Cif^iHi^r' AHASKA County, Iowa. CONTAINING Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, WW TOGETHER WITH PCRTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF IOWA, AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. CHICAGO: CHAPMAN BROTHEl^S, 1887. iiiiixiiiiiiiirijimiiiti iT»i ni ii-ix i i m ixiiJ.iixj_ixi I iJtiKHjmg liii ^ I lOT 'fi^ ifT^I »?»^ ^ / ^ mm : iritjgrit-itmixziuj ixiitxyn yii I hJBiiii; 'ti^aaa" -, . I rrrxTTX I MxTTx m u u cx i 1 1 1 1 mxr ■ (Jj^^'.li 5.«».^vtJ) ir*s^66 -"^^^^^^j^:!,-,-.. ^. , : . - ^,,-. .; ■ .A, J, :> >eai^5isw^' E HAVE completed our labors in writing and compiling the Portrait and Bio- ,^GRAPHICAL Album of this (oiinty,and wish, in presenting it to our patrons, to speak fii ^i5 [^ h iH^l'"^ briefly of the imporiance of local works of this nature. It is certainly the duty If ^O N>" rmJ ' of tlie present to commemorate the past, to perpetuatethe names of the pioneers. to furnish a record of their early setdement, and to relate the story of their progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which men of tiie present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, andto waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of tiie people who contributed to raise this region from its prmiitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the noble men, who in their vigor and prime came early to the county and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re.naining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of his- torical matter without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not only IS it ofthe greatest importance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essen- tial tliat the history of tlie county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its various phases, so that a record, complete and impartial, may be handed down to the future. The present tiie age I of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatious olden times; it is abrilliant record, which is destined to live in the future; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, thcii lives, whetlier commercial or military, do not sink intj oblivion, but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age, \ ii and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and principles that will l:e advanced and ; jj observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten and their very names hidden in obscurity. }|; In the preparation of the personal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains were : taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was passed lightly over or treated ■ indifferently; and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever published ■ ^ As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous represent- t ative citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, represented I in this department; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the gentlemen whose : portraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the call- 3 ings and professions worthy to be given. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence with _ those given; but of course it was imposfible for us to give jwrtraits of all the leading men and pioneers ] of the county. We are under great obligation to many of the noble and generous people of this county i for kindly and material assistance in the preparation of this Album. mi H CillC.\(i<). .March. IS.'^T CHAPMAN BROTHERS. t itinr»Lm iji un.iiijr^ ^' ^; 1^ n l!^l I IHI WWWM I Wy j IHB I M i MiWWl Rll ■ nil I II M- M m lUlM KiiXi'iiint 3' P!!^-Pai If i ft f E?g;gHasH?Has'iAe..dje:Hjgaaas '^9 t r.fe COPYRIGHTED f 1S85. Wl fK H 1 I I I lic'iiixi.fMti >-' rriri i rrirtji rrrrTrt lii m •5»r^ VimilTX'llB pi ii m ii ii Ii am '% r-4 il:: Hi 11 : 111 m 13! li ! I". 1 1 ir I" i?t li: ;i I : a a?a -,;i-IIIiIIJ(-]Ii»Jt»lIllIlIIHui.»ii FIRST PRESIDENT. ■iK<^ Ml ©EOHGE WASHINGTON ^» f I I'^tSii'g&'ggitgJit^^tsga'^'^'^'^^'^it^'^sgi^lt'i^t'^igltg^ ij HE Father of our Country was il^^born in Westmorland Co., V'a., "■ Feb. 22, 1732. His parents were Augustine and Mary ^ (Ball) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not been satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grand- father, John Washington, em- igrated to Virginia about 1657, and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner and had three children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augus- tine, the father of George, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second marriage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, and to George he left the parental residence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after he left school, when he received private instruction in mathematics. His spelling was rather defective. n 1 1 11X11 liiuiLaiij Remarkable stories are told of his great physical strength and development at an early age. He was an acknowledged leader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but through the opposition of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two years later he was appointed surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In 175 i, though only 19 years of age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without military escort, through a tenitory occupied by Indians. The m wm KUTTTTTfT-.-* 2 ti*ii" uj'-m-izi " *-'**^ ^^'^^ TUTmrmfE T-T.^iijJLXXjI tAJXItU-"^" ^,^":* ixxj-iii-majtij.ii . a i i i i«i i«i-i _alii... «o GEORGE WASHINGTON. : -^i trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock were disabled early in the action, and Washington alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, though death was levelin'^ my companions on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit him. After having been five years in the military service, and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an ill Ijll active and important part. January 17, 1759, he [fe^ married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy R [j widow of John Parke Custis. % r When the British Parliament had closed the port \WM^ of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces "" that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- delphia.Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the -L u Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of fpra] England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- nT Jl cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the J;; y first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- ^ \ mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and I ' i! I responsible office was conferred upon Washington, l l^^ , who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted ■ it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he receive no salary. He would keep an exact account jpf expenses and expect Congress 10 pay them and lothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to [itace the military acts of Washington, to whom the Ifottunes and liberties of the people of this country were so long confided. The war was conducted by : him under every possible disadvantage, and while his Sforces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he gained libertyfor the greatest ^nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783,' Washington, in a. parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his W^. 11 t u commission as commander-in-chief of the army to to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously elected President. In his presidential career he was subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part of other governments; trials from want of harmony between the different sections of our own country; trials from the impoverished condition of the country, ^ owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the 5^j beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His • clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; and i while perhaps this alone kept our government from i sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and very annoying. At the expiration of his first term he was unani- mously re-elected. At the end of this term many were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there his few remaining years free from the annoyances of public life. Later in the year, however, his repose seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to take command of the armies. He chose his sub- ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- ters in the field, which he superintended from his home. In accepting the command he made the reservation that he was not to be in the field until it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- teenth his body was borne with military honors to its final resting place, and interred in the family vault at Mount Vernon. Of the character of Washington it is impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- miration. The more we see of the operations of our government, and the more deeply we feel the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- ent and character, which have been able to challenge the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will be as lasting as the existence of man. The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect and well proportioned. His muscular strength was great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. He commanded respect without any appearance of haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull SQH : 11; - [iJ ll I l\ =i :. 1 :n : 1 : I s;i ■ =i.i a > J(f^ .Jc/&/n3 G»Eff-SSEHKl IV : OHN ADAMS, the second President and the first Vice- President of the United States, was born in Braintree ( now Quincy ),Mass., and about ten '*^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated from England about 1640, with a family of eight ^ sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of John were John and Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His father was a farmer of limited means, to which he added the bus- iness of shoemaking. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical educa- tion at Harvard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a "school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purpose he placed himself under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He had thought seriously of the clerical profession but seems to have been turned from this by what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' of the operations of which he had been a witness in his native town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in 1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- tion turned him from law to politics. He look initial steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu- tions he offered on the subject became verj- popular throughout the Province, and were adopted word for word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and prominent advocates of the popular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- lislature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- vocated the movement for independence against the majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies should assume the duties of self-government. He was a prominent member of the committee of five appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but on Adams devolved the task of battling it through Congress in a three days debate. On the day after the Declaration of Independence was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, which, as we read it now. seems to have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question was decided that ever was debated in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ' that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the histor)' of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp,^ show* _ 3^ ^lllllllllliliitiii ^Tiiii:itiiTitiiiti H»«««»«IM1XI ' iTxxrall •irrrrnpam JOHN ADAMS. ,^l games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward for ever. You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not." In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money from the French Government. This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 1779. In September of the same year he was again Chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He sailed for France in November, from there he went to Holland, where he negotiated imprtant loans and formed important commercial treaties. Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After suffering froni a con- tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he was advised to go to England to drink the waters of Bath. \\'hile in England, still drooping anddesixjnd- ing, he received dispatches from his own government urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip. February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face to face the King of England, who had so long re- garded him as a traitor. As England did not condescend to appoint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- plishing but little, he sought permission to return to his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again at the second election of Washington as President, Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,though not without much opposition. Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, ' and it was upon this point which he v/as at issue with - the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. : Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people . in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 5 jx)wer of self-government, and he utterly abhored the n*^ class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. " On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- iginated the alienation between these distinguished :; ^ men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- j i ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies Jf | were with England and Jefferson led the other in 3_ i sympathy with France. ; H: The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more l , moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the s |h old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling \ [j] had died away, and he had begun to receive that just "-. appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till : | after death. No one could look upon his venerable : m form, and think of what he had done and suffered, s i,- and how he had given up all the prime and strength : W of his life to the public good, without the deepest : { emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar ; \ good fortune to witness the complete success of the : (1 institution which he had been so active in creating and = n supporring. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled \^\ to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest g^i station in the gift of the people. 5,:} The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half 5j;[ century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- g:; i pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the - : i signers of that immortal instrument left upon the : earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is well known, on that day two of these finished their %\ earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as ■^ to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. |ii; Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 5^}| of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from Si; C his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 3j:(ij 31 customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew g|; what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- Hf ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." g' In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and glorious day." The last words he uttered were, "Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- gj signed his spirit into the hands of his God. 5 The personal appearance and manners of Mr. H' Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, \ as his portrait manifests.was intellectual and expres- S sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his ;, manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. a| He had neither the lofty' dignity of Washington, nor y the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked p, the manners and address of Jefferson. gj; I I 1 I t I I I I .1 ;l I I 1 1 1 :l 1 1 bH \:'' ■^%?7^ HOMAS JEFFERSON was burn April 2, 1743, at Shad- ^well, Albermarle county, Va. His i)arents were Peter and Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, and the latter born in Lon- don. To them were born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas was the elder. When 14 years of age his father died. He received a most liberal education, hav- ing been kept diligently at school from the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he entered William and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat : of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion : a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 : years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine : horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he I was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- ; able in his morals. It is strange, however, under i such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- ond year of his college course, moved by some un- explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out of the city and back again. He thus attained very high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished scholar has seldom jjone forth from college halls ; and there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. Immediately upon leaving college he began the study of law. For the short time he continued in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for greater action. The policy of England had awakened the spirit of resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shad well, there was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new liome; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, became the most distinguished resort in our land. In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, where, though a silent member, his abilities as a writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he was placed ujxjn a number of important committees, and was chaimian of the one appointed for the draw- ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was apix)inted to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that 'nTiinTiLiBiuiiiirzn^ ■SR ixs-jrji at 28 THOMAS JEFFERSON. \ I \ man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of America, was also to publish her to the world, free, soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never fe^' very good, was much injured by this excitement, and in the summer of 1782 she died. Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. Two years later he was apix)inted Minister Plenipo- tentiary to France. Returning to the United States in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned Jan. r, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- dent, and four years later was elected President over hi [jl Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In \ g 1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, jp^' and George Clinton, Vice President. The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the f tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- jij spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election ^ W- to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a military expedition into the Spanish territories on our southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there a new republic. This has been generally supposed was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been generally known what his real plans were, there is no \ doubt that they were of a far more dangerous -ly^ character. In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined to retire from political life. For a period of nearly forty years, he had been continually before the pub- lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of the greatest trust and resjMnsibility. Having thus de- voted the best part of his life to the service of his country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his declining years required, and upon the organization of the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole families came in their coaches with their horses, — fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and j nurses, — and remained three and even six months. Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a fashionable watering-place. }|OK The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- B il 1! 1 i , I 3:1 S:t : h : n : n :A h ^ II sary of the Declaration of American Independence, : \ great preparations were made in every part of the \ Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and \, the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity J" of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, ;- and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- ; tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- : 1 ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and \y\^ had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invitation. On the second of July, the disease under which 3^11 he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants, entertained no hope of his recover)'. From this time he was perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next day, which was Monday, he asked of those around him, the day of the month, and on being told it was the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniversary'. His prayer was heard — that day, whose dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, a- J burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation, — the day which his own name and his own act had rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of |; freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding countrymen; for half a £ century they had labored together for the good of ? the country; and now hand in hand they depart. | In their lives they had been united in the same great | cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not ; divided. : In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes were light, his hair originally red, in after life became white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- head "broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and thoughtful. He jxjssessed great fortitude of mind as well as personal courage ; and his command of tem- per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends never recollected to have seen him in a passion. His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that |'; all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and his language was remarkably pure and correct. He was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings!'; discernable the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiquity. 3^ 8; I fit ail f3 ja j - ai- i JXIilCI-JII M 'a^.c_^-^ j!^(U (^^c^c'f o^^ 'tiHeeea' tSSSeij FOURTH PRESIDENT. PEQES n]^DISOI|.«^ AMES MADISON, "Father of the Constitution," and fourth President of the United States, was born March i6, 1757, and •4) died at his home in Virginia, ''^ June 28, 1836. The name of James Madison is inseparably con- nected with most of the important events in that heroic period of our *^ country during which the founda- tions of this great republic were laid. He was the last of the founders of the Constitution of the United States to be called to his eternal reward. The Madison family were among the early emigrants to the New World, landing upon the shores of the Chesa- ])eake but 15 years after the settle- ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine es- tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., Va. The mansion was situated in the midst of scenery highly pictur- esque and romantic, on the west side of South-west Mountain, at the foot of It was but 25 miles from the home of Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and political attachment existed between these illustrious men, from their early youth until death. The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to study with the most im- prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf quent career. Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. This educational course, the spirit of tlie times in which he lived, and the society with which he asso- ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of mind, and his frail health leading him to think that his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- tion to theological studies. Endowed wth a mind singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed all the arguments for and against revealed religion, until his faith became so established as never to be shaken. In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to frame the constitution of the State. The next year (1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-loving voters, and consequently lost his election ; but those who had witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to the Executive Council.' Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his PI ^j I t wm ilferal ^Jill PU I! i [! m uVl I Yn Kx£i ] °n irrrrnrrijrix sL^^ " 32 JAMES MADISON. m If P 1'' ri intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 1780, he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions among them. For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- gress, one of its most active and influential members. In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- tional government, with no power to form treaties which would be binding, or to enforce law. There was not any State more prominent than Virginia in the declaration, that an efficient national government must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the other States to apjx)int commis- sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. Five States only were represented. The convention, however, issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of that Confederate League. The delegates met at the tiiiie appointed. Every State but Rhode Island was represented. George Washington was chosen president of the convention ; and the present Consti- tution of the United States was then and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- tive in framing this immortal document than the mind and the pen of James Madison. The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was to be presented to the several States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected we should be left bat a conglomeration of independent States, with but little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- tion to draw up an address to the people of the United States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, and urging its adoption. There was great opposition to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and went into effect in 1789. Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the avowed leader of the Republican party. While in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fascination, whom he married. She was in person and character queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied so prominent a position in the very peculiar society which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. Madison. Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under Jefferson, and at the close of his administration was chosen President. At this time the encroach- ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 5' ri. E:fc 1. I I I I I I I s \ \ ^\ \ British orders in council destroyed our commerce, and 3 our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 3 |; was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring \ in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the : meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood S; boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought 3 to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 3 A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the a! crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- s ance he selects any number whom he may please to t designate as British subjects ; orders them down the ;; ship's side into his boat ; and places them on the gun- j; deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the" battles of England. This right of search and im- pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce ;.; the British cabinet to relinquish. :";} On the 1 8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave S^: his approval to an act of Congress declaring war s; against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 3|; hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country |-: in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th t;} of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority, E^^i and entered upon his second term of office. This is not the place to describe the various adventures of this war on the land and on the water. Our infant navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- pling with the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, %, 1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 3;^ coast of the United States under blockade. v; The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me ; | ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- 2-: ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks Si of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- j' peake Bay, and marched ra;.'idly, by way of Bladens- 5 burg, upon Washington. | The straggling little city of Washington was thrown | into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict | at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the I metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. | The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the Wliite g House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not go back without danger of being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Washington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on Feb. 13, i8i5,the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- son died July 12, 1849. a-n II AMES MONROE, the fifth Presidentof The United States, was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the place of nativity. His ancestors had for many years resided in the prov- ince in which he was born. When, at 17 years of age, in the process of completing his education at William and Mary College, the Co- lonial Congress assembled at Phila- delphia to deliberate upon the un- just and manifold oppressions of Great Britian, declared the separa- tion of the Colonies, and promul- gated the Declaration of Indepen- dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left i;j school and enlisted among the patriots. % He joined the army when everything looked hope- 5S less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased ^ from day to day. The invading armies came pouring S in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the {ag mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, !^ who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- \ tending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through \ difficulty and danger, the United States owe their C political emancipation. The young cadet joined the \\ ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured countr}', I : : with a firm determination to live or die with her strife "j-i-ij utiximjjcop cixij: for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- ancholy retreat from Hadeam Heights and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four months after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy- wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782, he was elected from King George county, a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards employed with unremitting energy for the public good, i m .11 m Hi m m I ""w Hi HLLS.TXLH.JTM iiim r)ti iH DtTmT'"T^ ^'T^ : ^ y ton tiiititiiiiiiiiizTXinii t TTmrui ixxTxi xxi; - 36 JAMES MOJVROE. he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the United States. Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old ^Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, thinking, with many others of the Republican party, that it gave too much power to the Central Government, and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member of the United States Senate ; which office he held for four years. Every month the line of distinction be- tween the two great parties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- arated them were, that the Republican party was in sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a strict construction of the Constitution as to give the Central Government as little power, and the State Governments as much power, as the Constitution would warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which would give as much power to the Central Government as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and Republicans were alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the good of the nation. Two more honest men or more pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- bination of their antagonism was needed to create the light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- nounced as almost a demon. Washington was then President. England had es- poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- tween these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now comliined to prevent the French from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, v.'e should help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could appreciate such a character, developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. '-■-^ Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon-: roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the : \. office for three years. He was again sent to France to : co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining S the vast territory then known as the Province ofj Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- : tained from Spain. Their united efforts were sue-; cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen ; \ millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana were added to the United States. -. \ This was probably the largest transfer of real estate: J which was ever made in all the history of the world - i From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-; ''^ tain from that country some recognition of our: rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those : odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- 2 land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng-; land on the same mission, but could receive no ; redress. He returned to his home and was again : chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned ; to accept the position of Secretary of State under j \ Madison. While in this office war with England was ; declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during ; these trying times, the duties of the War Department '-\ were also put uix)n him. He was truly the armor- bearer of President Madison, and the most efiicient business man in his cabinet. LTpon the return o( peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec- tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presidency ;; were the cession of Florida to the United States; the ; Missouri Compromise, and the "Monroe doctrine.'' Sfii This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe % doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 5 time the United States had recognized the independ- J! ence of the South American states, and did not wish ■' to have European powers longer attempting to sub- : due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine : is as follows : " That we should consider any attempt 3 on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 5 tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous : to our peace and safety," and "that we could not : view any interposition for the purjwse of oppressing 3: or controlling American governments or provinces in 3- any other light than as a manifestation by European q powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United : States." This doctrine immediately affected the course = of foreign governments, and has become the approved J;^ sentiment of the United States. "''^ At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, wiien he went to New 'S'ork to live with his son-in- law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831, 3';i e rgs' JTr'^ ; ■1 I, I V I I 1 I I I I 1 t I 1 I t ten ' l-tllllilU tllTTl , ^ ^ ■'%^ J , ^ , {Jn: I urwJ^ ^>^f..,,.^.. SIXTH PRESIDENT. « ll Mlii i \\ I 'I re \\ \ X. u: i;: i-c i-''t: i:-: 1 : I ; I i \^ \ : r : u : U:: I.: #$::s*^;;&#$;:&**;;.5r^^$"s*^;K#i.;;s^^te**;K^*^T$*-SK$*-s&#sis>»^i|^ J ,, -ij)Sl'^' NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President of the United States, was born in Waxhaw settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few days after his father's death. His parents were poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their abode in Waxhaw set- tlement, where they lived in deepest poverty. Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His features were coarse, his form un- gainly; and there was but very little in his character, made visible, which was at- tractive. When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. .\ndrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert with the same demand. He also refused, and re- ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite diiabled him, and which probably soon after caused his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their mother was successful in obtaining their exchange, and took her sick boys home. After a long illness Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon left him entirely friendless. Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, gave more attention to the wild amusements of the times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish with the Sharp Knife. In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. During these years he worked hard at his profes- sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- ially disgraceful. In January, 1796, the Territor}' of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member in the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its PH li^^i lULUZXXXUi ' •^lajp t IIJUIJ-TI, or-f^n -o- cr^^TJ M I i-ii i* kjl^TKPjr I T I T s I titxj I zi i IX i: li,..,,,,, 44 ANDREW JACKSON. h^ LiU ff^ sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose second term of office was then e.xpinng, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one of the twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been " wise, firm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held for si.x years. When the war of 181 2 with Great Britian com- menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who would do credit to a commission if one were con- ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly expected to make an at- tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was in command, he was ordered to descend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him golden opinions; and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering uix)n a bed of suffering news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the cen- ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suply of arms were assembled. The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- I ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was ; awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the '■_, river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as ^ they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- ; rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam " the river and escaped. This ended the war. The : jxjwer of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold ' plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, ^ so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants ; of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. \ This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- ' centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the :" allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will I than tien. Jackson could have conducted this Indian : campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he ; was appointed major-general. : Late in ,\ugust, with an army of two thousand : men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to ; Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed : a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, ; and from both ship and shore commenced a furious ; assault. The battle was long and doubtful. .\t length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. - Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little ■ army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, ■ And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, ; was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won ;- for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his ; troops, which numbered about four thousand men, : won a signal victory over the British army of about ; nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the : loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. •; The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- : tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, ] he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, - successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected ". for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he \ assumed the reins of the government, he met with ; the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of \ his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has : perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of ;; her death he never recovered. : His administration was one of the most memorable : in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, ■• condemned by the other. No man had more bitter ■ enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his '- two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where ; he died June 8, 1845. The last years of ^Ir. Jack- : son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. hKO "7 7 2"^^ /-^^^^^ J^^-e-t^^ ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth President of the United States, was born at Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1782. He died at the same ,)lace, July 24, 1862. His l>ody rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft fifteen feet high, bearing a simple inscription about half way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded by shrub or flower. There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in [xilitical and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography. His an- cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- ligence and exemplary piety. He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies in his native village, and commenced the study of law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven years of study in a law-office were required of him before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and conscious of his (xswers, he pur- sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After spending six years in an office in his native village. he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- lage. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed- eral party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing ruputation led htm, after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, constantly gaining strength by contending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the bar of his State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was ati earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record of those years is barren in items of public interest. In t8i 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- ix)inted Attorney-General, and the next year moved to Albany, the capital of the State. While he was acknowledged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had pf. m mm jimmrTturiTHTii-rmrtijFJM-Ufc'^xtrmxmxTnrrittinimii ^aS^ " -3k.^-7s>ri-" ■ir ^.-i^ m KixTrVr-rrK 48 MARTIN VAN BUREN. the moral courage to avow that true democracy did not require that " universal sufifrage " which admits the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of governing the State. In true consistency with his democratic principles, he contended that, while the path leading to the privilege of voting should be open to every man without distinction, no one should be invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue and some property interests in the welfare of the State. In 1 82 1 he was elected a member of the United States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat in the convention to revise the constitution of his native State. His course in this convention secured the approval of men of all parties. No one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the interests of all classes in the community. In the Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a conspicuous position as anactive and useful legislator. In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the "State Rights" view in opposition to what was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- garded throughout the United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. It was supixjsed that no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to organize a political army which would, secretly and stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these powers it is said that he outv.'itted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which few thought then could be accomplished. When Andrew Jackson was elected President he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately appointed Minister to England, where he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. He was elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though the Consritution had conferred upon him the power to appoint a successor." His administration was filled with exciting events. The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in- volve this country in war with England, the agitation of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- cial panic which spread over the country, all were trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- tributed to the management of the Democratic party, and brought the President into such disfavor that he failed of re-election. With the exception of being nominated for the Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, and living within his income, had now fortunately a competence for his declining years. His unblemished character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he had occupied in the government of our country, se- cured to him not only the homage of his party, but the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics of the country. From this time until his death, on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty -ears, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old age, probably far more happiness than he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. i| rk W "I I I I 1 I I i I I I I i \ ■ ■ ^'''J^'^V*^''^'^*^>.l'>^\^V->^>,^>J-^S^S^SJt.^^ ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- SON, the ninth President of the United States, was born at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. His father, Benjamin Harri- son, was in comparatively op- •«« ijs-«=^;5j- ulent circumstances, and was i^ I I •:■ :' : one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an intimate friend of George Washington, was early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Virginia in resisting the encroachments of the British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- rison and John Hancock were both candidates for the office of speaker. Mr Harrison was subsequently chosen Governor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son, William Henry, of course enjoyed in childhood all the advantages which wealth and hjl intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- ™ » ing received a thorough common-school education, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated witli honor soon after the death of his father. He then repaired to Philadel|)liia to study medicine under tlie instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, signers of the Declaration of Independence. Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. ' Ij From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This Territory was then entitled to but one member in Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that position. In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 1^^ was divided by Congress into two portions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called " 'I'lie Territory north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap- pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now rapidly increasing white population. The ability and fidelity with which he discharged these responsible duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four times appointed to this office — first by John .Adams, twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- dent Madison. When he began his adminstration there were but three white settlements in that almost boundless region, now crowded with cities and resounding with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. Oneof these setdements was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrisoii. reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About TKnxnnmi n BJf T XXXX X X XTTlr ■ ■ ■ ■ »» TT IIJ t 1 EzzxxTxxxzi: ^■m^^'^i---'-: -fcti^ i^^^-^^~- L^,.-:: ?a WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. txirmxT*"* tuiiij t.u.xumr ■ ' 'rt''*^'/^ :*-'-* ©ogl JI ^^gg^ .mimiiiixitixjiTi: (ilXTlTTlU t "•-'' ::i iii ft the year 1806, two extraordinary mer., twin brothers, of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet." Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, and had long regarded with dread and with hatred the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which they dwelt. But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was, in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent by the Great .Spirit. Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. October 28, 1812, his army began its inarch. When near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- campment, he took every precaution against surprise His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept upon their arms. The troops threw themselves upon the ground for rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all the desperation which superstition and passion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the httle army. The savages had been amply provided with guns and ammunition by the English. Their war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous K^^^ charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- fore them, and completely routing the foe. ii Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked to the utmost. The British descending from the Can- adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into a state of consternation which even the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madison commander-in- chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but General Harrison was found equal to the position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- sponsibilities. He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five Britisli officers, his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. The only fare he could give them was beef roasted before the fire, without bread or salt. In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of the National House of Representatives, to represent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested the attention of all the members. In 1 81 9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him forward as a candidate for the Presidency against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of Mr. Van Buren 's term, he was re-nominated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but his triumph was signal. The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most brilliant with which any President had ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after his inauguration as President of the United States. : 111 'iSHH^^'r^' .bJf'T':-' lIHrTTITTTTlMi nTXTXxnzmij > ■ S^l TENTH PRESIDENT. l4 13C a I 1 1: ilia u'a I 1$ lis lac 'I l^ lie i=i; u U": LP l"j i; 12 1?, uf I- ii It 11 i;c if JOIHK TY OHN TYLER, the tenth ,.,;j 1 residentof the United States. He was born in Charles-city Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He was the favored child of af- fluence and high social po- sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered William and Mary College and grad- uated with much honor when but seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted him- self with great assiduity to the study of law, partly with his father and pirtly with Edmund Randolph, one of the most distin- guished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, ne commenced the practice of law. His success was rapid and aston- ishing. It is said that three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the dock- I et of the court in which he was not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State I Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- [J;1S cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of iJiS ij a <1 i| I 1? 13a I I I I Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the unanimous vote or his county. When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national bank, internal improvements by the General Govern- ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con- struction of the Constitution, and the most careful vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous that before the close of his second term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility. With a reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his native State. His administration was signally a suc- cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the United States. A portion of the Democratic party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, and brought forward John Tyler as his op[X)nent, considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. In accordance with his professions, upon taking his seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- uously oi)ix)sed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record in perfect accordance with the principles which he had always avowed. Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of his profession. There was a split in the Democratic fl m M 1 I 1 I ij I % -\ li Hi g ta^^ KJipxnuy ?H?a ;6 lip m JOHN TYLER. party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- ments upon him. He had now attained the age of forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; audit was not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for the better education of his children ; and he again took his seat in the Legislature of \'irginia. By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- rison, a genuine \Vhig, much to the disappointment of the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- thy with the Whig party in the Noith: but the Vice President has but very little power in the Govern- ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it ha|i- pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a Democratic Vice President were chosen. In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- dent of the United States. In one short month from that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential chair. This was a new test of the stability of our institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler was at home in Williamsburg when he received the unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of April was inaugurated to the high and responsible office. He was placed in a position of e.xceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been opposed to the main principles of the party which had brought him into power. He had ever been a con- sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, on the other hand, should he turn against the party which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- mony with himself, and which would oppose all those views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- lic welfare.' This was his fearful dilemma. He in- vited the cabinet which President Harrison had selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and bless us. The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with ^.his veto. He suggested, however, that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely touched the pride of the President. The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- dent into their arms. The party which elected him denounced him bitterly. AH the members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued an address to the people of the United States, proclaiming that all political alliance between the Whigs and President Tyler were at an end. Still the President attempted to concihate. He appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- tion passed sadly away. JNo one was satisfied. The land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. \Miigs and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, however, he brought himself into sympathy with his old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, he gave his whole influence to the .support of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, and probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife, Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a j-oung lady of many personal and intellectu,al accomplishments. The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in his manners, richly furnished with niformation from books and experience in the world, and possessing brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few friends who gathered around him, were it not for the storms of civil war which his own principles and policy had helped to introduce. When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. ("al- | houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his i allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- i erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; | and while engaged in active measures- to destroy, by i force of arms, the Government over which he had i once presided, he was taken sick and soon died, j ixct? i] i-i-i-iiJ- i-iHL inyi :m[-i[umii-i v - ixinxul^ ;' trTI^IttlpljX»»Ii.»-l-l(l""" 1 iWiriirnr mi: ^xmtiTxlHiixxrxxiixrrjrmTxirxT ELE VENTH PRESIDENT. 59 .1 AMES M. POIK. 5 3 11 1^ AMES K.POLK, the eleventh ^President of the United States, 7 was born in Mecklenburg Co., 5 N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par- y^. ents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 1735. In the year i3o6, with his wife and children, and soon after fol- lowed by most of the members of the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- grated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich valley of the Duck River. Here " in the midst of the wilderness, in a region which was subsequently called Mau- ry Co., they reared their log huts, and established their homes. In the hard toil of a new farm in the wil- derness, James K. Polk spent the early years of his childhood and youth. His*father, adding the pur- suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, ' gradually increased in wealth until he became one of the leading men of the region. His mother was a superior woman, of strong common sense and earnest piety. Very early in life, James developed a taste for reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain a liberal education. His mother's training had made him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- uality and industry, and had ins])ired him with lofty principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a W\^ m '^i. 3x:lxxxitxxzx] sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. This was to James a bitter disapiwintment. He had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made arrangements for him to [irosecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious service. He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity with which he had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few miles from Nashville. They had probably been slightly acquainted before. Mr. Polk's father was -a Jeffersonian Republican, and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- cal faith. He was a jxjpular public speaker, and was constantly called \\\xi\\ to address th,e meetings of his party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that he was jxjpularly called the Napoleon of the stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and Ipi m 3 prrxtxxzxiocxzr] 223 icrr»iT»t-Ti itijSStro. 60 JAMES K. POLK. K,Tj courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic nature in the jo> s and griefs of others which ever gave him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his strong influence towards the election of his friend, Mr. Jackso:i, to the Presidency of the United States. In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was pjra altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a jjli: ; [|j] member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave p;: i] to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that ng.^i for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- "HT tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, k only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair [P^'^1 of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious I \ member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was i always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever I he spoke it was always to the point, and without any ambitious rhetorical display. During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was ^ W_ Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, ifp Ta and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- l!j "j formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4t]i of '■^m^ March, 1839. In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 184 1, his term of office expired, and he was again the can- { -. didatc of the Democratic party, but was defeated. r" i^ On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- " • ated President of the United States. The verdict of m& q the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted II its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the Bki^l , administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the j3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to f i the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas } as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, jJl^ g^ MAlmonte, immediately demanded his passports and left the country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. .|} In his first message, President Polk urged that iTexas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- ceived into the Union on the same footing with the other States. In the meantime. Gen. Taylor was sent 11 with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which commanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and war was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first called one of " observation," then of " occupation," then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. 'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right : there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and more tlian a hundred million of dollars. Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. folk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good. With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge— was then sweeping up the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. ri 1 1 I 1 %\ K- !