Polk County History, 1880 - Townships
Walnut, Bloomfield, Grant, Four Mile, Allen, Camp, Beaver, Clay, Delaware, Saylor, Valley, Webster, Jefferson, Crocker, Douglas, Franklin, Washington, Elkhart, Lincoln, Madison 

BIOGRAPHICAL.
WALNUT TOWNSHIP 891
ASKEW, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Lecestershire, England,
October 21, 1837, and emigrated to this county in October, 1848, settling in Providence, Rhode
Island. He lived here about five years and then moved to New Hampshire, residing there for
about the same length of time. In 1858 he came to this county and settled on this farm, which was
entered by Jesse Askew, in 1852, on a warrant. He has since resided here and now owns 120
acres of land improved. He was married June 6th, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Taylor, who was born
in New York City, April 29, 1846. They have three children: Martha E., Mary E. and Edward J.

BAYLIES, HON. NICHOLAS-This gentleman has been a resident of Polk county for upward of
twenty years, and well deserves more than passing notice. He was born on the 9th of April, 1809,
at Woodstock, Vermont, and moved the same year to Montpelier, which was his home until
1836. After preparatory studies he was admitted to the State University, from which he graduated
with high honor in 1827. He began the study of law at once under the direction of his father, who
was subsequently a judge of the Supreme Court of Vermont, and was admitted to the bar in 1829.
For the further pursuit of his law studies he entered the office of Joseph Blunt, Esq., of New
York City. He remained here about one ear when failing health drives him back to the hills of his
native State. Here he forms a law partnership with Col. J. P. Miller, who had recently returned
from Greece, where he had distinguished himself in the Greek revolution. Then he opened an
office at Montpelier in 1832. In the fall of the next year he goes to Brazil as companion of a sick
brother. They arrive safely after a memorable voyage of eighty-seven days. He is absent about
eight months, and with renewed vigor applies himself to the practice of his profession. The
esteem in which he was held by those who knew him best was indicated by his being selected to
deliver the oration before the survivors of the Revolutionary War in the State on the fourth of
July prior to his leaving the State, on which occasion he had the pleasure and rare honor of
addressing sixty-seven veterans of that war. In 1836, with the restless Yankee enterprise which
has done so much to develop the resources of our country, we find him established at St. Helena,
Louisiana. The next year he is appointed government clerk to look up and correct. irregularities
which had occurred in the Land Office at Greensbury, in the same State, and in the following
year is appointed Register of the same office. He resigns this office at the end of the year to
devote himself to his law practice. In 1844 he is elected to the Legislature, and was re-elected.
the ensuing term without opposition. He served but one year in this term when he resigned,
having been appointed District Attorney in the Eighth -district, which office he held until 1853.
He was married in 1842 to Miss Harriet Cahoon, of Lynden, Vermont. The office of  District
Attorney and District Judge he held continuously until his removal with his family to Griggsville,
Illinois, in 1853. Here he resided on a small farm declining  positions offered him by the the
Governor of the State. The Judge had reached a political crisis. His long and intimate
acquaintance with leading men of the South, and of the, spirit of Calhounism had convinced him
that the latter was determined to rule or ruin, and our stalwart Jackson
892 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Democrat comes out of the crisis a staunch Republican. He came to Des. Moines in 1858, and the
next year moved on to his farm in Walnut township where he has since resided. He was the Polk
county member of the Tenth General Assembly in 1864, enrolling officer in five townships west
of Des Moines river and outside of the city in 1864. He has served several terms on the Board of
Supervisors, and has been prominent for zeal and good judgment in public affairs in all these
years. He has raised a family of seven sons and one daughter. Four of these were born in
Louisiana, three in Illinois, and one in Iowa. Most of them are now living in this State and the
others in Kansas. He has been for over twenty-one years a member of the M. E. Church, much of
the time in official position, where his wise counsel has done much for the cause of religion. He
is now in the evening of life, a worthy example of the virtues that ennoble manhood and make
old age honorable. Through all his public life he has preserved a spotless reputation, an unsullied
fame, worthy the imitation of the young.

BRAINARD, SAMUEL-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Essex county,
Massachusetts, April 13, 1809, and in the year 1867 came to this county and settled on the place
upon which he now resides, owning a farm of eighty acres, well improved. On the 3d of June,
1833, Miss Abigal Sawyer became his wife. She was born in Hamstead, New Hampshire,
October 3,1803.

BENNETT, CALVIN-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Commerce. Was born in Mason county,
Kentucky, July 25, 1822, and at the age of five years moved with his parents to Parke county,
Indiana, residing there until 1840, when they came to this State, locating in Des Moines county.
After a residence there of about six months they moved to Jefferson county, remained there for a
number of years, and then returned to, Parke county, Indiana. In June, 1857, he started for this
county; came  by wagon and was one month and four days on the road. He first settled on Walnut
Creek, near the place where Mr. Clegg now resides. He now owns 524 acres of land all under
cultivation, and finely improved. It is one of the best farms for raising grain to be found in the
township. January 28, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss H. W. Wilson, a native of Ross
county, Ohio. She was born on the 30th day of April, 1827. To Mr. and Mrs. Bennett belong the
honor of being the first couple married in the township. They are among the early settlers of the
county, and to such as they is the township particularly indebted. Their family consists of two
children living: Lincoln, and Winfield Scott (who was married to Miss Lizzie Wallace, October
17, 1877, a native of New York). She died September 22, 1879, leaving one child, Harry Francis.
- Mr. and Mrs. B. have lost two children: Lettie and Henry Clay.

BENNETT, BENJAMIN-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Mason county, Kentucky, February 4, 
1825, and when but three years of age was taken to Parke county, Indiana, where he lived until he 
came to this county, in the summer of 1847. He has since resided here and now owns 420 acres of 
land, all in cultivation. Besides this he owns a. farm of 300 acres, one of the best stock farms 
in the township. He was married in February, 1860, to Miss Martha E. Howard, a native of Vigo, 
county, Indiana. They are the parents of five children: Mary H., Ada. Florence, John H., Marseilles 
C. and Cora A.
WALNUT TOWNSHIP 893
BENNETT, PRESLEY-Farmer, section 11, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Mason county,
Kentucky, May 30, 1827, and when only an infant was taken by his parents to Parke county,
Indiana. From there he came to this county in the spring of 1848, and has made it his home since.
He owns 500 acres of land, the most of which is improved, but he has some timber. He is a
self-made man, starting in life without money, and alone he has built him a home and gained for
himself a place that any one might well be proud of: He was married January 22, 1865, to Miss
Louisa C. Rollins; a native of Maine; born March 22, 1847. They have five children: William P.,
George O. and Musette, living, and two deceased: Benjamin E. and Bessie E.

CALKINS, D. S.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Chenango county, New
York, August 14, 1824, and resided there until about eight years of age, when he moved to
Wellsborough, Pa. He lived there until the fall of 1850, and then moved to Baraboo, Sauk county,
Wis. In the fall of 1852, he went to Kenosha, and thence to Geneva, Walworth county. From
there he moved to Buffalo, Wright county, Minn., in the fall of 1857, and resided there until
1862, then going to Monticello, same county. In the spring of 1867 took up his residence in
Minneapolis, and then came to this county in November, 1868, and with the exception of a short
time spent in Waukee, has resided here since. He owns 40 acres of well improved land, with
about 18 acres of small fruit. He was married January 18, 1846, to Miss Mary J. Graves, of Tioga
county, Pa. She was born January 20, 1828. They have six children living: Mary T. (now Mrs.
Chas. N. Enos, of Minnesota), David D., James L. G., Clarence C., Clara A. and Bonnie F. Lost
three: Fannie M., Carrie C. and Grace I. Fannie M. was married to Henry C. Helm, of
Minneapolis. She left two children: Egbert and Roy.

CAMPBELL, R.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Gallia county, Ohio, December
28, 1831. After leaving there he went to Van Buren county, Iowa, and resided there about three
years, and from there came to this county in the spring of 1848, and has since resided here. In
1870 he moved upon his present farm, and now owns 78 acres of land, all under cultivation and
improvements.  December 27, 1855, he married Miss Euphemia Fagin, a native of Columbiana
county, Ohio, born November 10, 1836. They have eight children: Clarence E ., Runey C.,
Joseph, Lilly T., Willie E., Charlie, Frank and Clara V.

CAMPBELL, E. M.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, March
13, 1848, and in 1853 he came to this State, settling in Guthrie county. He resided there until
1872, when he removed upon his present farm, and has since resided here. Owns 248 acres of
land, well improved, good buildings and well located. It is one of the best grain and stock farms
in the township. He was married in Guthrie county, December 30, 1869, to Miss Mary C.
Roberts, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, November 1,1855. They have four
children: Eva T., Thomas H., William H. and Ella R.

CLEGG, ABRAHAM-Farmer, section 2, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in England, near
Rockdale, November 28, 1824, and in 1846 emigrated to this country, settling in New
Hampshire. Resided there until he came to this county, with the exception of about six months
spent in Cass county, Illinois. He came here in August, 1851, and has resided here most of the
time since. Owns 200 acres of well-improved land, under
894 BIOGRAPHICAL.
good cultivation, with an orchard of about 500 bearing trees. He married Miss Ann Nuttall, a
native of England, in September, 1849. They have four children: Xerxes, Mollie A., George
(married to Dora Fisher, a native of Jasper county, this State), and Edward. Mr. Clegg is strictly
heterodox in his religious belief.

CORBIT, E. P.-Of the firm of Corbit & McClees, grain dealers, Commerce, was born in Berks
county, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1849, and in the spring of 1870 came from there to Des Moines,
this county, and has been a resident of the county since. For a time he was engaged in teaching
school in East Des Moines, and in July, 1876, he came to this place and commenced the grain
business. The firm has been very successful, as they shipped for the year ending June 4, four
hundred and sixty cars containing two, hundred thousand bushels of grain. Mr. Corbit has been
twice married; first, August 15, 1871, to Miss Mary Chamberlain, a native of McComb, county,
Michigan; she died February 24, 1876, leaving three children:: Frank P., May M. and Emily. Was
married again in Bureau county, Illinois, to Abby N. Dennis, January 16, 1878.

CROW, JOHN-Farmer, section 4, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky,
November 11, 1812, and when ten years of age moved to Bartholomew county, Indiana, where
he resided about seven years; then removed to Warren county, same State, where he made his
home until the fall of 1850, when he came to this county. In 1849 he entered seven hundred and
five acres of land in a square, and the year following moved upon it. With the exception of eighty
acres he has given all his land to his children and wife, the latter owning the homestead of one
hundred and seventeen and one-half acres. He was married November 24, 1835, to Miss Medina
Mace, a native of Ross county, Ohio; born March 13, 1819. They have twelve children: Harrietta
(now Mrs. S. H. Lewis), Edward M. (now in Louis comity, Missouri), William (now at Grand
Junction, Iowa),. Daniel, Jacob H., Walter S., Erasmus D., Ida S. and Alice M. living, and .three
deceased. Benjamin died while in the U. S. service; John L. died while in the army, and Emily M.
when 21 years of age. Mr. Crow had not one dollar with which to start in life, but has builded
himself to what he now is, and is spoken of in the highest terms by all who know him:

CRUM, W. H.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, October 9,
1840, and in the fall of 1853 came to this, county and has lived here since. Owns fifty-six acres
of land, all well improved and cultivated. He was married December 26, 1861, in this county, to
Rosetta Campbell, a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, born October 16, 1843. They have one
child, Lillie A., aged seventeen years. They have taken one child, a boy, two years old, to raise.
CRUM, A. H.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, 
February 28, 1843, and in the fall of 1853 came to this county where he has since resided. He is
the owner of one hundred acres of land on Walnut Creek, good house and barn, with a quantity of
small fruit besides. He married Miss Lucy J. Mosier, a native of Clay county, Missouri. She was
born May 7, 1842. They have four children: Hattie E., Oscar O., Florence A: and Ollie G., all
living and at home.

DELANO W. J.-Owner of Commerce Mills, Commerce. Was born in Orleans county, New
York, and when twenty years of age moved to Indianapolis. He returned to New York and spent
the winter, and in 1860 went to California where he resided until July, 1864, when he returned to
Terre-
WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 895
Haute, Indiana. About a year and a half later he moved to Cass county, same State, and lived
there until he moved here in the spring of 1871. He resided three years in Des Moines, then
moved on a farm in Saylor township, stayed there two years, and after spending the winter in Des
Moines, he came to this place and has since resided here. Owns a house and lot in this town. Was
married in St. Louis, Missouri, July 9,1872, to Miss Maud Kroeger, a native of Hamburg,
Germany; born January 26, 1843. They have four children: Maud F., Fanny A. and Fred W.
living, and one Emma Julia, deceased. These mills were built in 1872 by A. J. Jack of Des
Moines, and sold to S. F. Spofford about five years ago. Mr. Delano bought them about the year
1876 and has been the owner since. Are now leased to S. D. Henry, who is making a success of
them, and is doing a good business.

DORR, J. W.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Commerce. Was born in Athens county, Ohio, August
13, 1829; when six years of age lie accompanied his parents to Porter county, Indiana, and from
there he went to Warren county, this State, in 1854. For three years he resided there and then
came to this county and has resided here since. Owns two hundred and twenty six acres of land,
improved and under cultivation. On the eighteenth of April, 1861, he enlisted in Porter county ,
Indiana, in company C, Fifteenth Indiana infantry, and served until June 24, 1862, when he was
mustered out on account of disability. Mr. Dorr has been twice married: first, November 30,
1865, to Miss Mary Jones, a native of Indiana; she died September 20, 1874, leaving one child,
Cora M. (now living at home.) He was married again December 30,1875, to Miss Inas J. Arnold,
a native of Cayuga county, New York. She was born December 18, 1841. Have lost one child.

ELLIS, DR. A. J.-Physician, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born July 18, 1818, and is a
native of Chenango county, New York.  In 1845 he moved to Seneca county, New York, and
practiced medicine there for about twelve years; thence to Thompson, Huron county, Ohio, and
was there engaged in following his chosen calling, and was also pastor of the Baptist church most
of the time. From there he moved to Plover, Portage county, Wisconsin, practiced there for eight
years and then returned to Seneca county, New York. Three years later, in the fall of 1869, he
came to this county and has practiced more or less ever since. He is of the homeopathic class of
physicians, and although it has been for some time his intention to retire from business, he finds
it almost impossible to do so. He owns eight and a half acres of land with a good residence. July
23, 1846, he was married to Miss Antoinette Rappleye, a native of Seneca county, New York;
she died June 26, 1870, leaving three children: Samuel H. (now living in Mainstee county,
Michigan), and Rosie I. A. living,; and one Mary N., deceased.

FISHER, JOHN-Grain dealer, Ashawa. Was born January 7, 1835, and is a native of Parke
county, Indiana. In 1849 he moved to Mahaska county, this State, resided there for three years
and then removed to Jasper county, living there for four years. From that place he came to this
county in 1861, and has since resided here, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land on
section 9. He is doing a very large business in his line, and during last year he shipped one
hundred thousand bushels of grain. It is his intention to do more than that the present year. Was
married October 17, 1856, to Miss Rebecca Parker, who was born in Wap-
896 BIOGRAPHICAL.
ello county, this State. They have four children: Dora, Ida A., Albert D, and Elmer (twins).

GRINNELL, S. M.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Montgomery county, New
York, February 22, 1827, and at the age of ten years moved to Monroe county, New York, where
he lived for ten years. Thence to Green county, Wisconsin, and lived there until the spring of
1860 when he came to this county; and has lived on his present place since. Owns seventy-eight
acres in this place and also two acres in Waukee. Has a good house and barn, large orchard, small
fruit, etc. Was married August 25, 1850, to Miss Fanny M. Allen, a native of Rochester, New
York; born May 26, 1837. They have five children: Selina M. (now Mrs. F. A. Shafer of this
county), May (now Mrs. W. A. Flinn of this county), and Montgomery, living; and two deceased:
Martin and Clara Belle.

GRINNELL, A. L.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Montgomery county, New
York, December 15,1822, and at the age of fourteen years moved to Monroe county, same State.
Lived there for ten years and then moved to Green county, Wisconsin, where he remained until
the fall of 1858. He then came to this county and settled on his present place, where he has since
resided. He owns, in his home farm, one hundred and thirty-six acres, well improved and in a
good state of cultivation; and eighty acres across the line in Dallas county. April 3, 1870, he was
married to Mrs. Lucinda Baker, a native of Kosciusko county, Indiana, born September 24, 1832.
She had four children by her former marriage: Frank E., Fannie E. (now Mrs. E. J. Reynolds of-
Des Moines), Lillie D. (now Mrs. Wilson), and Gibson (living in Webster township).

HELMBRECHT, D.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in  Hessing, Germany, March
31, 1806, and in the year 1858 emigrated to this country, came at once to this county, and settled
on his present homestead. Has since resided here, and now owns a farm of one hundred and
forty-two acres improved and under fence. He was married December 29, 1829, to Miss Gertha
Hovadich, a native of the same place as himself, and born July 10, 1814. She died leaving four
children: Henry J., Frederick (both married and living in Webster township), Kate (now Mrs.
Frederick Engelbrecht, living at home); she has one son, William; and a daughter, Mary (now
living in Des Moines).

HENRY, S. D.-Proprietor of Commerce Mills, Commerce. Was born in Shelby county, Indiana, October 
10, 1854, and after living there for a time he moved to Ottawa, Kansas, where he resided about 
five years. He then came to this county and two years later he came to Commerce. He is a miller 
by trade and has followed that business for eight years past. He was married October 3,.1877, to 
Mary E. Stevenson, a native of Warren county, this State, born February 3, 1854. These mills are 
owned by W. J. Delano, and leased by Mr. Henry. They are situated on the 'Coon river, have an 
excellent water-power, and are doing as good work as any in the county. The leading brands of 
flour made are Henry's New Process, and Extra Standard. They have a capacity of about 400 bushels, 
or eighty barrels per day.

HIMES, J. W.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Highland county, Ohio, April 24,
1826, and lived there, following farming, until he came to this county in the fall of 1869. During
the war he was mustered into company A, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio infantry and
participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, being mustered out

WALNUT TOWNSHIP.                                                                           897
in June, 1865. He was married November 4,1858, in Ohio, to Miss Sarah Y. Heller, a native of
Pickaway county, that State. She was born April 24, 1836. They have a family of four children:
John W., Emma, Sarah E. and Anna Mary, all living at home.

IRWIN, R. Y.-Farmer, section 17. P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Guilford, North Carolina,
September 18, 1822, and at the age of ten years moved to Preble county, Ohio, settling there in
1832. He remained there for four years and then removed to Huntington county, Indiana, where
be resided until 1850. From there he went to Adel, this State, and for two years was engaged in
practicing medicine there. He then returned to Indiana, and in the spring of 1870 came upon his
present place. He owns a farm of 175 acres, well improved, good buildings, orchard, water, etc.
He was married May 14,1846, to Miss Angeline A. Alexander, a native of Preble county, Ohio,
born August 9, 1829. She died August 22, 1877, leaving seven children: Emmet A. (married),
Felix E., Mary L., John O., Clara B. and Edwin G., living, and one, Sarah Ada, deceased.

LAMONT, Rev. D.-Retired. Section 11, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Delaware county, New
York, January 25, 1828, and resided there until nineteen years of age. Then moved to Tompkins
county, New York, and after living there for three years went to Ohio, where he followed
teaching. He also joined the Ohio M. E. Conference, and engaged in preaching there for four
years and then came to this State. He has been engaged in the ministry here for sixteen years. .
Bought his present farm in 1871 and has made it his home for about six years. Retired from
farming some three years ago, but still attends to the keeping up of the same. He owns forty acres
of good land with an orchard of about 400 apple trees and an endless variety of small fruit. Was
married to Miss Jane E. Finley, March 22, 1855, a native of Delaware, Ohio. They are members
of the Fifth Street M. E. Church at Des Moines.

LEWIS, S. H.-Farmer, section 3, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Rush county, Indiana, May 11,
1835, and when two or three years old moved to Henry county, Indiana, living there until he
moved to this county in the spring of 1848, settling on the land that Martin Flinn now owns. Mr.
Louis now owns ninety-five acres of land all well improved. He has been twice married, first to
Miss Mary Clay, February 15, 1855, a native of Henry county, Indiana, who died in March, 1870,
leaving four children: Sarah (now Mrs. Albert Jackson, of Guthrie county), Samuel W., James R.
and Elizabeth. Was married again February 15, 1873, to Mrs. Harietta Evans, daughter of John
Crow. She is a native of Indiana. Has four children by a former marriage to John C. Wheeler:
Emma B., Laura Y., Horace T. and Charles, and one child by a former marriage to John Evans,
Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. W. L. have four children: Ollie, Alice M. and Laura J. (now Mrs. Frank
Myers), living, and one, Emma B. (wife of Chas. R. Denning), deceased.

MARTIN, DR. J. B.-Physician, Commerce. Was born in La Porte, Indiana, March 1,1845, and
when twenty-two years of age moved to Chicago, where he began the study of medicine. He
attended the Bennett Medical College and graduated from that institution on the 21st of February,
1877. He remained in that city until October 1st of that year, when he came West and located in
Commerce, and since that time has carried on the practice of  his profession here. November
11,1868, Miss Almira J. Cranmer, a native of St. Joseph county, Indiana, became his wife. She
898 BIOGRAPHICAL.
was born June 8, 1848. They are the parents of two children, both of whom are living: Florence
M. and Edith. Dr. Martin owns a fine piece of property in Commerce, situated upon the hill.

MORRIS, CYRUS-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Waukee, Dallas county.. Was born in Henry
county, Indiana, September 9, 1839, and when seventeen years of age came to Iowa, settling in
Keokuk county, where he lived until he came to this county in the spring of 1878. Before he
came to then county he was engaged in shipping stock and dealing in grain. He now owns 171
acres in this county and eighty acres in Dallas county, all of which is under cultivation. He was
married January 25, 1860, in Jefferson county, Iowa, to Miss Rachel Ecroid, who was born in
Pennsylvania in 1840. They have ten children: Catharine now Mrs. N. B. Nash, of Washington
county), Charlie, Edgar J., Berths, Lewis, Cyrus, Stella and Mabel. Lost two: Frank and Ollie.

MOTT, D. B.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 3,
1847, and in the fall of 1851 came to this county, and has resided on his present farm of eighty
acres ever since. Although a Buckeye by birth he is a Hawkeye by adoption, and is a son of J. H.
Mott, one of the first settlers of the county. He was married in March, 1873, to Miss Julia
Houston, a native of Indiana. They have one child, Carl.

NEWELL, Rev. C. H.-Pastor of the four churches of the M. E. denomination adjacent to Des
Moines on the west. Was born at Southbridge, Massachusetts, 1835, educated for the ministry in
the schools of the East, and beginning his life work there he was compelled by failing health to
seek a more congenial climate or abandon his calling. He came to Iowa and took charge of the
church at Lewis, in Cass county, in 1870. His fields of labor have since been Glenwood, Grand
Junction, and his present charge. His labors have been interrupted in this time by feeble health,
during which he has been of service to the cause of education as County Superintendent, and was
for a time in the employ of the government. In war time he rendered valuable service. Having
declined a captain's commission, he gave voluntary service to the work of the Christian
Commission, and was exposed to the perils of battle without pay or the possibility of pension.
Many are the wounded officers and men who could bear testimony to the service thus rendered,
service that in several cases stood between them and death. We learn that the first sermon he
tried to preach was in the cabin of a fugitive slave, on the farm of a Democratic politician in
Connecticut, and to a congregation in part of fugitives. It is said that while the politician referred
to would defend the fugitive slave law on the stump, yet it would have been a dangerous thing for
any one to undertake to return these men, who had found their strange refuge. Mr. Newell has a
versatile pen, and has been an editor, and is a contributor to the press. An article full of quaint
and telling humor of which he would hardly be suspected found its way from a small country
paper to some of the leading journals of the land, but no amount of favorable criticism could
draw the author from his reserve. His marriage to Mary E. Doeber, of Candia, New Hampshire,
bears date of February 17, 1864. His children are Mary P. and Walter S., aged respectively twelve
and nine. His services are held in high esteem by his parishioners. He is well posted and
thoroughly interested in all the leading questions of the times.
WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 899
OSBORN, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Pickens Districts, South
Carolina, October 23, 1833, and at the age of six years moved to Boone county, Indiana, residing
there until 1856. He then came to this county and has remained here since, following farming;
owns 160 acres of well improved land. He is a son of James Osborne, a native of Massachusetts,
who has represented his district in the State legislature for a number of terms, and is one of the
leading politicians of the State. Mr. Osborne was a candidate for Representative of this county in
1877 on the Democratic ticket. December 23, 1858 our subject was married to Miss Maggie
Pierce, a native of Montgomery county, Indiana; born March 20, 1838. They have nine children:
Henry T., Elisha H., James T., Eva O., Wilbur A., Benjamin F., Leota I. and Maggie M., living,
and one, Charles, deceased.

PIERCE, J. A.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Butler county, Ohio, September 27,
1820, and at the age of eight years moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he lived until
the spring of 1849. He then came to this county and entered the land on which he has since lived.
He has always followed farming, and is now the owner of a farm of eighty acres, well improved,
and has one of the nicest places in the neighborhood. December 15, 1859, he was married, in
Dallas county, this State, to Miss Sarah W. Mitchell, a native of Vigo county, Indiana, born May
23, 1837. She died March 13, 1870, leaving four children: Abraham L., Viretta and Jennie A.,
living, and one, Olive I., deceased.

RANDOLPH, JOHN-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Warren county, Ohio, July
16, 1845, and at the age of twenty three came to this State, settling in Des Moines. He has resided
in this county since, and eleven years ago he moved on the place he now occupies. Owns a farm
of eighty acres, improved, good orchard, etc. Was married March 21, 1867, to Miss Naomi
Bundy, a native of the same place as himself, born December 9, 1849. They have five children:
Charlie T., Ada E., Bertha and John F. living, and one, Nora J., deceased.

RICE, DR. U. A.-Physician and dealer in drugs, Commerce. Was born in Clermont county,
Ohio, September 27, 1843, and in the spring of 1867 came to this State, locating in Marion
county. On the 24th of December, 1874, he moved to Waukee, Dallas county, and lived there
until December 3, 1874, when be came to this place. March 1, 1867, he graduated from the
America Health College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and immediately commenced the practice of his
profession. In December, 1874, he opened his present drug store, which he has continued
successfully. His business property is the best in the place. He and his sons are engaged in the
manufacture of some of the leading medicines of the country; such as Throat and Lung Balsam,
Silver Tonic Bitters, Magic Oil, Ague Specific, etc. August 21, 1861, he was married to Miss
Delila  J. Wells, born in Marion, Indiana, August 4, 1837. Have five children: Francis B., Melissa
A., Flora B., Harry A. and Frederick G.

RINEHART, ALEXANDER-Gardener, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Germany,
June 21, 1821, and in 1852 emigrated to this country and settled in Delaware county, New York.
In 1857 he moved to Wisconsin, locating in Sack county, and resided there until he came to this
county, in 1869. He settled on his present place about three years ago, and owns about fifteen
acres of land. He makes gardening his principal occupation, and also raises some small fruits.
April 20, 1847, he was
900 BIOGRAPHICAL.
married to Miss Elizabeth Rinehart. They have five children: Lena (wife of John Lewis, of this
county), Sophia, Elizabeth (wife of William Dippert, of Des Moines), Fred and Alexander.

SHAFFER, S. T.-Farmer; section 7, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Athens county, Ohio, June 12,
1851, and in the spring of 1856 came to this county with his parents and has since resided here,
following farming. He owns a farm of forty-two acres, improved and under cultivation. He was
married, February 15, 1876, to Mrs. Mary E. Shaffer, who was born in Monroe county, Illinois,
March 27, 1840. She was first married to Jacob Shaffer, who died March 11, 1871, leaving one
son, Denver C. Mr. and Mrs. S. have one child, Cora E.

SHAFFER, RICHARD-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Guernsey county, Ohio,
July 3, 1824, and at the age of twenty-five years moved to Athens county, same State, where he
lived until 1857. He then carne to this county and has since resided here, following farming; and
he now owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved and in good condition. February 27, 1845, he
was married to Miss Margaret J. Wilson, a native of Brooks county, Virginia, born December 21,
1825. They have a family of nine children: William C. (married and in Dallas county), Francis A.
(married and living in this county), Mary E. (now Mrs. Clark Smith, of Dallas county), Solomon
T. (married), Levi S. (married and living in Nebraska), Charles L. (of Dallas county), Harriet C.,
R. C. and George W.

THURTLE, R. P.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Ashawa, is a native of England, and was born in the
county Norfolk. At the age of eighteen years he emigrated to the United States, settling in
Orleans county, New York, and resided there until 1873, when he came to this county. Has since
resided here, following farming, and now owns 235 acres of land, well improved. The home
place consists of 160 acres in good cultivation. On the 23d of September, 1863, he was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah A. Cannon, a native of the same place as himself, born February 14,
1846. They have four children: Robert P., Albert M. and Lona S., living, and one deceased,
Herbert E.

WILSON, T. P.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in  Licking county, Ohio, May 29,
1830, and at the age of fifteen years moved to Monroe county, same State, residing there for
some time. Then removed to Guernsey county, lived there and in Athens county a short time. In
the fall of 1854 he came to this county and has since lived here. Owns a well-improved farm of
160 acres, adapted to the raising of stock. Has been twice married. First to Miss Lucinda Ellis,
July 17, 1853, a native of Morgan county, Ohio. She died August 10,1861, leaving three
children: Charles H., Levi S. and George W. He was married the second time, April 11, 1866, to
Miss Rebecca Crum, born in Wayne county, Indiana, January 8, 1830, They have four children:
Irving E., Nellie M., Nettie J. and Carrie S.

WILSON, A. J.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 25,
1827, and when twenty-five years of age moved to Peoria county, Illinois, where he lived for
three years. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county and settled on this place, entering 240 acres
all in a body. He now owns 129 acres of land, good house and barn, plenty of water and is one of
the best prairie farms in the township. He was married, March 16,1854, to Miss Mary A.
McCrady, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, August 1,1832. They have four children: Homer
V., Charlie W. and Laura, living, and one, Laura J., deceased.
WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 901
WOODBURY, A. B.-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Savoy, Massachusetts,
May 4, 1823, and when two years of age moved with his parents to Chautauqua county, New
York, residing there until he came to this county in the fall of 1855. He first settled in Des
Moines and followed stage driving for fifteen years, and in 1877, he came upon his present place.
Owns twenty acres of land and is constantly improving the same. He has been twice married.
First, to Miss Ella M. Love, November 15, 1848. She was a native of Madison county, New
York, born June 8, 1831. She died November 12, 1862, leaving four children : George W. and
Esther, living, and two deceased: Anna M. and Thomas B. He was married the second time
January 1, 1866, to Miss Lucinda M. Peet, born July 17, 1842, in Wyoming county, New York.

WOMACKS, L. T.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Brown county, Ohio,
September 14, 1834, and after residing there for some time he removed to Helena, Kentucky,
where he was engaged in the general merchandise business for two years. In the spring of 1857
he went to Colorado and remained for one year and then returned to Ohio, and from there to
Illinois City, where he engaged in teaching school for two years. In the spring of 1867 he came to
this county and has since resided here. Owns a well-improved and finely cultivated farm of 330
acres. July 9, 1861, he was mustered into the service of the Fourth Ohio independent cavalry
company, fought in the battles of Silver Creek, Shiloh and siege of Corinth, and acted as
McPherson's escort through all the engagements up to the time of the death of that general. He
was mustered out August 26, 1864, having served over his time. He was united in marriage with
Miss Nancy J. Stevens, April 15, 1875. She is a native of this county and was born July 26, 1856.
They have a family of two children: Chester C. and Harry A.

YOUNGERMAN, JOHN-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Ashawa. Was born March 10, 1826, in
Germany, and when four years of age emigrated to the United States, settling in York county,
Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1835 he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, and followed the black.
smith's trade, and in the winter of 1850 he moved to this county and has since resided here,
following farming. Has lived on his present farm nineteen years, and it consists of 280 acres of
improved land, upon which are two good orchards, houses, etc. Mr. Y. has been three times
married. First, September 16, 1848, to Miss Mary Cunningham, a native of Virginia, who died
August 16, 1850, leaving one child, John W. Was married the second time, September, 16, 1855,
to Miss Amanda J. Hall, who was born in Polk county, Iowa, She died October 1,.1859, leaving
two children: Albert H. and Ella Ann. He took for his third wife Mrs. Mary Fitger, who was born
in Wayne county, Ohio. They were married September 15,. 1862, and have five children:
Harrietta E., Laura A., William L., Charles C. and George M. Mrs. Y. has four children by
former marriage: Emma, Sophia, Rebecca K. and Etta.
902 BIOGRAPHICAL
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.
BECK, THOMAS-One of the proprietors of the Eclipse Coal Company. Was born in county
Durham, England, January 27, 1842, and raised there, and early commenced the business of
miner. In 1821 he emigrated to the United States, and settled first in Ohio. In 1868 he came to
this county, where he still follows his legitimate occupation. He was married in 1867, to Miss
Elizabeth Bates. By this union they have four children: Ralph, Jacob, Fremont and John.

BRISCO, R. M.-Farmer and stock raiser, section 34, P. O. Des Moines. Was born April 2, 1830,
in Monroe county, Indiana, and when fourteen years of age moved with his parents to Koscinako
county, the same State, where he lived until nineteen years old. From there he went to Berrian
county, Michigan, where he remained until 1865. He then came to this county, and April 1, 1865,
settled on section 27, just north of his present home. He owns 400 acres of land, all improved and
in cultivation. The north line of his land is two miles south of the incorporation of Des Moines,
while his building is three miles. September 5, 1850, he married Miss Catharine J. Wykoff, a
native of Indiana, born October 26, 1834. Her mother is living with them. She was born in
Jefferson county, Virginia, in 1800, and enjoys reasonable good health. Mr. and Mrs. Briscoe
have a family of  ten children living: Sarah E., Martha E., Emma F., Charles H., Jennette B.,
Kittie, Maggie, Ida, Clara and Samuel B. Two are dead: Alice E. and Annie D.

BUTLER, CHARLES-Farmer and stock raiser, section 26, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio,
July 3, 1851, and when seven years of age his parents, Frank and Charlotte Butler, moved to Des
Moines, where he was raised and learned the trade of saddler, which business he followed until
1871, when he commenced farming and stock raising. In 1877 he moved on his present place,
which consists of 277-1/2 acres of land. Has 1,000 apple trees, and one of the best residences and
barns in the county. January 13, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of William and Susan Boone, born in Indiana, in 1850. They have one child living, Frank, born
October 16, 1879. Joshua C. died in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Butler are members of the M. E. Church.

CARTER, RANZEL-Farmer and fruit grower, section 25, P. 0. Des . Moines. Was born in
Virginia, in 1830, and lived there until eighteen years of, age, when he moved with his parents to
Henry county, this state. Lived there until 1855, when he came to his present homestead of 400
acres of land. He has 125 acres of orchard, upon which are 875 apple trees, 15 acres of grapes,
700 evergreens, 6 acres in strawberries, cherry trees and plums of various varieties. In 1856 he
was married to Miss Sarah J. Mills, a native of Indiana, born in 1838. Their family consists of
seven children living: Alfred, Sanford, Charles, Sherman, Alice, William and George. Have lost
one, Elizabeth.

CLARK, LESTER-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in 1837 in the State of New
York, and was there raised on a farm. He made that State his home until December, 1859, when
he came to this county, and has since resided here, with the exception of two years spent, in
Adair county. In 1874 he moved upon his present farm, and owns 80 acres of improved land. He
has a number of never-failing springs on his
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 903
farm; 200 apple trees and some small fruit. Has been twice married. First in 1861, to Miss
Jerusha Page, a native of Illinois. She died February 22, 1863, and he was again married January
1, 1869, to Miss Emma Hazle, a native of New York.

DEARTH, A.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1806,
and there was raised, living there until he came to this county, in 1857. He first lived in Des
Moines for eighteen months, and then moved on a farm in section 6 of this township, where he
resided for about a year, and a half, then moving on what is now the Perkins farm, where he lived
until 1873. He then took up his residence on his present farm of 200 acres of well-improved land,
upon which he has about 800 apple trees. He was married in Ohio in 1827, to Miss Margaret
Derdorff, a native of the same county and State as himself. They have four children living: Jacob,
Perry, Eliza A. (wife of John Chambers, a resident of Warren county) and Levina (wife of John
McGriff, a resident of this county.) James W. is deceased. Mr. Dearth is of Scotch descent on his
father's side, and on his mother's side is of German ancestry. He and his wife have been members
of the M. E. Church for fifty years.

EASTON, F.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in 1834, in Michigan, and was
raised on a farm, living there until 1865. In the spring of that year he came to this county, and in
1868 moved upon his present farm, which consists of 120 acres of land. He has 500 apple trees
and a quantity of small fruit, comfortable home, etc. He was married March 31, 1859, to Miss
Olive Taylor, a native of Michigan. Their family consists of four children: Celestia, Ida M., Harry
F. and Edith.

FRENCH, J. P.-Gardener and fruit raiser, section 17, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New
Hampshire, November 12,1832, and at the age of eighteen years commenced learning the
printing business in the office of the New Hampshire Statesman. He served his time, three years,
and at the close of his apprenticeship went to Boston, Mass., working at the business there and at
Cambridge until 1856. From thence he came to Iowa, arriving in Iowa City in April, 1856.
Remained there until July, then went to Des Moines, and after sojourning there for a few months
returned to Iowa City and remained till June, 1858. He came again to Des Moines, ,and worked
for J. Teesdale, State Printer, until F. W. Palmer was elected to that office. He was foreman of
the Register office from that time until April, 1869, when he removed to his present place,
following the occupation of gardener and fruit grower, occasionally applying himself to his first
trade, that of printing. Owns twenty acres of land, and has an orchard of 700 apple trees and a
variety of small fruit. He was married at Iowa City in 1857, to Miss Helen L. Bennett, a native of
New York, born June 17, 1840. Have had five children, three of whom are living: Frank A., born
Sept. 1, 1859, Ella B., born Sept. 7, 1862, and Arthur P., born Nov. 30, 1865. Lost two: Charlie
S., born March 10,1871, died Oct. 20, 1875, and Edwin, born Aug. 4, 1875, died April 28, 1879.
Mr. and Mrs. F. are members of the First Baptist Church.

FULLER, J. H.-Farmer and fruit grower, section 14, P. O. Sevastopol. Was born in Parmelia,
Jefferson county, New York, Sept. 22, 1842, and at the age of eleven years his parents, Benjamin
and Sylvia Fuller, moved on the place now owned by him, in the spring of 1853. Here he has
been raised as a farmer. Owns fifty-four  acres of land, mostly in cultivation, about 500 apple
trees, 1400 grapevines, and small fruit.  His. father died
904 BIOGRAPHICAL.
April 17, 1878. His mother is still living, at the age of 63 years. He was married in 1874, to Miss
Eva Wagner, a native of New York. They have two children, Mary and Sylvia, both living. Mrs.
F. is a member of the Baptist Church.

GRANGER, BARLOW-Among the well and favorably known pioneers of this portion of Iowa is
the subject of the following sketch. He was born May 31, 1816, in Tioga county, New York, and
when a mere child his father removed to Rochester, where he remained several years, and took
up his residence in Courtland. In 1830 Mr. G. commenced to learn the trade of a printer in the
office of the Courtland Advocate, and a short time thereafter took charge of the office. He
remained in the Advocate office until 1835, when he commenced his wanderings as a
journeyman printer. For several years he worked in Albany, during which time he was foreman of
two different establishments. In 1848 he turned his face westward, and early in that year arrived
in Des Moines. In the fall of 1848 he established a land office in Des Moines, which business, in
connection with the practice of law, he was actively engaged in for some fifteen years. He
established the first newspaper at Des Moines, the Iowa Star Democratic, in June, 1849, issuing
the same from a double log cabin on what was then called 'Coon Row, hauling the press and
material of which the office was composed from Iowa City by team. He remained in charge of
the paper for nearly one year, when he turned it over to others for the purpose of devoting his
time exclusively to the land agency business and the practice of his profession, his business
having grown to such proportions as to demand his entire attention. In 1854 he was elected
Prosecuting Attorney for the county, which position he held until Judge Rice resigned the office
of County Judge, in July, 1855, when by virtue of his office as Prosecuting Attorney he became
County Judge, which position he filled until the latter part of August following. During the time
he served as Prosecuting attorney he never had an indictment quashed, and gained every suit but
one. He was elected mayor of the city in 1855, and served in that capacity for one term. He also
served as mayor of the incorporated town of Sevastopol for two terms, being elected at the time
the town was first incorporated. He took a very active part in the early settlement of Iowa, and
anything he could do in the pioneer days of the State to advance its interests was done with a
will. He has been a life-long Democrat, and when his party was in the ascendancy in Iowa he
took a very active part in political matters, striking many a hard and effectual blow in the interest
of true Democracy. He was united in marriage in October, 1856, to Mrs. Lucinda L. Rush.

HARROD, I. J.-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Scott county, Indiana, March
25, 1825, and there grew to manhood,. being raised on a farm. He made that county his home
until April 27, 1847, when he came to this county, and has since resided here. He lived in Des
Moines for a number of years, and was there engaged in the carpenter trade, and also in the
grocery business. In 1862 he moved upon his present farm, which consists of forty-five acres,
under good cultivation.. He has a good orchard, dwelling, etc. Has been twice married. First, in
1850, to Miss Minerva Owens, a native of the same county and State as himself: She died in
1852. They had one child, Mary M., deceased. He married again August 26, 1855, to Miss Sarah
A. Holcomb, a native of Ohio. They have lost one child, William. Mrs. H. is a member of the
Christian Church.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 905
HARGIS, H. C.-Farmer, stock raiser and fruit grower, section 35, P O. Des Moines. Was born in 
Pulaski county, Kentucky, in 1820, and when nine years of age his parents, Thomas and Navina
Hargis, moved to Edgar county; Illinois, and afterward to Coles county. They lived there for one
year, and then went to Monroe county, Indiana, and remained there but one summer, when he
went to Shelby county. There he grew to manhood and learned the trade of mechanic, which he
followed for seven years in that county. He then bought a farm there and engaged in farming for
two years. In October, 1853, he came where he now resides, and has since lived here. He was
married in 1842, in the State of Indiana, to Miss Elizabeth Kennedy, a native of Pennsylvania,
born in 1823. They have a family of three children living: Thomas F., Zachary T. and John H.
Have lost four daughters: Caroline, died March 3, 1848, Clara J., died February 1, 1862, and two
infants. Mr. Hargis is the owner of 408 acres of land, well improved. Mrs. Hargis is a member of
the Baptist Church.

HARGIS, ZACHARY T.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Shelby county,
Indiana, in 1851, and when very young accompanied his parents to where he now lives, and here
has been raised. He owns a farm of eighty acres. January 8, 1880, he married Flora E. Conklin,
daughter of Daniel and Sarah N. Conklin, of Webster county, Indiana. He has about 600 bearing
apple trees, and also a good residence on his farm.

HAYS, JOHN-Farmer and fruit grower, section 25, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Virginia, in
1815, and there lived until 1840, when he went to Davis county, Missouri, remaining there about
five years. He then came to this county, and in 1846 made a claim on the present site of Polk
City, where he remained for one year. Then moved to Saylorville, staying there two years, and
then to Des Moines, in 1849. In 1870 he moved on his present homestead of ninety-six acres. In
1848 he married Miss Martha Saylor, a native of Indiana. They have a family of four children
living: Mary (wife of J. L. Barns, of Hot Springs, Arkansas), William A., John F. and Charles F.
Have lost two: Henry C. and an infant. In 1860 he was elected Sheriff, and served for two years.
He is a member of the Pioneer Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 22, Des Moines. Mr. and Mrs. Hays
are members of the Baptist Church.

HOLCOMBE, RICHARD-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Des Moines. Was born November 3, 1807,
in New Jersey, and at the age of eight years, moved with his parents to Perry county, Ohio, where
he was raised on a farm. He lived there until 1846, and in the fall of that year he came to Des
Moines and built the first dwelling in that city. He owned seventy acres of land now known as
Holcomb's addition, which he laid out, and resided there until 1861, when he moved upon his
present farm. Owns 147 acres of land, well improved. He was elected a member of the first City
Council in Des Moines. Was married September 11, 1828, to Elizabeth H. Rose, daughter of
Ezekiel Rose, founder of Roseville, Ohio. She was born January 14, 1811. They had eleven
children, eight of whom are now living: William T., James F., Sarah A. (now Mrs. Harrod),
Hannah A. (now Mrs. McConkey), Jacob, Ezekiel M., Maria C. (now Mrs. J. C. McWilliams)
and John H. Lost three: Elizabeth J. (she was the third person who died in Des Moines), Asher
W. and Joseph B. Mrs. H. died January 28, 1872. She was a member of the M. E. Church, the
first one
806 BIOGRAPHICAL.
ever organized in the county. His daughter, Mrs. McWilliams, keeps house for him now.

JONES, B. T.-Farmer and stock raiser, section 22, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Montgomery
county, Maryland, in 1818, and there lived until he was nineteen years of age. He then moved to
Washington county, Indiana, where he resided until 1856. In the fall of that year he settled in Des
Moines, and there followed coopering. His shop was the first one of the kind opened in Polk
county. He lived at that place until 1869, when he moved upon his present farm, and now owns
eighty acres of land. He was married March 17,1847, to Miss Lucinda Hagins, a native of
Kentucky. They had a family of eight children: Bruce, Amanda, Lloyd, Truman, Lizzie, Lulu,
Lafayette and Irving. Mrs. Jones died at her home in this township at 2 o'clock PM. on the 21st of
February, 1880, of congestion of the lungs. She was born in Bath county, Kentucky, and when
quite young accompanied her parents to Jennings county, Indiana. In 1852 she united with the
Church of Christ, and her connection with that church lasted through a period of twenty-eight
years. She was an affectionate, kind and thoughtful mother, a true and faithful friend, and an
earnest and devoted member of the church of her choice. Her husband's birthday was near at
hand, and for him she had prepared a handsome present. Finding that her earthly life was drawing
to a close, she directed her daughter Lizzie to call her father and present this token of her wifely
affection. Taking an affectionate farewell of her husband and children, all of whom were present,
five boys and three girls, she closed her eyes on earthly scenes to open them in spirit-land, dying
with the cheering hope of a blissful immortality.

McKAY, Rev. URIAH-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Indiana, in 1821, and
at the age of seven years his parents, Uriah and Elizabeth McKay, moved to Kentucky, Spencer
county, that being their native State. There the subject of this sketch was raised, and followed
farming, which occupation he has principally engaged in up to the present. In 1846 he moved
back to Indiana, and settled first in Johnson and then in Putnam county, and there taught school.
In 1854 he left there and moved to Illinois, where he remained for fourteen years, and from
there came here in 1868, first settling on section 27 of this township. One year later he moved
upon his present farm, which consists of 140 acres. In 1857 he was married to Miss Mary A.
Billingsley, a native of Kentucky, born in1834. Their family consists of five children living:
Theodore W., Oscar R,., Edwin B., Arthur N. and Adelaide. Lost one son, Allen H. He and his
wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he has been a minister of that church for
twenty-five years, but has made his living by farming.

McRAE, KENNETH-Of the firm of White & McRae, proprietors of the Pleasant Hill Coal
Company, Sevastopol. Was born in Rosshire, Scotland, on the 24th of April, 1851, and was
raised on a farm. In 1870 he emigrated to the United States and located at Fort Dodge, this State,
and was there engaged in coal mining. He resided at that place for about six years, and in June,
1875, came to this county. He bought his present interest in January, 1878. His marriage was at
Fort Dodge, November 22, 1875, to Miss Mary Lang, a native of Canada West. She is of Scotch
descent. As a result of this union they have two sons: Harry and Walter S.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 907
MARTIN, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in the State of Ohio in
1826, and there remained, following farming, until 1851, when he moved to this county and
entered his present farm. Owns 200 acres of improved land, with an orchard of 1,000 apple trees.
He is one of the oldest settlers of the county, and has passed through the trials and hardships of
early life in a new country.' He has made the most of his property since coming here, and only by
hard work and economy. March 29, 1857, he was married to Miss Frances Updegrapf, who was
born in Indiana, in 1837. They have a family of six children living : John C., born Jan. 23, 1859,
Robert A., born June 14, 1859, Erie L., born Jan. 3, 1864, Lillie A., born Oct. 20, 1865, Carrie
M., born Sept. 28, 1869, and Georga F., born April 16, 1873. Lost one, Amos, born June 30,
1861, and died February 24, 1863.

MILLER, M. W.-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Des Moines. . Was born in 1824, in Franklin county,
Ohio, and at the age of sixteen his parents, Jessie and Hester Miller, moved to Grundy county,
Missouri, were he grew to manhood as a farmer, living there until 1861. Then moved to Warren
county, where he lived until 1866, and from there came to his present residence. Owns 120 acres
of land. In 1846 he married Miss C. Ray, a native of Tennessee. They have a family of seven
children living: Mary (now Mrs. Rhodes), Martha, Jennie, Abraham, Jacob, Ward and Sarah.
Have lost four: James, Hettie, John and Miranda. Mr. Miller has about 120 bearing apple trees,
and a good variety of small fruit. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

MITCHELL, D. R.-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Commerce Mills. Was born in Ohio, in 1824, and
when thirteen years of age accompanied his parents to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he was
raised. In the spring of 1854 he came to Iowa, settling in Des Moines county, and remained there
until 1867, when he settled on his present farm. He is the owner of over 600 acres of land, half of
which is under cultivation, the balance timber. Has 800 apple trees, a large amount of small fruit,
and a number of chestnut trees, bearing. His farm is well adapted to the feeding and raising of
stock, being well supplied with a number of ever-living springs. His father died in Des Moines
county, in October, 1856, and his mother died in March, 1865. He was married June 4, 1867, to
Miss Sarah J. Miller, a native of Hamilton county, Indiana. They have a family of nine children:
Mary E., William H., Clara R., Eliza E., Mattie L., Flora A., Ira M. and Justice A. and John C.
(twins).

MOORE, HENRY P.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Adams county, Ohio,
in 1827, and at the age of five years moved with his parents, Aaron and Nancy Moore, to Will
county, Illinois, where he lived until 1848. Then moved to Washington county, and remained
there for one year, and then went to Butler county, and improved a farm, living on the same for
fifteen years. In 1864 he came to this county, and first settled in Des Moines, where he lived for
two and a half years. He then moved to his present homestead, where he has since resided. He
owns sixty acres of land, with a large variety of fruit. Mr. Moore has been married three times.
First in 1854, to Miss Alvira J. Benight, a native of Indiana. By this union they had one child,
who is now dead. Mrs. M. died the December following, and he was married again November
15, 1855, to Miss Clarinda Bussey, a native of Ohio. They had two children, one, Harriet P.
Clifford, a resident of this county, now living, and one, Ira
908 BIOGRAPHICAL.
W., deceased. This wife died January 7, 1875, and he was married to his present wife, Miss
Martha Benight, a sister of his first wife. They have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are
members of the M. E. Church. The former is a member of the Pioneer Lodge, No. 22, A. F. and
A. M., Des Moines.

MUNZENMAIER, G.-Proprietor of the National Brewery, Sevastopol: Was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, November 27, 1831, and in 1854 emigrated to the United States, locating
in Lafayette, Indiana. There he resided for eleven months, and then came to this county, and since
1868 has been engaged in his present business. The brewery was built in 1857, and rebuilt in
1874. It has all the modern improvements, and the annual manufacture of beer per year is about
3,000 barrels. Mr. M. was married in his native country, March 26, 1854, to Miss Caroline Betz.
Their family consists of six daughters: Louisa (wife of Dr. H. Matter, of Polk City)) Caroline
(now Mrs. Jacob Huglin , Mollie (now Mrs. J. G. Munzenmaier, of this city), Paulina, Bertha and
Emma.

NICHOLSON, J. V.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in
1832, and at the age of four years his parents moved to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he was
raised. He lived there until 1859, and then went to Illinois, remaining about one year. In 1862 he
went to Oregon from Madison county, this State, and remained there about nine months, and
from there went to Idaho, farming for three seasons. He returned to Madison county on
horseback, and was two months and nine days on the road. In the spring of 1868 he settled upon
his present farm. Owns about 200 acres, all in cultivation except ten acres of timber. Has 380
apple trees and some small fruit. June 30, 1868, he married Miss Sarah A. Ross, a native of
Warren county, Ohio,. They have five children, four boys and one girl: Lewis E., Almeda, Otis,
Loran and Alva.

PARKER, T. W.-Farmer and stock raiser, section 28, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, on
the 11th day of January, 1823. In 1826 he was taken by his parents to Tippecanoe county,
Indiana, where he was raised a farmer, and has followed it as an occupation since that time. In
1854 he removed to Iowa and settled near Carlisle, Warren county. In 1865 he came to this
township and settled on section 35, and in 1868 moved where he now resides. His farm is one of
the best improved in the township, containing 350 acres. He has been twice married. First, to
Miss Eliza J. Kirk, in 1848. To them were born two children: Georga F., a prominent journalist
and at the present time one of the editors of the Indiana State Sentinel, at Indianapolis, and Rend,
deceased. Mrs. Parker died January 25, 1852. He was married again, in 1853, to Miss Mary
Updegraff, a native of Indiana. Their family consists of eight children: Rufus, Charlie, Libbie,
Walter A., H. Greeley, Frank, Harry and Lee.

REDDISH, J. R.-Farmer and stock raiser, section 24, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Kentucky,
February 26, 1825, and when sixteen years of age his parents, Ransom and Olive Reddish,
moved to Parke county, Indiana, where he resided until 1854. In the fall of that year he removed
to Warren county, where he improved eight different farms and lived there until 1876, when he
moved upon his present homestead of eighty acres. He has an orchard and a large grove of maple
trees. Has been twice married. First, in 1849, to Miss Ordalia Hamilton, a native of Indiana. By
this union they bad eleven children: Joseph F., Wallace N., Robert
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 909
R., Wesley, Flora J., Frank and Ira M., now living, and Samuel R., Nancy D., John W. and Laura
A., deceased. Mrs. R. died in Montgomery county, Kansas, August 16, 1871, and he was again
married, December 7, 1871, to Phebe McKinney, a native of Kentucky. They had one child,
Samuel A., now deceased. Mr. K. is a member of the I. O. O. F.

