the Iowa
Conference, now stationed at Winfield, Iowa, and
the other, Lewis C, is a harness-maker and resides
at Mt. Ayr. In politics, James Shepherd was a
Jacksonian Democrat, and although not a politician.
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as that term is understood to-day, be was nn ear-
nest advocate of his convictions, a forcible speaker
and writer, and ready at ail times to meet his
opponents either on the stump or through the
press.
PELAZON SMITH was born Octobers, 1816,
; in New Berlin, Chenango County, N. Y.
His parents were of that medium class of
society from whicli many honored names have
sprunj?. Early bereft of a mother's care (she died
when he was in his ninth year), he was thrown upon
his own resources, and from that period until his
decease he struggled forward in the stern conflicts
of life; sometimes successful, sometimes defeated;
but never despairing. At the age of fifteen, with
all his worldly possessions tied in a small bundle,
he started on that westward path which he pursued
through life until he reached its fartherest limits
and found a grave upon the shores of the Pacific.
He stopped in Rochester, N. Y., about three yeai-s.
with a near relative, assiduously laboring to acquire
an education, and thus laying its foundation, he
has ever since continued striving to expand and
improve his mind, and to better qualify himself
for the duties and responsibilities of life. From
Western New York he journeyed to the manual
labor school of Oberlin, Ohio, where he spent two
years. Thence he went into a law office at Cleve-
land, Ohio, as a law student. While there he com-
menced to write for the public press. His inclina-
tions and talents pointing out such a course, and
an opportunity soon offering, he assumed the edi-
torship of a paper called the Watchman, published
in Rochester, N. Y. In this position he employed
himself for two years, still devoting what attention
he was able to his law studies. In 1840 he was the
editor of a political paper called the Jeffersonian,
Afterward, in the same year, he succeeded to the
editorial conduct of the Western Hei^ald, In 1842
he established the paper at Dayton, Ohio, called
the Dayton Empire, In 1843 he established the
Miamian in the same place. During the years of
1840-1844, in addition to his editorial labors, he
made electioneering campaigns in the States of
New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1844 he
was appointed a special commissioner of the United
IStates to the Republic of Ecuador, in South Amer-
ica. He was clothed with full powers, but finding
himself unable from the convulsed and disorgan-
ized condition of the country to accomplish his
mission be returned in 1846, after an absence of
less than a year, and settled himself in Keosaaqua,
Iowa. He here occupied himself considerably in
ix>litical affairs. In 1848, during the Presidential
ciinvass, he edited the Iowa Democrat^ published
by James Shepherd.
In 1837 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Eliza
Voke, in Rochester, N. Y. Of this unign, which
continued about nine years, only a son survives.
In 1848 he was married to Miss Mary Shepherd,
daughter of James Shepherd, at Keosauqua. Of
this union, which was broken by his death ten years
and six months later, five children were born, all
of whom, except one son, Delavan, now residing in
Oregon, have passed to the beyond, the mother
also dying January 1, 1871.
In the spring of 1852, true to his westward in-
stincts, Mr. Smith, with his family, started across the
plains for Oregon. He arrived at Portland late in
the season, wearied, poor and destitute, but by no
means dismayed. He established a home in Linn
County, where he continued to live until his death,
which occurred November 18, 1860.
Until April, 1851, Mr. Smith was irreligious. In
that year, 1851, under the labors of Henry Clay
Dean, he sought and obtained religion at Keosau-
qua, Iowa; his conversion being thorough, he im-
mediately began laboring for Christ, and a great
revival resulted. As soon as the case would per-
mit he became a preacher of the Gospel, and was a
power in the pulpit. He maintained his Chris-
tianity to the end, but on entering public life again
in Oregon, he abandoned the pulpit for the ros-
trum and became the leader of his party, as well as
at the head of the profession of law in Oregon.
He was three times elected to the Legislature, and
elected Speaker of the Lower House, which he
filled with marked ability; he was an honored
member of the Constitutional Convention, and at
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the first session of the Legislature after the adop-
tion of the constitution and the admission of Ore-
gon into the Union, he was chosen one of the
United States Senators. He was a natural orator,
and a powerful speaker on the stump. He also, in
connection with his brother-in-law, J. M. Shepherd,
published the Oregon Democi-at at Albany. While
in Iowa he joined the Masons, and was a worthy
member of the fraternity until his death, beloved
by his brothers, and received their care and atten-
tion during his fatal sickness and death, which oc-
curred at Portland, Oregon, and his remains were
taken to Albany, his home, where they were laid to
await the general resurrection.
r^ ETER MARSAN, one of the first pioneers
y|; of Van Buren County, was born in L*As-
'^ sumption. Province of Quebec, Canada,
October 4, 1812, of French parentage. He
learned the trade of a miller and millwright and In
the autumn of 1833 came to the United States,
making a settlement in Troy, N. Y., where he was
employed at his chosen occupation. In that city on
the 4th of November, 1835, he wedded Miss Mar-*
garet Mclntyre, daughter of Hugh and Sarah
(Fleming) Mclntyre. She was born in Liverpool,
England, December 5, 1814, and having lost her
father in childhood came to America with her
mother in 1827, and settled at Troy, N. Y. Her
father was of Scotch and her mother of English
birth. The latter accompanied her daughter and
her family to Iowa and died in Van Buren County
February 28, 1856.
Mr. and Mrs. Marsan emigrated to Pike County,
III., in 1836, and located in Rockport, continuing
there to make their home until March, 1838, when
they crossed the Mississippi into the Wisconsin
Territory,now the State of Iowa, and located at Ben-
trmsport, Van Buren County, where for a short
time he kept a hotel. Mr. Marsan, in the spring
of 1840, bought a stock of goods and opened a
small store at Farmii.gton. A curious incident
happened to the family in March, 1839, which de-
serves mention. The Sac and Fox Indians had
camped not far distant from the little white settle-
njent and members of the tribes had been frequent
visitors at the home of our subject, where they
were well treated and were often fed. In March,
1839, as the Indians had loaded their canoes and
completed their preparations for removal down the
Des Moines River to the Mississippi, Chief Keokuk
and one of his seven wives, a middle-aged squaw,
came for some breakfast. Mrs. Marsan gave them
a good meal and then told them to move on. While
she was in an adjoining room they took their de-
parture very suddenly, and on her return to the
former apartment she missed her eight months
old baby boy, Joshua, from his cradle. She at once
sought the child in another room where she thought
it might have been placed on a bed, but not find-
ing it she began to inquire of the family about,
when a little three-year-old boy spoke up and said :
"That dirty, black woman took baby." Mrs. Marsan
at once ran out after her and met a neighbor,John D.
Sanford, to whom she told her trouble. He replied
that he had just passed the woman who was carry-
ing something concealed under her blanket. Call-
ing up a large dog that belonged to the family, the
Marsans and Mr. Sanford followed the squaw on a
run, calling to her to stop, but instead of heeding
the command she made a run for the canoes. The
dog was then put on her track and in a few min-
utes had the woman's blanket in his teeth and her
at a stand-still. When Mr. Sanford came up with
her and demanded the baby she refused to surren-
der it but ran back to the house with it and placed
it in the cradle. When the mother asked why she
stole the child, the squaw stepped to the fireplace
and wetting a finger on her lips she touched it to
the smutty wall and then made a black mark down
each of the baby's fat cheeks, signifying that she
wanted to take it away to paint it. As the child
grew up he was often twitted with being an Indian
boy. The same younigster, when a little more than
three years old, had another adventure when his
life was saved by the same dog that caught the
squaw who was carrying him oflf. It happened one
day while the family were living in Big Fox, in
Jackson Township, that the mother again missed
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the child aid, going in search of her boy along the
river bank, found him wot and insensible, with his
hair full of sand, well up on the bank, while the
dog stood over him licking his face. When the
mother picked him up the water ran out of his
mouth and she had great difficulty in restoring him
to consciousness. The child was too young to
give an explanation of how he fell into the river
but complained of his arm being hurt where he
said, "The dog bit it." On examination one arm of
the boy showed the print of the dog's teeth where
he evidently had seized it while taking him from
the river. That he had saved the child's life cannot
be doubted.
Mr. and Mrs. Marsan were the parents of seven
children, six sons and one daughter. John, the
eldest, married Phoebe Allen and is now a widower
living in Little River, Cal. He was a soldier of
the late war; Joshua was a member of the Fifth
Illinois Infantry and died in the fall of 1867 from
the ifiPects of disease contracted in the service;
Margaret Ella is the wife of James Alfred Russell,
of Milton, also a soldier; George, one of the boys
in blue, is single and now ranching in Arizona;
Henry L. married Nettie Holland and is a farmer
of Jackson Township, Van Buren County; Alonzo
wedded Emma McLean and resides in Milton; one
child died in infancy in Pike County, III.
Mr. Marsan remained in Bentonsport until the
spring of 1840, when he removed with his family
to Farmington, where he carried on a store until
1841, at which time he went to Big Fox, in Jack-
son Township. There he built a saw and grist-mill
in company with his brother, John B. Marsan, and
also opened up a farm, continuing the dual employ-
ment until his death, which occurred February 28,
1856. In politics, he was a Democrat and in his
religious views a Methodist. He was upright and
honorable in his intercourse with his fellow-men
and was an esteemed citizen.
On the 27th of August, 1857, Mrs. Marsan be-
came the wife of John B. Marsan, a youngei
brother of her deceased husband. He was born in
L' Assumption, Lower Canada, on the 16th of Feb-
ruary, 1816, and, removing to the United States,
joined his brother Peter in Troy. Together they
came to Iowa in an early day and they were asso-
ciated in the building and operating of the mill at
Big Fox and in the improvement and cultivation
of the farm. Mr. Marsan met with the misfortune
of losing a limb in 1844, which resulted from dis-
ease contracted while working in the water about
the mill. He is a Republican in politics and a
member of the Methodist Protestant Church. He
and his wife have resided in Milton since 1865,
covering a period of a quarter of a century and
have made many friends among its best citizens.
^•^M^
^^ HRISTIAN W. 8L AGLE. Among the law-
[li yers who have stood in the front rank at
^^^^ the Jefferson County bar, none are more
worthy a representation in this volume than the
gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Whether
as an advocate and judge of law, or a citizen, he is
universally accorded the highest position. Of his
ancestry, little is known, but as a man is the result
of two forces — heredity and environment — it must
follow that his parents, Jacob and Martha Slagle,
possessed rare endowments of mind and soul.
Christian W. Slagle was born in Washington^
Pa., on the 17th of November, 1821. His educa-
tional advantages were the best the times afforded.
After attending the schools of his native town, he
entered Washington College and graduated with
honor from the classical course in 1840. Having
taught school for a year in Accomack County, Va.,
he returned to Washington and began the study of
his chosen profession in the law office of Hon.
Thomas M. T. McKennon, a man of excellent at-
tainments and wide reputation. After two 3"ears of
careful reading, Mr. Slagle was admitted to the
bar in 1843. Thereupon he and George Acheson,
his life-long friend and companion, formed a part-
nership with the intention of establishing themselves
in the legal profession somewhere in the Territory
of Iowa. After six weeks travel by the then
rapid means of conveyance, the}' arrived in Fair-
field on the 23rd of April. For thirty-eight years
the sign, *Slagle A Acheson," announced their con-
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tinued business relations and during all those years,
the sweet friendship of childhood was never marred
nor broken and was severed only when death
called Mr. Acheson away. They did not experi-
ence a starving time, as many a young law Orm
has done, but business came to them from the first.
Faithful to their clients and the honor of their pro-
fession, they became widely known as conscientious,
able lawyers. The volume of their business con-
tinued to increase through the years, but by me-
thodical and well directed efforts they were enabled
to attend carefully to all details of their own busi-
ness and also take an active part in social affairs.
That as an advocate, a counselor and a judge of
the law, Mr. Slagle was held in high esteem, is
evinced by the fact that his name was freely spoken
of in connection with the offices of Representative in
Congress, Judge of the District and Circuit Courts,
Governor of the State and other responsible posi-
tions. In 1856 be declined a district judgeship of the
State and in 1880 he refused to accept the nomi-
nation of Circuit Judge tendered by the Republican
convention held in Oskaloosa. Such was his love
for an unostentatious life that he refused all polit-
ical preferment. But it was as a citizen that his
character shone out with brightest lustre. What-
ever looked toward the improvement of the town,
4,he county or society, he assisted liberally with his
time, his talents and his means. When in 1849, it
was proposed to establish a branch of the State
University in Fairfield, Mr. Slagle was one of the
warmest friends of the project. Ten years later
when the independent school district of Fairfield
was formed, the subject of this notice was chosen
a member of the board of directors and thus aided
in establishing the first graded school in the county.