■ it fen 3a P 3)- 1 all gti SET Si 111 %k l| K- 1 RRi i :l A :l Fl il IE I il ;i .\ '■\ 31 :l •I :l ii 3^:1 3S1 ■\\~ tlgeii iz I xiTxmmit^JTXiiX; 'y/x^cA^<:^yy/^yc^^y- ]\^-^^ i^J^ficLdil ^^Tjxi[ ||xiJiirijtmiaritTiiiirr g^i^ ftcldc'.cLJ TWELFTH PRESIDENT. SE-SESEE3ES33: ia^ S3;iSS >-'P^^T^»r7r;v^AVi.V'V\Ati.\.A.A.TO,.\viv;.Tg ;^ac:hai^¥ f^-fj^fi^. l;g3\\rVSSiEV^S?Xj i i 7 ACHARY TAYLOR, iweltth \ '=>\ President of the United States, was born on the 24th of Nov., 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His father. Colonel Taylor, was a Virginian of note, and a dis- '^ tinguished i>atriot and soldier of the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father with his wife and two children, emigrated to Kentucky, where he settled in the pathless wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. Li this front- ?(ii« ier home, away from civilization and all its refinements, young Zachary : could enjoy but few social and educational advan- tages. When six years of age he attended a common school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, ; rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- a acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and \ manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight \ the Lidians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 3 is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his ;|fi childhood on his father's large hut lonely plantation. In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him S the commission of lieutenant in the United .States E army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed ^ at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after ; this he married Miss .Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with Kng- : land, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been ; promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort B Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above : Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- ; ness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe. ; It was one. of the first points of attack by the Indians, : led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved uixan the fort. Their approach was first indicated by the murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to meet the antici- pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident that their object was merely to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept them at a distance. The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict continued. The savages then, baffled at every jroint, and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 'I'aylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the rank of major by brevet. Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depths of the wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fo.\ River, which empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little to be done hut to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There were no books, no society, no in- iijijiiiiiiiiiiii [,r.AWicv^ jxxitixsl liMl PH ■ t^ assasj .-£^=aii- ; jKj-j<^ imiixirrrrrxiiiinTxxirixrti|< [ 64 ZACHARY TAYLOR. ITTT: . 1 ^ in ^i 1 If A^ 11 iT- I 11 11 "f tellectual stimulus. _ Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, had promised they should do. The services rendered here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- mand of the United States troops in Florida. After two years of such wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the South- west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty imposed upon him. In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the Nation. Then came the liattles of Monterey and Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. His careless habits of dress and his unaffected simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, ihz sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 3 Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- i ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- } lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the d Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- IJjBM: daring that he was not at all qualified for such an ^^ESj office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 'ij for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not S without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen ^dlwho had been long years in the public service found their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- pared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found the ix)litical conflicts in Washington to be far more trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or Indians. In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. His last words were, "I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la- mented his death. Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful description of his character: — " With a good store of common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- quence. The frontiers and small military posts had been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, ' touch with a pair of tongs.' ".\ny allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- saving contempt for learning of every kind." 311 3 --a I I m ::';a sn sA :;Ji a' I 5=1 Kl II 11 ati pi ¥V ¥ «-oO yu^^-z^n^<^j Q,^7ejC-^^C?0^< '2^e^^>^>^ f-iHHi-r!.a t rirUinaixiE I noixiSiTiT riVixxiaxr I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT, .?S^^SJ^2S'.^.^^■Si'^^^taa'^^^»^.1S'.gr^.- g^^'^'^'^i'ggit^t^'ggi'^'^'^'iva'^' -♦-• -»»- : ■ ■ ;ji'^trg)'SJi>t^ '^«^'^'^':aat^ i?t£ai >'.i^t^t^t%'i^(^»^>^»^(^i^ •-4- -5»»- AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- teL-iUh President of the United States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Alleglia- nies, in Franklin Co., Penn.,on jS the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the liunible cabin of his father stood was called Stony Batter. It was a wild and ro- mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- tains, with towering summits rising grandly all around. His father was a native of the north of Ireland ; a ix>or man, who had emigrated in rySj, with little property save his Avn strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 1 lizabelh Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, tiid, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- ess, staked liis claim, reared his log-hut, opened a learing with his axe, and settled down there to per- form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- 'hided home, where James was born, he remained lor eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual ulvantagcs. When James was eight years of age, his i.ither removed to the village of Mercersburg, where liis son was placed at school, and commenced a I ourse of study in English, Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he i-ntered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among the first scholars in the institution. His application U) study was intense, and yet his native powers eu- abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with facility. In the year iSog, he graduated with the highest honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in healtli, fond of athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 181 2, when he was but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and there was no lawyer in the State who liad a more lu- crative practice. In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally tried some important case. In 1831, he retired altogether from the toils of his jjrofession, having aC- ([uired an ample fortune. Cien. Jackson, uix)n his elevation to the Presidency, apix)inted Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The duties of his mission he performed with ability, which gave satisfaction to all parties. Ujxjn his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated lire meas- ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- I J ,'.mii:M:.::,r::jjj,-.: i.i- it ii m^ xirxairrj], ^^^tTj 'f tm^'^tji"" -J^i^^Jixixjjijji i^?R^, 76 JAMES BUCHANAN. sals against France, to enforce the payment of our claims against that country ; and defended the course of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale removal from office of those who were not the sup- porters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, advocated exi)unging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United States mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- cated that they should be respectfully received; and that the reply should be returned, that Congress had no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," said he, "might as well undertake to interfere with slavery under a foreign government as in any of the States where it now exists." Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the account of the course our Government pursued in that movement. Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mission to England. In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- ceived H4 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and ten. His own friends, those with whom he had lieen allied in political principles and action for years, were seeking the destruction of the Government, that they might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 'I q' ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 5' their assumptions. As President of the United States, | boimd by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- lic. He therefore did nothing. 2 The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration p nominaied Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer S in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery \ party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- g trol of the Government were thus taken from their 8 hands, they would secede from the Union, taking S with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at ~ Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of t tiie United States. s Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery \. party was such, that he had been willing to offerthem far more than they had ventured to claim. All the South had professed to ask of the North was non- intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- operation of the Government to defend and extend the institution. As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchatian avow- ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of ;: the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 3- becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He "■■ declared that Congress had no power to enforce its laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 3! was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with H! his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed, " The \ Union must and shall be preserved!" j South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly \ three months before the inauguration of President I Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 5^ The rebel flag was raised in Charleston; Fort Sumpter 3; was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals |: were seized; our depots of military stores were plun- % dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 3 appropriated by the rebels. 3: The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 1; Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked \ on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, Sf and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 1: ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 3; ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 8: scepter. I; The administration of President Buchanan was \i certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with jjleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows «,.^ of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 3ei from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 3* banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion, g; He died at his Wheatland retreat, J\ine i, 1868. 5; a.- fc'^BSJ CJ^y/^^^' CfT-^^^ Laxir^4:;;xr-;y -'g . rrc- . tr.rl rxnrrxinjinrnTi ixuzxxiixiiirixii SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT. T) ^ i ABRAHAM > ^^(^ < LINCOLN. > | BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth President of the iv^United States, was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 1809. About the yeari78o, a man by the name of Abraham Lincohi left Virginia witli his family and moved into the tlien wilds of Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, still a young man, while working one day in a field, was stealthily approached by an Indian and shot dead. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little children, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, was four years of age at his father's death. This Thomas was the father of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled with the most prominent in the annals of our world. Of course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched log -cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. Education he had none; he could never either read or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a laborer in the fields of others. When tweTity-eight years of age he buill a log- cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- grants, who jiad also come from Virginia. Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be," e.xclaims the grate- ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. When he was eight years of age, his father sold his cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where two years later his mother died. Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated community around him. He could not have had a better school than this to teach him to put thoughts into words. He also became an eager reader. The books he could obtain were few ; but these he read and re-read until they were almost committed to memory. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. Tht^re were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when he announced to his father his intention to leave home, and to go out into the world and seek his fur- tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of education and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin which ardent spirits were causing, and became strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in God's word, " Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane exi)ression he was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham I,in- coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven- t^. •L |-_. mm F'"^ ^I&ji^^ Mf-' M 11 ii ^'2 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. -- L5 ture his employers were so well pleased, that uix)n his return tney placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he received he carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this his business. In 1834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great that he was soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history. The issue was on the ;lavery question, and he took the broad ground of .he Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- test, but won a far higher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the i6ih of June, i86o. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- five thousand. An immense building called "The VVigwanv," was reared to accommodate the Conven- tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the land, was tlie most oroniinent. It was generally supposed he would be the nominee, Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: and as little did he dream that he was to render services to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of the whole civilized world, and which would give him a place in the affections of his countrymen, second only, if second, to that of Washington. Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, constitutionally elected President of the United States. The tirade of abuse that was poured uix)n this good and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was r greater than upon any other man ever elected to this : high jxjsition. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 3 ; for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his ; way making speeches. The whole journey was frought r with much danger. Many of the Southern States had ^ already seceded, and several attempts at assassination ; were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 'i more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row," E ; and in the confusion to make sure of his death with ; revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled ^ the plot. A secret and special train was provided to : take him from HarrisL>urg, through Baltimore, at an : une.xpected hour of the night. The train started at ^ half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- : cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their'Con- : federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had r started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln j reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, ; although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people, r In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave [!- to Mr, Seward the Department of State, and to other ^■ prominent opponents before the convention he gave '- imjOTrtant [xasitions. : During no other administration have the duties ^ devolving upon the President been so manifold, and ; the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to : the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and : feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 5 his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he S learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in \- determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 3!; trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his p own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the I most courageous of men. He went directly into the " rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, ; with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he [ had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 'i made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim :" to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, ; was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It • was announced that they would Le present. Gen. - Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- ; ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that : it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, : very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to ; the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth E entered the box where the President and family were ; seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the : next morning at seven o'clock. " Never before, in the history of the world was a nation : plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler ; : Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless : anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was ; in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a ; model. His name as the savior of his country will E live with that of Washington's, its father; his country- r men being unable to decide which is the greater. : Oo^ "<:^-C^{ o u w,m ^Due^r^srje'L NDREW JOHNSON, seven- teenth President of the United States. The early life of Andrew Johnson contains but the record of poverty, destitu- tion and friendlessness. He was born December 29, 180S, in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, belonging to the class of the "lx)or whites " of the Soutli, were in such circumstances, that they could not confer even the slight- est advantages of education uixin their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the labor of his mother, who obtained her living with her own hands. He then, having never attended a school one day, and being unable either to read or write, was ap- prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British states- men. .'\ndrew, who was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary native ability, became much interested in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow-woikmen, learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- man to borrow the Ixxjk of speeches. The owner, ^ pleased with his zeal, not only gave h[m the book, but assisted him in learning to combine the letters into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on- ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to devote such time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- sessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- ganized a working man's party, which elected him alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in political affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. He became a very active member of the legislature, gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thost of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased his reputation. In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he was elected a member of Congress, and by successive elections, held that important post for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these resjjonsible ix)si- tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abil- ^ ifcj^ II % 1 IXI'J I XXTifA M ixxnxxutjx: i-TTri>>T«y¥r¥i-iir«iinnn mnr crxyji riii xitxxiii rTTiTj rrofi irxtxxiiz rrrirrri ia rrxPDiriTitji j;-) ii 84 ANDREW JOHNSON. ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected United States Senator. rar Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated [lii] the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, and become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also supiMrted the com- promise measures, the two essential features of wliich were, that the white people of the Territories should OB^Ij be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the free "States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. Mr. Johnson was neverasharaedof his lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam )[pM| was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- ior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, became President. In a speech two days later he said, " The American people must be taught, if [ they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished ; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not only to protect, but to punish. * * The people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent 1 opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech, s! j- In his loose policy of reconstruction and general sf J amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char- ~;| acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly ^J defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 3: the beginnirig of 1868, on account of "high crimes 5>^ and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the ;; j removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- % ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- \\ ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 3Fl months. .\ test article of the impeachment was at b|;{ length submitted to the court for its action. It wa certain that as the court voted upon that article so 3~} would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced >: l^Kll IS 15? 1.^ n;; ..^^e. ■■fe)'.''i'^'^'^'^t^i»t^t^<^'^a';g>'^'tSa.*:t'^'ii^>--5 ■V^'.gSJtgg'»^>^»%>t^cgS' UTHERFORl) B. HAYES, the nineteentli President of the United States, was born in Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- most three months after the death of his father, Rutherford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides, was of the most honorable char- acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chief- tains, fighting side by side with Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfor- tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son (ieorge was born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- erford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was liii WW born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- grated thither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industrious, frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to ..| undertake. He was a member of the Church, active ,1^ in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- ^!j ducted his business on Christian principles. After the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. ra;^ The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, Pji ~! when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 'hlh nj] was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was rr. ^ first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- |7it,j1 mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived - • in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three months before the birth of the son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- reavement, found the support she so much needed in her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the household from the day of its departure from Ver- mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted some time before as an act of charity. Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the !3HHi^sii mm M B i c subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at most. As the months went by he grew weaker and weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't wonder if he would really come to something yet." "You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him President of the United States yet." The boy lived, in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his mother. The boy was seven years old before he went to school. His education, however, was not neglected. He probably learned as much from his mother and sister as he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her associates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings of others, which are marked traits of his character. His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- proved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. Immediately after his graduation he began the study of law in the oiifice of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- mained two years. In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-Iaw with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- fession. In 1849 he moved to Cincninati, where his ambi- i"tioii found a new stimulus. For several years, how- ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and others hardly less distinguished in after life, marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- hood. The Literary CluD brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high char- acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and modesty. In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas ; but he declined to ac- cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of 3cjj city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council 3|i elected him for the unexpired term. ^ In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the bar was among the the first. But the news of attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take arms for the defense of his country. His military record was bright and illustrious. October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle of South Mountain he received a wound, and while faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that won admiration from all. Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after his election was importuned to resign his commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I sliall never come to Washington until I can come by the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1 87 6 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a hard long contest was chosen President, and was in augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his party, but his admin vstration was an average on= ! ■ S SI #1 en W Eft I I f;i h ? ii li I 1 I il I 1 1 1 m i ix i xrmtxiiirm igrmmEiJ m -■v s'f .i/ ^mt M >— J CT^^As- ^^-^ 1 ■^.-. ... ,\T/, AiMES A. GARl'liiLl), Uvx-n- ticth President of the United Slates, was born Nov. i y, I S3 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga Co., O His par- ents were Abram and Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England ancestry and from fami- lies well known in the early his- tory of that section of our coun- try, but had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- ment. The house in which James A. was l)orn was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that day. It was about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- tween tlie logs filled with clay. His father was a hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields ' leared, an orcliard planted, and a log barn built. Tlie household comprised the father and mother and tiieir four children — Mehetaliel, Thomas, Mary and James. In .May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- tracted in helping to jiut out a forest fire, died. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and I'homas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can tell how much James was indebted to his biother's toil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc- ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- ters live in Solon, O., near tiieir birthi)lace. The early educational advantages young Garfield enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the little family to- gether. Nor was Gen. Garlield ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Clarfield until lie was about si.xteen years old was to be a captain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of employment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. After making many applications for work, and trying to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio iV Pennsylvania Canal. He re- mained at this work but a short time when he went home, and attended tiie seminary at Chester for about three years, when he entered Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in tlie meantime, and doing other work. This school was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of which church he was then a member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon " exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which he graduated in 1856, taking one of the liighest hon- ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram College as its President. .-Xs above stated, he early united with the Christian or Diciples Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where he hajipened to be. Dr. Noah Porter. President of Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion : m I-- ixTiinxxxxt nxxu xQirumxiiitimm TPTxun iJiirx i T iTrxiixt ;;t u ^ I A M ii I rjLilTiiATAU U.1HUX1,1U ITXI xflRxfi.Ujmaxgxtxxri: t 96 JAMES A. GARFIELD. " President Garfield was more than a man of strong moral and religious convictions. His whole history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In my judgment there is no more interesting feature of his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to the less stately and cultured Christian communions in which they have been reared. Too often it is true that as they step upward in social and political sig- nificance they step upward from one degree to another in some of the many tyjjes of fashionable Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the church of his mother, the church in which he was trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- tarian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 11, 1858, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and mourned. To them were born seven children, five of whom are still living, four boys and one girl. Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he was. Daring this year he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great Rebellion broke ovit in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser- vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was placed in command of four regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driving out of his native State the officer (Humphrey M^irshall) reputed to be the ablest of those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given to the RebeUion. This work was bravely and speed- ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now he was the youngest General in the army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in itsoperations around Corinth and its march througli Alaliama. He was then detailed as a member of the General Coutt-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. He w.is then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with — >:H his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won \\ the stars of the Major-General. Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio had been represented in Congress for si.\ty years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua S !J - "1'. :t. R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- tered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive re- elections until he was elected President in 1880. Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a tribunel of the American people, in regard to which you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- ment on one side stated, in almost every instance better than by anybody else, in some speech made in the House of Representatives or on the hustings by Mr. Garfield.' Uix)n Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate of his '---l party for President at the great Chicago Convention. -.^-\ He was elected in the following November, and on J^H March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- -^i^ ministration ever opened its existence under brighter t:^ auspices than that of President Garfield, and every day it grew in favo.' with the peojjle, and by the first of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- liminary work of his administration and was prepar- : ill ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams ;; n College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- ; ]l pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind ;;:v him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but in.licting no further injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was " the shot that was heard round the world " Never Ijefore in the history of the Nation had anything oc- curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty :; days, all during the hot months of July and August, 5:,'-j he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained :^ t master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent ;:t bearing was teaching the country and the world the ";^; noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the j^hj very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- c:^| ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. EfJ 19, 1883, at Elheron, N. J , on the very bank of the :;K ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The j^h world wept at his death, as it never had done on the e?tJ death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. %\ The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- j;h cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. '-\ r. % i ;;n. ::-n. "OC^x^. r.'JTPT'F'r-; ''-*i!ii!k3 r^iie^^^ I "- eH'r'r'r^PFHH'H.riri TWEI^TY-FIRST PRESIDENT. 90 "^"'^'"^'^^S^' -"•^-'r^' HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi'l^m of the United States was born in Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on rthefifthofOdober, i8^o, and is the oldest of a family of two • -,j^ sons and five daughters. His I father was the Rev. Dr. William * Arthur, a Baptist d'-rgy man, who emigrated to tl? s coiintr)' from \v, the county Ant am, Ireland, in y^ his i8th year, and died in 1875, in Newtonville, neai Albany, after a long and successful ministry. Young Arthur was educated at Union College, S( henectady, where he excelled in all his studies. Af- ter his graduation he taught school in Vermont for two years, and at the expiration cf that time came to New York, with $500 in his ix)cket, and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver as student. After 1 being admitted to the bar he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing in the West, and for three months they roamed about in the Western States in search of an eligible site, but in the end returned to New York, where they hung out their shingle, and entered uix)n a success- ful career almost from the start. General Arthur soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant II Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon, athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with fiSEil his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided that they could not be held by the owner under tht Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the Attorney (ieneral of that State to assist in an appeal. Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to represent the People, and they won their case, which then went to the Supreme Court of the United States. Charles O'Conor here esjxiused the cause of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward the emancipation of the black race. Another great service was rendered by General Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a verdict of S500 damages. The next day the compa- ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride on their cars, and the other car companies quickly .inimarmiiijjLjyrTTT»Kggz KXiXTn~::n laitt-ttXTCSK nnr»Ti ii T miJH iii niiiix T> l ^lil^TTT, ixijsmr, inmTtjutJjj- n-rrrmY » t t T t rr^i 1 1 t rr i T-tm : CHESTER A. ARTHUR. ¥ followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. Previous to the war he was Judge -Advocate of the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hnn Engineer- in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered I' great service to the Government during the war. At the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if not indeed one of national extent. He always took a leading part in State and city ix)litics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. Mr. Arthi'.r was nominated on the Presidential ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political convention that ever assembled on thecontinent. It ., was composed of the leading politicians of the Re- hl publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and j^\ fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their respective candidates that were before the conven- tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur for Vice-President. The campaign which followed ■kt was one of the most animated known in the history of || our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of '^ the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his party made a valiant fight for his election. Finally the election came and the country's choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated March 4, 1 88 1, as President and Vice-President. A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- tions were throbbmg \\\ unison, longing for the re- ;u covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 5|i able patience that he manifested during those hours pi and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- ^i fering man has often been called upon to endure, was %\ seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- ^1 like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. gfi Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his %\ credit that his every action displayed only an earnest gsj desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to % \ serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- Kf J ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 5^ } in deed or look of this man, even though the most :[{ honored position in the world was at any moment |-;} likely to fall to him. ;-J At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- aj;] field from further suffering, and the world, as never 3|} before in. its history over the death of any other 3'^} man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of %\ the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of:;;^ the high office, and he took the oath in New York, ::r Sept. 20, 1881. The position was an embarrassing ;_;i| one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 3:[t- eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, ; a; what ix)licy he would pursue, and who he would se- ; - lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been \ greatly neglected during the President's long illness, S,;! and many important measures were to be immediately Ssi decided by him; and still farther to embarrass him he 31? i did not fail to realize under what circumstances he qi?i became President, and knew the feelings of many on a-:i this point. Under these trying circumstances President Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own I I I hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of sii affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so '&-\ wisely that but few criticised his administration, gji} He served the nation well and faithfully, until the close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was :;[ a popular candidate before his party for a second :;f term. His name was ably presented before the con- : > vention at Chicago, and was received with great 'i'^- favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity of one of the opposing candidates, he would have. %\ been selected as the standard-bearer of his party % for another campaign. He retired to private life car- g rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- |fi pie, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory jsi to them and with credit to himself. Siii l^y^-tru^^ iM^sssla' T_i_xenrxri«Mi' ;r^rting by the quickest possible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed to be a position in a country store, where his father and the large family on his hands had considerable influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com- menced his career as salesman, and in two years he had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness that his employers desired to retain him for an in- definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good Boy. But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- ville, he went with the family in their removal to Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a high school. Here he industriously pursued his studies until the family removed with him to a point on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two years, and although he obtained a good reputation in this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his .mm. Jill ^ ^ 11, 1 ■^S^lfeta^' icxi3^aii3 calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some charm in that name for him; but before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to ask the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stockbreeder of that place. The latter did not speak entlnisiastically. " What is it you want to do, my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study law," was the reply. " Good gracious ! " remarked the old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put that into your head? How much money have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got any. After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a year, waile lie could " look around." One day soon afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he wanted. A number of young men were already en- gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his board and washing. The walk to and from his uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although the first winter was a memorably severe one, his shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. On the first day of his service here, his senior em- ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A titter ran around the little circle of clerks and students, as they thought that was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for chasing principles through all their metaphysical possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do it," was practically his motto. The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms in the administration of the municipal affairs of that ■ city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his ; performance of duty has generally been considered • fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- \ reted out and magnified during the last Presidential ; campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in : a veto message, we quote fiom one vetoing an iniqui- : tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time for ■ plain speech, and my objection to your action shall : be plainly staled. I regard it as the culmination of i a mos , bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme i to betray the interests of the people and to worse ; than squander the people's money." The New York : St^n afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- ; land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- ] upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and his administration of the affairs of State was generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if any, were made very public throughout the nation after he was nominated for President of the United States. For this high office he was nominated July II, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Beniamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was elected by the people, by a majority of about a thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- land resigned his office as Governor of New York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as the Chief Executive of the United States, in which capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, of Wisconsin ; .\ttorney-General, A. H. Garland, of Arkansas. The silver question precipitated a controversy be- tween those who were in favor of the continuance of silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his^ inauguration. -iiii iiic g*u: tHHHZSa iirmiiiiiimra tt^xm ifc- dip mi-rxiij i Bii Et lin %, mxp!" L. i^ l/^r'rlrl'r'M GOVERNORS OF IOWA. )$^<5XGVVi ^^=^^^«e^/^l)<5;c<:c?y OCTO oOo XSKL BRIGGS, the first oviitk'inan chosen to fill the *r aiibeniatorial chair of Iowa fl after its organization as a State, was a native of \'er- "*^ mont. and was burn Feb. 3, js \f<()6. His parents, who likewise were New Englanilers, were'Ben- janiiii and Electa Briggs. The boyhood of 'our subject was lassed in his native State, and in at- tendance iii)on the common schools he received a fair education which was subsequentlj- improved by a term at Norwich Academy. Wlien a young man he removed with his parents to Cambridge. Guernsey Co.. Ohio, where young Briggs engaged in the work of esUiblishing -lage lines. He also liere emViarked in political iiftairs ami as a Whig run for the ottic.e of County Auditoi luit was defeated by John Ferguson, a .la<-k>on Democrat.' After remaining in Oliio for si.x years, the glow- i ing accounts of the fair fields and the fertile prairies (if the Territory of Iowa, led him westward across the Katiier of Waters. He had previously united hi> fortune^ in life with Nancj' M. Dunlap, daugh- u-r of .Major Dunlap. an officer in the Warof 1S12. Kvcn prior to tiiis marriage lie iiad chosen a wife. .1 lady who was born on the same day and year as liimself. but of whom lie was soon bereft. He brought with him to Iowa his little fainil3' and lo- cated at Andrew, in .lackson County. Seeing the opportunity here for resuming his former business, he began opening up stage lines, frequentlj' driving the old stage coach himself. He made several con- tracts with the Postottice Department for cari-ying the United States mails weekly between Dubufpie and Davenport, Dnliucpie and Iowa City and other routes, thus opening up and cariying on a very im- portant enterprise. Politically, Gov. Briggs was a Democrat, and on coming to Iowa identified him- self with tliat party. In 1842 he was cliosen a member of the Territorial House of Representatives from .Jackson County, and subsequently' was elected Sheriff of the same county. He had taken a lead- ing part in public affairs, and upon the formation of the State Government in 1840, he became a prom- inent candidate f<. 1S46. the entire Demo- eratir ticket being successful. Briggs received 7.f>-2t'< votes and his competitor, Thomas McKnight, the Wliig candidate. 7,-379. giving Briggs a major- ity of 247. The princiiwl ((uestion between the two leading parties, the Democratic and the "Whig, at this period, was that of the hanking system. It is related that I sliort time |)rior to the meeting of the eonven- ;ion which nominated Mr. Briggs, that in offering I toast at a banquet, he struck the key-note which made him the popular man of the hour. He said, "No l)anlv.* l)nt earth and they well tilled." This w.TS at once caught up liy his party and it did more to secure him the nomination than anything else. His administmtion was one void of any special in- terest. He lalxircd iu harmonious accord with his party, yet frequently exhiliited an independence of principle, characteristic of his nature. The Mis- souri boundary question which caused a great deal of excited controver.sy at this period, and even a determination to resort to .arms, was handled by him witli great ability. On Ids election as Executive of the State, Gov. Briggs sold out his mail contract, but after the ex- piration of his term of service he continued his residence in Jackson Country. In 1870 he removed to Council Bluffs. He had visited the western part of the .State liefore the day of railroads in that section, making the trip by carriage. On the occa- sion he enrolled himself as one of the founders of the town of Florence on the Nebraska side, of the I'iver and six miles above Council Bluffs, and which for a time was a vigorous rival of Omaha. Dur- ing the mining excitement, in I860, he made a trip to Colorado, and three years later, in company with his son John and a large part}', went to Montana, where he remained until the year 18(;.T, when he returned to hi> home in Iowa. As above stated. Gov. Briggs was twice mari-ied, his first wife being his comp.anion for a brief time only. His second wife Ijore him eight children, all of whom died in infancy save two, ami of these lat- ter. Ansel, Jr., died May 15, 1 8(;7, aged twenty- five years. John .S. Briggs, the only survivor of the family, iseditf)r of the Malm JIi^ntliL pul)li>hed at Blackfoot, Idaho Territory. .Mrs. Briggs died Dec. 30, 1847. while her hnsliand was (iovernor of the State. She was a devoted Christian lady, a strict member of the Presb^'tcrian Church, and a woman of strong domestic tastes. She was highly educated, and endowed liy nature with that womanly tact and grace which enabled her to adorn the high position her husbaml liad attainiMl. She dispensed a liounteous hospitality, though her home w.as in a log house, .and was highly esteemed and admired by all who met her. (tov. Briggs went in and out among his people for uiauy j-ears after his retirement from the execu- tive office, and even after his return from the Mon tana expedition. He was admired foi- his al)le services rendered so unselfishly during the jiioneer period of the now great and populous State. His Last illness, ulceration of the stomach, was of brief duriition, lasting only five weeks, indeed only three d.ays liefore his death he was able to be out. IIi> demise occurred at the residence of his son, John S. Briggs. in Omaha, Neb., at half-past three of the morning of May .5. 1881. His death was greatly mourned all over the State. Upon the following d.ay. Gov. Gear issued a proclamation reciting his services to the State, ordering half-hour guns to be fired and the national flag on the State capitol to be put at half-mast during the day upon which the funeral was held, which was the following Sun- day succeeding his death. ■ ^ B M 3;: I 5 = 1 a;:l : 1 : 1 : 1 5 I 3'. 3--; 3! I 3i;i ■"■n u U if! a-sssHia rSHr'r'r^H iir, ,,,,,,,,,, (jj^ GOVERNORS OF IOWA. Hi itgpAen :-8-^ -'-':^'>^VHkt5<-*=-^^ IKPHEX HEMPSTEAD, sec- ond Governor of Iowa, is a native of Connecticut, wliere, Mt New London, he was born Oct. 1, 1812. He resided in that State with liis parents until 1H2.S, when the family came West, locating upi^n a farm near Saint L(juis. This was the home of 3"oung Stephen until 1 830, when he went to Galena. 111., where he served in the capacity of a clerk in a commission house for a time. He was there during the exciting period of the IJlack Hawk troubles, and was an otticer in an artillery conii)any which had been organized for the protec- tion of (ialena. .\fter the defeat of Black Hawk and the consequent termination of Indian troubles, he entered the Illinois College at .Jacksonville, where he remained for about two years. On ac- count of difficulties which he got into about .-.ectJirianism and abolitifinism, he left the college anf the House where the Governor-elect deliv- ered his inaugural message, after which the oath was administered liy the Chief Justice of the Su- preme Court. This was an imitortant period in the history of the State, lieing at a time when the pu))- lic affairs were a.ssuming definite shape, and indeed it was what might be termed the formative period. The session of the Legislature passed many ini])oi't- ant acts which were approved by the Governor, and during his term there were fifty-two new counties formed, (iov. Hempstead in his message to the Fourth General Assembly in December, 1852, ju stated that amung othei' things, the population of " the State according to the Federal census was 192,- 214, and that the .State census showed an increase for one year of .'!7,78(). He al.so stated that there- sources of the State for the coming two yeai's jjg^ -wouhl be surticient to cancel all that part of funded ( debt which was payalile at its option. Among the numerous counties organized was one named Buncombe, which received its name in the following way: The Legislature was composed of a large majority favoring stringent corporation laws and tin' lialiility of individual stockholders for cor- parate debts. This sentiment, on account of the agitation of railroad enterprises then l)eing inaugu- rated, brought a large number of prominent men to the caiiital. To have an effect upon the Legis- lature, they organized a "lobby Legislature" and eh'cted as (Jovernor, Verplank Van Antwerp, who delivered to the self-constituted body a lengthy message in which he sharply criticized the regular General Assembly. Some of the members of the latter were in the lialiit of making long and useful speeches much to the hiudrauce of business. To u Dili pa these he es[>ecially referred, charging tlieiii with ; t speaking for •' Buncombe," and recommended that gf as a la.sting memorial a county should be called liy J that name. This suggestion was readily seized on "^i by the Legislature, and the countv of Buncombe a! ^ Sfcfl was created with few di.sseiitin g voices. However, ;l } the General Assemblv. in 1S(!l'. chan"vd the name ;-0l to Lyon, in honor of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon who was HC- killed in the early part of the Civil War. H.| The season of \H^>\ was one of great disappoint- pi ment to the pioneers of Iowa, and much suffering ;||] was the result of the bad season of that yeai'. By ~ Oj the year 1854, the State had fully recovered from ; J- the depression thus produced, and that year as well 3;[ I as the following, the emigration from the East was b"- uni)recedented. The [dairies of Illinois were lined a,; day after dav with a continuous caravan of emi- ;?} grants pushing on toward Iowa. During a single ;:} I month 1743 wagons liound for Iowa pa.-^sed through 3f| Peoria. St> remarkalile had been the influx of peo- ple into the .State, that in an issue of the Burling- ton Telegraph appeared the f(jllowiiig statement : "Twenty thousand emigrants have passed through the city within the last thirty days, and they are still crossing the Mississippi at the rate of (JDO a day." At the expiration of his term of .service, which occurred in the latter part of the year 18.')4. Gov. :l "I 1 Hempstead returned to his old home at Dubuque. : In 18.");j he w.as elected County Judge of Dubu(|iie l'^^ County, and so .acceptalily did he serve the peo|ile ;;& that for twelve years he was chosen to till that posi- : ttj tion. Under his administration the principal ^\ county building, including the jail. |)(n>rhouse, as S^J; well as some valuable bridges, were erected, si} Gwing to ill-health he was compelled to retire from J:} 1 public life, [lassing the remainder of his days in * quietude and repose at Dubuque. There until Feb. 10, 1)S83. when, at his home, the light of ~; his long and eventful life went out. The record ;|i he has made, which was an honorable and
  • tiu- ;i^v guished one. was closed, and Iowa wa,'^ called upon to mourn the loss of one of her most distingui-lied ; pioneer citizens. He had been an unusually useful ~1\ man of the .State and his services, which were able Jii and wise, were reixlered in that unseltish spirit i]\ H^ i which distinguished so many of the early residents ;h of this now prosperous State. ii \ _____ " 3l;l. li -, linn -t rMajgiinjj ._ ^, .... . ..^ M::-m^^.^ '^^^^^JTO))'!'' -t -t- ■t«.tg.t >.t»1b»feT..fc A..t.- A.I. -t.-T.-.T. ■■r..t., A^;r■^^■T>»t^.t■>t■^i.%jfej^^v■t■-■^f■-A■i■- A..-". A ■■■ -Y-.f- -t. -f..Aj. .-;-.,.t .t. .Y. ,.r. -J:': j^ - '""^ ' » AMKS AV. GRIMES, the third geiitk'iiiaii tu till the Kxecutive Chair of the State uf Iowa, was horn in the town of Deeriiig. Hilhsbur- oiigh Co., N. H., Oct. 20, isKi. His pai-ents, John and Kli7.al)eth (Wilson) Grimes, were also natives of the same town. \s 'Hu' former was liorn on liic 1 1 Ih of August. 177'i. and tlic mother March IH. 177."!. They liecame the |iarents of eigiit children, of whom •lamo was the yoiingc.~t and lie- came one of the most distingnisiie of lo'.va. He attended the district schools, and in eaily liiildiiood evinced an unusual taste for le.irning. l>e>ides .attending the district schools, tiii' village jiastor instructed iiim in (irceU ami Latin. After comiilcting his prepar- ations for college, which lu' did at Hampton Acad- emy, he entered Dartmouth College, in August, l.s.>2. wliich was in the si.xteenth year of his age. He was a hard student, advanced ra])idly. .ind in Felirnary, 188;), hid atlieu to the college halls, .and with .lames Walker, of Peterborough. .\. II., he lie- gan the study of his chosen profession. Feeling-that his native State afforded too limited advantages, and, in fact, being of a rather advent- urous disposition, as well as .ambitious, he desired I broailer fields in which to carve for himself a fort- ( une. He accordingly left the home that had sheltered him during his boyhood days, and turn- ing his face Westward proceeded until he had crossed the great Father of A\'aters. It was in l.s;5(), and young Grimes was infnt:itives of Des Moines Count}' in the first I^eoislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa, which convened at Burlington, Nov. 12, 1838; in the sixth, at Iowa City, Dec. 4, 1843; and in the fourth General Assembly of the State, at Iowa City, Dec. 6, 18;")2. He early took front rank among the public men uf Iowa. He was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in tlie House of Representa- tives of the first Legislative Assembly of the Ter- ritory, and MJi laws for the new Territory passed through Ills liands. Mr. Orinies liad liecome prominently identified witli tlic \\'liig party, and being distinguished as an alilc hiwyer. as well as a fair-minded, conscientious man, he was a prominent candidate for (ifivernor before tlic couvi'ution which met in February', 1854. It was tlie largest convention of that party ever rfrr held in Iowa and tlie last. He was chosen as a nom- U inee for (lovernor. was duly elected, and in Decem- ber, 1804. assumed the duties of the office. Shortly after his election it was [iroposed that he should go to the United States Senate, but he gave his ad- mirers to understand that he was determined to fill the term of office for which he had been chosen. This he did, serving the full term to the entire sat- isfaction of all (wrties. He was a faithful ])arty leader, and so aljle were his services that, while at the time of his election as (lovernor Democracy ji- reigned supreme in the State and its representatives Q in Congress were allied to the slave power, he j|| turned the State over to the Republican party. His term of office expired Jan. 14, 1858, when he retired from the Executive Chair, only, how- ever, to assume the responsibilities of a United States Senator. Upon the 4th of March of the fol- lowing year he took his seat in the Senate and was placed upon the Committee on Naval Affairs, upon 1 a D:^:'i! ;:a| i\\ wiiich he remained during his Senatorial career, J;} serving as Chairman of that important committee :^j^t- from December. lH(i4. .Ian. IG. 1864. Mr. Grimes Umk: ^r,,^ ;,o;)in chosen to represent Iowa in the Senate of the United States, receiving all but six of tlie votes of tlie (ieneral Asseinblj' in joint convention. His counsel was often sought in matters of great moment, and in cases of peculiar difficulty. Al- ways ready to firomote the welfare of the State, he gave, unsolicited, land worth §6.0(;)(l to the Congre- gational College, at Grinnell. It constitutes the " Grimes foundation," and '• is to be applied to the establishment and maintenance in Iowa College, forever, of four scholarships, to Ite awarded b\- the Trustees, on the recommendation of the faculty, to the best scholars, and the most promising, in any department, who may need and seek such aid. and without any regard to the religious tenets or opin- ions entertained by any person seeking either of said scholarships." These terms were imposed liy Mr. Grimes, and assumed July 20, 18G5. bj' the Trustees. He received the honorary degree of LL.D. in 18G5 from Dartmouth College, and also from Iowa College. He also aided in founding a public library in Burlington, donating §5,0(10, which was expended in the purchase of costly books, and subsequently sent from Europe 25G volumes in the (German language, and also contributed GOO vol- umes of public documents. In J.anuary, 18G9, he made a donation of $5,000 to Dartmouth College, and ^1. (Kioto the " Soci:d Friend," a literaiy society of which he was a mcm- l)er when in college. His health failing. Mr. Grimes sailed for Europe, April 14, 1869, remaining abroad two years, reaching home Sept. 22, 1871, apparently in im- proved health and spirits. In November he cele- brated his silver wedding, and spent the closing months of his life wMth his family. He voted at the city election, Feb. 5. 1872. and was suddenly attacked with severe pains in the region of the heart, and died after a few short hours of intense suffering. Senator Grimes was united in marriage at Bur- lington, la., Nov. 9, 1846. with Miss Sarah Elizabeth Neally. Mr. Grimes stood in the foremost ranks among the men of his time, not only in the State but f)f the nation. The young attorney who left the granite hills of New Hampshire for the fertile prairies of the West, distinguished himself both as an attorney and a statesman. His personal history is so inseparably interwoven in that of the history of the State that a sketch of his life is indeed but a record of the history of his adopted State during the years of his manhood and vigor. - 11 ;"i ;;i El m ::h ---1 "5 i\ i-\ i i m it m - .i\ ::i-i :;a ■ \\ '■-"^~ 'M- /?. {^^^-..OL^ a tHHHaSHJ ^ . (Hdrlclsi^O I r'r'i-'r'r'r'r'rir'r^r^g HiHHHr'r-'r'r'r'r'r'r'. OOVERXORS OF IOWA. ®>'<5XG)<^f< ri 123 ""♦o-@V^v®- ^_4-> 5^ Governor ,ALPH P. LOWE, the fourth >f the State of Iowa, was born in Ohio in the year hsOK, and like many other?; of the distinguished men of lowii. eame within her liiirders in early pioneer times. He was a young' man lint a little over thirty j'ears age when he erossed tlie great Father of Waters, settling upon its western bank at the then small vill- age of IMuseatine. lie at once identified liimself with the interests of the growing city, and ere long became quite [irominent in local affairs and of recognized aliilit}' in i|Mestions of public policy. He was shortly after- ward chosen as a representative frtmi iSIuscntine County to the Constitutional Convention of 1844, wiiich framed the Constitution which was rejected by tlie peo|(le. .Vfter tbi> constitutional convention, ^Ir. Lowe look no further part in public nuitters for a num- lier of years. lie removed to Lee Connt^ about 1S4;) or '.")