SCOTT, J. L.-Farmer and stock raiser, section 28, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Giles county,
Tennessee, January 12, 1813, and when a child moved with his parents to Crawford county,
Indiana. He remained there until 1820, and again moved, this time to Sangamon county, Illinois,
where he was raised on a farm. In 1835 he left there and came to Lee County, this State, took a
claim and remained for one year. He resided in various States, until 1838, when he settled in
Jefferson county, Iowa, and lived there until 1856. He was Sheriff of that county for five years,
being the first one elected in that county. He came to Des Moines in 1856, and made it his home
until 1868, when he settled on the place where he now resides. Owns 160 acres of land. His farm
is in a splendid state of cultivation and he has a comfortable dwelling and a large barn. He was
married, in 1839, to Miss M. A. Gilmer, a native of Kentucky, born in 1818. They have a family
of seven children living: Samantha (wife of James Embree), Iowa E. (wife of S. W. McElderry),
Dick, Frank, Wilson A., Caleb D. and Mary O. Have lost five: Cecil O., Sevastopol, Annie E.,
Annex T. and an infant, unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the Christian Church.

SMITH, JOHN C.-Fruit-grower, section 15, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Kentucky, in 1833,
and when a child moved with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois, and remained there until
seven years of age. His mother then dying, he was taken back to Kentucky. He resided in both
that State and Illinois until the year 1847, when he moved to Polk county, first settling nine miles
northeast of Des Moines. In September, 1849, he moved on the place where he now resides. He
owns an orchard of 1,200 bearing trees, 300 small trees and a large amount of small fruit and has
a good residence, etc. In 1863 he was married to Miss Emma Crane, a native of Indiana. They
have a family of seven children living: Lincoln G., William T., Jessie F., Charles F., Georgia,
Nellie and an infant. They have lost one, Clara. Mr. And Mrs. Smith are members of the
Christian ,Church.

SMITH, P.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Fulton county,
Illinois, June 6, 1835, and at the age of eleven years, came with his father to Polk county, and has
since lived here. He owns 440 acres of land, an orchard of 300 apple trees and some small fruit.
He was a member of company D, Second Iowa volunteer infantry, and served about two years.
Was wounded at Corinth, Mississippi, and was discharged from the effects of the wound. He was
married December 16, 1864, to Mrs. Catharine Handley, a native of Ohio, born April 18, 1835.
They have three children living: Josephine, Stella and Belle. Lost one, Theron. Mrs. S. had four
children by her former husband: William F., .James B. and Moses B., living, and Mary Belle,
deceased. This husband died December 19, 1861, and was an old settler of this township.

STANTON, JAMES-Farmer, fruit grower and nurseryman, section 19, P. O. Des Moines. Was
born March 25, 1824, in Illinois, and resided there until seventeen years of age. In the spring of
1842. he went to Indiana, where he lived for five years, with the exception of eighteen months
910 BIOGRAPHICAL.
served in the Mexican War. He was in company D, First Indiana volunteer infantry, under
Colonel Drake, and at the close of the war he returned to Indiana (August, 1847). He was there
married, March 9, 1848, to Miss Rebecca Lewsader, a native of that State. By this union they had
three children, one now living: Sarah J. (wife of H. A. Evans, of Kansas). Caroline and Rebecca
are deceased. Mrs. S. died March 22, 1852, in Des, Moines, and he married for his second wife
Miss Nancy A. Thralkill, a native of Missouri. By this union they have had ten children, of whom
six are living: Mary, Bell, Gideon W., Nellie A., Charlie and Robert. Lost four: Lillie, Thomas,
James R. and Edward M. Mr. Stanton has been a resident of this county for thirty-two years and
his wife for thirty-three years. Her father went to California in 1849, and in 1850 started home by
steamer. That was the last known of him, as he has never been heard from since. Have been
members of the Presbyterian Church for twenty years. He owns forty acres of land, thirty of
which are devoted to an orchard and nursery.

STANTON, M. H.-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Vermillion county,
Illinois, in 1833, and at the age of thirteen moved with his parents to his present farm, and here
he has been raised. His. mother died in 1875, at the age of seventy-two years. His father is still
living, being eighty-three years old, and makes his home with his son. He owns 160 acres of
improved land, has a good house and two barns and also an orchard of 450 apple trees. He was
married, in 1853, to Miss Serena Hocket, a native of Indiana. They have a family of five children,
four of whom are living: Ann J., Alice, Atlantic and Charles; and William R.,. deceased. During
the late war he enlisted in company C, Thirty-fourth Iowa infantry, serving in that company for
two years, and was then in company B of the same regiment, serving one year. Was in nine
different battles: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Yazoo City, Graham's Plantation, Ft. Morgan,
Blakely and Ft. Gaines.

TITUS, T. A.-Farmer and nurseryman, section 28, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Vermont in
1833, and there lived on a farm until 1856, then moved to Wapello county, this State, where he
remained until the winter of 1862, then settled in Des Moines and in the spring of 1863 located
where he now lives. He is situated two miles south of Des Moines. Has sixty acres of land,
twelve acres of nursery and fruit, and has on hand now a fine stock in his line. His land is all
under cultivation. Has been twice married. First, in December, 1872, to Sarah A. Fuller, a native
of New York. She died March 17, 1876. He was married again January 24, 1877,. to Miss Lorilla
Babcock, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1847. By this union they have one child, William H.,
born February 10, 1880. Mr. T. is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge No. 22.

TROWBRIDGE, W. D.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in
Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, in 1825, and was there raised in the mercantile business,
which he followed until 1855. In the spring of that year he moved to Des Moines, and for one
year was engaged in selling goods there. He moved on his present farm in 1856, but only lived on
the same for ten years, after which he returned to his native State, remaining for three years. He
again returned and bought the same place, where he has since resided. He owns 299 acres of
land. In 1851 he was married to Miss Frances A. Furst, a native of Clinton county, Pennsylvania,
born in 1829. Their family consists of four chil-
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP. 911
dren, living: John F. (a resident of Des Moines), Lewis S. (a farmer in Fremont county), Arthur
S. and Harry R. Joseph E. died in Pennsylvania June 10, 1865, aged three years. Robert M. was
killed July 31,1879, by the running of a horse while he was hunting cows the horse kicked him
after he was thrown. His age was nine and a half years. Charles W. died January 13, 1880, from
diphtheria, aged thirteen years. Mrs. Trowbridge is a member of the M. E. Church, while Mr. T. is
a member of the Presbyterian denomination.

VAN SLYCK, P. H.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Columbia county, New
York, in 1833, and was there raised, living there until 1857. Then went to Nebraska in a
surveying party and spent one summer there. At Omaha he enquired the fare to Decatur, 75 miles
by land and 150 by water, and was informed that it would cost thirteen dollars, just ten dollars
more than he possessed, so he walked and made quicker time than the boat. The same year, in the
fall, he came to Iowa and taught school in Marion county until 1858, and then went to Jasper
county and engaged in teaching until the spring of 1859. In the fall of that year he came to this
county and taught school in Elm Grove district until August, 1861, when he enlisted in company
K, Third Iowa cavalry, serving for three years. Was then promoted to captain of a colored
company and served in that capacity until the close of the war. August 29, 1861, he married Miss
M. E. Replogle, a native of Ohio. They have a family of six children, five of whom are living:
William J., Henry E., Nellie E., Bessie M. and Gertrude K. Have lost one, Louis L. In 1867 Mr.
Van Slyck was elected Sheriff, and in 1869 was re-elected on the Republican ticket. Has also
served as a member of the county Board of Supervisors. He owns forty acres of land.

WATROUS, CAPT. C. L.-Proprietor of Capital City Nurseries, section 21, P. O. Des Moines.
Was born January 13, 1837, in Brooklyn county, New York, where he grew to manhood. Lived
there until the year 1865, but from 1856 to '58 spent his time in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. In
1860 he graduated from the Cortland Academy of Homer, New York. Then in the fall of 1860
entered the junior class of the Michigan University of Ann Arbor. In 1861 he enlisted in company
D, Seventy-sixth New York volunteer infantry and was elected captain of that company. Was
wounded in the second battle of Bull Run, August 29, 1862, and on the 29th of December of that
year was mustered out for disability by order of the famous sixty days order of Gen. Halleck. He
graduated in 1862 from a college course, and also graduated at a law school of the same place in
March, 1865. In May of that year he went to Winchester, Virginia, and was elected attorney of
the Commonwealth, filled that office for three years, and then, owing to his failing health, caused
by his wound, he was obliged to give up his profession. In the spring of 1869 he came to Des
Moines, and has since been engaged in the nursery business. He has from forty to fifty acres in
general nursery stock. December 25, 1865, he was married to Miss Sophia Glover, a native of
New York. Their family consists of four children, living: Marion I., Philip J., Edward L. and
Charles A. In 1873 Mr. Watrous was elected director of the Horticultural Society and in 1879
was elected president, which office he now holds. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and
Grand Army of the Republic.
912 BIOGRAPHICAL.
WEBER, JOHN-Manager of the Sevastopol Coal Mines: Was born in Germany, September 7,
1837, and was there raised and educated until seventeen years of age, then emigrated to this
country and stopped in Ohio, remaining there about one year, when he removed to Rockford,
Illinois. There he resided about three years, being principally engaged in farming. In 1859 he
came to Des Moines and has since lived in this county, with two exceptions. He made two trips
to the mountains of Colorado and Montana, remaining for five years. In 1875 he became
interested in the Sevastopol Coal Mine. This mine produces about 100,000 bushels per annum
and employs about twenty men. Mr. Weber was married November 2, 1858, to Miss Louisa
Weber, a native of Germany. They have a family of six children: Louisa, Mena, Helen, John,
Charles and Caroline.

YOUNG, R. F.-Sevastopol. Was born in Germany, December 22, 1826, where he was raised. He
came to the United States in 1847, first locating in Philipsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was
engaged in clerking a short time. He went then to Pittsburgh, where he was engaged for three
years working at the locksmith trade, and in 1850 he took up his residence in Brownsville,
Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1857, during which time he was engaged in the
manufacture of soap. In the spring of 1857 he removed to Des Moines and has since been
principally engage in the manufacture of soap and candles. From 1863 to 1865 he was engaged in
the tannery and harness business. In February, 1867, he began keeping books for A. Mattes'
brewery, which position he held until 1878, when he became a partner in the business, remaining
until 1880. He was married June 21, 1849, to Mary Kleipstein. She was also born in Germany.
They have three children living: Amelia (now Mrs. John Lewis), Ida and Edward A. Have buried
two children: Charles H. and Robert. Mr. Y. was largely instrumental in the incorporation of the
town in which he resides, and has, ever since it was incorporated, been a member of the town
council.
GRANT TOWNSHIP
BARLOW, MRS. GEORGIA A.-Wife of John Barlow, deceased, who was born in Shelby
county, Indiana, March 4, 1828. On the 27th of March, 1850, he was married to Georgia Ann
West, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, September 25, 1827. Mr. Barlow died February
16, 1873, leaving five children, of whom two are living: Lewis William and Indiana F. Lost
three: Martha E., Mary Ann (wife of Anderson Winterrowd), and Maria V. Mrs. Barlow owns
150 acres of land well improved and in good cultivation. She came to this county in 1848, and
came to reside permanently in 1850, and has since resided here.

BENNETT, WILLIAM S.-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born May 22, 1819, in
Fairfield county, Connecticut. Received a common school education, and in his sixteenth year
moved to Buffalo, New York, residing there one year, then went to Chicago, Illinois, and
remained until the spring of 1856, when he came to Des Moines, Iowa. He owns 125 acres of
land, upon which are the noted mineral springs known as Deep Rock Springs, a favorite resort
for invalids. He was married January 6, 1847, to Miss Marietta S. Shepard, a native of Hamilton
county, New York. They have had five children, two of whom are now living at
GRANT TOWNSHIP. 913
home: Julia M. (wife of F. S. Plumb, a native of New York) and Albert A. (twenty-five years of
age).

BROWN, STEPHEN A.-Farmer, section 4, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in New Hampshire
January 26, 1835, and lived there until twenty-three years of age. He received a common school
education, and in 1858 came to this county, where he has since resided, owning thirty-two acres
of land, well improved. He was married August 27, 1863, to Miss Maria L. Knox, of this county.
They have six children, all living. His father was born in Strafford, New Hampshire, and served
in the Revolutionary War. His mother was born in the same place.

DEAN, JOHN S.-Deceased. Grandfather of J. H and D. P. Dean. Was born August 9, 1797, in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He moved from there to Pelpee, Ohio, and thence to Ross
county, where he lived until he came to this county, November 1, 1847. On moving from
Pennsylvania to Ohio he went by raft on the Ohio river. When he first came here he entered 318
acres of land, running north of Court Avenue in East Des Moines. The First Presbyterian Church
was organized in his house in 1848, north of Walnut street, on the bank of the river, near where
Grupe & Turner's boiler shop now stands. Of the denomination he was a charter member. He
built the first steam saw and grist mill in the county, known as Shepard & Perrior's mill, in 1849,
hauling the machinery from the Mississippi river. He departed this life on the 25th day of
December, 1878.

DEAN, MRS. ANN-Section 1, P. O. East Des Moines. Widow of the late Abram S. Dean, who
was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 9, 1820, was raised on a farm and received a common
school education. When twenty-two years of age he was married to Ann Welshimer, a native of
Virginia. Lived there until 1847, and then came upon the place where she now resides on the 1st
day of November, where she has since lived. Mr. Dean died January 25, 1859, at the age of
thirty-nine years and sixteen days. Mrs. Dean was born in Virginia, February 16, 1819, and was
married in her twenty-third year. She has three children, and lives with one son, David P. Dean,
on the old homestead; it consists of 220 acres, which were entered from the government when
they first came. David P. Dean was born on his present homestead, February 16, 1852, and was
married August 22, 1876, to Miss Jennie Brattain, a native of Henry county, Indiana.

DEAN, JAMES H.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Ross county, Ohio,
January 12, 1843, and at the age of four years came to this county and has lived on this section
ever Since. The land upon which he now resides was entered from the government by his father.
He owns forty-nine acres well improved. He received the advantages of the common schools, and
when twenty-two years of age was married to Miss Sarah A. Blatchley, a native of Connecticut.
They have six children, five of whom are now living. September 19, 1862, he enlisted in
company C, Twenty-third Iowa volunteer infantry, and was mustered out at Harrisburg, Texas,
July 26, 1865. Participated in the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion's Hill, Black River
Bridge, Milliken's Bend, Vicksburg, Metagorda Island, Texas, and Spanish Fort.

FINCH, JAMES H.-Farmer, section 1,-P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Ross county, Ohio,
January 1, 1822, and was married to Miss Sarah J. Dean, of the same place, when twenty-four
years of age. He was
914 BIOGRAPHICAL.
left an orphan at the age of six years, and the care of the family fell upon him. He lived in Ohio
until November, 1847, when he came to this township, being forty days on the road. He entered
240 acres of land on section 1, the first river land entered in this county. He and his brother have
lived on this land ever since. The former owns 130 acres, well improved. Has raised a family of
ten children, three of whom are dead. Four sons are living, and all are married and living in this
county. One daughter, Martha, was born in Ohio, and is now Mrs. George W. Smith, of this
county. Mr. Finch was one of the founders of the First Presbyterian Church of Des Moines, in the
year 1848 (June). He was one of the charter members, and the first trustee of the Agency burying
ground, located on section 6 of this township.

FREDREGILL, J. J.-Farmer, section 5, P. 0. East Des Moines. Was born in Bedford county,
Pennsylvania, October 22, 1824, and when four years of age removed to Crawford county, Ohio.
He received a common school education, and when about twenty-five years of age was married
to Miss Nancy Deachtal, a native of Wayne county, Ohio. They lived there until the 19th of
October, 1854, when they started for this county by wagon and were twenty-four days on the
road. They are the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom are now living in this township.
One son, John W., now lives on the farm with his father. Mr. Fredregill's father, who lives in
Sabina county, Missouri, was born in France and is eighty-nine years of age. His mother was
born in Germany, and is eighty-four years, of age. He owns forty-nine acres of land. Has held all
the township offices in the township.

GREEVER, J. M.-Farmer, section 1, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Augusta county, Virginia,
June 19, 1832, and when four years of age moved to Coles county, Illinois, where he resided until
1864. He then came to Iowa, locating in Decatur county, and was married to Mary E. Witter, a
native of St. Joseph county, Indiana, and born May 6, 1843. They have four children, one is dead.
In 1865 he came upon his present farm; and here has since resided, owning twenty-one acres of
improved land. He has been school clerk ever since his residence in the township. Mr. and Mrs.
Greever are members of the Christian Church.

HARVEY, LYSANDER-Farmer, section 5, P. 0. East Des Moines. Was born in Shelby county,
Indiana, June 1,1834, received a limited common school education, and when fourteen years of
age moved with his father, Samuel Harvey, to the place where he now resides. The former
entered 190 acres of land where the son lives, and died at the age of forty-two years. Our subject
was married, June 30, 1853, to Rachel Roberts, a native of Ohio. Eight children were born to
them, of whom five are living. Mrs. Harvey died April 15, 1867, and he married again, October
3, 1869, Miss Laura A. Fredregill, a native of Ohio. They had three children, two are now living.
This wife died June 11, 1875, and he married for his third wife Nancy Enichs, a native of
Missouri, on the 3d of October, 1875. They have had two children, one now living. He has one
daughter, Eliza J., who is now Mrs. James Henderson, of this township. Mr. Harvey has been
township trustee for three terms.

HARRIS, P. W.-Proprietor of Deep Rock Springs, section 12, P. 0. East Des Moines. Was born
in Henry county, Indiana, May 12, 1829, and remained there until seven years of age, when he
moved to Vermillion county, Illinois, and from there to Grundy county, Missouri. In the spring
GRANT TOWNSHIP. 915
of 1846 he moved to Polk county. He was married here when twenty-four years of age to Miss
Jemima Harvey, a native of Indiana. They are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are
now living. The eldest son, Samuel H., is married and living in Dallas county, the others are at
home. Mr. Harris' father, John Harris, was born in Carolina and died in this county, in 1864, at
the age of sixty-six years, he having entered the land where M. W. Harris and C. Thornton, his
son-in-law, now live, from the government in 1847. P. W. Harris is now proprietor of the Deep
Rock Springs. He owns the hotel connected with the springs. It contains about forty rooms, all
told, good bathing, having either warm or cold baths, and in every particular it is a first-class
hotel for all persons. While a boy he had but a common school education and that only what he
obtained at night, after working hard all day.

HARRIS, M. W.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Henry county, Indiana,
November 19, 1826, and in January, 1847, came to this county. He has spent one and one-half
years in Indiana and five and one-half years in California, and with that exception has resided
here since he first came. Owns 62-1/2 acres of land, under cultivation, with good orchard, etc. He
was married, November 7, 1865, to Mrs. Harriet Gill, a native of Pleasant county, Virginia. By
this union they have eight children: Anna M., Maggie M., Laura M., Lina L. and James E., living,
and three deceased: Luella, Jonas C. and an infant. His father, John Harris, was one of the first
settlers of Agency Prairie. Mrs. H. has one child by her former marriage, Fannie.

HENDERSON, JAMES-Farmer, section 18, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in this county on
the 9th day of October, 1848, on the place where he now lives with his mother. He was educated.
in the common school. His father, T. J. Henderson, now deceased, entered the land from the 
government. Owns 117 acres of improved land and 20 acres of timber in Four Mile township.
February 4, 1875, he was married to Miss Eliza Jane Harvey, daughter of  L. Harvey, of this
township. She is a native of this county. They have one child.

HENDERSON, ABRAM-Farmer, section 7, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Wayne county,
Indiana, and when two years of age came to this county, where he has since resided on the old
homestead. He owns eighty acres of land in this township, and twelve acres in Four Mile
township, all improved. When twenty-five years of age he was married to Miss Clarissa Hughes,
daughter of David Hughes, of this county. She is a native of Morgan county, Ohio. They have
five children, four now living at home.

HENDERSON, ELIZA-Wife of Thomas J. Henderson, deceased. Was born in Wayne county,
Indiana, in January, 1814, and after a time settled on the land where she now resides, her husband
having entered it from the government. She owns ninety-three acres of land, all well improved.

HUGHES, DAVIS-Farmer, section 7, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Morgan county, Ohio,
July 19, 1824, and at the age of twenty-six years came to this county. He was educated in the
common schools. Was married, in 1845, to Miss Margaret E. Reed, a native of Morgan county,
Ohio. They have had eleven children, seven now  living. Three of them are married: Clarrissa
(wife of Abram Henderson, of this township Frances Mary (wife of Harry C. Lawson, living in
Kansas), and one son, Manuel
916 BIOGRAPHICAL.
(now in his thirty-first year, living in this county). He owns eighty acres of land, all well
improved.

LAMB, NEWTON-Farmer, section 17, P. O. East Des Moines. The subject of this sketch is a
native of Wayne county, Indiana, and was born August 11,1818. He received his early education
from the common schools while the seats were merely slabs. When twenty-three years of age he
moved to Jefferson county, this State, and from there came to this county in the winter of 1845.
He entered three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government in the fall of 1849. He
then (1845) lived between two Indian villages, one the Fox village, about one mile below on the
river, and the Hardfish village, where the noted Bennett Spring now is. Mr. Lamb's father came
to this county at an early day, and farmed for the government on the land where the pork houses
now stand in Des Moines.  Lived here for about four years and moved to Lee county, leaving his
son (our subject) here. The latter was here for about two years, marketing to the soldiers at Fort
Des Moines before he made it his home. He was here at different times until he moved his family
here. Mr. Lamb's experience of his first trip to the Raccoon Fork was quite thrilling. There were
but few houses on the road between Oskaloosa and this place. The former city was designated by
a pole set up, a man by the name of Canfield living there. The next house he came to was where
Pella now stands, and the next one near where Monroe now is, known as Tool's Point. Those
were the only shopping points from Jefferson county to this place. When he and his family were
back on a visit the wolves were so numerous that they ate all his poultry. He owns 160 acres of
land, the same that he entered when he came. He was married in Wayne county, Indiana,
February 4, 1841, to Miss Caroline Evans, a native of Clermont county, Ohio. They are the
parents of fourteen children, nine living. Three boys and two girls are married: Harriet (now Mrs.
James A. Garrett, now living in Kansas), Fannie (wife of J. D. Finch, of this township). One son
is living in Leadville, one near Dallas Center, one in Oregon, and the remainder at home, except
one son, Henry, who is in Four Mile township.

MARICLE, LAUDOWICK-Farmer, section 17, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Pennsylvania, April 3, 
1812, and was raised in New York until twenty-two years of age. In 1836 he came to Iowa and settled 
in Webster county. In March, 1880, he moved to Polk county. He owns forty acres of land all improved. 
He was married here December 22, 1848, to Miss Barbara Miller, a native of Pennsylvania. They have 
nine children, six now living. Two sons are married and living at home, one son in Webster county 
and one in Grand View attending school.
MARK, M. W.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Ross county, Ohio, July
2, 1829, where he resided until seventeen .years of age. He received a common school education
and in 1846 moved to Burlington, this State, and from there went to Illinois. In 1866 he left that
State and came here. He was married in Henderson county, Illinois, November 25,1847, to Miss
Sarah Watson, a native of New York, but raised in Illinois. They are the parents of nine children,
five now living. One daughter, Mary, is now the wife of O. D. Shoop, of this county. Since
residing in this county he has held several offices in the township.

NEWCOMER, PETER-Farmer, section 18, P. O. East Des Moines, one of the first settlers of
Polk, county, was born in Washington county, Maryland, on the 29th day of August, 1812, and in
1837 removed
GRANT TOWNSHIP. 917
to Wayne county, Indiana, and after a short residence here removed to Ohio, and thence to
Jefferson county, Iowa. In 1843 he came to this county, nearly three years before settlers were
permitted to locate here, special permission being given Mr. Newcomer to make a claim in
consideration of his building a bridge over Four Mile Creek, and he has continued to reside here
since that date. It is impossible, in the limited space we have, to recount the hardships of this
sturdy pioneer and his family in the early days of their settlement, and the rising generation can
but faintly realize how much they are indebted to those who were the early settlers of the county.
Mr. Newcomer now owns a farm of 320 acres. He was married in Jefferson county, Iowa, in
1842, to Miss Rosanna Lamb, a native of Wayne county, Indiana, but a resident of Iowa, her
father coming here the same year and same time that the subject of this sketch came. By this
union they have two children: Catharine (wife of Thomas McConklin, living at the old
homestead) and Anna (now Mrs. James Mills, of Bloomfield township). To illustrate some of the
early inconveniences, he had to go 140 miles to mill. His first churn was made of bark peeled
from a sapling.

PRENTICE, MRS. LUCY A.-Section 9, P. O. East Des Moines, widow of the late F. R. Prentice,
who was born January 2, 1815, in Otsego county, New York. In 1836 he came with his father's
family to McDonough county, Illinois, and in 1853 came to this county and lived in Franklin
township. During the troubles with the Mormons he was is Nauvoo. He removed to Mills county
in 1856 but returned and reoccupied his old farm until 1865, at which time he purchased the farm
on which he died. He was married, in the year 1843, to Miss Lucy Ann Kirk, a native of Marion
county, Kentucky. She moved to McDonough county in the year 1840. To them were born nine
children, five boys and four girls. The eldest son, Pitt, is in Franklin township, and D. N. F. is
living in Kansas. The remainder are at home. The family reside on the old homestead, which
consists of 173 acres, all well improved. Father Prentice became a member of the Masonic order
at Glenwood, Mills county, of which he remained a worthy member until his death. He was
always favorable to the Christian religion. leading a moral, honest and upright life, although not
making a profession of religion until last March. At that time he became more deeply interested
and resolved, after much thought, and reflection, to make a public declaration of his faith, and
was accordingly immersed by D. R. Ellis. From this period until his death he seemed wholly
absorbed in his new profession, spoke much of his decease and longed to depart to that better
land.

SIMS, L. D.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Pickaway county, Ohio,
September 22, 1816, and came to this county by wagon. He was thirty-four days on the road and
reached here on the 28th of October, 1848. He was married to Miss Christiana Bowshier, a native
of the same place as himself. She died August 11, 1857, leaving nine children. Seven are now
living- A. B. (living in Rising Sun), G. C. (lives in East Des Moines), Sarah  wife of Jackson
Henderson, of Cass county, this State), Matilda (wife of Jerry Winterrowd, deceased), the
remainder being at home. Mr. Sims served during the Mexican War in the Fourth Ohio infantry,
company E, and also as wagon-master, for six months, in the Fourth Iowa infantry. He is the
owner of 140 acres of well improved land.
918 BIOGRAPHICAL.
THORNTON, CALVIN-Farmer, section 6, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Vermillion
county, Illinois, January 7, 1830, and in the fall of 1849 came to this county and has since resided
here. He is a cabinet maker by trade and in his early days followed the carpenter business. He
now owns an excellent farm of about 230 acres, with good improvements. Was married, January
1, 1854, to Miss Annette Harris, a native of Henry county, Indiana, born March 15, 1831. They
have seven children: Nancy E. (wife of Jonas Henderson), Jerome B., Ida Jane (now Mrs. W. R.
Wilkins, of Audubon county), Laura V., Alta M., Viola and Maud.

WARNOCK, J. G.-Farmer, section 4, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Belmont county,
Ohio, August 8, 1836, and resided there until twenty-two years of age. Educated in the common
schools. He was married, about the year 1858, to Miss Rebecca Milligan, of the same county.
They have had ten children, of whom six are now living in this county. He served for two years
in the Missouri State militia, and has resided in this county about four years.

WILKINS, RESIN-Farmer, section 7, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Belmont county,
Ohio, April 8, 1824, and in the fall of 1845 moved to New Orleans. In the spring of 1846, came
to this county, and has since resided here. July 5, 1848, he was married to Miss Martha J.
Henderson, a native of Wayne county, Indiana. She is a daughter of Thomas J. Henderson,
deceased, of this county. They are the parents of nine children, all living: Eliza E. (wife of
Jerome Thornton, now living in Audubon county, this State), Will R. (also living in the same
county), Robert H. (living in Nebraska), the remainder of the children are at home. November 1,
1861, he enlisted in company B, Fifteenth regiment Iowa volunteers, and was mustered out, as
second-lieutenant of his company, in March, 1863. He participated in the battles of Shiloh,
Corinth and Iuka, beside numerous skirmishes. He owns 153 acres of well-improved land and
also a house and lot on the East Side, in Des Moines.

WILKINS, J. N.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born January 24, 1836, in Knox
county, Ohio. Received a common school education, and in his twenty-fourth year came to this
county. He has since resided here, and now owns 80 acres of well-improved land. He was
married, on the 27th of October 1859, in this county, to Miss Frances M. Henderson, daughter of
the late Thomas J. Henderson, of this county. She is a native of Indiana. They have six children,
three of them living at home.
FOUR MILE TOWNSHIP.
BARLOW, THOMAS E.-Farmer, section 2, P. O. Rising Sun. Among the prominent and
successful farmers of Polk county is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Shelby county,
Indiana, and was born March 29, 1829. Made that county his home until about twenty-two years
of age and had all the advantages of a common school education. He was there married to Miss
Eliza J. Bonner, January 10, 1850. She is a native of the same place. They came to this county in
June, 1852, by wagon, and were one month on the road. Entered 230 acres of land from the
government in this township, and he is now the owner of 200 acres, all well improved. They have
one daughter, Mary (now Mrs. A. B. Sims). The career of Mr. Barlow has been both honorable
and successful, and he has always enjoyed
FOUR MILE TOWNSHIP. 919
the confidence and respect of the community in which he has resided. Every good cause receives
his hearty support.

BARLOW, JESSE-Farmer, section 3, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born in Shelby county, Indiana,
May 6, 1834, and when in his eighteenth year removed from there to this county, where he has
since resided. He received a common school education. Was married in this county to Miss Lucy
J. Madden, a native of Pennsylvania. They have had four children, two of whom are now living
at home.

BURK, ALEXANDER-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born April 10, 1832, in the
State of Virginia, and when two years of age was taken to Adams county, Illinois. From there he
came to this county in the fall of 1844, settling in Beaver township. In 1877 he moved upon his
present homestead of fifty acres of well-improved land. He has been twice married. First to Miss
Harriet Shaw, a native of Wapello county, this State. She died May 30, 1876, leaving six children
living, and he married for his second wife Miss Olive Rooker, a native of New York, but raised
here. They have two children living.

CREWSE, J. C.-Farmer, section 14, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born in North Carolina, February
4,1842, and when eight years of age moved to Hendricks county, Indiana, received a common
school education, and there he lived until the fall of 1860, since which time he has for the most
part lived in this county. He was married in this county, about the year 1861 ,to Miss Sarah F.
Boatwright, a native of Indiana. They had nine children, six of whom are living, all at home. He
is the owner of 140 acres of land.

ELLIS, Rev. D. R.-Minister and farmer, section 3, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born in Orleans county,
New York, August 3, 1841, and made that place his home until ten years of age, when he moved
to Marshall county, Illinois. In the spring of 1855 he came to this county. He never had any but a
common school education. He owns 177-1/2 acres of land. December 23, 1865, he married Miss
M. J. Ellis, a native of Wisconsin. They are the parents of seven children, five now living. Mr.
Ellis is pastor of the Christian Church. He preaches at four regular places, Rising Sun being the
principal place of worship. That church was organized under his jurisdiction and has about eighty
members.

JOHNSON; R. B. and G. M.-Farmers, section 1, P. O. Rising Sun, sons of Samuel A. Johnson,
of Valley township, this county, and were born in Knox county, Ohio. In the fall of 1853 they
moved to this county and have resided here ever since. They received their education in the
common schools. They are owners of ninety acres of well-improved land.

LEFTWICH, CHARLES-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Rising Sun. Intimately associated with the
early history and struggles of this county, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in
Breckenridge county, Kentucky, on the 5th day of April, 1820, and until eighteen years of age
lived in his native State. In 1838 he removed to Van Buren county, Iowa, where he lived until
1846, when he carne to this county and made a claim near where he now resides, moving his
family in November of that year. He owns a farm of 333 acres in a good state of cultivation, and
a fine forest grove of forty acres adds much to its appearance and value. Mr. Leftwich was
married January 7, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth Oglevie. She was born in Harrison county, Indiana,
November 5, 1827. They have a family of eight
920 BIOGRAPHICAL.
children living: George W., Zachary T. (both living in Nebraska), Thomas E., Annette, Jerry T.,
May, Rose and Laura D. Have lost five: Eliza J., Ruth E., Catharine E., James R. and John R.

MARTIN, DR. I. W.-Eclectic physician and surgeon Rising Sun. Was born in Tippecanoe county,
Indiana, November 11, 1838, and at the age of four years moved to La Porte county, same State,
residing there until 1856. He then moved to Dallas county, this State, where he remained until
1860, and then went to Chicago, Illinois. While there he studied medicine with Dr. J. R. Duncan,
and graduated from the Bennett Medical College in the spring of 1875. That same year he came
to the place where he now resides. He has a good practice and is well liked by all. He was
married in Dallas county, August 12, 1860, to Hannah J. Rigg, who was born in Guernsey
county, Ohio, August 31, 1837. They have two children living: Walter (born March 28, 1867),
and Maudie (born June 26, 1874). Lost two: Eddie (born September 20, 1864, died July 20,
1866). Their eldest daughter was born May 14,1861, and died September 20,1864.

MOSTELLER, DR. E. C.-Physician, Rising Sun. Was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, June
22, 1845, and was twenty-two years of age when he moved to Neosho county, Kansas. There he
lived for three years, and in 1870 came to this county, where he has since resided. Having made
choice of medicine as a profession he commenced its study and attended lectures at the Rush
Medical College of Chicago, and also at an eclectic school, graduating from the Eclectic Medical
Institute of Cincinnati. He practices some in both schools, enjoys a good business, and is well
respected by all who know him. During the late war he was mustered into the. service in
September, 1861, in the Tenth Illinois cavalry, and was discharged for disability at Camp Butler
in 1863. Was mostly in detached service, and in 1864 was mustered into the One Hundred and
Twenty-eighth Illinois infantry and served to the close of the war. Dr. Mosteller is of
acknowledged ability as a physician, and he is a welcome visitor in the sick room. Was married
August 22, 1869, to Miss Love Bell Holliday, a native of Muscatine county, Iowa. She died
November 12, 1870, at Medoc, Jasper county, Missouri, leaving one child, Resin, who died
February 2, 1871. His second marriage was to Rachel, daughter of Eliza Wicker, of Camp
township; March 6,1872. She was born in this county October 9, 1851. They are the parents of
four children; Love N. (born January 11, 1873, died April 5, 1873), Eva (born June 2, 1874),
Maud (born August 15, 1877), and Lottie (born July 6, 1879).

SIMS, A. B.-Farmer, section 2, P.O. Rising Sun. Was born in this county January 30, 1849, and
has resided here since. He is the owner of 196 acres of land. He married Miss F., daughter of
Thos. E. Barlow, of this county. She was born in Indiana.

STUART, LEVEN-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born May 10, 1838, in Putnam
county, Indiana, and lived there until two years of age, when he accompanied his parents to
Adams county, Illinois. He received a common school education, and in March, 1847, came to
this county, where he has since resided. He owns 157 acres of land, well improved. He was
united in marriage with Miss Nancy Carter, a native of Wayne county, Indiana. They are the
parents of five children, four are now living at home.

STUART, BAZEL-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born in Adams county, Illinois, and
at the age of two years moved to Polk
FOUR MILE TOWNSHIP. 921
county and has resided here since. He received a common school education. September 19, 1862,
he was mustered into the service in company C, Twenty-third Iowa infantry, participated in the
battles of Champion's Hill; Port Gibson, Black River, Vicksburg and Spanish Fort, beside
numerous skirmishes. He was mustered out in 1865. October 27, 1868, he was married to Miss
Sarah Ann Woodard, a native of Macoupin county, Illinois. They are the parents of five children,
all of whom are living. He owns 160 acres of well-Improved land.

STUART, J. W.-Farmer, section 6, P. 0. Rising Sun. Was born in Adams county, Illinois,
October 16, 1841, and in March, 1847, came to this county, living here since. He owns 100 acres
of land, well improved. He was married to Miss E. C. Arney, a native of Indiana. She died March
25, 1878, aged thirty years. They had three children, two now living at home. September 19,
1862, he enlisted in company C, Twenty-third Iowa infantry, and was mustered out in 1865. He
participated in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg,
Esperanza, Texas, and Spanish Fort, beside many skirmishes.

STUART, ELIZABETH-Farmer, section 1, P. 0. Rising Sun. Was born in Roanoke county,
North Carolina, August 13, 1815, and when fourteen years of age moved to Clark county,
Indiana. From there she went to Adams county, Illinois, and to this county, in March, 1847. She
married, June 14, 1844, to David Stuart, who was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, Sept 15,
1811, and died November 28, 1865, on the farm she now occupies. This farm he entered from the
government, and it consists of eighty acres of land. She has had eleven children, nine of whom
are living. Two daughters, single, are living at home.

WINTERROWD, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 6, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born October 8,
1847, and when four years of age came to this township and has lived here ever since. Was
educated in the common schools, and now owns eighty acres of well-improved land. September 6,
1876, he was married to Miss Sarah Arney, a native of Huntington county, Indiana. They have
one child living.

WINTERROWD, ANDERSON-Farmer, section 12, P. 0. Rising Sun. Is the son of J. F.
Winterrowd, of East Des Moines, and was born in this county on the place where he now resides,
June 25, 1856. He has lived here ever since, and was married, October 31, 1876, to Miss Mary A.
Barlow, who died March 16, 1879. He owns eighty acres of land, all well improved.
ALLEN TOWNSHIP.
DEATON, JAMES P.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 28, P. 0. Avon. Was born in Kentucky,
January 6, 1820, and at the age of nine years moved with his parents, Louis and Agnes Deaton, to
Morgan county, Indiana, in the year 1828. He there lived on a farm until February, 1844, when he
came to this State, settling first in Marion county. Lived there until the 3rd of October, 1847,
when he came to Polk county, locating where he now resides. He is the owner of 843 acres of
well-improved land, large and well-arranged house and barn. December 8, 1843, he was married,
in Indiana, to Miss Elizabeth Lang, a native of that State. They have a family of nine children
living: Louisa (wife of Henry Taylor), Noah M., Clay-
922 BIOGRAPHICAL.
ton A., Thomas J., Newton, Ellis, Juliet (wife of John Rothfuss), Eldora and Rosella. His third
child was born here on the 1st of March, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Deaton are members of the
Christian Church.

DEATON, N.-Station agent and postmaster and dealer in groceries, Avon. Was born in Allen
township, this county, in the year 1854. Here he has grown to manhood, a farmer, and has since
lived here. He commenced his present business about one year ago. In 1875 he was married to
Tena Rothfuss, a native of Germany. They have one child, Carrie, born in 1877. Mr. Deaton
owns the depot building and also a good residence. He has 160 acres of land in Audubon county,
this State, part of which is improved.

FISHER, PAUL-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Avon. Was born in 1834 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and
at the age of six years moved with his parents near Terre Haute, the same State, and resided there
for one year, then went to Clark county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, residing on a farm
until 1855. On the fifth of October, of that year, he came to this township, where he has since
lived. He was the first settler on the bottom in which he now lives, known as the Des Moines
Valley, owns a fine farm of 210 acres. June 10, 1858, he was married to Miss Sarah Edwards, a
native of Indiana. They have a family of nine children, six of whom are living: Cornelius J.,
Marion, Paul, Colom H., Michael and Filena M. Have lost three: William, Ephraim and Sarah.

HURD, WILLIAM P.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 31, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in
Kentucky, October 24, 1828, and when young his parents, Joshua and Elizabeth Hurd, moved to
Montgomery county, Indiana, and he was there raised, living on a farm until he came here, in the
year 1839. He entered his land when he was yet a single man and has since resided here, being
one of the pioneer settlers in the township. He has 200 acres of well-improved land and one of
the best houses in the township. He was in the Mexican War, in company I, Fifth Indiana
volunteers, and served for nine months. Was also in the late war, enlisting. in company B,
Thirty-ninth Iowa volunteer infantry . Served about three years and was mustered out at the close
of the war. Participated in the battles of Parker's Cross Roads, Tennessee, and Altoona. At this
battle he was taken prisoner and confined in Melon prison, Georgia, for sixty days. Was paroled
at Savannah, Georgia. November 1, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary H. Keeney, a native of
Indiana. They have a family of five children living: Castella, Samantha, Catharine, Rose Ellen
and Lizzie. Have lost one, John W.

KRYSHER, LEVI-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Avon. Was born in Pennsylvania in
1828, and at an early age was taken by his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Krysher, to Knox county,
Ohio, where he continued to reside until the year 1850, and in the fall of that year he came to this
county and settled where he now resides. He is the owner of 360 acres of land, well improved.
March 24, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Bender, a native of Pennsylvania,
born in 1834. They have a family of three children, living: Amanda (wife of Newton Warnock, of
Guthrie county, Guthrie P. O.), Ora and Clara. Have lost two: John died in Colorado August 6,
1876, and Francis died in 1863, aged one year. Mrs. K.'s parents were natives of Germany. Her
mother is yet living at the advanced age of seventy years, in Warren county. Mr. K. served as
justice of the peace for twenty-one years, and was offered the
ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 923
office for another term but refused to qualify. He is at present a member of the Board of
Supervisors, having been elected in 1879. He has filled many other offices at the gift of the
people of the township. Both he and Mrs. K. are members of the United Brethren Church.

LANG L. D.-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Avon. Was born in Morgan county, Indiana, in 1842.
When be was twelve years old his parents came to this township, and he has lived here ever
since, with the exception of one year spent in Nebraska, one in Kansas, and six years spent in
Montgomery county, Texas. During the late war he enlisted in company C, Twenty-third Iowa
volunteer infantry, and served for three years, being mustered out at the close of the war. He
participated in the battles of Champion's Hill, one near Port Gibson, Raymond, Black River
Bridge, Siege of Vicksburg, Milligan's Bend, Fort Esperanza, Texas, and Spanish Fort, Alabama.
He owns ninety-three acres of land, fifty-five acres of which are in cultivation, the balance being
timber. In 1866 he was married to Miss Nancy Edwards, a native of Indiana, but an old resident
of this county. Their family consists of six children: Halleck W., Roscoe A., ,Charlie F., James,
Jesse and Paul, all living. Mr. Lang is a member of G. A. R., Joe Hooker Post, No. 21.

LANG, JAMES-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Avon. Was born April 10, 1806, in Kentucky, and
when but two years of age was taken by his parents, Elijah and Christina Lang, to Ohio. When he
was sixteen years of age they moved to Morgan county, Indiana (in 1822). There he resided on a
farm until 1853, when he settled near the place he now occupies, and in October, 1865, moved
upon his present farm. He is the owner of 170 .acres of well-improved land. December 18, 1834,
he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Deaton, a native of Kentucky. She was born October
8, 1816, and is a daughter of Louis and Agnes Deaton. Their family consists of six children,
living: John C., Daniel R., Louis D., William, Emily (wife of Jno. Keeling, a resident of this
township), and Amanda (wife of C. A. Carlson, of Red Oak). Have lost one child, Alfred. They
are members of the Christian Church. For persons of their age Mr. and Mrs. Lang are enjoying
good health. They have lived together for forty-six years and are greatly attached to each other,
being scarcely ever seen unless in company with each other.

McGLOTHLEN, W. T.-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Avon. Was born in 1853, one-half mile
northwest of his present location, where he has grown to manhood, a farmer, since living here.
His father died April 28,1878. He owns forty-eight acres of land, all of which is in cultivation,
upon which he has 171 apple trees. He was married in 1874, to Miss May Scott, a native of Iowa.
They have a family of three children: Clarence W., Clara E. and Rollin T., all living. He is a
member of the United Brethren Church.

McGLOTHLEN, ELIZA-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Avon. Widow of J. D. McGlothlen. Was born
in Ohio in the year 1846, and when a child her parents, John and Catharine Bender, settled near
the place where she now resides. She has since lived here. July 11, 1867, she was married to J. D.
McGlothlen, a native of Virginia, born in 1810. He died April 27, 1878, leaving a family of six
children: Emma, Charlie, Levi, Eddie, Cassie and Stella. He was a member of the Baptist
Church. The estate consists of 890 acres of land, and is yet unsettled. There are a number of fine
farms
924 BIOGRAPHICAL.
therein, upon which are good residences. The estate is all in cultivation and under fence.

MILLS, J. S.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Avon. Was born in 1812, in the State of Kentucky, and at
the age of fourteen years his parents, Willis E. and Elizabeth Mills, moved to Johnson county,
Indiana, and lived there for eighteen months; during that time his father died, in 1827, and the
remainder of the family moved back to Kentucky, where they resided for four years. He went
again to Indiana, at the same place as before, and remained there until the year 1850, when he
came to Iowa, settling on his present farm in 1852. Here he has since resided. His mother died in
Des Moines in 1878, at the advanced age of eighty-seven. He is the owner of 155 acres of
well-improved land. November 15, 1832, he was married in Hancock county, Indiana, to Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of Powell M. and Nancy Scott, a native of Indiana, born in 1815. Their
family consists of three children living: Sarah (wife of Ranzel Carter), James W. and Mary E.
(wife of David Hargis). Have lost three: Harrison P., John E. and an infant, unnamed. Mrs. Mills
is a member of the United Brethren Church.

MILLS, JAMES-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, P. O. Avon. Was born in Hancock county,
Indiana, April 25, 1840, and at the age of nine years accompanied his parents, J. S. and Elizabeth
Mills, to Monroe county, Iowa, remaining there for one year, and in 1850 carne to this township.
Here he has been raised as a farmer and has resided here ever since. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted
in company B, Thirty-ninth Iowa volunteer infantry, and served for nearly three years. He
participated in the battles of Shady Grove, Tennessee, and Resaca, Georgia, and was wounded at
the latter battle by gunshot wound in the hip, the ball entering at the left and coming out at the
right hip. He was discharged on account of disability. August 19, 1862, Miss Annie Newcomer
became his wife. She was born in Iowa, in 1845. Their family consists of five children: James S.,
Cassie, Carrie, Nellie and Flora U., all living. Mr. Mills is a member of the A. F. and A. M.,
Lodge No. 368, of Carlisle. He. is the owner of 110 acres of land, all of which, with the
exception of ten acres, is under cultivation. He has 230 apple trees and a large amount of small
fruit.

MYERS, G. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Avon. Was born in 1824, in the State
of Ohio, where he grew to manhood as a farmer; he made it his home until 1849, when he settled
on the farm he now occupies. Owns 160 acres of good land, having entered the same. He was
married in Ohio to Miss Mary Krysher, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1830. They have a
family of eight children, six of whom are living: Elizabeth (now Mrs. Childs), Jacob W.,
Cornelius S., Levi K., Raymond M. and Francis. Two are deceased: John and William. In 1875,
Mr. Myers received a severe sun-stroke while making hay, and has never fully recovered from its
effects. Since that time he has been very hard of hearing.

RICE, A. S.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 33, P. O. Avon. Was born in 1823, in the State of
Pennsylvania, and at the age of sixteen his parents moved to Knox county, Ohio; there he grew to
manhood a farmer, residing in that county until 1847, when he moved to Montgomery county,
Indiana, remaining there for three years. He then returned to Knox county, Indiana, and in 1852
came to this county, settling on his present farm in August of that year. Here he has since resided
and now
ALLEN TOWNSHIP 925
owns 280 acres of land. In 1846 he was married to Miss C. Harris, a native of Ohio. Their family
consists of ten children living: William F., Sarah (wife of Clayton Deaton), Josephine (wife of
James McGlothlen), Mary M., Luella, Ohio K., Austin W., Della B., Charles R. and Maud. Have
lost one, an infant, unnamed. In 1864 he enlisted in company G, Fifteenth Iowa, and served for
one year. Was in the battle of Bentonville and in Sherman's campaign. Was mustered out at the
close of the war. Mr. Rice is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 106, Des Moines. He and his
wife are active members of the Christian Church.

SEID, JOHN A.-Farmer, section 30, P. 0. Avon. Was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1823,
and there grew to manhood. He learned the trade of baker, which he followed fur eight years. In
1847 he emigrated to the United States, and first settled in Indiana, where he lived until 1855; in
the fall of that year he located where he now lives. Owns 114 acres of land, well improved. In
1850 he was married to Miss Catharine Brown, a native of Indiana. Their family consists of
seven children living: William F., Mary J., John F., Elizabeth C., Albert C. and Edward C. They
have lost three: Caroline, Luther and an infant, unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Seid are members of the
Lutheran Church. On landing in America Mr. S. was twenty-five dollars in debt. He has made his
fine property by his own work, and now has one of the finest residences in the township, and also
a good orchard. Has taken a great interest in the education of his children.

WARNOCK, AUSTIN-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Avon. Was born in Ross county, Ohio,
December 20, 1831, and was there raised. He lived on a farm until the fall of 1852, when he
came upon the place where he now resides, it being a part of his father's farm. During the war he
enlisted in company C, Twenty-third Iowa volunteer infantry, served three years and was
mustered out at the close of the war. Participated in eight battles: Current River, Missouri,
Magnolia Hill, near Port Gibson, Mississippi, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge, Siege of
Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, Spanish Fort, Alabama, and Fort Esperanza, Texas. At the close
of the war he returned home and engaged in farming. He owns a fine farm of 280 acres of
well-improved land. He was married in September, 1869, to Miss Martha Plummer, a native of
Illinois. They have a family of three children: Rose M., Amanda J. and Nellie, all living. Mr.. and
Mrs. Warnock are members of the M. E. Church.

WARNOCK, J. R.-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Avon. Was born in Ohio in 1839. On arriving at his
thirteenth year he was taken by his parents, John and Rebecca Warnock, to the farm on which he
now resides; this was in the fall of 1852. His father died May 8, 1855, of small-pox. His mother
is yet living: although born in 1800, she enjoys good health; her voice is strong and she can walk
two or three miles very well. He is the owner of 146 acres of well-improved land, good
residence, etc.; has an orchard of about 300 apple trees. His buildings are well sheltered by a skirt
of forest timber on the north and west. April 20, 1862, he was married to Miss Jane McClure, a
native of Indiana, born August 3, 1843. She has been a resident of Polk county since 1859. Their
family consists of two children: Ulysses, (born July 28, 1865), and Hattie (born April 14, 1871).
Mr. and Mrs. Warnock are members of the United Brethren Church.
926 BIOGRAPHICAL
WRIGHT, J. T.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 35, P. O. Avon. One of the most enterprising
and successful men in this township was born in New Jersey, in 1825, and lived there until nine
years of age, and then accompanied his parents to Miami county, Ohio, where he resided four
years, and thence to Montgomery county, Indiana, and remained there until 1853, and then
changed his residence to Mahaska county, Iowa. There he lived about three years. In 1857 he
came to Warren county and settled in Indianola, and opened the first exclusively grocery store in
that city and continued the business about eighteen months. He came to this township on the 12th
day of March, 1860, and settled on his present farm, embracing 600 acres, 520 of which are
improved, the balance being timber. Twelve acres are set out in choice apple trees to the number
of 1,000; some of them are nineteen years old; others are just beginning to bear. His barn is the
finest in the township, and he has the plans for a dwelling that he intends building, to correspond.
He was married on the 4th day of October, 1848, to Miss Emeline Simpson, a native of Indiana.
They have a family of five children living: Margaret E., Sarah E. (now Mrs. Samuel Chider),
Amelia E., George A. and Charles D. They have lost three: Elizabeth, Anna M. and an infant,
unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are active and consistent members of the M. E. Church. The
former is also a member of Marble Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of Carlisle, Warren county.
CAMP TOWNSHIP.
BRINGOLF, A.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section .15, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in York
county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1810, and was there raised a farmer. He removed to Indiana
and afterward to Missouri, and then came to this county in 1854. He has held several offices in
the township. Has been supervisor, and was elected supervisor of the county, but resigned. He is
the owner of 617 acres of land in this county, mostly improved. He was married in Missouri to
Miss Mahala Mann, of Indiana. They have six children living: Samuel, B. F., Ellen (wife of F. A.
Blasier), W. A., Jacob and Sheldon. Have lost five. His ancestry dates back to the early settlers of
Pennsylvania. Mr. Bringolf also owns four houses and three lots in East Des Moines, and one
house and two lots on the West Side of the river.

BROWN, E. H.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Des Moines. Was born June 24, 1822, and is a native
of Rockingham county, Virginia. When a child his parents moved to Ohio, Champaign county,
where he engaged in farming and, in 1845, went to Minnesota. After remaining there for four
years he came to Van Buren county, this State, in 1849, and in 1855 moved to Mahaska county,
and from there came to this county in the fall of 1863. He is a machinist by trade and this he has
followed more or less since residing here. Owns a farm of 160 acres. Has held the office of
justice of the peace one term and has been district road supervisor. While living in Van Buren
county he was postmaster three years. March 4, 1841, he was married in Ohio to Miss Eliza Spry,
a native of Champaign county, Ohio. They have a family of six children, four sons and two
daughters:: C. F., John E., J. C. James E., Annie E. and Emma B. Lost two children : Mariett S.
and W. R.

BURNETT, Z. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 11, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Grayson
county, Kentucky, 1825, September 11, and
CAMP TOWNSHIP. 927
when two and a half years of age moved with his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois, where he
was raised. His home there was in Springfield, and while there he engaged in farming as an
occupation, which, with stock raising, he has since followed. In the spring of 1849 he came to this
State and located on his present homestead, now consisting of 226 acres, well improved. He has
been road supervisor and for two terms trustee of the township. Mr. Burnett was married in
Sangamon county, Illinois, January 16, 1848, to Miss Nancy H. Foutch, of Indiana. They have a
family of nine children living : Margaret A., B. K., Altha J., George Etta, D. S., Jeremiah, Lucy
B., M. and Milo. His ancestry on both sides of the house were natives of Kentucky, and their
ancestors were pioneers of that State in the days of Daniel Boone.