Much credit is due him for his untiring efforts in
the upbuilding and maintaining of Parsons College
of which he was an honored trustee for a number
ofyeai*s. From 1868 until his death in 1882 he
was a member of the Board of Regents, of the State
University, In 1877, through the resignation of
Dr. Thatcher, the President's chair in the State
University became vacant and the board unani-
mously elected Mr. Slagle to fill the vacancy. Af-
ter much importunity, he was induced to accept,
though at great personal sacrifice, for his partner haa
become incapacitated for hard work, leaving him
with the extensive business of the law firm on his
hands. In this, as in every other position to which
he was called, he showed himself roaster of the sit-
uation, though he held it only until a suitable per-
son could be found to take his place.
The Fairfield Library and Museum, containing
more than ten thousand volumes, and over six
thousand specimens, is a monument to the enter-
prise, energy and liberalit}' of a number of the
leading citizens of Fairfield. Mr. Slagle was one of
the first and most earnest workers in its erection. He
was one of the first trustees of the Library Associa-
tion in which position he remained until the close of
his life. If any business enterprise was on foot, Mr.
Slagle could always be depended upon to aid in its
promotion. He labored hard to procure the rail-
roads with which Fairfield and the county are
blessed; was a stockholder, director and vice-pres-
ident in the First National Bank; one of the found-
ers of the Jefferson County Coal Company, a stock-
holder in the Fairfield Ice Company ; in short, there
is scarcely an enterprise in city or county whose
success was not, in some degree, due to his gener-
osity. Nor were the farmers forgotten by him. He
was one of the founders of the Jefferson County
Agricultural Society and at the meeting of the so-
ciety October 15, 1853, offered a resolution which
resulted in the organization of the State Agricultu-
ral Society — now the State Fair.
Politically Mr. Slagle first espoused the princi-
ples embodied in the old Whig platform. During
the agitation of the slavery question, he took a
strong stand against that institution and on the rise
of the Republican party adopted its principles.
Throughout the war, though incapacitated for ser-
vice himself, he did all in his power to ameliorate
the hard life of the soldier boys from Iowa and to
make the Union cause triumphant. In the Mas-
ter's vineyard, Mr. Slagle was a zealous worker, be-
ing for many years a trustee in the Congregational
Church of Fairfield. The cause of prohibition also
found in him a strong advocate and he was remark-
able for always being on the right side of every
question.
On the 26th of July, 1849, Mr. Slagle married
Miss Nancy M. Seward, a native of Guilford, Conn.
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This union, which was also an ideal one, was blessed
with six children, but Arthur B., the first-born,
died in infancy; Fannie, is now the wife of Joseph
P. Bingaman, a resident of Pittsburg, Pa.; Vir-
ginia J., is the wife of Hon. James G. Berrjhill,
one of the leading lawyers of Des Moines, Iowa;
Grace wedded Charles M. Junkin, one of the pro-
prietors of the Fairfield Ledger; Frank M. and
Walter S. are associated in business in Alton, Iowa.
On the 23rd of October, 1882, in his sixty-first
year, Mr. Slagle passed away from among the liv-
ing. In point of time his life wao short, but if
"we live in deeds, not years," then did he reach a
ripe age. The visible man is gone, but the im-
press of his life and character is left upon the in-
stitutions of his county and State and u[>on the
lives and hearts of those with whom he was asso-
ciated.
M. DICKSON is the proprietor of the
pottery, of Vernon, Iowa, and one of the
(^ \ leading business men of Van Buren County.
He has carried on operations in this line for
some thirty -eight years. It was in April, 1852,
that he came to the county and purchased an old
pottery located in South Bentonsport, now Vernon.
Repairing the same, he embarked in business as a
manufacturer of stoneware and soon had a
flourishing trade, which continued with him until
1864, when his establishment was destroyed by
fire. As soon as he had rebuilt, which he immedi-
ately did, his old customers returned to him, and
many new ones added their names to the list of his
patrons. Fair and honest dealing won him the
< onfidence of the public, and the excellent quality
of his ware has secured him the trade which yields
him a handsome income. This pottery is one of
the leading business enterprises of Vernon and
furnishes employment to five men.
Mr. Dickson is a native of York County, Pa.,
his birth having occurred . in 1826. The parents
of the family of eleven children, of which he was
third in order of birth, were Robert D. and
Susanna P. (McCall) Dickson. His father was a
native of Scotland, and ere he left that country for
America, served under the British flag in the
famous battle of Waterloo as one of the Scottish
Grays. It was during the early years of his man-
hood that he crossed the Atlantic to America and
located in Pennsylvania, where he became ac-
quainted with and married Miss McCall. Her
father, James McCall, was a native of Ireland, and
came to this country during the Revolutionary
War to aid England in her attempt to bring the
Colonies under subjection to her rule, but bis
sympathies were enlisted with the brave soldiers
who were struggling for freedom and, deserting
the British service, he donned the blue and buff
worn by the American troops and continued to aid
them until independence was achieved. He then
began arrangements for making a home in this
country. He entered land on the banks of the
Susquehanna River in York County, Pa., soon
afterwards married and settled upon his farm,
where he continued to reside until his death in
1833. To that farm came Robert Dickson to woo
his bi ide. They began their domestic life in the
Keystone State, but about 1828 removed to Mus-
kingum County, Ohio, where he purchased and
improved a farm. His wife died on the old home-
stead in that county in 1849, and ten years later
Mr. Dickson crossed the dark river to meet the
loved one gone before.
Our subject was a babe of two years when his
parents emigrated to the Buckeye State. His boy-
hood days were spent in assisting his father in the
labors of the farm and in attendance at the district
school of the neighborhood, which was taught in a
log house, such as were common at that day, and
such as many of the most famous men of the
nation acquired their rudimentary knowledge in.
He left Ohio in 1850, going to Winchester, Scott
County, III., where he engaged in the pottery
business. It was there that in 1852 he was united
in marriage with Miss Melinda J. Hanback, a
native of Kentucky and a daughter of John and
Deborah (Edmonson) Hanback, who were born in
Hopkinsville, Ky. At an early day, however,
they removed to Scott County, 111., where the
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639
raotlier spent her last days, dying in 1852. Four
years later Mr. Hanback came to live with his
daughter, and in the home of our subject his death
occurred in 1870.
Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Dickson came to Vernon, Iowa, and their home
has here been blessed by the presence of seren
children, but only four are now living — Robert
Leslie, who was killed in the clay mill in 1863, at the
age of ten years; John Howard, who was killed in
a railroad accident near St. Marys, Wyo., while en
route to California in 1875, he being then eighteen
years of age; Mary A., now Mrs. Moore, of Pierce
City, Mo.; Charlie T., who wedded Miss Susie
Gaston in October, 1887, and is employed as
general agent on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railroad at Luzerne, Mo. ; Anna V., now Mrs.
Folker, of Vernon Township, Van Buren County ;
Blanche, now Mrs. Fulton, of the same township;
and William Clayton, who died in infancy.
When Mr. Dickson came to the county travel-
ing was dome by way of the river and by wagon
trains. It was not until about 1857 that the rail-
road was built. Prior to that time there was
comparatively little intercourse with the outside
world, for it was then no easy task to accomplish a
journey as the roads were poor, being almost
tm passable during the rainy period of spring and
fall. The nearest market at that time was some
miles distant, and the work of improvement was
but just begun. In all possible ways he has aided
in everything pertaining to the advancement of
the community, especially has he been instrumental
in bringing about the present excellent school
system. He, for some years, was a member of the
School Board, and has also served as Justice of the
Peace. In political sentiment he is a stanch
Republican, and socially is a Master Mason, hold-
ing membership in Bentonsport Lodge, No. 49,
A. F. & A. M., and La Fayette Chapter, No. 61,
R. A. M. In this organization he has held a
number of offices and is one of the prominent
members. Both he and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Dickson was one of the
founders of that church in Bentonsport, and for
thirty -seven years has served in the official capacity
of Elder. He gives liberally to the support of the
church, is an active worker for its interests, and
lives a consistent Christian life in harmony with
his professions. Charitable and benevolent, he is
a friend to those^in need, and his sympathy and
material aid have cheered many hearts.
B. FRAME, residing on section 25, Round
Prairie Township, is numbered among the
pioneer settlers of Southeastern Iowa. In
1841 he settled in the village of Salem, Henry
County, and from that time has been identified with
the history of this community. He was born in
Wayne County, Ind., in 1836, his parents being
Joseph M. and Susan (Cobourn) Frame. His
father was born in Delaware in February, 1809, but
in his youth went with his parents to Chester
County, Pa., where he grew to maturity. With
his father he learned the blacksmith's trade, which
occupation he followed during the greater part of
his life. At the age of twenty-six he left the
parental roof and was united in marriage with Miss
Cobourn, who was born in 1816. They reared a
family of five children, four sons and a daughter,
of whom our subject is the eldest. Julia, the
daughter, is the wife of W. W. Hogate, of Webster
County, Neb.; John R. is engaged in farming in
Republic County, Kan.; and James L. and Robert
A. are residents of Webster Count}', Neb. Having
for some time previous resided in Indiana, in 1849
accompanied by his family, Mr. Frame came to
Iowa and for four years engaged in blacksmithing
in Salem. He then purchased a farm in Henry
County, upon which he made his home until 1882,
when he removed to Webster Count}^ Neb., where
he was living at the time of his death in the autumn
of 1888. The family circle was then broken for
the first time and the children and mother still sur-
vive him. Mrs. Frame is now living in Webster
County with her children.
The first thirteen years of his life W. B. Frame
spent in hi? native State, and since that time he has
been a resident of Iowa. He remained under the
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parental roof until 1859, in which year his mar-
riage with Miss Harriet N. Tilford was celebrated.
Having masteredjthe blacksmith's trade in his
father's shop, he followed that pursuit in Salem
until the spring of j 1860, when he removed to his
present farm, which was entered by Mrs. Frame's
father in 1836, and a part of which was the first
land broken in the county. Devoting his en<.'rgies
to farming and blacksmi thing, he has there spent
the succeeding years, yet in the mi(i»t of his busi-
ness cares he has found time to devote to public in-
terests. Any enterprise for the benefit of town or
county meets with his hearty support and co-
operation. Political!}', he is a supporter of the Re-
publican party, is a prominent man in local political
circles, and has frequently served as delegate to the
county and State conventions.
Mr. and Mrs. Frame have a pleasant home in
Round Prairie Township, where they are surround-
ed by many warm friends. They are parents of
five children, but only three are now living — Mary,
Susan and Joseph C. The deceased are John T.
and Julia, who died in infancy. The mother is a
member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Frame is a
non-affiliated Mason, having been initiated into
the mysteries of the order when twenty-one years
of age.
-52S22_
"oS^
ON. GEORGE W. McCRARY, deceased.
The citizens of Iowa feel a special interest
in him whose name heads this sketch and
the people of Van Buren County are justly
proud of his brilliant record, as he was known per-
sonally to many of them, having been reared in
their midst. He was a son of James McCrary, one
of the esteemed citizens of the county. He was born
in Indiana on the 9th of August, 1835, but when
only a year old was brought by his parents to Iowa
and amid the wild scenes of pioneer life in Van
Buren County spent the days of his boyhood and
youth. From his childhood he manifested a great
desire for learning, making every effort to obtain
an education and like the majority of our greatest
and best countrymen he was a self-made man. The
proud position to which he attained he won by his
own efforts and ability and greater honor is due
him from the fact. After attending the public
schools and mastering the common branches he at-
tended an academy and on the completion of his
school life entered the law office of Samuel F. Miller,
late a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States. After a thorough course of reading Mr. Mc-
Crary was admitted to the bar in 1856, and the fol-
lowing year his official career began. Although
then but twenty-two years of age he was elected to
the Iowa Legislature for the tei-m of two years and
served acceptably as a member of the Lower
House. It will readily be seen that he won the
confidence and respect of his constituents for in
1861 he was the choice of his district for the office
of State Senator, a position which he filled four
years. Fitted by nature to become a leader, he rose
from a place of comparative obscurity to a position
of prominence in the General Assembly of Iowa
and having gained a State wide reputation he
was placed before the people of the Nation as a
representative in the legislative halls of this great
commonwealth.
In 1 868 George W. McCrary was elected to the
Forty- first Congress, being one of the youngest
members of that body and for three consecutive
terms he held the office. In the Forty- first Con-
gress he was placed on the committees on naval
affairs, revision of the laws and elections, and dis-
tinguished himself as one of the best informed
lawyers in Congress on the subject of election laws.
In the Forty-second Congress he was made Chair-
man of the Committee on Elections and his manage-
ment was characterized by great fairness while his
reports were generally adopted without revision.