<). where he became District .ludge as a successor to (ieoige II. Williams, who was after- ward famous as President (irant's Allorney (ien- cral. He was District Judge five years, from 1!S.")2 to 1H.57, being snc<'eeded by .ludgc Cl;iggett. In the smumer of l.s.")7 he was nominated by the Re- publicans for (Tovemor of Iowa, with Orau Faville lor Lieutenant-Governor. The Democracy put in the field Benjamin M. Samuels for Governt>r and George GiUaspj' for Lieutenaut-(jovernor. There was a third ticket in the field, supported by the American or •'Know-Nothing" iiarty, and liearing the names of T. F. Henrj' and Easton Morris. The election was held in October, IKoT, and gave Mr. Lowe 38,4y8 votes, against .'SOjOSS for Mr. Samuels, and 1,006 for Mr. Henry. Hitherto the term of office had been four years, but by an amendment to the Constitution this was now reduced to two. (Jov. Lowe was inaug- urated Jan. 14, 1858, and at once sent his first message to the Legislature. Among the measures passed bj- this Legislature were bills to incorporate the State Bank of Iowa; to provide for an agricult- ural college; to authorize the business of banking; disix)sing of the land grant made by Congress to the Des Moines \'allev Railroad; to provide for the erection of an institution for the education of the blind, and to provide for taking a State census. No events of importance occurred during the administration of (Jov. Lowe, but it was not a period of uninterrupted prosperity. The Governor Siiid in his biennial mes.sige of Jan. 10, 1860, reviewing the preceeding two j'ears: "The period that has elai)sed since the last biennial session has been one of great disturbing causes, and of anxious solicitude to all classes of our fellow-citizens. The first year of this period was visited « illi heavy and continuous rains, which ri-duced the measure of oiu' field crops below one-half of the usual jH'oduct. whilst the financial revnlsiim which commenced upon the Atlantic coast in the autumn of 1857, did %J M. II, II « fi^jja, 11 m It m m not reach its climax fur evil in our borders until the year just past." He referred at length to llie claim of the .State au-ainst the Federal (Tovernment, and said that he iiad appealed in vain to the Secretary of the Inte- rior for the payment of the o per cent upon the military land warrants that tiie State is justly en- titled to, which then approximated to a million of dollars. The payment of this fund, he said, "is not a mere favor which is asked of the General Govei-nment, but a subsisting right which could be enforced in a court of justice, were there a tribunal of this kind clothed with the requisite jurisdiction." Tlie subject of the Des Moines River grant re- ceived from the (iovernor special attention, and he ga\e a history of the operations of the State author- ities in reference to obtaining the residue of the lands to which the State was entitled, and other in- formation as to the progress of the work. lie also remarked " that under the act authorizing the Gov- ernor to raise a eompan}' of mounted men for de- fense and protection of our frontier, approved Feb. 9, 18i)8, a company of thirty such men, known as the F'rontier Guards, armed and equipped as re- quired, were organized and mustered into service under the command of Capt. Henry B. Martin, of Webster City, about the 1st of March then follow- ing, and were divided into two companies, one .stationed on the Little Sit>ux River, the other at Spirit Lake. Their presence afforded security and gave quiet to the settlements in that region, and after a service of four months they were disbanded. " Late in the fall of the year, however, gi-eat alarm and consternation was again felt in the region of Spirit Lake and Sioux River settlements, produced by the appearance of large numbers of Indians on the border, whose bearing was insolent and menacing, and who were charged with clan- destinely running off the stock of the settlers. The most urgent appeals came from these settlers, invoking again the protection of the State. From representations made of the imminence of their danger and the losses ah'eady sustained, the (iov- ernor summoned into the field once more the frontier guards. After a service of four or five months they were again discharged, and paid in the manner prescribed in the act under which they were called out." Gov. Lowe was beaten for the renominalion by Hon. S. J. Ku-kwood, who was considered much the stronger man. To compensate him for his defeat for the second term. Gov. Lo^^■(■ was appointed one of the three Judges under the new Constitution. He drew the short term, which expired in 1861, but was returned and served, all told, eight years. He then returned to the jirac- tice of law, gradually working into a claim busi- ness at "Washington, to which city he removed about 1874. In that city he died, on Saturday, Dec. 22, 1883. He had a large family. Carleton, one of his sons, was an officer in the Third Iowa Cavalry during the war. Gov. Lowe was a man of detail, accurate and industrious. In private and public life he was pure, upright and honest. In religious faith he was inclined to be a Spiritualist. :4n P M i ■-ill I i i i i I S-:i El : = i :-i ;ii li '^HHr'fl PiHHr'r'Vl tXZZXXXCtXXl ' i irinrrri rFi 1 1 Ji Sl^ T'Pl^ ^ Zjdxi.r'r^,^ ^ .c' !*< ♦ — JK-~» UK (iftli (Toverniir of Iowa was SaiiHR'l .1. KiikwDiiil. He was lioni in llaitford Cnuiity, M(I.. former pre- ceptor, which relations contiiuied for eigiit years. From 184.") to 1.S41I he served as Prosecuting Attorney of his county. In 1S4'.» he was elected as a Democrat to rc[)reseut his county and district in the Constitutional Convention. In l!^.")! .Mr. Bartley. his partner, having lieen elected to the Supreme .Judiciary of the .State. Kirkwood formed a i)artnershii) with liarnalias Barns, witii whom lie continiu^d to practice until the spring of 185.T. when he removed to the West. Up to l8o4 Mr. Kirkwood h:id acted with tiie Democratic party. But the nu'.-isures proposed and sustained that year by the Democracy in Congress, concentrated in what was known as the Kansas- Nebraska Act. drove him with hosts of anti-slavery Democrats out of the [larty. He was besought liy the opposition in the "Richland District" to be- come their candidate for Congress, but declined. In IS.').") he eanu^ to Iowa and settled two miles northwest of Iowa Citj', entering into a partnership with his i)rother-in-law, Ezekiel Clark, in the mill- ing l)usincss. and kept aloof from public affairs. He could not long conceal his record and abilities from his neighbors, however, and in ISoO he was elected to the State Senate from the district com- 11 M ■\fmm] ,mM W^ M ■' mi JHwwHliwiiimii ; Q ; " lEfldilJp nria rrzxnEurrnixrnxninaci mrtirfi rrrTrnr^pEa ixi rkn Uirhqiriirii 1^ 1 28 ijnimmTTTrTXTiiiiTmrm I SAMUKL J. KIRKWOOn. If I T r rrxl fiT II I frri frfrxr firi I i 3-;i mm posed of the counties; of Iowa and .Tohiisoii, and served in the last session of the Legislature held at Iowa City and the first one held at Des ^loines. In I.S.»i) Mr. Kirkwood was made the standard- hearer of the Repuhlieans of Iowa, and though he had as alih' ami pdiudar a eonipetitor as (ien. A. V. Dodge, he was elected (ioveruor of Iowa liy a majority of over ;!.0()(l. He was inaugurated Jan. 11, IsCid. llrfore the ex|)iratiou of his fii'st term eanie the great t ivil ^Var. As (iovernor, during the darkest (hiys of the Rebellion, he performed an exeeedingh" iiuiioitant duty. He seeure(l a prompt resjionse hy volimteers to all requisitions by the Federal Coxerninent on the State for troops, so that during his ( Jovernorshii) no "draft" took place in Iowa, and no regiment, except the first, enlisted for less than three years. At the same time he maintained the .State's financial credit. The Legislatiu'e, at its extra session in l.S(il, authorized the sale of *.S()0,000 in Ijonds. to assist in arming and ecpnpjiing troops. So frugally wa.s this work done, that but ^t^oOK.OOO of the bonds were sold, and the remaining ^.300,000 not having lieen re(piired. the lioiiiU repre.senting this amount were destroyed liy order of the succeeding Legis- lature. In October, l.s(;i,(;ov. Kirkwood was, with com- paratively little op|)osition, re-elected — an honor accorded for the first time in the history of the State. His majority was al.iout Ls.Odll. During his second term he was appointed liy President Lincoln to lie ^linister to Deiunark, but he declined to enter ui)on his di|ilomatic duties until the expir- ation of his term as (iovernor. The position was kept open for him until that time. but. when it canu-. pressing private liusiness comi)ell<'d a dccliu- ation m had liegotten in him an ar- S-lJ royant aiul dictatorial manner, borne with hundily J'] until then by his colleagues, in deferenci' to his 5|;j Hi 3';i 3M 3':1 hing experience and eminent ability. Imt nnpalata- JJ ble to an independent Western Senator like Kirk "" wood. At the close of his Senatorial term. .March 1 1SU7, he resumed the jiractice of law. which a few JjiJ years later he relimpiished toacceiitthe I'residency 3,iJ of the Iowa (-'ity Savings I'.ank. In l.sT.") he wis 3^11 again elected Governor, and was inaugurated Jan. 31^} lo, 187(i. He .served but little over a year, as p[ earlv ui LS; / he was chosen United States Senator. :[:' He tilled this jiosition four years, resigning to be- qjiij 3Sl come Secretary of the Interior in President (iar field's Cabinet. In this office he wa ncceeded, 31! April 17, l.s,S2. by Henry 31. Teller, of Colorado. |W Gov. Kirkwood returned to Iowa City, his home, Unt where he still resides, being now advanced in years. S^h He was married in 18-13, to 3Iiss -lane Clark, a na- 3^} five of Ohio. '^\ In I ssCi Mr. Kirkwood «:is nouunated for Con- ¥i\ gress by the Uepulilicans of his district. Consider- 3|[ .able interest was manifested in the contest, as lioth j'^" the Labor and Democratic })arties had pc.ipular can- : lates in the field. J Bob Ar^ ^K:^^ riiiriiiirTTmmii 1 . N^^^^-, II 35 1 351 I! ii 3i;i 3=1 s;i 3"! 3-- 1 3:: I ■ =4 "1 ^Ac/fe2~^ L4.LLLLLLLU M ' » — o♦o•■@^x^©-«»♦o — <<-. ILLIAM M. STONE, the ^ixtli (Governor of Iowa, was born Oct. 14. 1827. His parents, Truman and La- vina (North ) Stime. who were of English ancestry, moved to Lewis County, N. Y.. when William was hut a William's grandfather, Aaron Stone, was in the second war with En- gland. When our suliject was six 3-ears of age his parents moved into Ohio, lo- cating in Coshocton Count}'. Like many nther self-made men. AVilliam ]M. had few advantages. He never attended a school of any kind more than twelve months. In boyhood he was for two seasons a team-driver • 111 the Ohio Canal. At seventeen he was appren- ticed to the chairmaker's trade, and he followefl that Inisiiiess until he was twenty-three years of age, reading law meantime during his spare hours, wherever he happened to be. He commenced at f'oshoeton, with .lames Mathews, who afterward liceame his father-in-law; continued his reading with Gen. Lucius V. Pierce, of Akron, and finished "ith Ezra B.Taylor, of Ravenna. He was admitted to the bar in August, 18yl. by Peter Hitchcock and Rufus P. Ranney, Supreme Judges- holding a term of court at Ravenna. i i 1 I After practicing three years at Coshocton with his old precejjtor. James Mathews, he. in November. l.S.'>4, settled in Knoxville, which has remained his home since. The year after locating here Mr. Stone purchased the Knoxville Jminiril. and w.a.s one of the prime movers in forming the Republican jxirty in Iowa, being the first editor to suggest .a State Convention, which met Feb. 22, 185(i. and completed the organization. In the autumn of the same year he was a Piesidential elector on the Re- publican ticket. In April, 1857, ^Ir. Stone was chosen Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District. He was elected Judge of the Sixth .Indicia! District when the new Constitution went into operation in 1 8,58, and was serving on the bench when the American flag was stricken down at Fort Sumter. .\t that time, April. 18(;i, he was holding court in Fairfield, Jefferson County, and when the news came of the insult to the old flag lie immc I ,rm tzxxrm nrmTXTiri 1 1 r r jJfttt: n mm mm rrr-m r TT r I ^tXXXCX.C^XXXHXXXXXXXXXmX!X7T rziixiixixTiirxiExxrKi' 111. 132 willia:m m. stone. PH u bH V: M PI lip, d: n" ,1M^| he was paroled for the time of fortj' days, with orders to repaii- to Washington, and if possible secure an agreement for :i cartel for a general ex- change of prisoners, and to return as a prisoner if he did not succeed. P'ailing to secure that result within tlie period specified, he returned to Rich- mond and had his parole extended fifteen days; re- ])airing again lo Washington, he effected his pur- pose and was exchanged. In August, isi;2. he was appi^inted l\v (4ov. Kirkwood Colonel of the Twenty-sec(md Iowa Infantry, uhicli rendezvoused and organized at Camp Pope, Iowa Cit}', the same month. Tlie regiment was occujiied for several montlis in guard- ing supply stores and tlie railroad, and escorting suj)ply trains to the Army of the .S(jutheast Mis- souri until .Tan. '>7. lH(io, when it received orders lo join the army under (Jen. Davidson, at West I'lains, Mo. After a march of five days it reached its destination, and was luigaded witli the Twenty- first and Twenty-thinl Iowa regiments. Col. Stone comman elected by a very large majority. He was breveted Brig- adier-General in l.s('i4, during his first year as Gov- ernor. He was inaugurated Jan. 14. 18()4,and was re-elected in 18G5, his four years in oftice closing Jan. IG, 1868. His majority in 18(i3 was nearly 30,000, and in 18(Jo about IG.oOO. His diminished vote in I860 was due to the fact that he w-as very strongly committed in favor of negro suffrage. Gov. Stone made a very energetic and efficient Executive. Since the expiration of his guljernatorial term he has sought to escape the public notice, and has given his time to his private business interests. He is in partnership with Hon. O. B. Ayres, of Knoxville. in legal practice. He w-as elected to the General Assembly in 18< / and served one term. In May, 18.57, he married Miss Carloaet Mathews, a native of Ohio, then residing in Knoxville. They have one sou — William A. : a : ri ::ri - 0- :.i - fi a::lJ 5'- 1 : 1 3:; kt ^.^^.J S:l :=i El n\ iii 1 ;^i m i i ♦g;g*s;&*sis*^s*e;g -o*o-®^^V®-< ^-^ A3IUEL MERRILL, (lovernor from 186« to 1872, was born ill Oxford County, Maine, Aug. 7. 182-2. He is a de- scendiiiit on lii.s mother's side of Peter Hill, who eame from England and settled in Maine ill l().j3. From this ancestry have sprung most of the Hills in Ameri- ca. On his father's side he is a de- cendant of Nathaniel Merrill, who came from P>nglaiid in 163fi,and lo- cated in Massachusetts. Nathaniel had a son, Daniel, who in turn had a son named John, and he in turn begat a son called Thomas. The hitter was liorn Dec. 18, 1708. On the 4th of Aug- i>t. 1728, was liorn to him a son, Samuel, who w:l^ married and liaburg. It fought under ilcClernand at Port (ubson, and while making the famous charge of Black River Itridge, Col. .Meriill was severely wc)unde(l through the hip. He was laid u|> from tiie 17th of May to .fanuary. when he again joined his regiment in Texa.-. and in .lune. I.sfi4. on account of suffering from hi.- wound, lesigned and returned to Mc- (iregor. hi IsC.T Mr. Merrill was chosen (Jov- ernor of the State, being elected \i\Hm the Repub- lican ticket. He .served with such .satisfaction, that in l«(i',i he was re-nominated anil accordingly elected. Under the administration of Gov. Merrill, the movement foi- the erection of the new .State Hou.se was inaugurated. Tiie Thirteenth ( General Assembly jirovided for the building at a cost of 11,500,0(10. anil made an appropriation with which to begin the wm-k of xi .-|i).(i(iii. With this -uni the work was begun, and Nov. 23. 1871. the corner stone was laid in the presence of citizens from all jjarts of the State. On this occasion the (Tovernor delivered the address. It was an historical view of the incidents culminating in the labors of the day. It was replete with historical facts, showed patient research, was logical and argumentative, and at times eloquent with the fire and genius of American pa- triotism. It is a paper worthy of the occasion, and does justice to the head and heart that con- ceived it. During the gubernatorial career of Gov. Mer- rill, extending through two terms, from Janu- ary. ISd.s. to .lanuary. I.s72. he was actively en- gaged in the discharge of his official duties, and probalily no incumlient of that office ever devoted himself more earnestly to the public good, stand- ing by the side of Gov. Fairchild. of Wisconsin. The two were instrumental in placing the slack- water navigation between the Mississippi and the Lakes in the w.ay of ultimate and certain success. The (iovernor treated this subject to great length and with marked ability in his message to the Thir- teenth (u-neral Asscmlily. and so earnest was he in behalf of this improvement, that he again di.scussed it in his message to the Fourteenth General Assem- bly. In the instigation of the work the Governors of the different States interested, called conventions, and through the deliberations of these assemblies the aid of the (Jeneral Government was .secured. Samuel Merrill was first married to Catherine Thomas, who died in 1847, fourteen months after their marriage. In .lanuary, l.S;")l,he was united in marriage with a Miss Hill, of Buxton, Maine. She became the mother of four children, three of whi>m died young, the eldest living to lie only two and a half years old. After the expiratitm of his public .service he re- turned to McGregor, but shortlv afterward removed to I)es .Moines, where he is now residing, and is President of the Citizens" National Bank. Thus lirietly have been pointed out the leading featui-cs ill the life of one of Iowa's most [tromi- nent citizens, and one who has made an honoralile record both in public positions and private enter- prises. He is highl_y esteemed in the city where he resides and is regarded as one of the faithful rep- resentatives of the sons of New England. In stat- ure he is fully six feet high and finel}- proportioned ^/T^'^Smf YRUs c -J—JK- CLAY CARPENTKH. (iuvernoruf Iowa t'loiu l^Ti' to IMT."), iiK'lusivu, was lioni ill Susquehanna County, I'a., J, Nov. -24, l.S-29. He was left an orplian at an early age, his mother (lvin in 'j;^ surveying the counties of Kmniet and Kossuth. -j On his return to Fort Dodge lie found the land- ,14 Ju, office, which had been established at that iilace, 1 tp^ was about to open for the sale of land. Being familiar with tlie coiinliy and the location of the iiest land, he oi>ened a private land-(tl1iee, and found constant and prolitalile eiii|)loyinent for the following three years, in platting and surveying lands for those seeking homes. During this i)eriod he became extensively known, and, being an active Rei)ublican, he was chosen as a standard-bearer for [^^ his section of the .State. He was elected to the Legislature in the autumn of 18o7. In l.SfJl, (jn the breaking out of the Rebellion, he volunteered and was assigned to duty as Commissary of Sul)- sistence, inucli of the time being Chief Commissary of the left wing of the Kith Arinv Corjis. In istU he was i)romoted Lieutenant-Colonel and assigned to duty on the staff of (ien. Logan, as Chief Com- missary of the l.oth Army Corps. He continued in the service until the close of the war, and in August, 18G5, wa.s mustered out. Upon the close of his service to his countr}' he returned to his home at Fort Dodge, but, owing to St) manj' changes whicii iiad taken |)lace, ;uid such an influx of enterprising men into the city, he found his once prosperous business in the hands of ii 1 U w^ i I Si 1 LI t IlfJlJ|lJ^IJLXIlJaJLU[ IIl 1 niriJUtxoajtxxxx j , ; i" I lllll rfTTTTrn tTTTTTT .'. i.yp'W^ irxxxxxunrntxtinftiiixx.izr ^^*I W fTl'i- r.»j« it iriJ ii-iiiii»i>iJti-r j ' Af*SjJ^ xiTX-ZTXTtrx.ttx-t I ri 1113:1:11:1:1:1 uiidM)^ irrtn. 1 Bi:^ 1 10 CYRUS CLAY CARPENTER, the improve- ment of :i piece of land, where lie remained nntil liis election, in the autumn of ISGC, as Register of tiie State Land-OMice. lie was re-elected in 1868, and refused the nomination in 1870. This i)osition took him to l)es 3Ioines, liut in 1870 he returned to Eort Dodire. Durinii' the sunnner of the follow- ing jear he was nominated hy the I\ei)nl)lican Jiartv lor (Governor. He was elected, ami inaugurated as Chief Executive of Iowa Jan. 11, 1872. In 1873 he was renominated by his party, and October 14 of that year w.as re-elected, his inauguration taking ]>lace Jan. 27, ls74. Cov. Carpenter was an aide, po})ukr and faithful Executive, and was regarded as one of the most honest, prominent and unselfish ollicials the State ever had. Plain, unas>uming, modest, he won his pulilic [xjsition more through the enthusiasm of his friends than by any personal effort or desire of his own. Everywhere, at all times and upon all occasions, he demonstrated that the contidcnce of ins friends was justified. He took an active part in the great (pu'stion of monopolies and trans|iortation evils, which during his adininis- tiatioii were so i)rominent, doing much ti^ secure wise legislatu)n in these respects. Gov. Carpenter has been regarded as a i)idilic speaker of more than ordinary ability, and lias upon many occasions lieen the orator, and always appreciated by the people. At the expiratiirti of his second term as Governor ;\Ir. Cai'iienter w.-is appointed Second Comptroller of the United States Treasury, which position he resi"iied afti'r a service of fifteen months. This step Mas an evidence of his luiselfishness, as it was taken because another P)ureau ollicer was to be dis- missed, as it was held that Iowa, had more heads of Hureaus than she w.as entitled to, and liis resigning an office of the higher grade saved the position to another. In Lssl he was elected to Congress, and .served with ability, and in the Twentieth General Assendily of Iowa he represented Webster County. Gov. Carpenlcr was married, in ]\larcli, 1 S(U, to Miss Sn>an liurkhohler, of Fort Dodge. No chil- dren have been born to them, but they liave reared a niece of !Mrs. Cari)entei's. During his entire life Mr. Carpenter has been de- voted to the principles of Reform and the best interests of all classes of citizens who, bj' adoption or by birth-right, are entitled to a home upon our soil and the protection of our Laws, under the great charter of '■ Life, Libert}' and the Pursuit of Ilap- j>iness." In an address in 18r)2 he took advanced views upon the leading subjects of public interest. He had already laid the foundation for that love of freedom which afterwards found an anqtle field f)f labor with the Republican party. There was noth- ing chimerical in his views. He looked at every strata of human society, and, from the wants of the masses, wiselj^ devined duty and prophesied clestin}'. He would have the people of a free Republic edu- c;ited in the spirit of the civilization of the age. Instead of cidtivating a taste fi i' a species of liter- ature tending directly to degrade the mind and deprave the heart, thereby leading back to a state of superstition and consequent barbarism, he would cultivate princijiles of temperance, industry and economy in every youthful mind, as the indispens- able ingredients of good citizens, or subjects upon whose bai;iier will be inscribed Liberty, Equality, Frateniity. Thus earl}' in life Mr. Carpenter saw the destined tendency of our American institutions, and the ad- vancing civilization of the age. He saw it in the peace congress, whose deliberations ha\e made the Rhine thrice immortal. He saw it in the i)rospect- ive railwa}', which he believed would one day unite the shores of the Atlantii' with those of the Pacific — a fact I'calized by the construction of the great continental railway. It was thus earl}- that he began to study the wants of the world, and with what clearness and directness may be seen by the correctness of his vision and the accomplishment of what he consid- ered an inevitable necessity. Thus, growing up into maidiood, and passing on- ward in the rugged pathway of time, disciplined in political economy and civil ethics in the stern school of experience, he was prepared to meet every emergency with a steady hancl ; to liring order out of disci>rd,and insure harmony and jirosperity. (■ov. Carpenter is now engaged in the quiet pur- suits of farm life, residing at Fort Dodge, where he is highly esteemed as one of her purest minded and m(.ist upright citizens. i Ill i ''fffl u^^^ n i . \ ,i...«-»»^-|fg««tyn: j>,iiiiiiiiinii>'i"'>'hi'yiMVaS aa GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 143 ( )SIIUA G. NEWBOLD, the ninth Governor of Iowa, is .1 native of Pennsylvania. He Comes from that excellent stock known as the Friends, who very early settled in New .Jersey. .Joshua G. is the son of BarziUa and Catherine (House) Newbold, and was born ■J in Fayette County, May 12, 18:50. He was born a farmer's l)oj' and was reared in the vigor- ous em[)loyment of farm work. When he was eight j'earsof age the family moved to Westmoreland Count}-, Pa., where, in the common ^iliools and in a select school or academy, young Ncwliold received liis education. When sixteen \ lars of age he accompanied the family on their re- 1 11111 to Fayette County. Here for the following eiglit years he assisted Ids fatlu-r in running a Hour- : ing-niill as well as devoting much of his time to leaching scliool. When about nineteen years of :iuc our subject began the study of medicine, de- \oting much of his time while teaching to his med- ical liooks. He, however, abandoned tiie idea of l>ecoming a physician and turned his attention to ilift'erent walks in life. In the month of Mardi, 1854, Mr. Newbold re- moved to Iowa, locating on a farm, now i)artly in ilie coriwration of Mount Pleasant, Henry Count}'. At the end of one year he removed to Cedar Township, Van Kureii County, tliere mercliandising and farming till about 1800, when he removed to HilLsboro, Henry County, and pursuiMJ the same callings. In 1862, when the call was made for 600,000 men to finish the work of crushing tlie Hebellion, Mv. Newbold left his farm in the hands of his family and iiis store in charge of his partner, and went into the army as Captain of Company C, 2;')th Regiment of Iowa lufantr}-. He served nearl}- three 3-ears, resigning just before the war closed, on account of disability. During tlie last two or three mcmths he served at the South lie filled tlu' position of .Judge Advocate, with headquarters at Woodville, Ala. His regiment was one of those that made Iowa troops famous. It arrived at Helena, Ark., in November, 1862, and sailed in December following on the expedition against Vicksliurg 1iy way of Chickasaw Bayou. At the latter place was its first engagement. Its second was at Arkansas Post, and tiiere it suffered severel}^ losing in killed and wtjunded more than si.xty. After Lookout Mountain it joined in the pursuit of Bragg's flying forces to Ringgold, where it en- gaged tlie eiiemj' in their strong works, November 27, losing twenty-nine wounded. The following year it joined Sherman in his Atlanta Campaign, then on the famous march to the sea and through the Carolinas. On returning to Iowa he continued in the mer- Pl mi im im ffH u M I ixti-inmi ijtAixiJi tniJii* 1 1 ;.v;."r7Tr.7771 :,v,-;;rrrr r7.-. •■■■■■-■ ' ^rtXTJTXiTtiTwBSkmstxixxxx ■ «"»"p^T^TTI»»>'g XKXkl'KlXXU • r^T^-, I^- 144 (^rai JOSHUA G. NEWBOLD. wm 1 I at;?' cantile trade at Hilljl)oro for three or foiir ,years, and then sold out. ijiving thereafter his whole at- tention to agriculture, stock-raising and stock-deal- ing, making the stock department an important factor in his business for several years. Mr. New- bold was a member of the 13th, 14th and l/ith (Gen- eral As.sembiies. representing Henry Countj% and was Chairman of the School C'r)nimittee in the 1 4th, and of the committee on approjjriations in the l.jth (ieneral Assemlily. In the l.ith (1874) he was tem- porary Speaker during the deadlock in organizing tile House. In 187.) he was elected Lieutenant Governor on the Republican ticket with Samuel .T. Kirkw(jod. His Democratic competitor was E. D. Woodward, who received 93,060 votes. Mr. Newbold received 1. '54, 100, or a majority of 31,106. Governor Kirk- wood being elected United States Senator during that session, Mr. Newbold became Governor, taking the chair Feb. 1. 1877. and vacating it for Gov. (iear in .lanuaiT. 1878. (iov. Newbold's message to the Legislature in 187iS, shows painstaking care and a clear, liusi- uess-like view of the interests of the State. His recommendations were carefully considered and largely adopted. The State's finances were then in a less creditalile condition than ever before or since, as there was an increasing floating debt, then amounting to §340,826.56, more than $1)0,000 in excess of tiie Constitutional limitation. Said (iov. Newbi)luiig man, he caine "West to Burlington, where he has since continued to reside, her most distinguished citizen. Shortly after his arrival in the young city, he embarked in his mer- cantile career, engaging at the time with the firm of Bridginan & Bros., in the capacity vf a clerk. Remaining with tiiis firm for a little over a year, he left them f-iC3L-< ; ncr:^ ; ot^^ ■ GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 151 s^^ fr^ JpiTS"^ -^5=5 \^NK of the most' clistiuguislR'binswledge of tlie English branches. Ilis father, who was a me- clianie, advised him at the close of his studies to :ipi)rentice himself to leain .some trade. He ac- cordingly made such arrangements with S. Aj'ers, of .Mmira, to learn the trade of a watchmaker. In 1 s.")."). however, he left this position and joineil his family on their removal to the tlien new State of Iowa. They settled upon a piece of unbroken jn-ai- ric hind on what is now Gcneseo Townshi]i. T.nmn County, his father having previously purchased land from the Government. Here Buren R. laliored diligently in developing his father's fields, devoting, however, leisure hours which he was granted, to the study of law. Before leaving his Eastern home he had decided upon that profession and began its study while yet in Almira. He soon secured a ]io- sition as a book-keeper in a neighboring town, and with the wages earned there, materially assisted his father in the development of their home farm. In the meantime he had applied himself diligently to the .study of his bo^lks, and so studious had he been that in the summer of lH.")fi, he was enabled to pass a creditable examination and to be admitteerous practice, when ^Ir. Sherman withdrew to tender his services to the (iovernment in defense of her integrity and honor. It was early in 1 si; 1 , directly after the enemy had as.s!udted the American flag on Sumter, that the Vfiinig attornov enlisted in Co. G. 1 .'1th Iowa A'ol. n li m ;K3^ tLia j p ci k^ c; cui ts_^ ji^S It^ i tajco-x ixjjim Aittl-i I U 1 1 M n Ti i't I ' 1 1 rrrrxiii 1 1 x i rxin rrfiri rixri i - 152 BUREX R. SIIERIMAX. Inf., and imniecliately went to the front. He entered the service as Second .Sergeant. :nid in February. l.s(;2. \va.-< made .Second [lieutenant of Company K. On tlie ilth of April following he was very severely wouinU'd :it the battle of I'ittsbnrgh Landing, .■mil while in the lio>pit;il was promoteil to the rank of C'iiplniu. lie returned to his cominuiy while yet ol)liged to use liis crutches. ;inil remained l^^l ,in duty till the sumnu-r of l.sd.;. when. Iiy reason of "' '"' liis wound, he wa.-. compelled to resign ami return home. Soon after returning from the arm}' he was il; >|t elected County .Judge of Benton County, and re- ssl' elected without ojniositicm in 1S(1,'). In tiie autumn ffl hi of 1866 he resigned his judgeship and accepted the ,^^1 office of Clerk of the District Court, to which he ^^^ w:is re-elected in 1.SG8. 