CALDWELL, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Adelphi. Was born in Washington county,
Pennsylvania, November 13, 1809, and when four years of age came with his parents to Athens
county, Ohio. His principal avocation through life has been farming and while in Athens
county followed that business. In March, 1856, he came to this county and settled on his present
homestead, which consists of 211 acres of well improved land. Since residing here he has held
the office of township trustee, besides several others. Mr. Caldwell has been twice married.
First, in Ohio, in 1834, to Miss Elma A. Laughlin, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in July,
1836, leaving one daughter, who has since died. His second marriage was also in Ohio, in 1837,
to Miss Sarah D. Lottridge, of that State. They have one son and one daughter living: Edwin.
and Mary A. (wife of J. L. Baker). His father was of Irish descent and was raised in county
Tynne, Ireland. His mother was of English origin, but raised in New Jersey.

CLARK, CAPT. W.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Prairie City. Was born in Guernsey county, Ohio,
December 21,1837, and was raised in that State. He removed to Illinois, and from there came to
this State in 1866. During the war, on the call for men to suppress the rebellion, he enlisted on
the 10th of May, 1861, in company W, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry and served until May 11,
1866, when he was discharged. He was married in this county in 1869 to Miss H. Z. Botsford, of
Illinois. They have two sons: William and John.

KENNEDY, ROBERT-Farmer, section 21, P. 0 Adelphi. Was born in Ohio in 1822, and resided
there for a while and then moved to Indiana, where he lived until he came to this county in 1849.
He was raised on a farm and now owns 120 acres of land. Was married in Montgomery county,
Ohio, July 9, 1846, to Miss Nancy A. Warren, a native of Indiana. They have six daughters
living: Mary J., Sarah E., Hannah C., Melissa A., Martha E. and Louisa F. Lost two. The father
of Mr. Kennedy came from Scotland when seven years of age, and his mother from Ireland when
about the same age. They lived in Pennsylvania for a long time and then went to Kentucky, and
from there to Ohio. Then left there and went to Indiana, and thence to this county. His mother
died here and his father returned to Pennsylvania and there died.

LATIMER, JAMES-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Yandalia. Was born in New London county,
Connecticut, February 6, 1821, and when about five years of age emigrated with his parents to
Ohio. In 1836 they moved to Kosciusko county, Indiana, and he was married in that county
February 1, 1844, to Miss Amanda Sutton. In October 1845, he came to
928 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Iowa and located in Davis county, and in the spring of 1846 moved to what is now Warren
county. One year later he removed to Logan county, Illinois, and there made his home until he
moved to Henry county, that State, in 1852. August 12, 1862, he enlisted in company A, One
Hundred and Twelfth Illinois volunteer infantry, and served one year, when he was honorably
discharged on account of disability. In October, 1863, he sold out and came to this State, living
for two years in Marion county, previous to his coming here, which was in 1865, and then moved
on his present homestead. Has held the office of justice of the peace in Marion county and
township trustee in this county. While in Henry county, Illinois, he was a member of the Board of
County Supervisors, which position he filled for seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Latimer have two
daughters. Nancy (wife of James Coatney), and Hannah (wife of W. F. Logan, of Madison
county, this State)

McDANNIEL, G. W.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Adelphi. Was born in Warren county, Iowa, on
the 14th of March, 1857, and is consequently in his twenty-fourth year. He resided in his native
county until 1870, when with his parents he came to this county. Here he was married on the 18th
of December 1876, to Miss Mary E. Warren, a native of this county. They have one son, Warren
Chester.

MILER, JAMES-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Vandalia. Was born in Gallia county, Ohio,
December 7, 1813, and when about three years of age accompanied his father to Kentucky, where
he remained for about one year, and then to Perry county, Indiana. He resided there until eighteen
years of age and then removed to Morgan county, Illinois, and from there came to this county in
February, 1845. Mr. Miler has been twice married. First in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1836, to
Miss Sarah Roach, who died in 1846, leaving three children: Mary F. (wife of Jno D. Grim),
Thomas H. and Sarah A. (wife of Daniel Beach). His second marriage was in Marion county, this
State, in 1848, to Elizabeth Brouse. They have five children living: John, David, Emma, Paulina,
Rosella, and one, Martha, deceased.

MONTGOMERY, T. G.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in
Shelbyville, Shelby county, Indiana, on the 8th of August, 1841, and from there came to this
county with his parents in April, 1843. Here he has been raised, following farming as his
occupation. On the 15th of August, 1862, he enlisted in company G, Twenty-third Iowa volunteer
infantry, and served until August 15,1865,when he was discharged. He participated in all the
battles of his regiment, and after the war he returned to this county. Has held several offices in
the township, that of trustee several terms, clerk for two terms, and president of the school board.
His marriage was in this county January 11, 1866, to Miss Margaret A. Burnett, of this county
and township. They have one son and three daughters: Moma, Magnolia, and Lon Antona. Lost
two: Amos Bliss and Mary. Mr. M. owns 160 acres of improved land.

MURROW, J. S.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 3, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Parke
county, Indiana, January 31,1836, and in 1843 he came with his parents to this State, locating in
Jefferson county. He was raised as a farmer and has followed the same most of his life. In March,
1848, he came to this county and remained until 1864, when he went overland to California,
engaging in farming and stock-raising. In 1867 he returned to this county, and since that time has
been a resident here. His present farm consists of 415 acres of land all improved. Was married in
this county in March,
CAMP TOWNSHIP. 929
1862, to Miss Emily Jonney, of Missouri. They have a family of six children: Eliza (wife of D.
Bennett), George W., Mary, Alice, Nicholas and Alfred D. Lost two: John and Ulysses.

PENCE, DR. W. L.-Farmer and physician, section 28, P. O. Adelphi. This gentleman owes his
nativity to Logan, Kentucky, where he was born on the twenty-seventh of March, 1832. He
resided there until sixteen years of age, and then traveled through Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee,
remaining a short period in each State. Having made choice of medicine as a profession he
commenced its study and read in Greensburg, Decatur county, Indiana. In June, 1855, he
graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and came to this county in 1857, at
once commencing the practice of his profession. This he followed until October, 1865, when he
also became engaged in farming, but is still engaged in practicing medicine. Has been supervisor
and assessor of the township, and at present is trustee. Dr. Pence was married in this township in
February, 1863, to Miss Abigal E. Powers of Indiana. She died in February, 1867, leaving one
son, James M. Was married again to Miss Julia A. Norris of Jasper. They have two children:
John and Wm. R. He owns a farm of two hundred and ninety acres. His father was of German
ancestry and his mother of Welsh, English and Irish origin.

PERSON, E. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. O. Vandalia. Was born in Meigs county,
Ohio, May 28, 1830, and in 1852 came from there to this county, and since that time has resided
here. He was raised as a farmer and now owns a farm of two hundred acres, well-improved and
in cultivation. His marriage was in Ohio, in 1853, to Miss Sarah A. Tippy. They have one
daughter living, Ida; and one son deceased, Alanson W.

PETERS, B. F.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, P. O. East Des Moines. Is a native of Orange
county, Indiana, and was born on the twenty-seventh of May, 1832. He lived there until
twenty-one years of age, and then came to this State in 1853, locating in this county. He has since
resided here with the exception of one season spent in Colorado, and one year in Taylor county,
this State. He located in Des Moines in the fall of 1861 and remained in that city until he came to
his present home, which consists of two hundred and sixty acres, which he has made by industry
and economy. He also owns about one hundred acres in other counties, some of which is in
Warren county. In 1857 he obtained two hundred acres by warrants in Page county, and after
partly improving the same sold it for a good sum. He has held various district offices. Mr. Peters
was married in Floyd county, Indiana, in February, 1856, to Miss Phebe C. Keith, a native of that
State. They have a family of five children living: William N., Mary E., Emma C., Charles F. and
Etta May. The ancestors of his parents were from Kentucky, and, on both sides, of English origin.
PORTER, REZIN-Retired farmer, section 2, P. O. Vandalia. Was born on the twenty-fifth of
December, 1831, in Ross county, Ohio, and was raised there at farming as his occupation until
about nineteen years of age. In the fall of 1847 he came to this county with his parents, locating
in this township, and has since made this county his home. April 4, 1863, he enlisted in company
D, Seventh Iowa volunteer cavalry, and was discharged in May of 1866. During the latter part of
his service he was out on the plains participating in all the battles of his company and regiment.
He
930 BIOGRAPHICAL.
was married in this county February 5, 1856, to Miss Maria McCall, a native of Illinois. Mr.
Porter's ancestors were natives of the State of Maryland.

PRICER, W. A.-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Adelphi. Was born in Ross county, Ohio, April 10,
1832, and was raised there at farming as an occupation, until he reached his majority. From there
he came to this  county in the fall of 1855, and since that time he has resided here, with the
exception of two years spent in his native State. During the late war he enlisted in August, 1862,
and was discharged on account of disability, after having served about one year. He is one of the
present township trustees. Mr. Pricer was married first in this county, in 1865, to Miss Margaret
Garrett, who died in 1867, leaving two children: Frank E. and Nettie. Was married the second
time to Josie Irwin, in 1874. They have two children: Effie and Nellie. Owns eighty acres of land.

SELLARS, IRA S.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Vandalia. Was born in Butler county, Ohio,
December 1, 1813, and was raised there until about nineteen years of age. when he removed to
Montgomery county, Indiana, with his parents. He was brought up as a farmer and continued that
occupation until he reached his majority, then studied medicine, which he afterward practiced in
Indiana and this State together, for about twenty years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits
as his principal vocation, which he has since followed, and at the same time has practiced his
profession more or less. Was married in Cass county, Indiana, September 13, 184-, to Miss
Nancy Williams, a native of Ohio. They have three sons and two daughters living: Emily, James
M., Annie M:, Nathaniel T. and John S. Have lost one.

SEXTON, M. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 11, P. O. Vandalia. Is a native of Loudoun
county, Virginia, and was born March 11, 1822. When only a child his parents moved to Ohio,
and there he was raised, making it his home until 1847. Then removed to Indiana and resided
there until he came to this State, settling on his present homestead in 1857. Between the years
1863 and '65 he went back to Indiana, but with that exception has resided here since first coming
Owns two hundred and forty acres of land with good improvement. He was raised on a farm and
has made that his principal vocation during life. Has held the offices of justice of the peace one
term, and school treasurer for four terms-three terms in succession. His marriage was in
Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in August, 1849, to Miss Jane Rawson of Virginia. They have three
sons and two daughters living: James B., Alcesta (wife of John Monasmith), Maria (wife of H.
N. Groves), Francis M. and Orion. Lost one son, Van R. His. ancestors on both his father's and
mother's side were natives of the Southern States.

STEWART, J. B.-Farmer, section 11, P. O. Vandalia. Was born in Christian county, Illinois,
February 3, 1843, and when three years of age his parents came to this county, settling here in
1846. Since that time he has lived here with the exception of eleven years that he lived in
Nebraska. He returned to this county in the fall of 1879. Has held the office of constable. Was
married in this county to Miss I. S. Foutch in 1866. She is a native of Illinois. They have a family
of five children: H. S., Mary E., Lucy E., Maggie D. and Emma B. Mr. Stewart owns one
hundred and fifty-six and a half acres of land.
BEAVER TOWNSHIP. 931
BARKALOW, G. D.-Grocer, Mitchellville. Was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 20, 1847. His
mother died when he was six years of age, and he then moved to Mattoon, Illinois, where he was
raised and educated. At the age of fourteen he returned to Ohio to his father, who died about two
years afterward. He then came to Edinburgh, Indiana, and February 2, 1865, he enlisted in
company D, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana and served until the close of the war, when he
was honorably discharged September 15, 1865, then returned to Edinburgh and engaged in
farming, and in 1869 went upon the railroad running from Indianapolis to Jefferson. This he
continued for about two years, and in the spring of 1871 came to Iowa, locating in Des Moines,
engaging in working in the Des Moines Scale Works. He worked there as engineer for about
eighteen months and in August, 1874, went into Heath's planing mill as engineer, remaining there
about two and a half years. In 1877 he engaged in the grocery business with James Oldham. In
the spring of 1880 he came to this place and opened a grocery store, which he now runs, still
continuing his interest in the Des Moines store, which is in charge of his partner. He was married
September 2, 1873, to Miss Carrie L. Oldham, a native of Indiana. They have two children
living: Harry and James. Lost one, Lulu.

BRITTON, SAMUEL-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born January 12, 1834, in
Knox county, Ohio, and at the age of fifteen years moved with his parents to Iowa, locating in
Johnson county. He was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools and Kenyon
College, Ohio. In 1865 he came to this county and settled in Rising Sun, and in the spring of
1877 opened a general store at that place. In the spring of 1880 he sold out there and came upon
his present farm, consisting of 105 acres. He held the office of postmaster at Rising Sun from the
spring of 1877 until he moved upon his present place. He is also a notary public, holding now his
second term by appointment of Governor Gear as a member of the County Board of Supervisors
from July, 1877, at which time he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of Wm. Ellison,
deceased, and was again elected to the same position, his term closing January 1, 1880. January
7, 1858, he was married to Miss Clarinda McCoy, a native of Knox county, Ohio. She died July
29, 1878, leaving six children living : Charles W., Lewis H., Elizabeth A. H., Edwin H., Kate E.
and Samuel VP. Three died in infancy.

BROWN, MOSES-Blacksmith, Mitchellville. Was born January 15, 1820, and is a native of
Marion county, Mississippi. In 1833 his parents moved to Ohio, and there he was raised,
obtaining his education in the common schools. At the age of eighteen years, he went to learn his
trade with Jonathan Thomas, a Quaker, with whom he served an apprenticeship of three years,
and has since followed his trade. In 1844 he moved to Michigan, and resided there until 1865,
when he came to this State, locating at Steamboat Rock, Hardin county; remained there one year
and then came to this place, opening a shop which he still carries on. He was married May 12,
1841, to Miss Elizabeth Monroe, a native of Virginia. They have ten children living: Leonard,
Mary (wife of Hiram Milligan, of Marshall county, Iowa), Nathaniel, Alonzo, Louisa (wife of
Samuel Swee-
932 BIOGRAPHICAL.
ton, of Nebraska), Aaron, Harriet (wife of Benjamin Searls, of Hardin county, Iowa), Moses M.,
Clarence and Sarah. Three are deceased.

BURK, LEWIS M.-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born February 22, 1797 in
Maryland, and in 1802 his parents came to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to
manhood and obtained a common school education. When a boy he went to learn the miller's
trade with Joseph Wentz, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, with whom he remained until
twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in wagoning on the road, which he followed in
connection with stage driving about fifteen years. In 1833 he moved to Ohio and located in
Zanesville, but soon went to Wheeling, Virginia, and again engaged in driving a stage and
followed that for a time, then engaging in farming near Wheeling. In 1834 he came to Adams
county, Illinois, where he lived until 1846, when he came to Iowa and located on section 33 of
this township, there buying a half section of land; he resided thereon until the spring of 1880,
when he moved upon the place where he now resides. He entered his land in 1849 and got a
patent for it in 1852 from the government, but still the River Land Company has claimed it and
dispossessed him of possession thereof for more than thirty-four years; now in his old age he is
deprived of his home for which he endured so many hardships in the early settlement of the
country. There are but very few men here to-day who were here when he came. Has been twice
married: first, September 28, 1819, to Miss Isabel Whitford, a native of Pennsylvania. She died
in February, 1844, leaving twelve children: John, Mary, Margaret, Alex., Joseph, Elizabeth,
Frank and Martha living, and four deceased. He married again April 6, 1848, to Mrs. Maria Vice,
a native Spottslyvania county, Virginia, but raised in Montgomery county, Kentucky. They have
had no children. She had eight children by her former marriage: William and John living, and six
deceased.

CANFIELD, MRS. JANE-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Susquehanna
county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1834, and was there raised on a farm and educated in the common
schools. She was married September 20, 1853, to Mr. Jeremiah Canfield, who was born April 3,
1830, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa and located in this township in the
spring of 1856, and moved to the farm on which she now lives in 1865; she is the owner of 397
acres of land. August 6, 1861, Mr. Canfield enlisted in the war and served his term of three years,
when he was honorably discharged October 5, 1864, at Davenport. He returned home and
resumed his occupation of farming, following the same successfully until the spring of 1876,
when he was taken sick. He died May 13, 1876, leaving a family of eight children: Wallace A.,
Charles M., Martha (wife of O. Baker, of Colorado), William E. and Oscar living, and three
deceased. She has carried on the farm since her husband's death and kept her family together the
same as formerly.

CRESSEY, E. T.-Editor and proprietor of the Mitchellville News, Mitchellville. Was born in
Columbus, Ohio, February 4, 1838. September 30, 1861, he enlisted as a private in company H,
Second Minnesota infantry, and served three years. His education was received in the printing
office.  In October, 1866, he came to Des Moines, and in July, 1878, came to Mitchellville and
established the News, of which paper he now has the control.
BEAVER TOWNSHIP. 933
DUNHAM, F. A.-Furniture dealer, Mitchellville. Was born in Middlesex, Massachusetts,
November 7, 1822, and in 1828 his parents moved to Chautauua county, New York, where he
was raised and educated. In 1846 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he clerked in a dry goods
store, and in 1850 he opened a dry goods store with R. O. Pier. After a time he bought his
partner's interest and continued the business alone until 1858, when he went to Wisconsin, and
bought a farm in Green county, here he remained about six years, when his health compelled him
to retire from farming, and he again engaged in clerking at Monroe. In 1870 he came to Iowa and
located in Mitchellville, engaging in his present business. In 1863 he enlisted in the army, but
was rejected on account of his health. He has held various township offices where he has lived,
and was postmaster at Western Star, Ohio, for six years, and at Stuart, Wisconsin for four years,
giving entire satisfaction at both places. March 9, 1858 he married Miss Matilda Blyler, a native
of Pennsylvania. They have no children.

EASTMAN, J. W.-Farmer, section 13, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born September 15, 1830, in St.
Lawrence county, New York, and when ten years of age moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he
lived for about five years. He then went to Fulton county, Illinois. Was educated in Oberlin
College, and in 1848 he came to Denmark, this State, where he lived about three years and then
moved to Oskaloosa. There attended Oskaloosa College for three years, and in 1861 moved to
Newton, Jasper county, where he lived until 1867, then went to Des Moines and engaged in the
boot and shoe trade, which he followed until 1877. He was school treasurer of East Des Moines
for three years. In 1877 he went upon his present farm and now owns eighty acres, upon which he
has quite an extensive nursery. He was married November 4, 1856, to Miss  A. Stone, a native of
Lichtfield, Connecticut. They have six children, all living: Minnie J., Allie, Frank, Cora, Lucy
and Artie.

ESHELMAN, JACOB-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Altoona. Was born March 9, 1835, in Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, and was there raised as a farmer, receiving his education in the common
schools. In 1859 he moved to Ogle county, Illinois, where he lived until the spring of 1868, when
he came to this State and settled where he now resides. He bought the wild prairie land, planted
all the trees and shrubbery, that surround his place, and has made for himself a splendid farm. He
has followed farming all his life, and now owns 240 acres of land, and is one of the best farmers
of the township. He was united in marriage, March 3, 1858, to Miss Catharine Kensinger, a
native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania,. They have ten children: Mary A., Emmaril S., Nancy
A., Jacob, Johnnie, Oliver, Catharine N. and Susan, living, and two deceased.

FAY, JOHN-Attorney at law, Mitchellville. Was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, .October
16,1825, and his parents came to Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1826. There he grew to manhood
and was educated, and when sixteen years of age went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to learn the trade of
steamboat pilot, running between that city and New Orleans. He was licensed as a pilot by the
Underwriters when nineteen years old and followed that business for about four years. He then
came to Iowa and located in Tama county, where he engaged in farming, continuing the same
until 1864. In 1851 he was admitted to the bar to practice law at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and in
1864 he went to Kahoka, Missouri, where he entered upon the prac-
934 BIOGRAPHICAL.
tice of his profession. In the spring of 1869 he moved to Kansas, remaining about eighteen
months looking for a location, and in the fall of 1872 he came to this county and located where
he now resides, opening a law office. He has built up a good practice and now practices in all the
courts of the State. August 6, 1848, he was married to Miss Ann Dearborn, a native of Indiana.
They had seven children: Reuben G. and Eveline, living, and five deceased. Mrs. Fay died April
24, 1860, in Tama county, Iowa.

GUENTHER, C. W.-Proprietor of restaurant, Mitchellville. Was born April 27, 1832, in Milton,
Pennsylvania, and his parents came to Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1840. There he was raised
and educated and at the age of nineteen years began teaching and followed that for several years.
June 16, 1862, he enlisted in company A, Eighty-sixth Ohio infantry, for six months and was out
about nine months before he was discharged. In 1870 he came to Iowa and settled in this place.
He moved to Kansas in December, 1876, but soon tired of the country and returned to this place
in August, 1877. In May, 1879, he opened the restaurant which he now carries on. June 17,.1855,
he married Miss P. A. Hubler, a native of Ohio. They have two children living: Willis C. and
John L. C., and three deceased.

HAGAMAN, E. P.-Dealer in hardware and agricultural implements, Mitchellville. Was born
January 25, 1844, in Lenawee county, Michigan, and there received his education. He was raised
on a farm, and on the 10th of March, 1865, he came to Iowa, locating in Washington township,
Jasper county, and there engaged in farming, following that until the spring of 1876. He then
rented his farm and moved to East Des Moines, opening a livery stable in connection with Mr.
Burt Head. There he remained about two years, when he came to this city. In March, 1879, he
opened a large hardware store, and has since added to his stock agricultural implements, and by
hard work and strict integrity has succeeded in building up a fine trade. January 1, 1865, he was
married to Miss Susan Upton, a native of Michigan. They have no children. Mr. H. owns 320
acres of land in Jasper county.

HEDGES, W. W.-Proprietor of livery stable, Mitchellville. Was born in Brook county, West
Virginia, in 1845, and was raised on a farm. He came to this county in 1867, and in connection
with his business has given attention to farming and stock dealing He owns a farm of 120 acres.
During the late war he enlisted in the Fourth West Virginia cavalry, company , and served from
August 11, 1863, to March 15, 1864. He is a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. lodge of
Mitchellville.  January 1, 1868,he was marred to Miss Rebecca J. Wilson, born in Brook county,
West Virginia, December 1, 1849. They have five children: Gertrude Blanche (born April
16,1869), Etta May (born October 31,1870), Clarence D. (born September 4,1872), Abraham W.
(born November 19,1874), Allen S. (born December 22, 1879).

HIBBS, J. L.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 24, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born June 15, 1843, in
Harrison county, Ohio. His parents came to Iowa in 1852 and located in Jasper county, where our
subject was raised and educated. When six years of age he had the misfortune to have his left arm
broken, and through the carelessness or ignorance of the surgeon who set it has been crippled all
his life, as it has never grown any since. He is township assessor of this township at present: He
has followed farming all his life, now owning eighty acres of land. December 13, 1863, he
BEAVER TOWNSHIP. 935
was married to Miss Hannah Marmon, a native of Cass county, Michigan. They have seven
children: Orin E., Charles W., Winnie A., Laura M., Rollin J., Freddie V. and Grace S., all living.

HOXIE, D. R.-Proprietor of Hoxie House, Mitchellville. Was born in Massachusetts, March 15,
1821, and in 1830, he moved to Western New York, locating in Wayne county, where he
remained about ten years. He was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1840
he removed to Frederick county, Virginia, and there went into the milling business, having
learned the trade near Winchester. This he followed for about fourteen years, and in 1853 was
appointed clerk in the post-office at Wheeling, where he remained four years; at the same time he
held the position of extra route agent from Wheeling to Cumberland, Maryland. In 1857 he was
appointed through mail agent from Baltimore to Cincinnati and held that position for two years,
when the run was abandoned by the government. In 1859 he engaged in the produce business at
Bridgeport, Ohio, following the same about six years, in March, 1865, he came to this State and
located four miles south of Des Moines, engaging in farming. In September, 1868, he was
appointed agent at Dexter, Iowa, by the C., R. I. & P. R. R., and in 1871 came to Mitchellville
and bought the hotel which he now owns and runs. Has been elected justice of the peace but
refused to qualify. He was married March 27, 1845, to Miss Margaret C. Fry, a native of a
Virginia. By this union they have had seven children: Mortimer R., S. Alice (now Mrs. E. D.
Willis of Arizona), Ida (now Mrs. W. L. Rankin of Mitchellville), Anna L. and John H., living;
and two, Minton and Virginia, deceased.

KING, C. H.-Agent of the C., R. I. & P. R. R., Mitchellville. Was born in Providence, Rhode
Island, June 11, 1846, and in 1856 accompanied his parents to Bureau county, Illinois. He was
raised and educated there, and on the fourth of September, 1864, enlisted in company F, One
Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois infantry, and served to the close of the war, being discharged,
July 11, 1865. He returned to Providence and attended the Schofield Commercial College,
graduating from that institution n the spring of 1866. He then came to Tiskilwa, Illinois, engaged
in working for the railroad company, and learned the art of telegraphy, which he has since
followed. December 1, 1869, he came to this place and has remained here since as station agent
of the company. He was married September 13, 1870, to Miss Annie M. Platt, a native of Maine.
They have two children: Ida M. and Ed. L.

KINNEY, GEO. W.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Shelby county, Ohio,
November 5, 1832, and there grew to manhood, being educated in the common schools. In 1850
he came to Iowa, :and locate in Johnson county, near Solon, where he lived until 1869, then
coming to Des Moines; he there engaged in the grocery business and continued the same several
years, and also bought the Des Moines Pottery in 1871 and ran it until it was burned in the fall of
1873. In this he  met with considerable loss, as his insurance was light. After selling out all his
interest in Des Moines he moved upon his present farm in 1874, and now owns the farm where
the old stage station was kept for many years. Owns two hundred and sixty acres of land. He has
held several of the minor offices of the township and has been a delegate to the State Convention
since living in the State. He was married in September, 1853, to Miss Sarah Brown, a native of
New York. They have four children living:
936 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Eugene, Charles, Mabel and George E.; lost two. Mr. Kinney has been a member of the Christian
Church for twenty-five years; his wife is also a member of the same church.

MAHAN, ALBERT L.-Proprietor of livery stables and transfer, Mitchellville. Was born
September 26,1852, in Medina county, Ohio, and when three years of age accompanied his
parents to Henry county, Illinois. There he lived until 1864 when he went to Wisconsin, but the
country not suiting his taste he only remained a few months, and then went to Iowa county,
Michigan. He was raised on a farm, and in 1865 came to Tama county, Iowa, and lived there one
year when he returned to Ohio. In 1868 he came back to Iowa and located near Mitchellville,
where he engaged in farming, following that for two years. He then moved into this city and
worked at the carpenter's trade, and one year later he engaged in his present business. In 1869 he
took a trip through Kansas and the West, and in the spring of 1878 went to Canada, but soon
returned. October 5, 1876, Miss Clara Clay, a native of Ohio, became his wife. They have one
child, Harry B.

MITCHELL, HON. THOMAS-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Mitchellville.  Something more than a
year before the territory now embraced within the county of Polk was, according to the treaty
stipulations made by the United States government with the Sacs and Foxes, opened for
settlement, the subject of this sketch, who is now one of the oldest and most highly respected
citizens of this county, located twelve miles east of Fort Des Moines, entered a claim and built a
comfortable log cabin, which was used as a hotel for a number of years. He was then in the prime
of youthful manhood, having been born on the 3d of March, 1816, among the granite hills of
Claremont, Sullivan county, New Hampshire, where his early life was spent acquiring those
sterling traits of character for which the sturdy sons of New England have so long been noted.
His father, William Mitchell, was born near Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to Claremont
when about twenty three years of age. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, as was also his mother,
whose maiden name was Dolly Blake, who was a native of Hampton, New Hampshire. When
young Thomas was about sixteen years of age his father died, leaving a large family with little
means of support. He soon obtained work on a neighboring farm, where he continued to labor for
about seven years, completing his limited education by attending district schools in the
neighborhood. He started West in November, 1839, and spent the first winter in St. Charles
county, Missouri, and in the following March removed to Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa,
where he continued to reside about four years. In April, 1842, he was elected one of the
Commissioners of Jefferson county, and served for two years, when he again removed and
located at the crossing of Camp Creek, then Indian country, where he has since continuously
resided. In 1846 he helped to organize Polk county and was in the fall of that year elected its first
Sheriff. Two years later he ran for Representative, the district containing thirteen counties, but
was defeated by Manley Gifford, of Jasper county. He was, however, in 1857, elected to
represent Polk and Jasper counties in the first Legislature, which met at Des Moines, and took his
seat in that body in January, 1858. He was, during his term in the Legislature, instrumental in
procuring the passage of a bill for the straightening of Skunk river, thus redeeming a large area of
the richest lands in the county. In 1859 he was elected one of the Supervisors of Polk county,
which office he held by re-election for a period of
BEAVER TOWNSHIP. 937
six years. In the fall of 1873 he was nominated and elected to a seat in the upper house of the
Iowa General Assembly. He was first married on the 14th of August, 1841, to Almira, daughter
of Benjamin Swift, a farmer, then of Thetford, Vermont, by whom he had five children, as
follows: Oran F. (lieutenant of company I, Eighth Iowa cavalry, who died at Waverly, Tennessee,
on the 8th of March, 1864, aged twenty-two years), Mary Ann (now Mrs. M. R. Hoxie), Charles
Mellville (a farmer of this county), and the youngest, Walter A. Mrs. Mitchell died on the 16th of
June, 1860, aged about forty years. Mr. Mitchell again married on the 17th of June, 1861, to
Anna C. Mattern, by whom he has three children: Harry Herbert, Maud and Johnnie. He is the
owner of 1,400 acres of land, about 400 of which he entered of the government.

MITCHELL, EDWIN-Of the firm of Kimball & Mitchell, lumber and grain dealers,
Mitchellville. Was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, January 27, 1836, and was there raised
on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1856 he came to Iowa and located in Jasper
county, where he engaged in farming, following the same for about two years. He then came to
Des Moines and was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Spaulding, remaining in that position until
April, 1861, then enlisted in company D, Second Iowa infantry, under Capt. Crocker, and served
until July, 1861,. when he was discharged on account of disability, having nearly lost his life.
After his return, having recovered from his sickness, he went into the State Land Office with A.
B. Miller, Register of the office. He was appointed Register to fill out the term of Mr. Miller,
who resigned in 1862. He remained there until the spring of 1863, and then went to the
mountains and Montana for his health. After remaining there until the fall of 1866, he returned to
Des Moines. In May, 1867, he went to Hannibal, Missouri, and established an office as general
agent of the National Insurance Company of Hannibal, and was influential in the organization
and management of the company. He returned to this county in 1868, and located in
Mitchellville, forming a partnership with M. S. Kimball, and has continued in this business since.
Mr. Mitchell has been closely identified with educational matters and is a member of the city
council. March 21, 1871, he was married to Miss Tillie L. Snyder, a native of Trumbull county,
Ohio. Their family consists of one child, living, Thomas M.

MOORE, S. S.-Of the firm of S. S. Moore & Son, dealers in general merchandise, Mitchellville.
Was born October 30,1816, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and when very young was taken
by his parents to Ohio, where he was raised and educated. He followed farming and stock-raising
for sixteen years while in that State and in 1856 he came to Iowa, locating in Cedar county. There
he bought a farm and worked it three years, when he moved to Muscatine and went into the
grocery business, and after a while added hardware to his stock. This business he followed until
1862, when he moved to Brooklyn, Poweshiek county, and formed a partnership with J. B. Overman 
in the grocery and hardware business, to which he added agricultural implements, etc., and 
continued the same until 1868, when he sold out and went into the grain trade. He built the 
Union Grange Elevator in that place and operated the same about one year. In November, 1870, 
he came to this place and opened a lumber yard, building the first elevator in the city in 
company with his son, Henry. Two years later they sold the elevator and opened a general store,
which they still own.
938 BIOGRAPHICAL.
They carry a full stock in their line and enjoy a good trade. March 20, 1838, he married Miss
Elinor Worrall, a native of Harrison county, Ohio. They have four children living: Martha A.
(wife of John R. Gill, of Prairie City; Priscilla G. (wife of Benjamin Cook, of Nebraska), William
Henry and Barrett E. Have lost three. Mr. Moore has held all the offices in the township and has
been justice of the peace for many years.

OLDFIELD, S. J.-Postmaster, Mitchellville. Was born July 4,1850, in Richland county, Ohio,
and in 1856 came with his parents to Iowa, locating in Jasper county. There he was raised on a
farm and educated in the common schools and Hazel Dell Academy at Newton. At the age of
sixteen years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which be worked several years. He also
learned the jeweler's trade during his spare moments, and became very proficient at it. He learned
the art of telegraphy under W. S. Doud, agent of the K. & D. M. R. R., and D. W. King, agent of
the C., R. I. & P. R. R., at this place. He is the operator and has the office of the American Union
Telegraph Company in his store. In June, 1875, he was appointed postmaster of Mitchellville,
and has since held that office. In 1870 he came to this place and worked at the carpenter's trade.
In 1871 he worked for Ross Bros. for one year, and then for three years engaged in clerking. On
being appointed postmaster he bought out the stock of books and stationery of Dr. Marmon, to
which stock he has made some additions. He also has a stock of sewing machines, cigars,
confectionery, etc. November 4, 1877, he married Miss Mary J. Grismer, a native of Indiana.
They have one child, Edna E.

BOOKER, W. D.-Farmer, section 24, 7 O. Mitchellville. Was born March 1, 1838, in
Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and in the fall of 1841 moved with his parents to this State, locating
in Keokuk county, where they resided until 1851. He then came to this county and located in
Four Mile township, and in 1870 moved upon his present farm, and has since resided here. He
owns 354 acres of land. August 1, 1861, be enlisted in company D, Second Iowa cavalry, and
served until January, 1861, when he was discharged to veteranize, which he did, and served until
the close of the war, being mustered out October 5, 1865, at Selma, Alabama. He was promoted
to sergeant in his company, and held the office when discharged. After his return home he
resumed his occupation of farming, which he has followed since. In December, 1865, he was
married to Mrs. P. A. Barlow, a native of Indiana. They have six children: Charles P., James C.,
Sarah J., Viola, Amy C. and an infant, all living , Mrs. R. had five children by her former
husband: John L., Thomas H., Mary E, and Mahala, living, and one deceased.

RUSSELL, CAPT. M. T.-Grain-dealer, Mitchellville. Was born in Hendricks county, Indiana,
September 25, 1836, and was there raised, being educated in the common schools. He followed
farming until the outbreak of the rebellion, and August 16, 1861, enlisted in company A,
Fifty-first Indiana infantry, as a private, and at the organization of the company was elected
orderly sergeant, and October 11, 1861, was promoted to first lieutenant, and August 10, 1862, to
captain of his company.  He was taken prisoner May 3, 1863, while on a raid through Georgia,
having been sent to destroy a shot and shell factory between Rome and Gadson, on the Coosa
river, and when near Rome was captured with all his command, four regiments, and he was sent
to Atlanta, Georgia, remaining there two weeks, hence to Augusta for one week, to Petersburg,
Virginia, one week,  

GRANT TOWNSHIP.                                                                          939
to Libby Prison until May 16, 1864, to Danville, Virginia, Salisbury, North Carolina, and
Charlotte, North Carolina, a short time, and to Macon, Georgia, then went to Charleston, and five
hundred men of his command were distributed through the city to protect it from our own guns
on Morris' Island. He remained there until September, was sent to Columbia, South Carolina, and
on the 16th of October, 1864, made his escape from prison and went to East Tennessee, where he
was captured and returned to prison, having been out ten days. He again made an effort to escape,
and this time was successful. Running the guard-line he started in company with a comrade, and
went northwest, but hearing of Sherman's march to the sea, turned his course south and fell in the
rear of his route, following it for forty-two days when he overtook him at Savannah, Georgia. He
remained in Savannah until the fall of the city, when he was ordered to report in person to the
Secretary of War, at Washington, and his time having long since expired he was mustered out of
the service. During his service he was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perrysville, Kentucky,
Stone River, South Mountain and a number of skirmishes. He returned to his home in Indiana
and engaged in the mercantile business at North Salem, where he remained until 1868; then came
to Iowa, locating in Des Moines, where he bought an interest in the Des Moines Pottery. He also
opened a grocery and stoneware store, and remained there about two years. In 1871 he was
elected marshal of the city, and was re-elected the following year, and served until the close of
his term. In 1865 he came to Mitchellville and formed a partnership with E. L. Fields, under the
firm name of Russell & Fields, for the purpose of handling produce, and they built an elevator,
which he still owns and runs. In 1877 the firm was dissolved, and Capt. Russell assumed entire
control and has carried on the business ever since. He is a member of the city council of
Mitchellville at this time. October 6, 1857, he married Miss Harriet C. Harlan, a native of
Indiana. They have one child, Sella M., now a teacher in the city schools.

SEEMS, T.-Physician and surgeon, Mitchellville. Was born May 31, 1836, in Northampton
county, Pennsylvania, and was there raised and educated. At the age of twenty years he learned
the jeweler's trade, at Smithport, Pennsylvania, which he followed about eight years, and in the
meantime put in a drug stock in his store. In 1867 he began the study of medicine with Dr.
Freeman, of Smith port, where he remained about one year, then came to Iowa, locating in
Keokuk county, and went to study with Dr. Brice, of Talleyrand, with whom he remained until
the winter of 1870-1. He attended lectures at the State University of Iowa City, and the winter
following attended the College of Physicians and .Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, where he graduated
in the spring of 1872. He returned to Talleyrand, where he began the practice of his profession. In
the fall of 1872 he went to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where he remained for two years. In the
fall of 1874 he came to this place, where he has built up a good business. He was married April
16, 1867, to Miss Sarah Young, a native of Pennsylvania. They have  five children: Millie, Ida
and Gaillard, living, and two deceased.

SEIBERLING, CHARLES-Farmer, section 13, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born March 8, 1845, in
Summit county, Ohio, and was there raised and educated. January 4, 1864, he enlisted in
company I, One Hundred and Third Ohio infantry, and served until July 25, 1865, when he was
940 BIOGRAPHICAL.
honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio. He was in the battle of Resaca Georgia, and many
minor engagements in which his regiment was engaged. In March, 1867, he came to Iowa and
located where he now lives, owning a fine farm under cultivation, with good house, barns, etc.
Owns 170 acres of land. He was married in October, 1866, to Miss Jerusha C. Betts, a native of
Ohio. They have seven children: John F., Clara M., Altha L., Sarah C., Harry Grant and Etta M.,
living, and one deceased. Has been township assessor for three years. Has held the office of
township treasurer about six years, and still holds that position.

TYLER, S. R.-Farmer, section 14, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Claremont, New Hampshire,
November 10, 1822, and was raised there on a farm. He attended the common schools, and at the
age of seventeen years went to learn the paper-maker's trade with the Claremont Manufacturing
Company, of Claremont. This he followed until the fall of 1851, when he, in company with his
brother, leased the grist and saw mill of that city, operating the same for about three years. He
them came to Michigan and went into the pineries, where he spent one winter, and in March,
1856, he came to Iowa, locating in Trullinger's Grove, this county. He there kept boarders for
Mitchell, Jones and Ellis at their saw mill. In 1864 he bought his present farm of eighty acres, but
did not live upon it until 1867. He helped start the Rollins Paper Mill in Des Moines and placed
the machinery of Terrell & Boyd's paper mill, running the same until it was burned down. After
this he worked a while in the Rollins mill. He has a fine brick-yard upon his farm. He makes
from two hundred to three hundred thousand brick per year. He was married May 16,. 1850, to
Miss Adaline L. Crissey, a native of New York. They have six children: Georgia A. (wife of Geo.
Rookery, Frank C., Kate R., Ann A., Sarah E. and Ellen L., all living. In October, 1849, Mr.
Tyler went to Columbus, Georgia, to start the extensive paper mills of the Rock Island Paper
Company, where he remained until May, 1851. Prior to this time he spent about seven years in
starting mills in various parts of the country.

VALENTINE, E. J.-Of the firm of Valentine & Sherwood, merchants, Mitchellville. Was born
August 5, 1841, in Warren county, Pennsylvania, and at the age of thirteen years his parents came
to Henry county, Illinois, where his youth was spent on a farm. In 1865 be came to Iowa and
located in the old town of Mitchellville, where he opened a general stock of dry goods and
groceries. At the building of the railroad and the locating of the present town he put up the first
store building and the first dwelling house, and sold the first goods in the town. Was postmaster
of the old and new town until 1872, when he sold out his store and bought a farm, where he
remained three years. He then came back to the city and built a brick building, and in 1875
formed a partnership with Henry Russell in the restaurant business, following the same until the
same fall, when he bought Russell's interest and sold out to Mrs. Sternburg. He then bought the
stock of goods of Mr. Hatcher and run a grocery store until the winter following, when he added
boots and shoes. In September, 1878, he formed a partnership with Mr. John O. Sherwood. They
put in an extensive stock which they continue to carry. They sell nearly half the goods that are
sold in the town, as the books of the freight house will show. January 1, 1867, he married Miss
Mary Z. De Long, native of Pennsylvania. They have four children: William, Minnie E., Edmund
T. F. and Johnny O., all
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 941
living. He has held several township offices and has been justice of the peace.

VICE, J. A.-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Sangamon county, Illinois,
February 22, 1845, and in 1847 his parents came to Iowa, locating in Des Moines, where they
lived two years, then coming to this township. He located on section 33, and here has grown to
manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. He is one of the oldest settlers of the
township, and there are but few older ones in the county. In 1870 he came upon his present farm,
which consists of forty acres. October 19, 1873, he was married to Miss Phebe A. Sturgeon, a
native of Indiana. She died May 21, 1875. They have no family.

WEEKS, CYRUS-Farmer, section 13, P. O. Mitchellville. Was  born in Medina county, Ohio,
October 20, 1828. His parents moved to Summit county, same State, in 1838, and there he was
raised on a farm. He received his education in the common schools and Bissell Academy, at
Twinsburg, Ohio. His occupation through life has been farming, and he now owns over
seventy-two acres of land. He has been justice of peace six years. During the war he tried to join
the army but was rejected on account of his health. March 14, 1850, he was married to Miss
Pauline Francisco, a native of New York State. They have five children: Ella, Mamie, Lina and
John, living, and one deceased.

WHEELER, ARMILDA-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born November 29, 1820,
in Kentucky, and in 1828 her parents came to Indiana, where she grew to womanhood on a farm.
She was married in March, 1844, to Mr. Green Wheeler, a native of Kentucky. He was born
October 20, 1820. They came to Polk county, and located at Rising Sun, in 1848, and lived there
for two years, when they moved on the farm she now occupies, consisting of 193 acres. Mr.
Wheeler died October 10, 1876, leaving a family of eight children: John, Martin, Henry, Mercilla
(wife of David Devotie, of this township), Hiram R. and Mary A., living, and two deceased. She
has carried on the farm since her husband's death the same as before and is a woman of great
perseverance, well calculated to get along in the world. She is one of the oldest settlers in the
county and though now sixty years of age, bids fair to see many more summers.
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
ARROWOOD, G. W.-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Altoona. Was born in North Carolina, January
31, 1842, and was raised and lived there until February, 1863, when he was conscripted into the
Confederate army and was assigned to the First Tennessee heavy artillery. He served until July 4,
1863, when, at the fall of Vicksburg, he was captured with many others and greeted Grant with
loud cheers as he rode into the city. He would not take a parole but remained and came north,
enlisting in August, 1862, in company F, Sixth Indiana cavalry, and served to the close of the
war. He was discharged in September, 1865, after which he returned to North Carolina and
remained until 1866, when he removed to Tennessee, and from there to Missouri the same year.
He remained two years and in 1869 came to this State. He has made farming his occupation
through life. Was married April 17, 1866, to Miss Rebecca J. Shanks, a native of Tennessee.
They have four children living: Fannie E., Hattie, William W. and Rosa B.
942 BIOGRAPHICAL.
BAKER, G. R.-Retired, Altoona. Was born March 17,1818, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania,
and at the age of fourteen came West with his parents, settling in Montgomery county, Ohio. He
was raised there on a farm and received an education. In 1840 he moved to Wayne county,
Indiana, where he learned the blacksmith's trade and followed it until 1855, when he came to
Iowa and located in Greencastle, Jasper county, there engaging in farming. In 1857 he became a
minister of the Dunkard or Brethren Church. Has organized several churches during his
ministerial career and accomplished much good. In 1869 he rented his lands and retired from
farming and moved to this city, where he bought out the stock of merchandise of Mr. Champion.
He enlarged the stock and took his son, George W., and Frank Reiman into partnership in the
business, but two years later he sold out the  store to his partners and retired from active business
life and since that time has devoted his entire attention to the ministry. He owns 400 acres of fine
land beside his fine property in and near Altoona. Was married April 14, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth
Schultz, a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. They have six children: Christina S. (wife of
Frank Reiman, of Altoona), George W., William H. S. and Kate M., living, and two sons, Daniel
W. and John M., deceased. The former enlisted in the Thirteenth Iowa infantry, and died in
Jefferson City, Missouri, March 10, 1862. John M. enlisted in the Seventh Iowa cavalry, and died
October 23, 1868, from the effects of poison taken while in the army.

BISHARD, JOHN C.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Guernsey county, Ohio,
January 25, 1812, and there received his education in the common schools. At the age of nineteen
he went to learn the carpenter's trade and worked at it for three years, when he engaged in
farming and has since followed the same. In 1859 he came to this State and located at Des
Moines, and in 1869 moved upon his present farm, consisting of forty acres. January 1, 1833, he
was married to Miss Charlotta Chambers, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio. They have a family
of nine children: Daniel, Emaline (wife of Solomon Stutsman, of Des Moines), Ganimer and
Sarah A., living, and five deceased.

BISHARD, D. C.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Grundy county, Ohio, August
16, 1839, and in 1859 he came with his parents to this State, locating in Des Moines. June
1,1863, he enlisted in company M, Eighth Iowa cavalry, and was promoted to sergeant of his
company. He was wounded in the right knee which has made him a cripple for life at Lovejoy
Station, Georgia, July 29, 1864, and was taken prisoner at the same time and sent to
Andersonville prison, where he was confined nine months. The surgeon wanted to amputate his
limb, but he protested so strongly that the officers concluded to let it remain, thinking they would
starve him to death. How near they succeeded may be judged from the fact that when he was
released he weighed 75 pounds, his usual weight being 185 pounds. From Andersonville he was
sent to Cohaba, Alabama, and was recaptured by General Steele's command on the 28th of April,
1865. After the capture of Mobile he was sent to that city, where he remained about three weeks
and was then moved to New Orleans on a hospital boat, and from there to Cairo, Illinois. Here he
was discharged May 31, 1865. After somewhat recovering his health he engaged in running a
notion wagon and followed the same two years. In 1870 he engaged
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 943
in farming. He was married September 26, 1875, to Miss Frances Miller, a native of Ohio.

BOOTH, DR. W. H.-Physician and surgeon, Altoona. Was born in Jasper county, Iowa, January
14, 1853, and was there raised, being educated in the Hazel Dell Academy. At the age of twenty
years he began the study of medicine with J. R. Gorrell, M. D., of Newton, with whom he
remained three years. He attended the medical department of the Iowa State University, from
which he graduated in 1877. He began the practice of his profession in 1876, at Idaho, Hardin
county, this State, and after graduating came to Altoona in March, 1877. In 1878 he became
associated in the drug business with L. O. Shaffer, under the firm name of Shaffer & Booth,
which he still carries on in connection with his practice. He was married May 12, 1876, to Miss
E. A. White, a native of the same county as himself: Their family consists of two children: Jessie
and Willie.

CANFIELD, ELIJAH-Farmer, section 32, P. 0. Altoona. Is a native of Susquehanna county,
Pennsylvania, and was born September 8, 1807. Was raised a farmer and resided in his native
county until the spring of 1845, when he came to Mahaska county, Iowa. In the fall of the same
year he came to this county and located on section 5, Camp township, living there three years,
then sold out, moved to Four Mile township, locating on section 36. Two years later he again
sold out, came to Clay township, and located where he now lives, on section 32. Here he found
but a wide, wild prairie, but being a man of great energy and an indomitable will he braved the
storms and privations of the pioneer life, and began the improvement and cultivation of his farm,
and in this his hopes have been realized. Here he can pass the remainder of his days in company
with his wife, who has shared his lot. His home has ever been the resort of the old settlers, and it
is one in which is always found warm hearts to welcome all. He helped to organize the first class
of the M. E. Church, in the fall of 1845, at his home on section 5, Camp township, Rev. Mr.
Russel officiating. Rev. E. Rathbun was one of the first men to preach there. He also organized
the first school districts in the same township, and helped build the first school-house in Four
Mile township, on section 36, in 1847. Each one of the settlers furnished two logs, and they built
the house. He also saw the first bushel of grain ground in the county. This occurred at Parmelee's
mill, and Mr. Parmelee had sent a notice through the county to everybody to be present, and to
insure an audience he had procured a ten gallon demijohn of whisky. Although our subject went
early he was too late to obtain a drop of the liquor. He has been elected justice of the peace and a
member of the Board of County Supervisors, township assessor and treasurer. The latter office he
now holds. There have been but few years since his residence in the county that he has not held
some public office. Though now past three score and ten years, he bids fair to see many more
years of usefulness. He owns one hundred acres of land, and has the oldest orchard in the
township. He was married January 1, 1830, to Miss Tirzah M. Kinsman, a native of Vermont.
They have nine children: Rosella (wife of Willis Mills of Dallas county), G. P., Lydia (wife of
Jesse Packer of Four Mile township), Sarah (wife of Samuel Mullihan of Nebraska), and Johanna
(wife of Joseph Miller of Nebraska), living, and four deceased.

CANFIELD, G. P.-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Susquehanna county,
Pennsylvania, April 8, 1843, and in 1845 came with his parents to Iowa, settling in Mahaska
county, and one year later he came
944 BIOGRAPHICAL.
to this county. He first located in Camp township. He was educated in. the common schools,
supplemented by a course at a business College in Des. Moines. He has experienced all the
hardships of the early pioneer life, having come to this county when a mere child, and is one of
the oldest settlers of the county. He owns one of the finest farms in the township, containing two
hundred and eighty acres.

CANFIELD, HOMER-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Susquehanna county,
Pennsylvania, September 11, 1834, and when an infant his parents removed to Bradford county,
same State, where he was raised and educated. In the spring of 1856 he came to Iowa and located
on section 28, Beaver township, of this county. In February, 1879, he moved upon his present
farm of two hundred and seventy-six acres. Has held several township offices, and is at present
one of the trustees of Clay township. Has been twice married; first, January 26, 1858, to Miss
Dicy Vice, who died April 25, 1873, leaving three children: John H., Owen F. and Walter B. Was
married again September 24, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Sturgeon, a native of Indiana. They have
one child, Dennis N.

CHAVANNES, E.-Grocer, Altoona. Was born in East Tennessee, April 12, 1850, and grew to
manhood on a farm. He was educated in Perkshire select schools, New York, and the
Agricultural College at Ames, this State. In the fall of 1873 he moved to Illinois and taught
school during the winter; and in the spring of 1874 came to Iowa and located in Des Moines. He
taught school in different parts of the county for about two years, and while attending the college
at Ames taught winters. In May, 1874, he came to Altoona and opened a grocery and provision
store, which he still keeps, and has a fine trade. He was married December 9, 1877, to Miss
Carrie Groseclose, a native of Indiana. They have one child, Adrian J.  Mr. Chavannes is of
French ancestry and speaks that language.

CHENEY, D. A.-Grain-dealer, Altoona. Was born January 19, 1842, and is a native of Berkshire
county, Massachusetts; he was raised a farmer, and in 1866 moved to New Jersey, following
farming there about four years. In 1869 he came to this State and located in Douglas township,
this county, where he lived one year; then came to Altoona, built the elevator he now owns, and
began the grain business, which he has since followed. December 19, 1871, he was married to
Miss Elizabeth B. Haines, a native of Carroll county, Ohio. They have lost one child, Arthur W.

CLAYTON, J. P.-Mechanic, Altoona. Was born in Sullivan county, New York, November 1,
1828, and was raised there and educated in the common schools. In 1855 he came to this State
and located near Monroe, Jasper county. In 1856 he went to Jefferson county, Kansas, and
engaged in working at the carpenter's trade, and then commenced farming.  He returned to Iowa
in October, 1876, and settled in this place, where he has since resided. . He was married March 1,
1860, to Mrs. Milanesea Queen, a native of Indiana. They have four children; Mattie L., living,
and three deceased.

CUMMINS, JAMES-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1832. He followed the occupation of a farmer and
teamster; and in 1856 moved to Henderson county, Illinois, where he lived until 1867, when he
came to this county and settled in his present location. He now owns one hundred
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 945
and eighty-two acres of land, and all under cultivation. He was married in the summer of 1856 to
Miss Sarah A. Wallace of his native county. They have two children living. Myrta, Irene and
Frank.

DONALDSON, SAMUEL-Wagon-maker and wheelwright, Altoona. Was born February
17,1852, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1860 he accompanied his parents to this State, locating
in Lucas county. In 1856 they moved to Warren county, and he lived there until 1872, when he
returned to Pittsburgh to learn his trade with Mr. McMasters; he worked there until the spring of
1876, when he went to the Black Hills, spending about eighteen months there, and then returned
to Marion county. In 1878 he came to Altoona and opened a wagon shop which he still keeps. He
was married July 8, 1877, to Miss Margaret Thornton, a native of Missouri. They have one child,
Arthur O. Mr. Donaldson has just applied for a patent on a force pump which is claimed to be far
superior to anything now in use. For drawing water out of deep wells it is said to be a great
success.

ELLIS, H. A.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born in Orleans county, New York,
August 2, 1823. His parents having died he was thrown on his own resources, and when fifteen
years of age he removed to Michigan, and at the age of twenty-one years he engaged in the saw
mill and lumber business, which he followed until 1865, when he came to Iowa, locating at
Rising Sun. He engaged in farming and remained there one year, and then bought a farm at
Saylorville, living upon the same for one and a half years. He then sold out and came upon his
present farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres. He was married January 25, 1851, to Miss
Jane Briggs, a native of New York State. They have four children: Clara (wife of Chas. Tarbell),
Lizzie (wife of Jack Leftwitch of Nebraska), and Albert J., living; and one, Willie, deceased.