In the Forty-third Congress he was made Chair-
man of the Committee on Railways and Canals —
to which committee all questions of transportation
are referred — prepared a report on the constitu-
tional power of Congress to regulate commerce by
rail among the States, which was considered ex-
haustive and conclusive ; and reported a bill on the
subject which he advocated with remarkable power
and which after a memorable debate passed the
House. Asa member of the Judiciary Committee
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in the Forty- fourth Congress, he was the author of
the bill providing for the re -organization of the
judiciary of the United States, which passed the
House by a large majority. He also proposed the
plan for having a joint comoiittee to count the
electoral vote, took an active part in preparing the
electoral bill and in arguing the question before
the House. At the close of his Congressional ca-
teer, which expired March 4, 1877, Mr. McCrary
accepted the position of Secretary of War proffered
him by President Hayes and was an influential
member of the Cabinet. Of him the remark was fre-
quently made that "when the Secretary of War
speaks, all listen attentively." In 1879 he was
nominated by the President for the position of
Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of the
United States courts, which appointment was
unanimously confirmed by the Senate, the office
continuing for life. Undoubtedly Judge McCrary
was endowed by nature with superior gifts yetiie
deserves the greatest credit for the position to
which he attained. Reared in obscurity among
the wilds of the Territory of lowft, with little ad-
vantages for advancement, he yet overcame the
difficulties and disadvantages which lay in his
path, working his way upward step by step to a
position of fame, becoming one of the honored
statesmen oAthe Nation. His colleagues respected
him, other men honored him and his friends revere
his memory. His death occurred at St. Joseph,
Mo., on the 23d of June, 1890, and his remains
were interred at Keokuk, Iowa.
■^
ANDLEY HOLLISTER, deceased. It is
1\\ ^y written record that we perpetuate the
Hi lives and deeds of tho'ie who have passed
from this earth, and as one who Is worthy
of all respect being paid to his memory, we record
the sketch of Mr. HoUister. He was a native of
Ohio, born December 28, 1838, and was a son of
Samuel C. and Chloe (Duty) HoUister. His father
was born February 7, 1811, in Connecticut, and
his mother was born in Ohio, March 30, 1814.
His parents were zealous workers in the Christian
Church, Mrs. HoUister being a woman of excellent
ability and prominent in public service.
When only seven years of age our subject was
deprived of the care and protection of a mother.
The first school he ever attended was taught by
President Garfield, and he received fair educational
advantagcii for that day. His early life was spent
in the usual manner of farmer lads, and he worked
with his father on the farm and in the dairy until
the breaking out of the late war. On the 21st of
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, One
Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantr^^
and served until the close of the struggle. As
at home, so on the battle-field, he was as gen-
tle as a woman though as brave as a Spartan,
and never shrank from any duty devolving upon
him. At the first battle of Fredericksburg he re-
ceived a gunshot wound in the back of the head,
and for injuries sustained he was awarded a pen-
sion. At Richmond he was taken prisoner, but
succeeded in being paroled within six days after
his incarceration, and on the 31st of May, 18Gd, he
received his discharge.
When peace was declared and he was mustered
out of service, Mr. HoUister returned to Pennsyl-
vania, where he had made his home for some years
previous, and on the 7th of May, 1867, was joined
in wedlock with Khoda J. Burwell, who was born
in Crawford County, Pa., May 19, 1840. Her
father, Findley Burwell, also a native of Craw-
ford County, was born August 19, 1808, and her
mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Fonner,
was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., August 4,
1810, but her girlhood days were mostly spent
in the Keystone State. Both are still living in
Crawford Count}^ and both are members of the
Methodist Church. The father is a farmer by oc-
cupation. Of their family, which numbered three
sons and three daughters, three are yet living.
Benjamin, one of the number, died from a wound
received at the first battle of Fredericksburg.
Although Mr. HoUister was not so long a resi-
dent of Jefferson County as many others, few of
her citizens were more widely or favorably known.
In November, 1867, accompanied b}' his bride of
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a few months, he emigrated Westward and made a
settlement about six miles south of Fairfield,
but afterward removed to a farm in Buchanan
Township, near Beck with, and later removed to
section 29, where his family now lives, and where
he lived until his death. He was a wide awake
farmer and stock- raiser, enterprising^ and progress-
ive, and was the introducer of the first imported
Holstein cattle into Jefferson County. His pleas-
ant home, with its entire surroundings, indicated
the thrift and industry of the owner, and he was
readily accorded a foremost place among the rep-
resentative citizens of the community. In political
sentiment he was a Republican, and served two
terms as Township Trustee. He had no bad habits
and was an inflexible opponent of the liquor traf-
fic, while both he and his wife were active mem-
bers of the Christian Church. Open-hearted and gen-
erous, he gave with a free hand to all who needed
his aid, and for the advancement of educational,
social and moral interests. His death occurred'
on the 25th of September, 1889. While removing
the props from a newly-made cave, it fell in,
crushing him to death. He left his family well
provided for with a good farm of two hundred and
seven acres well stocked. Only one child was left
to share with the mother her great loss — Find ley
C, who was born May 15, 1869. A younger son,
William R., born October 19,1872, died August
22, 1878.
> ■>«<■ <
JAMES DUFFIELD, Sr., deceased, one of the
honored pioneers of Van Buren County, lo-
cated bis claim in Van Buren Township,
then a part of the Territory of Wisconsin,
in the autumn of 1836, and the following spring
removed his family to their new home, accomplish-
ing the journey by the means of a yoke of oxen
and a team of horses attached to the same wagon.
Mr. Duffield was a native of Maryland. His fa-
ther, however, was born in Pennsylvania. He be-
came a resident of Maryland and subsequently
emigrated on horseback across the mountains to
Jefferson County, Ohio, where he engaged in trad-
ing. In 1833, he removed to Fulton County, III.,
and in 1837, accompanied by his wife and children
he reached Van Buren County, Iowa. His wife, in
her maidenhood, was Miss Marietta J. Byerly, a
native of Pennsylvania. Unto them were born ten
children, as follows: Maria, now Mrs. Funk, of
Caldwell, Kingman County, Kan.; John who is
married, resides in Van Buren County; William,
who was drowned in 1850, in Henry County;
George C. ; James, who is married and resides on
the old homestead ; Joseph, who died in Vicksburg,
Miss., in 1849; Elizabeth, wife of Thornton Ma-
thias, of Van Buren Township, Van Buren County ;
J. H., who is married and resides in Jersey vi He,
111. ; Jane, who died in Ohio, at the age of three
years; and Henry D., who is married and living in
Van Buren County. These children are worthy
representatives of their honored parents and as the
result of their early training have become useful
members of society and valued citizens of the vari-
ous communities in which they make their homes.
James Dufl9eld, coming as he did to Van Buren
County in 1837, had to endure the hardships and
privations of pioneer life, such as grinding their
own corn for meal, going long distances to market,
etc. Indians then were more numerous than their
white neighbors, wild game of all kinds was plenti-
ful and wolves were frequently killed near the set-
tlement. Neither was it an easy task to transform
the hitherto unimproved prairie into a rich and fer-
tile farm, but the work Mr. Duflield accomplished
through his energy, perseverance and industry.
His days were greatly taken up by his business in-
terests, yet he found sufllcient time to devote to
public affairs, especially if any enterprise for the
benefit of the community was the question in hand.
He did all in his power to promote the interests of
town and county and was a valued citizen. In po-
litical sentiment, he was first a Whig and afterward
a Republican, but never sought or desired political
preferment. He assisted in the organization of the
county and forming of the State; his life has left an
impress on the community and with the record of
its progress and advancement his history has been
inseparably connected. He died at his home in
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Van Bnren County, in 1876, after a long and use-
ful life and his wife was called to her final rest ten
years later. Both Mr. and Mrs. Duffield died in the
eighty -sixth year of their age.
EMUEL L. WILKINS, who since 1856, has
resided in Jefferson County, is now en-
gaged in farming on section 12, Fairfield
Township, and is one of the extensive land-owners
of the community. His possessions consist of
his home farm of five hundred and ninety-three
acres, together with a quarter section in Black
Hawk Township and five acres in the city of Fair-
field.
Mr. Wilkins is a native of Delaware and a son of
Elijah and Mary Elizabeth (Lockwood) Wilkins,
who were also natives of the same State. He was
born on the 2dd of January, 1832, in Sussex
County, and when three years old was taken by his
parents to Preble County, Ohio, where he was
reared to manhood, receiving such educational ad-
vantages as the common schools of that day af-
forded. The family lived upon a farm and in his
youth he became familiar with the manner and
methods of conducting that business, but since at-
taining to mature years he has devoted his ener-
gies to other pursuits and engaged in various
enterprises. As before stated, the year 1855 wit-
nessed his arrival in JeflPerson County, and until
1860 he was engaged in teaming. In the spring
of that year he made a trip to the West, spending
nine years in Colorado, during which time he was
employed in mining and freighting. In the early
part of 1869 we again find him in Jefferson County,
and, embarking in the livery business in Fairfield,
he continued operations in that line for nineteen
years with marked success. He . was a popular
livery man and his business prospered but in April,
1888 he retired, and removed to his farm on sec-
tion 12, Fairfield Township, in March, 1889.
In that township, on the 14th of April, 1870,
Mr. Wilkins was united in marriage with Miss
Susan DoUa Mitchell, daughter of H. B. Mitchell,
one of the leading citizens of the county. The
lady is a native of this county and by their union
have been born six children, but they have lost
one — Frankie M., who died at the age of fifteen
months. The other children, Frederick A.; Charlie
L., Lou A.; EflSe M. and Mary Anna are with their
parents.
This family have a pleasant home in Fairfield
Township, where hospitality abounds and where
their many friends are sure of a warm welcome.
Their circle of acquaintances is large and by all
who know them they are held in high regard. In
political sentiment Mr. Wilkins is a stalwart Re-
publican, and in religious belief his wife is an Epis-
copalian.
^
^^-
APT. LEROY S. ELBERT. It is not in the
loss of treasure, the expenditure of money,
the creation of an immense debt, the inter-
ruption to commerce, or the destruction of property
that the Christian patriot or the humanitarian
philosopher views the most baleful and lamentable
effects of war. To him it exists in the frightful loss
of life; in youth stricken down at the commence-
ment of existence; in strong men disabled in a vig-
orous maturity. He sees it in the new-made graves,
in the mourning hearts, in the desolate homes that
are found all over the land.
Ever}' good citizen is an element of strength to
society and the State. In the wisdom, virtue,
courage, patriotism and intelligence of its citizens,
more than money, the wealth of a State consists;
and in the death of an individual in whom these
attributes and these virtues are combined, it suf-
fers its greatest loss.
Capt. Leroy S. Elbert, who died of typhoid
fever on the steamboat ''City of Alton," below St.
Louis, September 13, 1863, at the early age of
twenty-five, was the son of Dr. Elbert, of Van
Buren County, Iowa. The Captain was born in
Logan County, Ohio, but his parents removing to
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this State while he was very young, he became
thus one of Iowa's own sons, a fine representative
of the noble class of young men whose valor, in-
telligence and patriotism have shed such a rich
lustre upon the name of our State. He entered
the military academy at West Point, in June, 1857,
at the age of eighteen, and graduated with honor,
July 1, 1861, esteemed by his teachers and class-
mates for his scholarly attainments and the admira-
ble traits of his character. He was commissioned
Second Lieutenant in the regular service, and as-
signed to duty in what has become known as the
arm}' of the Potomac, then under Gen. McDowell.
Within a few days after joining the army, the first
battle of Bull Run was fought. For his gallant
bearing and the soldierly qualities displayed by
him during that fight, he was promoted to a First
Lieutenancy and placed upon Gen. Pleasanton's
staff. During the Peninsular campaign of McClel-
lan he served with fidelity, bravery and distinction
us aid to Gen. Emery. He was subsequently
transferred to the staff of Gen. Stoneman when
the latter was made Chief of Cavalry in the army
of the Potomac, with whom he continued until the
close of the famous raid made by Stoneman during
the great struggle of Hooker at Fredericksburg,
during all of which time Capt. Elbert displayed the
same judgment, discretion and courage which he
had exhibited from the commencement of his mili-
tary career, and which had secured for him the
confidence and regard of his superior officers and
of the War Department at Washington. Upon the
removal of Gen. Stoneman, Elbert was promoted
to a Captaincy and ordered to the command of
Company G., Third Regiment U. S. Cavalry, sta-
tioned at Memphis, Tenn. It was while in camp
there, that, on the 1st of September, he was taken
ill. Upon the 9th he started for the home of his
parents in Iowa, and upon the morning of the 13th
all that was mortal of the Captain became clay, for
his spirit returned to the God who gave it.
We shall attempt no lengthy analysis of Capt.