1M70 and 1S72. and in December. 1 s7 -I. resigned in older to accept the ollice of Auditor of State, to which office he had l)een elected by a nuijority of '2>>,i'2't over J. M. King, the "anti-monopoly" candidate. In ISTG he was renominated and received .j().272 more votes thjin W. {irowneweg (Democrat) and Leonard IJrowne (Greenb.ack) together. in \X7S he was again chosen to represent the Republican party in that office, and this time received a major- ity of 7,104 over the combined votes of Col. Eiboeck (Democrat) and O. V. Swearenger ((Green- back ). In the six j-ears that he held this office, he was untiring in his faithful application ti) routine work and devotion to his special share of the State's business. He retired with such an enviable record that it v\as with no surprise the people learned. June 27, 1881, that he was the nominee of the Re- publican party for Governor. The campaign was an exciting one. The (ieneral Assembly had submitted to the people th<> prohibi- tory amendment to the Constitution, i'his, while not a partisan question, became upiscrmost in the ^HH niiud of the ]iulilie. Mr. Shermnn received 133,- l 330 votes, against 83.244 for Kinne anil 2.s,l 12 for ■^^ I D. M. Clark, or a plurality of .")().()86 and a major- itj' of "21,1)74. In 1 s.s;', lie was re-nominated by the Re])ublicans. ;is wi'il ;is !,. (i. Kinnc liy the Democrats. 'IMie National party offered .1. 1!. Weaver. During the campaign these candidates held a number of joint discussions at different points in the State. At the election the vote was: iluii! m Sherman, 164,182; Kinne. 13'.),093: Weaver, 23.- 08!); Siierman's plurality. 25,089; majority, 2,000. In his second inaugural Gov. .'"iherman said : " In assuming, foi- the second time, the office of Chief Magistrate for the State, I fully realize my grateful obligations to the people of Iowa, through whose generous confidence I am here. I am aware of the duties and grave responsil>ilities of this ex- alted i>osition, and as well what is expected of me therein. As in the past I have given my undivided time and serious attention thereto, so in the futiue 1 promise the most earnest devotion and untiring effort in the faithful performance of my official re- quirements. I have .seen the .State grow frtmi in- fancy to mature manhood. anhysical and finan- cial condition, no wonder our hearts swell in honest pride as we contemplate the past and so confidently hope for the futuie. What we may become de- pends on our own efforts, and to that future 1 look with earnest and abiding confidence." (iov. .Sherman's term of office continued until .bin. 14, 1886, when he was succeeded by William Larra- bee, and he is now, tem])orarily. jierhaps. enjoying a well-earned rest. IIeh.i> lucn ;i Reindilicau since the organization of th:it p.-nty. and his services as a campaign speaker h;ive been for m;uiv years in oreat demand. As an officer lie has bi-en able to m;ike .Mil enviable record. Himself honoralile and thorough, his management of pulilic business ha- been of the same character, and such as has com- mended him to the approval of his fellow-citizens. He was iiKtrvicd. Aug. 2ii, l.s(;2, to Miss Lena Kendall, of Vinton, lown. a young lady of rare ac- conipli.-hments and strength of char.acter. Their union has been happy in every re«;i,:ui(l the twelfth gen- fig^ tk'iimu selected hy the pet>i)le as the C'liief jVIagis- trate of the great C'oni- niomvealth. is a native of Connecticut. His ancestors were ninong the French Huguenots who lame to America early in the seventeenth '•enturv and located in Connecticut. At iliat time they bure the name of d'Larra- bee. Adam Larrahee, the father of Will- iam, was born March 14, 17x7, and was line *)f the early gi'aduates of the West I'oiut ^lilitary Aeademj-. He served his couiitiy during the AVar of 1812, with distinction, holding the jHjsition of Second Lieutenant, to which he was commissioned March 1, 1811. He was jn'o- moted to the Captaincy of his company Feb. 1 . 1814, and on the 30th of the following March, at the battle of Lacfile Mills, during (ieii. Wilkinson's campaign on the Saint Lawrence River, he was severely wounded in tiie lung. He eventually re- covered from the injur}' and was united in mar- riage to Hannah (i. Lester. This much esteemed lady was born June 3. 1 798. and died on the lath of Marcli. 1.S37. Capt. Larrabee lived to an ad- vanced age. dying in 186!), at the age of eighty- two years. As above mentioned, William, our subject, was born in Connecticut, the town of Ledyard being the place of his birth and .Ian. 20, 183-2. the date. He was the seventh child in a family of nine chil- dren, and passed the early years of his life upon a rugged New England farm, enjoj-ing ver}- meager educational advantages. He attemled, during the winter seasons, the neighboring district schools until he reached the age of nineteen years, when, during the following two winters, he filled the posi- tion of schoolmaster. He was ambitious to do .something in life for himself that would bring fort- une and distinction, but in making his plans for the future he was embarrassed by a misfortune which befell him when fourteen j'ears of age. In being- trained to the use of fii-earms under his fathei's direction, an accidental discharge resulted in the loss of the sight in the right eye. This conse- quently unfitted him for many employments usually sought liy ambitious 3-oung men. The familv lived near the seashore, only two miles away, and in that neighborhood it w.is the custom for at least one son in each fanuly to go u|)on the sea as a sailor. The two eldest brothei-s of our subject had chosen this occupation while the third remained in charge of the home farm. William was thus left free to chose for himself and, like many of the youths of that day, he wisely turne(l his face AVest- ward. The year 18.53 foiniil him on this joiiiiiev toward the setting sun, stopping only when he came to the broad and fertile i>r.'uries of tiie new State of lywa. He first joined his elder sister. Airs. 11 ^jfB ij 1 i^l i 1 I w itriTmni ; tunxtLinir imrrrrmnt I xiini-iixnxxxxui -irTTTrjnxmTTTii 156 WILLIAM LARRABEE. •3CT E. II. AVilliiinis, who was at tliat tiiiif living- at Garnavillo, C'laytun County. It was this circum- stance which led the joung boy from Connecticut to select his future home in tiie northeastern por- tion of Iowa. He resumed his occupation as a pedagogue, teaching, however, Ijut one winter, hThj which was passed at Hardin. The following three RRj years he was employed in the capacity of foreman p^l on the (i rand Meadow farm of his brother-in-law, .Tiidge Williams. Ill l.s.")7 he bought a one-third interest in the Ij Ij! ClernKjnt Mills, and located at Clermont, Fayette K^' County. He soon was able to buy the other two- thirds, and within a year found himself siile owner. He operated this mill until 1H74 when he sold to S. M. Leach. On the breaking out of the war he offered to enlist, but was rejected on account of the loss of his right ej-e. Being informed he might TJVJjfi possibly be admitted as a commissioned officer, he u ni raised a company and received a commission as iJ ^ First Lieutenant, but was again rejected for the same disability. After selling tiie mill Mr. Larrabee devoted him- yU self to farming, and started a private bank at Cler- h niont. lie also, experimentally, started a large ^- nursery, but this resulted only in confirming the belief that Northern Iowa has too rigorous a cli- mate for fniit-raisiiig. Mr. Larrabee did not begin his political career until 18G7. He was reared as a Whig and became a IJepublican on the organization of that party. Wliile interested in politics he generally refused local offices, serving (Jiil^' as Treasui'er of the Sciiool B(jard [irior to 1SG7. In the autumn of that year, on the Republican ticket, he was elected to represent his county in the State Senate. To ipja; this high position he was re-elected from time to time, so that he served as Senator continuously for KiBighteen years before being promoted to the high- liiest office in the State. He was so popular at home J: [i that lie was gener.allj' re-nominated by acclamation, and f(jr some years the Democrats did not even make nominations. During the whole eighteen 3'ears Senator Lari-abee was a member of the prin- cipal committee, that on AVays and Means, of which he was genei-allj- Chairman, and was also a niemlier of other committees. In the pursuit of the duties thus devolving upon him. he was indefatigable. It is said that he never missed a committee meet- ing. Not alone in this, Init in jjrivate and ]>ublic ]>usiness of all kinds, his uniform habit is that of close application to work. JNIany of the imixirtant measures passed by the Legislature owe tiieir ex- istence or present form to him. He was a candidate for the gubernatorial nomina- tion in 1881, but entered the contest too late, as (lOV. Sherman's following had been successfully organized. In 188.5 it was generally conceded lie- f(jre the meeting of tlie convention that he would be nominated, which he was, and his election fol- lowed as a matter of ct)urse. He was inaugurated Jan. 14, 1 880, and so far has made an excellent (iovernor. His position in regard to the liquor (piestion, that on which political fortunes are made and lost in Iowa, is that the majority should rule. He was personally in favor of high license, but having been elected (iovernor, and sworn to up- hold the Constitution and execute the laws, he pro- poses to do so. A Senator who sat beside him in the Semite de- clares him to be " a man of the broadest compre- hension and information, an extraoidinarilv clear reasoner, fair and conscientious in his conclusions, and of Spartan flrmness in his matured judgment," and says that " he brings the jiractical facts and jihilosophy of human nature, the science and Jiis- tory of law, to aid in his decisions, and adheres with the earnestness of Jefferson and Sumner to the fundamental principles of the peoi)le's rights." Gov. Larrabee was married Sept. 1 2, 1 8G 1 , at Cler- mont, to Anna M. Appelman, daughter of Capt. G. A. Ajiiielman. Gov. Larrabee has seven chil- dren — Charles, Augusta, Julia, Anna, Williiun, Frederic and Helen. r. a :':vr: ; ;1 ;: -1 : T. : 1 owa. WT^-. O gTi a XT'i 'g f^ r rxrixi-i nutura ii r xnn tjn ' - i •tiirrrriia il i !El as' 1i on ill DEI all DEI BEl an P! ^\ B'tll 1 iijjiirjcmiinii >- A AJ iJ-.r-.i-.r^r-M " m ¥ 1 T R TrirTTT^iU irrrrxifT I rtrtnyif Mrr ininTmimiiii ■ 1 1 1 X I TTZxmmuxixxxi luriTBgJ^ ■■'■■■■■"■■ *v ■%»' i^ii^ry| cr£ii t-i.t.| ^ J i-i-ixurxixT ■ ao^ -rrrr..:::: rr7~. l^&fS^ [nrmrammxxiinnTiTrxTT . an Ml pi Hi B:i til ill a£i I 1 3i; tHHl . mi-mlMixtii I:: ■i 1 he 1-: u: \% IS 1=' m INTRODUQT^ORY.IP- -o- :=:^ KS»«(iii>»-Sfe«^ /Tf .^ [HE time has arrived when it becomes the duty of the people of this county to per- petuate the names of their pioneers, to furnish a record ■^-^.,, °^ their early settlement, -n'^'T'^"-^^^^^ and relate the story of their iji-fff' °' progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age and the duty that men of the pres- ent time owe to tlieir ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In bio- graphical history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the l^eople who contributed to raise this coujitry from its primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to tlieir graves. The number re- maining who can relate the incidents of the first days of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and [ireser- vation of events without delay, before all the early settlers are cut down by the scytlie of Time. To be forgotten has been the gieat dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most e.irnest efforts of their friends to perserve tlie memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. The pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people to perpetuate tlie memory of their achievements. The erection of the great obelisks were for th.e same purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their great achievements and carry them down the ages. It is also evident that tlie Mound-bu'lders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — to leave soncthing to show th.it they had lived. All these works, though many ot them costly in the ex- treme, give |jut a faint idea of the lives and charac- ters of those whose memory they were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the maLisoleums, monumeuis and statues are crum- bling into dust. It was left to tiiodern ages to establish an intelli- gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and this is through the art of printing. To the present generation, however, we are in- debted for the introduction of the ndinirable system of local biography. By this system every man, though he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages. The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which his chil- dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. To preserve the lineaments of our companions we engiave their [lortraits, for the same reason we col- lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to wait until ihey are dead, or until those who know them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to publi-ili to the world the history of those whose lives are unworthy of public record. 1:J I:: 1 m :b - LLII-ETTTITTtr i tlTnTTT T w-tTTttrimfTm r rttt^Tsramrnx rxxx^xt: mmn t ixu mmiTHiin ■LUTTnim at- 1 |i i =-;■% m ITSty?ITTTXm UlIXXI-lAT 1 1 APTAIN M. M. HICK, tlio present Mayor of Oskalousa, and whor>e jwirtrait we give 111! the oppo.-iite i)age, is a native of l"'ranklin County, ( )liio, wlierc lie was horn March 17. |s.;i;. It being generally lielievefl that heredity and environment have iniieh to do with the furmation uf charac- ter, and that our lives are stimulated by the immediate or indirect intluence of onr ancestors, a short resume of the lives of Mr. Rice's parents may serve the index to the liberal and humane inii)nlses which mark his daily life and which have won for him the esteem of those who know him. .Ia.son Uiee, his father, was a native of X'ermont, and possessed many of tho.se traits so prominent in the New Kiiglaud character. He emigrated to Ohio at an earlj' da>- in the historv of that great State, and in fact, when the territor3' was practically a wilderness. His wife, the mother of Capt. Rice, and who.se maiden name was Jnlia Lathrop, was a native of Connecticut, and. like her husband, possessed many of those remarkable characteristic traits of the original New Knglander. This couple were married in Ohio, in liSiit, and ft)r the following twenty years lived in that .State. They then came to low'a, being among the early pioneers of the State. 'I'iiev located for a short time in Mrihaska 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 in Cn Count}'. Kan., and the subject of our sketch. Capt. .M. .M. Rice was educated in the common schools and in the Iowa \\''estern University at Mt. Pleasant. He grew up to manhood, active and patriotic, and in August, 180'2, ottered himself to his country by enlisting in the 40th Iince been connected svith it as business manager. On his return from the West Mr. Leighton was united in marriage with Hester A. Wray, the niar- liage ceremony taking place Sept. 21, 1870. Mrs. L. is a daugiiter of Wile3' and Hannah AVray, ancf was born Dec. 13, 1850, in Shelby County, Ind. Two children were born of this union, both of whom died young. Mr. Leighton is a member of , the M.iscmic fraternit}-, and has attained the Knight ; Templar degree, being a member of De Paj'ens Commandery, of Oskaloosa. He is a thorough, practical l)usiness man, who as a citizen aiul friend commands the respect of all. Politically he is a •'true blue" Republican. illOMAS LYONS, one of the most intelligent and well-informed citizens of Pleasant Grove Township, was born in County Down, in the North of Ireland, in March, 18-2.5. He came to America when a young man, in 1848, located in Philadelphia, and engaged in merchan- dising for three years; then disposing of his busi- ness he went to Michigan, and after a residence of four years in that State came to Iowa in l^!.j.■), and located. On April 18, 18,50, he was united in mar- ri.ige with Miss Anna .1. Lester, born in his own county, in Ireland, and they became the parents of : three children, of whom David is the present rep- : resentiitive of this county in the (ieneral Assembly of Iowa; .\nna is deceased; .lane is the wife of .lames Sturiieim. .-lud live^ in X:is>au. Iowa. Mr. 11 ;u.: 'U : Lyons is an uncompromising He[)ublican, and his position as leader of the party in this section of the count3' has never been disputed. Both he and his wife are members of the United Presbytei-ian Church. Mr. Lyons' first purchase of laud, on coming to this county, was forty acres; later on he added a quarter section, and at the present time is the owner of 160 acres of some of the finest soil in the township. His land is in the highest state of culti- vation, with first-class improvements. Thomas Lyons is a scholar and a student, and possesses a large fund of information on all topics of general interest. He has the haj^ijy faculty of being able to express himself readily and foi'cibl3-. He is of genial disposition, and his home is one of genuine hospitality, where friends and acquaint- ances delight to go, and where they receive a gen- erous welcome. yALLACK T. WOLCOTT is a member of the firm of Wolcott ife Jackson, dealers in fresh and salt meats. New Sharon. He was born in Monroe Countj', N. Y., Oct. 18, 184(!. His parents, C. M. and Margaret (Parker) Wolcott, were also natives of the Empire State, and were there united in marri.age in 1842. In the 3-ear 1855 the familj- came to Iowa, settling in Powe- shiek County, where the^' engaged in farming. The father died in October, 1884; the mother is still living, and resides in Greele3- Count3-, Neb. There were seven children in this famil3': Martin P., Wallace T., Lyman; Belle is the wife of J. C. Bagg, and lives in (;reele3- Count3-, Neb.; Wheeler died at the .age of thirty-two years; Leman and Diana. The subject of this sketch, Wallace T. Wolcott, was reared on the farm, educated at the public schools of Montezuma, and subsequently taught school a few terms. In 1803 he began mercantile life as a clerk in a general store in Montezuma, and Continued in that Imsiness until 1800, when he es- Udilislu'd a restaurant at Montezuma, and followed that business for eighteen months. He then re- lic was engaged in moved to Forest llonio. when i II !l,iini l\l^ »itS®n -iniir^nrxxiimriruTuiiixir iTnrmrxTxixrm rirmnuii 172 MAHASKA COUNTY. I I general merchandising' until 1N75, when he removed his business to Ewart; he then, in 1.S7S, disposed of his goods and removed to Ronks County, Kan., where he homesteaded IGO acres of land, and took up a lilve amount as a timber claim. The crops proved a failure, and he returned to Iowa in 1881, located in New Sharon, and has since conducted a meat-market in that eit3', and is doing- a most ex- cellent Ijusiness. In .Inly, ls7<>, Mr. Wolcott was married to Mar^- K. Ivisor, a daughter of .James and Lavina Kisor, of this county. .She was born in Knox County, Ohio, Oct. 1"-'. IS tit. They are tiie i)arents of eight children, four yet living — William, Kdith, .lames and Alice. Mr. Wolcott is a member of Mahaska Lodge No. ."i.S(i. A. F. ife A. M., of which he is the Secretary-. In his political afliliations lie is a niendier (if the National Greenback party. He was Postmaster at Forest Home for seven jears, and has also served as Township Clerk and .Justice of the Peace. Mr. Wolcott is very [Kipulai- anidng tlic people wliere he resides, and has made his [iresent business a success where others have signally faileil. He is a pleasant gentleman in liis social and business re- lations, honorable and upright in his dealings with liis fellow-men, and respected and esteemed gen- erally. ^OHN /AKlN(i is a retired farmer living on section 1), Cedar Township. He was born in Oldham County. Ky.. Oct. S, isod, and is the son of Phillip and Massa Zaring. The^' were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Indiana at a very earlj- date in the settlement of that place, and lioth died there. .John Zaring came to this county in the fall of l.St'J. He was mar- ij ried to Martha Little in IHiC. She was the daugh- i| ter of Ale.Kaudei' and Rachel (Hiibin^ou) Little. whom died in Washington County, lud., where she was born in 1804. Mr. and Mrs. Zaring are the pai-ents of ten children — William ^\^, Kli, Eliza .].. Alexander. Lydia, Alvin. Rachel. Sarah, Philip and .1. W . The mother of these children died .Vpril I, l.s7L Mr. Zariug is a member of the Methodist Episco- Sfc3 both of m^ pal Church, and a Republican politicallj-. He is the ownei- of a ([uarter section of fine hind, all in good cultivation, with the best class of imiirovements. He has retired from the active pursuit of his lite- long occupation, and has a sufticiencj' to enable him to enjoy his declining j^ears in a comfortable, pleas- ant way. He has been a long-time resident here, and in all these years no blot or stain has appeared to mar his excellent reputation as a Christian gen- tleman and citizen. !-*-#■" -^ ENRY W. LUNT, a wealth}' and intlucntial farmer and stock-grower, owns and occupies a fine estate on section 24, in Richland psj Township. He is a native of the (4reen |ii Mountain State, having been born in Orleans jSi County, .lau. 7. 1 s;5U. His father, .Johnson Lunt, |^]i w-as born in Littleton, N. II., Aug. 25, 170(j Hei! is a farmer b}' occupation, and is still living at the 5|i old homestead in \'ermont. The mother of our J^i subject, Mrs. Sarah (Boynton) I^unt, was born 1 1 in Compton, Lower Canada, in 18()G, and is yet siji living. There were eleven children in the family, Ih all of whom grew to niiituritj', and ten are still liv- 3^1 ing, the youngest being forty years of age: liar- Si riet, the widow of William Dearborn, lives in Or- leans County, Vt. ; Elias lives in Boxton, Mass. ; Sfjj Charles lives in Orleans County, ^ t., as does alsi .4manda, the wife of Juel Dustin ; Moses and Aaron J-: reside in .Jasper Count3^ Iowa; Heiiiy W., of this 5? sketch; Asa lives in Prairie Township, this count}'; :!; Gardner died in Richland Township in 1882, leav- 3 ing a familj^; Mar}- Jane, Mrs. George Parlington, | and Emma, the wife of Lewis Nye, live in Orleans | County, ^'t. ;: Henry W. Liint, the subject of this sketch, was lirought u|) on the farm, receiving in the meantime an excellent comiuon-school education. He left his native State in 18.57 for the West, and came as 5^1 far as Logan County, 111., where he remained a few years, W(_)rking by the montii. In LSlll he was united in marriage with Miss .Mattic W., a daugh- J^j ter of Robert W. and Mary Ann (Rumford) Gard- Bel ner. Mrs. Lunt wa> born in Milmington, Del., and removed with her parents to Illinois in 1851. Our ilt'i 'K'HH'r'i-'r^ 1 JJrrirr rm rriTriTt » MAHASKA COUNTY. \- w "i 1 ; i;i a? 'I ■is 1 ■ 1 1 1 ti:: T : 1:: 1 : I : i:: 1 ; 1 : 1 : \ : !:■: V-: v: Ti - 1. : subject nn^-^^ ON. DA^TD L. LYONS, of Pleasant Grove Tow'nship, was born in Oakland County, Mich., in 1851, and is the .son of Thomas and Ann (Lester) Lyons (whose biography see elsewhere in this i)Ook). He is the eldest child '-f a family noted for their intelligence, sound judg- ment and sterling worth. He arrived in Iowa with his parents, Feb. l.'i, 18.");'), and lived upon the farm with his father until he became of age, receiving in the meantime a good education. He was united in marriage with ilifs .lane llaz- lett, .March 4, 1874, and they are now the pareiit> of four childicii : l-iluier T., born Aug. I s, ls7li; Samuel R., March G, ls7'.t; Walter C. l.SHl, and Olive, July 10, 1884. .Mr. Lyons is a member of the Republican party, jind at the eh'ctiun held Nov. ."i, iss,'). was elected Reiireseiitative in the (ieneral Assembly of Iowa, in which position he ae(iuitted himself in a manner creditable to himself and constituent>. Our subject is the owner of l(!(i acres of good land, under excellent cultivation and well improved. In addition to his own land he cultivates a large portion of that belonging to his father. David Lyons comes of that sturdy stock. North of Ireland people, who [lossess unusual force of character, and a large amount of unadulterated common sense. His convictions upon all questions, moral or otherwise, ari' of the po.sitive order, ami he is equall}' as positive in the expression of his views. He has been very successful in life, the re- sult of energy, industry and good management. He is an estimable citizen in all respects, and en- joys the confidence of a large circle of friends. jf^ RNEST II. (. 11U5S, capitalist of Oskaloosa. ra is one of the prominent and representative Jir^ men of Mahaska County. He is a native of iSIa-ssachusetts, born in Blandford, Feb. 10, 1848, and is the son of Israel M. and Cleotha V. (Fitch) Oibbs, the former also a native of Blandford, Mass., but of English descent, tr.acing his connections to an old family in Yorkshire, Kngland. His grand- father Gibbs was a wealthy farmer, possessing an estate of nearlj' 1,000 acres adjacent to the city of Blandford. He was a buyer and shipper of stock, in which he was veiy successful, realizing a handsome fortune. The subject of this sketch was reared in his na- tive town, where he attended the common schools until he was .seventeen years old, and then entered upcui a course of ?liidy at Wesleyan Academy, W'ilbraham, Mass. From llieie he was .sent by his father to Fairlield Sfiiiinary, at Little Falls, N. V., hut Instead of remruning there he continued oii his w;iy West, practically rumiing away, and going to .\mboy, ill., where lie hail relati\cs. He i)ros- pected ariiinul for some time and then purchased at fm^n m mi 'i&GCB,i ^^: UXEKi: KZXllIltiilllJIi C i.iJL3a lUL i.i n Kr& :i rxxxx3 txxx xxxrx:) I xix_ t I^jj^ 'iixixixxuLzxrinajiTimaxi::!., &2XXX_IIITII> 174 MAHASKA COUNTY. i: Aj auction a piece of [)njpert>' near the city limits, which he sold at snftlcient profit to give him a good start without any investment. He then entered the P^xchange Bank of Amboy with George Ryan, where he remained fur two years, until August, 1868. From Amboy he went to Parkersburg, Iowa, and in company with his brother, I. M. Gibbs, opened an Exchange Bank and did a large collection busi- ness over a wide extent of territory. Thirteen niiintiis later he disposed of his interest there, came to Oskaloosa, and established the Union Savings Bank, in compan^^ with a cousin. Dr. II. L. Gibbs, and the brother with whom he had been formerly .associated. They operated until 1874, when the Doctor withdrew, the busi«ess being conducted un- der the firm name of Gibbs Bros., in the building now occupied b}' Mr. Gibbs and the Farmer's and Trader's National Bank, which they erected that year for banking purjjoses. Three years later, Mr. Gibbs organized the Farmer's and Trader's Bank, but soon afterward withdrew that he might give his attention solely to his private business. In 1882, Mr. Gibbs, in company with Judge Crookham and others, was instrumental in the organization of tire Mahaska County Bank, and the Oskaloosa Insur- ance Company, the latter sul)sequently being trans- ferred to Des Moines. Shortly after becoming a citizen of Oskaloosa, Mr. Gibbs was united in marriage, April 1, 1871, with Miss Martha J. White, a daughter of John and Martha J. White. (See sketch of John White). Of this union there was one sou, who was born Feli. 12, 1874, and died Aug. 11, 1876, and one daugh- ter, Nellie, born Sept. 21, 1877. Since coming to Oskaloosa Mr. Gibbs has led a very .active life, and in every enterprise calculated to build up or advance the interest of the place, he has been a leading spirit. Without disparagement to others, it can tiuthfully be said that in the mat- ter of public and private buildings, he has done more for Oskaloosa than any other citizen. The fine brick block now occupied liy II. L. Spencer & Co., wholesale grocers, was erected by him; also the Times Block, which was destro^'ed b}' lire Dec. 22, 1886. At the time of its destruction Mr. Gil)bs was in Chicago. On receipt of a telegram giving an account of the fire, he hastened home, and witliin I two hours after his arrival, had twenty men work- ing at the ruins, and within sixty daj's had the building re-erected and ready for occupancy. Such enterprise is indeed commendaljle. In erecting this building in the dead of winter, with the thermome- ter half the time below zero, he showed what could be done when there was a will back of it. In building at that season of the j'ear, Mr. Gibbs gave employment to many to whom the work was a (iod-send, enaljling them to provide more com- forts for their families than were usually enjoyed during the inclement season. In the building of the Rock Island and othei' railroads now centering in Oskaloosa, Mr. Gibbs took an active part, devoting much of his time and more of his money to secure their construction to this place. In the various banking and manufac- turing enterprises he has invested liberall3' of his means, and is a stockholder in the greater number. Since the death of his father-in-law, John White, Mr. Gibbs has carried out the plan of the latter in issuing scholarships in Oskaloosa College, which are donated to those persons who are made eligible for such gifts under the college law. In this way he is | doing great good. i Politically Mr. Gibbs is a Democrat, one who believes strongly in the principles of that p.arty, and who is ever ready to give a reason for the faith that is in him. As a Democrat, his counsel is sought by the leaders of the party in both county S i and State. He was mainly instrumental in estab- lishing the Oskaloosa Times, the onl^' Democratic paper in the county, and for a short time was its editor. That he designed the paper should be a permanent fixture in Mahaska Count}' politics, is evidenced from naming the block in wliich it is printed, the "Times Block." Though defeated in the State Convention as a delegate to the National Convention in 1880, it was on account of his known adherence to Mr. Tilden. He was, however, elected an alternate. In 1884 he was chosen a delegate to the National Demo- cratic Convention on .account of his devotion to Tilden, he being his claim until he retired from the field, when he was for Cleveland, recognizing that | [ uiliiout New York his party could not succeed, and believing that Cleveland could carrj' that LiT^c'rT^f'l hr'r'r'r'rl : imuxmiutTrxxi ti^SS MAHASKA COUNTY. 17. J State. Tlioiigli now out of politics, Mr. Oibbs h.is siTved as :i nieml)er of Stjite Central Committees, and Chairman of Congressional and County Com- mittees. As a gentleman who has materially aided in the worthy business projects of this community, Mr. (libbsis highly valued. As a neighbor ;uid citi- zen, he is fulfilling all his obligations in a highly creditable and faithful manner. The family occupj' ;i handsome residence, surrounded by all the com- forts anil many of the luxuries of life. RS. HARRIET AVILLHOITE, of Adams Townshij), was born in Owen County, Ky., Feb. G, 1823, and came to this county in 1 844. She was married, April 1 3, 1 843, to James M. Willhoite, also a native of Owen County, Ky., born Oct. 24, 1817, and who died in this County April 8, 1857. He was reared and edu- cated in his native county'. In 1851 he came to Iowa, located in Mahaska County, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was a good man in every sense of the word, a loving and indulgent husband and father, a kind neighbor, and a valued member of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Willhoite became the parents of seven children, as follows: John H., born Nov. 1, 1844, married Miss Cynthia Green and lives in Adams Township; Mary E., born Aug. 21, 184G, married Marion Bass and is living in Pratt Connty, Kan.; William T., bom Aug. 31, 1848, died the same V'car; Willis J., boru Oct. 25, 1849, married Miss Josie Wymore, and is living in Adams Town- ship; Lucy A. was born Oct. 2, 1852, and died in 1859; James W., born Nov. 8, 1854, died in 1870; Miranda M., bom Maj^ 31, 1850, "married Byron Parr, and is living in Monroe Township. Mrs. Willhoite came to this county in the days when luxuries were unkuown, and when it was a continuous struggle to obtain that which was es- sential to health and fair living. If it required courage on the part of a man to brave the hard- ships and privations of pioneer life, what did it not require on the part of woman to endure these same trials.'' In everv instimcc where .sacrifice was nec- essary, the i)ioneer women seldom failed in courage and endurance, and the country is indebted for its development and progress as much to the noble wives and mothers, who performed their duties bravely and faitiifiilly, as to the sterner sex who wielded the ax and guided tlie plow. Those days have now passed with the subject of this sketch, who is living in peace iind plenty' at the old home- stead she assisted in establishing, and, surrounded by her children and a host of warm friends, dwells as mucli in the i)ast, perhaps, as in the present. Mrs. Willhoite is a member of the Baptist Church, with which she became connected thirty-flve years ago. Henry B. Stringfellow, father of Mrs. Willhoite, was born Jan. 19, 1790, in Cul[)epcr Count3% Va., and died July 2, 18,S4; Elizabeth Stringfellow, his wife, was boru Oct. 11, 1800, in Stafford County, Va., and departed this life in March, 1876. They were married in Franklin Countj% Ky., March 20, IS 17, and in 1822 united with the Baptist Church, with which the}' were connected the remainder of their lives. With one exception all their children were born in Owen County, Kj-., and the record is as follows: M. S. was born March 2, 1818; J. A. S.. Jan. 2. 