ENGLISH, DR. F. E.-Physician and surgeon, Altoona. Was born in Oldham county, Kentucky,
July 2, 1841. His parents came to Indiana in October, 1855, and located in Montgomery county,
where he was raised. He received his education at Ladoga Academy, of which M. B. Hopkins
was principal. At the age of nineteen years he began the study of medicine with his father, R. G.
English, M. D., now of Des Moines. January 27, 1864, he graduated from the Rush Medical
College, of Chicago, Illinois, and at once began the practice of his profession with his father at
Ladoga; remaining there until 1868, when he came to Iowa and located in Des Moines. In April,
1870, he came to Altoona, and has since remained. He has built up a large and constantly
increasing practice. He was instrumental in the organization of the present township of Clay; and
when the town of Altoona was incorporated, he was elected its first mayor. He was married
December 20, 1866, to Miss Kate M. Hampton, a native of Kentucky. They have two children:
Emery H. and Arthur G.

FIRESTONE, JOHN S.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born March 1, 1849, in
Wayne county, Ohio, and when fifteen years of age he came with his parents to this State, and
resided with his uncle, B. F. Frederick, for one year. He then located on section 34, in Delaware
township, this county, and in 1868 moved upon his present farm. He has followed farming all his
life, and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land. During the war he enlisted in the One
Hundred and Twentieth Ohio, but was rejected on account of his age. Is unmarried. He has al-
BIOGRAPHICAL 946
ways taken an active interest in the politics of the day, and is one of the solid men of the
township.

HAINES, T. E.-Grain-dealer, Altoona. Was born in Carroll county, Ohio, on the 21st of January,
1831, there being educated and raised. He spent his youth in the cultivation of the soil, and thus
the great principle of industry has followed him through life. In 1863 he came to Iowa and
located in Mahaska county, bringing a herd of sheep numbering about 3,000 head. In 1867 he
sold them and opened an extensive grocery store in Oskaloosa, which he kept for one year. In the
spring of 1869 he came to this town and built the steam elevator which he now owns, it being the
first one in that place. This he has continued to keep, devoting almost his entire time to the grain
business, in which he has been very successful. He has been town trustee for the past eight years,
and held the office of city councilman, and has also been mayor of the city. He was married August 
24, 1869, to Miss Loretta J. Berridge, a native of Ohio, and daughter of William Berridge, of
Martinsburgh, Keokuk county. They have no family.

HAWKINS, W. S.-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana,
August 14,1840, and at the age of nine years he came with his parents to this State and located in
Four Mile township. Here he has been raised on a farm and educated. Has followed farming all
his life and has made nearly all of his large estate by his hard work and strict attention to
business. In September, 1869, he moved upon his present place and has since resided here,
owning a farm of 252 acres. Was married January 1, 1867, to Miss Anna M. Hick, a native of
Yorkshire, England. She emigrated to the United States when fourteen years of age. They have
no children.

HEMSTREET, NICHOLAS-Retired farmer, Altoona. Was born in the State of New York,
October 13, 1815, where he was raised, obtaining his education from the common schools. In
1845 he came to Wisconsin while it was yet a Territory and located in Green county, there
engaging in farming. This he followed until September 14, 1868, when he sold the most of his
property and came to this State, settling in Altoona. He built one of the first store rooms and
opened a general store and sold the first dry goods, boots and shoes, etc., in the place. He
continued in the business about three years and then retired from business to live a more quiet
life. He owns farms to the extent of about 300 acres, all under improvements, besides his fine
residence and other property in the city. Although more than three-score years have passed him
he is still full of vigor and bids fair to live many years and enjoy his hard-earned competency. His
family were the first to settle in Altoona and he was the first justice of the peace elected in that
city. On the 16th of June, 1839, he was married to Miss Ellen Wessel, a native of New York.
They have four children: Herman S. C. and Melvina C., living, and two deceased.

HENRY, B. W.-Proprietor of livery and feed stable, Altoona. Was born in Bedford county,
Pennsylvania, August 26, 1834, where he was raised and educated in the old log school-house
with its "slab benches and puncheon floors." In 1856 he moved to Hardin county, Ohio, and there
followed farming until 1862, when he came to Iowa and located in this county near Mitchellville,
living there for one year and then moved into the old town of Mitchellville. In 1865 he moved to
his farm on section 7, of this township, where he owns 240 acres of well-improved land. In 1874
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 947
he rented his farm and came to this town and engaged in the butchering business, continuing the
same for one year, then opened a general store, which he kept until the fall of 1878, and then
built his present livery and feed barn. Has held several township offices and in 1879 was mayor
of this city. November 26, 1856, he was married to Miss E. C. Bowers, a native of Ohio. They
have one child, Carrie, who is one of the teachers in the public school.

HERRICK, ALONZO-Altoona. Was born on the 18th of December, 1824, in Yates county, New
York, and he was raised on a farm. When nineteen years of age he went to Wisconsin and located
in Walnut county, residing there until 1869, at which time he came to this county, locating in
Douglas township. There he lived three years and then came to this town, where he has lived
since. He has been marshal of the city of Altoona four years and has been constable for the last
seven years. He still holds the latter office. Was married February 13,1847, to Miss Maria Gray, a
native of St. Lawrence county, New York. They have four children: Charles, Clara (wife of
Benton Osborne, of Altoona), Jane (wife of Charles Woodbrow, of Audubon county, Iowa) and
Clarence.

HICK, CHARLES-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Altoona. Was born April 7, 1814, and is a native of
Yorkshire, England. There he was raised, receiving his education in the select boarding schools.
He learned the trade of millwright and followed the business until 1858, when he emigrated to
the United States. He came to this State and located at Rising Sun, where he engaged in working
at Davis' saw mill. This he continued for about six years, during which time he sawed the lumber
for the courthouse in Des Moines, the Savery (now Kirkwood) House and the old Court Avenue
bridge. In 1864 he came upon his present farm, consisting of about 100 acres. We bought the
land when in a wild state and has made all of the improvements. He was married in January,
1839, to Miss Mary Jackman, a native of England. They have eight children: Charles, Annie
(wife of Willis Hawkins), Alfred, George H., Walter, Laura and Robert E., living and one,
Thomas, deceased.

HICK, GEORGE H.-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Altoona. Was born in England, December
27,1847, and in 1856 emigrated with his parents to the United States. He came to Iowa and
located at Rising Sun, Grant township, this county. Here he has been raised and educated and has
followed farming all his life. Is the owner of forty acres of land. Was married October 6, 1869, to
Miss Annetta Runyon, a native of Clay township, this county. They have eight children: Lizzie
M., William, Lundy, Mary G. and an infant living. Lost three.

INGLE, W. T.-Stock and grain-dealer, Altoona. Is a native of Henry county, Kentucky, and was
born January 25, 1827. In 1831 he moved with his parents to Edgar county, Illinois, where he
was raised, helping to clear a large farm in a heavily-timbered country. In 1855 he came to this
State and located at Vandalia, Jasper county, where he was engaged in hauling goods from
Keokuk to the former place. In the spring of 1859 he made a trip to Pike's Peak but returned to
Vandalia in October of the same year. He resumed his former occupation of teaming and
followed it until the breaking out of the war. September 28, 1861, he enlisted in company E,
Fourteenth Iowa infantry, and served until January, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He
veteranized for three years or during the war. During his service he was promoted
orderly-sergeant of his
948 BIOGRAPHICAL.
company and at the battle of Shiloh was captured, April 6, 1862, and sent to Memphis, remained
in the hospital there four days, thence to Mobile, Alabama, where he remained two weeks; was
again moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, remained about six weeks and then went to Montgomery,
where he was paroled. He was sent north to the Union lines and from there to the parole camps
at-St. Louis, Missouri. Remained here about one month, when he took a "brush furlough" and
came home. Was exchanged November 8,1862, and soon returned to the front and went into
camp at Columbus Junction, Kentucky. He was in eleven hard-fought battles, beside numerous
skirmishes, viz: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Ft. Derusha, Pleasant Hills, Alexandria, Old Town,
Louisiana, Yellow Bayou, Old Town, Mississippi, Rolla, Missouri, Fort Davis and Canton
Station. He served until the close of the war and was discharged August 4, 1865, at Davenport.
After returning home he followed farming until September, 1874, when he came to Altoona, and
in July, 1875, formed a partnership with M. Madagan in the lumber business. In the spring of
1876 he sold his interest to Mr. Madagan and started a yard on his own account, which he kept
until the spring of 1879 and then sold his stock. Since that time he has been engaged in the grain
and stock business. Was married October 10, 1867, to Eliza J. Stallcop, born October 3, 1834, in
Hillsborough, Ohio. By this union they have three children: S. E. (born May '10, 1869), A. E.
(born December 13, 1872) and W. F. (born April 2., 1874). All living.

JOHNSON, J. E.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born in Montgomery county, Ohio,
June 28, 1821, and at the age of fourteen, removed with his parents to Miami county, Indiana.
There he was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools. In 1856 he came to Iowa
and located in Jasper county, where he lived three years, and then came to Rising Sun, this
county, where he lived four years. In 1863 he came upon his present place. Has followed farming
all his life, and now owns 263 acres of land. Was married November 4, 1849 to Miss Mary Cox,
a native Miami county, Ohio. They have four children living: J. C. Fremont, Tressa E., Elijah G.
and Hala. Lost three.

JOHNSON, A. R.-Stock-dealer, Altoona. Was born May 18, 1852 in Van Wert county, Ohio,
and in 1855 his parents came to this county, locating near Trullinger's Grove, in Franklin
township. He followed farming all his life until the spring of 1880, when he sold his farm and
engaged in buying and shipping stock in partnership with John Martin. They are the largest stock
shippers from the place, and are doing an extensive business. He was married January 9, 1874, to
Miss Mary Brown, a native of Ohio. They have three children: Emily J., Lass W. and Maud, all
living

LAIN, R. C.-Agent of the C., R. I. & P. R. R., Altoona. Was born in New York, June 27, 1843,
and was raised and educated there. In the fall of 1862 he moved to Wisconsin, and engaged in
teaching school. In the spring of 1863 he returned to New York, and then went to Washington
City, and was there employed by the government until 1864, as clerk in the Commissioner's
Department. In 1864 he attended the commercial college, at Elmira, New York, remaining there
four months as student and three months as assistant book-keeper. During the summer of 1865,
he was engaged in the patent right business, and in August of the same year went to New York
City, and engaged in clerking. In November he returned to Elmira, and thence to Wisconsin and
northern Illinois. In the spring of 1866, he returned to New York. In August, to Washington, and
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 949
in November went to Georgia, as route agent of the post-office Department. In 1867, he was
promoted to postal clerk from Atlanta, to Chattanooga, and occupied that position until August,
1869, when, on account of political differences, he returned to Elmira. In the Spring Of 1870, he
came to Chicago, and shortly afterward to Des Moines, and commenced work for the C., R. I. &
P. R. R., at Des Moines. In November, 1870, he went to Casey, and in February, 1872, came to
Altoona, as the agent of the company. He was married June 4, 1868, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Miss
Mary G. Angier, a native of Wisconsin. They have three children: Lena C. and Guy  living, and
one, an infant, deceased.

MADAGAN, M.-Farmer and grain dealer, Altoona. Was born in St. Lawrence county, New
York, October 15, 1839, and in 1853, his father moved to Canada, where our subject grew to
manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1859, he moved to Jefferson
county, New York, where he resided until 1866, when he moved to Wisconsin, remaining there
two years. In 1868, he came to Iowa, settling in this county, and located on section 25, this
township, where he bought a farm and worked it four ,years. He then rented his farm, and bought
out the lumber yard at Altoona, which he continued to keep until the fall of 1869, when he again
sold out and began dealing in corn at this place. He is now the owner of three good farms of 160
acres each, and a fine residence in the town. He also owns 320 acres of land in Montgomery
county, Illinois. All this large estate has been made by his own efforts. He is a man of sterling
worth and sound judgment, always doing his business on firm business principles. Has held
several of the township offices, and is now mayor of the city. He was married January 1, 1864, to
Miss Lucy Delano, daughter of John Delano, of Jefferson county, New York. She died February
29, 1876, leaving two children: Libbie and Jessie. He was married again January 15,1877, to
Miss Mattie Cree, daughter of  David Cree, of this place. They have one child, Blanche.

OGLEVIE, J. F.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born in Vermillion county, Indiana,
March 7, 1832, and he accompanied his parents to Vermillion county, Illinois, where he lived a
few years and came to Iowa in 1843, locating in Keokuk county. In the spring of 1847, he came
to this county, and located on section 35, of this township. Here he has grown to manhood on a
farm, and was educated in the common schools. He is one of the oldest settlers now living in the
county. In the spring of 1857, he came upon his present farm, consisting of ninety-five acres.
When he took possession of this farm, he lived for four years in a shanty twelve by twelve, with
four posts set in the round, and boards nailed upon these, then a layer of plaster, and then board
again. The floor was covered with boards hewn out of large trees. He was married December 6,
1856, to Miss Jane Knox, a native of Ohio. They have nine children: Emma J., Anna Rosa, J. F.
and Sadie living, and five deceased. During the war he was not able to go into the army, but
furnished a substitute.

OGLEVIE, D. B.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Oakwood Station. Was born in Vermillion county,
Indiana, October 3, 1830, and removed with his parents to Vermillion county, Illinois, where they
lived for a few years and then came to Iowa in 1843, locating in Keokuk county. He lived there
until 1846 and then came to this county and located in Rising Sun. Here he has been raised and
educated. In 1855 he came upon his present farm, consisting of 123 acres. He and his brother are
the oldest settlers
950 BIOGRAPHICAL.
now living in the township. Mr. O. has been twice married. First, in 1844, to Miss Sarah A.
Wheeler, who died in February, 1858, leaving five children: H. F. and Amelia (wife of Henry
Foust), living, and three deceased. Was married again in January, 1860, to Miss Rebecca J. Pack,
a native of Indiana. They have eight children: Kerlin, Genevia, Georgia and Cora, living, and four
deceased.

PITSTICK, JOHN-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Kuelin, Prussia, on the Rhine,
January 18, 1836, and in 1843 he emigrated with his parents to the United States, locating in La
Salle county, Illinois. He was raised and educated there, and was engaged in farming, which he
has since followed. In 1863 he came to this State and located where he now lives, and what he
now has is the result of hard, honest toil and strict attention to business. Owns 160 acres of land.
Was married March 5, 1858, to Miss Frances Billingsfelt, a native of Prussia. They have nine
children: Charles, Louisa, Frances, William, Lizzie, Amy, Ella, Johnnie and Eddie, all living. Mr.
P. is agent for the celebrated Tower's Pulverizers and Cultivators, made in Mendota, Illinois.

PLUMMER, J. E.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Rising Sun. Was born November
12, 1832, in Highland county, Ohio, and when very young was taken by his parents to Allen
county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood on a farm and was educated in the common schools.
Became to Iowa in 1852 and located in Camp township, this county, remaining there until 1860,
when he went to Colorado; he lived there about six years and in 1866 came back to this county
and located where he now lives, owning a farm of 185 acres, well improved and cultivated. He
has been a member of the Board of Supervisors of the county. April 15, 1863, he was married to
Miss Lovena S. Garrett, a native of Ohio. They have six children: John W., Vincent V., Esther
L., Denver N. and Effie D., living, and one, the oldest, Emma A., died in Georgetown, Colorado.

POST, JAMES-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Atloona. Was born in Otsego county, New York, April
3, 1816, and was raised on a farm. When young he learned the stone and brick maker's trade and
followed that in connection most of his life. He also worked for a number of years at the
carpenter's trade. In 1853 he removed to Medina county, Ohio, and in 1866 came to this State,
locating where he now lives. Owns a farm of eighty acres. Mr. Post has been twice married. First,
in 1846, to Miss Nancy Phelps, who died in 1854, leaving two children: Walter and Mary, both
living. Was married again in 1856 to Miss Sarah Preston.

POST, A. M.-Farmer, section 18, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Otsego county, New York, May 12,
1824, and was there raised. He enjoyed the advantages of a common school education, and has
followed farming the most of his life. In 1854 he removed to Medina county, Ohio, and resided
there six years, following the business of milling in a steam flouring mill. In 1860 he went to
Ogle county, Illinois, and engaged in farming, which he followed for three years, and in 1864 he
came to this State and located where he now resides, and has since remained here. Owns a farm
of eighty acres. Was married September 15, 1847, to Miss Jane Jennings, a native of New York
State. They have two children: William and Marian (wife of Thomas Sutton), both living.

SCHOLEY, J. W.-Shoemaker, Altoona. Was born February 10, 1821, in Burlington, New Jersey,
where he remained until he reached his majority. In 1842 he went to Norfolk, Virginia, and
engaged
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 951
in working at his trade, having learned the same from the ages of fifteen to twenty-one years. In
the spring of 1843 he went to Lexington, Kentucky, and remained until the fall of that year and
then moved to Dayton, Ohio, continuing in business there until 1849; at that time he went to
Terre Haute, Indiana, and opened a boot and shoe store, running a shop in connection with it. He
made that place his home until 1855, when he came to Iowa and located near Saylorville, this
county, engaging there in farming. The following year he moved into Saylorville, opened a shop,
and in 1876 came to Altoona and there opened a shop which he still carries on. He was married
May 20, 1846, to Miss Margaret Sayre, a native of Ohio. She died July 10, 1879, leaving a family
of eight children: John, Eliza (wife of Frank Dorr, of this county), Ella (wife of Benj. Cchubbuck,
of this county), Edith, Lizzie, Jennie and Clara, living, and one deceased.

SHAFFER, L. O.-Druggist, Altoona. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, March 2, 1862, and in
1875 came with his parents to Iowa, locating in this county on section 23 of this township, where
his mother still resides, his father having died in the spring of 1879. He was educated in the
common schools, supplemented by a course in the Des Moines University, of Des .Moines. In
March, 1878, he came into the drug store to learn the business and is now associated with Dr.
Booth, under the firm name of Shaffer & Booth. They carry a large and well assorted stock of
drugs, and by their strict attention to business have built up a good trade.

SHIVERS, SAMUEL-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Oakwood Station. Was born in Columbiana
county, Ohio, August 11, 1820, and there was raised on a farm, receiving a common school
education. When twenty years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until
1856, then came to Iowa, locating in Linn county and engaged in farming and also in working at
his trade at odd times. He resided there for nine years and then came to this county, locating
where he now lives in 1865. Owns a farm of 150 acres. Just after arriving here he was drafted
into the army, and although over age he could not prove it by records, and was forced to go or
furnish a substitute. He chose the latter, at an expense of $800, as it was impossible for him to
leave his family. This took most of his available means, and although it was a great set back to
him, he has gained for himself and family a fine home. He was married July 7,1850, to Miss
Mary A. Patterson, a native of Ohio. They have a family of seven children living: Martha J. (wife
of William Porter), Thomas, Lizzie (wife of Thomas Aultman), William, Mary A. (wife of
Samuel Harvey), Emma and Ella. Have lost two.

TOMPKINS, W. H.-Dealer in hardware and agricultural implements, Altoona. Was born October
17, 1840, in Virginia, and was raised on a farm. In 1866 be moved to Kentucky and engaged in
the mercantile business at Canton, remaining there about two and a half years. He then sold his
stock and in the fall of 1868 came to this State, locating in Des Moines. He remained there a
short time and then bought a farm of 120 acres on section 16 of this township, which he still
owns, and on which he lived until the fall of 1878, when he came to Altoona. He then engaged
in his present business. On the 21st of April, 1861, he enlisted in the second Virginia artillery of
the Confederate army, and served until the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox Court House.
He was in all the battles in which the army of Northern Virginia was engaged. He was wounded
three times, once at Knoxville, Tennessee, and twice at Gettysburg. On
952 BIOGRAPHICAL.
account of meritorious conduct at the second day's fight at Richmond, he was promoted to
adjutant of the first battalion of his regiment and held that position to the close of the war. He
was married September 10, 1868, to Miss Lucy Herndon, a native of Kentucky. They have no
children.

VERSAW, LEVI-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Canada, June 15, 1834, and
there he lived until fifteen years of age. His father having died he left his mother in that country
and emigrated to the United States to seek a home among strangers. His first location was at
Buffalo, New York, where he went to learn the machinist's trade with one Mr. Hemmingway,
with whom he remained about three years. He was then engaged as engineer on the lakes and
followed that for three years, when he took a trip to Pike's Peak in 1859. In the spring of 1860 he
returned, landing in Des Moines with one dollar in his pocket. Here he went to work at his trade,
which he followed until the 25th of July, 1862, when he enlisted in company C, Twenty-second
Iowa infantry. He served until the close of the war and was discharged June 1, 1865, at
Washington, D. C. He then returned to this State and settled in Vandalia, Jasper county, where he
resumed his old business. In the fall of 1874 he bought and came upon his present farm,
consisting of 160 acres. Was married July 18, 1861, to Miss Anna M. Rawson, a native of
Indiana. They have five children living: Arabella, Eddie, Fred., Alvie and Claude. One infant is
deceased.

WATTER, GEORGE-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, December 21,1822. In 1858 he came to Iowa, locating near Vandalia, Jasper
county, and resided there for about seven years, and then returned to Pennsylvania, and came
here again in the spring of 1867 and located near Prairie City. After a residence there of one year
he came to this county, and located where he now lives. He owns a farm of eighty acres.
December 22,1842, he was married to Miss Sarah Hunnel, a native of Pennsylvania. They have a
family of eight children: Isaac, John, David G., Mary E. (wife of Walter Hick), and George R.,
living, and three deceased: Robert enlisted in company E, Fourteenth Iowa, and was killed at
Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, April 5, 1864. Isaac was also in the same regiment and served to the
close of the war.

WOODROW, I. H.-Retired farmer and justice of the peace, Altoona. Was born in Philadelphia
county, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1816, and at the age of fifteen years came with his parents
to Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools
and Clermont Academy, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1854 he came to Iowa and located near
Des Moines, and in 1856 came to this township, locating on section 7, and bought a fine farm of
120 acres, which he improved, living on the same until 1877. He then disposed of it and moved
to Altoona. In building his house in this township the lumber he used was brought from Saylor
bottom in an old canoe that had been made by the Indians. He filled it with lumber and then
hitching four yoke of oxen to it, ran it over the snow to his farm. Mr. W. has held various
township offices and was special United States Marshal for about six years and bailiff of Circuit
and District Courts at Des Moines for about ten years. Although he has passed his three-score
years he is full of energy and ever ready for the active and busy scenes of life. He was married
February 22, 1828, to
CLAY TOWNSHIP 953
Miss Sarah E. Robinson, a native of Ohio. They have thirteen children: Ambrose D., Charles,
John R., Mary A. (wife of Theo. Hartley, of Warren county, Iowa), Anna M. (wife of John W.
East, of Audubon county), Thomas, Kate (wife of Win, F. Davidson, of Eddyville, Iowa), Isaac
H., Emma (wife of Fred. Fermel, of Dakota), and Wm. W., living, and three deceased.

WOODROW, B. E. H.-Farmer, section 7, Altoona. Was born August 25, 1825, in Philadelphia
county, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Hendricks county, Indiana, and has always followed
agricultural pursuits. He came to Polk county at an early date in the history of Iowa, and being
possessed of the indomitable will and energy characteristic of the pioneers, he settled in Beaver
township in the year 1854, and owns a farm of forty acres of land. Was married in the year 1848,
to Miss Eliza Robison, of Indiana. She died in 1856, leaving four children, living: Isaac S.,
Joseph T., William W. and Benjamin F., and one deceased. He was married again in 1867, to
Mrs. Rosetta, widow of the late David Butterfield, of Michigan. By this union they have three
children: Ella May, Henrietta, and Edward A.

YANT, ANTHONY-Farmer, section 13, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, November 28, 1807, and resided there until six years of age, when with his parents
he removed to Clark county, Ohio. There he was raised a farmer and formed the habits of
industry and integrity which have followed him through life. He came to this State in November,
1853, and settled at Muscatine, and on the 2d of January, 1854, made the entry which now
constitutes his present homestead of 320 acres. Has held the office of justice of the peace and
township supervisor. He was married in Ohio, in 1831, to Miss Annie Snively, of that State. They
have eight children, living : Levi, David, Martha (twins), Joseph and an infant (twins), Franklin, A
ram and Ruth A. Lost three. His ancestors were of Pennsylvania on his father's side. His
grandfather and two brothers were in the Revolutionary War.

YANT, DANIEL-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 12, P. O. Altoona. Is a native of Stark county,
Ohio, born March 29, 1827, and was raised in that State and county until.1855. At that time lie
came to this county and settled where he now resides. His home farm consists of 420 acres,
improved and cultivated He has held the office of township supervisor. His marriage was in his
native county in January, 1853, to Miss Neoma Hudson, of the same place. They have six
children living: Isaiah, Amanda, Harvey, Philip, Finley and Ella.

YANT, LEVI-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 7, P. O. Altoona. Was, born in Stark county,
Ohio, February 17, 1833, and followed farming as an occupation until November, 1853. He then
accompanied his parents to this State and settled in Muscatine, and in December, with his father,
Anthony Yant, came to this county. He is the owner of 165 acres of improved land. Has been
twice married. First, in Muscatine county, Iowa, December 2,. 1856, to Miss Nancy B.
Randleman, of Illinois. She died in 1874, leaving five children: Scott S., William H., Rosa,
Georgia and Nancy E. His; second marriage was in Wisconsin, in 1875, to Hannah Sutherland, of
New York State.

YANT, ISAIAH-Lumber dealer, Altoona. Was born in Stark county, Ohio, June 29,1854, and in
the spring of 1855 he came with his parents to
954 BIOGRAPHICAL.
this county, locating on section 12, of this township. Here he has been raised and educated. He
followed farming all his life until the fall of 1879, when he bought the lumber yard of M.
Madigan, which he has since continued to keep. He is at present clerk of Clay township. Was
married September 2,1878, to Miss S. E. McPherson, daughter of M. C. McPherson, of Iowa
Center, Story county. She was born in that place. They have one child, Rettie May.
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP
ANKENY, P. D.-Farmer, section 16, P.O. East Des Moines. Was born in Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, February 3, 1826, and at the age of five years moved to Holmes county, Ohio,
where he lived until 1855, then came West and finally settled in this county in the fall of 1858.
He owns 200 acres of well-improved land, good house, orchard, etc. In 1870 he was elected a
member of the Board of Supervisors and served for three years. December 6, 1859, he was
married to Miss Ellen, daughter of Judge S. L. Lorah, of Cass county, this State. She is a native
of Wayne county, Ohio. They have five children living: Rose, Daisy, Mary Louise, Paul and an
infant. Have lost two. Since writing the above Mr. A. has been appointed County Clerk to fill an
unexpired term.

BAKER, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Montgomery county, Ohio,
November 8, 1832, and at the age of seven years moved to Wayne county, Indiana; and from
there came to Jasper county, this State in the fall of 1854; resided there until 1869, and then came
to this county. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of improved land. He is a plow-maker by
trade, and followed that until he came to Iowa, some of the time working at it there, but since
residing here he has followed farming. He was married May 17, 1857, to Miss Anna Groves, a
native of Wayne county, Indiana, born January 6, 1840. They have nine .children: Alida, Sadie,
Mary M., Elmer, Maggie M., Wilson, Morris L., Bertha and Rose.

BARLOW, L. W.-Farmer, section 21, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in this county December
24, 1851, and has since resided here. He owns in this township one hundred and eighty acres of
improved land. He was married to Miss Catharine, daughter of the late Thos. J. Henderson.. She
is a native of this county.

BLACKMAN, GEO. W.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Verona, Oneida
county, New York, September 10, 1830, and lived there until twenty-five years of age, when he
moved to Joliet Illinois; engaged in the mercantile business until 1861. Returned to New York,
and in 1866 he came to this county and has since resided here. He owns one hundred and
fifty-five acres of land well-improved. He has been local minister in the Methodist Church, and
has been a member of that denomination for thirty-five years. Has been married four times; first,
to Miss Harriet R. Adams, a native of the same place as himself. She died April 6, 1861, leaving
two children living: A. A. and Inez Elizabeth, and one, Etta Sophia, deceased. He was married
the second time to Harrietta L. Adams, sister of the first wife, April 16, 1862. She died February
28, 1867, leaving two children: Nathan L. living, and George E. deceased. He married for his
third wife, Alvira Nagle, a native of this county, November 17, 1867. She died May 9, 1873,
leaving two children: Charles D.
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP. 955
living, and Otho W. deceased. His last wife was Miss Rebecca J. Maggart, who was born in
Madison county, Indiana. They were married October 9, 1873.

CARPER, A. G.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Whitley county,
Indiana, and resided in that State until 1864, when he went West. In the fall of 1865 he was
captured by the Sioux Indians and remained a prisoner until 1868, when he was brought away
from them in that year by Narsell. From 1869 to 1873 he was guide and interpreter for the
government. In 1873 he was wounded by Red Cloud's band of Sioux Indians; and now carries
twenty-one wounds, caused by thirteen different balls. January 29, 1874, he came to this county.
Was married March 10, 1876, to Miss Elizabeth Clapper, a native of Henry county, Indiana. Mr.
Carper is the owner of two hundred acres of land in Harrison county Iowa.

CASE, P. L.-Farmer, section 31, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Delaware county, Ohio,
June 7, 1838, and at the age of five years came to this county with his parents. His father is now
dead, and his widow lives on the same land which he entered in the year 1847, comprising 160
acres. Our subject received the advantages of a common school education, and is now the owner
of thirty-eight acres of land all well-improved. During the late war he was mustered into the
United States service, in company D, Second Iowa infantry, and served until he was mustered
out, May 27, 1864. Participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Battle
of Corinth, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Snake Creek and others. He was married in 1864 to Miss
Catharine Craft of Hancock county, Indiana. They have eight children now living at home.

CHAFFEE, D. N.-Farmer, section 3, P.O. Altoona. Was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania,
April 16, 1837, and at the age of eighteen moved to Carroll county, Illinois, where he lived for
one summer. the year 1856 he came to this county and has made it his home since. Owns one
hundred and eighty acres of land, small fruit and various other improvements. Was married July
4, 1863, to Miss Melissa A. Hardin, a native of Mercer county, Illinois. They are the parents of
three children: Fannie (born October 30, 1864), Lorian (born November 3, 1863), and Nellie
(born January 23, 1878). All living at home.

DARLAND, G. W.-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Parke county Indiana,
November 29, 1826, and when fourteen years of age moved to Warren county, Illinois. From
there he came to this State, settling in Mahaska county in 1850, and there he resided for sixteen
years. In the spring of 1865 he moved to this county, and is now the owner of one hundred and
forty-four acres of improved land. His marriage was on the thirty-first day of January, 1856,
when Miss Sarah A. Clark of Wayne county, Indiana, became his wife. They are the parents of
seven children: five now living. One daughter, Alice. E., is now the wife of Joseph Elliott of this
county.

DAVIS, Mrs. R. J.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Highland county,
Ohio, July 12, 1835, and in 1855 moved to Kendall county, Illinois. From there she came to this
county in the year of 1868. She was married the first time, December 6, 1854, to John A.
Rutherford, a native of Pennsylvania. He died November 20, 1871, leaving six children; three
living, and three deceased. She was married the second ,time, February 20, 1873, to Benjamin
Davis, a native of Knoxville, Tennes-
956 BIOGRAPHICAL.
see, born in 1812. He died October 9, 1879, leaving two children. His first marriage was to Mary
Elliott, a native of South Carolina, who died, leaving nine children: Eliza J. (wife of Cyrus F.
Thornton), Henry A., Andrew, B. F., Joseph A. and Amanda, living; and three deceased. These
children were all born in this county and were one of the first families of the township.

ELLIOTT, F. E.-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Perquimons county, North
Carolina, October 16, 1825, and when six years of age moved to Vermillion county, Illinois,
where he lived until 1847. He then came to Iowa, settling in Polk county, in July, 1847, on the
place where he now resides. He came by ox team and was about one month on the road. He had
no means when he landed but had about two months' provisions. In 1848 he sold his piece of
land in Illinois and bought land warrants. He now owns 540 acres of land, 120 of which were
entered from the government. He was married to Miss Martha A. Brazelton, a native of
Vermillion county, Illinois, born January 14,1847. They have nine children now living: John F.,
Francis M., Albert W., Joseph C., Alexander B., Mary L., George, Ettie May and Clara. Lost
three: Marinda (wife of T. J. Thornton), Laura and Charles W. The Union Chapel is located on
Mr. Elliott's farm. It was built in 1875. There is a burying ground with the church, consisting of
about two acres.

ELLIOTT, JAMES H.-Section 19, P. O. East Des Moines. Is the son of J. A. Elliott, of Des
Moines, and was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, November 14, 1852. Moved to this
county at the age of thirteen years and has since lived here. He was married to Miss Kittie V.
Patrick, a native of Rome, New York. They have one child.

FLITCRAFT, G. W.-Blacksmith, section 5, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Columbiana county,
Ohio, August 22,1839, and at the age of eighteen years came to Iowa, settling in Fulton, Jackson
county. From there he went to Linn county in 1860, and he moved to this county in the fall of
1866. He has since resided here and is now the only blacksmith in the place. He was married to
Ann Elizabeth McMeen, a native of Eugene, Indiana. They have three children: Eva (aged ten
years), Theodore (aged eight years) and George F. (aged six years). August 23, 1862, he was.
mustered into the United States service and served until June 29, 1865. Participated in the battles
of Newtonia, Missouri; Prairie Grove, Arkansas; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Cape Girardeau,
Missouri; Vicksburg, Yazoo Pass and siege of Mobile, beside numerous skirmishes. Was
wounded, in the left leg by rifle shot.

HAMMER, H.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Madison county, Indiana, April
13, 1834, and at the age of eight years moved to Andrew county, Missouri. He resided there three
years and then came to Iowa, locating in Washington county. Lived there for two years and then
moved to Jasper county and fifteen years later he came to this county, settling here in 1864.
Owns 120 acres, of improved land. He was married to Miss Mary McKinney, a native of
Hamilton county, Indiana. They have six children: N. Austin 20 years of age), William aged 18),
Edward (aged 16), George (aged 14), Rosella (aged 10 years) and.
Ells (aged 8 years).

HARDIN, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 17, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Wayne county,
Indiana, April 22, 1816, and at the age of sixteen years moved from there to Marion county, same
State. He resided
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP. 957
there seven years, then went to Mercer county, Illinois, and remained there two years, coming to
this county in the fall of 1849. He has since resided here, having entered the land upon which he
now lives. Owns 290 acres of land. We was married, in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1838, to Miss
Maria J. Ewing, a native of Montgomery county, Ohio. They have eight children: James F., Eliza
J. (wife of Jesse Chaffee), Benjamin, Melissa .Ann (wife of D. N. Chaffee, of this county),
Alonzo, Mary M. (wife of J. H. Brown, of Omaha), Joseph C., living, and one deceased, an
infant.

JAMES F. HARDIN-Was born August 12, 1839, in Marion county, Indiana. Married Melissa J.
Wilson, at native of Mercer county, Illinois. Have two children living: Charles W. and Roy D. He
owns seventy acres of land on section 17.

HARVEY, STEPHEN, JR.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Oakwood. Was born in Warren county,
Ohio, September 7, 1832, and is a son of Samuel Harvey, now deceased, who came to this county
in 1848. When sixteen years of age our subject moved to Shelby county, Indiana, living there
until he came to this county, in the spring of 1848. He came by wagon and was eighteen days on
the road. He was married August 25, 1854, to Miss Mary Stewart, who was born February 8,
1836. They have ten children: Dice E., Hannah (now Mrs. Ephraim Filman, of Clay township),
Theodore D., James S., Cyrus, Vera, Charles and William, living, and two deceased: John S. and
Elvira. Mr. Harvey owns 181 acres of land, well improved. Has an orchard of about 700 trees,
400 of which are bearing pears.

HENRY, DWIGHT-Farmer, section 18, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Madison county,
New York, April 30, 1832. when five years of age he moved to Defiance county, Ohio, where he
resided until 1876, then coming to this county. He owns eighty acres of land, well-improved, also
eighty acres in Elkhart township, on section 1. He was married December 22, 1853, to Miss
Catharine  Munn, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, born November 21, 1832. They have three
children living: Alva, Cassius and Grant. Lost one, Orlando, who died April 30, 1866.

HENDERSON, JONAS-Farmer, section 21, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Polk county,
Iowa, March 22, 1852, and has been a resident of this county ever since. He received a common
school education and now ,owns 120 acres of improved land. He married Miss Nancy E.,
daughter of Calvin Thornton, of this county. They are the parents of two children.

HERRING, ISAAC-Vegetable grower, section 31, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Randolph
county, Indiana, June 14, 1831, and in 1832, settled near Indianapolis. In 1854 he came to this
State and settled in Keokuk county, and in April, 1871, came to this county. He owns a garden of 
ten acres. He has been twice married: first, to Miss Lydia J. Swain, native of Wayne county,
Indiana. She died in (March, 1860, leaving two children: Laura E. (wife of Mr. Garner, of
Kansas), and Francis E., living in this county). He was married the second time, to Miss Nellie
Ludlam, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child.  March 8, 1862, he was mustered in
company D, Seventeenth Iowa infantry. Participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain and
Tilton, Georgia, was there taken prisoner October 14, 1864, and was in prison seven or eight
months, and was the last month in Andersonville.

JOHNSON, S. D.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. fast Des Moines. Was born in Oswego county, New
York, April 28, 1826, and lived there until eight years of age, and then moved to Lucas county,
Ohio. In October,

958  BIOGRAPHICAL.
1863, he came to this county, and has since made this county his home.. He owns a farm of
eighty acres of improved land. He married Miss Mary Spaulding, a native of Maine. They have
four children: Martha (wife of John A. Goble), and Cora E. (wife of O. S. Ewing, of Wabash,
Indiana). The remainder are at home.

JUSTICE, JAMES-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, P. O. Greenwood. Is a native of Mercer
county, Illinois, and was born on the 16th day of July, 1842, and in the spring of 1851 came to
this county with his. parents. His father entered the present farm in 1849, and has resided upon it
since '51, following farming. He also engages in stock-raising and is one of the heaviest dealers
in the township. Is the owner of 280 acres of land, well-improved and in good cultivation, and
the farm is well adapted to stock purposes. Was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of John Harris,
one of the pioneers of this county. He was born March 11, 1840.. They are the parents of five
children: Frank, Maud, Mabel, Emma and Alice.

LOVELESS, WASHINGTON-Farmer, section 33, P. O. East Des. Moines. Was born in Clark
county, Ohio, November 27, 1826, and resided there until the fall of 1855, he then came to this
county, and has since resided here. September 25, 1851, he was married to Miss Nancy Simpson,
a native of Greenbrier county, Virginia. She died February 18, 1876, leaving a family of eight
children, six living: Dollie (wife of R. B. Scott, of Audubon county, Iowa. The eldest son lives in
Cass county, Iowa.

PORTER, JAMES-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Dearborn county, Indiana,
November 23; 1824, and lived in that State until 1854, when he came to Iowa, locating in Jasper
county. He resided there until 1864. He then came to this county. He now owns a farm of 180
acres of land. He was married to Miss Sarah A. McKinney, a native of Orange county, Indiana.
They have had eight children, seven of whom are now living, all married and living in this
county: Mary (wife of H. B. Mason) and Nancy Martha (wife of J. W. Combs). Mr. Porter has.
been a member of the board of supervisors, in all about six years.

POWELL, FRED-Farmer, section 18, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Delaware county,
Ohio, October 18,1827, and in 1859, moved to Davis county, Missouri. In the fall of 1861, he
came to this county, where he owns eighty acres of improved land. He married Miss Susan
Williams, a native of Oneida county, New York, January 1, 1851. They have had five children,
four of whom are living.

REINKING, C. D.-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Oakwood Station. Was born in West Phelan,
Prussia, May 2, 1820, and when fourteen years of age came to America, first settling in
Philadelphia. He resided there until 1848, and then moved to this county, landing in Des Moines
with but ten dollars cash  in his pocket, and five of that he had to pay to the government for
entrance fees on his two land warrants. When young he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and
served a part of his early life at that business, in Philadelphia. He made the first furniture in Des
Moines, and shipped the same to Iowa City and Burlington, and at one time he sold all the
coffins used for twenty miles around. He sold out his business. to Alexander D. Cross. His
education was limited, as he obtained it after working hours. During this time he supported his
mother until she died, and also raised his sister's family of four children, receiving help from no
one. In 1855, he came upon the farm where he now resides, containing
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP. 959
400 acres, also has 240 acres in this township, forty acres in Camp township and 640 acres in
Nebraska, besides a block on Walnut Street, Des Moines, known as Reinking's block, and other
property. He was married July 8, 1852, to Miss Elenor P. Shaver, a native of Somerset county,
Pennsylvania. They have two sons and two daughters, all living at home. Mr. Reinking was one
of the first incorporators of the city of Des Moines. He belongs to the A. F. and A. M., and was
one among the first Odd Fellows of Des Moines.

SHARP, D. C.-Farmer, section 28, P. 0. East Des Moines. Was born in Dayton county. Ohio,
August 6,1841, and when four years of age left there, moving to Miama county, Indiana. From
there, he came to this county, in the fall of 1855, and has since resided here. May 8, 1864, he was
married to Miss Hannah E. Betts, a native of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children, all of
whom are living. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company I, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, and was
mustered out in 1863. He re-enlisted in 1864, in company B, Fifteenth Iowa infantry. Participated
in the battles of Springfield, Missouri, Newton, Fayetsville, Arkansas, White River, Arkansas,
Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, Georgia, Goldsborough and battle of Raleigh, besides others.

SIMS, W. S.-Gardener, section 32, P. O: East Des Moines. Was born in Lawrence county,
Indiana, October 16,1831, and in 1853, came to Iowa. In 1870, he came to this county. Owns a
finely improved garden of twelve acres, and a variety of small fruit. He was married to Miss
Sarah Bosley, a native of Tazewell county, Illinois. They have two children living. May 28, 1861,
he enlisted in company E, Second Iowa infantry, and was mustered out May 28, 1864.
Participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth, and several skirmishes.

THORNTON, T. J.-Farmer, section 6, P. 0. Greenwood. Was born in Vermillion county, Illinois,
November 13, 1844, and resided there until five years of age, when he cane to this county. He
received a common school education. Owns 167-1/2 acres of land. About ten, years ago Mr.
Thornton began improving his farm, and now he has a nice grove surrounding his house, a large
barn, and an orchard of 125 trees, besides a great variety of small fruit. He has a never ceasing
flow of water upon his land. He married Miss Almarinda Elliott, daughter of  F. E. Elliott. She
died October 1, 1877, age twenty-nine years, eleven months, leaving a family of four children, all
living. October 23,1861, he enlisted in company B, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, and was discharged
on account of disability. Participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and others.

TOMLEY, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 19, P. 0. East Des Moines Was born April 22, 1818, in
Montgomeryshire, North Wales, and emigrated to the United States. At the age of twenty-two
years, he went to Delaware county, Ohio, and remained until 1865, when be came to Polk.
county. Owns ninety-nine acres of well-improved land. He married Mrs. A. H. Case, a native of
Delaware county, Ohio. Her maiden name was; Elizabeth N. Cox. Parents of three children, two
are living. Sarah E. Case, step-daughter of Mr. Tomley, is now the wife of David F. Davis, of this
county.

TUMBLESON, DANIEL-Farmer, section 5, P. 0. Greenwood. Was born in Tuscarawas county,
Ohio, May 26, 1831, and at the age of nine years moved to Van Wert county, Ohio. He remained
there about twenty six years, and in June, 1863, came to this county, and has since resided,
960 BIOGRAPHICAL.
here. October 2, 1862, he was mustered into the service in company A, Fifteenth Ohio infantry.
Served until February 1, 1863, when he was discharged on account of disability. He was married
in Van Wert county, Ohio, January 26, 1855, to Miss Indiana Smith, of Harrison county,
Virginia. They have six children: Susan D. (wife of W. W. Wright, of Trego county, Kansas),
Virginia F. (wife of Thos. Thornton, living in Guthrie county, Iowa.

WATTS, THOMAS-Farmer, section 20, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in East Kent,
England, February 4, 1829, and when twenty-one years of age moved to Pennsylvania, living
there for five years. He then came to Iowa and to this county, and has since resided here. Has
followed farming all his life and now owns 190 acres of well  improved land. March 30, 1853, he
was married to Miss Agnes Cleal, of Brickport, Dorseyshire, England. They have seven children:
James, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, John F. and Ellen, living, and two deceased: William and Johnnie.

WEST, F. M.-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Franklin county, Indiana, March
12, 1845, and at the age of  twelve years came to this county. With the exception of five years
spent in Nebraska he has resided here since that time and now owns eighty acres of
well-improved land. He was married to Miss Jemimia, daughter of Stephen Harvey, of Clay
township. She is a native of Indiana. By her he had six children: Rufus E., Perry L., Stephen O.,
Charlie and Susan, living, and one deceased, Jerry T.
SAYLOR TOWNSHIP.
BEEKS, T. C.-Farmer, section 14, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Fayette county, Indiana,
July 27, 1831, and was raised there up to the time that he came to this State in 1870, then located
in Warren county, and remained there for ten months, and in March, 1871, came to this county.
His early manhood was spent on a farm until he was nineteen years of age, and in 1850 he began
an apprenticeship at the harness and saddle-making trade, and followed this as his vocation until
February, 1869. Then engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has since been engaged in that
business, with the exception of two years that he was in the grocery business at Des Moines. His
farm consists of 120 acres. Has held the office of trustee for two terms and is the present clerk of
his township. His marriage was at Brooklyn, Indiana, September 6, 1854, to Miss Mary E.
Jackson, a native of Indiana. They have four sons living: Charles O., Horace E., Otis E. and
Ralph W. Lost two children: Ella Virginia and Theodore L.

BETTS, JEREMIAH J.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Trent. Was born in Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, July 19, 1818, and from there came to this county in 1856. He has made farming
his occupation through life and now owns 225 acres, mostly improved. His ancestry on his
father's side were natives of Pennsylvania; and on his mother's of Virginia. They were early
settlers of Pennsylvania and he had to carry all his provisions from Pittsburgh, ninety miles, on
horseback, to where they had settled among the Indians in 1801. He was the eighth son of a
family of twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity and married, excepting one daughter,
who died. This was the first death in the family. His mother never paid a dollar for doctor bills,
and at her death, which was at the age of sixty-six, she had
SAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 961
sixty-five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She also spun and wove the wool and
hackled the flax that clothed the family. Mr. Betts still has the hackle that she used and it is now
one hundred years old. Our subject was married in Pennsylvania, in 1838, to Miss Elizabeth A.
Flanch, of Pennsylvania. They have a family of four sons and two daughters, living; James W., S.
W., M. C., J. L., Mary L. and Hannah. Have lost nine children. The number of their grandchildren 
is thirty-five.

BREWBAKER, JOHN-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Trent. Was born in Franklin county,
Pennsylvania, December 2, 1831, and was raised there until twenty years of age. His father being
a blacksmith he learned that trade, beginning it when fourteen years of age. He followed it as his
entire business for sixteen years. From his native place he removed to Henry county, Indiana, in
1852, and four years later came to this State, settling in this county in 1856. Has since resided
here excepting three and a half years that he spent on the Pacific coast. Is at present one of the
trustees of his township. Mr. B. was married in this county December 11, 1862, to Miss Minerva
A. Mercer, of Greene county, Ohio. They have a family of eight children living: Henrietta,
Edward E., Orris O., Jennie F., Mary E., Nellie Jay, John M. and James R.

BUZZARD, P. H.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, February 10, 1814, and resided there until six years of age, when with his parents
he moved to Wayne county, Ohio. There resided until 1833, when he removed to Woods county,
same State, and lived there until 1840. His father, Frederick Buzzard, died while living in
Holrnes county and the subject of this sketch then went to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade at
Wooster, Wayne county. He there finished his trade and followed it while in Woods county. He
moved to Ottawa, Lasalle county, Illinois, and resided there about eight years, when he took up
his residence for three months in Nauvoo, Hancock county; then returned to Ottawa, and after a
short time went to Racine county, Wisconsin, residing there for one and a half years. In the fall of
1846 he came to this county, locating in Des Moines. About twenty seven years ago he moved
where he now lives, owning twenty-seven acres of land. He spent one year in Utah. He opened a
blacksmith and wagon shop and made the first plows and wagons in the county. Mr. Buzzard
went by wagon to California in the spring of 1850, on account of ill health, was four months on
the road, and returned by way of Central America, reaching here in February, 1851. Was married
February 18, 1835, in Perrysburg, Woods county, Ohio, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Samuel
Frederick, of Asyp, Columbia county, Pennsylvania. She was born May 18, 1819. They have
three children living: Frederick (born June 18, 1841, and now in Montana Territory), William B.
(born April 14, 1846, and now in the same place), and George W. (born February 19, 1854, now
in Colorado). Lost one daughter, Rosanna (born February 14, 1849, died in September, 1850, in
Des Moines).

CHENEY, S. F.-Farmer, section 11, P. O. Saylorville. Was born in Berkshire county,
Massachusetts, September 9, 1829, and was raised there up to the time that he came to this State
in 1856. He settled in this county in the spring of that year and has been a permanent resident
here since. For several years he held the office of township trustee. His marriage was in his native
county February 1, 1855, to Miss Fannie C. Johnson, of Hardwick, Massachusetts. Their family
consists of one child
962 BIOGRAPHICAL.
living, Lida E. They have lost five: Florence L., Hattie A., Jennie E., Albert R. and Angie L.

COY, LEVI-Farmer and stock-raiser, Saylorville. Was born June 14, 1836, in the town of
Waterford, Elkhart county, Indiana, and was raised there at farming until about eighteen years of
age, when he began the carpenter's trade. This he continued until he came to Iowa in 1856,
locating in this county. For nine years following he engaged at his trade, and about 1861 began
his present business. He owns over 107 acres of land. Has been school director and is the present
township treasurer. March 11, 1858, he was married in this county to Miss Malinda Roush, of
Ohio. They have two sons and one daughter living: Mary B., Ira and Frank. Lost one daughter,
Ella. Mr. Coy's ancestors were all of Pennsylvania.

DAILEY, J. I.-Farmer and saw mill and wood contractor, section 22, P. O. East Des Moines.
Was born in Lee, now Saylor township, of this county, November 6. 1846, and was raised here
on the same farm on which he still resides. His homestead consists of eighty-nine acres of land.
His marriage was in this county April 1, 1874, to Alfaretta Estal, of Iowa. They have one son and
two daughters: Ernest, Gracie and Bertha. During the late war he enlisted in company, F,
Forty-seventh Iowa regiment, and served until the expiration of his term of enlistment, which was
for 100 days.

DAY, J. P.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Newcastle, Delaware,
August 26, 1837, and was there raised until he came to this county in the spring of 1857. He has
always followed farming as his principal occupation and now owns a good farm. Was married in
this county in the fall of 1860 to Miss Minerva Dailey. They have three sons and three daughters
living: Helen, Newton J., Clara, James E., Edith and George W. Mr. Day's father was a native of
Delaware and his mother a native of Pennsylvania.

FOOTE, W. D.-Teacher, Saylorville. Was born in Canada, January F 22, 1837, but was raised in
Vermont. There he remained until he reached his majority and obtained his education in
Middlebury .College, graduating from there at the age of eighteen years. During the following
four years he studied law at Rutland, Vermont, with Foote & Hodges, and for a while practiced at
Whitehall, New York. October 31, 1862, he enlisted in company B, Ninth New York cavalry,
and was with his regiment until the fight at Gettysburg, when, on the second day (July 2), he was
captured, kept for about nine months and returned to his regiment. Served until the close of the
war, returned to New York and taught school two terms and afterward came to this State, and
since that time has followed, teaching, having taught at his present location twenty-nine terms,
twenty-seven of them consecutively. Has been justice of the peace four years. Was married in Des
Moines July 16, 1872, to Miss Mary Leggett, of Ohio. They have three daughters living: Emily
N., Clara and Vinnie E. His ancestors were natives of the New England States from the landing
of the Mayflower.

GREER. WILLIAM N.-Fruit-grower, section 25, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1824, and at the age of seventeen years moved with his parents to
Dearborn county, Indiana, living there until 1853, when he moved to Scott county, this State. He
had previously entered his farm in 1850, and resided there until 1869, when he came to this
county and has since resided,
SAYLOR TOWNSHIP. 963
here. Owns ten acres of land all in fruit and in good condition. During the war he raised company
C, Second Iowa cavalry, in Scott county, and went into camp as captain of his company August
9, 1863. During the winter of 1861-2 be resigned, on account of disability. Mr. Greer was
married February 15, 1854, to Miss Margaret H. Espey, who was born in Ohio county, Indiana,
June 23, 1829. They have one son living, John L. Lost one, William H. They have also an
adopted daughter, Clara K.

HARRIS, N. J.-Of the firm of Harris Bros., proprietors of Des Moines Nursery and Fruit Groves,
P. 0. East Des Moines. Was born in Clay county, Indiana, in 1841, and was raised there until
1851, when he came to this State with his parents, settling in Boone county. In 1853 he came to
this county. For ten years previous to engaging in his present calling he taught school. His early
education was in the schools of this county, which he supplemented with a three years course at
the Mt. Pleasant University. Was married in this county in 1872, to Miss Martha J. Hendricks, a
native of Iowa. They have a family of three children living- Martha May, Jasper Carey and
Margaret S.

HERRICK, OSCAR D.-Farmer, section 10, P. 0. Saylorville. Is a native of Penobscot county,
Maine, and was born on the 24th day of April, 1841. When seven years of age he removed with
his parents to Illinois and resided there until the outbreak of the war. On the 30th of September,
1861, he enlisted in company K, Ninth Illinois cavalry, and served the term of his enlistment,
which was for three years. After the war he came to this State, settling in Poweshiek county, and
then came to this county in 1871. He was married in Bureau county, Illinois, October 11, 1865, to
Miss Hannah P. Hazard, a native of Peoria, Illinois. She died January 24, 1880, leaving six
children: Luie Priscilla, George Ellsworth, Mary Otis, Edward Burt, Richard Franklin and Harriet
Priscilla.