Elbert's character, nor shall we become his eulo-
gist. To do it fittingly and well would require an
abler pen than ours. But he needs it not at the
hands of any. We will, for the benefit of the liv-
ing, not of the dead, mention some of his most
coticeable characteristics. And first, he was a pa-
triot, devoted to his Government and country with
more than filial affection. He watched with con-
cern and indignation the smouldering fires of re-
bellion bursting forth in the South, and when
treason culminated in the attack upon Sumt«r, be
raised his voice for war, declaring it to be the plain
duty of the Government to use every man at the
nation's command to redress the wrong done our
flag, vindicate the supremacy of the Government,
sustain the majesty of the law, punish treason, and
save the Union from disruption and the country
from ruin. Anxious to enter the field and lend his
aid to the Government, he was with diflSculty per-
suaded to remain at West Point for the few weeks
necessary to finish his collegiate course, and as soon
as he had graduated, notwithstanding the law gave
him a furlough for sixty days, and he had not seen
his family for three years, he disclaimed this right,
and hurried to Washington to place himself and
his services at the disposal of the Government, not
that he loved his family less, only his country
more. And under all the circumstances, whether
in victory or defeat, he never waned in his support
of our rulers, or lost faith in the justice and ulti-
mate triumph of our cause. But again, he was a
moral man. H# governed his life by the strictest
rules of moral rectitude, and always possessing and
governed by an active i)rinciple of benevolence,
careful of the character and welfare of others when-
ever, in the circle of his acquaintance he saw one
stepping aside from the path of right or duty, and
entering upon a course that might lead to disgrace
or infamy, he was always first to warn him of his
danger and extend the helping hand to bring him
back to a life of virtue. Better than all, he was a
Christian ; he was of that highest style of man — a
Christian soldier. A firm and sincere believer in
the truths of Revelation, he adopted them as his
rule of action ; as the standard by which he meas-
ured his life; and whether upon the battle-field or
in camp he entertained his Christian integrity, and
expressed his firm assurance that "if this earthly
house of his tabernacle were dissolved he had a
building of God, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens."
Seldom, if ever before, has it been our fortune
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to know a young man who was possessed of so
many admirable traits of character and so few
blemishes; one so universally beloved in his life
and regretted in his death by all that knew him, as
was Capt. Elbert.
An accomplished scholar, a genial companion, an
earnest patriot, an affectionate, dutiful son, a kind
and tender brother, an upright citizen, a brave
soldier, an efficient talented officer, and a sincere
Christian, his life was gentle and the elements so
mixed in him that nature might stand up and say
to all the world, this was a man.
Such as he was, we have lost him. His name is
another to be added to the long list of the noble
dead of our late war. He furnishes another tic to
bind us to the country and the cause for which he
offered up his life. God forbid that his life and
example should be in vain; that we should falter in
a cause consecrated by his death.
In a quiet and secluded spot, near the home of
his parents, in Van Buren, amid the sorrowful at-
tention of a large and tearful crowd, consigned we
to dust the body of our noble young Captain,
mourning the mortal, but confident that the im-
mortal was at rest in the bosom of his Father and
his God.
The foregoing sketch was written by Hon. Sam
M. Clark, of Keokuk, in October, 1863.
ON. JOSEPH C. KNAPP, who was among
jj] the older lawyers and eminent jurists of
^ Iowa, settled at Keosauqua three years be-
(^) fore the Territory became a State. Through
nearly all its history as a commonwealth he was
conspicuous in its politics, as well as its jurispru-
dence. His name is thoroughly woven into its
annals, in all cases in a highly creditable manner.
Our subject was a native of the Green Mountain
State, and a son of Ebenezer and Irene (Curtis)
Knapp, born on the 27th of* June, 1813, in Berlin,
Washington County. The Knapps were early set-
tlers of Massachusetts; the Curtises, in Hanover,
N. H. Ebenezer Knapp was a farmer, a hard-work-
ing man himself, and reared his children in habits
of industry.
Joseph Knapp received a good academic educa-
tion in Montpelier, left his native State in 1833;
came as far West as Racine, Wis., then a part of
Michigan Territory; read law at first with the Hon.
Marshall M. Strong, and afterward with Hon.
E. G. Ryan, late Chief Justice of Wisconsin;
practiced a few years in Racine, and in 1843
pushed westward across the Mississippi River,
locating at Keosauqua, Van Buren County. He wps
for some years a member of the noted law firm of
Wright, Knapp <fe Caldwell, his partners being the
Hon. George G. Wright, of Des Moines, and the
Hon. H. C. Caldwell, now Judge of the United
States District Court of Arkansas. It is not often
that the three members of a law firm rise to such
distinction.
Judge Knapp was appointed Prosecuting Attor-
ney by Gov. Clark, in 1846, and Judge of the
Third Judicial District by Gov. Hempstead in
1850. He was appointed by President Pierce
United States Attorney for the District of Iowa, in
1853; re-appointed by President Buchanan, and
held the office eight consecutive years. To the
office of Judge of the Second Judicial District he
was elected in the autumn of 1874, taking the
bench on the 1st of January, 1875. the term ex-
tending four years. The Judge had a long expe-
rience; was very learned in the law; had a natural
legal mind; was independent as a jurist, and with
his innate knowledge of what the law was or ought
to have been, his rulings were usually correct and
just. At an early day he was a circuit lawyer,
with an extensive practice in the courts of a num-
ber of counties. As his home business increased
he gradually abandoned his circuit practice, ex-
cept in special cases. To some extent he made
criminal practice a specialty, and in that had great
success. His arguments to jurors were always elo-
quent and forcible, but deep pathos more than any-
thing else made his appeals to the jury remarkably
effective.
Judge Knapp always affiliated with the Demo-
cratic party, and figured extensively in the politics
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of the State. He was the Democratic candidate
for Supreme Judge io 1869, and for Governor in
1871, and received the votes of the Democratic
members of the General Assembly for United States
Senator at the session of 1872.
The Judge was a Royal Arch Mason, and for
many years a consistent member of the Congrega-
tional Church, and was never known to soil either
his good Christian name or the ermine. In 1876
the distinguished honor was conferred upon him of
being appointed a member of the commission of
five persons, whose duty it was to investigate the
charges brought against the late Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher. On the 10th of December, 1849, he was
united in marriagewith Miss Sarah A. Benton, of
Keosauqua, by whom he had three daughters. Keo is
the wife of Hobart A. Stoddard, of Little Rock,
Ark.; Io is the wife of Fred H. Hill, of Attica,
Mich., and Hannah Benton married Mr. Harris, an
attorney of Lamoure, Dak.
Judge Knapp had been in failing health for a few
years before his death, which occurred from kidney
disease, on the 27th of April, 1882. His remains
were interred at Keosauqua with Masonic honors,
and his funeral was the largest ever witnessed in
the city. Mrs. Knapp is still living and makes her
home with her youngest daughter. She is a woman
of culture and refinement, an active and sincere
Christian whose influence is exerted for the good
of society generally.
At a meeting of the members of the Van Buren
County Bar the following resolutions were unani-
mously adopted:
Resolved, That in the death of Joseph C. Knapp,
we have lost not only one of our most able mem.
bcrs, but one whose reputation has long added
lustre to our bar. and distinction to the bar of the
State. One whose successes indicate the prizes to
be won in the profession, whose life illustrates what
integrity and well-directed industry may accom-
plish, and whose great genius might well be coveted
by the most ambitious. The oldest member of our
bar, he has long been its acknowledged leader pnd
has fallen in its front rank.
Resolved^ That we will cherish his memory, emu-
late his example and strive to acquit ourselves of
the duties of life as faithfully.
"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.'
Resolved^ That we hereby tender our sympathy
to his family, and order that a copy of these resolu-
tions be presented to his bereaved wife, and also
request the District Court of the Second Judicial
i^istriet of Iowa, that a copy hereof together with
the preceding biographical sketch be spread upon
the records of that court.
Robert Sloan,
RuTLEDGE Lea,
W. A. Work,
J. F. Smith,
Ben Johnston,
Wm. Moore,
Committee.
Dated April 27, 1882.
^^-f^^^<^^-
OBERT A. DOUGHERTY, one of the early
^ settlers of Jefferson County, resi<ling on
\\\ section 8, Cedar Township, was born in
%^ West Middletown, Washington County,
Pa., March 16, 1821, and is of Irish-Scotch de-
scent. His parents, Edward and Abigail (Mc-
Comb) Dougherty ,were also natives of Washington
County, but his paternal grandparents came from
Scotland. On his father's side he is of Irish de-
scent, and on his mother's side of Scotch. His
maternal great grandparents were from the same
country, and his grandfather McComh served in
the Revolutionary War. His parents were married
in the Keystone State, where during the greater
part of his life Edward Dougherty carried on busi-
ness at his trade of tailoring. Late in life they came
to live at the home of our subject He died in the
Gray Beard Regiment during the late war, being
then about sixty-five years of age. His wife died
at the home of our subject at the age of sixty-two
years. She was a Presbyterian in religious faith,
and in political sentiment Mr. Dougherty was a
Democrat. In their family were eight children,
four of whom are yet living.
Robert A. Dougherty, whose name heads this
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649
sketch, is the oldest of the family. He received
his education in the old time log schoolhouse, and
at the early age of fourteen years began to make
his own way in the world, farming on the shares
with his uncle. In 1840, he started to drive a team
to Iowa, and on arriving in Ft. Madison, was in-
duced to continue his journey to this county, as it
was then new, and located near the county seat.
He paid $500 for a quarter- section, where he now
lives, and his first tax was ninety-five cents. In
the spring of 1841, he returned to Pennsylvania,
but in 1842 we again find him in this county,
where he built a round log house, 16x16 feet with-
out windows.
On the 24th of September, 1850, Mr. Dougherty
was united in marriage with Elizabeth J. Simpson,
a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Brsinan) Simp-
son, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the
latter of Ohio. When Mr. Simpson was a boy, he
emigrated with his parents to the Buckeye State,
where he formed the acquaintance of the lady
whom he made his wife. She died in Ohio, in the
prime of womanhood. Seven children were born
of that marriage, of whom two are yet living. Mr.
Simpson subsequently married Eliza J. Woods, and
had a large family. In 1847, they came to this
county, where he died at the age of seventy -six.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Dougherty removed into
his cabin, where all of his children were born.
Only two of the six are now living: Milton S., who
married Jane Dudley, who died leaving one child,
Ethel M. ; and Mary E., wife of William A. War-
wick. They have one child, Lizzio Mable.
Mr. Dougherty has been a member of the County
Board of Supervisors for three years, and has held
all the township offices. His ofiScial duties have
ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity,
winning him the confidence and respect of the en-
tire community. He cast his first Presidential vote
for Henry Clay, and supported the Whig party un-
til the rise of the Republican party, which he
helped to organize in this county. Since that time
he has been a stanch supporter of its principles.
His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and he is connected with the Old Settlers' Society,
and for thirty years has been a member of the Odd
Fellows fraternity. Three times he has been elected
to the ofldce of the Justice of the Peace, serving
six years. For a half century Mr. Dougherty has
made bis home in Jefferson County, and has won
the warmest regard of all with whom he has come
in contact.
li^^>i'^|^il^^EiP
aOL. JAMES THOMPSON, deceased, one of
the pioneer settlers of Jefferso'n County, who
' for many years was a prominent citizen of
Fairfield, deserves special mention in this work.
He was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., on the 9th of
April, 1793, and in his youth removed with his
father's family to Wasliington County, Pa., where
li€ lived until his seventeenth year, when he set-
tled in Harrison County, Ohio. There he made
his home some twelve or fifteen years, during
which time, in September, 1824, he wedded Mary
Horken, the marriage being celebrated at New
Rumley. His wife was his faithful companion for
near sixty years, and they were separated by the
hand of death in Fairfield, in 1882.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Thompson removed
to Carrollton, Ohio, where he spent a number of
years, when, in deference to the wishes of his wife,
and himself anxious to break loose from a life of
politics, to which he had become attached, he
joined the westward march of emigration and came
with his family to assist in the settling up of the
great Valley of the Mississippi. He rested for a
short time in Indiana and then came on to Iowa,
reaching Fairfield in 1844. In this city he lived
until his death, which occurred on the 10th of
April, 1883, at the advanced age of ninety years.
He reared a family of seven children and lost one
in childhood. Of these four are still living, two
sons in Montana and two daughters, Mrs. George
D. Temple, of Burlington, and Mrs. John R. Shaffer,
of Des Moines. Col. Thompson was in many re-
spects a remarkable man. Possessed of a singularly
vigorous intellect, a positive character and a mind
stored with political and historical information
added to a liberal education, he was a man widely
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known and universally respected. There was hardly
a man in the county who was not acquainted with
him, and in early days he was known to almost
every settler in this part of the State. His con-
victions were very strong, and he held his opinions
with such force and vigor that no man who ever
came in contact with him could ever forget him.
He was a stanch supporter of Democratic princi-
ples, and though after his arrival here he largely
eschewed politics, he was by nature so positive in
his convictions that from time to time he lent
his aid to forward the cause of the party to which
he was a life-long adherent. During his residence
in Ohio he was a Justice of the Peace for several
years, and for two terms represented Carroll
County in the State Senate, where he made a good
record. Afterward he came within one vote of
securing the nomination for Congress. For a
number of years he had command of a Militia
company and thereby won the title of Colonel.
During his residence in Fairfield he served as Jus-
tice of the Peace for some years, and was several
times the Democratic candidate in this county for
the Legislature.