1820; H. S., Feb. (i, 1823; M. J. S., Feb. 10. 182G; E. ¥. .S., July 15, 1827; A. E. S., May 13, 1832; J. H. S., Aug. 19, 1834; G. W. S., Aug. 16, 1837; W. B. S., the j'oungest, was bom in Ma- ha.-ika County. ^/AMES WINDER, decea.sed, the second man to settle at New Sharon, was a native of Ross Countjs Ohio, and was born on the 19th day of March, 1812. He was raised a farmer boy until he arrived at the age of eighteen years, when he left the farm and learned the trade of carriage-making. Five years later, Oct. 22, 1835, he was united in marriage with Eliza Allbright, who was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., .May 26, 1813. They liecame the parents of eight children, one of whom died in childhood and seven attained their majority, as follows: William W. is a barber at New .Sharon; Francis resides at Oskaloosa; Nancy is the wife of Jared Rockwell, at New Sharon; Hope became the M 11 ill! \im HTXiTxxnr; J.1 mi im' xxxraDxrxrmrnnTmrm [ rapui m-n rxi cTZJXi iXJXT HTrrrT - rt IrmxixirxmirxnmiiTrxmi 170 MAHASKA COUiSITY. wife of Benton Rakestiaw, and died Jul}' 25, 1868; Charlotte is the wife of (ioodnian Strom, and lives in Prairie Township; .loseph A. resides in Dickin- son C'onnty, Kan.; Aimer J. is railroading in Kan- sas. In IHob JMr. Winder removed to Champaign County, Ohio, and woiked at carriage-making until 18,o2. when he loaded his family and household goods int(_> a covered wagon and started for the further West. After a journey of twent3-one days they arrived in Mahaska County, and settled on a farm at Center (J rove, near the present city of Oskaloosa. Here he jjurchased about seventy acres of land, on which the familj' resided while ]\Ir. Winder worketl at carpentering. In 1857 he sold his little farm, and removed to what is now New Sharf)U, where he Had erected the second dwell- ing in the place. He continued to work .at the car- |)enter trade as long as his health permitted, and departed this life Aug. 21, 1881. His wife still survives, and resides at New Sharon. In his political affiliatious Mr. \\'inder was in eaily life a Whig, and afterward a Republican, and was frequently honored bj' the people with im- l)ortant local offices. Religiously he was a member of the Soeietj' of Friends. Mr. Winder was the lirst Postmaster at New Sharon and the first mer- chant of that little cit}'. He will be remembered b\- many of our earlier settlers as a man of excel- lent Christian character, industrious, hard-working, strictly conscientious, and in all respects a man of estimable character. ~ta£j2A^^^ .^-SWoTIi.. ()N. THOMAS R. OILMORK, proprietor of 1,030 acres of valuable land in Harrison Township, resides on section o5, where he is extensively engaged in farming and stock- raising. He was born in Ohio, April 30, 1825, be- ing a son of Francis and Sarah (McBride) Oilmore, both natives of County Cavin, Ireland. Their par- ents came to America while they were children, and settled in Oliio while it was yet a wilderness, and the gieater [jortion of it occupied by Indians. They were united in marriage near Cadiz, Ohio, Dee. 20, 1811, and of the union there were born seven children, as follows : William (decea.sed). Mar- garet, John, JIary A. (deceased), Sarah. Thomas R. and Samuel. The mother of our subject died in 1840, and her husband, Francis Gilmore, in 1840. Thomas R. (ii'.more, accompanied by his brother Samuel, emigrated from Ohio to this county in 1853, where both have since made their home. The greater part of the farm of our subject is in a high state of cultivation. The buildings and other improvements are the finest in all that section of the county, and it may be truthfully said that, tak- ing this farm as a whole, it has no superior in this county. The marriage of Thomas R. Oilmore and ^liss Catherine IMilligan, a native of Tuscarawas Ck>unty Ohio, was celebrated on the 7 th of November, 1854, and after a brief interval of happy married life, the j-oung wife died a few months later, on June 7, 1855. Mr. (4ilmore was the second time man-ied. Jlay 12, 1800, to Miss Ellen Steele, a na- tive of Ireland, and of this union there were born four children: Clara E., now the wife of James T. Koger; \\illiam R. ; Jessie D., the wife of R.J Woody, and Charles ^'. The latter died Dec. 20, 1884. The mother of these children died Sept. 1, 1873. On the 29th of December, 1875, our subject was married to his present wife, formerly France- nia E. Wilson, and to them have been born two children — Harry AV. and JIabel C. Mr. Oilmore is a man of liberal education, pos- sessing broad and intelligent \'iews upon the lead- ing questions of pulilic interest. At the earlj- age of fifteen years he began a classical course of study at New Athens, Ohio, but afterward changed to Jefferson College, whence he graduated in 1 84G with the honors of his class. After graduation he spent a few months teaching, and then engaged in farming and stock-raising, which he has since fol- lowed. Of the latter Ijranch of business he makes a specialty, raising and shipping large numbers of cattle and horses annually. Politically Mr. Gilmore is a Republican, and though not an office seeker, has been twice honored by the suffrage of his fellow-citizens. In 1874, by reason of the removal from the State and resigna- tion of Hon. James A. Young, Mr. Gilmore was ; ii M elected Senator to fill the vaennoy thn:* occasioned, and in the year l.sT.'i was re-elected, and served a full term of fonr years in the General Assembly of Iowa, filling this honorable position in a creditable manner. Both himself and wife are inlliicntial members of the Tnited Presbyterian Chnrch. #^- --v f^^ a. TURNER, the "village blacksmith" of ^^^ Oskaloosa, was born in Hemphill County, "|l^j) Mass., April 20, lf<27, and is a son of .lohn — and Hettie (French) Tnrner. .John Tnrner, a native of Lancashire. England, came to America when a yonng man. In the old eonntry he was a boss si)inner in a woolen factory. His wife was a native of .Massachnsetts. They were the parents of two. children, our subject, and Lyman, who is de- ceased. Mrs. Turner died when our subject w.as a child, and his recollection of his mother is very faint. His father was again married, at Conway. Mass., to Miss Emily F. Fuller, and the three chil- dren born to them have all passed aw'ay. In 1S4:) John Turner removed to .Sumner County, 111., where he died the following year; Mrs. Turner died in 18(50. Upon the death of his mother the sub- ject of this sketch was adopted by Robert Robert- son, b}' whom he was reared to manhood. He at- tended the common schools of that day in the old- fashioned log cabin, with its open fireplace and slab seats without backs. When young he began to learn blacksmithing, and being a natural mechanic, learned it rapidly and thoroughl3^ At the breaking out of the Mexican ^^'ar. Mr. Turner enlisted in the .5th Indiana Infantrj-, which was recruited by the (afterward) celebrated Gen. .lames Lane, of Kansas notoriety. The regiment was made up and sent to (tcu. Scott in Mexico, and our subject served with the command until the close of the war, when he returned to Indiana. Feb. 7, 184'J, he was married to Miss Hannah, a daugh- ter of Moses and Jane (Adair) Buutain. She was born in Highland County, Ohio, .July 1, IS.'JI, and her father was one of the earl}' pioneers of Ohio. Mr. and .Mrs. Buntaiu were the parents of eight children, five of whom are still living, to wit : Moses and Eli live in .Miami Count}", Ind. ; .Mar}- 1:1 A. became the wife of Robert Robertson; Jane is } Mrs. Iliram Mowry, of Cass County, Ind., and [ HaiMiali. M\: Buutain was a soldier in the W.ar of ft^S \si-2. antl died when Mrs. Tnrner was a small child. Her mother was a member of the Baptist Church, - ^g^ ^ Mr. and .Mrs. Turner soon after their marriage U went to Fulton County, 111., where our subject }: built a shop and followed his trade for several years. F'rom there he removed to Miami County, Ind., jind subsequently to Big Rapids, Mich., and in .luue, I Hfifi, to Otronto, Wis. Two years later, in isiis. he cMuu' to Oskaloosa. where he has since resided. During the late war he was drafted, but was exempted by reason of having been a soldier in the Mexican War. In early life he was an abo- liti- i u 11 Sli It- \ :\\ 5-[i 2.V S-h 5^ a i I! t>^^^:i^\t>^^'<:-^<- ■^IJOHN LISTER was born in Countj' Down, Ireland, and came to this countrj- in 1849, locating at once in Pleasant Grove Town- ship, this county. Here he purchased 365 acres of excellent land, has brought it to a high state of cultivation, and has good improvements on the same. Feb. 23, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Aseuath Northrup. They have become the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living: Joseph C. is at home ; IMargaret J. is the wife of J. Wj'more, of Pleasant Grove Township; John, Will- iam F., Robert L., David, Thomas, Fred, Charles E., and an infant unnamed, are at home. Those deceased were James G and Asenath. In his political relations Mr. Lister is a Repub- lican, and himself and wife are members of the United Presbj'terian Church. He brought with him from Ireland a love of liberty and a laudable ambition to succeed in his new home. Coupled with these was energj', industry, and the abilit}' to manage his affairs prudently and economically, and he has succeeded in securing a fair share of the wealth of the world. He is a man of splendid intel- ligence, well posted on current topics, and able to discuss them in an able manner, and to give a reason for the opinions he has upon any and all subjects. a 3i m ^ ■ //■ c/^^^^>-nn irrriCTi-mi r-ir^Hr^r^^ [1 iTTTil'^'^rii M MAHASKA COUXTY. 181 €APT. L. J. ALLEX, Chief Maislinl of the eitj' of Oskaloosa, was born in Uatli, Steuben Co., X. Y., Jul}- 31, 1.S33, and is the sou of Jesse and Sarah (Lanniuu) Allen, natives of Xew Ilanipsiiire, who settled in Steuben Count}- at an early day. About the year 1 840 they removed to Oakland County, ^licli., where they remained until 1S4S, when they removed to Iowa, and are at pres- ent living in Deeatur Count}'. They are the par- ents of four sons and one daugliter: Charles, a farmer of Decatur County, lowu; Oliver P., of Cur- rant Creek, Col., who has been a member of the Legislature of that St.ate; L. J., our subject; Ed- ward, a soldier in the late war in the 3d Iowa Cav- alry, who, while serving in Arkansas, received in- juries by the falling of his horse that have disabled liim for life ; Albert J., also a soldier in the late war, was a member of Co. B, 19th Iowa \'ol. Inf., and particii)ated in all the engagements of that com- mand. He was taken prisoner at ^lorganzie Ba}-, on the MississipiJi and sent to Pai-a, Tex. The rebels robbed their jirisoners of their shoes, and their line of march cijuld lie followed by a trail of blood. He is a resident of Decatur County, Iowa, where he has been twice elected to the office of Sheriff. Jlr. and Mrs. Allen arc at presmt vcsidint! in Leon, De- catur Co. Iowa. The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools. He was married at Fair- field, Iowa, in 1856, to Miss Martha Xoble. Two ciiildren are the result of this union, Curtis and Everett P., who are now in Chicago, and engaged in the business of steel-fitting. Capt. Alien enlisted in 18(j2 in Co. B. I'Jth Iowa \ himself and friends, was honored with a re-nomination to the same position in 1886 by the unanimous vote of the Republican County Convention. He is a mem- ber of the Masc)nic fraternity. 5^^ -~w ~x«jia2/©^^^| •/^S^aa j*v. -w^w li 11 El 1! ^^EORGE W. LAFFERTY, senior partner of III (=p the law firm of Lafferty ifc ^lorgan, Oska- ^^51 loosa, and a resident of Mahaska Countj- since July ,16, 1864, was born in Mercer County, Pa., April 9, 1840, and is the son of AVilliam and Sarah A. I^afferty. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, in which State his father died in 1854; his mother departed this life at Oskaloosa. Mr. Lafferty was educated at Westminster College, in Lawrence County, Pa., and possesses very liberal acquirements. He enlisted in April, 1861, as a member of the Mercer Rifles, which organization subsequently became a part of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. His first term of service was for ninety days. In July, 1861, he re-enlisted in the service for three years, and served until Maj- 31, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge. During his enlistment he participated in the second battle of Bull Run, at Chancellorsville, Fredericks- burg, the battle of the Wilderness, and nian}^ other engagements in which his company and regiment took part. He served continuouslj' in the Army of the Potomac, and it is his proud boast that he was always ready for dilty, was never in the hospital, and never rode in an ambulance. After his return from the army jMr. Lafferty re- 1 il rnained only a short time at his old home and then came to this citj". Here he entered the law oflice of Hon. John R. Xeedham, ex-Lieutenant (iov- cinoi' of Iowa, read law for a time, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1805. .Sliortly after his ad- niissic)n he formed a partnership with his preceptor, which continued until the death of Mr. !Needhani, -luly 8, 1,S(;8. On the 1st of August of that .year, :i partnership was formed with Hon. J. K. Johnson, which association continued until his partner was chosen Judge of the District Court of this judicial district, Jan. 1, 1883. The 1st of March follow- ing, he formed a partnership with William II. Nccdhani, son of his former partner. Mr. Xeed- ham was a 3'oung man of very fine ability, a thor- ough student, and gave excellent promise of high rank in the near future in his profession. He was but fairlj' established in practice when he was taken ill, and died Nov. 14, 1884, having been sick only a few days. On the 24th of the same month, Mr. Lafferty formed the existing partnership with Mr. tieorge C. Morgan. The subject of this sketch is an ardent Repub- lican, and has taken an active part in mauj' cam- paigns in support of his party's nominations. He was elected District Attorney of this judicial dis- trict in the fall of 1874, entered upon the duties of the oflice Jan. 1, 187.J, and served until Jan. 1, 1879. In 18GG Mr. Lafferty acted as Deputy Lnited States Collector of Internal Revenue for this count}'. He was married iu Oskaloosa, in tlic fall of 1805, to Miss Sina A. Fisher, a da\ighter of Dr. Isaac Fisher, a prominent ph3sician of this city. Three children were born of this marriage, two sons and a daughter, onlj' one of whom is liv- ing, George Claude, born Jan. 4, 1881. Mrs. Laf- ferty died in July, 1886. Mr. Lafferty has been connected with the Con- gregational Church for manj- years, is a member of Phil Kearney Post, G. A. R., and is a Knight Tem- plar MasDU, and also a member of Commander}' No. 0, of this cit3'. His otBce, situated immediatelj' over the Oskaloosa, National Bank, is an elegant suite of rooms, in which may be found one of the finest law libraries iu the State. For uearl}' twenty- two years he has been a member of the Oskaloosa bar, and iiis career as an attorney has l]een a most successful one. He is possessed of a high order of legal abilit}', is yet a close student, an indefatigable worker, and makes the interest of a client his own. As District Attorney, during his term of service, lie achieved an enviable reputation as public pros- ecutor, and w.as one among the most successful of those engaged in that particular business in the State. -^■# ON. THOMAS C. BEACH, of Garfield Township, was born in Jacksonville, 111., Jan. II, 1832, .and is a son of Caleb and Mary A. Beach. Mrs. Beach was a native of New York City, and the father, of Newark, N. J. Caleb Beach was born Oct. 12, 1803, and died in Jacksonville, 111., May 8, 1838; his wife, born June 29, 1807, is still living at Jacksonville, 111. She is a member of the Christian Church, and a wom.an greatlj' esteemed for her piety and good deeds. The subject of this sketch worked on the farm in Illinois until 1 853, when he came to this county and settled two miles south of Granville, purchasing 120 acres of land, and farmed it for thirteen years, when, disposing of the place, he removed to section 5, in Garfield Township, in 1866, and has lived there ever since. At the date of his first settlement in Richland Township that country was all raw prairie. There were very few neighbors in the township, and the nearest one on the east was ten miles awaj-. He came to Iowa, as did many others, because the land was cheap and good and there was ample opportunity for the selection of the best. His earl}' life was a struggle, and the first compen- sation he received foi* his services was 18 per month and board. JMr. Beach was married, April 17, 1853, to Martha Campbell, a native of Scott County, 111., born June 3, 1833, and a daughter of Joseph and Sophia (Kennedy) Campbell. To them have been born five children: Mark W., Sept. 15, 1854, is now liv- ing in Richland Township; Luke, born June 17, 1851), is a resident of Spring Creek Township; Thomas C, Jr., born May 4, 1858, now lives in Querida, Custer Co., Col., and is engaged iu mer- i-ssid-i^ m m mm ha ^ Ciitdfl -'-^^-^ ,Mi», 186 MAHASKA COUNTY. SfW m r chaudising; Joseph C, born Aug. 31, I860,- and Mary E., April 24, 1863. .Joseph Campbell was born in Lincoln Count.y, Ky., Ma}' 9, 1806. Sojjhia Kennedy was born in Casey County, Ky., Dec. 17. 1813. They were married in aiorgan County, 111., Dec. 22, 1831. Mr. B. has 195 acres of land in his present farm, which is all under a high state of cultivation. He not only carries on the farm, but is a breeder of >ihort-horn cattle, and has a fine herd, among them representatives of the best families now on this continent, and keeps at all times a fine lot of calves for sale. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Knight Templar. Politically he is a Repub- lican, and at the session of 1874-75 represented Ma- haska Count}' in the General Assembly of Iowa, in the Lower House. Mr. Beach is a man who has grown with the growth of this county, and has wit- nessed its development to its present high position among the counties of the State, and his life among us has ever been an open book that might be read and known of all men. He is an honorable, high- minded, upright citizen, a S3'stematic and successful farmer, and enjoys in esteem of his fellow-men. "^f^^ARISH CtAKNER, deceased, was born in entucky, near Crab Apple Orchard, Sept. 1823. His parents died in Kentucky. learned the tanner's trade, and followed it many years, and while yet a young man removed to Ohio, where he became acquainted with and was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Payne, who was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1821. Her parents were William and Marj- Payne. Mr. and Mrs. Garner were married in Jaiuiary, 1847. By this union there were three children, viz : Lafay- j] ette A., born Dec. 9, 1849 ; Harriet I., born June 8, ■'' 1854, and died Aug. 5, 1860; Margaret E., born April 27, 1860, now the wife of A. \V. (Jlaze of Atchison, Kan. Mr. Garner served twelve months in the Me.\icau War, and received an honorable discharge. He was also a soldier of the late war, enlisting in 1861 in Company II, 97th Ohio Volunteers. He was al- ways found at his post, and discharged every duty imposed upon him with fidelity. He participated 11 He: In the hard-fought battles of Chatt.anooga, Mission- ary' Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and man}' other bat- tles and skirmishes. During his service he con- tracted disabilities necessitating his discharge, and from the effects of which he died in Oskaloosa, July 31, 1882. Mr. Garner was a member of the I. O. (). F., Magnolia Lodge, Agency City, Iowa, in which he was insured for $1,000. He was a loving husband and an indulgent father, and a man respected by all who knew him. His widow still survives, and resides in Oskaloosa. St \1? OSEPH JONES. In 1856 the subject of this biographical notice established a business in the cit}' of Oskaloosa which still exists, and (^^ is, at this writing, the oldest of its kind in the citj' or county. The business which he so suc- cessfully conducts is that of manufacturing phaeton buggies and spring- wagons, his office and works be- ing located on West Main street. He employs in his business from twelve to fourteen hands, and from 100 to 150 vehicles, besides doing a large amount of repairing annually. It is but just to state that his success in business is attributable to his own energy^ good judgment and perseverance, for he has never been the recipient of a legacy. Joseph Jones was born in Wales, March 27, 1833, and is a son of Elias and Jennette (Davis) Jones. Our subject emigrated to tlie United States in 1851, and located at Milwaukee, Wis. He learned his trade in that city, and after spending three years there went to Chicago, where he worked as a "jour" for some time. He then went to Lowell, La Salle Co., 111., where he spent a short time, and May 1, 1856, came to Oskaloosa. Arriving in this city he started a blacksmith-shop, which he l\vin ar.d l>"ranklin died at the age of eighteen ; years; Alice; Nellie; Ida; Grace; Ernest died aged ii\; oneyear;Ceeil C.andOwen. Mr.and Mrs. .lonesare 's members of the Congregational Church. In poli- : tics our suhject votes with the Repuhlicnn party. : Socially he is a member of the I. (). < ). I"., lioMiug ; fellowship with Mahaska Lodge No. l(i. >~w -vtaae;©^' ^».^~S/Zratr»v."./v~«. M - ^ IMLLIAM II. BAKRICKMAN, of the firm \ / of McCurdy & Co., Oskaloosa, was born in ; ^r^ Armstrong County, Pa., March ;5, 1813, ; and is a son of John and Sarah (Ijcattj-) Barrick- : man. Mr. John Barrickman was in the War of E 1812, and held a commission as Captain of what B was known as the Pittsburgh Blues. He enlisted S for six months, and served the full term of his en- - listnieut. By occupation Mr. Barrickman w.as a : boat-builder. They were the parents of four chil- : dren, two sons and two daughters, all of whom ; lived to maturitj". William IL, and Sarah, widow ; of Koswell B. Webster, of Stor^- County, Iowa, are : the only ones now living. ; Mr. Barrickman died in 1819, and Mrs. Barrick- 1 man was again married, to William Foreman. By ': this marriage there were born nine children, six of : wh(jm are living: .Samuel resides at Stockton, Cal., 2 where he went in 1849, and is engaged in farming; ; George lives at Coon Hapids, Iowa, and is a miller; :' James is engaged in farming in Marion County, ': Ohio; Margaret, widow of Andrew Rice, lives at : Bourbon, Ind. ; William is a farmer in 3Iarion County, Ohio, and Silas is engaged in the same oc- s cupation near Lima, the same State. Mrs Foreman : died in Ohio in 1881. She was a member of the ; Metliodist Epsicopal Church for many years. : The subject of this sketch remained with his : mother until he was fourteen years old, when he : was apprenticed for four years to the tailor's trade, : receiving for his services his board and clothes. : He was married in Pennsylvania, in 1833, to Miss Margaret Reynolds, who was a native i)f Lancaster County, Pa., born March 18, 1813. In 1835 or 1836 he removed to Marion Count}', Ohio. It was a new country, and his wife not being pleased with their location, he returned to Pennsylvania, where he staid onlj' a short time, and went back to Ma- p rion County, where he remained until 1854. During i- that 3'ear he came AVest, stopping first at Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa, then at Montezuma, Poweshiek ^ County, where he engaged in the milling business, and where he remained until 18(54, when he came to Oskaloosa, where he h.is since resided. The firm of which ho is a member is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, and is the leading busi- ness house in those lines in this county. Politically Mr. B. is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. B. are acceptable members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church of this city. In estimating the quali- ties of a man, actions speak louder than words. Measuring Mr. Barrickman 1)}' this rule we class him as a most estimable citizen, possessing all those qualities which should, and do, commend him to his fellow-men, and which have made him a host of friends, and few, if anj', enemies. M ENRY H. PRINE, of Garfield Township, is a farmer and breeder of Hamblctonian, Bashaw and Clay horses, and came to this county in 1846, locating a claim on section 10, which is now a part of the 500 acres which con- ■' "\ stitutes his home, and is one of the finest farms in J— /L the countj-, where he has continuously resided since. He was born in Fleming Count}', Ky., and is a son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Shawhan) Prine, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Kentucky. JIatthew was a farmer and removed with his famil}' to Rush County, Ind. Henry fol- lowed farming with his father until the fall of 1846, when he came to this count}' as above stated. Prior to leaving Indiana in 1842, he was married to Eliza- beth Fox, of Rush County, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of Ellis and Mary Fox. By this marriage there have been seven children: Mary, wife of William Bartlett, of this township; Ellis, a farmer in Garfield Township; George K. cinczxxxx3n m \m 188 urrrmiTXjjE MAHASKA COUNTY died at the age of eighteen years; Amos B., John F., Joseph H. and Frank, are at home. Mr. Prine owned little of this world's goods when he came to the county, but was tlie possessor of a will not easily' daunted bj' surrounding cir- cumstances, and he pursued tlie occupation of farming, working incessantly and laboriously, and earl}' and late, until the year 1855. Having by that time accumulated considerable means, he en- gaged in the buying and shipijiug of stock until 1871, in the meantime caring for and cultivating his extensive farm. In 1872 he became interested and engaged in the breeding of Short-horn cattle. This business he continued until 1877, when he made a public sale, disposing of his entire herd, and discontinuing that line of business. He pur- chased of D. r. .Shawhan, of Kushville, Ind., the registered Hambletonian mare, Mollie Patterson, one of the finest animals of that breed in the West, and with her began the raising of that stock of horses. He has now at the home farm three of her colts: namely, Mollie, Bay Sallie and Prine's Ham- bletonian, all fine representatives of that celebrated famil}- of fleet horses. Mr. Prine has been a stockholder in the Mahaska County Agricultural Societj^ ever since its organi- zation, was its Secretary in 1873, Vice President the two years following, and in 1876 was elected President, which oHice he has continued to fill ever since. Mr. Prine has taken great interest in the success and prosperity- of the society, has given much time and labor, and has really hy his great energy, made the Mahaska County Fair the grand- est success of any similar organization in the State. Year bj' year, as the funds of the society would admit, he has added to its acres and to its comforts and conveniences, until now its grounds are ample, and the conveniences for the care of stock, and the products of the soil are not excelled by those of an}- other agricultural society. So popular has the Fair become under his management that the privileges alone, which do not include games of chance, gambling or pool-selling, these being ex- cluded from the grounds, yield a large revenue to the society. Mr. Prine was \'ice President of the First Na- tional Bank of Oskaloosa from the time it began business until it went into liquidation and sur- rendered its charter. Politically he is a Democrat, but not of that class of politicians win) are seekei's after the loaves and fishes. His greatest aim in life is and has been, to make life a success in a Inisiness way, and the best evidence of his aldlity in tiiis direction is the success he has attained. - T •. -'I ^^^^ ON. J. KELLY JOHNSON, Judge of the District Court of the Sixth Judicial Dis- trict, is a native of Ohio, born in Greene County, Aug. ■>■>, 1841. He is the son of Abijah and Elizabeth (Bailey) Johnson, of whom mention is made elsewhere in tiiis volume. When thirteen years of age he removed with his parents to Indiana, and in Wabash College and Battle Ground Institute received his literary education. After completing his studies in those institutions he entered the Law Department of the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, attending one winter. While at Ann Arbor his parents moved to Oslva- loosa, where he also came in April, 1865. Shortly after his arrival here he entered the law office of J. K. Barcroft, at present a prominent attorney of Des Moines, where he pursued the study of law for a time, and then went into the office of Seevers J^-r5- them have been born six children, three living: Emma, born (Jet. 22, 18G() ; William (•»}', Jul}- 19, I.S70. and Thomas, March 24, 1872. In 18G8 our subject came to Oskaloosa and took chaige of the (ilendale Mills, remaining in charge until the}- werep moved to Oskaloosa in the fall of I.S.S4, when he came and took chai'ge of them and has occnjjied that position since. Mr. Zear is a practical miller and thoroughl}' posted in all the details of the \¥)OHN ZEAR, of Oskaloosa, was born near Strasburg, France, Jan. 21, 1833. When eight years old he came to America with his parents, locating in AVayue County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. When fourteen or fif- teen years old he was put to work in the flouring- mill. and continued in that business until the year 18.')(), when he came to Henry County, Iowa, where he followed farmimg for three j-ears. Disposing of his farm he again entered the mill, and since 1856 has been continousl}' engaged in that business. In 1857 he went to Van Buren County, Iowa, and took charge of a mill. Mr. Zear was married at Agency City, Wapello Co., Iowa, in 1859, to Jliss .Mary E. Small. To .m^; business. Politically he is a Hei)ublican, casting his [[!{( first vote for Fremont in 185G, and has voted and acted with that party ever since. He is a quiet and unassuming citizen, a man whose character is above reproach, and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow-men. J, K. PRINE, of (iarfield Township, is a native of Pendleton County, Ky., where he was born Feb. 22, 1822, and is a son of Matthew and Elizal)eth (Shawhan) Prine, who were natives of the same State. In 1825 his parents removed to Rush Count}', Ind., where he lived until the fall of 181)0, when he came to this count}' and settled on section 1 of Garfield Town- ship, where he has since resided. He was married in Fayette County, Ind., Oct. 15, 1845, to Miss Mary Nelson, a native of Indiana, born July 2;'>. 