JONES, SAMUEL-Farmer, section 23, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1813, and when fifteen years of age moved to Ohio; then from
there came to this county in 1848, and has since resided here, most of the time on his present
homestead. Has always followed farming as an occupation and now owns a good farm. He was
married in Ohio on the 28th of February, 1844, at which time Miss Eunice Powers became his
wife. She was born March 10, 1826, and died in 1863, leaving nine children: Albert M. (born
November 20, 1844 , Sarah E. (born December 12, 1846), Mary E. (born April 28, 1848), Calvin
(born December 23, 1851), Alfred (born July 9, 1854), Emma R. (born March 24, 1857), and
Samuel (born February 28, 1863). Two are deceased: Hannah E. (born May 23, 1856, died April
20, 1877), and Margaret (born November 18, 1860, died August 13, 1870).

LEWIS, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Trent. Was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 17,
1817, and in 1824 moved with his parents to Shelby county, Indiana. In 1838 he went to New
Orleans and, from there came to this county in 1848. The year following he came again, and also
in 1850, but did not permanently settle with his family until the fall of 1853. He brought the first
load of wheat to Des Moines and had to haul it back. In 1857 he planted the first corn with a
planter, and an ox team, in the county. Has been clerk of Camp township and also justice of the
peace for four years, and was clerk when that officer was secretary of the school board. He was
married in Shelby county, Indiana, in March, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth Haskins, a native of
Kentucky but raised in Indi-
964 BIOGRAPHICAL.
ana. They have seven children: Lucinda, Isabel, Thomas A., Elsie, Lottie and Mary. Two sons are
dead.

McCLELLAND, NAT.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 16, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in
Cecil county, Maryland, May 14, 1841, and was raised there until 1850. He then came to this
State with his parents, who first settled in Des Moines, and in 1859 came to his present location,
engaging in farming and stock-raising, which he has made his occupation since. His farm now
consists of 210 acres of well-improved land. His marriage was in this county, January 31, 1867,
to Miss Wealthy Clark, who was born in New York State and was raised there until she came to
this State with her parents about the year 1860. By this union they have two sons and one
daughter: Albert, Gideon and Sarah. Lost one daughter, Mary E. His father .was a native of
Maryland and his mother of England, but she came to this country when a child.

McLEAN, JOHN-Steward of the county poor-farm; section 12, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born
in the northern part of Ireland, near Belfast, and was-raised there until nearly of age, when he
emigrated to the United States and settled near Cleveland, Ohio. He resided in that State up to the
time he came to this county, in 1869, when he settled in Madison township and engaged in
farming, which has always been his occupation. He lost his father when he was twelve years of
age, and from that time fought his own way in the world. He is now the owner of 132-1/2 acres
of land. In 1877 he took charge of the poor-farm and has since been its steward. Has been
township trustee and for four years was treasurer of the township before it was organized into
independent districts. Has been twice married. First, in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1845, to Miss
Isabella McBride, a native of Ireland, who died in 1862, leaving seven children: Anie J. (wife of
Thomas L. Dyer, of Polk City), William J., James N., George W., Mary L., S., and Robert H.
Married the second time, in the same county, in 1865, to Mary Robertson, a native of
Connecticut, raised in Ohio. Have four children: Elizabeth M., Arthur, H. G. and Ida.

SAYLOR, JOHN B.-Deceased. Was born in Franklin county, Indiana, April 11, 1807, and there
was raised until fifteen years of age, his time being divided between working at the mason's trade
and farming. His father being a mason, he naturally worked at that business more or less. He
removed to Indianapolis and there married, in 1826, to a lady by the name of Margaret S. Poage,
who died in about two and one-half years, leaving one child, who has since died. His second
marriage was near Logansport, Indiana, March 18, 1824, to Mrs. Mary Saylor, whose maiden
name was Howard. She had one son by a former marriage who is now living in this county,
Thomas J.  Mr. Saylor came to this State, May 28, 1838, locating in Van Buren county. In April,
1859, he went to the mountains on a prospecting tour and returned that same fall. He died at
Vicksburg, July 26, 1863, leaving seven children : Austin W., Avis C., W. A. and George S.
living, and three deceased: James A., John Q. A. and Alvin H.

SAYLOR, THOMAS J. -Farmer, section.11, P. O. Saylorville. Is the son of John B. Saylor,
deceased, and was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 24th of March, 1831.  June 6, 1837, he
came with his parents to this State, locating in Van Buren county, where his father took a claim.
For one year he settled in Wapello county, and then went back to the old place, remaining till he
came to this county in February, 1845. He came here for his father with cattle to fill a contract
with the government, and
VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 965
Mr. Saylor, senior, came the May following. His education was received in the common schools
and in 1860 he went to Pike's Peak country and engaged in mining, but his principal avocation
was farming. Remained for eight months and on the 15th of July, 1861, he went out with Captain
Mitchell to protect the citizens from the Indians. After his return he enlisted, August 1, 1862, in
company E, Twenty-third Iowa volunteer infantry and served until August 14, 1865, when he
was honorably discharged at Davenport, but was mustered out at Harrisburg, Texas. In 1871 he
went to that State and remained for one year and then returned to this county. When he enlisted
he was made fourth sergeant and was orderly sergeant when mustered out. His marriage was in
this county, February 16, 1851, to Miss Adaline Nagle, of Ohio. They have a family of six
children: J. F., C. F., Lizzie Ione, Lillian May, Mattie Evaline and Duckie.

SMITH, J. J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. O. East Des Moines. Was born in 1833 near
Montreal, Canada, but was raised in Richland county, Ohio, about six miles from Mansfield. He
came to this county in the year 1854. His occupation through life has been farming, and he now
owns over 213 acres of land, well improved. He was married in this county in 1865, to Miss Jane
McFarlane Thompson, a native of Indiana. They have two children living: Ida M. and William A.
They have taken one son to raise, Harry.
VALLEY TOWNSHIP.
CLOSE, W. R.-Farmer and brick-maker, section 28, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Madison,
Indiana, September 8, 1816, and was there raised. He learned the trade of brick-making while
young, and followed it there until the spring of 1840, when he removed to Fulton county, Illinois.
There followed his trade and in September, 1847, he came to Fort Des Moines, and still resides
in the county. Does a large business, both in brick-making and farming, and owns a
well-improved farm of 150 acres. His dwelling is a large brick structure, well located. Mr. Close
has been twice, married. First, in Scott county, Indiana, August 15,1839, to Miss Belinda V.
Smith. They had by this union nine children, seven of whom are now living: James N., Mary F.,
Benj. S., Napoleon B., Sarah P., Hettie M. and Belinda V. Two are deceased: William L. (who
died in the army) and Samuel D. His second marriage was to Priscilla Long. They have four
children living: Anna E., Erastus, Marinda M. and Oliver R. Lost two: Sherman and Rosaltha.

CROSTHWAIT, E. G.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Des Moines. Was born
December 26, 1819, in Johnson county, Illinois, where he was educated and raised. He engaged
in farming and followed it there until April, 1852. when he came to Iowa, locating in Warren
county. In the spring of 1853 he went to Indianola and built an extensive flour mill, which he
continued to keep and run until 1855; also dealt extensively in stock, and had a half interest in
the dry goods house of J. C. Reed, of Des Moines. In 1861 he held the position of aid to the
Governor, and also to the close of the war. In 1865 he came to Des Moines, became extensively
engaged in the stock business and followed that until September, 1878,when he came to this
township. Owns a good farm of 300 acres, well-improved, and it is one of the best sheltered and
watered farms in the county. His res-
966 BIOGRAPHICAL.
idence is located on the banks of Beaver Creek and is surrounded by a fine orchard and shade
trees. Mr. C. has been twice married. First in Fulton county, Illinois, February 4, 1840, to Miss
Margaret Craig. They had five children, four of whom are living: Mary A., Nancy M., Thomas
M. and William T. One is deceased, Alfred M. His second marriage was March 4, 1862, to Sarah
E. Cobb.

FINK, W. W.-Author and elocutionist. Was born in Missouri, on the 8th day of November, 1844,
and when four years of age carne with his parents to Polk county, Iowa, and was educated at the
Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant, and was graduated in 1870. He then returned to this
county and engaged in the coal business and continued in the same until 1877. Having a talent for
writing and public speaking, and having attained a reputation in this line, the demand for his
services led him to relinquish his business and devote his time to these qualifications for which
he is so eminently fitted. He was married February 21, 1871, to Miss E. C. Allen, of Mount
Pleasant, Iowa, also a graduate of the Iowa Wesleyan University. Mr. Fink served in company E,
twenty-third Iowa during three years of the war.

GRAHAM, D. J.-Farmer, section 18, P. O. Des Moines. Was born In Ohio, February 11,1828,
where his youth was spent. He attended the common schools, after which he engaged in teaching,
and followed the same until 1853, when, on account of his health he was obliged to give up his
occupation. Then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1856, when he came to
this county, and has since resided here, following farming. August 13, 1862, he enlisted at St. Jo.,
Missouri, in company D, Thirty-fifth Missouri infantry, and served until the close of the war,
when he was mustered out. Participated in several battles, among which was St. Helena,
Arkansas, July 4, 1863. Mr. Graham has been three times married. First in Richland county,
Ohio, September 4,1851, to Miss Rhoda Imes. They had two children, one of whom, James W.,
is now living, and one deceased, John B. He married for his second wife Elizabeth Lawson,
December 2, 1857. They had ten children, six of whom are now living: William E., Mary C.,
Jacob M., David A., Henry A. and Ben. B. Lost four: George E., Harry N. and two unnamed. His
third marriage was April 30, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Hammond. They have two children: Melville
J. .and Chas. W.

HICKMAN, G. W.-Farmer, fruit-raiser and brick-maker. Was born in Indiana, December 8,
1826, and was raised on a farm. June 1, 1848, he came to this county and is now the owner of a
farm of ninety acres, improved, which he entered from the government. He has an orchard
comprising 2,000 trees and bears the reputation of being one of the best fruit raisers in the county.
He has an apiary of thirty-four hives and devotes considerable attention to this business. In the
spring of 1870 he first started the brick business and is quite extensively engaged in it. His
marriage was in Indiana, September 17,1846, to Miss Mary T Booe. They have five children:
Philip A., Sarah H., Eva M., Laura S., Edgar T,. and Rosa C. Mr. H. is one of the oldest and most
respected citizens of the county.

KIMBLE, C. F.-Farmer, section 19, P.O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, December 4,
1838, and there received his education, after which he engaged in farming there and followed the
same until December, 1853. Then came to Polk county, and since that time has made it his home,
being engaged in farming and fruit-raising. He is the owner
VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 967
of thirty-eight and a half acres of land, improved. On the 11th of February, 1863, he was united
in marriage, to Miss Martha J. Barnes. As a result of this union four children were born to them:
Frank R., Glenn B., Clyde and Lillie C.

KINGMAN, A. S.-Fruit-grower, section 6, P. O. Des Moines. Was born on the 11th of October,
1827, in Monroe county, and raised in Genesee county, New York. In the spring of 1850 he came
to this county and settled on his present place, engaging in the fruit business in a small way, and
has continued to build up an extensive business. His fruit and nursery farm is second to none in
the county, and is as near complete as any in this section. His homestead consists of ninety-five
acres of good land, everything to make home comfortable. He also owns 370 acres in this county.
Was married July 25, 1854, to Miss Eliza J. Higbee, born in St. Joe county, Michigan, May 29,
1837. They have thirteen children living Frank D., Charles S., Belle S., Ida M., Virgil, Hattie L.,
Etta, Albert M., Lottie, Harry W., Tupper, Irving and Gracie. Lost two: Frank D. and Virgil.

KINSEY, ED.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Des Moines: Was born on the 6th of January, 1835, in
Wales, and there was raised. When nineteen years of age he emigrated to America, landing in
New York, and from there went to Ohio, where he commenced farming, and in May, 1855, came
to this county, where he has since resided, following farming. Owns over 145 acres of improved
land and his home is nicely located. He was married in this county on the 5th of June, 1856, to
Miss Marilda Wolf. By this union they have three children living: Emrna A., Elmer and Fred.
Have lost two: John and Frankie.

KINYON, B. N.-Gardener and fruit-grower, section 33, P. O. Des Moines. Was born on the 5th
of March, 1821, in New York, and was there raised. He received good educational advantages,
having been educated in the Delancey Institute, of which one Mr. McHughes was principal. After
leaving school he commenced the study of law, and in October, 1846, removed to Tishomingo
county, Mississippi, was there admitted to the bar, and at once commenced to practice. He
continued in his profession until 1862, when he came to Des Moines and followed his
occupation. Here he remained until 1871, when he gave up the practice of his profession and
retired to his place in Valley township. Here he owns a tract of land consisting of twenty acres, of
which fifteen acres are devoted to the raising of fruit and vegetables. His marriage was in
Alabama, in October, 1853, to Miss Harriet N. Driver. They have had a family of four children,
two of whom are living: Benjamin N. and Violet V. Lost two: Ida I. and an infant.

LANE, C. C.-Dairyman, section - P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Chittenden county, Vermont,
January 22, 1836, and resided there until he came to this county in the year 1869. He engaged at
once in the dairy business and has followed that since. Has increased the number of his cows and
now has one of the finest places around. He is the owner of 125 acres in Polk county and eighty
acres in Dallas county, and also owns a house and lot on Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, all
improved and in good condition. His marriage was to Miss Eveline Mears, a native of the same
place as himself, born April 8, 1835. She died November 7, 1879, leaving six children: Emerson
L., Nellie L., Delbert O., Arthur C., Edney
968 BIOGRAPHICAL.
and Edmund, all at home, except Emerson, who is at present in Colorado.

LAWSON, M. H.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Pennsylvania, York county,
and lived there until ten years of age. He then removed to Indiana, where his education was
completed, after which he learned the trades of carpenter and millwright. These he followed in
that State until the spring of 1855,when he came to this county, continuing his occupation until
the fall of 1857. Then became engaged in the saw-mill business, and in the spring of 1864 he
commenced farming, and has since followed that business, now owning a farm of 200 acres,
improved and under cultivation. Mr. Lawson has been twice married. First in Indiana, September
6,1854, to Miss Abigal Finnick, who died October 3, 1872, leaving eleven children: John F.,
Mary M., Jacob D., William A., Henry E., Marilda E., and Minnie R., living, and three deceased:
Sarah A. and two unnamed. Mrs. Lawson was an estimable lady, a devoted wife and a loving
mother. She had many friends and was beloved by all who knew her and many mourned her loss.
Mr. L. was married the second time September 30,1874, to Miss Christiana Rittgers

LAYMAN, E. H.-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Des Moines. This gentleman owes his nativity to
Indiana, where he was born December 24, 1844. After being educated there he engaged in the
confectionery business, following the same until the spring of 1861. He then raised a company
for the Fifty-fifth regiment Indiana volunteer infantry and afterward again recruited a company
for the One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana infantry. The last company that he recruited was for
the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana, and he served until November, 1865, then being
mustered out as captain of company C, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana volunteer infantry,
at Nashville. After the war he went to Indianapolis, where he was paid off, and then returned to
his place of birth. After this, in the spring of 1866, he came to this county and has since resided
here, and, in company with his brother, owns 500 acres of land. He was married in Gosport,
Indiana, March 3, 1869, to Miss Maggie Cornelius, daughter of Rev. William H. Cornelius. They
have five children living: Albert W., Jennie K., George H., Cornelius and Wonderlich. Lost one,
Estes Howe.

LAZENBY, JEREMIAH-Farmer, section 8, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ontario county, New
York, June 29, 1824, and in the fall of 1856 removed to Branch county, Michigan, where he
lived until he came to this county, in the fall 1867. Has resided on this farm since and now owns
fifty-six acres of land, all in good cultivation, the largest part of which is in small fruit and
orchards. On the 15th of' November, 1849, Miss Frances C. Perrigo, a native of Burlington,
Vermont, became his wife. She was born September 1,1830. They have two children: Frederick
D. and Charlotte M.

McDONNELL, M.-Dairyman, section 31, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Newark, New Jersey,
July 27, 1850, and was there raised and educated.  After completing his schooling he emigrated
with his parents to this county, and has since lived here, being engaged in the dairy business. He
has over thirty cows, which average about fifty gallons of milk per day. His marriage was in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of January, 1880, when Miss Elizabeth Knox
became his wife.

McKEON, P.-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ireland, February 1, 1827, and
there was raised. In the spring of 1847 he
VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 969
emigrated to the United States, landing in New York, and from there went to Genesee, Monroe
county, where he became engaged in farming. This he continued at that place until the spring of
1856, when he came to this county and now owns 223 acres of well-improved land. Has a dairy
of eighteen cows and raised a good deal of fruit. He found a wife in the person of Miss Kate Fay,
whom he married in Buffalo, on the 10th of May, 1856. By this union they had nine children, of
whom seven are now living: Julia, James, Mary J., Celia, Sarah, Anne and John. Two are
deceased: George F. and Kate.

McPHERSON, A. R.-Farmer, section l, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio on the 6th day of
June, 1845, and there lived until he reached his majority. After receiving his education he
engaged in following agricultural pursuits and this he continued until the spring of 1875, at
which time he came to this county. Since that time he has resided here, following farming. His
marriage was in Ohio, March 10, 1875, when Miss Eleanor Hoffman became his wife. They have
one child, Willie C., born May 31, 1878.

POLAND, JOSIAH-Farmer, dairyman and fruit grower, section 7, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1833, and in the fall of 1857 came to this State,
locating in Jefferson county, where he remained three years. Then moved to Worth county,
Missouri, and from there to DeKalb county, same State, residing at the latter place until 1862. He
lived in Appanoose county, this State, for three or four years and thence to Monroe county, living
there until 1878 when he came to this county, and settled on his present farm. He has a good
homestead and beside farming runs a dairy and fruit wagon. On the 6th of December, 1858, Miss
Eliza N. Chrisman became his wife. She was born in Clarke county, Indiana, December 31, 1843.
They have nine children: Mary E., John W., Katie, Alice May, Lydia, James, Clara, Ida and
Mertie.

RITCHART, D. F.-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Pennsylvania, August 10,
1834, and at the age of five years moved with his parents to Indiana, where he was raised. He
moved to Virginia after leaving school and while there learned the tinner's trade, which he
followed until 1858. Then came to Des Moines and continued his trade: and in 1860 came to his
present location, where he has since resided, owning a fine farm of 180 acres, well improved. His
marriage was in this county, October 16, 1863, to Miss Melissa Lane. The result of this union
was eight children, seven of whom are now living: Catharine E., Franklin, Charlie, John, Jessie,
Ellen and Ettie. One is deceased, Albert.

ROGERS, H. Y.-Fruit-grower and nurseryman, section 7, P. O. Des: Moines. Was born in
Highland county, Ohio, March 4, 1825, and in the spring of 1850 came to this county, remaining
for two years and as half, when he returned to Hillsborough, Ohio. Resided there for four years,
then came again to this county, and has since lived here. During the early part of his life he
learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed for twenty-five years, and for ten years has
resided on his present place. Owns fourteen acres of land in fruit and vegetables. His fruit trees
are in good bearing condition. July 10, 1846, he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Smith, who
was born in Highland county, Ohio, August 25, 1824. They
970 BIOGRAPHICAL.
are the parents of five children: William H., Margaret J., Celia A., Thomas J. and Editha May.

SMITH, E. D.-Proprietor of brick-yard, section 33, P. O. Des Moines. Is a native of Mineral
Point, Wisconsin, being born on the 21st of July, 1847. When two years of age he moved with
his parents to Illinois, and there received his education. He engaged in farming and followed the
same until the spring, of 1868, when he commenced brick making. In 1875 he removed to Dexter,
Iowa, where he continued his trade until in June, 1876. He deals quite extensively in brick and
manufactures about 14,000 per day, employing twenty hands. He was married in Illinois, July 14,
1869, to Miss Emaline E. Burroughs. They are the parents of four children, three of whom are
living: Ezra D., Cora E. and Annie E., Lost one, Cora A.

SM1TH, E. M.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Shelby county, Indiana, April
27, 1829, where he was raised. His education was obtained at the Baptist College at Franklin,
Johnson county, that State, after which he learned the trade of carpenter, and followed it as an
occupation until 1857, when he came to Iowa and settled in Des Moines. Here he continued his
trade; and March 2d,1875, he came to this township, where he still resides, following farming.
Owns a farm of 120 acres, improved, and has a good orchard Of 1,000 bearing trees. He deals
quite extensively in fruit. On the 10th of September, 1858, Miss Missouri A. Snow became his
wife. They were married in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their family consists of six children: Herbert
G., Eva, Florilla, Nellie, Hattie and Edith B.

WILLIAMS, WM. H.-Brick-maker, section 33, P. O. Des Moines. This gentleman is a native of
Michigan, being born the 31st of May, 1850   When three years of age he removed with
his parents to this State, locating in Iowa City, and from there moved to Dallas county. After re
siding there for a short time he came to Des Moines. After obtaining his schooling he learned the
trade of brick making, and since that time has followed it as his occupation. Owns a good farm of
twenty-seven acres, well improved, and upon it he has a good coal mine. Mr. Williams is a man
of good business qualifications and thoroughly understands his trade. He was married in Des
Moines on the 30th of March, 1878, to Belinda V. Close.
WEBSTER TOWNSHIP
BABCOCK, N.-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, March 11, 1834,
and was there raised and educated, after which he commenced farming. In 1858 he removed to
Illinois, continued to farm; and in the spring of 1869 he came to this county. Has since resided
here and owns a farm of eighty acres, well located, commanding a fine view of the country for
miles around. Enlisted during the war, in the spring of 1862, in the Eighty-third Illinois infantry,
and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He was married in
Illinois, May 31, 1859, to Miss Mary A. Burrell. They have one child, Frank C. (born March
15,1860).

CADY, L. B.-Farmer, section 14, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, May 13,1831, and
attended school and was raised there. After receiving his education he obtained a position as
stage driver with
WEBSTER TOWNSHIP.                                                                    971
the Western Stage Company, remaining in their employ until 1850, when he went to
Pennsylvania. He there continued in the same business, and in 1856 came to Iowa, locating in
Iowa City. From there he came to this county, and has since resided here, and is the owner of 160
acres of land. He was united in marriage in Mercer, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1852, with Miss
Helen Emmonds. By this union they have one child, Mary Helen (born March 8, 1854).

CASEBEER, E.-Retired farmer, section 4, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Washington county
Pennsylvania, March 20, 1820, and when seven years of age removed to Ohio. After leaving
school he commenced farming, and followed the same until the fall of 1854, when he came to
this county. He has since resided here, and now owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres with
good improvements. He is a man respected by all, and well merits that respect. Was married in
Allen county, Ohio, May 18, 1854, to Miss Catharine J. Bowman.

CUTTER, E. L.-Farmer and stock dealer, section 30, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in
Massachusetts, December 22, 1824, and after finishing his schooling there he became engaged in
the saw manufacturing business which he followed until June, 1869. He then came to this county
and has since remained here, and is quite extensively engaged in stock dealing. His farm consists
of one hundred and sixty-five acres of finely improved land, fenced with boards and hedges. He
was married in the State of Massachusetts on the twentieth of March, 1850, to Miss Hannah A.
Jost. They have had a family of six children, of whom there are four living : Effie E., Eliza C.,
Abbie H. and Lizzie L. Two are deceased, Ada and Fannie R.

DENNEY, J.-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New Castle county, Delaware,
January 16, 1837. When fifteen years of age he moved with his parents to this county. He was
raised a farmer .and still follows the same, and now owns a fine farm of two hundred acres.
He was married in this county, September 10,,1859, to Miss Sarah Rittgers.  They have a family
of three children: John T., Ida J. and Albert.

DUNHAM, GEORGE C.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Syracuse, New
York, March 16, 1834, and at the age of ten years moved to Michigan with his parents. After
obtaining his education he learned the moulding trade, following the same until 1862, when he
enlisted in company F, Twenty-sixth Michigan infantry; he served until the close of the War, and
was honorably discharged, after which he went to St. Louis. There followed his trade, and in the
spring of 1868 came to Des Moines. In the spring of 1878 he came to this township, where he
still resides, following farming. He was married in Des Moines, to Miss Maria Hepburn, October
6, 1868. They have one child, Mabel, born August 1, 1869.

FRANKS, C. H.-Farmer, section 14, P. O.. McDivitt's Grove. Was born May 4, 1840, and is a
native of Prussia. When only an infant he was brought by his parents to the United States,
landing at Baltimore. From there he removed to Pennsylvania, where he was educated, after
which he engaged in the lumber business. He followed that until May, 1869, when he went to
Missouri, and in the fall of 1869 .he came to this county where he has since lived. He owns a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, well-improved and cultivated. He was married in
Pennsylvania, June 14, 1865, to Miss Belinda E. Hagan. To them have been born
972 BIOGRAPHICAL.
five children, of which there are four living: James R., Charles B., Edward W. and Elizabeth J.
Lost one, Bertie R.

HARDING, A. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New
York, June 21,1850, and when seven years of age moved with his parents to Illinois, where he
was raised. He received his education in Monmouth College  after which he commenced teaching
school and taught for two terms. Was then employed in a book store as clerk, remaining there for
six months, when he got a position as book-keeper in the National Bank of Monmouth, and was
afterward promoted to cashier. In 1876 he came to this county and has since resided here on his
fine farm, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres. He is extensively engaged in the raising
of fine stock.

HUFFORD, JAMES-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Indiana, February 4,
1835, and was there partly educated. After remaining in various parts of that State, until 1851, he
came to this county and finished his schooling. Has followed farming most all his life and now
owns a fine farm of forty acres. Mr. Hufford is a man highly honored, and respected by all who
know him. He was married in this county, June 19, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Smith. They have
two children: Mary A. and Emma.

HUNT, CHARLES-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Fairfax, Franklin
county, Vermont, and after receiving his education, commenced farming, following the same
until September, 1869. He then engaged in teaming, and in the fall of 1877 came to this county,
where he still resides. He is engaged in stock raising in connection with his farm operations, and
is quite successful. June 9,1861, he was married in Westford, Vermont, to Miss Celicia S
Spaulding. They have had three children, of whom one is living: Reuben born April 5, 1863).
Lost two: Addie M. (born February 16, 1865, died November 3, 1865), and Homer C.
(born February 22, 1869, died September 27, 1871).

KIRK, JAMES-Farmer, section 4, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, January 2, 1830, and
was there raised. While young he learned the cooper's trade, and followed it until the spring of
1858, when he came to this county. He has lived here since, following farming, and is now the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land. His residence is surrounded by fine shade trees,
and is well located. He was married in Ohio, September 22, 1861, to Miss Hester J. Griffith.
They have had eleven children, of whom seven are living: William F., Henry B., Mary, James,
Charles F., Jennette and Bessie. Four are deceased: Edgar, and three infants.

McDIVITT, I. H.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in Indiana, on the
twenty-first of November, 1842, and at the age of nine years came to this county, where he has
been raised. After obtaining his education he engaged in farming, and still follows the same. He
owns a farm of eighty acres, improved and under fence. He was married in Jasper county, Iowa,
November 20, 1863, to Miss Sibel Syneth. Three children have been born to them: Mary M.,
Francis and Thomas J.

McMASTER, S. H.-Farmer, section 3, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in Vermont, April 3,
1840, and there passed his boyhood days. He engaged in teaching and farming and continued the
same until the fall of 1861, when he came to Iowa, settling in Clayton county. There continued
farming and in 1862 he enlisted in company B, First Iowa cavalry, and served, eight months,
when, on account of disability, he was honorably
WEBSTER TOWNSHIP. 973
discharged. Then returned to Clayton county, resuming farming, and in the fall of 1866 returned
to his place of birth, where he obtained a position as subcontractor for the grading of railroads. In
March, 1873, he went to Massachusetts and in 1874 came to this county and since that time has
resided here. Owns a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Vermont, February 28, 1860, to
Miss Edna M. Hunt.

MICHAEL, DANIEL-Farmer, section 33, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Virginia, July 20, 1820,
and at the age of six years moved with his parents to Ohio, there being raised. He was engaged in
farming until the fall of 1854, when he moved to Warren county, this State, continued his
previous occupation and in February, 1864, came to this county, where he has since resided.
Owns 120 acres of land, fenced with young hedge. Was married in Ohio, August 20, 1849, to
Miss Nancy Davis. They have by this union ten children living: Lucinda M., Rachel A., Mahala
C., Samuel S., Locky A., Lydia P., Thompson W. and Handy. Lost two, unnamed.

OLMSTED, C. V.-Farmer, section 13, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, July 4, 1836,
and there was raised and educated. He was engaged in farming until March, 1868, when he came
to this county and has since resided here. Owns a farm of 74 acres, well located, with a fine view
of the surrounding country. He was married in New York, October 2, 1867, to Miss Tamnia E.
Smith.

OLMSTED, A.-Farmer, section 15, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in New York, August 7, 1824,
and after receiving his education engaged in farming and also in the lumber business, which he
followed until the spring of 1864. He then came to Iowa, settling in Marshall county and in
December, 1864, he removed to Michigan, engaged in the lumber and also the threshing business
and in the fall of 1871 came to this county. He owns 120 acres of land with good improvements.
Was married December 12, 1849, to Miss Sarah A. Burritt. By this union they have six children:
Frank L., Ida C., Etta M., Alice A., Philo B. and Herbert A.

OSTERHOUT, N.-Farmer, section 10, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, August 24,.1836,
and when young engaged in farming, which he followed there until June, 1855. Then came West
and located in this county and now owns a well-improved. farm of eighty acres. In 1863 he
enlisted in company G, Second Iowa infantry and served until the close of the war, when he was
honorably .discharged. His marriage was in this county, November 17, 1860, to Miss Sarah J.
Patterson. By this union they have eight children : Martha J., Millie, Sarah E., Bell, John, Ervin,
Mann and Minnie.

PARMENTER, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 9, P.O. Des Moines. Was born in New Hampshire,
February 10, 1828, and when twelve years of age moved to Ohio, where he was raised and
educated. While young he commenced farming and continued the same until the fall of 1865,
when he came to this county and has since resided here, following his former occupation. Owns
120 acres of land. December 29, 1850, he was married in Ohio to Miss Melissa Shry. They have
a family of six children: Adaline, Isaac A., Ellen, Franklin, Albert and Rilly

REECE, D.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in  Ohio, March 5, 1825, and
received his education there and after leaving school he commenced farming. In the spring of
1854, he went to Buchanan county, this State, continued farming, and in 1856 went to Kansas.
974 BIOGRAPHICAL.
He there had a fine farm, but owing to the dry weather he gave it up and returned to Iowa, settling
in Keokuk county and there resided until 1875. At that time be went to Nebraska and in 1876
came to this county where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of land, under cultivation
and improved. He was married in Ohio, March 17, 1846, to Miss Angeline Batraff. They have a
family of eleven children: Lavina, Lester, Franklin P., Rutherford, Winfield S., Dorotha, James,
Eva, John, Elizabeth and Sewell A.

ROBINSON, M. W.-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ross county, Ohio, and
was there raised on a farm. On the 15th of April, 1838, he came to Iowa, locating in Burlington,
where he continued farming and stock-raising, and in the spring of 1869 came to Polk county,
where he still resides, owning a fine farm of 1,120 acres well-improved land, fenced with boards
and rails. He was married in Ohio, May 4, 1841, to Miss Martha Hillhouse. Their family consists
of three children living, Henry, Francis and Effie. Lost one, Sarah F.

RYDER, M.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, March 16, 1827, there
being raised and educated. When young he learned the trade of wheelwright, and followed the
same until 1854, when he came to this State, and located in Jackson county. In the spring of
1870, he came to this county, and still resides here, being the owner of 118 acres. of
well-improved land. He was married in Jackson county, this State, November 25, 1866, to Miss
Hannah Battles. By this union, they have four children: Lucy M., Margaret K., Charlie C. and
Mary M.

SElBERT, H.-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Germany, May 24, 1832, and
after obtaining an education there, commenced farming, which he continued until the spring of
1849. He then emigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there, he went to
Philadelphia, where he learned the trades of machinist and blacksmith, following those trades
until 1858. He then worked as engineer on the Spring Garden Waterworks, remaining in that
capacity until 1862, when he went into the navy-yard as blacksmith. In 1864, he again
commenced work for the Waterworks, and in 1869, came to this county, where be has since
resided. He owns a farm of 120 acres, improved and under cultivation. He was married in
Philadelphia, May 24, 1857, to Miss Mary G. Stranger. They have seven children: Mary L.,
Henry B., Anna C., William A. H., John F., Charles and Eddie.

ST. CLAIR, J.-Farmer, section 13, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in Kentucky, October 5,
1828, and when very young, moved with his parents to Illinois, there being raised. He was
engaged in farming until the fall of 1865, when he came to this county, and has since resided
here, owning a farm of 110 acres, fenced with boards and wire. February 23, 1859, he was
married in this county, to Miss Lydia Howland. They have five children living: Amanda A.,
Arthur, George, Marion and Elizabeth. Lost two: Mary O. and Emma J.

TRIPP, E. A.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New Bedford, Bristol county,
Massachusetts, December 2,1847, and was there raised and educated. He learned the telegraph
business, and followed it for one and a half years, when he engaged in the merchant tailoring
business. In this he continued until the fall of 1868, when he came to this county, and has since
resided here. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, has a good residence, well situated. He was
married in Des Moines.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 975
June 30,1870, to Miss Mary E. McDivitt. They are the parents of one child: William E. born
September 19, 1876.

WAERE, J. G.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, February 13, 1840, and
there was raised and educated.  He engaged in farming at an early day, which he continued until
1858, and then learned the trade of marble cutter, which he followed until 1861. He then enlisted
in company I, Twentieth Ohio infantry, and served four months, when he was honorably
discharged. He returned to Ohio, and engaged in working at his trade, and in 1862 he again
enlisted, this time in company G, Eighty-fourth Ohio, and served for three months. He again
returned to Ohio, and followed his trade, until 1864, when he enlisted in the one hundred days'
service, and after serving his time enlisted in company G, Independent Battery of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. He served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged. He went back
to Ohio, and from there removed to Illinois, where he worked at his former occupation, and in
1869, he came from Ohio to this county, and has since resided here, owning a farm of 110 acres.
He was married in Ohio, June 25,1863, to Miss Mary E. Hare. They have three children living:
Hettie B. and Mattie B. Lost One: Anna G.

ZICKAFOOSE, W. H.-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in West Virginia, May
9, 1830, and at the age of five years moved with his parents to Ohio, where he remained until the
spring of 1837. He then went to Illinois, and on the 20th of August, following, came to this State,
and located in Henry county, where he received his education. He was engaged in farming there
until November, 1873, when he came to this county, and has since resided here, following
farming, and now owns over 160 acres of land. He was married in Henry county, Iowa, October
the 20th, 1853, to Miss America, daughter of Charles F. See, of Baltimore, who was born in
Henry county, Indiana, December 30, 1861. Their family consists of eight children: Sedovn A.,
Sarah S., Mary C., Charles B., Western E., Clara L., William C. and America J.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
ANDREWS, NATHAN-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in New
York, December 1st, 1815, and at the age of   three years was taken by his parents to Indiana,
where he was raised and educated. At the age of eighteen he commenced farming and stock
raising. March 18, 1850, he came to this county, where he has since resided, owning fine farms,
amounting in all to 1,052 acres. He was married in Indiana, April 8, 1838, to Miss Maria
Cunningham. They had two children: Sarah J. (born February 8,1839, died December 11, 1860)
and Naomi (born October 30, 1840, died August 5, 1841). He was married again February 25,
1833, to Miss Sarah M. Lyon. They have six children living: William (born October 1, 1857),
Juliet (born August 28, 1859, Phebe A. (born March 22, 1863), George W. (born November 23,
1865), Flora (born October 8, 1868) and Samuel O. (born December 20, 1871). Have lost
one, Lucy (born March 18, 1862, died April 2, 1862).

BECK, JOSIAH C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Indiana,
September 17, 1826, and there received his education, after which he commenced farming,
continuing the same until the fall of 1853. He then came to this county, where he has since re-
976 BIOGRAPHICAL.
sided, owning a fine farm of 200 acres, nicely fenced, etc. His residence is well located and
surrounded with fine young trees. He was married in Indiana, September 25, 1852, to Miss
Cynthia A. McDowell. By this union they have fourteen children, of which eleven are living:
John H., Eliza E., Anthony W., Sarah L., Ortha M., Jasper N., Josiah M., Palmer M., Flora B.,
Mary A., and Oscar 0. Lost three: William F., Ira M. and Oliva.

BETZ, JOHN-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in Germany, October 20, 1815,
and was there educated. After leaving school he followed the nursery business, in which he
continued until 1850. He then emigrated to America, landing in New York, from which place he
went to the State of Connecticut, remaining there about four months. He then went to Rochester,
New York, and again engaged in the nursery, business, and in the fall of 1852 went to Indiana,
continued his business, and in the fall of 1853 came to this county. He is the owner of 272-1/2
acres of improved land, upon which is a good residence. He was married in New York, October
27, 1853, to Miss Mary Beietermieller. She died October 16, 1872, leaving a family of four
children: Louisa, John, Christian and Paul. Mrs. B. was a lady loved by all who knew her. Her
kind manner and gentle disposition had won for her many friends.

BISHOP, N.-Retired farmer, section 25, P.O. Ridgedale. Was born in Canada, March 3, 1807,
and was there raised and educated. After leaving school he was engaged in running a saw mill,
and in 1829 went to New York State and followed the same business. From there he went to Erie
county, Pennsylvania, where he learned the carpenter's trade, and engaged in continuing the same
until 1857, when he came to this county. He has since resided here, owning a fine farm of
171-1/2 acres, well improved. July 4, 1832, he was married in Quincy, New York, to Miss Mary
Throop. They have two children living: Eliza and Sarah. Have lost three: George, Ada, Lavina
and Sallie R.

BOWMAN, J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, P. O. Des. Moines. Was born in Germany,
December 19, 1821, and was there raised. After receiving his education he learned the weaver's
trade, and followed the same until April, 1849, when he emigrated to America, landing in New
York. From there he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and followed farming and weaving in that State,
and in 1856 came to this county, where he still resides, owning a fine farm of 240 acres, well
improved. He was married in Ohio, May 7, 1850, to Miss Barbara Glouse. They have a family of
seven children: Jacob, Clara, Maggie, Mary, John, Kate and Christ.

BYERS, J. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Pennsylvania;
February 11, 1851, and was raised and educated. there. He learned the tanning business when
young and for five years followed the same. After selling out his business he came to this county
and has since resided here. He now owns a fine farm of 280 acres, fenced with wire and boards.
His farm is one of the best for stock that is to be found in the county, having thereon four living
springs. He was married in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1873, to Miss Armanda E.
Sowers. By this union they have three children. Albert and Blanche, living, and one deceased.
CARNEY, E. I. -Carpenter, Lincoln. Was born in Ohio, Oct. 15, 1838, and at the age of six years
commenced his education. In the fall of 1854 he came to Cedar Rapids, this State, where he
finished his educa-
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 977
tion, and in 1857 he commenced the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. During the late war
he enlisted in the Seventeenth Iowa volunteers, and served until the close of the war, when he
was honorably discharged, then returned to Cedar Rapids, and in the spring of 1875 he came to
this county, where he still resides, owning a fine residence, and also four lots. He was married in
Polk City, July 2, 1876, to Miss L. M. Hardway. By this union they have one child, William E.
(born May 3, 1877). He is doing a good business and thoroughly understands his trade.

CLARK, S. A.-Dealer-In dry goods and groceries, Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, May 26, 1845,
and in the fall of 1855 he came to this county, where he was educated. After leaving school he
engaged in farming, which he followed until the 7th of July, 1876, when, on account of ill health,
he was obliged to stop. He then commenced in the mercantile business, which he still follows. In
fall of 1875 he was elected township clerk and held that office for one term. He is the owner of a
farm of 100 acres of well improved land. Mr. Clark has been twice married. First in Polk City,
November 26, 1871, to Miss Mary Bynum, of California. Had, two children: Lillian G. (born
December 25, 1873) and Louisa M. (born December 25, 1874. He married again in 1880, to Miss
Mary McMullen.

CLARK, JOHN-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in Ireland, March 15,1850,
and was there raised and educated. In June,1864, he emigrated to the United States, and after
landing in New York came to Muscatine county, this State, where he was engaged in farming. In
the fall of 1869 he moved to this county and is the owner of a fine farm consisting of 160 acres of
well-improved land. His residence is well located and his grounds embellished by fine shade
trees.

CONWAY, T. L.-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, April
12, 1846, and was educated in Newcastle Academy. After leaving school he commenced
teaching, and followed that as an occupation until the fall of 1862, when he came to this county,
and here engaged in both teaching and farming. He has a farm of ninety acres, well fenced, with
rails. In the fall of 1878 he was elected township clerk, and held that office for one term. He was
married in this county October 1, 1864, to Miss Mary Elliott. They have two, children: Arthur
(born July 22, 1865) and Nettie M. (born August 30, 1869).

COSTELLO, M. B.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in Ireland, November 15,
1844, and when young emigrated with his parents to the United States, landing in New York
City. He moved to Rondout, New York, and from there to Lockport, same State, and at the latter
place obtained his education. After leaving school he went to Colorado and became engaged in
mining, which he followed until 1855, then came to this county, and has made it his home ever
since, now owning a fine and well improved farm of 120 acres. On the 2nd of February, 1868, he
was married in Madison county, Iowa, to Miss Anna Kirby. They have six children living:
William F., Emma, Augusta E., James H., Anna and John L. Have lost one daughter, Mary.

COX, W. B.-Blacksmith, Lincoln. Was born in Kentucky, on the 12th day of November, 1851,
and when two years of age moved with his parents to Iowa, locating in Linn county. From there
he moved to Monroe county and there received his education. When young he learned the
miller's trade and followed the same for four years, when he began the trade of
blacksmith and has since followed it as an occupation, Although a young
978 BIOGRAPHICAL.
man he has a thorough knowledge of his business and is very successful at it. He was married in
this county, May 11, 1878, to Miss Minerva A. Madison.

DAVIS, JOHN-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in Pennsylvania, September
12, 1826, and in the fall of 1831 moved with his parents to Indiana, and was there educated. He
commenced farming, and in the spring of 1856 he went to Greene county, Iowa, where he,
continued farming, and in the spring of 1863 went to Jasper county, Iowa.  He came to this
county and now owns a farm of 180 acres. He was married in Clinton, Indiana, October 22, 1848,
to Miss Sarah J. Vice. Their family consists of seven children: Mary E., Nancy J., Martin J.,
Anna R., John P., Hester E. and Ella E. He married again, April 20, 1863, to Miss Mary F.
Brown. They have three children: Margaret V., Rosella and Jessie.

DRAKE, W. H.-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in New Jersey, April 9, 1843, and
there received his education, after which he commenced farming, and followed the same until the
spring of 1863. He then moved to Henry county, Indiana, where he continued farming and in the
fall of 1864 he enlisted in company H, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana volunteers, serving
until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He returned to Indiana, and in the
spring of 1868 he came to this county, and now owns a farm of ninety acres, improved. He has a
good residence, etc. March 16, 1872, he was married in Polk county, to Miss Minneta Elliott. By
this union they had one child, which is now deceased.

ELIFRITS, A.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, February 10, 1846, and
when eight years of age went to Illinois; remaining there for two years, then returned to Indiana.
And in the fall of 1856 he came to this county, where he still resides, owning two hundred and
forty-six acres of land, under fence and well-improved. During the late war he enlisted in
company B, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, and after serving his country. for eighteen months, was
honorably discharged. He was married in this county on the tenth of March, 1871, to Miss Sarah
E. Cox. They have lost three children: Nora B. (born August 29, 1875, died December 30, 1878),
Abram A. (born July 18, 1877, died December 31, 1878), and an infant  (born September '20,
1874, died November 21, 1874).

EWING, J. F.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in this county, Delaware township, on
the eighteenth of June, 1855, and after leaving school he commenced farming , which he still
continues, owning a fine farm of forty acres of improve land, nicely fenced with rails and boards.
In 1878 he learned the shoemaker's trade, and has followed that with farming up to the present
time. Being a practical workman he commands a good business; although a young man he has a
bright future before him.

EWING, S. O.-Dry goods and groceries, Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, September 25, 1845, and
at the age of five years came with his parents to Polk county, where he still resides. He was
educated in the common schools, and at the age of sixteen commenced farming, following the
same until the fall of 1879; he then engaged in the mercantile business. He has a fine stock in his
line, and as a man is respected by all. March 15, 1880, he was appointed assistant postmaster. In
the fall of 1878 was
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP 979
elected trustee, and still holds that office. He was married on the twenty-first of February, 1875, to
Miss Emma Elliott, who was born in this State,. May 5, 1856. They, have one child, Guy born
September 30, 1878.

FINLEY, J. C.-Farmer, section 33, P.O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in this county on the
seventeenth of September, 1853, and here he has been raised and educated. Has followed farming
all his life. His father, Johnathan Finley, was born November 37, 1827. On the eighteenth of
October, 1848, he was married in Ohio, to Miss Mary S. Ayres. They had eight children, of
whom six are living: May S., Elizabeth, John C., Mary K., James O., Amanda, J. and Frank L.
Adaline F. and Florence M. are deceased. Mr. Finley died February 4, 1870, in the forty-fourth
year of his age.

FRAIZER, NATHAN-Teacher, section 17, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Henry county, Indiana,
September 7, 1846, and was raised there, following farming until 1868. His education was
received in the common schools of that county, supplemented by a course at Antioch College,
Ohio. He returned to Indiana, and from there came to his present location in 1868. He engaged in
agricultural pursuits but for the last two years has followed teaching.  Is the present incumbent of
the office of township clerk. He was married in his native county January 20, 1877, to Miss
Elizabeth Waters, a native of the same county. They have two sons and two daughters living:
Orre, Harry, Warren and Cora. His ancestry, on his father's side, were natives of the Southern
States, and on his mother's side of North Carolina.

GRANGER, B. F.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 31, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in New
York, August 7, 1835, and made that place his home until 1856, when he came to Iowa and
located at Fort Dodge. He was educated in the common schools, and after coming to this
State, commenced farming and stock-raising, and continued the same until the fall of 1870, when
he came to this county. He owns one hundred and twenty-two and a half acres of land, with a fine
stream of water running through it. He is also very extensively engaged in stock dealing, and in
connection with farming has been quite successful. He was married February 7, 1855, to Miss
Calista Rood. Their family consists of one child, Jessie E. (born March 22, 1858).

GREFE, CHARLES A.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Germany, April 30,
1824, where he was raised, receiving his education in the schools of his commonwealth. He
learned the baker's trade and followed that until 1848, when he emigrated to America, landing in
Baltimore. From there he went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and thence to Cincinnati, Ohio,
where he continued to follow his trade. He went to St. Louis, and in 1850 returned to Pittsburgh,
where he opened a bakery, following that until 1862, when he went to Minnesota. He there
commenced farming, and in 1869 came to this county, engaging in farming. He was married in
Pennsylvania, March 26, 1859, to Miss Emma Gerboth. Their family consists of eight children:
Bertie, Anna, Louisa, Albert, Gusta, Henry, Ernest and Otto.

GREGORY, J. W.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, March 13, 1847, and
when three years of age came with his guardian, Mr. A. Andrews, to this county. He was
educated in the common schools until eighteen years of age, when he engaged in farming, and
still follows the same, owning a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres of
980 BIOGRAPHICAL.
well-improved land, nicely fenced. He was married in this county September 16, 1866, to Miss
Ruth A. Andrews. By this union they have six children: William A., Mary R., Eva M., Bessie A.
and Eliza M. living; and Homer L. deceased.

HART, W. H.-Farmer, section 32, P. 0. Ayres' Grove. Was born in Ohio, August 27, 1855, and
moved with his parents to Jasper county, this State, when only five years of age. After receiving
an education he commenced farming, and followed the same until 1870, when he came to this
county, and has since followed that business. Although a young man he has few equals in the
management of his farm, and he is respected by all. Was married in Des Moines, December 25,
1875, to Miss Emma Porter. They have two children: Mary and Rosa.

HUNT, SAMUEL-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, P. O. Ridgedale. Was born in Fleming
county, Kentucky, December 16, 1824, and was there educated. After leaving school he
commenced farming, and continued the same until 1846, when he came with his parents to this
county. Here he became extensively engaged in rail-making, and followed that business until the
fall of 1851, and then commenced farming. In the spring of 1860, he commenced shingle making,
and also operated a large saw mill. In 1862, he became largely engaged in stock-raising. Has a
fine farm of 300 acres. . January 7, 1856, he was married, in this county, to Miss Susan Murray.
They have eight children: Mary G. (born August 14, 1857), Sarah L. (born October 22, 1859),
Thomas E. (born June 5, 1862), Willie N. (born June 24, 1864), Eddie B. (born December 13,
1866), Emma O. (born April 7, 1868), Theresa L. (born February 18, 1872) and Blanchil E. (born
November 30, 1875). Mr. and Mrs. Hunt being among the first settlers in the county, can recount
many hardships and trials that they necessarily had to endure, hardships, that at the present day,
would be almost unendurable. They came to Polk county, when the county, so far as inhabitants
were concerned, were very few, and far between. They have resided here since, and it is with a
treat degree of interest that they now recall their early experience: To such as Mr. and Mrs. Hunt,
who stood the brunt of pioneer life, and largely helped to develop the resources of the new
country, are the rising generation indebted. And it is but just to these old pioneers that their
names should go on record, and be handed down to posterity; but a few more years shall elapse
when they will be gathered to their reward.

JOHNSON, R. G.-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Ridgedale. Was born in Indiana, March 13, 1838,
and was raised and educated there. During the late war, he enlisted in company A, Forty-sixth
Indiana infantry, and served for three years, when he was honorably discharged. He returned
to Indiana, and commenced farming and engineering, and continued the .same until July, 1876,
when he came to this county. He has followed farming most of his life, and now owns a good
farm. Was married in Madison county, Indiana, September 1,1864, to Martha R. Layton. By
this union they have nine children: Charles M., Emma J., Robert C., Daisy A., Harry, Williard,
Andy, Alvan and Calvin.

LAYTON, J.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, December 12, 1831, and at
the age of twelve years, commenced farming, which he continued until the fall of 1852. He then
emigrated to Greene county, this State, where he engaged in the lumber business, and in 1858,
came to this county, and now owns a fine farm of eighty acres.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 981
In the fall of 1859, he commenced running a saw mill, and continued in that busines until 1870.
He was elected school director, in March, 1878, ,and held that office for one year. He was
married in this county, November 15,1860, to Miss Julia A. Clark. By this union, they have five
children: George  W. (born February 19, 1863), Mary F. (born November 17, 1865), William
(born October 3, 1867), Ora N. (born July 13, 1871) and Minnie M. (born February 11, 1874).
Mr. Layton became a member of the Christian church, November 11, 1874. He is a man always
willing to help a cause worthy of consideration.

McCLAIN, J. D.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Ridgedale. Was born in Virginia, October 10, 1810; at
the age of six years, he commenced school, continuing the same until the age of eighteen. In
1831, he went to West Virginia, where he learned the boat-building trade, and followed that until
November 8, 1845, when he came to Iowa, locating in Henry county. He there followed farming,
and in March, 1851, he came to this county, where he has since resided. He was appointed.
deputy assessor of the county, in 1852, and held that office one term. In 1853, he was appointed
justice of the peace, by Judge Rice. That position he filled until 1874, when he resigned, on
account of ill health. In 1876, he was again elected to the same office, and served until 1878, and
for the same reason as before, declined to take said office. He has also been township clerk and
assessor. He was married in Braxton county, Virginia, January 10, 1836, to Miss Olive Wilson.
They have a family of nine children living: Martha J., Mary E., John S., Silas W., Jacob P.,
Thomas A., Shelton N. Amanda V. and Henry C. Have lost three: William A., Mildred C. and
Sarah E. Mr. McClain's farm consists of 255 acres of well-improved land.

McCLAIN, T. A.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. O. Ridgedale Was born in Nelson
county, Virginia, December 4, 1824, and was there educated. After leaving school, he followed
farming until the fall of 1841, when he went to West Virginia, where he became extensively
engaged in the lumber business and also in building flat-boats. He continued herein until June,
1846, when he came to this county, where he still resides, owning a fine farm of 260 acres, well
improved and nicely fenced with rails. In May, 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican War, in
company F, 2nd Illinois volunteers, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably
discharged. He was married in this county, January 27, 1853, to Miss Mary J. Duncan. Their
family consists of nine children living: Alice E. (born November 9, 1856), Lucy H. (born
February 2, 1859), William A. (born February 8, 1861), May O. (born June 13, 1863), Daisy A.
born August 10, 1867), Thomas J. (born August 11, 1869), Charlie born August 27, 1872),
Walter (born January 17, 1875) and Gracie E. (born January 1,1880. Have lost two: Winfield S.
(born January 28,1854, died November 7, 1854), and Henry (born October 5, 1855, died
November 27, 1855.

McCLAIN, S. W.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Lincoln. Was born December 2, 1848, and is a
native of Virginia. When very young he came with his parents to this state, and here received his
education, after which, he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1851, he came to this county, and
is now the owner of 280 acres of improved land, all under fence. December 11, 1870, he was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth S. Coburn, by which union they have a family of five
children living: Blanche R.,
982 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Beulah M., Mary O., Silas A. and one not named. One son, William A., is deceased.

MITCHELL, JOHN P.-Carpenter, section 23, P. O. Lincoln. Is a native of Linn county, this
State, and was born on the 2nd day of February, 1841. He was there educated and raised, and
when quite young, commenced farming, following the same until 1875. He then engaged in the
trade of carpenter, and has followed the same since. In 1861, he became a resident of Polk
county, and has since made it his home. He was married to Miss Matilda Baker. Their family
consists of one child, Charlie.

MOLLISON, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Ridgedale. Was born in Scotland, May 24,
1831, and when young, he learned the boot and shoe trade, which he followed until June, 1854.
He then emigrated to America, landing at Quebec, Canada, and from there went to Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, there followed his trade, and also engaged in farming. In the fall of 1855, he
went to California and engaged in gold mining, and in 1861, returned to the land of his birth. In
the spring of 1862, he again engaged in mining in California, and in the summer of 1863, he went
to Idaho and followed the same business, and in 1866, during the fall, he again returned to
California, and from there he went to Providence, Rhode Island. In the spring of 1867, he crossed
the plains to Montana, and resided there for one year, when he came to Dallas county, this State,
and bought a farm of 100 acre, improved it, and in 1871, he sold the same. In 1874, he came to
this county and now owns a fine farm of eighty-five acres. He was married in California,
December 30, 1862, to Miss Anna Briggs.