^.EV. THOMAS AUGUSTUS RENFRO, pas-
tor of the Christian Church of Milton, Van
Buren County, was born in Madison County,
III., May 4, 1835, and is a son of William
and Elizabeth (Hall) Ren fro. His father was born
in Kentucky, July 23, 1800, and was of Scotch de-
scent. His mother, a native of North Carolina,
was born August 31, 1806. In their family were
seven sons and four daughters and with the ex-
ception of two all are yet living. Accompanied
by his wife and children, Mr. Renfro in 1845, tmi-
gratoil to the Territory of Iowa and located a claim
in Polk County. Two 3'ears later he removed to
Eddyville, and in 1849 we find him living in O^ka-
loosa, where he was engaged in the manufacture
of brick and in bricklaying. He removed to vStow-
nrdrille, Mo., In 1858, but after two years returned
to Iowa and located in Indianola. His death oc-
curred June 27, 1886, when about eighty-six years
of age and his wife died November 2, 1865.
Our subject was the sixth in order of birth in
the family. He was educated in theOskaloosa High
School under Prof. Drake and became a bricklayer,
which trade he followed for some time. On the
7th of September, 1859, in Abingdon, Jefferson
County, ho was united in marriage with Miss Emma
Plouglie, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Caldwell)
Ploughe, both of whom were natives of Kentucky,
the former born May 26, 1800, and the latter
March 6, 1800. The family came to Iowa in Aug-
ust, 1848. There were ten daughters and one son
and Mrs. Renfro is the 3'oungest. Her father died
January 23, 1867, and her mother passed away Sep-
tember 9, 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Renfro hare been
born the following children: Elizabeth Jane, born
October 27, 1861, is now the wife of Fred Kneiscl,
of Clark County, Mo. ; Florence Viola, born April
25, 1866, is the wife of Alfred C. Jolly, of Milton;
and Alice, born June 24, 1860, died on the 18th of
July of that year.
Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Renfro settled ia
Lucas County, Iowa, where ho engaged in farming
until thinking it was his duty to respond to the
country's call for troops he enlisted in August,
1862, becoming a member of Company G, Thirty-
fourth Iowa Infantry, from which he received an
honorable discharge August 15, 1865. He took
part in a number of important engagements, in-
cluding the attack upon Vicksburg, the battle of
Arkansas Post and others. After the war he came
to Van Buren County arJd settled in Jackson Town-
ship, where he engaged in farming until 1875. Ho
began preaching in 1871, but did not devote him-
self entirely to that work until four years later. He
has had charge of the church in Mt. Sterling, Lawn
Ridge, Prairie View and Salem, Mo., and other
places in Iowa. For nine years he was emplo3'ed
in Lawn Ridge and the call was again extended to
him. He has now had charge of the church in Mil-
ton for four years and is doing excellent work as
its pastor. He is respected throughout the com-
munity and is greatly loved by the people of his
own church as- is indicated by his continued ser-
vice. He has ever taken an active part in temper-
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ance work, and in all refornns*and interests for the
upbuilding of the community and the advance of
its general welfare. In politics he is a Republican
having supported that party since its organization.
""'S'i'I'fg'"
(X{ )^;ILLIAM JOHNSON, deceased, is numbered
\/\j/ *™^°o ^^^ honored pioneers of Van Buren
^^ County, Iowa. He was born in Dauphin
(bounty, Pa., in 1789, and died at his home in this
county in September, 1845, respected by all who
knew him. Little is known concerning the early
history of the family but it was undoubtedly es-
tablished in America at an early day. In 1801,
when our subject was a lad of twelve years, he
accompanied his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, which
at that time consisted of a few log cabins on the
bank of the Ohio River, not a frame house having
then been built in the place. Soon afterward the
family made a location in Warren County, about
forty miles north of Cincinnati, where William
grew to manhood. In that community he also
formed the acquaintance of Miss Nan 03' Crain
whom he afterward married. The yeir 1829 wit-
nessed the removal of himself and family toP^oun-
tain County, Ind., but previous to this time, while
still a resident of Ohio, he enlisted in the War of
1812 and was placed in charge of a provision train.
He was near St. Mary's at the time of Hull's sur-
render but succeeded in making his escape and
when hostilities were brought to a close was dis-
charged from the service.
After some seven years spent in Fountain
County, Ind., during which time he devoted his
attention to farming, he again resumed his west-
ward journey and in 1836 made a settlement in
Monmouth, 111., but in the spring of the following
year, accompanied by his son William J., he crossed
the Father of Waters and made a location in what
is now Van Buren County on land whicli is now
the property of Robert Watt. They erected a log
cabin, 18x20 feet, hewing out puncheon for the
floor and when preparations for a home were com-
plete sent for the family which arrived in August
of the same year. Then began life in earnest.
Hardships and privations incident to pioneer life
were to be borne, but these they overcame or en-
dured uncomplainingly and in course of time the
combined efforts of parents and children met with
a reward which attends earnest and constant labor.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were five
sons and five daughters, all of whom lived to ma-
ture years. John C. married Sarah Petrie and set-
tled in Kansas, where his death occurred in 1887;
William J. will be mentioned more fully in this
volume; Perry is a resident of California; Mary E.,
wife of Andrew George, died in California; Mar-
garet J. married Hiram Willetts and since 1850
they have made their home in California; Indiana
died at the age of eighteen years; Joseph A., who
wedded Kate Van Cleve, died in Van Buren
County; Hattie A., wife of Joseph A. Whitelcy,
died in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Thomas B. married
Miss Perkins for his first wife, and Josephine Whit-
more became his second wife.
The parents of this family ranked among the
best citizens of Van Buren County. Their lives,
though quiet and unostentatious were marked by
uprightness in all things and their many commend-
able qualities secured them a large circle of friends.
Both have been called to their final rest but they
will be remembered by many of the early settlers
and in order to perpetuate their memory we record
this sketch.
^^ON. WILLIAM ERNEST MASON, of
Chicago, is one of Van Buren County's
most eminent pioneers. He is a native of
Franklinville, Cattaraugus Count}', N. Y.,
born July 7, 1850, and is the son of Lewis J. and
Nancy (Winslow) Mason. In 1858 the family
moved to Bentonsport, Van Buren County, where
the father died in 1865, the mother surviving him
ten years, dying in 1875. William being thus early
thrown upon his own resources, developed an inde-
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pendence of character which has marked all his
public acts. His education was obtained in the
public schools, with two years' attendance at Bir-
mingham College. He afterwards taught during
two winters in district schools, and in 1868 went to
Des Moines where he was employed the next two
years in teaching. Having determined to enter the
legal profession, in 1870 he began his law studies
in the office of Hon. Thomas F. Withrow, of Des
Moines. Mr. Withrow soon afterwards removed to
Chicago, Mr. Mason accompanying him, remaining
in his office one year, and then entering the office
of Hon. John N. Jewett, where he continued his
studies and practice five years. He then formed a
partnership with Judge M. R. M. Wallace. The
firm had an extensive practice. As an advocate
Mr. Mason is noted for his superior qualities, being
numbered among the best jury lawyers of Chicago.
Politically, Mr. Mason is an earnest and enthu-
siastic Republican. He has taken an active part in
many political campaigns, and has served his
adopted city and State in the Illinois Legislature
in both branches, and as a member of Congress
from the Third District. In the latter body he
took front rank, and was largely instrumental in
securing for Chicago the World's Fair.
Mr. Mason possesses personal and social quali-
ties of a high order, and has attracted to himself
many friends. He was married in 1873 to Miss
Julia Edith White, daughter of George White, a
wholesale merchant of Des Moines.
Mr. Mason always loves to talk about his life and
his experience in Van Buren County, and makes it
a point to visit his old home in Bentonsport once
a year, or oftener, if possible. In speaking of this
old town the other day, to the writer of this arti-
cle, he said: ** We went to Bentonsi)ort in 1858. It
was after the panic of *57, and my father moved
to Bentonsport to start anew. At that time the
railroad known as the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines <fe
Minnesota Railroad ran from Keokuk to Bentons-
port, and my father, who worked in a wagon shop
for seventy-five cents per day, made the tables,
chairs, bedsteads and furniture necessary to start a
boarding house, known as the * Western Exchange.'
The other hotel, known as the * Ashland House,'
was kepi by a man named John P. Robinson, but
we soon got started, and in a year or two bought
out the Ashland House, where I spent the most of
mj^ life as a boy.
'*The location of Bentonsport makes it one of the
most beautiful spots in the world, in a sharp, well-
defined valley along the Des Moines River, and,
although it has gone down in a business and finan-
cial way, yet the people there, and in the county
are the most generous and warm-hearted people I
ever knew.
"The best teacher I ever had was J. D. Hornby,
who taught the public school in Bentonsport for
many years. I went to school after that to the
Birmingham College, but most of my old friends
there remember how I graduated by going in the
front door and being kicked out at the back.
"Some of my pleasantest recollections are con-
nected with Van Buren County, and it is full of
splendid homes and splendid people. My parents
were buried at Bentonsport, and I presume that is
why I will never lose the interest I have in the
place and in the people."
f)OHN P. CAMPBELL, one of the prominent
farmers of Des Moines Township, Jefferson
County, residing on section 34, was born in
Fayette County, Pa , in 1843, his parents
being James and Rebecca (Hanshaw) Campbell,
both of whom were also natives of Fayette County-.
By occupation his father was a farmer and followed
that business throughout his entire life. Coming
to Van Buren County, Iowa, in 1855, he purchased
two hundred and forty acres of partially improved
land and made his home upon that farm until bis
death, which occurred in 1872. His wife survived
hira a number of years, and died at the home of
our subject in 1885. Mr. Campbell was a quiet
and unassuming, yet valued citizen who conscien-
tiously discharged every duty devolving upon him
and aided in the growth and upbuilding of the
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county's bc8t interests. lie took little part in
)ioliUcal affairs, casting his vote first with the Whig
party and then with the Republican party. The
children born of his union with Rebecca Ilanshaw
were A. E , now Mrs. Fender, of Cedar Township,
Van Buren County; E. B. who is married and
engaged in farming in Cedar Township; Lewis who
is married and resides in Ilarrisburg Township,
Van Buren County.
The fourth and youngest member of this family
is John P. Campbell, the gentleman whose name
heads this sketch. His early boyhood days were
spent in his native State where he began his educa-
tion, but at the age of twelve years, he accompanied
his parents to Van Buren County, Iowa, and in the
community his school life was ended. The advan-
tages here afforded were Hot very extensive in
character but subsequent reading and experience
have made him a well informed man. In 1863,
when twenty years of age, he enlisted at Birming-
ham in Company C, of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry,
for three years service or during the remainder of
the war. After being mustered in at Davenport,
the regiment was assigned to the Army of the
Cuml)erland and participated in Hood*s campaign
under Gen. Thomas. In 1865, Mr. Campbell was
under the command of Gen. Wilson and took part
in what is known as Wilson's cavalry raid. He
belonged to what is known as the lost brigade and
at the close of the war, in August, 1865, received
bis discharge in Clinton, lowft.
Returning to Van Buren County, Mr. Campbell
embarked in farming for himself and having made
a start, he completed his arrangements for a home
by his union with Miss Naomi Jordan. The mar-
riage was celebrated in Henry County, in 1867,
after which the lady was at once installed as mis-
tress of the new home. She is a native of Fayette
County, Pa., and a daughter of Roger and Snrah
Ann (Lindsey) Jordan. Her father was a native
of Maine, but in Pennsylvania became acquainted
with and married Miss Lindsey, who was born in
Maryland. In 1856, they came to Van Buren
County, locating in Cedar Township, but after a
year they removed to Hillsboro, Henry County,
where Mr. Jordan engaged in merchandising until
his death, which occurred December 19, 1873. His
wife survived him until November, 1887, when
she too was called home. He was an earnest worker
in the Republican party, an influential advocate of
its principles and both he and his wife were
members of the Free Will Baptist Church. They
had been residents of this section of Iowa, for many
years and were numbered among its highly respected
citizens.
From 1867 until 1874, Mr. Campbell carried on
farming operations in Van Buren County, but in
the latter year, he removed to Liberty Township,
Jefferson County, which continued to be his home
for fifteen years. Only since 1889, has he made
his home in Des Moines Township, but in the few
months which have since elapsed he has made
many excellent improvements and now has a fine
farm of one hundred and fifty acres, the greater
part of which is under a high state of cultivation.
He has witnessed almost the entire growth of Van
Buren and Jefferson Counties and has identified
himself with its best interests. His memory goes
back to the days when Keokuk was their market
and when the country round about was so sparsely
settled that one might ride long distances without
meeting a single individual. His father, in that
early day, was the owner of the only story and a
half house in this section which throughout the sur-
rounding country was known as the '• high house."
Great changes have taken place, transforming South-
eastern Iowa into one of the richest and best por-
tions of the State. It might be claimed as an
honor to be a witness of this growth but to be a
participant in the wonderful development and up-
building, is a favor not shown to every one, but
among the latter class may be enrolled Mr. Camp-
bell. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican and
an influential delegate of the county conventions.