MURRAY, JOSEPH-Farmer and-stock-raiser, section 4, P.O. Lincoln. Was born in Henry
county, Indiana, December 12, 1848, and in the fall of 1852, came with his parents to this county.
He owns a farm of 190 acres of land. He was married in this county, April 13, 1871, to Miss
Sarah Houser. They have three children: Ollie (born March 9, 1872), Ora (born September 22,
1874) and Earl (born December 22, 1876). Thomas Murray, the father of the above, was born in
North Carolina, October 19, 1806, and there received his education. He began life as a farmer,
and followed farming as an occupation through the most of his life. Being a good business man,
he became one of the most popular men in his township. He was married in North Carolina,
November 8, 1827, to Miss Sally Nicholson. By this union they had seventeen children: Mary J.,
Larkin, Susan, Nancy E., John, Joseph, Afred H., Luther T. and William A., living; and eight
deceased: Elizabeth, Zadock H., Sarah A., Thomas, Andrew, Martha L., Robert N. and Martha.

MURRAY, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, July
15, 1845, and in 1853 he came to this county, where he received his education. After leaving
school he commenced farming, and still follows the same. He has a fine farm of forty-two acres
of well-improved land, nicely fenced. April 5, 1866, he was married in Des Moines to Miss S. J.
Russell. They have four children: Ella D., Everett R., Ida P. and Frank L.

NIXON, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Ireland, and when 16 years
old commenced farming. In 1858 he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York. From
there he went to Canada and engaged in farming, and in the spring of 1860 he went to Vermont
and continued his occupation. In 1863 he went to Massachusetts, and in 1866 came to this
county, where he has since resided, owning a fine
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 983
farm of 184 acres. July 4, 1861, he was married in New York State to Miss Catharine Admond.
They have six children: Willie, John, Maggie, Mary, David and Catharine. Mr. Nixon is a
thorough farmer and a man of large enterprise.

PARRIOTT, A. H.-Farmer, section 28, P. 0. Lincoln. Was born in Virginia, October 22, 1826,
and in the spring of 1830, moved with his parents to Indiana, where he received his education.
He farmed for some time and in the spring of 1846 he became engaged in the mercantile
business, following that trade until the spring of 1848. He again engaged in farming until the fall
of 1849, when he started in the hotel business. In 1864 (spring) he came to this county and now
owns a farm of eighty acres. July25, 1850, he was married to Miss Sarah Hall. By this union they
have six children: Celia A., Wilford H., Wallace A., Charles C., Eddie C. and Robert P.

RITTGERS, J. R.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Ridgedale. Was born in Hardin county, Ohio,
October 13, 1835, there being raised and educated. In the spring of 1853 he came to this county
and still resides here, owning a fine farm of 243 acres, well improved and nicely fenced. He was
married in this township, July 18, 1869, to Mary F. Whipps. By this union they have one child,
Martin L.

SCOVEL, A. S.-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Is a native of New York and was born
on the 17th of May, 1822. He was raised and educated there and in March, 1842, he came to
Burlington, this State, and there followed the carpenter's trade with his father until 1849. Then
went to Illinois and engaged in farming and in 1853 returned to this State and to Fort Dodge and
pursued his latter occupation. In 1866 he came to this county and has since resided here, owning
a fine  farm of 165 acres well improved. He married in Van Buren county, this State, January 10,
1847, to Miss Johanna Knight. They have three children living: Joe B., Emma R. and Addie S.
Lost one, Judith F.

SHAFER, HERMAN-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Ohio, April 11, 1844, and
at the age of four years accompanied his parents to Wisconsin and was there raised and educated.
He engaged in farming and in, the fall of 1861 he came to Iowa, locating in Delaware county. He
remained there until the fall of 1861 and then went to Missouri, where he continued his former
avocation, and in October of 1874 he came to this county and is the owner of 129 acres of land.
In 1864 he enlisted in company F, Sixteenth Iowa, and served until the close of the war, when he
was honorably discharged. He was married in Delaware county, Iowa, October 7, 1868, to Miss
Augusta A. Hotchkiss. They have three children: Herbert E., Bertha E. and Martha.

SHIDELER, A. B.-Physician and surgeon, Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, December 15, 1851,
and when two years of age was taken by his parents to Dallas county, this State, and received his
education there and at the Iowa Agricultural College. He then commenced teaching and followed
the same for about seven years. In the summer of 1875 he commenced the study of medicine with
Dr. Brookings, of Dallas county, Iowa, with whom, and under whose teaching, he became one of
the most promising young physicians in this part of the country. In August, 1877, he came  to
Lincoln, where he now resides. Although almost a stranger he has made many warm and true
friends and is getting a good practice. He was married in this county, August 30, 1877, to Miss
Sarah E. Frazier. They have
984 BIOGRAPHICAL.
one daughter, Katie (born May 13, 1879). Mr. S. is yet a young man and has a brilliant career
before him.

SMITH, THOMAS-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in Ireland, July 15, 1852,
and there obtained an education. In the spring of 1869 he emigrated to the United States, landing
in New York, and from there went to Grinnell, Iowa, where he obtained a position on the
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. After remaining there for four and one-half years he
came to this county and now owns a farm of 120 acres, nicely fenced. Mr. Smith is one of the
successful young farmers of Polk county and his success is attributable to his energy and
perseverance.

STANFORD, MILES-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Henry
county, Indiana, November 29, 1828, and there received his education. When twenty years of age
he commenced farming, following the same until the fall of 1853. He then came to this county
and now owns a fine farm of 220 acres. Was married in Indiana, January 30, 1850, to Miss
Charlotte Richardson, of that State. She was born July 10, 1829. They had six children, of whom
five are living: Martha J. (born November 22, 1851), Erastus C. (born April 2, 1853), Hannah E.
(born October 27, 1854), Mary J. (born October 21, 1856) and Lena F. (born August 14, 1863).
One, James O., is deceased. He was born November 17, 1858, and died February 8, 1866. Mrs.
Stanford died January 11, 1866, and he married again in this county, September 25, 1872, Miss
Elizabeth Ladd, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 24, 1839. They have one
child, Alma E. (born July 18,1874).

STEWART, SAMUEL-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 31, P. O. -Ayres' Grove. Was born in
Canada, January 13, 1835, and resided there until ten years of age. He then moved with his
parents to Illinois and after a time engaged in farming and stock-raising, continuing the same
until March, 1869. He. then came to this county and now owns a farm of 255 acres, well
improved. He was married in Illinois, November 28, 1856, to Miss Ellen Graham. They have
nine children: William J., Samuel J., Allen H., Emma E., Raymond G., Charlie E., George D.,
Willard C. and Lucy E.

STROUD, JOHN-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in England, April 15, 1837.
He received the most of his schooling there and in 1847 emigrated to America, landing in New
York, from which place he went to Canada. Resided there for two years and then went to Niagara
county, New York, finishing his education there. Then commenced farming, which he followed
until the fall of 1857, when he moved to Porter county, Indiana, and there continued farming. In
1861 he enlisted in company C, Fifteenth Indiana volunteers, and remained in service about two
years. He was honorably discharged and after that returned to Indiana, where he remained until
the spring of 1865, then coming to Iowa. He owns eighty acres of improved land. January 20,
1863, he was married in Indiana, to Miss Clara Church. Their family consists of six children:
John, Mary M., William H. and Charlotte A., living, and two deceased: Frederick and an infant.

SWAN, CHARLES-Physician, Lincoln. Was born in Oxford county, Maine, September 23,
1839, and when five years of age commenced school, finishing his education at Fryburg Institute,
that State, graduating from that institution with high honors. Soon after he commenced the study
of law with Augustus Strout, and in 1862 with Dr. Jennis, and remained with
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 985
him about one year, when he went to Washington, D. C., where he got employment as surveyor
in the United States Government corps, continuing in that position for one year. In the fall of
1863 he came to Iowa, locating in Muscatine county, where he was engaged in the fruit tree
business, and followed that for about two years. On account of ill health he returned to his native
State, but soon came again to Muscatine county, and continued in his former business. In the fall
of 1868 he went to Maine, remaining there until the fall of 18'70, when he came to this county.
He here became engaged in the insurance business, and one year later went to Winterset,
Madison county, where he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. John Cooper, staying with
him about two years, then to Dallas Center, and commenced the practice of his profession, and in
the fall of 1876 came to this county. August 26, 1864, he was married to Miss Julia E. N.
Leonard. By this union they have four children: Mary E., Ella D., George T. and Charles A.

TEMPLE, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, P. O. Lincoln. Was born June 30, 1817,
and is a native of Yorkshire, England. At the age of twelve years he went onboard of a coasting
vessel as cabin-boy and followed the sea for two years, when he gave up his position and
commenced farming, continuing the same until the spring of 1832, when he moved to Quebec,
Canada. From there he went to Lockport, New York, tended lock on Erie Canal, and also was
bowsman, and continued in that position until the fall of 1845, when he went to Illinois, farming
therefore one year. Then tended lock on Illinois and Michigan Canal. In 1854 he came to this State
and settled in Dallas county, where he engaged in stock-raising, following the same until 1865.
He then came to this county. Owns a farm of 950 acres of well-improved land. He was married in
Lockport, New York, September 15, 1844, to Miss Eliza Day. Had four children: William,
Adams, George and Frank. Lost one, John. He married for his second wife Miss Tabitha West.
They have nine children: John, Charlie, Fred., Edward, James, Claude, Nellie M., Hannah and
Daniel B.

THOMPSON, LUTHER-Dry goods and groceries, Lincoln. Was born in Wapello county, this
State, September 13, 1850, and there received his education. When eighteen years of age he
commenced farming and stock raising and followed the same until the fall of 1879, when he
engaged in the mercantile business and has since followed that trade. He is yet a young man but
is honored highly by all his acquaintances and thoroughly understands his business. He was
married in this State, March 30, 1876, to Miss Ora M. Spicey. They have two children: Francis
(born January 27, 1877),, and Estella (born February 19, 1879).

TOWNER, J. W.-Proprietor of Towner's Lake, section 20, P. O.. Towner's Lake. The subject of
this sketch owes his nativity to Canada.. where he was born on the 25th of March, 1834. After
obtaining his education he became engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed until
1852, then went to Melbourne, Australia, where he was engaged in mining and also the
commission business until 1859, when he returned to his place of birth. He there continued the
mercantile business and in 1861 removed to Illinois, remaining there two years, when he went to
St. Louis. For two years he was employed in the dry goods and notion firm of H. T. Simon &
Gregory, after which he took up his residence in Huntsville, Alabama. He there followed his
former occupation until 1871, when
986 BIOGRAPHICAL.
he returned to St. Louis and obtained employment in his old firm as traveling salesman. In 1874
he came to this county and has since made it his home. His place is one of the best in the county,
and the lake, which bears his name, is a delightful summer resort. Boats may be had and the
fishing is excellent, as the lake is well supplied with black bass, salmon. trout, California salmon,
horned trout and various other varieties. His residence is well located, commanding a good view
of the country around. His marriage was in New York State, June 28, 1865, to Miss Mary E.
Foster. As the result of this union they have one son, Herbert St. John, (born June 4, 1867).

WEST, F. A.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Ayres' Grove. Was born in New York, December 9, 1818,
and at the age of twelve years emigrated with his parents to Michigan, where he obtained his
education. After leaving school he commenced farming and continued therein until 1869, when
he came to this county and has since made it his home. He owns seventy-eight acres of land; has
a good residence with a fine location. June 30, 1847, he was married in Michigan to Miss Lydia
H. Corliss. They have four children: Adelbert (born June 3, 1848), Addison (born September 15,
1850), Frederick (born June 20, 1857), Charles P. (born April 22, 1859). Have lost one son,
Egbert (born April 22, 1859, died October 24, 1860).

WHITE, J. A.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 36, P. O. Ridgedale. Was born in Ohio, October
21, 1836, and at the age of five years commenced school. He finished his education in the high
school at Warren, Ohio, after which he became engaged in the lumber business, following it until
1856. He then came to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he continued the lumber business and putting up
saw mills, and remained there until July, 1857, when he came to this county. In the fall of 1858
he commenced farming and followed that for about one year, when he again became engaged in
the lumber business. In 1864 he returned to the occupation of farming and in the spring of 1866
came to Jefferson township, where he owns a farm of 280 acres of improved land. He is also
largely engaged in feeding stock. He was married in Dallas county, Iowa, December 7, 1858, to
Miss Florida Boone. They have a family of six children: William N. (born September 4, 1859),
Georgie (born September 24, 1861 , Jessie O. (born March 6,1864), Cora N. , (born December
30, 1869), Susie N. (born June 12, 1871 and May (born February 3, 1874). Lost one daughter, E.
Joetta born January 21, 1866, died July 23, 1879). Mr. White is a man of good business
qualifications .and an excellent farmer. E. Joetta White, daughter of the above sketch, on the
evening of July 23, 1879, with a party of eight young ladies and children, was bathing in the Des
Moines river, eleven miles north of Des Moines. There never was a happier company. As none
could swim the intention was to keep in shallow water, three of the young ladies were wading
down the stream, they had just been singing "Gently down the stream of time floats my bark
toward the sea," when suddenly they stepped into a hole fifteen feet deep. All were nearly
downed, and for one "the stream of time" was shortened to a step, and her frail bark floated off
alone to the sea of eternity. It seems that the banks of the river could never cease echoing her
name, so long, and loud, and pitifully was it shouted by the stricken sisters and friends of the
party. All night men searched the river, and in the morning about seven o'clock found her body
half a mile below the place where her lovely form first disappeared, as beautiful in
CROCKER TOWNSHIP. 987
death as she had been in life. On Friday morning, July 25, her bereaved parents and a large
company of relatives and friends laid her to rest in a quiet little grave on the hill near her home.
Thus closed the short but beautiful life of a bright young lady, as pure as an angel and as lovely
as a flower. She was only thirteen years old, but her womanly dignity, reserve, judgment and
modesty, made her old beyond her years. She is as widely mourned as she was known and loved,
and her life, though short, will exert a lasting influence for good over all who remember the pure,
unselfish character of Joetta White.

WILLIAMS, PATRICK-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Ireland, December 18,
1837, and was there educated. In 1853, he went to England where he commenced farming, and
followed the same until the  fall of 1859, when he came to this country, landing in New York. He
went from there to Vermont and followed his occupation, and in the fall of 1867 he came to this
county, where he has since resided, owning a fine farm of fifty acres, improved. He was married
in Vermont, January 10, 1861, to Miss Johanna Mullins. They have a family of six children
living: Margaret, James H., Andrew J., Nellie, Patrick and May A. Lost one, Mary.
CROCKER TOWNSHIP
ALBRECHT, JOHN-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Trent. Was born in Prussia, March 29, 1818, and
in 1849 he emigrated to the United States, locating in New Jersey, where he resided until 1859.
He then changed his location to this State, and settled in this county, and at once engaged in
farming which he has followed to the present time. His farm is well-improved and under
cultivation. Was married in 1847 to Ann Haab, also a native of Prussia. They have a family of
four children: Louie, Richard, Ernest and Minnie.

ALBRECHT, RICHARD-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Greenwood. Was born on the third of
September, 1848, and is a native of Prussia. When only eighteen months old he was brought by
his parents to the United States, and immediately located in Newark, New Jersey. There he
remained eight years, and then removed to Iowa, settling at Davenport, where they remained one
year. They then came to this county, and here our subject has since resided. He was married
December 3, 1873, to Albertena Sente; she was born in Clayton county, this State, September 7,
1851. They have one child, Daniel (born June 13, 1877).

ATKINSON, C. R.-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Saylorville. Was born January 5, 1831, in Henry
county, Indiana, and was there raised. In 1855 he came to this county, since which time he has
resided both in Kansas and Illinois. In 1875 he returned to this county where he has since resided.
During the war he was a member of company C, Ninety-first Illinois infantry, enlisting in
August, 1862, and serving until the close of the war. He was married in 1856 to Martha Jinkins, a
native of Howard county, Indiana, born in 1838. Have five children living: Sarah E., Rhoda J.,
James, Mary and William. Have buried one child, Elias.

CREE, C. F.-Proprietor of brick-yard on section 28, P. O. Saylorville. Was born August 9, 1858,
in this county, and has here been raised. He was married March 23, 1878, to Miss Mattie
Marriott, who was born near Mt. Pleasant, this State. They have one child, Roscoe Blaine;
988 BIOGRAPHICAL.
have lost one. Mr. Cree is now (1880), engaged in the manufacture of brick at the yard formerly
owned by his father, and manufacturing a superior article. The majority of the brick houses in
this portion of the country were built of the brick made in this yard, besides supplying the Des
Moines market with a large quantity each year. He burns on an average about four hundred
thousand per year.

CREE, J. M.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Trent. Was born in Monroe county, Ohio, November 23,
1833, and when six years of age his parents removed to Washington county, that State, where he
resided until he came to Iowa in April, 1855. He then located in this county. October 27, 1857, he
was married to Lydia J. Howard, who departed this life January 22, 1871, leaving two children:
Charles F. and Nellie M. He married again November 23, 1871, Miss Leonora, daughter of
Franklin Nagle, of this township, and was born and raised in this county. They have three
children: Harry C., Minnie Y. and Raymond. Mr. Cree was elected township clerk of this
township in 1876, and has since been occupying that position.

DIETZ, CONRAD-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Heisen, Germany, October
9, 1816, and was there raised, following farming in summer and weaving during the winters. In
August, 1842, he came to the United States, and first settled in Cambria county, Pennsylvania.
He came to Iowa in 1846 for the purpose of looking up a location, and in the subsequent year
settled in Polk county, on the farm on which he now resides, being one of the very first settlers in
his part of the county; he has a fine farm of four hundred acres in section 22, and fifty-eight acres
in section 21. He was married February 20, 1848, to Miss Susan Mill, who was born near
Dayton, Ohio; have nine children living: Francis, David, Hannah, Mahala, Lyda L., Barbara,
Elizabeth, George W. and Susan A. Lost one child, John F. Besides being one of the oldest
settlers in his neighborhood, he is among the most highly respected citizens of the township.

DIETZ, D.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Ankeny. Was born in this county March 19, 1850, and has
been raised here. His father, Conrad Deitz, being one of the first settlers of the township. He was
married February 17, 1875, to Amy Bell, who was born in Hamilton county, this State in 1855.
They have one child, Sarah A. (born in February, 1876).

DILWORTH, CHARLES H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 3, P. O. Polk City. The subject of
this sketch was born September 28, 1838, in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, where he was
raised and educated. In 1857 he removed to Delaware where he resided until 1868, when he came
to Iowa, Locating in this county. In 1871 he removed to Boone and was there engaged in the
mercantile business for four years. At the end of that time he returned on his farm, where he has
since resided. His farm consists of 387 acres of fine farming land, and besides farming he is
extensively engaged in stock-raising and feeding. He was in 1871 united in marriage to Anna
Moxley. They have two children: Nellie M. and Bertha M. During the war he served in the One
Hundred and Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania infantry, enlisting August 2, 1862, and served the term
for which his regiment was enlisted, nine months.  He afterward served for a short time in the
Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania infantry, participating in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam and
Chancellorsville.
CROCKER TOWNSHIP. 989
FIEGENBAUM,A. H.-Farmer, section 14, P. O. Ankeny. Was born March 7, 1855, and is a
native of Lake county, Indiana. His father being a Methodist minister his residence in various
places was necessarily of short duration. He received his education at the Iowa Wesleyan
University, where he attended school for three years. Since 1875 he has been engaged in teaching
in this county, having been a resident here since 1869. He is at present (1880) living on his
father's farm, near Ankeny, and besides teaching the schools of that village, superintends the
work on the farm. In 1879 he was elected justice of the peace for Crocker township, being
perhaps the youngest official occupying that position in the county.

HARVEY, H. M.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Saylorville. Was born in Shelby county, Indiana,
January 10, 1835, where his parents continued to reside until he was fourteen years of age, when
they came to this county, where he has since resided. He was married November 18, 1859, to
Miss Arabelle Nagle. She was born February 4, 1842, in Belmont county,, Ohio. Her father,
Franklin Nagle, was one of the pioneers of this county. They have seven children: Jasper C.,
Ellen, Albert R., Mary B., Lewis B., William and Charles. Have lost one, Pearl. Mr. Harvey's
father was also one of the early settlers of the county, coming here in the fall of 1848. Mr. H. has
frequently been elected to positions of trust in his township.

HAVENS, T. W.-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Ankeny. Was born March 5, 1834, in Groveland,
New York, and resided in that State until 1864, when he moved to Michigan, remaining there
until 1869. He then came to Iowa, settling in Polk county. He was united in marriage to Miss
Martha Hitchcock, in 1854, June 10. She is a native of New York State, and was born in 1837.
They have one child living, Franklin. Lost one, Lillie. In the fall of 1877 he was elected to the
office of justice of the peace. Has also held the office of township clerk, which forcibly
demonstrates the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors.

HEILEMAN, FRED.-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Ankeny. Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany,
May 31, 1834, and in 1850 emigrated to the United States, first settling in New York City, where
he engaged in clerking. He remained there nine years and from there went to Rhode Island, where
he remained for six years, and then enlisted in the war of the rebellion, serving three years in
company E, Second Rhode Island infantry. From that State he came West, locating in Wisconsin,
and from there came to Iowa, settling in Des Moines, residing there for nine years. Most of that
time he was engaged in the restaurant and grocery business. In 1876 he removed on the farm
where he now resides. He was married in 1860, September 20, to Caroline Huttenlocher. She was
born in Wurtemburg, December 16, 1832. They have five children living: Carry L., Hattie E.,
Anna M., Frederick C. and William H. Have lost three: Mary, Emma and Lilly.

JONES, RICHARD R.-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Polk City. The subject of this sketch is of
Welsh descent, having been born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, December 18, 1823. He emigrated
to the United States in 1844, first settling in Racine, Wisconsin, where he remained for four
years. He then removed to Chicago, Illinois, and re-sided there twenty-four years, during thirteen
of which he was engaged in working at his trade of carpenter, for one firm. In 1875 he removed
to Iowa, settling in this county. In 1859 he married Miss Elizabeth Pierce. She died in 1866,
leaving two children: Margaret H. and John
990 BIOGRAPHICAL.
P. He was again married in 1868, to Mrs. Ruth Morris. She has one child by a former marriage,
Benjamin J.  Mr. Jones has a farm of 283. acres, a portion of which is timber and the remainder
river bottom land.

KENNEDY, JOHN N.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Ankeny. This gentleman is a native of Clermont
county, Ohio, where he was born February 23, 1817. His parents removed to Indiana when he
was very young, and there he was raised, making it his home until he came to Iowa. In 1854 he
came to this county, and was one of the first settlers on the prairie portion of Crocker township.
Soon after arriving here, he proceeded to set out an orchard, notwithstanding the many discouragements 
he met with from those who pretended that orchards in Iowa would only grow close
to timber. Time has shown that he knew what he was doing, and he now has, and has had for
years, one of the best orchards in this portion of the county. September 23,1846, he was married
to Eliza Noble. She was also born in Clermont county, Ohio, January 20, 1826. They have two
children: J. W. and Elizabeth F. (now Mrs. A. M. Austin). Have lost two: Maria J. and Maggie.
Since residing in the county, he has ever taken an active part in everything that tends to make a
county prosperous, such as schools, church organizations, etc.

LANE, RICHARD-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Saylorville. Was born March 9, 1810, in
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he, was raised. He came from Muskingum county,
Ohio,. to Polk county, Iowa, in 1855, and has since resided here. Owns a farm of 176 acres,
nearly all of which is under cultivation. He was united in marriage in October, 1839, to Susan
Blunt, a native of Ohio. They have nine children living: Melina (now Mrs. Frank Richart), James
W., Jesse, Hettie (now Mrs. H. Taylor), Thompson, Hezekiah, John H., Mary (now Mrs. Henry
Thompson) and Arabella (now Mrs. S. McClain). Have lost three: Augusta, Martha and Louisa.
For a man of his age, Mr. Lane is remarkably well preserved, although he has done, in his day,
much laborious work.

MARRIOTT, H. -Farmer, section 33, P. O. Saylorville. Was born November 28, 1833, in
Licking county, Ohio, where he was raised, and in 1855 be came to Iowa, locating in Linn
county. There he resided until the spring of 1856, when he removed to Missouri, remaining for
four years, when he returned to this State and settled in Henry county. He made that county his
home until 1870, when he came to this county. He married Miss Elizabeth A. Rice, September
28, 1855. She died in 1876, leaving three children: W. H., Martha P. (now Mrs. Chas. Cree) and
Charles T. He was married again November 1, 1877, to Eunice Larason, a native of Knox county,
Ohio. Mr. Marriott is one of the many prosperous. farmers of his township, having a fine farm of
225 acres, all of which is in a good state of cultivation.

MARTS, Mrs. ALMIRA-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Montgomery county,
Indiana, March 18, 1838, and came with her parents to Iowa in 1852, her maiden name being
Breighler. Her husband, Mr. D. C. Marts was one of the first settlers of this county, settling here
in 1848. She was married to him June 30, 1867, and he died December 1, 1879, leaving six
children by a former marriage: J. C., Lenora, Sophrona, William, James and Laura. By his last
marriage he had four children: Loran, Brenton C., Bertha A. and David A. His first wife,
Susannah E. Breighler, is a sister of our sketch, to her, he was married November 27,.
1851, and she died May 4, 1865. The estate consists of a farm of 160
CROCKER TOWNSHIP. 991
acres, all under cultivation and having on it one of the best farm houses in the township.

MILLER, GEORGE J.-Farmer, section 4, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Baden, Germany,
February 22,1843 and resided there until he came to the United States in 1857. He first settled in
Pennsylvania, remaining there for some two years and then came West and located in
McDonough county, Illinois; from there he came to this county and remained until 1864 when he
went to Montana, residing in that Territory until 1871. He then returned to Polk county. May 18,
1871, he was married to Caroline C. Brobeil, a native of Pennsylvania. They have four children:
John W., Minnie E., George P. and Dore K. Mr. Miller is the owner of 300 acres of land in good
cultivation. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising and feeding.

NAGLE, FRANKLIN-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Saylorville. As one of the early pioneers of
Iowa, this subject is deserving of more than a passing notice. He was born in Belmont county,
Ohio, September 17, 1804, and resided in his native place until he came to Iowa, locating in Van
Buren county, in 1842. There he resided until 1846, when he came to Polk county, and has
resided on his present farm ever since. He took an active part in the early development of the
county and has ever been looked upon as one of Polk county's most prominent and influential
farmers and since residing in his township has held various offices of trust. In an early day be
held the office of justice of the peace, and many are the couples who have been united by him in
the holy bonds of matrimony. For his age, he is a man remarkably well-preserved, looking and
acting younger than many men do at forty-five, which shows that his has been a well-spent life.
His home, like those of most all the early settlers is ever a hospitable one, presided over by a very
estimable and much-beloved mother and wife. He was married October 31, 1826, to Rebecca
Jackson. She was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1806. They have nine
children living: Thaddeus W., Thomas M., Adeline (now Mrs. Thomas Saylor), Webster,
Josephine (now Mrs. Joseph Tiara), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Samuel Geddes), Arabelle (now Mrs.
Henry Harvey), Lucina (now Mrs.- Hayden Gregg) and Leonora (now Mrs. John M. Cree). Have
lost three. Mr. N. has a fine farm of 280 acres, well improved and in a good state of, cultivation.

PARMENTER, EDWARD-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Saylorville. Was born June 2, 1832, in
Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, and when six years of age removed with his parents to
Ohio, settling in Athens county, and was there raised. In 1855 he came to this county and located
in Des Moines; where he followed his trade (blacksmithing) for some seven years and then
moved upon his present farm. He owns 352 acres in his home farm and also 120 acres on
sections 27 and 28. He has held various offices of trust since residing in this township. He
married Anna E. Poter, of Guthrie county, August 20, 1862. They have seven children living
Ella J., Sabert E., Flora E., John D., Vinnie A., Walter E. and Eda M.. Have lost two: Joseph L.
and an infant.

SCHAAL, J. A.-Carpenter, section 7, P. O. Polk City. Was born February 17, 1832, in
Wurtemberg, Germany, where he resided until seventeen years of age. He then emigrated to the
United States, settling in Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1856. He then came
to Polk county, and since living in the county, has been actively en-
992 BIOGRAPHICAL.
gaged in working at the carpenter's trade, having had the contracts for the majority of the fine
farm houses and barns in the township. He has held various offices of trust which conclusively
shows the esteem in which he is held by the citizens of his community. January 14, 1858, be
married Miriam Lichty,. a native of Ohio. They have nine children: John W., Mary S., A. P.,
Ricka, Elizabeth, Francis D., Caroline, Charles D. and, Ernest A. He has a farm of 181 acres, all
under fence, the same being well-improved. He has one of the finest farm houses in the township,
built by himself.

SIMONS, JESSE-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Polk City. Was born January 29, 1846, in Miami
county, Indiana, and when he was fourteen years of age his parents removed to this State,
locating in Madison county, where he resided for four years. He then came to this county, and has
since made it his home, following farming. In 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah
Acheff. By this union they have two children: Charles L. and William O. Mr. Simons has two
children by a former marriage. Frank E. and John A.

TIARA, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Saylorville. The subject of this sketch is of Southern
birth, having been born in Fayette county, Alabama, September 8, 1826, where he was raised. He
entered the regular army in 1848, and served five years, as second sergeant, in company E,
Sixth infantry. He came to this county in 1855, and has resided herein since that time. He was
united in marriage in 1852, to Josephine Nagle, and from this union they have twelve children:
Martha R., Mary M., Joseph, Kate, Alice, William, Nellie, Gertrude, Daisy, Olive, George and
John B. Mr. Tiara has a farm of 272 acres, a considerable portion of which is fine river bottom
land. Has held various township offices since residing in the county.

VICE, W. R.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Ankeny. Was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, May 1,
1840, and came with an uncle to Iowa, locating in this county, when about six years of age. He
has since resided here, and on the 27th of October, 1860, was married to Rachel Harvey, a native
of Indiana. They have one son living: John S. (born August 17, 1862). Lost one child: Elizabeth.
The farm on which he resides, contains 106 acres of fine farming land, well-improved. He also
owns a farm of eighty acres in section 25. He is recognized as being one of the thrifty and
prosperous farmers of his township.

WANE, ROBERT A.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Saylorville. Was born in Baltimore, Maryland,
July 10, 1826, and when eleven years of age, removed to Harrison county, Ohio, where he
resided until he came West, in 1854: He first settled in Boone county, this State, and remained
there two years, then moving to Dallas county. Eight years later, he took up his residence in
Madison county, and remained there one year, and n 1862 he came to this county, opening up a
new farm eight miles west of Des Moines, and in 1875, he removed on the farm where he
now resides, owning 216 acres of land, in a good state of cultivation. He was married in 1850, to
Mary A. Speer, a native of Maryland. They have five children living: John A., Louisa (now Mrs.
George Jordan), George W., Elizabeth and Ella. Lost one: Florence. Mr. Wayne is one of
Crocker township's thriving farmers, and is highly esteemed by the citizens of his community.
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. 993
WILSON, JACOB-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Saylorville. The subject of this sketch is a native of
the South, having been born in Kentucky, December 22, 1805. He was there raised, and married
in 1827, his wife's name being Miss Frances Hart. He removed from his native State, to
Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1831, and resided there until 1851, when he came to this county.
He was married again in 1864, his second wife's name being Mary Harley. They have one child,
Jacob E. Mr. Wilson has eight children by his former marriage: Mary (now Mrs. Ezekiel Crist),
Rebecca A. (now Mrs. John Inlan), John, James H., Marion, Nancy J. (now Mrs. James Lane),
Richard T. and Susan F. (now Mrs. H. Stapp)., He entered his present farm in 1851, and has
since resided upon the same.

YOUNG, JOHN-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Polk City. Was born April, 23, 1835, in Butler county,
Ohio, and in 1854, his parents came to Iowa, settling in Saylor township, this county. During the
fall of 1858, he married Matilda Shellhart. They have six children living: Sarah A., Mary E.,
Eliza J., George 13., William W. and John L. Have lost one, Martha E.  His father was one of the
early settlers of the county, and died in Missouri, in 1872. Mrs. Young's father was also one of
the early settlers in Polk county, and is now deceased, dying August 16, 1872.   Mr. Young has a
fine piece of land containing 120 acres, the same being in a good state of cultivation.
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP
BRAZELTON, C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 29, P. O. Greenwood. This enterprising
farmer was born in Jefferson county, Tennessee, May 13, 1815, and was raised there until he was
about ten years of age, when he moved with his parents to Vermillion county, Illinois, where he
lived until 1837. He there learned the trade of tanning and currying, which business he followed
about eight years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to Polk county in 1854, and
settled in Douglas township. He commenced business for himself with the nominal capital of
twenty-five cents, but with a large fund of energy and honest determination to succeed. He now
owns 715 acres of land and nine valuable lots in the city of Des Moines. His annual stock sales
are about $5,000. He has always taken an interest in the affairs of the county and is among its
largest tax-payers. He was appointed postmaster in Greenwood when the office was first
established and held the office about seven years. He was elected first township trustee and held
the office several years, He was married in the fall of 1836 to Miss Anna Thornton, of Vermillion
county, Illinois. They have eight children living : Jacob, Margaret, Jennie, Mary, Albert, Joseph,
Fannie and Letta. They have lost two. Mrs. Brazelton was killed in the railroad accident near
Columbus, Ohio, in 1876. She was a woman loved and respected by all who knew her.
 
BYARS, D. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 35, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Cincinnati,
Ohio, 1828, and was raised there, and in Miami county he learned the trade of carpenter and
house-builder. He embarked on the steamer Independence for California, which was wrecked on
the island of Margretta. He was among the few who were saved. He arrived in California in the
spring of 1853 and engaged in the business of house building. He returned to Miami county in
1858 and in 1860 was married to Miss Mary Allen, of that county. They have three children
living:
994 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Sarah B., John E. and Eva R. They have lost two. He has always been a liberal supporter of the
Methodist Church, of which he is a member and his home was frequently used as a place of
public worship in an early day.

CARRAHER, J. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 23, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Monahan
county, Ireland, in 1814 and there raised to manhood. He has followed farming from youth. He
was married in 1843 to Miss Bridget McCabe, of the same place as himself. They have four
children living: Rose (born April 15, 1849), Thomas (born July 20, 1855), Rosey (born
September 4,1857) and Alice (born March 12,1858). They have lost four. They emigrated, in the
year 1845, to America, and settled in Upper Canada, where they resided five years and then they
moved to Livingstone county, New York, where they resided four years; thence to Grundy
county, Illinois, remaining until 1858, when they came to Iowa and settled in Polk county. He
now owns eighty acres of land,

CHAMBERS, J. S.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in
1840 and was there raised until 1856, when he immigrated to America and settled in Stevens
county, Illinois. He has always followed the occupation of farming. He enlisted in the spring of
1862 in company A, Eleventh Illinois volunteer infantry, under Captain D. Atkins, and
participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Cold Harbor, Jackson, Fort Donelson, Yazoo, Fort
Blakely and many others. He was, wounded at Malvern Hill and sent to hospital, where he
recovered in a few weeks. He served through some of the severest campaigns of the war and
received many marks of credit for his valuable services. He was mustered out immediately after
the close of the war and came to Des Moines, where he was soon made chief of police and held
that office for several years. He was married March 15, 1866, to Miss Isabella Fay, of Stevens
county, Illinois. They have four children living: Charles E., Clarence, Burton L., Maud. He now
owns a farm of fifty acres of land.

CLAY, H. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, P. 0. Greenwood. Was born in Halifax
county, Virginia, March 27, 1840, and raised in Miami county, Ohio, until about twenty-nine
years old. He came to Polk county in 1869 and settled in Douglas township. He now owns 165
acres of valuable land.  Mr. Clay enlisted in 1862 in the Forty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, and
was promoted to sergeant, and participated in the battles of Morefield, Somerset, Danville,
London, Cumberland, Dalton Hill, Fort Royal, Richmond, Kentucky, Crab Orchard, Siege of
Knoxville, Cumberland Gap, Kingston, and was mustered out at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. In
1864 he re-enlisted in the Eighth Ohio volunteer infantry and served till the close of the war. He
received a bullet wound in the breast at the battle of Liberty, Virginia. Was taken prisoner but
was allowed to go free on account of his having been mistaken for a chaplain who was seen
carrying a book under his arm, which proved to be the life of Abraham Lincoln. He was married
June 1, 1871, to Esther Pennington, of Polk county. They have five children: Joseph C., Nettie,
Henry, Burton and John.

COCKERHAM, D. B.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. 0. Greenwood. Was born June 18,
1835, and when about ten years of age, he came with his parents to Polk county, Iowa. His father
died in the year 1862, and was buried in Buzic Cemetery, Saylor township. He owns eighty acres
of land. Has held important township offices and has been closely identified with the growth and
prosperity of the county
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. 995
and is a liberal supporter of church and school organizations. He was married September 29,
1860, to Miss Anna Rummel, of Pennsylvania, Somerset county. They have seven children
living: Ella, Mary, Hattie, Alvira, Charles, Harvey and Lucy. They have lost two.

CORY, I. M. T.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Elkhart county,
Indiana, April 13, 1837, and moved with his parents to Polk county, in 1846, and settled at Cory's
Grove, and their house was the farthest west on that tier of townships inhabited by white men and
the farthest north, his father, I. W. Cory, being among the first settlers of Polk county. He was a
man of iron will and determination and instilled the same in the minds of his sons; he being a
marked character of the pioneers of Iowa. Their early life in Iowa was fraught with a great many
hardships, privations, etc., consequent upon the early settlement of a country, but yet they never
allowed their interest to flag or their determination to make a home for themselves and families
to be shaken. Oskaloosa was their nearest milling point. Supplies were drawn from Keokuk and
other points, and the journey to mill or their nearest river point was no small undertaking, yet in
spite of all the difficulties they had to encounter they have been successful. He owns 144 acres of
valuable land. His orchard is the finest in his neighborhood, containing upwards of fifteen acres,
with a beautiful vineyard. He was married October 8, 1855, to Miss Sarah A. Elliott. They have
six children: Lorinda M. (now Mrs. H. Methes), Sylvia L. (now Mrs. C. W. Vanhorn), William
Dayton, Ulysses Grant, Edna Frances, John Martin. The lives of Mr. Cory and wife have been
closely associated with the Church of Christ, of which he is a minister. He was elected township
trustee in 1862 and held the office about fifteen years. He has been closely identified with the
growth and prosperity of the county.

DODDS, C. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Greenwood. He was born in Des
Moines county, Iowa, April 15,1850, and was there raised to manhood. He was educated in
common schools and Denmark Academy, of Lee county, Iowa. In 1875 he moved to Polk county,
where he now owns a valuable farm of 160 acres. He was married December, 1874, to Nora
Parriott, of Des Moines county, Iowa. She was born in that county. Mr. Dodds has held various
township offices.

DOUBLEDAY, OLIVER E.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 9, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in
Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on the 22nd day of February, 1832, and there raised to manhood. He
was educated in common schools and Wabash College, of Crawfordsville, Indiana. In 1855 he
moved to Fountain county, of the same State, and lived there until 1860, when he came to Polk
county, Iowa. He owns 800 acres of land, mostly under cultivation. His home is beautifully
surrounded with fine groves of his own planting. His orchards are large and productive and
everything about his home presents the appearance of being under the control and care of a
skilled agriculturalist. He takes a deep interest in all township matters and has been a persistent
worker for its interest. He was married to Miss Sarah Van Meter, of Tippecanoe county, Indiana,
September 6,1856. They have five children living. Have lost two. He is a man of decided
opinions, and always lends his influence on the side of right and justice; a marked characteristic
of his entire life, has been his untiring zeal and energy; the whole course of his life, has been
turned in one channel, and as a result he has attained that reward which must attend persistent,
honorable efforts.
996 BIOGRAPHICAL.
FRASE, M. L.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Wayne county,
Ohio, December 29, 1853, and was there raised until eighteen years of age, when he moved to
Summit county, Ohio, thence to Kosciusko county, Ind. He came to this county in the year of
1877, and settled in Douglas township, and commenced business for himself about three years
ago with very limited means. He now owns eighty acres of valuable land. He was married
October 7, 1875, to Miss Linda, daughter of Moses and Catherine Byers, of Kosiusko county,
Indiana. They have one child, Pearl (born September 2, 1878). Have lost one, an infant. Mr. and
Mrs. Fraze are members of the M. E. Church.

HALL, E. P.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 11, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Mifflin county,`
Pennsylvania, January 15, 1836. Moved with his parents to Center county, Pennsylvania, when
he was three years of age. They resided there seven years then moved and settled in Huntingdon 
county. After living there three years moved to Cranberry county, where they resided
three years. He then returned to Huntington county, and thence to Armstrong county. He learned
the trade of a charcoal collier and followed that business until 1860. He then engaged in coal
mining in Pennsylvania, and Illinois and followed that about eight years. He then engaged in
agricultural pursuits. He was married March 7, 1857, to Miss Leah Camp, of Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania. They have two children living, Louise and Edward. They have lost one. Mrs. Hall
was burned to death by the explosion of kerosene, February 4,1867. He was again married
August 11, 1868, to Miss Rebecca J. Horne, of Alleghany county, Pennsylvania. They have three
children by this union: William B., Mary A. and Herbert J. He enlisted in the spring of 1865 in
the Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. He was elected justice of the peace in 1872
and held that office three terms, and he has held other township offices. He commenced business
for himself with very limited means and now owns 240 acres of land.

HALL, HENRY-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Greene county,
Pennsylvania, May 19, 1816, and there resided until 1820, when he moved with his parents to
Fayette county, Indiana, where he was raised. He followed farming until he was eighteen years of
age, when he learned the trade of tanner and currier, which business he. followed until 1854. He
then came to this county, and again engaged in agricultural pursuits, he now owns a farm of
eighty acres of land. He was elected member of the Board of Supervisors, also president of the
same. He was appointed deputy treasurer of the county, and held that office eight years. He was
appointed director of the poor farm in 1869. He has held other important township offices. He
has frequently been appointed delegate to congressional and county Republican conventions. He
was married March 14,1838, to Miss Dianna McClay, of Wayne county, Indiana. They have nine
children living: Sarah Ann, Levi M., Nancy, James M., Mary, Emma, Albert, Amanda and Tiffin.
They have lost one. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Hall was the first to
establish the school of Franklin township.

HARTSOOK, W. H.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Greenwood. Is a native of Berkley county,
Virginia, and was born on the 15th of February, 1823, and made that place his home until 1830.
He then moved with his parents to Greene county, Ohio, and after a residence there of over
twenty-five years, took up his abode in Grant county, Wisconsin, in 1856, pur-
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. 997
chasing eighty acres of land. He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and followed the same
for eight years. During this time, in the winter, he also worked at the coopering business. For four
years he built and ran steam saw mills. While in Wisconsin he engaged in farming, and has since
continued that as his occupation. In January, 1870, he came to this county, and is now the owner
of 400 acres of land, mostly improved. Since residing here, he has held the office of school
district treasurer, about eight years; township supervisor and assessor, two years. On the 13th of
August, 1846, Miss Elizabeth Ann Devoe, became his wife. She was born December 18th, 1827.
They are the parents of three children: Oswald D., Elijah Hamilton and William Steidley.

HAWK, L. S.-Farmer and stock-raiser. section 10, P. O. Elkhart. Was born near Dayton, Ohio,
February 28, 1845, there raised until 1857, when he came to Iowa, and settled in Muscatine
county. He enlisted August 14, 1862, in the Thirty-fifth Iowa infantry. Participated in the battles
of Champion's Hill and Siege of Vicksburg. Was on the Red River expedition, and many others
of the severest fought battles of the war. He was married November 8, 1867, to Miss Mary
Vanhorne, of this county, They have five children living: Julius H., James M., John W.,
Elizabeth and Silva. They have lost one.  He came to this county in 1868, and settled in Douglas
township, and owns 160 acres of land.

JACOBS, NICHOLAS-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Ankeny. The subject of this sketch was born in
Baden, Germany, December 28,1828, and there resided until 1849. He then emigrated to the
United States, locating in New York City, where he was engaged for a short time in working at
his trade-that of stone mason and plasterer. After traveling around for several years, engaging at
his trade in different cities, he came to Iowa, and settled at Iowa City, in 1855. One year later he
came to Des Moines, where he followed his former occupation, doing the first mason work of
any importance in that city. He now resides on a fine farm of 320 acres, in this township, and is
also the owner of 160 acres in section 23, of Crocker township. He came from his native country
without means. In 1854 .he was married to Susannah Lint. She was born in Ohio, December 5,
1836. They have six children living: Monroe A., Edward, Nicholas, Louie, Minnie and Rosa.
Have lost one, George.

JUSTICE, DANIEL-Whose portrait appears in this work was born in Bland county, in the State
of Virginia, but in early manhood, and with no capital but his strong hands, he started to the
Northwest to find a place where white labor was not held in dishonor. He tarried a while in
Indiana, and from there went to Mercer county, Illinois, where he for a time resided, and there
was married to the worthy woman who now mourns his loss. He reared a family of four children,
all of whom are now living. Thirty-one years ago he came to this county, and soon thereafter, on
a point on Four Mile, eight miles northeast of Des Moines, he there, in the presence of friendly
Indians, erected his rude log cabin. Being a man of Herculean frame of body, of vigorous
constitution and indomitable energy and perseverance, he was well-fitted by nature to grapple
with all of the hardships incident to pioneer life. He also possessed strong mental powers, and the
impress of his life and character will never fade from the memory of those who knew him. He
was successful in the accumulation of property, and from his hands the poor and suffering were
never turned away without relief: During the last ten years of his life, on account of bodily
infirmities,
998 BIOGRAPHICAL.
he was compelled to retire from active business, but prior thereto, and during the twenty years of
his Polk county residence, but few men in the country were more enterprising, and did as much
as he in the interest of the public weal. In the early days of white settlements in Central Iowa,
when houses were few in number and far apart, the home and hospitality of Daniel Justice were
widely known, and few there were of the early settlers now living or dead, who did not often rest
beneath his roof and share at his table. He did not belong to any church organization, yet in the
community where he so long resided, his daily walk and conversation indicated the upright man.
He died September 21, 1879.

JUSTICE, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in
Mercer county, Illinois, July 29, 1841, and was there raised until he was about twelve years of
age, when he came with his parents to this county, and settled in Douglas township. He
commenced business with very limited means, and now owns 500 acres of land, mostly
improved. He was elected township assessor in 1860, and held the office nine terms. Has been
township clerk two terms, he was appointed postmaster at Greenwood, and held that office about
fifteen years, has also been frequently appointed delegate to State and county Republican
conventions. He has always taken an active part in the educational interests of his township. He
never lends his influence but on the side of right and justice, and success has crowned his
persistent and honorable efforts. He is a liberal contributor to all religious enterprises. Was
married to Miss Lucinda Thornton of this county. They have five children living: Mary, John,
Roman, George and Eda; have lost one.

KENT, A. J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, P. O. Elkhart. Born in Harrison county, Ohio,
March 11, 1819; was there raised to manhood. In 1861, he moved to Madison county, Iowa,
where he resided one year.  He then came to Polk county, and he now owns 490 acres of valuable 
land. He was married, March 19, 1842, to Miss Rebecca Arnold of Tuscarawas county, Ohio.
They have six children: David, William H., Nathan H., John B., Eli, Eda. They have lost four.

LEE, J. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Henry county, Iowa,
February 8, 1842, and was there raised to manhood. He has followed the occupation of farming
from youth. Enlisted in company G, Forty-fifth Iowa infantry, and was wounded at White Star,
Tennessee, and sent to Memphis Hospital. He recovered after a few weeks, and was detailed on
garrison duty most of his time during service. Mustered out at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1864. He was
married September 14, 1866, to Miss S. E. Dye of Scotland county, Missouri. They have two
children living: Emma L. and Sarah M. They have lost four. Their lives are closely associated
with the Baptist Church.

LEE, CALEB-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Grant county,
Indiana, January 28,1845, and was raised a farmer. He came to Iowa in 1853, and settled in
Warren county; there lived until 1861, when he came to this county and settled in Douglas
township, where he now owns 130 acres of land. He was married January 18, 1860 to Miss Eliza
Adamson of Polk county. They have an adopted child, Mary Bell Lee.

LEWIS, H. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, P. O. Greenwood. Was born near Cincinnati,
Ohio, April 12, 1830, and was raised in Warren county, Indiana. He learned the trade of
carpentering, and followed that
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP 999
business five years. He then engaged in shipping horses and farming, following that business
eleven years. He came to this county in 1859, and settled in Douglas township. He came here
with very limited means, but with a large fund of experience and honest determination to
succeed. He now owns 120 acres of land. He was married February 16, 1853 to Jane Hill of
Parke county, Indiana. They have three children: Almira H.,Thomas Sylvanus and William
Edward. They have lost two. Mrs. Lewis died September 10, 1864. He was again married,
February 14, 1866 to Anna Thornton. They have four children: Alwilda May, Francisco N.,
Henry H. and an infant.

MADDEN, W. G.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. Was born at New
Charleston, South Carolina, on the 27th day of April, 1853. He moved with his parents, when but
six months old, to Indiana, where they resided about six years, when they moved to Vermillion
county, Illinois, where he was raised to manhood. He was married to Miss Maria Thornton of
Vermillion county, Illinois, born June 28,1856. They have five children living: John F., Sarah
Jane, Charles, Amanda and Jessie W. They have lost three. The lives of Mr. Madden and family
have been closely associated with the Friends' Society. He is a liberal contributor of the same.
Although no political aspirant, he has represented his district in the State Legislature of 1874, and
proved himself a faithful and competent worker, always being found on the side of the right, and
lending his influence for the measures calculated to confer the greatest good to his constituents,
and the estimate of his public service may be inferred from the fact that he was elected to be his
own successor in 1876. He has held important township offices, and has taken an active part in
the educational interests of his township. He is a man who was closely identified with the growth
and prosperity of the county, and at one time was among its largest tax-payers. He now owns
about seventy acres of valuable land. His hospitality is also worthy of special mention as he is
always ready to feed the hungry and furnish rest to the weary.

MADDEN, C. S.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. This enterprising young man was born in
Douglas township, Polk county, June 10, 1855, and has always resided in this township, being
engaged in farming. He is the son of Hon. W. G. Madden, and is now engaged in farming with
his brother-in-law, Mr. Riley Van Horn. He is a prominent member of Capital City Lodge, I. O.
O. F., of Des Moines.

MADDEN, C.-Greenwood. Was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, May 22, 1844, and resided
there till 1867, when he came to this county. He continued to farm until 1875, when he engaged
in the mercantile business at Greenwood, success having thus far attended his labors. His store is
well filled with a fine stock of general merchandise. He enlisted June, 1862, in the Seventy-third
Illinois infantry volunteers, company C, and participated in battles of Perrysville, Nashville,
Tennessee; Stone River, six days' fight; Chickamauga; Missionary Ridge, Tennessee; Dalton,
Georgia; Resaca, Georgia, and others. Was on march from Chattanoga to Atlanta, then back to
Nashville; second battle of Nashville; Columbus. Taken sick at Louisville, Kentucky, was sent to
St. Louis Hospital, and remained there two months; mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, in
1865. He was married in 1866 to Mary West, of Georgetown, Vermillion county, Illinois. He and
his wife are identified with the Friends' Society. He has also taken an active part in the
educational interests of the township. Was
1000 BIOGRAPHICAL.
elected constable and held the office two years, and was township assessor in 1877. In the fall of
1879 he was elected justice of the peace. Was also postmaster at Ankeny, and held the office one
year, and was appointed deputy postmaster at Greenwood in 1879.

MARKEY, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, section l., P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Dublin,
Ireland, August 15, 1840, and raised there until nineteen years of age. He immigrated to the
United States in 1859, and settled near Brockport, New York. He was married June 3, 1865, to
Miss Jennie Kelly, of New York State. She was born in Ireland. They have six children: John J.,
Mary E., Patrick M., Margaret, Thomas, James. Their lives have been closely associated with the
Catholic Church. He enlisted August 13, 1862, in the One Hundred and Fortieth New York
infantry, company A, and participated in some of the most severe battles of the war, among
which are the battles of the Wilderness, Fredricksburg, Gettysburg, second battle of Bull Run and
many others. He now owns 80 acres of valuable land.

NASH, MICHAEL-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 3, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Limerick
county, Ireland. He immigrated to America in the year 1853, and settled in Suffolk county, New
York. He followed the occupation of fisherman in his ,youth, but engaged in agricultural pursuits
on his arrival in America. He came to Polk county in 1856 and settled in Douglas township,
where he now owns 260 acres of land. He was married March, 1856, to Miss Johanna Denem, of
Limerick, Ireland.

PROCTOR, E.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 28, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Antrim
county, Ireland, March 9, 1833. He early learned the trade of carpenter, and followed that
business until 1869. He immigrated in 1857 and settled in New York City, where he followed his
trade. He came to Iowa in 1869 and settled in Polk county, where he now owns 120 acres of land.
He was married February, 1865, to Miss Sarah Law, of New York. He enlisted in 1862 in
Twelfth New York militia, company A, served about four months, and was then mustered out.

RANDOLPH, ELLIS F.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, P. O.  Greenwood. Was born in
Columbiana county, Ohio, in the year 1830, and there raised to manhood. He early learned the
trade of tanning, and followed that business eight years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits,
and came to Iowa and settled in Polk county in 1856, where he now owns 360 acres of land. He
was married January 29, 1857, to Miss Alice Davis, of Salem, Ohio. They have seven children:
William E. F., Mary Elizabeth F., Rachel Ann F., Charles F., Richard F., Joseph F., Lewis F.
They have lost one. He and his wife are identified with the Friends' Society.

RILEY, J. J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 7, P. O. Ankeny. Was born in Washington county,
this State, in 1847, and was there raised. He learned the trade of house building, and followed
that business about six years, when he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to Polk county
in the year 1867, and now owns 745 acres of land. He was married October 31, 1869, to Miss
Lydia Justice, daughter of Daniel Justice. They have two children living: Martha Ada and Phebe
Daisy. They have lost one. Mr. Riley has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity
of the county, and is numbered among its largest tax-payers. He. was elected justice of the peace
and township trustee.
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. 1001
STANFIELD, ROBERT-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in
County Down, Ireland, on March 17, 1829, and was there raised to manhood. He followed the
occupation of a farmer and weaver during his residence in that country, and in 1867 immigrated
to the United States, first settling in Cayuga county, Ohio. He resided there until 1871, when he
came to this county. He was married April 24, 1861, to Miss Nancy Mercer, of Ireland. They
have five children living William, Mary, Martha, Margaret and Nellie. They have lost three. He
now owns fifty acres of land, and is numbered among the successful farmers of Polk county.