He labors for the success of the party as he wishes
its principles to become laws and not for any pecuni-
ary benefit which he might receive as an oflflce-
holder, for he has never sought or desired public
preferment.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell hold membership in the
Mission Baptist Church of Fairfield. They arc
parents of eight children — Lucy Iowa, Orris C
Anna J., Alta B., Lu Ethel, Harry, Arthur S. and
James Harrison. As one of the representative
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families of tlie county, whose members are worthy
the high regard tendered them, the Campbells de-
serve representation in this volume and we there-
fore record this sketch.
^OHN K. WALLER, grocer and proprietor
of a restaurant and public hall in Milton,' is
numbered among the pioneers of Van Buren
County of 1845. lie was born in Sussex
County, Del., March 26, 1826, and is a son of Will-
iam and Mary (King) Waller, who were also na-
tives of Delaware and of Scotch descent.
When the subject of this sketch was seven years
of age he removed with his parents from the State
of his nativity, and journeying westward, settled
in Versailles, Marion County, Ohio, where he grew
to manhood, receiving such educational advantages
as the common schools of that day afforded. In
1845 the family emigrated to Iowa, making the
journey by team, and arrived in Van Buren County
on the 28th of September. Our subject settled in
Choqnest Township, where he engaged in farming
until the spring of 1849, when he was employed
on board a steamboat on the Mississippi River, to
whitli pursuit he devoted his energies for two
years, or until the spring of 1851, when he crossed
the plains to California with mule teams. He was
engaged in mining in the gold fields of the Pacific
Coast from July 6, 1851, until August 18, 1855,
when he returned to his home by the way of the
Isthmus of Panama and New York. His father
died of cholera on the 28th of September of that
year, and John K. took charge of the farm in Che-
qucsL Township, belonging to the estate, which he
operated from the spring of 1856 until 1864. On
the 21st of September of the former year in Van
Buren County, he was united in marriage with Miss
Lucinda Gardner, a native of Rush County, Ind.,
and a daughter of Aaron and Clarissa Gardner.
Two children, a son and a daughter, have been
born of their union — Clara, who is now the
wife of John W. Ward, a resident of Graudview,
Douglas County, S. Dak.; and William Clay, who
married Miss Alice Dye and is a resident of Isabel,
Kan.
In the spring of 1864 Mr. Waller removed to
Montana Territory with his family, and at Vir-
ginia City, Helena, and other points engaged in
mining. In May, 1866, he returned to Iowa and
soon afterward he entered the service of the Chi-
cago <k Rock Island Railroad Company as local
agent at Summit, Van Buren Count}', where he
continued for three years. His next vocation was
the grocery business, in which he embarked io
Bloomfield, Davis County, carrying on operations
in that line until 1874, when he went to the Black
Hills. After (me summer spent in that mining re-
gion without satisfactory results, he returned to
Van Buren County, Iowa, locating in Milton, where
he has since been engaged in the grocery business.
He is also proprietor of a restaurant and public
hall.
On the 11th of March, 1880, in this city, Mr.
Waller was united in marriage with Mrs. Emma
Ruth Groves, widow of John Groves, and a daugh-
ter of William King. The lady was born in Sirs-
sex Count}', Del., and in 1841 came with her
parents to Van Buren County, where she has since
made her home. In politics Mr. Waller is a
Democrat, and socially, is a member of Aurora
Lodge, No. 50, A. F. <fe A. M., also of Jackson
Lodge, No. 25, K. P., both of Milton. He is rec-
ognized as one of the enterprising business men
of that place and is highly esteemed by his fellow-
citizens.
\fl T. TILFORD, who resides on section 25,
Round Prairie Township, is one of the hon-
ored pioneers of Van Buren County. It was
!^j on the 16th of May, 1836, when his family,
consisting of his parents, James and Polly (Work-
man) Tilford and six children, reached South-
^ eastern Iowa and located in this community. Al-
' most this entire portion of the State was then in its
I primitive condition, few settlements had been
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made, and scarcely another one of the pioneers of
that year are left to tell the story of frontier life in
Van Buren County.
Mr. Tilford was born in Adair County, Ky., in
1826, and was the third in order of birth in his
family. He was therefore a lad of ten summers at
the time of their westward emigration. The jour-
ney was made with teams of oxen from Morgan
Count}^, and on reaching their destination they
settled upon what is now the farm of our subject.
For supplies and flour they had to go to Morgan
County, 111., a distance of about one hundred and
forty miles, which trips were made with ox teams
and often required from seven to ten days. Indians
were far more numerous than the white settlers, and
months often passed without their seeing a white
woman except the members of their family. Such
were the surroundings of Joseph Tilford in the days
of his boyhood and youth. His parents resided
upon the old homestead until called from this life.
The mother died in 1856, and the father in 1858.
Their children were Sarah, wife of Thomas Lam-
birth, whose sketch appears upon another page of
this volume; Robert, a farmer of Mahaska County,
Iowa; Joseph, our subject; Harriet, wife of Bruce
Frame, of Round Prairie Township, Van Buren
County; Mary, now Mrs. Humphrey, of Round
Prairie Township, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Grady,
of Macon Countjs Mo., who are twins.
J. T. Tilford bore his share in the hardships and
trials of pioneer life and aided in the arduous task
of developing a farm. In the autumn of 1848 he
left home and was united in marriage with Matilda
A. Andrews, daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Tott) Andrews, and a native of Illinois. The
following spring they removed to Marion County,
where he entered two hundred acres of Govern-
ment land, to which he has since added an eighty-
acre tract. That farm he partially improved and
made his home for fourteen years, when he re-
turned to his old homestead on account of the death
of his parents. He is now the owner of eighty
acres of well-improved land, constituting the oldest
farm in the county. No one is better informed on
pioneer life in Southeastern Iowa than Mr. Tilford.
He was a scholar in the first school taught in the
county, which met in a rude log building, the
dimensions of which were 16x18 feet. A large fire-
place occupied one entire end, the floor was of
puncheons and the seats were made of slabs of bass-
wood. One log having been removed the aperture
was covered with greased paper and served to light
the entire building. Mr. Tilford is a member of
the Old Settlers Society of Henry County, and in
politics he is a Democrat. His children, two in
number, are John, who married Miss Eleanor
Smith, and is engaged in farming in Henry County;
and William, who resides at home.
>ARD LAMSON. Having subscribed for
the Jefferson County Album and being
called upon for a sketch of my life, let me
state that I was born September 7, 1820, in the Log
School District, in the town of Sterling, ten miles
north of Worcester, Worcester County, Mass. I
lived there in my parents' home upon their small
farm until I was twelve, working some on the farm
and in my father's scythe sneath shop, where he
invented and perfected the crooked scythe sneath.
I was " licked" because I played too much and
worked too little. I went to the district school
some and again was whipped because I did not
study more. I went to the Baptist Church and
was scared enough to make a sage, if fright would
make a dunce wise. 1 was also taught to fear God
there in order to make me love him, but the more
they licked and scared, the less I loved and knew,
and if my father had not made fun of their scare
stories, I think they would have licked and scared
what little sense and might I had out of me to
make a good boy. At twelve, ray father took me
to Carnington, Hampshire County, Mass., to work
in his scythe sneath shop. There too I went to
School some until seventeen, and went to church
and Sunday-school to be trained in the fear of God
to make me love him, but there too my father's
confiding trust in God's loving purpose to reform,
not to confirm erring children in wrong, finally
helped me to love and reform some. I wanted an
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education to become a preacher, but father thought
I was too proud, ambitious and lazy to make a use-
ful minister, so at seventeen, he gave me $100 to
come to Burlington, the capital of Wisconsin
Territory at that time, now Burlington, Iowa. I
arrived December 6, 1837, but did not obtain work
at government land surveying as I hoped, but found
work, first as a porter and then as a clerk, with
better wages than I expected. I gave up my land
surveying enterprise and continued clerking about
nine years until my health failed. I thought then
that I was broke, but I found that I could think
and that I knew enough of business to conduct ex-
changes of products profitably between the upper
and lower Mississippi River, and that I had credit
enough with my old employers to aid me in effect-
ing exchanges upon a moderate scale until near the
close of the Mexican War, in 1848.
In New Orleans, in the spring of that year I
made some investments in land warrants and in the
summer opened an office in St. Louis for the
prosecution of the land warrant business. After
that I opened offices in Burlington and in Fairfield,
for conducting the sale and loan of land warrants.
As for the manner in which I had conducted my
business, it has always depended upon the mood I
was in, whether I was more or less greedj'. When
I charged the current high rates I felt like a hog,
and I guess that many who paid them thought I
was one. When I charged one half or one fourth
the current rate and reduced my own expenses to
correspond with my income, folks said I was a
crank or crazy, but I was not so crazy as to run
heels over head in debt to make money to splurge,
or to court or incur bankruptcy.
With the humble, industrial and economical help
of my present wife, we have raised a large family
of boys and girls who are mostly married and try-
ing, so far as I know, with the help of God, to
lead useful lives. Of my three deceased wives,
suffice it to say, they were good enough for me,
and I liked all well enough to seek another, althougll
I thought each time that I could never fiuvi another
to replace my loss. I have not joined any church
because I have not found one which gives me that
freedom of searcli and individual action which I
crave and need for mental growth ; »nd because I
don't want to spend or be spent in substituting
Christianity with mere churchanity, as I under-
stand both ; and because I believe that speech
prayer to God as practiced by the churches, as if
God does not know or is faithless to do what is
best for his children without speech prayer, is
neither wise nor reverent toward God; and because
growing charity among intelligent sectarians is
making them less sectarian, so that I enjoy sincere
converse in the spirit of truth with them for mutual
improvement, without much hinderance from
dogmatic, sectarian faith, though I am not a church
member. As a rule, I have been treated as well bj
others through life as I have treated them, so that
I can't complain of others without making com-
plaint against myself. As this would not be
** taffy logical" in a biographical album, 1 will make
no complaint at having no offices of honor or profit
pressed upon me against my will. But I have
accepted some such offices as road supervisor aud
the like when no others would serve. When jogged
by a good faithful Christian minister to diffuse
useful knowledge by means of books for general
use, I worked hard to start the Jefferson County
Library in Fairfield in 1853, and I went to Boston,
by request of the Library Association, to buy the
first instalment of books, paving first providei
that I should secure wiser minds than mine, there
to make up the list ; and to their wise selection
and to Jefferson County's people's appreciation of
the books, subsequently came that warm support
by the appreciators, to which Fairfield now owes
the existence of the largest, best and most widely
read public library in any town of its size in Iowa
if not in the United States, so say better judges
than I. But among the most difficult official duties
which I have elected myself to perform out of
office is that of railway regulation, so as to tax
corporations the same as private property and
suppress railway rate discrimination and extortion.
Though reason, justice and the public welfare re-
quire the adoption of these measures ; and although
they are easy to understand and to apply and are
fair toward all, 3^et free passes and other special
transportation privileges to influence influential
citizens, still defeat the return of our most intellig-
ent and faithful public servants to office, who like
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our late Gov. Larrabee, mean practical reform. But
I still hope that our influential men will sec and
correct their mistake before it is too late. I would
present you a photograph of my phiz, if it was as
good looking as my wife's and she would consent
to the presentation of hers.
z^^
Vf/OSEPH WARREN is a native of County
Wexford, Ireland, born July 12, 1814.
His parents were Christopher and Sarah
Warren, who were both natives of Wexford
County. His father was a farmer by occupation,
to which pursuit Joseph was reared. The schools
of that locality not being good he received but a
limited education which however he largely sup-
plemented by reading and observation. He remained
at home assisting his father in the management
and cultivation of the farm until he was twenty-
five years of age. On the 17th of February 1840,
he married Miss Ann Pierce who was also a native
of County Wexford. After his marriage he en-
gaged in farming for himself, and continued to suc-
cessfully operate a large farm until his emigration
to America. That he thoroughly understood all
branches of agriculture is attested by the fact that
he has in his possession a silver medal, that was
presented to him by the Agricultural Association
for being the best farmer in the county. In the
summer of 1853, he decided to seek a home in the
New World, and with his wife and four children,
sailed for America, landing at New Orleans, and
continuing his journey, arrived at St. Louis on the
26th of December of that year. In the spring of
1854, he landed in Van Buren County. He was
not without means, for upon his arrival he had
about $3,000, as the result of his successful tenant
farming in his native land. He located in Ver-
non Township, where he bought one hundred
and twenty acres of land and began the de-
velopment of a farm. His labors were success-
ful, and he continued to increase his posses-
sions until he became the owner of seven hun-
dred acres. He had been in the county but a
few years, when the people recognizing his
ability and worth as a citizen elected him to
the olDce of Township Supervisor, and the Coun-
ty Board elected him President of that body.
He served his constituents faithfully. He was sub-
sequently elected Justice of the Peace, but not car-
ing to act in that capacity he held the office but a
few years.