SHACKELFORD, J. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P. O. Elkhart. Born at Cincinnati,
Ohio, August 5, 1837. Was raised in Ohio county, Indiana, until thirteen years of age, then
moved with his parents to Ripley county, and was there raised to manhood. He early learned the
trade of gunsmith, and followed that business until 1860. He enlisted July 15, 1861, in company
D, Thirteenth Indiana infantry. Participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Port Gibson, Champion's
Hill, Black River, siege of Vicksburg, and others. He was wounded in the battle of Cedar Creek,
Virginia, and sent to Baltimore Hospital, where he remained about six weeks, when he was
removed to Hoddington Hospital, Philadelphia. He was afterward transferred to Camp Morton,
Indiana, where he remained until the close of the war. Mustered out Sept. 28,1865. He was
married June 10, 1864, to Miss Mahala Williamson, of Ripley county, Indiana. They have eight
children: Katie E. (born August 22, 1866), Sarah F. (born October 24, 1867), Alpheus V. (born
November 24, 1868), Charles H. (born October 19, 1869), John E. (born June 22, 1871), Lula
(born November 7, 1875), Warren H. (born September 7, 1877) and Emma (born January 22,
1879.

SINON, JAMES- Farmer and stock-dealer, section 12, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Tipperary,
Ireland, in the year 1820, and was there raised to manhood. He immigrated to America in the
spring of 1850, and settled in Anderson county, Vermont. He resided there until 1878, when he
moved to Polk county, Iowa, and settled in Douglas township, where he now owns 130 acres of
land. He was married February 5, 1846, to Miss Bridget Broderick, of the same county. They
have nine children living: Ann, James, Martin G., Edward, Frank F., John, William, Mary Ellen
and Margaret. They have lost one. Mr. Sinon and family are members, of the Catholic Church,
and are among its liberal supporters.

SUMSTINE, PETER-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Ankeny. Was born in St. Joseph
county, Indiana, December 25, 1836,. and was there raised until about fifteen years of age, when
he came to Polk, county. He has always followed the occupation of farming. Was married
December 25, 1860, to Miss Minerva Thornton, of this county. He was left an orphan at an early
age, and came to Polk county without any appreciable means, and now owns 200 acres of land.
Mr. Sumstine has, been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county, and had
to endure the privations and hardships consequent upon the early settlement of a country.

THORNTON, JOHN S.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 29, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in
Vermillion county, Illinois, October 11, 1827. He came to Iowa in 1847, and settled in Polk
county. He moved
1002 BIOGRAPHICAL.
to Jasper county, Missouri, in 1869, and resided there until 1874, when he returned to Polk
county. He now owns eighty acres of land. Was elected first township clerk, and held the office
four years. Has always taken an active part in the school interests of his township. He was
married April 4, 1850, to Esther Lewis, of Vermillion county, Illinois. They have eleven children:
Rachel, Evan Samantha J., Thomas C., Mary Frances, Ambrose, William H., Nathan, Charity,
Mary Etta and John W. Have lost two. Mrs. Thornton died February 28, 1879. Mr. T. is one of
the few remaining pioneers of Polk county. He is connected with the Society of Friends.

THORNTON, R. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. Among the many
enterprising men who left comfortable homes in the East, no one is deserving of more special
mention than the above named, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, November 1, 1824,
and was raised in Vermillion county, Illinois, until 1845, and then came to Polk county. He was
the first settler in what is now Douglas township. His first improvements were made near the site
of his present residence. His success in Iowa may be inferred from the fact that he came to Polk
county with very limited means, consisting of one old wagon, two yoke of oxen, one cow and
very little money, and now owns 265 acres of valuable land, about all under cultivation, with
good buildings. He has served as a member of the Board of Supervisors several terms. He has
also held various township offices. He was married to Miss Rachel Hayworth, of Vermillion
county, Illinois, in 1843. They have eight children living from this union: George, Richard,
Martin, Clara, Daniel, John, Peter and Ada. They have lost four. Mrs. Thornton died November
1, 1876. He married Mrs. Mary Reynolds, of Polk county, May 3, 1877. They have one child by
this union, Ruth. Mrs. Thornton has six children living by a former marriage: Milton, Eliza,
Laura, William, Tillman and Irena Ella. Mr. Thornton has always been closely associated with
the United Brethren in Christ Church, and has always been a liberal contributor to and supporter
of the same.

VANHORN, RILEY-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 16, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in
Tippecanoe county, Indiana, May 22, 1850, and came with his parents to Iowa in 1854, settling in
this county. He has followed the occupation of farming from youth. Has also engaged extensively
in the stock business, and has been classed among the prominent stock shippers of the county.
He, with his brother, is now farming about a thousand acres of land. He was married August
19,1872, to Miss Jennie Madden, daughter of Hon. W. G. Madden. They have two children: Dot
and Dolly. Mr. Vanhorn is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, Des Moines. He is a
man who always takes an active interest in the welfare of the county, and is closely associated
with its growth and prosperity.

VANHORN, C. W.-Farmer, section 8, P.O. Greenwood. Was born in Des Moines, May 12,
1858, and has been raised in this county, mostly in Douglas township. He was married August
24, 1879, to Miss Sylvia J. Cory, who was also raised in this county. He is now farming about
one hundred acres of land, and is considered among the prosperous farmers of the community.
VANHORN, F. M.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Des Moines, February 23,
1858. His father was among the early settlers
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 1003
of the county, and raised a family of seven children, five of whom were sons. The subject of our
sketch was raised a farmer, and has engaged in the business with the laudable ambition to
succeed. He was married January 1, 1878, to Miss Adaline Hadley, of Story county. They have
one daughter, Rose G. (born November 23, 1878).

WAGNER, PETER-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, P. O Ankeny. Was born in Dearborn
county, Indiana, December 25, 1840, and was there raised until about fourteen years of age, when
he moved with his parents to Clayton county, Iowa. He early learned the trade of carpenter, and
followed that business until he was twenty years of age. He then engaged in farming. He came to
Polk county in 1867, and settled in Douglas township, where he now owns 258 acres of land.
Was married August 26, 1862, to Miss Ida E. M. Weyreach, of Clayton county. They have six
children: Mary Matilda, William, John George, Henry Edward, Clara Josephine and Edwin
Raymond.

WILSON, J. E. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Adams
county, Indiana, April 30, 1845, and was there raised until about ten years old, when he moved
with his mother to Knox county, Illinois, and there resided until about 1861. He then enlisted in
company G, Eighth Missouri regiment volunteer infantry. Was in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort
Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Hall's Springs, Coldwater, Vicksburg and Jackson; also, the siege of
Vicksburg, and nearly all the other prominent battles in which the regiment was engaged. He was
slightly wounded at the first attack on Vicksburg, wounded at Arkansas Post, struck with a shell
at Kingston, and slightly injured. He was promoted to corporal for valuable services rendered,
and was acting sergeant at the close of the war. He was married October 19, 1868, to Miss Sarah
Ann Pyle, of Starke county, Illinois. Was again married, to Miss Mary Brazelton, of Polk county.
She is a lady esteemed by all who know her. Mr. Wilson has always taken an active part in the
schools of his neighborhood, and has held important township offices.
FRANKIN TOWNSHIP.
BIDDLE, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 20, P. 0. Altoona. Was born in Germany, June 23, 1823,
followed the business of a mercantile clerk until he was twenty-six years of age, then became
postmaster, under contract and followed that until 1851. Immigrated to the United States and
settled in Franklin township, Polk county, Iowa, where he now owns 160 acres of land, 120 under
cultivation. He was married to Josephine Stehle, of Germany. They have six children: Christian,
Charles, Tullius, Emma, Ingnetz and Albert, all living in Polk county. He was a volunteer in the
army of his country during the disturbance of 1848. Was among the first settlers of this township.

BONDURANT, A. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 31, P. O. Altoona. Among the many.
enterprising citizens of Polk county may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, who was born
in Sangamon county, Illinois, on the first day of September, 1829, and was raised thereon a farm.
He started in life with a laudable ambition to succeed, and, with nothing but his willing hands
and hopeful heart to overcome all obstacles, he commenced to build on the solid foundation of
honest industry. He availed himself of a cherished plan to locate in the promising State of Iowa,
and in
1004 BIOGRAPHICAL.
1857 came to Polk county and purchased land in this and Douglas townships and from year to
year he has added to his possessions and now owns over twenty-five hundred acres of land and
he has proved himself one of the most practical as well as successful agriculturalists in the
county. As a stock-raiser and feeder he takes a front rank. The small house he first built after his
arrival has changed to a stately mansion, surrounded with stately shade and ornamental trees, and
his home gives every indication of ease and comfort. He has been closely identified with the
interests of the county and his influence is always on the side of right and justice, and having
turned the whole force of his life in one direction, has secured the reward which must follow
persistent, honorable effort. He was married October 27, 1861, to Miss Margaret M. Brooks, of
Rising Sun, Iowa, a lady whose life has been devoted to making home happy and one who proves
to be her husband's best counselor. They have six children: Emma (born August 23, 1862),
Fannie ( born October 22, 1864), Florence (born September 26, 1870), Charles B. (born
December 4, 1873), Nellie (born November 23, 1874), Alexander (born October 1,1878). Mr.
and Mrs. Bondurant are both active members of the Christian Church and are among its most
active workers and most liberal contributors. Mr. B., in order to guard against any future
embarrassment of the church, has deeded to it forty acres of good land, an act that indicates his
interest in its present as well as future welfare.

BROTHERS, JESSE-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Pasquotank county,
North Carolina, in 1824, and was raised there and in Guilford county, North Carolina, until he
was twenty-one years of age. Then moved and settled in Wayne county, Indiana, where he
resided until 1856, when he came to Iowa and settled in Jasper county. Lived there until 1866,
when he came to this county and settled in this township, and now owns 160 acres of land,
mostly under cultivation. He followed the occupation of carpenter until he came to Iowa, when
he commenced agricultural pursuits. Was married to Eliza Crawford, born in Ohio, in 1851. They
have four children: Leroy, William, Mary Jane and Samuel. Have lost .one child.

CAHOUN, WILLIAM H.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Meigs county,
Ohio, April 21, 1840, and remained there until 1858, when he came to Iowa, settling in this
township. He is the owner of 120 acres of land, nearly all of which is under cultivation. August
14, 1862, he was united in marriage with Sarah A. McCleary, daughter of Abel and Susanah
McCleary. They have two children living: Rose and Jennie L. Have lost two. Mr. C. has held the
offices of township trustee, ,constable, road supervisor, etc. He and his wife are connected with
the M. E. Church.

CHAMBERS, S. E.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Harrison county, Ohio,
October 10, 1834, and resided there until 1854, when he came to Iowa and settled in Polk county.
Has followed farming from youth and now owns 120 acres of improved land. He was married
February 29, 1868, to Elnora Schafer, of Jasper county, Iowa. They have six children: Franklin
G., William P., Charles Emery, Harrison C.; Samuel Edwin and Mary Isabella. He enlisted July
21, 1863, in the Eighth Iowa cavalry and was promoted to sixth corporal. Joined Rosecrans at
Louisville, Kentncky, thence to Nashville and Jobnsville. Camped during that winter at Waverly,
Tennessee, and in the spring re-
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 1005
turned to Nashville, thence to Chattanooga, and was on Batty's Rockyface expedition, Tennessee,
Dalton Hill, Georgia, Resaca, Kingston, Big Shanty, in the Seven Day's fight, ordered on general
raid with Wilson, crossed Mississippi and Alabama, was in the battles of Tuscaloosa and Selma,
Alabama, thence to Macon, Georgia, there received news of Lincoln's death.  Was mustered out
at Macon, August 28, 1865. Mr. Chambers has held the office of assessor of the township and
was also trustee for several terms in Jasper county. He is identified with the Congregational
Church at Mitchellville, and his wife is also a member of the same.

CRAWFORD, H.-Farmer, section 5, P. 0. Mitchellville. Was born in Butler county, Ohio, in
1822, and was raised there until about nineteen years of age. He came to Iowa in 1854 and settled
in this township, where he now owns forty-two acres of land. He was married December 31,
1847, to Elizabeth McClay, daughter of Richard and Sarah McClay, of Wayne county, Indiana.
They have a family of four children living: Nancy Ann (born July 6, 1854), Eda (born October
24, 1856), James M. (born September 5, 1859) and Daniel P. (born September 21, 1864).
DAVIS, J. E.-Farmer, section 6, P. 0. Mitchellville. Was born in Erie county, New York, May
24, 1832 and made it his home until 1839, when, with his parents, he moved to Menard county,
Illinois. There resided until 1865, when he came to this State and settled on his present
homestead of 290 acres, all of which is under cultivation. He was married January 17, 1860, to
Miss M. R. Virgin, of Knox county, Ohio. They have two children: James W. and George B. Mr.
D. has held important township offices and has also figured conspicuously in state and county
elections.

DEARINGER, DAVID W.-Farmer, section -, P. 0. Altoona. Is the son of M. and Matilda
Dearinger and was born June 17, 1848 near Indianapolis, Indiana. He lived there until 1850,
when he came to Jasper county, Iowa, and lived there until 1874, when he took up his residence
in this county and township. Owns a farm of eighty acres. On the fifth of April, 1875, he was
married to Miss Carolina M. Voris. She is a daughter of John and Jane Voris, of Marion county,
Iowa. They have two children: Amos B. and Banner B. He and his wife are identified with the M.
E. Church.

FAIR, J. D.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Altoona. Was born in VanWert county, Ohio, October 14,
1853, and was left an orphan at an early age. He was brought up by Mrs. McQueen, of Franklin
township. Has followed the occupation of farming from youth and owns a farm of seventy acres.
He was married October 3, 1875, to Elizabeth Haines, of Polk county, Iowa. They have one
child, Rosetta (born April 21, 1878).

HENNINGER, GEORGE-Farmer, section 33, P.O. Mitchellville. Was born in Medina county,
Ohio, April 13, 1843, and after leaving there removed with his family to Henry county, Illinois.
In 1868 he came to Iowa and settled where he now resides. He and his brother now own 240
acres of land. During the war he enlisted in February, 1865, in the Ninth Illinois cavalry, and
during the service was on detached duty, and was mustered out at Selma, Alabama.

HUDSON, W. T.-Farmer, section 32, P. 0. Altoona. Was born in Shelby county, Tennessee,
February 15, 1844, and when young he moved with his parents to Jefferson, Arkansas, and in
1851 to Saline county, same State. He came to Iowa in 1861 and settled in this community, and
in June,
1006 BIOGRAPHICAL.
1863, enlisted in the Eighth Iowa cavalry. Participated in the battles of Resaca, Lovejoy,
Casaville, and was with Sherman's March to Atlanta. Was taken prisoner with nearly all the
regiment and sent to Andersonville, where he remained until the close of the war. He returned
home and now owns 125 acres of land. He was married September 10, 1867, to Mrs. Eliza,
widow of the late John Brown, of St. Louis. By this union they have three children: Ada, Frank,
and Anna. Mrs. Hudson has one daughter by former marriage, Marian C. Brown. Mr. Hudson has
held several township offices, and is also a member of the G. A. R. Post at Mitchellville.

HUFFMAN, JOHN W.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born February 24, 1844, in
Dearborn county, Indiana, and in 1870 moved and settled in Johnson county, this State. There he
lived until 1871 he came to this county and settled in this township, and now owns 120 acres of
land, all in cultivation. In 1862 he enlisted in company B, Sixty eighth Indiana infantry.
Participated in the battles of Dalton,, Decatur and Nashville, and at Dalton was wounded. He was
sent to the hospital at Evansville, Indiana, and remained six months. Was promoted for an act of
bravery to color-bearer and first lieutenant, and held these positions until the close of the war.
His father served in the Eleventh Kentucky. Was captured at Marysville, Tennessee, and died in
Andersonville prison. October 29,. 1865, he was married to Martha Shackelford, of Ripley
county, Indiana.. They have three children: Laura E., Ira E., and George A., all living. Mr.,
Hufman has held the offices of township trustee, clerk, assessor, treasurer,. secretary, etc., for
several years.

HUNTER, C. E.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Altoona. Was born in, Perry county, Ohio, May 14,
1842, and lived there until 1853, when, with his parents, he moved to Iowa and settled in Van
Buren county. There he resided until 1856 when he located in Hocking county, Ohio, and in 1858
he returned to Van Buren county, Iowa, and lived there until 1863. July 28th, of that year, he
enlisted in company C, Eighth Iowa cavalry. The regiment was detached as guard of the South
Railroad, quartered,. Sec. 49, and remained there until March, 1864. Was with Sherman on his
march to Atlanta, taken prisoner with nearly all the regiment, sent to Andersonville, and was
there and in other prisons about seven months. Was then removed to Goldsboro, where, in
company with six others, he effected his escape to a swamp eight miles west of Wilmington.
Four days after they were rescued by the Union soldiers. He was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa.
December 6,1866, he was married to Martha A. Vaught,, of Jefferson county, Iowa. They have
three children living: Leota F., Ira A., and Dora E. Have lost one child. Mr. Hunter owns
ninety-two acres of land. Has been clerk of township and held other important offices.

JAMIESON, JOHN-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Elkhart. Was born September 28,1841, at Cragie,
Scotland, and lived there until 1866, when he emigrated to America and first settled at La Porte
county,. Indiana. There he lived for three months when he came to this county,. locating where he
now resides. Owns a farm of 201 acres, all in cultivation. February 12, 1873, he was married to
Miss Anna, daughter of Andrew and Anna Brown, of Cragie, Scotland. They have two children
living: Anna (born July 14, 1876) and John B. (born April 26, 1880) Have lost two.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 1007
JOHNSON, L. W.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Harrison county, Ohio,
November 25, 1826, and resided there until ten years of age, when he moved to Van Wert
county, same State, living there until 1856.. He then came to Iowa and settled on his present
location, and is the owner of about 500 acres of land. On the 1st of April, 1850, he was married
to Miss Nancy Scott, daughter of John and Elenor Scott, of Ohio, but formerly of Brook county,
Virginia. They have six children: Amos R., Maggie I., I. W., Ida I. and Davis living, and one
deceased. Mr. Johnson has held important county and township offices.

LACEY, ISAAC T.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Carter
county, Tennessee, June 17,1821, and when young, engaged in farming, which he has followed
up to the present time. In 1854 he came to Iowa-settling in Jasper county, where he remained
until 1872, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of 250 acres. Has always taken an
active interest in all that pertains to the prosperity of the township. On the 19th of September,
1844, he was married to Miss Mary J. Boyd, of Carter county, Tennessee. They have seven
children living: Susan E. (born January 25, 1846), George N. (born July 30, 1859), James R.
(born June 6, 1852), Isaac F. (born November 11, 1856), William H. (born August. 28, 1858),
Ulysses S. (born December 6, 1865) and Jonathan L. (born December 17, 1868). They have, lost
six. Mr. L. and wife are prominent members of the M. E. Church.

LEE, EPHRAIM-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, P. O, Mitchellville. Was born in Wayne
county, Indiana, in 1832, and raised in Grant county until he was twenty-one years of age. He
came to Iowa in 1853 and settled in Warren county, where he lived one year, then moved and
settled in Polk county. He owns eighty-five acres of good land. He was married to Eliza Ann Lee,
of Polk county, in 1855. They have four children living: Flora Aletta, Laura Alice, Ishmael and
John. They have lost two.

LULL, FRED-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Windsor county, Vermont,
June 10, 1834, and was there raised until sixteen years of age, then moved to Detroit, Michigan,
and in 1866 came to Iowa, settling in Franklin township. He now owns ninety acres of improved
land. Mr. Lull has held important township offices, and has always taken an active part in the
educational interests of the county. Has been appointed delegate to State and county conventions
(Republican). Has always taken an active part in the political interests of the county and been a
liberal supporter of religious associations, schools, etc. He came here with limited means and
success has attended his efforts. He was married August 25, 1856, to Mary E., daughter of John
and Margaret Davis, of La Salle county, Illinois. They have two children: Addie (born April 25,
1859) and Charles (born May 11, 1862

McCLEARY, F. M.-Farmer, section 27,P. O. Mitchellville. Was born near Leesburg, Indiana, on
the 26th of October, 1850, and in 1853 came to Iowa and was raised here. He was married
December 25, 1874, to Emma E. Kennedy, a daughter of William and Sarah Kennedy, of
Indiana. They are the parents of one child, Oliver E. (born December 8, 1875). He has taken an
interest in educational matters, and has held the office of road supervisor. Mr. McCleary owns
120 acres of land.

McGLEARY, ABEL J.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Kosciusko county,
Indiana, on the 30th of August, 1841, and when
1008 BIOGRAPHICAL.
twelve years of age removed to Iowa, locating in this township. Here he has grown to manhood a
farmer and now owns 265 acres of land. October 24, 1862, he was married to Emily C. Hedges of
this township and county, They have four children living: Jackson G., Eugene E., Susannah A.
and Samuel E. Have lost one. Mr. McCleary has been for some time connected with the M. E.
Church as class-leader, steward and superintendent of the Sabbath-school.

McQUEEN, R. S.-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Mitchellville. Is the son of Anthony and Ellen
McQueen, and was born February 11, 1857. His mother was the daughter of Richard and Mary
Pring, of Van Wert county, Ohio. She was married to Anthony McQueen, of Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, by which union they had six children: Richard S., Mary Elizabeth, William
Thomas, Albert, Almira and Matista. The farm of 160 acres is the undivided estate of the late
Anthony McQueen, father of the subject of our sketch. All the family are at present living upon
it.

MALONEY, DANIEL-Farmer, section 8, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Tepperary county,
Ireland, June 2I, 1832, and was raised there till 1848, then immigrated to the United States and
settled in Addison, Vermont. Has followed farming from youth. He came to Iowa February 28,
1856, and settled in Franklin township, where he now owns 860 acres of land, nearly all
improved. He was married August 15, 1857, to Bridget Brennen, daughter of James and Margaret
Brennen, of Donigal county,  Ireland. They have three children: James E. (born December 18,
1859), Daniel (born June 16, 1865) and John W. (born May 5, 1867). For the first two winters
after coming Mr. M. fought with the usual privations and hardships which fall to the lot of the
early settlers of a new country.

MARMON, PETER-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Logan county, Ohio,
August 9, 1833, and was raised there until he was seventeen years of age. Followed school
teaching in youth, came to Iowa in 1855 and settled in Franklin township, where he now owns a
good farm of 200 acres, mostly improved. He was married March 7, 1867, to Mary Lee, of this
township. Have six children: Harlow W. (born December 28, 1867), Zilpah (born August 9,
1869), Ruth (born January 25, 1871), Frederick W. (born August 9, 1873), Victor B. (born
January 30, 1876), Nathan (born June 9, 1873). He enlisted August 4, 1862, in the Ninty-sixth
Ohio infantry, and was in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg,
Jackson, Miss., Grand Coteau, La. Was on Red River Expedition. Was wounded slightly at
Arkansas Post, taken prisoner at Grand Coteau and sent to Alexandria prison, there left six
months, when he was paroled and mustered out at Mobile, Alabama, July 6, 1865. Was promoted
to rank of second lieutenant and served until the close of the war. He was elected justice of the
peace in the fall of 1877, and still holds that position. Has held other important offices and has
been a delegate to both the State and county conventions, and has also taken active interests in
educational matters.

MATTERN, W. S.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, P. O. Mitchellville. He was born in
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1848. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1856
and settled in Polk county. Commencing here with very limited means, he now owns an
improved farm of 240 acres of good land. He was married to Miss Mary Payne, of Filmore
county, Nebraska, October 9, 1873. They have two children living: Bertha (born December 4,
1875), Ralph (born July 10, 1878). They
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 1009
have lost one. Mr. Mattern is one of the most enterprising men of Polk county. He owns 160
acres of fine prairie land in Filmore county, Nebraska, which he is now having improved. He was
also identified among the many patriotic citizens, who helped save the Union. He enlisted the
summer of 1863 in the Eighth Iowa cavalry. Participated in the battles of Cassville, New Hope
Church, Lost Mountain, etc.

NOBLES, J. C.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Lexington, Kentucky,
March 30, 1824, and was raised in Edgar county, Illinois, until sixteen years of age, when, with
his parents, he settled in Green county, Wisconsin, and resided there until 1865. He came to Iowa
in 1865, settling in this county and township, where he now owns 100 acres of land, nearly all
improved. He married Miss Nancy Hammond July 9, 1846, daughter of John and Christine
Hammond, of Green county, Wisconsin. They have four children living: Lettie (born May 14,
1847), Flora (born September 6, 1857), Ella J. (born October 25, 1864), Effie D. (born May 4,
1872. Five are deceased.

PRENTICE, PITT-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born on the 31st of July, 1845, a
native of McDonough county, Illinois, and resided there until 1853. He then removed with his
parents to this county, settling in this township, and is now the owner of an imtroved farm of 70
acres. On the 29th of August, 1872, he married Miss Sarah E. Young, daughter of John S. and
Mary Young, of this county. They have two children living: Fannie (born February 26, 1876) and
Edith (born January 31, 1878).

PRICE, C. W.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Rush county, Indiana, December
28, 1848, and was there raised. In 1869 he removed to Iowa and settled in this township, where
he has since resided, and now owns 80 acres of land. February 14, 1873, he married Miss Sarah
Keasey, daughter of S. H. and Sarah Keasey, of Douglas township, this county. Mr. Price has
held several offices in the township and is at present clerk of the same.

PRING, W. C.-Farmer, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, and when
young commenced farming, which he has since followed. He came to Iowa in 1857 and settled in
Franklin township, Polk county, where he owns a farm of 120 acres. He married Catharine
Johnson, daughter of Joel and Lavinia Johnson. They have five children: Leroy, Gilbert,
Minevra, Theodore and Worth. Himself and brother were among the early settlers of the
township.

PRING, W. T.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born September 2, 1834, in Van
Wert county, Ohio, and is a son of Richard and Mary Pring. He remained there until 1857, when
he came to Iowa and settled in this township and now owns 40 acres of land. His marriage was in
1855, at which time Miss Adeline Brown, of Van Wert county, Ohio, became his wife. She was
formerly of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. They have seven children: Emma J., Mary, Obadiah,
Frank G., Richard P., Lena B. and Laura. Mr. P. has held various offices in his township

PRUNTY, B. F.-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Altoona. Was born April 15, 1841, in Morgan county,
Illinois, and when young he moved to Marion county, this State. In 1845 he settled in Jasper
count, and in the fall of 1861, enlisted in the Fourteenth Iowa infantry. He was in the battles of
Forts Henry and Donelson, and at the latter place was taken sick
1010 BIOGRAPHICAL.
and removed to Mound City Hospital, and there remained three months. Then joined his
regiment at Corinth, Mississippi, and was in that battle, and also that of Jackson. The regiment
was sent to Davenport, Iowa, to reorganize, and from there he was sent to Cairo, Illinois, thence
to Vicksburg, and on the Red River Expedition and joined Sherman, but becoming ill, he was
sent to Keokuk where he remained until the end of the war. Was promoted to eighth corporal of
company E, and mustered out at Davenport in the fall of 1864. He settled in Camp township, this
county, and lived there until 1869 when he came to this township, and now owns a farm of 720
acres, in cultivation. In October, 1868, he was married to Susan A. Ingle of Jasper county. They
have five children: Charles O., Abbie A., Sadie, Bertie S. and Hattie S.; lost one.

SNYDER, S.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 12, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Lehigh
county, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1820; there resided with his parents until about twelve years
old, when they moved to Crawford county of the same State, and was raised a farmer. In 1853, he
came to Iowa and settled in Jasper county, where he resided about one year; thence to Polk
county. He came here with very limited means, and now owns a valuable farm of 460 acres in a
good state of cultivation. He was married May 4, 1844, to Miss Catharine Hinker of Erie county,
Pennsylvania. They have seven children living: Azriah, Susannah, Adeline, Emma, Mary,
Andrew S. and Adelle. They have lost four. The lives of himself and family are closely
associated with the M. E. Church.

STOLL, JOHN F.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
October 20, 1830, and was there raised until twenty-three years of age, following the occupation
of turning in his youth. In 1853 he emigrated to the United States, locating in New York City,
where he remained one year, and then moved and settled in Philadelphia, there he resided two
years, when he went to Crawford county, Ohio, and in 1866 came to Iowa. He owns eighty acres
of land. He takes an active part in educational matters, and is identified with the Dunkard
Church, and is one of its liberal contributors. He was married to Caroline Staky of Crawford
county, Ohio, January 30, 1866. Have two children: Henry William (born October 30. 1866),
Albert Samuel (born December 16, 1868).

TRULLINGER, ELI-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Chillicothe, Ohio,
August 31, 1816, and resided there until 1826, when he moved to Fountain county, Indiana. In
1843, he came to Iowa and settled in Jefferson county, and three years later came to his present
location. Owns a farm of 400 acres. September 10, 1838 he was married to Sarah A. Vankirk,
daughter of Ira and Mary Vankirk of Hamilton county, Ohio. She died August 23, 1876, leaving
six children living: Dennis, Sarah J., Emma A., Levissa S., Marinda and William J. Five are
deceased. He was one of the first settlers of the county, as well as of the township, and has been
identified with its best interests. Has held the office of township clerk, trustee and justice of the
peace, and also been identified with school organizations.

TYLER, D. E.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Claremont, New Hampshire,
November 21, 1824, and resided there until 1854. Followed the business of milling as his father
was engaged in that business, and in 1851 he came to Iowa. He remained about six months, when
he returned to New Hampshire, and stayed there until the spring of 1854, when he returned to
Iowa and settled in Franklin township, and he
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 1011
now owns 110 acres of land, mostly improved. He was married January 25, 1848, to Miss Martha
J. Mitchell of Claremont, New Hampshire. They have four children living: Albert (born January
11, 1857), James born July 22, 1859), Ada M. (born October 29, 1860) and Henry S. (born
March 8, 1875). They have lost two. Mr. Tyler was elected justice of the peace in 1855, and held
the office for two years.

WALKER, S. H.-Farmer, section 84, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born at Claremont, New
Hampshire, February 23, 1820, and was raised there until 1857, when he came to Iowa and
bought forty acres of land in Franklin township. He returned to New Hampshire, after a stay of
about ten months, and remained there until the spring of 1859, when he moved his family to his
farm in this township. He followed the occupation of mason in his youth, until after his farm was
all improved. Now owns 220 acres of land, nearly all under cultivation. Was married April 26,
1842, and has five children living: Thyelman (born June 3, 1842), Adillion E. (born April 31,
1849), Addie A. (born April 26, 1854), Lizzie E. (born August 6, 1863) and Matt. D. (born
January 1, 1865). Mr. Walker was elected justice of the peace in 1860, which office he held two
years, has also been identified with the educational interests of his township.

WELLS, J. P.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Elkhart. Born in Fleming county, Kentucky, June 2, 1826,
and raised in Rush county, Indiana, until 1857, when he came to Iowa and settled in Polk county.
He owns eighty acres of land. He was elected justice of peace in 1879, and held other township
offices. He was married June 2, 1853, to Miss Ann Remington of Rush county, Indiana. They
have four children: Leoly F., William B., Gamaliel J. and Charles S. Mr. Wells and wife are
identified with the M. E. Church, of which he has been steward and Sabbath-school
superintendent.

WIGMINN, F.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Altoona. Was born in Germany, April 22, 1838, and has
followed farming from youth. Immigrated to the United States in 1866 and settled in La Porte
county, Indiana, where he resided four months, and then came to Iowa and located in Franklin
township, where he now own 120 acres, about all under cultivation. He was married November
fi, 1879, to Joanna Riley, daughter of Jacob and Mary  Riley of Lee county, this State.
WILSON, JOHN-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born February 24, 1827, in
Washington county, this State, and there resided for some time. Then came to this county and
took up his residence in Franklin township, and has since lived here. Owns 260 acres of land.
March 11, 1862, Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mary Hedges, of this county, became his wife.
They have six children: Sarah E., Emma J., Nettie A., Samuel G. and Rosa B. living, and one
deceased. Mr. Wilson has been prominently identified with the educational interests of the
township.

WOODROW, I. S.-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Hendricks county,
Indiana, February 2, 1850. He came with his parents to Iowa, when but four years age, and settled
in this county. Owns a farm of 60 acres of land. He has served as a member of the board of
supervisors, and has held other township offices. He has taken an active part in the educational
interests of the county. He has always been a liberal contributor of all religious associations. He
was married to Miss Mary
1012 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Pring, of this county. They have one child. Their religious preference is with the Christian
Church.

WOODROW, W. H.-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Mitchellville. Born in Wayne Co., Indiana, March
29, 1836, but was raised in Hendricks county until 1854. He then came to Iowa, settling in this
township, where he now owns sixty-two acres of land. He was married August 14, 1866, to Miss
Elizabeth Lee, of Franklin township. They have four children: Anna E. (born May 17, 1867) and
Mary (born September 15, 1875). Have lost two. He enlisted in 1862, in the Twenty-eighth Iowa,
and was in the battles of Vicksburg, Black River Bridge, Champion's Hill, Port Gibson and
Spanish Fort. Was taken sick at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis,
and remained about three months, when he returned and joined his regiment at Carlton, near New
Orleans. Was on march from Vicksburg around Black River. Returned to Vicksburg, and was
sent to help General Banks, on his Red River expedition. Was mustered out at Hamburg, Texas,
in 1856. Returned to this county in August of the same year.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
BELL, SIMEON-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio, May 11, 1824, and
when eight years of age his parents moved to Indiana, where he was raised and educated. He was
there engaged in farming until the spring of 1867, when he came to this county, and owns a farm
of sixty-eight acres, well-improved. Was married in Indiana, January 13, 1848, to Miss Nancy
Graybeal. By this union they have three children living: John R. (born February 7, 1849),
William S. (born August 18, 1859) and Lizzie E. (born January 25, 1862). Have lost three
children, not named.

BELL, HENRY-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio, May 2, 1822, and at
the age of ten years emigrated with his parents to Indiana, where he was raised. He was engaged
in farming until April 19, 1868, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of sixty-seven
acres, well-improved. He was married to Miss Margaret Graybeal. Their family consists of five
children living: Lewis H. (born January 14, 1850), Sarah I. (born August 16, 1851), Mary J. (born
February 3, 1853), Alice W. (born October 16, 1855) and Amanda (born July 7, 1857). Lost one,
Lois E. (born November 8, 1848, died January 12, 1850).

COLBURN, J. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, P.O. Elkhart. Was born in New York,
May 11, 1840, and when fifteen years of age moved with his parents to Illinois. He engaged in
farming and followed the same until 1861, when he commenced buying horses for the
government, and followed that for four years. He then went to California, crossing the plains with
a drove of horses, and in 1865 returned to Illinois, and became extensively engaged in grain and
stock-dealing, continuing that business about seven years. In the fall of 1869 he went to Nevada,
Story county, continuing the same business for three years, then to this county settling where he
now resides. He owns a farm of 640 acres, all under cultivation. He is largely engaged in
stock-raising.

ELLIOTT, J. R.-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and
there raised. After leaving school he commenced farming, and followed it until the spring of
1855, when he came
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP 1013
to this county. Owns a farm of 154 acres, well-improved. He was married in Henry county,
Indiana, March 3, 1846, to Miss Rachel Rose. By this union they have five children living: Mary
J. (born April 17, 1856), Charles F. (born May 10, 1858), Emma (born February 5, 1866),
Adaline, (born June 25, 1868) and Rachel (born April 29, 1871). Lost five: Monroe (born
October 30, 1847, died November 17, 1864), Lydia E. (born April 19, 1850, died March 12,
1868), Elwood (born December 6, 1860, died May 11, 1863), Ida (born April 19, 1873, died May
8, 1873) and one, an infant, unnamed.

FISHER, L.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio  December 2, 1846, and
obtained his education at Mt. Union College. In 1863 he enlisted in company F, Twenty-fifth
Ohio volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was in several hard fought battles.
After his discharge he returned to his native home, and in the spring of 1868 come to this county,
where be still resides, owning a fine farm of 380 acres. Was married in Story county, Iowa, May
17, 1869, to Caroline Kirkman. By this union they have two children, one daughter and one son:
Florence (born February 5, 1871) and George Washington (born March 19, 1873).
GIBSON, RALPH-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Noble county, Indiana,
May 26, 1850, and was raised there. In the fall of 1864 he came to this county, and became
engaged in the mercantile business, and followed it for three years. He then sold out and went to
Des Moines, and obtained a position as salesman in a dry goods and grocery house, remaining
there about six months, when he was oblige to change on account of ill health. He then returned
to this township, where he owns a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Jasper county, this
State, July 4, 1876, to Miss Melissa Hardenburgh. By this union they have one child, Lee (born
May 16, 1877).

HOBAUGH, JOHN K.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Among the early
settlers of the county and more particularly of Washington township, deserving of special notice,
is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the 7th day of April 1820.
Until sixteen years of age his time was occupied in obtaining. an education. He then commenced
to learn the shoemaking trade and followed it as an occupation until 1835, when he removed to
Indiana with his parents and engaged in farming, and at the same time carried on his trade. In
1853 he decided to come to Iowa and settled in this township, where he now owns a finely
improved farm of 300 acres, and his reputation for a successful agriculturalist and stock-raiser
may be inferred from the success which has attended his career. Mr. H. has been closely
identified with the growth and prosperity of the county and has manifested a commendable
public spirit, and has proved himself a man of good sound understanding, of large practical
experience. He has held various township offices. The office of justice he held five years and
resigned on account of his own business requiring his attention. He held the office of County
Supervisor two years and served as school treasurer six years. He was married in Indiana, on the
16th of January, 1842, to Miss Lucy Woolman, a lady whose sterling qualities, active
benevolence and kind sympathies have endeared her to all who enjoy her acquaintance. They had
three children: Ruth E. (born November 13, 1842, died June 16, 1842), Eber W. (born April 5,
1844, died February 19, 1848) and Harvey S. (born August 24, 1847, died March 21, 1848). Mr.
Hobaugh's father, George Hobaugh, was born in
1014 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Pennsylvania, on the 21st day of April, 1793, and when eight years of age removed with his
parents to Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, when there was only one shingled roof building in the
town. He was raised a farmer and learned the trade of shoemaking. He enlisted in the War of
1812, and after peace was declared he returned to Ohio, and on the first day of January, 1818,
married Elizabeth Kingery, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1835 he removed to Indiana, where he
remained until 1855, and then came to Iowa and settled on section 1, Washington township. In
1865 he returned to Indiana. Mrs. Hobaugh died in Indiana, February 11, 1871. Mr. Hobaugh
continued to make his home in Indiana until 1873. He died in 1874, leaving four children: Van
D., Jno K., Rachel (now Mrs. Samuel Farr, of Indiana) and Lydia (now Mrs. Woolman, of York
county, Nebraska). Mr. J. K. Hobaugh's brother, George, was an early settler in this township,
coming here in 1853. He died October 1,1856, and is the third person buried in the cemetery at
this, place.

KNOWLTON, JAMES A.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in the Province of
Quebec, March 9, 1848. After leaving school he went to Illinois and commenced farming, and
followed it there until 1871, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of 160 acres, well
improved. He was united in marriage in Mt. Pleasant, this State, March 14, 1877, to Miss Ella
Wilder. By this union they have one child, Frederick born June 6, 1878).

KOPF, JOHN G.-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Germany, September 28,
1833, and after obtaining an education commenced farming, and followed it until August, 1853,
when he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York. From there he went to Illinois, and
in 1857 he went to Jasper county, this State. In the spring of 1859 he crossed the plains to
California and engaged in mining and prospecting, and in June, 1865, returned to Polk county.
He owns a farm of 160 acres of improved land. He was married in this county, May 29, 1866, to
Miss Margaret Little. They have five children: Anna M. (born December 26, 1867, John G. (born
November 8, 1868), Nathan L. born February 4, 1870), Andrew M. (born March 26, 1871), and
Charles E. (born June 3,1874). He was married again in Polk county, August 17, 1875, to Miss
Martha Hill.

KULOW, FRED-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Macklenburg, Germany,
April 12, 1826, and was raised a farmer and educated in private schools of his father's family. In
1851 he came to the United States and located in New York State where he remained about one
year, when he moved to Porter county, Indiana. He made that place his home for about six
months and then moved to Bureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in working on the railroad.
In the fall of 1855 he came to Iowa and located in Story county and bought a farm and in 1861 he
came to this county, locating in Four Mile township. Two years later he moved upon his present
farm in Washington township. He owns 240 acres of land, is a large stock-raiser and feeder and
has made his large estate since coming to this county. Mr. Kulow has been twice married. First,
in July, 1853, to Miss Matilda Webster, a native of Marion county, Ohio. She died September 25,
1869, leaving six children: Serepta (now Mrs. Joseph Hally), George, Louisa, Charles and Mary,
living, and one deceased. His second wife was Mrs. Adaline Wise, a native of Henry county,
Indiana. He was married to her in October, 1870. They have five chil-
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 1015
dren: Eliza, Victoria, Nellie, Adaline and Laura, all living Mrs. K. has two children by her first
husband: Willis and Rosa. He has held various township offices.

LENDRUM, JAMES-Blacksmith, Peoria City. Was born in Washington county, New York,
December 19, 1832, and was there raised. He went to Cambridge, New York, where he served
one year at the moulding business and in 1850 went to Lansingburgh, same State, and learned the
blacksmith's trade. In 1852 he went to Albany and worked at his trade until 1857, when he
returned to Washington county. Two years later he commenced farming and followed that until
the spring of 1863, when he enlisted in company C, Fourteenth New York heavy artillery and
served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged. He returned to his home,
continued his trade and in 1867 moved to Illinois and in 1869 returned to New York. In 1872 he
came to this county. Mr. L. is a practical workman and has succeeded in building up a good
business.

MERRIHEW, D. G.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Clinton county, New York
and was raised there. In the fall of 1855 he came to this county and engaged in the mercantile
business for two years and in the spring of 1860 he crossed the plains to Colorado and there
commenced prospecting and mining and followed that business until 1862, when he returned to
this county. He then went to Illinois and followed farming four years and in 1866 he again
returned to Polk county, and now owns a farm of 400 acres. He was married in Illinois, March
13, 1862, to Miss Jane A. Colson. They had five children, of whom four are living: Estella J.
(born April 18, 1863), Hattie L. (born February 4, 1868), Florence (born November 8, 1870) and
Dora G. (born September 10,1875). Lost one, Fred A. (born September 3, 1865, died February
10, 1868). Mrs. M. died January 5, 1878, of consumption, leaving her family and a host of loving
friends to mourn her loss. Mr. M. married again December 4, 1879, to Mrs. Harriet L. Stowe.

MERRIHEW, C. B.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in New York, April 2, 1837,
and was raised there. In the fall of 1855 he came to this county and now owns a farm of 160
acres. In the spring of 1860 he went to Colorado by the overland route and engaged in mining for
about seven months, when he returned to Iowa. He was married in Story county, this State,
January 29, 1861, to Miss Mary M. Wells. By this union they had four children, of whom three
are living: Eliza C. born May 31, 1865), Harry B. (born October 11, 1873) and Willie E. (born
July 8, 1876). Lost one, Charlie J., who was born December 25, 1861.

OVERHOLT, J. T.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Iowa Center. Was born in Ohio, January 14, 1830
and was educated in Mt. Union College. After completing his education he commenced farming
and followed it until the spring of 1863, when he came to this county, and owns a farm of 280
acres. He was elected township trustee in the fall of 1870 and held that office about five years.
He also held the position of township clerk for three years. He was married in Ohio, October 1,
1856, to Miss Martha Yant. By this union they have seven children: Cyrus E. (born February 11,
1858), Eliza A. (born. April 28, 1860), Philip T. (born April 12, 1862, died August 24, 1863),
Charles R. born November 12, 1865), Harry E. .(born December 14, 1867), Martha . (born
October 20, 1873) and Rosa E. (born March 21, 1876).
1016 BIOGRAPHICAL.
OXLEY, THOMAS-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Yorkshire, England, and
was raised there. After leaving school he engaged in farming until the spring of 1854, when he
emigrated to America, landing in Philadelphia. From there he went to Maryland and in 1856
came to Illinois. In August, 1861, he enlisted in company G, First Missouri cavalry and served
three years, when he was honorably discharged. He was in several hard-fought battles, Pea Ridge
being the principal one. After the war he returned to Illinois and engaged in his previous
occupation and in the fall of 1865 came to Polk county and owns a fine farm of 170 acres, well
improved. He was married in Illinois, September 4, 1864, to Miss Mary C. Lacy. They have
seven children: Lizzie C., John W., Minnie B., Ida M., Mary A., James and Ida J.

RANDALL, A. C.-Dealer in groceries and proprietor of hotel, Peoria City. Was born in Franklin
county, Vermont, and was there educated, after which he learned the watch-maker's trade with
Charles Scott, following the same until 1845. He then went to Malone, New York, and was
engaged in the jewelry business until 1852. Then returned to Vermont and remained until 1861,
when he went to Baltimore, continued his trade until 1866 and then engaged in farming until
1878, when he came to this county. He was married in Vermont, December 24, 1845, to Miss
Phidelia Hanks. They have had eight children, six of whom are living: Anna, Fannie, Mary,
Willie, Charlie and Carrie. Emma and Albert are deceased.

RANDALL, M. M.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Vermont October 30,
1828, and when young was taken by his parents to Chazy, Clinton county, New York. After
leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it until 1850, when he returned to
Vermont, and in 1855 went to Clinton county, Indiana, where he followed his trade until 1857,
then went to Monroe county, Wisconsin, and in the fall of 1862 came to Des Moines, where he
followed the wagon-making business. In 1866 he came where he now resides, and owns a fine
farm of 160 acres. He was married in Vermont, February 13, 1854, to Miss Adelia Roberts. By
this union they have six children: Emma L., Willie N., P. M., Charlie W., Rosa A. and Cora A.

RUDDLE, OLIVER S.-Painter, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio, February 4, 1836,
and there received his education, after which he learned the painter's trade and still follows the
same. In 1861 he enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana infantry and served nine months, being
discharged on account of ill health in November, 1862. He was married in Story county.

SCOTT, SAMUEL-Farmer, section 2, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio October 29, 1821,
and there obtained his education, after which be engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1837, when
be went to Michigan. He there remained until 1839, when he went to Illinois, and in 1863 came
to Mitchell county, Iowa. In 1868 he went to Kansas, but only remained three months and then
came to this county, where he owns a farm of sixty acres. He was married in Illinois, February
26, 1842. Have had six children but two of whom, Melissa and May, are living. Lost four:
Catharine, Harriet, Huldah and Howard.

SWORM, DANIEL-Farmer, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Pennsylvania November 11, 1828,
and at the age of twelve years he immigrated to Indiana, where he obtained his education. He
commenced farming and
ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 1017
in the fall of 1865 he came to this county. He was married in Indiana July 26, 1849, to Elizabeth
A. Hass. They had seven children: George W., Lucy J., Jacob J., Mary C., Allie V., Emma and
John C. He was married again in this county May 20, 1868, to Jane Cowgill. They have two
children: Eliza and James.

WEAVER, MRS. M. E.-Farmer, section 16, P. 0. Peoria City. Was born in Pennsylvania April
28, 1837, and when fourteen years of age moved with her parents to Indiana. October 2, 1863,
she became the wife of J. W. Weaver, and in that year the moved to Iowa, locating in this county.
On the 20th of March Mr. Weaver died, leaving a family of three children.

WILLIAMS, YAGER-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 21, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Canada
West May 27, 1843, and was raised a farmer. In 1858 he moved. to Michigan and engaged in
farming. In 1868 he came to Iowa, locating in Davenport, where he engaged in the hotel
business, and followed that until August, 1870, then went to Clarke county and followed
farming, and in 1872 he came to this county and now owns a farm of eighty acres. He was
married in Michigan, October 17, 1865, to Elizabeth Crow. They have five children: Medora A.,
Isadore A., Louisa,, Ledger C. and Milton H.

YOST, H. H.-Farmer, section 11, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, June
19, 1840, and was there educated. He followed farming and school teaching until the spring of
1860, when he became extensively engaged in the oil business. In 1862 be enlisted in company
C, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania volunteers, and served four months, when he was
honorably discharged on account of disability, then returned to his native place and engaged in
farming for a time, and went to Cora, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the hotel business. In the
spring of 1867 he moved to Illinois, continued farming, and in October of that year came to this
county. Owns a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved; has about two miles of barbed-wire fence.
September 4, 1862, he was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Almira Rogers.
ELKHART TOWNSHIP.
BYERS, S. J.-Farmer and fruit grower, section 36, P. O. Elkhart. The subject of this sketch owes
his nativity to this township, where he was born March 9, 1853. He was raised here at farming
and fruit growing as an occupation, which he has always followed. He was married in Linn
county, this State, June 20, 1876, to Miss Annie Mofford, a native of Iowa. They have a family of
one son, Bertie B. On his father's side he is of German origin, and on his mother's side of English
ancestry.

CORBIN, G. W.-Blacksmith and plow-manufacturer, P. O. Elkhart.  The subject of this sketch is
a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, born April 5,1853, and when three years of age was brought
by his parents to Wayne county, this State. He followed the saw-mill business until he engaged at
his present occupation in 1876. His marriage was in this county, March 14, 1877, to Miss G. A.,
daughter of C. W. Gurnea. She is a native of this town and county. They have a family of one son
and one daughter: Nellie and Alva A.
1018 BIOGRAPHICAL.
DELAWYER, JOHN-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Cambridge, Story   county, Iowa. Was born in
the State of New York in the year 1827, and was raised there at farming. He made it his home up
to the time of his coming to this State in 1854, and then settled in Story county. In 1864 he
settled in this county. He was married July 28th, 1853, to Miss Maria Cook, of Lewis county,
New York. They have, by this union, two daughters living: Josephine and Sarah E.; and one son
deceased, Charles.

DETWILER, H. R.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Cambridge, Story county. Was born in Belmont
county, Ohio, March 26,1842. He was raised there till about fifteen years of age, then came with
his parents to Illinois, where he remained only about six months, then came to this State and
settled in Van Buren county, where he made his home till the outbreak of the late rebellion. He
enlisted in company F, Fourteenth Iowa volunteers, October 14th, 1862, and served three years,
and was discharged at Davenport. He was captured at the battle of Shiloh and kept in rebel
prisons for four months. After the war he came back to Van Buren county, and in 1867 to this
county. He is at present one of the supervisors of his township. He was married in this county in
1870, to Miss Almira Wharton, of Indiana. They have by this union a family of three children:
Willie J., Etta, and Charles H.

FOWLER, LEONARD T.-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Tyner. Was born in Flat Rock, Indiana, May
12th, 1826, and when a child his parents moved to Wayne county of that State. In 1840 he left
there and came to Tippecanoe county, and three years later, in 1843, came to what was then Fort
Des Moines. He was raised on a farm, but when he first came to this county he engaged with
Allen & Parmelee in their mill. In 1843 he located near what is now Pella and opened up a claim,
and remained till 1847 and then went to Dallas county. Two years later, in 1849, he went to
California and engaged in mining till the summer of 1853. He then came back to this county and
located where he now lives, and owns 495 acres of land. His marriage was in Story county, this
State, October 14th, 1855, to Miss Caroline Croser, a native of Illinois. They have a family of
twelve children living: John, Leonard T., Sarah, Ruth, Ella, Schuyler, James, Caroline, Myrtie,
Jacob, and an infant; and William and Charles, deceased.

GURNEA, C. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 35, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Montgomery
county, New York, May 29th, 1823, and when twelve years of age he came with his parents to
Ohio, and a few years later moved to Illinois, and in 1854 came to his present location, where he
now owns 400 acres of land. He was raised on a farm in his boyhood, and engaged in the mill
business for ten years, in Ottawa, Illinois. He also engaged in the saw-mill business, in
connection with his farm, when he first came to this county, for ten years, then began in the
mercantile business, which he followed for six years. He was one of the first Board of County
Supervisors and was re-elected. Has also been assessor of the township several terms. His
marriage was in Illinois, August 2d, 1852, to Miss S. J. Dewey, a native of Massachusetts. They
have a family of six children living: Georgie A., I. O., Ida I., Ella L., Irene, and Roy.

HOLLAND, A. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Henry county, this State,
August 23, 1843, and came to this county with his parents in 1849, and has since made it his
home, except a
ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 1019
short time that he lived in Mahaska and Keokuk counties. He was raised on a farm and has made
farming his occupation. He held the office of constable eight years. Was married in this county in
1861 to Miss Nancy J. Graybeal, a native of Indiana. They have eight children living: Rachel E.,
George F., Delitha R., Eliza A., P. A., Sarah B., A. W. and Bertha A. One deceased, Oliver P. He
owns a farm of 140 acres of land.

HUTTON, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Fleming county, Kentucky,
August 18, 1825, and when only a small boy his parents removed to Indiana. He was raised there
at farming as an occupation, and in the fall of 1844 he came to this State, settling in Jefferson
county. He afterward removed to Van Buren county, and from there came to this county in 1855
and was engaged in a saw mill till 1865, then turned his attention to farming, which he has since
followed. His farm consists of 140 acres of well-improved land. He has held the office of county
supervisor, township supervisor two terms, and for three terms was member of the school board.
He was married in Jefferson county in 1847, to Miss Martha Goughnor, of Pennsylvania. They
have four sons and three daughters: Henry, Samuel, Etta, Ida, Lydia, George, and David. They
have two deceased.

SEMINGER, H. G.-Postmaster, Elkhart. Was born in La Porte county, Indiana, January 18, 1847,
and was raised there at farming as an occupation, till sixteen years of age, and then, on the 18th
of August, 1863, he enlisted in the late war of the rebellion, in company F, Seventh Indiana
cavalry volunteers, and served till the close of the war. Was mustered out at Cairo, Illinois,
November 18, 1865. After the war he returned to his native county in Indiana, in July of 1866,
and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has been engaged in the mercantile business since 1877,
and in 1880 was appointed postmaster at Elkhart. His marriage was in this county, November 17,
1867, to Miss Marilla J. Kennedy, a native of Ohio. They have by this union a family of four
children living: Garrie A., Elizabeth C., Minnie G. and Charles H.