Mr. and Mrs. Warren became parents of seven
children, four of whom grew to mature years and
are yet living, viz; Christopher, who is a farmer of
Vernon Township; Ellen, unmarried; Jane is the
wife of Samuel H. Warren, a successful farmer of
Vernon Township, and Sarah who wedded Samuel
Hearn, of Van Buren Township. Mr. Warren has
given his children good educational advantages,aud
provided each with a good farm, though he still re.
tains three hundred and forty acres for his own
use and maintenance. Idleness is no part of his
nature; he has always been industrious, and though
amply able to lay aside all business cares, and spend
his declining years in ease and luxury, he still keeps
himself employed looking after his farms and stock,
not so much as a source of profit, as for the pleas-
ure it afiPords him. He has acted as guardian for sev-
eral orphan children, ani administrator for the
settlement of a number of estates, and in every
case his course has been marked by the strictest in-
tegrity. In his many and varied business transac-
tions he has never had a lawsuit on his own account.
He has been a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church ever since he came to the coun-
ty, as was also his good wife, whose loss he was
called upon to mourn in 1882.
In the summer of 1888 Mr. Warren visited his
native land, and spent about five weeks in travel-
ing in that country, and visiting many places of
interest, notably the beautiful ''Lakes of Killarney,"
and the famous "Blarney Castle." On his return
to Iowa he felt more strongly than ever his pref-
erence for the land of his adoption to that of his
nativity. In the public questions of the day he
has always taken an interest, and in national elec-
tions has supported the Republican party. He is
a liberal supporter of the church and other deserv-
ing institutions. To the poor and needy he is a
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friend, to whom he dispenses charity with <j^enuine
irish hospitality: by reason of a goo(i constitution,
correct and terajierate habits he has by several
years exeee^icd man's allotted three-score and ten
and is still well preserved, and in the enjoyment
of his faculties both physical and mental. He can
now look back over a long, busy and well-spent life
of usefulness, with the pleasant consciousness of
having in all things honestly endeavored to perform
his full duty to his God, to his fellow-men, to his
family and to himself.
••Good actions crown themselves with lasting da^'s.
Who well deserves, needs not another's praise."
-^ '^S^- <'
m
ULIUS L. CLARK is a progressive farmer
and representative citizen of Liberty Town-
ship, Jefferson County, bis home being on
/ section 29. He was born in Belmont
County, Ohio, on the 7th of April, 1824, and was
a son of Robert and Rebecca (Lindsey) Clark. He
married Rebecca Lindsey, whose grandfather was
taken prisoner and forced into the British service
in Kngland, but he escaped and joined the Amer-
ican forces, fighting under Gen. Washington. For
some years Robert and Rebecca Clark made their
home in Ohio, but in 1859 left the Buckeye State
and became residents of Van Buren County, Iowa,
where he engaged in farming. Their children
were: Madison, who is now living in Ottumwa;
Julius, whose name heads this sketch ; Elizabeth,
who died in Wapello County, in 1881; Joseph,
who died in the army in 18G2; John, who came
to Iowa, but died at Arkansas Post during the
War of the Rebellion ; Waterman,wh() whs a resident
of Elkhart County, Ind., Samuel, who died while
in the service of his country during the late war;
Caroline, who married W. R. Smith, of Van Buren
County, and died in Crawford County, Kan., in
the spring of 1874; and George, who met his death
in the engagement at Mobile, Ala. The day be-
fore the battle he wrote home *'to-morrow we
charge Mobile," little thinking that it would be his
last message. He left two little boys who grew
to manhood waiting for news of a father who never
came.
The subject of this sketch, Julius L. Clark, spent
the days of his boyhood and youth in the State of
bis nativity. No event of special importance
marked his early career, but on attaining his ma-
jority he started out in life for himself, choosing
the West as the scene of his future labors. In
1845 he came to Iowa and engaged in the wagon
and undertaking business in Van Buren County,
continuing operations in that line for a number of
years. In 1847 he led to the marriage altar Miss
Emeline Carson, who was born on the 31st of Oc-
tober, 1827. Their union was blessed with nine
children, all born in Van Buren Countj- with the
exception of the two youngest — Josepli, born Oc-
tober 29, 1849, is represented elsewhere in this
volume; William, born in 1851, died in 1857;
Samuel G., born Aucrust 8, 1855, is now a pros-
perous farmer of Edwards County, Kan; Mary
Rebecca, born September 1, 1857, is the widow of
S. L. Smith, of Durango, Colo.; John Mason, born
in I860, died in 1866; Sarah Ann, born May 9,
1862, is the wife of Oscar Cornell, a farmer of
Pawnee County, Kan.; Nora Jane, bom August 13,
1864, is the wife of W. S. Shumaker, of Batavia,
who was Postmaster at that place under President
Cleveland; Thomas Manford, born May 16, 1867.
and Amanda, November 25, 1870, complete the
family.
In 1850, during the gold excitement in Califor-
nia, Mr. Clark joined a party numbering one hun-
dred and ten men, who, under Capt. Zachariah
Walker, now deceased, made an overland journey
with ox-teams to the Golden State. They remained
for more than a year, during which time Mr. Clark
engaged in prospecting, but sickness compellecJ him
to relinquish his claim, which afterward proved to
be a very rich one. He made the return trip by
water, reaching the Isthmus of Panama after a
fifty -five days voyage on the Pacific, and on a
Mississippi steamer returned to Iowa. On reach-
ing home he resumed his former business, that of
undertaking and wagon making, which he contin-
ued until 1865, when he purchased a farm on sec-
tion 29, Liberty Township, Jefferson Count}',
where he has since made his home. For six years,
from 1854 until 1860, he was Postmaster of Busi-
ness Corner. In political sentiment, he is a Repub-
lican, and a stanch advocate of his party principles.
For eighteen years his neighbors have nianifeste<l
their trust in him by retaining him as District
Treasurer, and it is needless to say every duty has
been faithfully discharged. He joined the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in 1847, and in 1859 he
changed to the Protestant, and bis wife is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Protestant Church. Through-
out the community this worthy couple are held in
high esteem for their many excellent qualities and
their upright lives. They arc also numbered
among the honored pioneers of the county, having
for forty -five years made their home within its
borders or in its immediate vicinity.
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1
w
'AMES F. WILSON, Jr., is a promising and
enterprising young business man of Fair-
field, Jefferson County, who is a native of
that city, born May 23, 1867, and a son of
Senator James F. Wilson, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this volume. His primary education
was received in the public schools of Fairfield, after
which he attended Parsons College. In October,
1889, he opened a large boot and shoe establish-
ment in Fairfield, where he carries one of the finest
and best assorted stocks in that line in the county.
He is doing a large and constantly increasing busi-
ness, and is an affable, genial gentleman, who by
fair and honorable dealings has built up a trade of
which he has reason to be proud. He well deserves
the success which has so far attended him in his
business career, and a bright future seems to be
before him.
of six.
W. TAYLOR, M.D., of Glasgow, Jeffer-
son County, came to this place in 1855, is
a native of Litchfield County, Conn., born
in 1817, and is the fifth child of a family
His father was a native of Connecticut,
and was a minister of the Presbyterian Church.
In about 1828 the family removed to Portage
County, Ohio, where the father died in 1863, in
Fredonia. The mother of our subject survived him
a few years and died in the same place.
Dr. Taylor received an academical education at
Tallmadge, Summit County. W^hen about eighteen
years of age he removed to Kane County, 111.,
where he worked on a farm and in a sawmill at
Aurora for several years. When twenty-one years
of age he married Miss Jane A. Fanner, of Kane
County, 111., by whom he had six children — Fran-
ces, now Mrs. Sturdevant, of Beaver County, Pa.;
Alfred, who died in Paolu, Kan., in 1887; Sarah,
now Mrs. McColough, of Bellville, Kan.; Elliot P.,
a hotel keeper of Glasgow; Adelaide, now Mrs.
Brewer, of Marshall County, Kan.; Willie K., of
Kearney, Neb. The mother of these children died
in 1853, and about one year after Dr. Taylor mar-
ried Miss Amy R. Makepeace, of Jefferson County,
N. Y. Two children were born of this union —
Fred M., of Batavia, Jefferson County; Annie P.,
now Mrs. Fairchilds, of Henry County, Iowa.
When about thirty-four years of age our subject
began the study of medicine at Aurora, 111., and in
Ihe winter of 1854-55 he attended a course of lec-
tures at Keokuk. On his removal to this county
he began the practice of medicine at Glasgow,
where he has continued to reside engaged in active
practice until the present time, with the exception
of about fifteen months when he served as Assistant
Surgeon of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, his commis-
sion bearing date June 7, 1864. He was mustered
out at Atlanta, Ga., in August, 1865. 'Politically,
Dr. Taylor is an ardent Republican, with which
party he has aflSliated since its organization, pre-
vious to which he was a member of the Whig party.
He is a member of Post No. 227, G. A. R., of Glas-
gow, and was active in securing the erection of the
soldiers' monument at that place. He is a member
of the Congregational Church, of which body his
wife is also a member.
^®^S*
f-^T*-i
ELLIOT P. TAYLOR, Postmaster of Glas-
gow, Jefferson County, born in Aurora,
Kane County, III., in 1845, is a son of
Dr. S. W. Taylor, whose sketch is given above. He
came to this county with his parents when about
eight years of age. In November, 1861, when not
quite sixteen years of age, he enlisted in Company
M, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, which regiment was as-
signed to the Western Army and was sent to Spring-
field, Mo., and thence to Helena, Ark., and then to
Vicksburg, where it remained until the ;3urrender
of that place. Mr. Taylor was a participant of all
the engagements of his regiment prior to this time,
including Jackson Port, Ark., Batesville and He-
lena. After the surrender of Vicksburg, he was
with his regiment on Sherman's expedition against
Meridan, Miss., after which he went home on a vet-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
(•ran furlough having re-enlisted for three years
more or during the war. On returning South the
regiment was engaged in several battles with For-
rest. It was then in the noted Wilson raid through
Alabama and Georgia. Mr. Taylor was mustered
out at Atlanta, Ga., in August, 1865, and dis-
charged at Davenport. He was in the service
about four years and was fortunate in neither be-
ing wounded nor taken prisoner.
On returning to this county Mr. Taylor engaged
in farming for a few years. In 1867 he married
Miss Clara Strong, a native of Jefferson County, a
daughter of John and Julia (Carpenter) Strong,
the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of New
York. Her father died in Glasgow in 1866, while
her mother is still living, making her home with
our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are the parents
of six children, four of whom are living: Jennie,
now Mrs. J. E. Grant; Maud; Julia, who died in
infancy; Jessie who died at fourteen years of a^e;
Berniceand Clifford. Mr. Taylor has taken quite
an active part in the political affairs of his town-
ship and has served as Assessor for six years. He
is a member of the A. R. Pierce Post, No. 227,
Glasgow. Mrs. Taylor holds membership in the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
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Abraham, John C 257
Abraham, W. T 200
Acheson, George 247
Adams, John 23
Adams, John Q , 39
Alston, William 295
Anderson, A. P 508
Anderson, Foster 600
Anderson, Levi 561
Anson, Thomas 595
Anson, William 408
Arnold, J. B ; 589
Arthur, Chester A 99
Atkins, W 541
August, John 510
B
Bailey, O. a, M.D 583
Baldwin, Charles, 368
Ball, George W 596
Ball, Smith 263
Barker, A. C 232
B^ker,W.A 217
Barnes, Hiram 448
Barton, W. A 463
Baxter, M.D 601
Beck, James A 193
Beck, James 8 203
Beeler. Joseph 569
Bell, George W 471
Bell, John R 329
Bel],Jamee 636
Bell, Thomas 316
Beswick, James, Jr 417
Beswick, James, Sr 466
Beswick, T. T. 476
Bickford,S.M 305
Bigelow. Samuel E 370
Bishop, John 373
Black. Hon. Moses 538
Black, W.G 563
Blackmer, B. P., M. D 284
Blakeley , Joseph 516
Bloss, William R 226
Blough.H.D 584
Boies, Horace 159
BoUng, S. M 338
Booker, 8. F 608
Born, Samuel 602
Bnggs, Ansel Ill
Brown, A. H 204
Brown, John L 201
Buchanan, James 76
Bull, Hon. C.E 497 .