ISEMINGER, GEO. W.-Farmer, stock-raiser and feeder, section 26, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in
Monroe county, Indiana, near Bloomington. December 17, 1830, and when three years of age his
parents removed to La forte county, of that State, and there he was raised at farming as an
occupation and made it his home up to the time he came to this county and settled on his present
homestead. It now contains 580 acres of land, with improvements, and is divided into three
farms. His first marriage was in La Torte county, Indiana, December 22d,1852, to Miss Delilah
Hammond, a native of Wisconsin, who died January 11, 1869, and left a family of five children
living: N. J., Jno. C., Amos G., Willie S. and Nellie E. Two deceased: Levi S. and Nelson E. His
second marriage was in Jefferson county, this State, April 25, 1869, to Ellen E. Albaugh, of
Pennsylvania, and by this marriage they have a family of five children: Charles A., Sylvia, Lucy,
Jacob and Russell.

KENNEDY, WM.-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio,
October 6, 1841, but was raised in Defiance county. He made Ohio his home up to the time he
came to this State with his parents in 1865 and settled in this county. He was raised at farming
as an occupation and has always followed it. His marriage was in Defiance county, Ohio,
December 31,1865, to Miss Martha E. Mun, born in Wayne county, Ohio, but principally raised
in Defiance county, of that State. By
1020 BIOGRAPHICAL.
this union they have a family of seven children living: Della E., Henry Jr., Martin L., Ida J.,
Willie A., Edith M., Blanche Mabel. His ancestors were natives of Ohio.

LANE, J. R.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in West Tennessee, September 30,
1828. Was raised there and received his education in the schools of that State, and when he
arrived at maturity engaged at teaching as a profession. In 1852 he came to Iowa City and there
followed his profession, and to this county in the following year. In 1859 he married Miss
Cynthia Davis, of Indiana, who died in July of 1877. That same year he went to Story county and
remained up to the time he came back to this county and permanently located on his present
homestead of 160 acres. He has held the various offices of his township. His family consists of
one son and four daughters living: I. R., C. E., A. E., M. I., J. B. and one deceased, Emma
Tennessee.

LANDON, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Sussex county, New Jersey,
October 11,1829, and at the age of ten years went to Livingstone county, New York, and at
twenty years of age came to Illinois. From there he came to this county in 1871, and has made it
his home since, except about two years he spent in Warren county, Illinois. His father was a
miller by trade, so he naturally drifted into that business when a boy and became master of it,
following it as an occupation till 1849. Since that time he has made farming his principal
vocation, except about three and a half years that he was engaged in the mercantile business. He
was married in Warren county, Illinois, in 1856, to Miss E. A. Ward, a native of Pennsylvania.
They have a family of six children living: Martha, Mary, Thomas, C. H., Minnie J., Freddie and
two deceased: Harriet E. and Joan.

MILLER, S. C.-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Monroe county, Indiana, April 1,
1842, and when ten years of age he came to this State with his parents in the fall of 1852, and
stopped in this township, where he has since made his home. He was raised in his early boyhood
on a farm, but has worked more or less at the carpenter trade. He is the present incumbent of the
office of constable, which he has held for two terms. His homestead consists of 120 acres of
well-improved land. Was married in this township, November 15, 1863, to Miss M. J. Holland, a
native of this State. They have a family of five children living: Mary E.,. Maggie M., Nancy E.,
Ida J. and Henrietta.

OUNGST, WILLIAM G.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Elkhart. Was. born in Rockingham county,
Virginia, April 5, 1828, and while he was yet a small boy his parents came to Indiana, where he
was raised at farming as an occupation. In 1852 he came to Polk county and settled near Des
Moines, and in the spring of 1857 he went to Greene county; this State, where he engaged in the
mercantile business, and after two years began farming which he has followed since. In 1877 he
returned to, this county and settled on his present homestead. In August of 1861 he enlisted from
Greene county in the late rebellion and served for two years. He enlisted as a private and was
promoted to second lieutenant and shortly afterward to first lieutenant and was discharged as
such. His marriage was in Indiana in October of 1857, to Miss Mary W. Mills, of Ohio, but
raised in Indiana. They have three children living: Webb M., Ella and Jessie. They have lost
three: Annetta, Fred and Eddie.
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1021
WOODS, JAMES A.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Tyner. Was born in Ross county, Ohio, February
2, 1806, and was raised there till he reached his majority, at farming as an occupation, which he
has since followed as his principal vocation. In 1830 he emigrated to the then Territory of
Michigan and remained for three years and then came on to Elkhart, Indiana, and from there
came to this county in 1854, purchasing 160 acres, which now constitutes a part of his present
homestead, from Daniel Underhill. He has now 193 acres in a well-improved farm. Since a
resident of the township he has held the office of justice of the peace for several terms, township
trustee and various other minor offices. He was married in Ohio, September 13, 1828, to Miss
Annie Ritchart, of Ross county, Ohio. They have a family of three sons and three daughters
living Elizabeth, Rachel, James A., Lucy, Joseph H. and Thomas. His father was from Ireland
and his mother was a native of Virginia, but of Welsh and English origin. He had two sons in the
late war: J. L., who enlisted in company E, Third Iowa, in April, 1861, and was killed at the
battle of Shiloh; Joseph H. enlisted in company K, Sixteenth Iowa, February 22, 1862, and served
till the close of the war.

WOODS, J. A. S.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. Tyner. Was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, October
7, 1835, and was raised there at farming, and from there he came to this county in 1854, and first
stopped at Des Moines; shortly after he came to this township, where he has since resided. His
home consists of 213 acres of nicely improved land. He is one of the trustees of his township and
has held various district offices. His marriage was in this county, in 1856, to Miss Mary A.
Elliott, a native of Indiana. They have a family of nine children living: Annie, Samuel, Elizabeth,
Eldridge, Grant, Jane, Lorenzo, Arthur and William. They have lost one daughter, Rachel.
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.
ALLEMAN, G.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Palmer. Was born in Cranbender, Switzerland,
January 30, 1835, and in 1846 immigrated to this country, settling in Sauk county, Wisconsin. He
was engaged in farming there until 1864, and then came to this county, and owns a farm of 320
acres, all improved. He was married August 4, 1860, to Miss Clara Fausch, a native of Egis,
Switzerland. They are the parents of eight children: John P., Clara, Mary, George, Wilhemenia,
Eliza, Susan and Emma.

BADER, THOMAS-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Palmer. Was born in Switzerland, December 21,
1820, and in 1856 moved to this country, settling in Wisconsin, and lived there until 1867. He
then came to this .county, and now owns a farm of 160 acres of land. He was married in May,
1856, to Miss Elizabeth W. Burkey, a native of the same place as himself: They have two
children: Joseph L. and Mary Ann (wife of Ambrose Swidler, of this county).

BEALS, S. C.-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Hampshire county,
Massachusetts, February 14, 1838; and at the age of nineteen years came this county. His
occupation through life has been farming, and he now owns a farm of eighty acres. During the
war he was mustered into company B, Twenty-third Iowa volunteer infantry. Participated in the
battles of Fort Esperanza, Champion's Hill, Black River
1022 BIOGRAPHICAL.
Bridge, Siege of Vicksburg, and numerous skirmishes, and was mustered out in August, 1865.
He was married in Polk City, November 14, 1865,, to Miss Anna Wilson, a native of Delaware
county, Ohio, who was born October 16, 1843. They have six children: Lela May, Bertha G.,
Elsie, E., Leroy J., Robert C. and Edith Rose.

BODA, ADAM-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Palmer. Was born in Holmes county, Ohio, February
11, 1837, and in 1857 he moved to Henry county, Illinois, living there until the fall of 1868. He
then moved on the farm he now occupies, consisting of 165 acres of good land. August 11, 1862,
he enlisted in company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois infantry . Participated in the battles
of Knoxville, Resaca, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Wilmington, and in the raid through East
Tennessee, in all ninety-five battles and skirmishes. October 14, 1867, he was married to Miss
Louisa Ringgenberg, a native of Holmes county, Ohio. They have nine children: Mary C., Sarah
A., Emily C., Hulda S., Isadore, Ida J., Peter C. and Clara, living, and one dead, Rachel Louise.
CARTER, J. M.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Palmer. Was born in Van Buren county, this State,
September 4, 1843, and lived there until about the year 1867, and then moved to this county,
settling in this township. He owns a farm of 160 acres, with good improvements. In the fall of
1861 he was mustered into company F, Fourteenth Iowa infantry. Participated in the battles of
Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, Louisiana, and others, besides numerous
skirmishes. May 18,. 1864, he was wounded, and now receives a pension from the government.
He was mustered out of the service during the winter of 1864-5. March 29, 1868, he was married
to Miss Mary A. Cross, a native of Ohio. They have had five children: Barbara A., Emma J.,
Clinton M. and Homer C.,. living, and one, Clarence C., deceased.

ERICKSON, H.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Sheldahl. Was born in Southern Norway, May 16,
1819, and at the age of thirty-one years emigrated to this country, settling in Dane county,
Wisconsin. He resided there until 1868, when he came to this county and settled upon his present
homestead of seventy acres. October 10, 1860, he was married to Miss Malinda Holverson, a
native of Southwestern Norway. They are the parents of ten children: Ida, Malinda, Edward,
Holver, Illinois, Henry, Caroline, Lena, Mary and Andrew, all living.

FLEMING, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. O. 1  Palmer.Was born in County
Derry, Ireland, in 1821, and in 1852 emigrated to this country, first settling in Philadelphia. He
lived there five years and then came to Iowa, locating in Burlington, and in 1865 came to this
county and settled on his present farm. Owns 400 acres, and has one of the best stock farms in
the county. He was married in Philadelphia in August, 1856, to Miss Nancy Nelson, a native of
the same place as himself. They have two children: James W. and Mary E. On landing in
Burlington Mr. F. had less than one dollar in money, and has made what he now owns by
farming.

HOLVERSON, O.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Sheldahl. Was born April 14, 1822, in the southern
part of Norway, and in 1857 emigrated to America, settling in Dane county, Wisconsin, and there
followed farming. In 1867 he came to this county, and settled on this place, living in his wagon
until he could build himself a house. He landed here without means, and has succeeded in
obtaining a good farm of 160 acres. He was
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1023
married to Miss Anna Olsen, of the same place as himself. They have three children living: Ole
O., Malinda and Emily. Lost one son, Halver.

JOHNSON, PETER-Farmer, section 18, P. 0. Sheldahl. Was born in the southern part of
Norway, October 13, 1836. He emigrated to this country, and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin,
and in the spring of 1867 came to this county. He is the owner of 160 acres of land, improved, all
of which he has made since coming here, as he was obliged to borrow $53 with which to reach
this country. He was married November 9, 1856, to Miss Emily Nelson, a native of the same
place as himself. They have six children: John, Nelson A., George H., Emma M. and Andrew,
living; and one deceased, Anna S. December 19, 1861, he was mustered into the Fifteenth
Wisconsin infantry, company E, and was wounded May 27, 1864, at New Hope Church, Georgia.
Participated in eighteen battles and twenty-six skirmishes. Was mustered out December 19,
1864.

KELSALL, THOMAS-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Albany county, New
York, May. 29, 1830, and resided there until 1860, when he moved to Columbia county, same
State, where he remained one year. He then came to this county, in 1861. He owns a farm of 240
acres, well improved. He was married to Mrs. Elizabeth W. Donaldson. She has two children by
her former marriage: Robert A. and Anna M. (now Mrs., Frank Nash, of Adams county, this
State; she was born February 5, 1832, and was married March 20, 1862). They have two children
living with them: Grace Wilson (whose parents are dead) and Emery E. Barrlck (whose father is
deceased).

McCONNEL, R. L.-Farmer, section 29, P. 0. Polk City. Was born in New York on the 22d of
May, 1831, and at the age of five years moved to Medina county, Ohio. In the spring of 1866 he
came to this county, settling in Madison township. In 1869 he came to this township. Owns 120
acres of land, improved. He was mustered into the United States service in April, 1861, in
company K, Ohio infantry. At the end of fourteen months he was commissioned second
lieutenant and assigned to company G. Was mustered out in 1864. Participated in the battles of
Winchester, Antietam, Fredericksburg, battle of the Wilderness, Gettysburg, and in numerous
skirmishes, until the taking of Richmond. He was married February 22, 1866, to Miss Mary C.
Williams, of Medina county, Ohio. They have two children: Schuyler and Clara Maud.

MAUCH, DAVID-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany.
December 27, 1834, and emigrated to the United States in 1854, settling in Delaware county,
Ohio. He remained there seven years, following farming, and in the spring of 1861 came to this
county. He has followed farming since coming, and is the owner of 235 acres of land, finely
improved. He married Miss Christina Likinger, a native of the same place as himself. They have
ten children: George A:, Hannah B., Charlie F., Mary, Lydia, John W., Minnie and Willie
(twins), Eddie and Carrie. Have lost three: George A., Mary and Willie.

MOECKLY, JACOB-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Polk City. Is a son of J. U. Moeckly, who was
born in Switzerland, January 24, 1835, and was one of the first settlers of this township. He was a
son of Conrad Moeckly, who died on the 30th of March, 1876. J. U. Moeckly came to this
country in 1852, and in 1854 moved upon this farm, where our subject still resides. He died upon
this place, leaving a wife and five children: Jacob, John, Jefferson, George and Mary, all living.
The subject of this
1024 BIOGRAPHICAL.
sketch was married April 24, 1856, to Miss F. Heaglen, a native of Germany. The home farm
consists of 240 acres, one of the finest and best improved farms in the township. He also owns
377 acres in Crocker township and 46 in Madison township.

NELSON, THOMAS-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Sheldahl. Was born in the southeastern part of
Norway September 14, 1821, and in 1842 came to this country, settling in Rousseau county,
Wisconsin. He lived there about eighteen months and then moved to McHenry county, Illinois,
living    there for three years. He then went to Kendall county, remaining for three years and then
returned to McHenry county. After residing there for two years he moved to Dane county,
Wisconsin, then came to Iowa, and eighteen months later came to this county. Owns 120 acres of
land, improved with a good young orchard. He was married December 29, 1854, to Miss
Elizabeth Osmundson, a native of the southwestern part of Norway. They have seven children:
George O., Anna C., William F., John F., Henry C., Mary E. and Walter, all living.

RAPPLEYE, G. S.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Seneca county, New York,
May 17, 1800, and when thirty years of age moved to Genesee county, same State, where he
resided until 1839, then moved to Monroe county, and, after residing there for thirty years,
returned to Seneca county. He lived there until he came to this county in 1869, and now owns
eighty acres of improved land, in good condition. Was married May 1, 1833, to Miss Catharine
C. Wolverton, who was born in New York, October 7, 1805. She died June 22, 1842, leaving
four children : Mary D. (wife of Wilson Gorton, of Polk City), James . C. (present township
clerk), and Jeremiah, living, and one, Margaret A., deceased.

RINGGENBERG, PETER, SR.-Farmer, section 27, P O. Palmer. Was born in Switzerland
February 28, 1815, and in 1839 moved to this country, settling in Holmes county, Ohio. He lived
there until he came to this county, in 1868. Owns 160 acres of land, well improved, also 160
acres on section 34, all of which he has made since coming to this country. He was married in
Ohio March 7, 1841, to Miss Anna Duttler, who was born near the same place as himself. They
are the parents of fourteen children: Louisa, Peter, David, Christian. Mary, John, Jacob F., Susan,
Adolph H., Samuel R., Amelia E., Charles R. and Maggie, living, and one, Rosannah, deceased.

RINGGGENBERG, PETER, JR.-Farmer, section 28, P. O. Palmer. Was born in Holmes county,
Ohio, March 22, 1844, and in the fall of 1870 moved from there to this county. Owns 200 acres
of improved land, all under good cultivation. Was married to Miss Anna Imboden August 17,
1864. She was born in Switzerland. They have ten children: Henry A., Robert A., William C.,
John A., Edward S., Charles O., Albert C., Frankie and an infant, living, and one, Martha A:,
deceased.

RINGGENBERG, JOHN-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Palmer. Was born in Holmes  county, Ohio,
October 22, 1851, and at the age of eighteen years came to this county. He is the owner of a farm
of eighty acres, well improved. He was married March 28, 1874, to Miss Caroline Kurtz, a native
of this county. They have two children: Dora (born December 25, 1875) and Louis (born April
13, 1878.)

SCHAAL, W. D.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany,
March 23, 1835, and in 1860 came to this country, settling in this county. He now owns 500
acres of land. He had
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1025
about $500 on landing here and with that as a beginning, has made him- self one of the wealthy
men of the township. He was married to Anna B. Houser, a native of Baden, Germany,
September 13, 1858. They have seven children living: John F., Charlie S., Sophia M., Rosa A.,
Willie F.; Lydia C. and Stowe. Lost one, George A.

VAN GUNDY, E. W.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Palmer. Was born March 7, 1829, and is a native
of Pickaway county, Ohio. When five years of age he moved to Seneca county, same State,.
where he lived Until 1849, and then returned to Pickaway county. In 1854 he moved to Knox
county, Illinois, living there until 1865, when he came to this county.  He owns 120 acres of land.
He was married August 28, 1851, to Miss Mary A. Smith, a native of Pike county, Ohio, born
October 13, 1831. They have fourteen children: John W., William S. and Byron S.( twins),
Abraham L., Mary E., Henry A., Edwin G., Ella C. and Clara May, living, and five deceased:
Susannah C., Flora A., Emma R., Anna L. and Thomas S.

VERTS, T. C.-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania,
December 3, 1837, and resided there until eighteen years of age, when he came to Iowa, locating
in Des Moines county. He lived there for eighteen months and then moved to Henderson county,
Illinois, residing there for seven years. He then came to this county in the spring of 1866. He
owns a farm of 160 acres of improved land. March 6, 1863, he was mustered into the service in
company H, Twenty-eighth Illinois infantry. He participated in the battles of Spanish Fort, Fort
Blakely and Mobile Bay, besides numerous skirmishes, and was mustered out September 1,
1864. He was married October 19, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Mack, a native of the same county as
himself. She was born August 19, 1841. They have had five children, of whom one is now living,
Perry W., who was born June 19, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Verts are raising two children: Effie and
William H., children of John Mack, a brother of Mrs. Verts.

WILLIAMS, JOHN-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Calmer, Sweden,
November 26,1820, and when twenty-six years of age he came to this country. Prior to that time
he had followed ship carpentering as an occupation. In 1856 he came to this county and has
resided in and around Polk City since. Owns a farm of 290 acres. He was married July 13, 1854,
in the city of New York, to Miss Caroline Fletcher, a native of the north of Ireland. They have
eight children: John F. (married to Estella Vanhow, now living in Shelby county, this State),
Isaac A., Edward A., Ella F., Anna M. and Rosa Belle, living, and two, Ida May and Carrie L.,
deceased.
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
ADAMS, Rev. J. F.-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Sheldahl. Was born in Columbus, Ohio, July 3,
1823, and when about twelve years of age his parents died. He was raised a farmer. In 1840 he
emigrated to Cumberland county, Illinois, and in 1844 removed to Fayette county, Indiana, where
he remained till he came to his present location in the spring of 1853. In the fall of 1851 he
entered the ministry. Was ordained by Bishop James at Indianola. In 1866 he went to Indianola,
where he remained for about five years, for the purpose of educating his children, and afterward
returned to his home in this county. He was married September 15, 1845,
1026 BIOGRAPHICAL.
to Miss Sarah Provolt, of Indiana. They have four children living: Emma C., John H., William
W., Martha E., and two deceased.

ALLEN, B. F.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 21, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Maine, February
13, 1831, and in 1852 removed to California, where he was engaged in mining one year. He then
went to England, and was married March 5, 1853, to Mrs. Jane Murray. After this he took a trip
to Australia, engaged in the dairy business until 1857, when he returned to Liverpool, England. .
After remaining there a short time he came to this county, and has since followed farming, in
connection with which he deals quite extensively in stock. Owns 160 acres of land under cultivation. 
Mr. and Mrs. Allen have had nine children, seven of whom are now living: Jennie. Mary E.,
Julia E., Charles M., Isaiah T., Ellen L. and William H. Lost two: James E. and Benjamin F.

BRISTOW, P. P.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Ohio, July 17, 1821, and
when only an infant he accompanied his parents to Indianapolis, Indiana. He received his
education there, having to learn his lesson outside of the house, the building not being large
enough to accommodate the smaller scholars. After this he engaged in farming. In 1842 went to
Greene county, Kentucky, where he was overseer of slaves. Not liking this business he returned
to Indiana, and engaged in farming. In October, 1549, he came to this county, locating where he
now resides. Owns 138 acres of improved land. He was married in Johnson county, Indiana,
January 1, 1846, to Miss Catharine Messersmith.

BROWN, LEONARD-Was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 4th of July, 1837, and is
the son of Aaron Brown and Margaret nee Cory;; the former was born in Maine and the latter in
Ohio. When eleven years, of age he was deprived of a mother's care, by death. He being the
eldest of the family and his father's means limited, he was cast on his own resources. He worked
on a farm in summer and during the winter worked for his board, and attended the district school.
At the age of fourteen he commenced to learn the blacksmith trade, and continued the same until
1853, when he came with his father to Des Moines, and worked at his chosen avocation, until he
entered the Des Moines Academy, of which the Rev. J. A. Nash was principal. In the summer of
1854 he was appointed deputy Recorder and Treasurer of Polk county. In the winter of 1854-55,
he taught his first term of school, it being the first school ever taught in Story county, west of the
Skunk river. In 1855 he was elected tutor of mathematics in the Burlington University, and at the
same time, pursued his studies. He returned to Des Moines in 1859, and in 1861 became
associated with Rev. J. A. Nash, in the Forest Home school. In November, 1867-8, he held the
position of County Superintendent of Schools. In 1871, he removed to Madison township, near
Polk City. In 1875 he was elected to a professorship in Humbolt College, which position he
resigned after serving for a short time. During the late war, he enlisted in the Forty-seventh Iowa.
volunteer infantry. He is the author of the "Poems of the Prairies," and is the pioneer in this line
in Polk county. This work has passed through three editions, and has received very flattering
criticisms and favorable commendation from persons both at home and abroad; it is also the first
volume of poetry ever published in Iowa. In 1869 he published a war history of Polk county
entitled " American Patriotism," a volume of 574 pages, giving brief biographical sketches of the
lives of two hundred and eighty martyrs to human liberty, that Polk county gave toward suppress-
MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1027
ing the rebellion. He is also the author of several other works. Of late years he has delivered
numerous lectures. Has been an active worker in the cause of political reform. His public lectures
and speeches during the last seven years, number over four hundred. He was married to Miss
Nannie Houston, November 7, 1861. Their family consists of ten children.

BURT, C. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. O. Polk City.  Among the pioneers of this
township is the subject of this sketch. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, June 23,
1818, and as his father was a farmer before him, he was naturally raised at that occupation. He
came to this State in 1838, settling near Davenport, Scott county, and remained there till he came
to this county, in May of 1846. Made a claim in what is now Crocker township and shortly after
sold out and came to this township, took a claim and went back to Scott county after his family
in the fall of the same year. In May of 1848 he settled on his present home of 124 acres of
well-improved land, where he has since resided. He   enlisted in the war in company B,
Twenty-third Iowa infantry volunteers, August 23, 1862, and  served three years. Was mustered
out at Galveston, Texas, and honorably discharged at Davenport, having participated with his
regiment in many of the hard-fought battles of the war. His first marriage was in Scott county,
this State, June 2, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Gabbert, of Illinois, who died June 26, 1847, and left
one son, now living in Nebraska, George W. His second marriage was to Mary Crabtree, of Ohio,
February 1, 1848, who died March 30,1858, and left a family of three children, of whom two are
now living: Martha and Henry. One deceased, Mary, another, named Oliver, having died before.
His present wife was Mary E. Nelson, a native of Ohio, whom he married in this county
November 18, 1858. By this union they have five children living: Walter F., James W., Miranda
E., Calvin E., Grace A. and three deceased: Eva F., Alice L. and Horace C.

BURLEY, E. W.-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Virginia, May 27, 1832, and
at the age of three years accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he remained until the spring of
1844. He then, went to Indiana and learned the carpenter 's trade, which he followed until the fall
of 1852 and then went to Chicago. There continued his trade and in July, 1854, he came to Iowa
and located in Winterset, remaining there until 1856, when he came to this county. Owns a good
farm consisting of 170 acres. October 8, 1854, he was married to Miss Martha Shideler. By this
union they have five children: Charles L., Lillian, Silva, Nellie and Martha J. During the war Mr.
B. enlisted, in 1861, in the Tenth Iowa infantry, served three years and was then honorably
discharged.

CRANK, F. M.-Proprietor of steam saw mill, section 35, P. O. Polk     City. Was born in
Missouri, March 3, 1857, and after leaving school he commenced the saw milling business,
which he has followed to the present time. Was married in Des Moines, September 18,1877, to
Miss Esther Walrath, by whom he has two children: Owen and Julius.

DAVIS, A. T.-Farmer, section 2, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 10th
of April, 1829, and while a small boy his parents removed to Henry county, where he was raised
on a farm and came from there to this county in September, 1848. Has never been out of the
county to exceed three months at any one time since. He was one of the jurymen on the first
murder case in this county, that of Pleas Foutz for killing his wife, and since he has resided here
has held various.
1028 BIOGRAPHICAL.
positions of trust in this township. His homestead consists of 251 acres of well-improved land.
He has been twice married. First, in 1848, to Miss Matilda Haines, of Indiana, who died in
October, of 1857, and left five children: Samuel, Louisa, Benjamin, Susannah and Henrietta. His
second marriage was in this county to Almina Blashfield, in April of 1858. They have a family of
seven children living: George, Rosanna, Charlie, Lewis, John, Edward and Lucretia.

EGLESTON, HARRIS-Of the firm of Egleston & Stubbs, proprietors of the Polk City Flouring
Mills Was born in Monroe county, New York, October 7, 1846, and while yet a small boy, his
parents emigrated to Canada, where he was raised till about fifteen years of age, when he moved
to the State of Michigan. When about 18 years old he learned the distilling business, which he
followed as an occupation till he came to Des Moines, in 1866, and engaged in the milling
business, where he remained till 1874, when he came to his present location. He found a wife in
the person of Miss Lizzie Terrell, whom he married January 30, 1870. She was born in Ohio.
They have a family of four children living; three sons and one daughter: Frank, Fred, Harry and,
Dolly Belle.

GORTON, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Polk City. Was born in New York, on the 16th
of September, 1836, and while there learned the tanner's trade, which he followed until the spring
of 1865. He then sold out his business and went to farming. In the spring of 1872 he came to this
county, and owns a farm of 131 acres. He was married in New York, December 25, 1857, to
Mary D. Rappleye. They have had eight children, of whom five are living Merritt, Herbert,
Lancaster, Henry and William; lost three: Jennie M., Luellen and Stanley.

GRAEBER, PHILIP-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, January 8, 1838,
and when eight years of age, emigrated with his parents to America, landing in New York. From
there he came to Iowa and located in Lee county, and was engaged in farming there until the
spring of 1878, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of 260 acres of land. Was married
in Lee county, December 10, 1861, to Miss Margaret Brandle. They have eight children: Philip,
Willie, Robert, Margaret, Katie, Jacob, George and Augustave A.

GRIGSBY, C.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Sheldahl. The subject of this sketch is a native of
Guernsey county, Ohio. Born February 14, 1830. He was raised there and has always made
farming his occupation. He came to Illinois, and from there to this county in 1854, where he has
resided since. He was married in 1854, in Macomb, McDonough county, Illinois, to Miss
Margaret J. Ginivan of Guernsey, county. They have a family of five children living: Milton W.,
George W., Elmer, William and Anna. .They have lost one, Elbert. His home consists of 176
acres of well improved land.

GRIGSBY, J. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 15, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne
county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1826, and when two years old, his parents emigrated to
Guernsey county, Ohio, and this was his home till he came to this State in 1852. Settled on his
present homestead in May of 1853, and it now comprises 230 acres of fine land. He has held the
office of trustee of his township a number of terms, and various other offices of trust. He was
first married in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1848, to Miss Susanna Warden of that State, who died
in 1858 and left three children: Maria, Daniel and G. W., and Margaret, dead.
MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1029
His second marriage was in 1859, to Nancy J. Wolgamott of Ohio, and by this marriage they
have seven sons and three daughters living: Ora Belle, David, Miranda, Cornelius, John, Grant,
Edward, Jennie, Elsie E. and Otha; and one dead, Robert.

HAWKINS, A. J.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Swede Point. Was born at Constantine, Michigan, in
1831, and while an infant removed with his parents to Elkhart county, Indiana, where he resided
until about ten years of age. His father having died, he, with his brothers, was bound out to learn
a trade, and worked on a farm until twenty-one years of age. His educational advantages were
limited, having attended school but a few weeks. In May, 1851, he visited this county, returned to
Indiana and remained until 1852, and one year later came again to this county, but only stayed a
short time. He went back to Elkhart and worked as fireman on the Air Line Railroad, and in 1854
came here, remaining until April, 1855, when he started across the plains to California, arriving
in El Dorado county in August of that year. For about a year he was engaged in working in the El
Dorado saw mill, and then went to mining which he continued for some time. He worked on a
ranch, herding sheep, and also engaged in the dairy business. He worked on a ranch near
Marysville, on Bear river, and thence to Frazier river, in the British Pass, to prospect for gold, but
his provisions giving out he was obliged to return, but after three months went again to El
Dorado county, California. He worked on an emigrant road a short time, blasting rock, thence to
Sinsin Valley, and after a short time went to San Francisco, where he embarked on the steamer
Golden Gate for Panama, crossed the Isthmus and took steamer for New York, arrived in Elkhart,
Indiana, in 1858. In March, 1859, he came to this county and purchased the land on which he
now resides. In December, 1859, was married to Emily Bates, of Elkhart county, Indiana. In July,
1861, Mr. Hawkins enlisted as a private in company A, Tenth Iowa infantry volunteers. Was
wounded at the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, 1863, by a ball passing near the base of the
brain. Served three years and three months and was discharged September 24, 1864, returning
home. He engaged in farming until May, 1870, when he sold out and started for Kansas. He got
as far as Hamburg, this State, when he changed his mind and went up the Missouri river a short
distance above Yankton, Dakota, but not liking the country he came back to this county in
August, and bought his present farm. They have three children living all of whom were born in
this township:  Mary Isabell, William L. and Frank O. Lost one, Eliza Alice (who died October
16, 1875).

HELPMAN, SIMON-Undertaker and mayor, Polk City. Is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio.
Born on the 11th day of November, 1831, and when five years of age his parents emigrated to
Hancock county, that State. At nineteen years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, and has
made mechanism his principal vocation during life. As early as the fall of 1856 he came to this
State and located in Allamakee county, where he remained for six years, and then removed to
Kossuth county, remaining there up to the time of his coming to his present location, the July of
1870. He enlisted as a recruit in the late war in company B, Twenty-seventh Iowa infantry, in
September, 1864, and served till its close. Was married in Ohio, December 21, 1854, to Miss
Ruth Hall, a native of that State. They have by this union a family of one son living, J. B., and
have lost one daughter, E. L. He is the present incumbent of the office of city
MADISON TOWNSHIP 1030
mayor, and is also a justice of the peace, the latter he has held for seven years of the time that he
has been a resident of this place. Mr. Helpman is a man always participating freely in such
matters as will most benefit the community in which he lives. strongly upholding the right, and
on the other hand vigorously opposing what he knows to be wrong.

HERRMAN, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, May 19,
1828, and when about seven years of age he came with his parents to the United States. April 10,
1868, he settled in this county, where he has since made his home. He has held the office of road
supervisor for four years, and is at present president of the school board. He was married in
Pennsylvania, October 2, 1851. His family consists of thirteen children living: Peter, Joseph,
John, William, Jacob, Caroline, Tobias, Emma, George, Andrew, Matilda, Maggie and Robert.
They have lost one, Frank.

HUNT, JAMES-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Kentucky, July 3, 130, and
when in his youth he commenced farming, which he has continued to the present time. In 1846
he came to this county, and has lived here since, owning a fine farm of seventy-one acres of land.
He was married in this county, April 14, 1853, to Miss Rebecca Newbrough. They have had ten
children, eight of whom are living Sarah E., Robert B., John W., Henry, George, Salvina, Ernest
and Alphonzo. Lost two: William and Lucy E.

KELLISON, J. B.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Indiana, Oct. 24. 1845, and
was educated in the high schools. He was engaged in teaching school until the spring of 1868,
when he came to this county. He owns a farm of 200 acres of well-improved land. He was
married in this county, March 16,1878, to Miss Ida E. Simmons. By this union they have one
child, Carroll S. (born April 16, 1879).

KERSHER, PETER-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, December 15,
1815, and at the age of twelve years emigrated with his parents to this country, landing in New
York. From there he removed to Buffalo, New York, and thence to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he
followed farming until 1854. He then came to this county and has made his home here since.
Owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved. Was married in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Miss Caroline
Harmon. They have a family of eleven children.

KUNTZ, N. R.-Dealer in general merchandise, Polk City. Prominent among the early settlers of
this county, and among the most enterprising and liberal-spirited of its citizens, is the subject of
this sketch. He was born June 7, 1822, in Prussia, and when eight years of age came with his
parents to America, first settling in Licking county, Ohio. Remained there but four years and then
removed to Seneca county, that State, and here be received his early education in the schools of
Tiffin, which he supplemented with a course at the Ohio Western University at Delaware. After
he had completed his schooling he entered a mercantile establishment in Tiffin as clerk. After
remaining there for three years and a half he went in 1850, by way of Panama, to California, and
while there he engaged in mining, but on account of ill health returned to his home in Ohio, in
the fall of 1851, and unable to attend to business for about one year. After recovering he engaged
as clerk in the mercantile business for about a year and a half, and he was then employed by the
Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad, as assistant civil engineer, in which capacity
MADISON TOWNSHIP 1031
he worked till the spring of 1856, and then came and opened out a farm at Walnut Grove, in
Story county, this State, where he followed agricultural pursuits, as best he could, in a pioneer
country. On the 22d of February, 1859, he began the mercantile business at his present location.
Twenty-one years have come and gone. The building in which he first began business became so
timeworn and decayed that it has long since been torn away and replaced by the one he now
occupies, and during all the period of successive years never have his doors been closed a single
business day. In 1859 he was elected by the Republican party to fill the office of County
Surveyor, but after a short time resigned on account of his private business, and in later years he
was elected by the citizens of his own township to fill the office of trustee when every vote but
four was cast for him. We have seen lives more sensational in their nature, but none that have
reflected more credit in the community in which they reside, for he has always aided in every
public improvement that would benefit his town and county. In educational matters he has
always been a zealous worker, and in the cause of temperance has been untiring, and has used
every effort during his whole life to advance its interests. He has also been a member of the
Masonic fraternity since 1848, and was one of the charter members at the organization of the
lodge at this place. He was married in Tiffin, Ohio, November 23rd, 1859, to Miss Mary A.
Dentzer, a native of Baden, Germany. They have by this union a family of one son and two
daughters, living: Julius A., Alice R. (wife of Rev. Benjamin F. Durfee, of the M. E. Church),
and Florence E.

LEGGETT, J. W.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Ohio, September 10, 1839,
and at the age of thirteen years moved with his parents to Indiana, and from there came to this
county. After obtaining his education, he engaged in farming. He is the owner of a farm of
eighty-five acres, improved. In January, 1864, he enlisted in the First Iowa battery, and served
until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. Was married in this county,
January 13, 1864, to Miss Margaret Latta. They are the parents of four children: Charlie E., Mary
G., Cora E. and William L.

McDONALD, H. J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section. 17, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Middlesex
county, New Jersey, September 26, 1834, and was raised there, and also received his education in
the schools of that State. When thirteen years of age, he engaged as accountant in a store, which
he followed for some time, and then engaged in the mercantile business. At the outbreak of the
war, he enlisted as a private, in company A, Eleventh regular Connecticut volunteers, July 5th,
1861, and served till January, 1866, and was made second lieutenant, at the battle of Newbern,
and at the battle of Anteitem was promoted to first lieutenancy, and at Fredericksburg, as captain.
Major at Fort Darling, and afterwards promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and was honorably
discharged as such. He was a prisoner of war for thirteen months, and he also received the
appointments of inspector-general and provost-marshal on N. M. Curtis' staff, and after the war
he returned to New Jersey, where he remained for two years, and then came to his present home
of 140 acres. He has held the offices of trustee and assessor of his township. His marriage was in
New Jersey, August 19th, 1860, to Miss Carrie L. Tindell, of that State. They have one son,
Harry, deceased, and one adopted daughter, Mary.
1032 BIOGRAPHICAL.
MATTER, HENRY-Physician, Polk City. Was born in Prussia, on the 11th day of March, 1847.
He was raised there and then educated, and also received his medical education in that place. He
graduated M. D., in 1869, and in the fall of that year came to America, and first located in Polk
City, and remained there till the spring of 1876, then went to Des Moines, and in the spring of
1878 returned to Polk City, and practiced his profession. He was married in 1871, to Miss Louisa
Munzenmaier, a native of Germany. They have, by this union a family of two sons and one
daughter living, Carl, Emma and Victor.

MILES, GEO. W.-Proprietor of "Miles House" and owner of saw mill, Polk City. Is a native of
Ashtabula county, Ohio. Born June 13, 1842, and was raised there. His father was engaged in
farming and mill contracting and jobbing, so he was more or less connected with this business in
his early boyhood. In the fall of 1864 he came to Black Hawk county, this State, and the
following spring to Des Moines, and shortly afterward settled in Elkhart township, were he
engaged in farming and milling. He afterward moved to Jasper county, where he made his home
for two years, and then in 1874 came back to .Des Moines, when on the 13th day of May, of that
year, he lost his left arm in a saw mill. In June of 1875 he came to his present location, where he
has made farming and the sawmill. business his principal vocation. In the fall of 1879 he was
elected to the office of County Supervisor and is one of the present incumbents of that office.
July 4, 1863, he found a wife in the person of Miss Lucinda Gear, whom he married in Ohio. She
was born in Pennsylvania. Their family circle consists of two sons .and two daughters: Hattie,
Wilber, Cora and George. Mr. Miles is a man who has been identified with both the public and
private enterprises of the county, and in all cases has given general satisfaction. He is
kind-hearted, of a genial disposition and possesses social qualities that has made for him many
friends.

MOORE, T. B.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Ohio, February 9, 1835, and
there grew to manhood. He learned the occupation of farming when young, and this he has
followed to the present time. In 1866 he came to this county, and now owns a farm of 193 acres.
Was married in Ohio, October 24, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Groscost. They have a family of-five
children: Reno, Alpha, Ernest L. and Nathaniel living, and one, Margaret, deceased.

MOSIER, ELI-Farmer and undertaker, section 13, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, in 1812, and with his parents moved to Richland county, Ohio, when yet he was a
small boy. He was raised there, and when seventeen years of age began an apprenticeship at the
cabinet maker's trade, and has followed that, with the carpenter's and joiner's business, more or
less through life. He came to this county as early as 1848, and is one of its pioneers. In 1837 he
married Miss Maria Swan, of Connecticut, who died in 1854, and left three children: Cyrus A.,
Lucy J. and Cross Owen. His second marriage was in this county, in 1855, to Clarkey Payne, a
native of Indiana, and by this union they have a family of eight children  living.  His farm
consists of 180 acres of well -improved land.

MURRAY, JACOB-Farmer, section 21, P. O.. Polk City. Was born in Kentucky, January 9,1825,
and at the age of two years moved with his parents to Indiana, where he was reared and educated.
He engaged in farming there and followed it until the spring of 1846, when he enlisted during the
Mexican war, in company A, First regiment Indiana volunteers,
MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1033
and served six months, when he was taken sick and was honorably discharged. He returned
home, and in 1847 enlisted in the Fifth regiment Indiana volunteers and served until the close of
the war. He again returned home and in the spring of 1850 went to California, where he obtained
a position as salesman in a dry goods store. He followed that until 1853 he returned to Indiana,
and one year later he came to this county. He owns over 100 acres of land. Was married in this
county, on the 9th of January, 1859, to Miss Nancy J. Hoyt. Their family consists of four children
living: Ida A., Jennie, Carrie and Lizzie. Lost one, Otho De H.

NICHOLSON, F. M.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Indiana, April 25, 1839,
and at the age of nine years moved with his parents to Iowa, settling in Boone county. He
engaged in farming until the spring of 1877, when he came to this county. During the war he
enlisted in company A, Sixth Iowa cavalry, and served one year. He was married in Mahaska
county, this State, June 10, 1860, to Miss Keturah Girard. They have six children: Minnie O.,
James S., Eliza, Elizabeth, John W. and Warren F.

NUSSBAUM, E. M.-Carpenter, Polk City. Was born February 15, 1850, in Madison township,
this county. When young he learned the trade of carpenter and has since followed it. He is
probably one of the first-born in the township, his father having been one of the first settlers here.
In March, 1869, he married Miss Margaret D. Byram. They have four children: Emeline, Julian
D., Walter M. and Benjamin F.

PAINTER, WILLIAM T.-Merchant, Polk City. Was born in Pennsylvania, July 5, 1828 and after
leaving school he commenced farming, which he continued until the summer of 1861. He then
enlisted in company G, One Hundredth Pennsylvania infantry and remained in the service about
eighteen months, when, on account of disability, he was honorably discharged. Returned to the
place of his birth, remaining there until the fall of 1866, when he came to this county. Has been
engaged in the mercantile business since 1866. He was married in this county, September 27.
1870, to Miss Maggie Juvenall. The fruits of this union were three children, only one of whom is
now living, John W. Mrs. Painter died of consumption on the 22d of June, 1880. She was born in
this county, December 6, 1851. She was a most estimable lady, a kind and loving wife,
affectionate mother and a valued friend. She was a woman of domestic habits, whose life was
devoted to making home happy.

PARMENTER, NAT.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Polk City. Was born in New
Hampshire, Hillsborough county, December 12, 1828, and when 9 years of age his parents
removed to Ohio and from there to this State in 1857. Has resided here for fifteen years. When
about twelve years of age he began the carpenter and cabinet maker's trades, which he followed
until 1861. Was elected a member of the Board of Supervisor's in the fall of 1873 and then was
re-elected, serving for six years. He was superintendent of the poor farm from 1875 through the
year 1879 and was also assessor of Saylor township and trustee in 1869. Was married in this
county, September 19, 1860, to Miss Martha Norton, of Indiana. They have by this union a
family of three daughters and one adopted son: Ora Agnes, Augusta O., Lennie R. and Fred N.

PIERCE, ALEXANDER-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Sheldahl. Was born
1034 BIOGRAPHICAL.
in White county, Tennessee, in 1826 and when about seven years of age his father emigrated to
Illinois and remained there until 1837, when he removed to Arkansas and four years later to the
southwest part of Missouri. He came from there to his present location in June of 1850. In 1860
he went to the Rocky Mountains and remained there one year and in October of 1861 he enlisted
in company D, Sixteenth Iowa infantry and served till January, 1865 and was honorably
discharged, his rank being that of sergeant during his service, He was captured July 22, 1864, and
sent to Andersonville prison and kept for sixty-two days and then exchanged. He was married in
Missouri, in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Eslick, of Indiana. They have a family of eight children
living: Thomas P., William B., Isaiah H., Sarah J., Frances B., Rebecca, Martha and Alice and
have lost six.

PROVOTT, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 27, P. O. Polk City. Was born in
Indiana, January 2, 1833, and there was raised and also received his education. He was engaged
in farming and stock-raising there until the spring of 1855, when he came to this county. Owns
190 acres of land. Was married in Kansas, on the 20th of November, 1874, to Miss Sarah E
Terry. Their family circle is: Jennie, Harry and Alice.

ROBINSON, A. R.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Lawrence county,
Pennsylvania, September 5, 1841, and was raised in that State up to the time he came West with
his parents, who settled first at Rising Sun, in May of 1851. His education was received partly in
his native State and partly in this county, and he has since followed teaching more or less. At the
outbreak of the late war he enlisted in company E, Fourth Iowa infantry volunteers, August 8,
1861, and served till the close of the war and participated in thirty battles and about one hundred
skirmishes. He was wounded at Atlanta, Georgia, July 22,1864, and then transferred to second
lieutenancy and afterward promoted to first lieutenant of the Second regular United States
infantry. The latter part of his service was out on the plains. He was married in this county,
November 30, 1865, to Miss Julia A. Demary, of Wisconsin, and they have by this union a
family of six children living: Ida K., Annetta, Charles S., Harry Me., Daisy and an infant. They
lost one, Maude.

ROBINSON, S. S.-Dealer in drugs and groceries, Polk City. Was born in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, February 1, 1835, and when a child his parents immigrated to Beaver county, that
State, and in 1856 came to this county. While young he worked at the printer's trade for about
four years. His father was a blacksmith and he learned that trade also; which he followed,
together with farming, up to the outbreak of the late war, when he enlisted in company C,
Twenty-third regiment Iowa volunteers, in August, 1862, and served three years, and after, the
war returned to this county and divided his time between farming and clerking up to the time that
he engaged in his present business. He has been twice married; first, in this county, near Des
Moines, May 12, .1869, to Miss Amelia Owen, of Pennsylvania, who died August 11, 1875, and
left one son, Ira. His second marriage was in the fall of 1878 to Margaret Moore, a native of
Ohio.

ROGERS, JAMES D.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Onondaga county, New
York, and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Pennsylvania. Then commenced
farming, which he followed there until the fall of 1837, and then removed to Indiana. In
MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1035
the fall of 1853 he went to Boone county, this State, and in 1859 came to this county and settled
in this township. He owns 100 acres of land. Was married in Ohio December 13, 1841, to Miss
Mary H. Durgin. She died November 10, 1878, leaving six children living and eight deceased.

ROE, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne
county, Indiana, December 16, 1830, and when three years of age went with his parents to
Michigan, and was raised there on a farm. He came to this county in June, 1848, and was married
March 28, 1849, to Miss Martha J. Harvey, a native of Indiana. They have, by this union, a
family of seven children living: George W., Sarah E., Joseph H., Daniel H., Sarah B., Florence
E., Ulysses S. They have lost four: Lydia B., Martha E., Margaret E. and Lucretia J. He settled on
his present farm in the fall of 1850, which now consists of 252 acres.

SHEARER, J. R.-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne county, Kentucky,
July 15, 1834, and when seven years of age moved with his parents to Missouri. For three years
he was engaged in teaching school, and then commenced farming, which he has continued to the
present time. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county, and now owns 147 acres of land. In
January, 1863, enlisted during the war in company D, Sixteenth Iowa infantry, and served until
its close, when he was mustered out, and then returned home. He was married in this county
December 28, 1854, to Miss Lucinda Runnion. They have a family of six children living:
William M., Nancy C., Mary S., Luella L., A. Lincoln and Rachel G. Lost two, Curtis W. and
James.

SKINNER, J. O.-Physician and surgeon, Polk City. Was born in Meigs county, Ohio, September
6, 1824. His boyhood was spent on a farm, except that portion of his time that he spent in the
schools of that county. He afterward read medicine with Dr. Rathbun, and during the winter of
1847 attended the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, and the following spring came to Lee
county, of this State, and engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1849 he returned to Ohio,
and graduated M. D. from the Starling Medical College in 1850. He again settled in Lee county,
of this State, and resumed his practice. In February, 1855, he received the ad eundem degree from
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk. In September, 1857, he came to East Des
Moines, where he remained till the spring of 1877. On the 19th of August, 1862, he was regularly
commissioned assistant surgeon in the Tenth Iowa regiment, and was honorably discharged at
Louisville, Kentucky, at the close of the war. He has been identified with the Iowa Medical
Society for about twenty-seven years and has been a member of the Polk County Medical Society
since its organization, at which time he was made its vice-president. He was married in Lee
county, this State, to Miss Margaret Everhart, of Pennsylvania; and by this union they have four
children living: T. B., Linn M., Charles W. and Jennie. They have lost three.

STUBBS, ROBERT W.-Of the firm of Ealeston & Stubbs, proprietors of the Polk City Flouring
Mills. Was born Tuly 21, 1845, in Washington county, Ohio, and at nine years of age came to this
State and settled in Warren county in 1854. He learned the milling business when about twelve
.years old, and worked for his father on the Des Moines river for about seven years, and then
engaged in a saw mill at Hartford. He remained here till the fall of 1864, when he returned to his
native county and engaged in a saw mill, and the following summer went to the oil works
1036 B10GRAPHICAL
in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and took charge of an engine. About eighteen months later, he
returned to Des Moines, where his first work was for B. F. Allen and W. T. Smith. Shortly
afterward, he engaged with the Eagle Mills as engineer, which position he filled for five years,
and then engaged as a practical miller for the two following years. In June, 1874, he came to his
present location, and at resent, is one of the trustees of his township His marriage was in Des
Moines, June 26, 1870, to Miss Rachel K. Terrell of Ohio, but raised in this State. They have a
family of four children living : Frederick J., Della B., Minnie . and Silas A.; one deceased,
Robert

SUMMEY, H. B.-Manufacturer of boots and shoes, Polk City. Was born in Owen county,
Indiana, October 6, 1836, and came from there to his resent location on the 5th day of October,
1855. In his early boyhood he followed farming, but began a trade when about fourteen years of
age. After three years, discontinued it, and engaged in a saw mill and followed that with various
other occupations up to 1860, when he engaged at his present calling. In July, 1862, he enlisted
in company B, Twenty-third Iowa infantry volunteers, and served three years, and was mustered
out at Harrisburg, Texas. After the war he returned to Polk City, and since that time has been in
the boot and shoe business. He is one of the present city council, a member of the I. O. O. F., and
A. O. U. W. His marriage was in Dallas county, December 25, 1860, to Miss Terrissa Warden of
Guernsey county, Ohio. They have, by this union; a family of two sons and three daughters
living: James , Hezekiah, Helena M., Dora Etta and Madgie A. They have lost one daughter,
Susan.

SUTTER, P.-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 14,
1830, and was raised there at farming as an occupation till sixteen years of age, when he came
West, and was engaged at Burlington in a distillery for about three years. Then went to
California, remained there two years, and returned to this county, settling on his present
homestead of 390 acres, of which 250 are under cultivation. His marriage was in this county,
December 25, 1855, to Miss Jane Miller, of Indiana. By this union they have a family of seven
children living: Josephine, Martha J., Lewis, John F., Rosa Lee, Reuben and Clementine.

VANDORN, A.-Polk City. Was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and when a boy his parents
emigrated to Indiana. He was raised there, and also received his education in the schools of that
county. He came to this county as early as the fall of 1848. Drove the first stake and helped to lay
out the town of Polk City. Since a resident of this township he has held the office of constable
two terms. He was married here October 1, 1857, to Miss Oner Hauser, of the State of Ohio, who
died June 5, 1863, and left three children, of whom two are now living: Jacob and Willie, and
one deceased, Isaac.

WALKER, CAPT. J. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 21, P. O.  Polk City. Was born in
Pickaway county, Ohio, November 10, 1835, and when four years old his parents came to Lee
county, this State, where he was raised and received his early education, supplemented with a
course at the Denmark Academy. He afterward read law with General Crocker, and was admitted
to the bar in 1857. In 1862 he began the practice of his profession at Des Moines. In August,
1862, he, in company with C. J. Clark, recruited a company of one hundred men for the late war.
Mr. Clark was elected captain, and Mr. Walker first lieutenant. He
MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1037
served in that capacity four months, and was commissioned captain of company B, Twenty-third
Regiment Iowa volunteers. - Served three years, and was mustered out in August, 1865. During
the winter of 1864-5 he was, by special order, placed on the staff' of General Crocker, in New
Mexico. In the winter of 1865 he went to Texas, and returned with 600 head of cattle. He was at
this time in the law business, which he gave up on account of his love for agricultural pursuits. In
May, 1866, he attended the Philadelphia Convention as a delegate from Central Iowa, and was
made one of the secretaries of that body. Shortly afterward he was appointed United States
Marshal under Andrew Johnson, which office he occupied for about eight months, and in the
spring of 1867 came to his present home of Oakland Place. In the fall of that year be was elected
Supervisor. During 1868-9 he was chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee of Iowa,
and was succeeded by John P. Irish in 1870. He has been twice married. First, in Keokuk, to Miss
Indie Marshall, of Indiana, who died in August, 1863, and left two daughters, Eliza M. and Indie
B. His second marriage was November 29, 1865, to Miss Lou, daughter of J. C. Ramsey, of
Wapello. They have one son, Ramsey M.

WARREN, ROBERT-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Polk City. Was born in England, January 14,
1845, and there grew to manhood. He became a miner and followed that occupation until 1868,
when he immigrated to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Ohio, where he
continued his former occupation, and in 1876 came to this county and engaged in farming. Was
married in South Wales, May 28, 1867, to Miss Mary Hewitt. By this union they have six
children: Lillie, Eliza, May, Amy, Anna and Emma.

WILSON, JAMES-Pastor of the United Brethren Church, of Polk City. Was born in Ireland,
March 17, 1805, and was there raised. He was engaged in farming until August 13, 1826, when
he immigrated to America, landing in Quebec. From there he removed to Vermont, and while
there learned the tanner's trade and also that of shoemaking, continuing the same until August,
1832. He returned to Canada, bought a farm and in 1833 left for Ohio, where he became engaged
in the shoe and also the tannery business. This he followed until 1849, when he closed out his
business and became a minister of the gospel. He was married in Vermont, February 5, 1830, to
Miss Marinda Nash. By this union they had nine children, of whom four are living: Robert,
Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Lost five: Clark (who was a soldier), Rebecca G., James N., Laura
and one unnamed.

ZERR, GEORGE-Farmer, section 14, P.O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, February 14, 1833,
and at an early age commenced farming.   In May, 1852, he immigrated to the United States and
landed in New York, from which point he went to Wisconsin. In 1853 he went to Illinois,
remaining there until 1856, when he came to this county. His home has since been here and he
owns a farm of about 120 acres, with a good residence, etc. He was married in Illinois, June 16,
1856, to Miss Rebecca Slaten. They have a family of three children: John C., Lizzie A.
and Robert.

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