Burkhart, J. G 300
Burnett, J. W 664
c
Caldwell, H.C 616
Calhoun, D. K 437
Calhoun, Newton L 428
Calhoun, V. 8 442
Campbell, Bethel 291
Campbell, Hon. Edward, Jr.. 340
Campbell, Joel E 404
Campbell, John P 652
Campbell, Joseph 241
Carpenter, Cyrus Clay 1.^
Carr , Hon. John W 604
Carr, Samuel 418
Castile, Andrew 466
Castile, Isaac 476
Cassel.A. F 388
Cavin, John 342
Cheney, L. C 208
Chester. Capt. S. J 293
Chidester, W. N 621
Clapp, James W 499
Clark, James R 400
Clark, Joseph V 631
Clark, Julius L 658
Clarke, George D 451
Clarke, Charles 8., M. D 581
Cleveland, Qrover S 103
Countryman , Peter 484
Crail, Capt. B. F 230
Craine, George 444
Craine, George H 445
Crawford, J. F 178
Cretcher, M. Q 566
Crumly, A. L 176
CYumly, I. H 188
Culbertson, John W 833
Cumnaings, S. A 697
Dahlburg.Peter 172
Danielson, F. O 414
David, CTiarles 268
Davidson, George W^ 405
Dickson, R. M 638
Dole, J. 8 278
Dougherty, R. A 648
Doughty, C. H 480
Downing, William F S48
Drakes, Joseph 183
Droz, George A 385
Du Bois, R. D 280
Duckworth, Capt. W. A 469
Duffield. James, Sr 644
Duke, David 335
Dun woody, William 266
Dye, Thomas H 435
Dysart, H. M. 521
E
Edmonson, H. B 318
Edmondson, W. F 380
Edmondson , William 409
Edwards, Dr. E. S 599
Elbert, Hon. 8. H 603
Elbert, John D 598
Elbert, Capt. Leroy 8 616
EUmaker, Reuben .M7
Ellyson, John T 186
Ely,B.F 212
Ely, Robert B 188
llshleman.J. 5 858
Everett.J. L 609
Farmer, Samuel C 433
Fasnacht. Samuel 314
Fatherson, George 406
Fellows, 8. D 540
Fellows, W. A 556
Fellows, W. M. V. B 522
Fillmore, Millard 67
Fleming, W. B 214
Flinspach, Lawrence 590
Folker, C>'rus N 351
Ford, B. F. 398
Fordvce, Dr. W 591
Fordyce, Hon. Lewis 395
Fosnot, L. C 315
Fowler, James A 412
Frame, W. B 639
Frush, Henry 175
Fullen, Charles D 360
Ferguson, D. W 616
G
Gage, C. W 346
Galliher, James A. 309
Gantz, J. 8 327
Gantz, Levi 224
Garfield, James A 95
Gatlin, James 277
Gear, ^ohn H 147
Gilchrist, A 358
GiUett,Bert 186
Gi llett, Isaac C .174
Gillett, O. H 464
Gilmer, James 269
Gilmer, Robert T .S36
Glover, Jonah. .511
Ooodin, Asa 460
Ooodin, \yilliam 474
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INDEX.
Gould, E. 8 377
Gordon, J. W 678
Grant, Ulysses S 87
Graber, Joseph B65
Graham, Joseph 410
Green. N. N 530
Gregory, William 242
Grimes, James W 119
Gnibb, Dr. W. F 459
Grubb, W. W 469
Guernsey, G. S 563
H
Hagler, John C 629
Hainline, Dr. J. E 525
Halstead, Isaac 517
Hanson, George 434
Harkness, Prof. R. A. 306
Harris, 1 544
Harris, Jonathan 194
Harris, W. T 20«
Harrison, Benjamin 107
Harrison, William Henry .... 51
Hastings, Will 460
Hayes, Rutherford B 91
Hempstead. Stephen 115
Henn, Hon. Bernhart 282
Hickenbottom, James H07
Hidy.G. W 285
Higley. T. F 502
Hill.H.C 408
Hinkle. James M 229
Hinkle, Capt. Abram 383
Hoffman, T.L 264
Hoi)kirk, Hon- William 427
HoUister, Mandley 643
Horton, Samuel T 432
MoHkin, M 619
lio^totler, John :V>7
Howard. E. A 339
Huff, John 628
Huffman, Burke 324
Huffman, F. B 283
Huffman, Hiatt 487
HufHtedler, W. M 378
Humbert, Isaiah 620
Humphrey, B. F 536
Humphrey, George 518
Huntzinger, F. B 378
Hutchin, James T 196
Irish, J. D. .
.190
Jackson, Andrew..
Jefferson, Thomas.
Johnson, Andrew. .
Johnson, A 337
Johnston, Benjamin 266
Johnson. J. A 367
Johnson , William 651
Johnson, W. J 610
Jones, I. D 298
Jones, W. A., M. D 482
Jones, W. C 301
Jordon, J. H 617
Junkin, CM 369
Junkin,W\ W 299
K
Kays, Martin .573
Keck, J. A 523
Kenyon, K. B 463
Kerr, Christopher. 426
Kerr. William B 362
Ketcham, B 428
King,A 238
King, Dr. J. E 310
King, Hon. Leonard 471
King, Perry 228
Kirkwood, Samuel J 127
Kittle, D. K 303
Klise, George m
Knapp, Hon. J. C 647
Koons, Dillen 625
Kramer. J. A 489
Labagh, P. 1 491
I^mson. Ward 655
Landes. John H 192
Larrabee. William 156
Leffler, James 425
Leggett, Hon. C. D 305
Leggett, Richard H 288
Lewis, Z. T 332
Lmcoln, Abraham 79
Locke, John 438
Lowe, Ralph P 123
Lyon, Rev. F. F » 312
M
Madison, James 31
Maddlx. J. T 586
Manning, Edwin 575
Marsan, Peter 6:15
Mason, Eugene 501
Mason, Hon. W. E 651
McBeth, Capt. W 255
McClain, Albert T 462
McCVacken. William H 274
McCrackln, William 3;<7
McCVary, Hon. A. H 319
McCVarj', Hon. G. W 640
McCrary, Maj. J. C , .... 330
McCrarj', Rev. John 619
McDonald, A 560
McDonald, C 629
McEbx>y, CM 276
McGuire. Charles 354
McKee, Greer (J27
McKemey, J. A 243
McKemey , Jacob S 293
McLean, Andrew A 464
McMillen, John 374
McReynolds, P. A. .579
McSurely. Milcw 246
McWhirter, Samuel 630
Mealey, Thomas S 253
Meek, Isaiah 209
Meek, L. C 287
Meek.R. E 520
Meek, Robert 219
Meek. William 209
Mendenhall, Daniel 222
Mendenhall, Rev. Lewis 239
Merrill, Samuel 135
Messenger, Isaiah 267
Miller, Henry C 446
Mitchell, Hon. H. B 181
Mohr, Henry 376
Mohr,W.H 360
Monroe, James 35
Moore, Robert 613
Moorman, Hon. Thomas 447
Morris, Samuel M 341
Morse, James 543
Morton, J. N 258
Mosher, Charles E 542
Moss.C. L 557
Mowcry,F. P 411
Myers, L.G 501
Myers, Richard 527
Myers, 8. A 577
Myers, S. H 545
N
Nady.X 535
Neal, Uriel 475
Negus, Hon. Charles 611
Nelson, W. W., M. D 366
Newbold, Joshua G 143
Noble, A. C 399
Noble, Hon. C. E 273
Noble, John, 274
Norris, J. N., M. D 5. . .80
Norvell,E. R 500
Packwood, Bamnel 503
Park, J. R
Parker, W. R 5'20
Parsons. Baldon 493
Pennington, B 622
Pennington, George 585
Perkins, J. F 213
Peterson, John G 416
Pettitt,D. C 481
Pickard, Henry 204
Pierce, B. D 302
Pierce, Franklin 71
Pleasants, Porter 41.1
Polk, James K 50
Prall, Robert AUt
Prewitt, A. T 218
Pumphrey, W. F 175
Raines, Rev. John A 202
Raney, H. C 366
Reed, Dr. CTiarles 210
Renfro, Rev. T. A 650
Rice, Hon. J. W 429
Ricksher, Joseph 601
Rider, Capt. Daniel 400
Rider, T.M 386
Rl8k,C.C 403
Roberts, Joseph P 177
Robinson, Dr. Sawyer HOB
Robinson, John A 512
Robinson, J. B 452
Rockwell, Ed H 599
Rockwell, F. W 618
Roes , John 407
Ross.Rev. S. B 431
Rot h , Joseph 397
Rowland , J. D 5:M
Rowland, Robert R .V):
Rowland, S. P 629
Rowley. J. W 480
Rupp, John 576
Russell. W 568
Salt*, Samuel 297
Schmidtlein, George 396
Schwartz, Abraham 296
Semon, Henry 245
Shaffer, Hiram Q 506
Sherman, Buren R 151
Simmons, E.F •.J46
Simmons, Hon. W. L. S 317
Simmons, John 207
Simon, Henrj'
Slppel, Charies P 220
Skinner, E.H.... 538
Slagle.C W 636
Sloan, Hon. Robert 199
Sloan, Judge Joshua S. 479
Smith, Bros 3:U
Smith, D 634
Smith. Eli -505
Smith, H.C 387
Smith, J.N 526
Smith, Rev. D. C 332
Smith, Tliomas R 537
Smith, X^T'../. 593
Smithburg, G. A Jild
Snider, George 236
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INDEX.
Snider, J. T 436
Snook, Dr. Calvin 315
Snook, John 281
Specs, J. B., M. D 562
Hpielman, John 375
Spielman, John A 533
Spencer, George H 349
Staats,John P 227
Stanford, A 315
Stevens. John R 490
Stever, D. H., M. D 226
Stewart, John B 591
Stewart, J. W 449
Stone, William M 131
Stonebraker, Andrew 592
Stoner, R. J 452
Stong, Jacob 488
Stubbs, Hon. D. P 571
Stubbs.O. D JWl
Sturdivant, Dr. R. J 328
Summers, Dr. L. F 486
T
Tade,Hon. William A 441
Taylor,E.P 659
Taylor, Dr. S. W 659
Taylor, Zachar>' 63
Templeton, D. W 221
TenEyck,G. K 446
Thompson, CM 371
Thompson, Col. James 649
Thome, J. C 200
Thrash. Samuel 567
Tilford,J. T 654
Tilson, Thomas S 184
Tobias, Michael B 59t
Trabert, Lewis 456
Tulley, Thomas 492
Twombly, Capt. V. P 393
Tyler, John 55
Vale, Hon. B. R 359
Vale, Hon. J. G 574
Van Buren, Martm 47
Van Nostrand, Clark 473
Vincent, S. E 424
w
Walgreen, August 355
Walker, C.C 240
Walker, Hon. Wesley 173
Waller, J. K 654
Walmer, Daniel 508
Walmer, Jacob 415
Waltz, G. B 485
Warren, Joseph 657
Washington, George 19
Welch, John 498
Wells, A. T 286
Wells, George A 370
Whitten, John 626
Wilcoxon.W.A 379
Wilkin, John 548
MMlkins, J. E 184
Wilkins,L.L 615
Williams, John 270
Williamson, Hon. John 260
Williamson, Joseph 455
Wilson, Hon. James F 169
Wilson, James F., Jr 659
Wilson, Rollin J 292
Woods, A. H 260
Woods, Mrs. Ellis 235
Woods, P. N., M. D 223
Woodside,W.A 546
Work, Samuel 389
Wright, Hon. G. F 614
Wright, Hon. G. G 322
Young, Joseph 249
Zihiman, Lukas 430
-o»c>
Adams, John 22
Adams, John Q 38
Arnold, J. B 588
Arnold, Mrs. LoUisa 588
Arthur, Chester A — 98
Ball, Smith 262
Ball, Mrs. Rebecca 262
Barker, W. A 216
Boies, Horace 158
Briggs, Ansel 110
Buchanan , James 74
Bull, Hon. C.E 496
Campbell, Bethel 290
Carpenter, Cyrus Clay l:«
Cleveland, S. Grover 102
Duckworth, Capt. W. A 468
Fillmore, Millard 6(i
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Guernsey, Mrs. G. S 551
Gear, John H 14P
Grimes, James W 118
Harrison, Benjamin lOfJ
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Hempstead, Stephen 114
Hickenbottom, James 606
Hinkle, Capt. A 382
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Jackson, Andrew^ 42
Jefferson, Thomas 26
Johnson, Andrew 82
Ketcham, Benjamin 420
Ketcham, Mrs. Benjamin 421
Kirkwood, Samuel J 126
Koons, Dillen 624
Koons, Mrs. Jemima . . 624
Larrabee, William 154
Lincoln, Abraham 78
Lowe, Ralph P 122
Madison, James 30
Mealey, Thomas S : 252
Merrill, Samuel 134
Mitchell, Hon. H. B 180
Monroe, James 34
Nelson, Dr. W. W 362
Nelson, Mrs. W. W 363
Newbold, Joshua G 142
Noble, Hon. C. E 272
Pierce, Franklin 70
Polk,J K ."W
Prall, Robert 514
Ri8k,C. C 402
Sherman, Buren R 150
Sloan, Hon. J. S 478
Sloan, Robert 198
Spielman, J. A 532
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Stone, William M 1.10
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Taylor, Zacharj' 62
Twombley, Capt. V. P 392
Tyler, John M
Van Buren, Martin 46
Washington, George 18
Wilson, James F 168
Woods, Mrs. Ellis 234
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