1822, and a daughter of Jacob and Mary Nelson. They are the parents of two children: George S., who resides in Madison Township, this county, and Joseph D., at home. Mr. Prine owns 2G5 acres of land, all in a very fine state of cultivation, indeed it is in many re- spects a model farm, and reflects great credit upon its owner. The firm of M. K. Prine & Son are ex- tensive breeders of Short-horn cattle and Poland- China and Berkshire hogs. His cattle are of the best families in America, with full recorded pedi- grees, and they always have male calves for sale. They are the leading breeders in this country of Po- land-China and IJerkshire swine, all of which are re- corded stock. His male hog. Dandy, took the sweep-stakes premium at the St.ate Fair in Des Moines in competition with seventy-two other en- tries. .Mr. Prine is always a lively competitor at ' ^ i¥¥T^^TTi nyii K ! > ■ ^ T JBIJmjl tfiTiiir rxtEM uijxxruxnntxiitxxxQrT^iTt.. t mxnxxxxxxji rm m m ^xx^ x^^ . 190 aiAHASKA COUNTY. ''^^^ff^ the County Fair, and has always succeeded in hav- ing tlie leading premium on cattle and swine ;i\varded him, and his revenues from the sales of flue stock are large. He has spared no expense in fitting up proper buildings for the shelter of his animals from the lilasts of winter, and in this respect sets an ex- ample worthy of imitation l)_y farmers generally', rolitically Mr. Prine is a Repul)liean, evincing a deep interest in the success of the i)arty, but seeks none of the honors of office at the hands of his fel- low-citizens, preferring rather to devote himself to the business of general farming and stock-raising, in vvhich he has attained such eminent success. And this is his best encomium, that he has been successful in wliat he has undertaken. ^|:^|Lii5E=^ K. CARLETON GUY OWEN. The old- est physician and longest in practice of any in Mahaska County, as well as one of the most successful, is the gentleman whose name heads this biographical notice. He came here in 1845 and has been in practice continuously since. By carefnllj^ diagnosing his cases and treat- ing his patients with that skill which years of prac- tice and study enable him to bring to bear, he has not only been successful but has been enabled to establish a lucrative practice. Dr. Owen was born in Derby, Orleans Co., \'t., Aug. [), IfSOG, and is a son of Dr. James and Lu- cinda (Sweatland) Owen. When seven years of age he accompanied his parents in their lemoval to ( )ntario County, N. Y. They spent only a year or two there, and in 1816 the family removed to Michigan Territor3\ and located on Raisin River at French Town. Thej- lived there for eleven years, when our subject moved to Stark County, Ohio, where we find him engaged in the duties of a peda- gogue, wliich he continued in that county for a couple of years, when he went to Pennsylvania and was there two years, and then returned to Ohit). Dr. Owen was married in Michigan, Sept. 11, 1828, to Miss Maria Roop, daughter of John Roop. She was born ' in Ohio, and bore our subject two children: Eliza M.. widow of John Gilliland, who resides with her father, and Henry Byron, who mar- ried Philena Barton, and is living in Oskaloosa. The kind and loving wife and mother departed this life to join the silent majority (in tlic otiier shore in the fall of 1841, and three 3'cars later, in Octoliei', 1844, the Doctor was again united in marriage at New Lisbon, Ohio, to Electa C, daughter of Will- iam Frederick. She was horn in New Lisbon, and remained the faithful companion of our subject un- til 18.58, when she died without issue* Dr. Owen removed from Ohio to Illinois in 1830, and settled nt Astoria, Fulton County. He had read medicine one 3'ear with his father, and, return- ing to Ohio, si>cnt two years in study, and in 184;i returned to Illinois and entered on the practice of his profession in ctimpany with his father. Tw'>^^^^:)<^^ BLTAH JOHNSON, deceased, was born in : Warren County, Ohio, and there grew to h manhood. He was married in Clinton 5 Country, that State, to Miss Elizabeth Bailey, a native of Virginia, and daughter of David Bailey. Eight children were born to them, five sons and three daughters : Sylvia B., wife of Amos McMillan, of Henry County, fowa; J. Kelly, of Oskaloosa; Micajah D., of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Re- becca O., wife of William Ranson, of Henry Count3', Iowa; Overton A., a merchant in Muncie, Ind. ; Warren C, of Oskaloosa; A. Henry, of Los An- geles, Cal.; and Anna, also living in Los Angeles. After his marriage Mr. Johnson engaged for a time in farming, Init sul)sequentl3- in milling and merchandising in Ohio. In 1854, with his family he removed to Crawfordsville, Ind., where he also engaged in merchandising. While still residing in Crawfordsville he traded for a farm in Tippecanoe County, in the same State. Having great faith in the future of Iowa, "the beautiful land," he deter- mined upon removing to this State, and in 180.") I 1 1 an an 3ti an I S^^FP ' i^^ ilTr sea ZaiEJc'j^.rif'r^r'r'r'i-'rfff c3 iffirir'r^'Sij MAHASKA COUNTY. 191' canu' to Oskaloosa with his family. Hero he a^.niii embarked in the mercantile businc.-^s, whieh he fol- lowed for a number of .years, and here Mrs. .Tohn- son died Feb. 11, 1870. In 1881, on account of failing health, .Mr. .Jolin- >on went to California, in the hope that the balmy breezes of that fair laud wovdd bring again to his cheeks the rosy hue of health. But it was not so to be ; Death claimed him for his own in the summer of l.S,s-_'. .Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were active members i)f the Society of Friends, and died in the blissful iiopes of immortality and eternal life beyond the : grave. In the days of African slavery Mr. John- ' son did not fear nor hesitate to avow his friend.ship and sj'mpathy for the drown- trodden negro, and ever aided them as opportunity offered. In his chiu'ch relations he was an active and influential member; as a citizen none enjoyed the confidence and respect of neighbors and friends more than he. His word was as good as his bond, and once given was never forfeited. -^ ^#- ^ W FjWIS HILLEARY, 1-esiding on section 14, I ^ Spring Creek Township, is a general farmer ii^^ and stock-raiser. He was born in Harrison County, Ky., Feb. 4, 1825, and is the son of Fran- cis and Charlotte (Arnold) Hilleary. The father was a merchant and teacher in Kentuckj', but came to Iowa, locating near Burlington, in the year 1834, and was one of the earlj- pioneers in that section of the State. He came to Mahaska Comity on a visit during the year 1841. His wife died in their home in Burlington about the year 1851. The subject of this sketch, Lewis Ilillear^^ was married, May 15, 1859, to Miss Delilah Bond, a daughter of Henry and Susannah (Stanfield) Bond, both of whom were pioneer settlers of Iowa and residents of this county, and are now deceased. Of this union there have been six children: Clara; Ida, deceased; (Jeorge, Ransom. Sarvilleand N'erlie. Mr. Hilleary is the owner of 180 acres of land on the home farm, upon which there are very fine imi)rove- ment-*. His house, barns and out-buildings are of the best character, and well adapted to his business of general farming and stock-raising. He also owns 155 acres of improved land on section 15, both of which farms are in a high state of cultivation. He is engaged in the breeding of Clydesdale horses and 1^ thorough-bred Short-horn cattle, and is accumulat- ing a nice herd of very desiralile animals that rank well with the liest as to iiedigree and family. Mr. Hilleary is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, and in his political alllliations is a Republican. That he has made life a success is due to his untir- ing energy and application, combined with careful management of his affairs. His is an hospitable home, where is always found an abundance of the best, and at his board friends and acquaintances are alwaj's welcome visitors. He maj' properl}' be classed as one of the jiioneers of this county who has grown with its growth, and who has accumu- lated a competence where others have failed. As a citizen, neighbor and friend, he is greatl3' es- teeined. |r_.^^ORACE W. GLEASON, attorney at law, l[f)|) and senior member of the firm of Gleason '^)^ & Haskell, of Oskaloosa, is a native of AVar- (^) ren, (Irafton Co., N. H., where he was born May 2, 1846. He is a son of Rev. Salmon Glea- son, a native of New Hampshire, who was a grad- uate of Wilbraham Seminary, Massachusetts, at present known as Fisk Cniversity. Salmon Glea- son was one of the mechanics employed in the erec- tion (>i that building, and was a man of more than ordinary ability. Among the first abolitionists of his native .State, he was ever the friend and bene- factor of the down-trodden and oppressed coloi'ed man. Because of the advocacy of his views in this regard he was at one time arrested in his pulpit and cast into prison, where he was confined for two weeks, and where his friends did not dare to visit him, but was finally released without further action. I lis buildings were burned down over his head, and for years he was persecuted because of his anti- slavery sentiments, yet he lived to see the slaves set free, and the dream of his early life fulfilled, and is living at the present time at the rii)e old age of eighty-four. Salmon Gleason married, in 1823, Miss Jerusha Wiliard. a native of Vermont. She was born in ,lune, 180o. Of the ijsne of this marriage there are ail 1 xTXXxn rxuz7xii-U] | n 1 ■ I ^XXUXT' 192 MAHASKA COUNTY. H id four sons living: Salmon "W.. at Mankato, Minn.; Rev. George L., a Congregational niiniister, at South Byfleld, Mass.; Orange S., of \\'arren, X. H., and the subject of this sketch, Horace W. Mrs. Gleason died Feb. 17, 187(). She was a very earnest and sincere Christian woman, well beloved b.y all who knew jier. Horace W. (Heason remained at home until he was sixteen years of age, receiving his rudimentary education at the common schuols and Newbury' Academy, at Newbury. Vt. On the call for .-^OO.OOO troops by President Jjincoln, he enlisted in June. 1 ,S(;2, in Co. G, 1 2th N. II. Vol. Inf., as a private sol- dier, and participated with his regiment in the en- gagements at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancel- lorsville, Gettysburg, Swift Creek, Drury's Blutf, Cold Harbor, the siege of Richmond, Weldon Rail- road, Appomattox, the I)attle of the 14th of June, 1 SG4, and many other b.attles and skirmishes. In the action .at (iett3'sburg he was wounded. He was promoted Sergeant Major and subsequently to First Lieutenant, and was detailed sis an aid-de- camp on the staff of (Jen. Whipple, who was killed in action at the battle of Cliancellorsville. At the closing up of the war Lieut. Gleason was detailed and placed in charge of the (Government property, at Bermuda Hundi'ed, and was engaged in the gathering up of military stores, disposing of them and turning the proceeds over to the (iovernnient, which duties were discharged in a manner so en- tirely satisfactory that he received a compliment of special mention in general orders from his superior ( )fficer. Sept. 22, 1 865, he was honorabl}- discharged at Fortress Monroe, 'N'a., and returned to his eastern home. In the siiring of 1866, acting ujion the advice of Greeley, Mr. Gleason came to the Ijoundless west, stopping one year at Mankato, Minn. In 1867 he removed to Benton Countj'^, Iowa, where he taught school and read law at the same time, and was ad- mitted to tiie bar in December, 1869, at Toledo, Iowa. From there he removed to Jasper County, Iowa, where he followed his profession until Ma}-, 1872, when he came to Oskaloosa and formed a partnership with Hon. J. A. L. Crookham, which continued for seven 3'e.ars, and soon after its dis- solution, his present partnership was formed. Oct. 20, 1875, Mr. Gleason was married in Oska- looso, to Miss Flora A. Howai-d, a daughter of Henry Howard, Esq., of this city, who came to JIahaska County with her parents when only one year old. Of the children born to tiieni two are living; Howard L., born. Feb. 1, 1877, and Warren E., June 6, 1884. Mr. Gleason is a member of tlie following JIa:: 1878, to Miss Miranda T., the accomplished and in- telligent daughter of John Dusenberr^-. .She was born in this county, and her union with our subject has been blest b^- the birtli of four cliildron, namely, Lena, Clifford B., Faj' and (iuy. In politics Mr. West votes with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fratoruity, belonging to Trilumiuar Lodge at Oskaloosa and also to the Royal Arch Chapter and Commandery No. G of this city. • =3 M-^si ^ — : ■ GEORGES. PRINE. was born in Fa3'et 1847, and is a son i ^^?^EORGE S. PRINE, of Madison Township, ('ette County. Ind., Oct. 29, of M. K. and JIary (Nel- son) Prine (.i biography of whom appears elscwhera in this book.) He came with his parents to this county in the fall of 18G0, and located in (Jarfleld Township. He was married, Feb. 10,1870, to Mary Hinies, a native of Ohio. By this marri.age there was one child, Alford, who died at the age of five months. His wife died one year after her marriage. He was again married, Aug. IG, 187G, to IMiss Fran- ces B. Zullars, a native of (4reene Counl\-, Pa., born Sept. 1(), 18ol. There were two children by this marriage: Mary II., born July 7. 1 878, and Matthew Kenneth, Feb. 28, 188."). iMr. Prine is a graduate of Oskaloosa Commer- cial College, of the class of 1875. Politically he espouses the Republican faith. He is the p.-ii-tner of his father in his extensive stock farm, for full par- ticulars of which sec biography of ^M. K. Prine elsewhere in this volume. ylLLIAM E. NERNON, patentee .and man- ufacturer of A'ernon's Steam Nut & Cof- fee Roaster at Oskaloosa, is one of the foremost business men of that cit3'. He is engaged in nianuf.acturing steam-engines, does job work, and started his business in that phice in 1878. He has, nevertheless, been a resident of Mahaska County since 18G0. He was born in Lancashire, England. Oct. 22, 1842, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Hall) ^'ernon. He emigrated to the United States with his [larents when only three or four years of age. and lived with them in Newark, N. J., whcr. he was reared tu the age of maturity, and where, in the common schools, he was educated. AVhen eleven years of age, in IS.').'!, his parents both died, leav- ing a family of seven children, six in this country. In 1854 he went to England w'ith his brother \:ir nam. Thoy Ijoth went to be educated by tluii brother, but he being a Roman Catholic and requir- ing them to become members of tliat church, they left him and worked at various kinds of business for two years, when they received fr(jm their sister Martha the necessary funds for their return, and both came back together. In December, 18G0, he came to Illinois on a visit, and on the breaking out of the late Civil War, April 22, 18G1, he enlisted in Joliet, in Co. F, 20th 111. A'ol. Inf.. and served three years and four months. Prominent among the battles in which he partici- pated were those of Donaldson, Shiloh, Corinth and Bretton's Lane. He then went back to Memphis, then to Lake Providence, La., from there to Milli- gau's Bend, then to Ft. Gibson, R.aymond, J.ackson, Champion Hills and Vicksburg. He was in the campaign under Sherman, returned to Vicksburg, and from there went to Cairo, 111., at which time his term of enlistment had expired. In connection with others he drove some 2,200 head of cattle to Chattanooga. He was detached from his regiment and took part in the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, after which he returned to Nashville, Teun., and w\as there mustered out in July, 18G4. In September, 1864, Mr. Vernon came to Oska- loosa, where he was emploj'ed for a short time, and in the spring of 1865 went to Jlontana and there engaged in placer mining at Silver Bow. He re- mained in JMontana until 18G9, occupjiug his time while there in mining, and also in the running of a jjouj' express between se\'eral of the tow-ns. He returned to Oskaloosa in 18G"J, and in 1870 pur- chased a steam bakery- at th.at place and carried on the business until 1882. He also dealt in fancy groceries, and in 1878 invented the coft'ce roaster, of which he is the patentee, and since 1879 has been engaged in the manufacture of his roasters. He was also Superintendent of the Currier Middling Mills one year. He has a fine farm near the city limits, on which ho has a fine brick residence and .Ei£i-._, i if-t4r rS-rirrY»ir«»i»»-r»TTr 1 1 n i f" i nxiiiy rTrr^ixxmj rrj i ^^^ i rirx cTi^rri ju ra ttttj-t zxh 13 » » y « m HI » tTTTT mm t ■ ;l4 IS Ml ii [iiijxmmxiirrxiranxrrxrTT- _ r)i MAHASKA COUNTY. a number of bloodert horses and fine stock. As a business man and farmer he may be reckoned as sec- ond to none in the country. Jlr. \'ernon w.as united in marriage, June 7, 1S70. at Oskaloosa, Mith Jliss Lydia Fisher, daughter of Dr. Isaac Fislier. She was born in Ilarveysburg, Ohio, iNfarch 1.5, 183.S, and has borne our subject four children, three of whom are living — William E.. C'3'rus F., and an infant unnamed; May is de- ceased. Mrs. Vernon is a member of the Congre- gational Church. In politics our subject votes with the Republican party. He has been a member of tiie City Council for one term, and socially be- longs t(^ the ilasonic fraternitj\ He is also a mem- ber of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and is one of the respected and honored citizens of Mahaska Countv. •-^t^-'-J'S^* Jf >^< Van Buren County, where he was engaged in running a pajier mill. Remaining in the latter county until isi;2 he removed to Oskaloosa, and was occupied as a mill- wright until! 878. During that year he engaged in his present business and has continued the same since. ' meeting with success. His good w^ife died July 10, t 1 883. In politics Mr. Bacon votes with the Repub- i ii lican i)arty, and socially is a member of the I. O. O. F. i^^s '^ M. BARNES resides on section 23 of Spring Creek Township, and is a farmer and stock- ^,^ raiser. He was born in Richland County, (^^ Ohio, April 12, 1824, and is a son of J. J. and Jlary A. (Derrick) Barnes. His mother was of English descent and birth, while his father was born in Mar3'land and was of German parentage. Both parents died in Richland County, Ohio, and during their lives followed the occupation of farming. The subject of this sketch was married, May 1, 1845, to Miss Caroline Wellslager, bora Jan. 7, 1827, a native of Maryland, and a daughter of Samuel and Marj^ (Welsh) ^Vellslager. To them have been born six children: J. E. ; Charles O., de- ceased ; John R. ; Sadie, deceased ; M. W. and Anna, deceased. His wife died July 1!3, 18G8, and be was again married, in what is now Spring Creek Town- ship, May G, 1869, to Mrs. Mary C. Thompson nee McAlister, daughter of John B. and Mar^- B. (Boon) McAlister, and born in Spring Creek Town- ship, Oct. 21), 1842. They have two children, Maud and ^Mabel. Her father was one of the first settlers of Spring Creek Tovvnship, came here before the land was in the market, and took up 1(J0 acres on section 22. He died in the Indian Territory while on a visit, Aug. 15, 1881; the mother in Spring Creek Township, May 7, 1855. In 1850 Mr. Barnes made a trip to California, re- mained eighteen months, then came home again, and has since visited Colorado, where he remained eighteen months. He came to Iowa in the fall of 1854 and rented a farm in Richland Township, three years, and in 1857 he bought a farm of 160 acres of improved land in Harrison Township, this county. This farm he imjiroved and resided on until the spring of 1881, when he sold out and bought 120 acres where he now resides. He gave forty to his son M. W. He has made general farm- ing and stock-raising his principal business, and is a ntrr'-^t nmqSrxxxrixxixjii.ixxn i Te^rxxxo- 'tsessa .TTi^ffli IXJtl ZKXX XXIZTXXKX I i;a 1 liifi li 1h : 4" lag 11 il MAHASKA COUNTY. 195 breeder of imiwrted horses, both Clydesdale and Norman, making a specialtj' of this class of animals. He is also engaged in the breeding of Short-horn and Dnrham cattle, and Poland-China swine, and in these lines has in his herd some of the best animals to be found in the countj'. 'Sir. Barnes pays par- ticular attention to the .^election of the animals of his herd, buying onl}' the best, regardless of price, his experience having already taught him that the best is the cheapest. In this branch of his business he is meeting with remarkable success, and it is his intention to continue to add to his already fine col- lection of animals, until they shall be second to none in number and quality*. ■Mr. Barnes and wife are members of the Presby- terian Church, of which they are consistent and in- fluential members. In his political afliliations Mr. Barnes is a Republican. Personally he is a man of estimable character, straightforward and honest in his dealings with men, reliable in all his representa- tions, and a desirable neighlior, friend and citizen, enjoying in a large degree the confidence and es- teem of all his acquaintances. -^r^^^- ^ OHN R. BAER, Auditor of Mahaska County, was born in Rockville, Park Co., Ind., on the nth of March, 1830. His father, fieorge W. Baer, was a native of Virginia, and while a 3-oung man went to the State of Ohio and became acquainted with Elizabeth Lundy, a native of that State, with whom he was united in marriage. Soon afterward thej- removed to Parke Count}-, Ind., and in 1842 to Sarcoxie, Mo., locating in the fall of 1841 at Oskaloosa, then a small village. Here he followed his trade as tailor for a short time, and then engaged in general merchandising, and retir- ing from that occupation, followed tliat of buying, selling and shipping stock for manj' years. By his thrift he accumulated a competency, which he after- ward lost because he could not say No, to a friend who desired his name as security. In his early life he was an old-line Whig, and under the old laws of Iowa filled the oflice of Collector and Treasurer of the county for one term. His wife died in May, 18.").'). Siie was a very sincere and earnest ) ^^1 Christian woman, foremost in every good work and word, and greatly beloved by all who knew her. The father is still living, and is with one of his chil- dren in Carroll County. Iowa. The subject of this sketch, John R. Baer, received ^ his education in the public schools of Oskaloosa In Jul_y, 18G1, he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Iowa A'ol. Inf., that being the second company raised in this countjs and was with his regiment at the capture of Fts. Henry and Donelson, the battle of Shiloh, siege and battle of Corinth, and at Pulaski, Tenn., at which place he was detailed to the commissar}' department under Hon. C. C. Carpenter, ex-Gov- ernor of Iowa, and acted until he was mustered out in August, 18G4, at Chattanooga, Tenn. After his return from the army he eng.aged in general mer- chandising at Beacon, Iowa, which business he con- tinued for seven years. He was appointed and served as Deputy Sheriff under ex-Sheriff Marquis ,| ^ IJi! Barr, now AVarden of Anamosa Penitentiary. For [[^^ several years Mr. Baer ofliciated as salesman for H Dj leading business houses in O.skaloosa, and for the J** — two preceding his election to his present position, was traveling salesman for Knapp & Spauldiug, wholesale hardware dealers of this city. In No- vember, 1885, he was elected by the Republican voters of Mahaska County to his present position. Mr. Baer was married, Nov. 8, 18G6, to Miss Frances Carnahan, a daughter of David Carnahan, Esq., of this county, .and a native of Ohio, where she was born June 30, 1846. There are two chil- dren by this marriage: Nellie A., born Feb. 11, 18G8, and Grace L., Jan. 21, 1875. Mr. Baer is a member of Phil Kearney Post No. 40, G. A. R., this city, and is also a member of Triluminar Lodge No. 18, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Baer is a leading member of the United Presbyterian Church of this city. Mr. Baer has been identifie^5^-* n li ■^OHN WHITE, deceased, one of the jjioneers of Jeft'ers(m and Mahaska Counties, was born in Pepperell, Mass., on the -i.Sd of Novem- ber, 1813. and was a son of .Teremi.ah and Anna White, who emigrated to Western Ohio, and settled on the banks of the Big Miami River, near a little town by the name of Venice. Here he grew to manhood and received his earlj' education. His father was a carpenter, which trade he learned in the shop at home. AVhile engaged in plowing his father received serious injuries by the team run- ning aw.aj', which soon after caused his death, and upon the son devolved the care of his mother for manj" years. He removed about the j'car 18.')3 to White Water in the southern part of Ohio, and be- came .acquainted with Miss Martha .Jane Cloud, to whom he was afterward married in Dearborn County, lud. Slie was a daughter of .Tohn and Mary (Johnson) Cloud, natives of Kentucky, who were among the earl^^ settlers of Ohio, emigrating to White Water, Hamilton Count^', at a very earl3' date. In those early times the Indians were yet trouble- some and dangerous, and Father Johnson stood guard manj- nights with gun in hand, ready for any emergencj-. Mr. and ilrs. Cloud were the parents of five children, three daughters and two sons: John, now living near Cincinnati, Ohio; Ruth -A., wife of James \'an Dolor, now of Bourbon Count}', Kan., near Ft. Scott; and Martha J., wife of the subject of this sketch. Mr. and ^Mrs. Cloud were lifelong members of the close communion Baptist Church. He was an ardent supporter of Gen. Jackson, and a believer in that school of politics. He was a man of strong likes and dislikes, and well informed upon all matters of importance. They removed to Dear- born County, Ind., and are both now deceased. In 1810 the subject of this sketch, with his wife and two children, removed to Jefferson County, Iowa, coming b}' boat to Burlington, and by stage to Fairfield, near which he purchased a piece of land and engaged in farming, remaining there till the month of May, 1843, at the time of the New- Purchase, when he visited Oskaloosa and entered a body of land one mile north of the public square. He remained here through the summer, while Mrs. White looked after the farm in Jefferson County. In the spring of 1844 he removed with his family to this count}' .and established himself on his land north of the cit}'. Mr. and Mrs. White came to this count}' poor, but with a determination to suc- ceed in life, and he eventually became the wealth- iest man in the county. His first business was that of farming, in which he engaged extensively and successfully, and by economy and the careful in- -vestment of his means, accumulated a large amount of real property. He afterward engaged in the business of banking, and in the year 1857 estab- lished the private bank of John White & Co., which continued only a few months, when the firm sold out to W. H. Seevers & Co. who shortly afterward were compelled to close their doors, by the panic of 1857. A few days later this bank was again re- opened by John White & Co., and on the 12th of October, 1858, upon the establishment of the Os- kaloosa Branch of the State Bank of Iowa, volun- tarily quit business and transferred its trade to the new institution, the capital stock of which was $50,000. yix. White was a stockholder, one of the Directors, and its first President. Jan. 1, 1864, the First National Bank of Oska- loosa was established, of which ]\Ir. White was the principal stockholder and President, and the organ- ization continued until Dee. 7, 1868, when it went into voluntary liquidation. Mr. White then opened a private bank, which he operated for a short time, when he bought a controlling interest in the Na- tional State Bank, of Oskaloosa, which had been organized JMay 1, 1865. He removed its books and papers from its location on the north side of the square to his own building, and for several months its business was practically suspended, for m m\ m\ iixmi B^ ifzxnx B^i. ■ rixixxTii rzrxi 1 , z^:^^], z KTxnrTroBiai » I J UtU TT2XIJ n ' rmrrrTiTrmnTi/TZXTTri . 202 MAHASKA COUNTY. reasons best known to its owners. It was, however, revived, and Mr. White continued as its President until his death in 1870, sometime after which the bank and its franchise was sold to Seth Richards. It has since been succeeded in its business and good-will by the Osl^aloosa National Bank of this city, regarding which, see elsewhere in this volume. The building so long used by Mr. White as a bank- ing house is at present occupied by the Mahaska County Bank, of which the Hon. J. A. L. Crook- ham is President. Mr. White was a close observer of men and things, a man of fair education, and a shrewd busi- ness man, careful in his investments, which gener- ally yielded good returns, with few, if any, losses. He was a man of temperate habits, using neither tobacco nor intoxicants. Politicallj' he was a Jack- son Democrat, and a leader in his party, a man who never desired political prominence or office for himself, but always manifested a deep interest in the success of his friends. By reason of his long experience in the banking business he was well known over the entire State, and abroad as well as at lK)me enjoyed the confidence of the business world, and the esteem of friends and neighbors wlio best knew him. He was a member of the var- ious Masonic bodies in this city, and upon his death, Dec. 24, 1870, was buried with full honors of Masonr}^ bj' Conimandery No. 6, K. T., of this citj', of which he was an honored member. Mrs. Wliite still survives, and resides in Oska- loosa. She is a lady whose whole life has been a continued worlv of liind actions and benevolence, and enjoj-s not onl^' the highest regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances, but receives as well the blessings of scores of poor people in Os- kaloosa, who have been the recipients of her bounty for many j'ears. Tliere were born to jMr. and Mrs. White twelve children, one of whom is yet living: Edmund Bond was born Aug. 13, 1848, and died Jan. 13, 1859; Mary A., born Aug. 16, 1840, died March 12, 1853; Harriet, born July 10, 1842, died the same day; Auastasia, born May 20, 1844, died Oct. 1, 1850; Iowa, born Dec. 2, 1846, became the wife of E. W. Strong, Jan. 10, 1864, and died in this city on the 11th of December, 1864; Jennie was , zm ^= ;-h born Oct. 2, 1856, and is the wife of Ernest H. = Pj Gibbs, Esq., a capitalist of this city, and the wealth- ] ^4 iest man in the countj". The portraits of Mr. White and wife are pre sented in connection with this sketch. ■-i's^'-^^s^ >^iS^<=;«^*'^s«f- s;;ti |! 81:1 ILLIAM E. WILLIAMS, residing on sec- tion 14, Des Moines Township, was born Sti in South Wales in 1826, and is the son of aij Erasmus and Elizabeth (Luelans) Williams, both l^ natives of South Wales. His father was a coal j [J miner, and William followed the same occupation. Sti Believing America offered a better chance for a poor man, William decided to emigrate, and landed S in New York Nov. 8, 1862, after a stormy voyage of three months on board the steamer Benjamin : Adams. He first located at Scranton, Pa., where : he lived two years engaged in mining. He then :;3| went to California, where he remained one year, s J engaged in coal mining, after which he returned to S;} Wales, where he visited one year, coming back to :^} America and again locating at Scranton. After ;';J the expiration of two years he went to Luzerne ;} County, Pa., and lived one year, from which place sij he went to Akron, Ohio, and there lived one year, S^! Si' 1 going thence to Brazil, lud., where he remained gfj two years. Oskaloosa, Iowa, was the next place Sj;} of his abode. For seven years he remained in the ||} vicinity of Oskaloosa, engaged in coal-mining and gj;} farming. He then made a second trip to Call- ^^ fornia, and spent one year subsequently in travel ing tlirough Idaho, Oregon, Vancouver's Island ^ and ^'ictoria. He then returned to Oskaloosa and Sr y Hi: t Si remained one year, then purchased twenty-seven ||| and a half acres of land, where he now lives. Before coming to the United States Mr. AVilliams ^m was united in marriage to Catherine Willi.ams, by ^:'^^ whom he had two sons — Morgan and William — pi both of whom are in the old country. Mrs. Will- a[-i iams died in 1872, and Mr. Williams was again Sn married, choosing as a companion Mary Pearce, a =;i native of Wales. Their married life was of short E i duration, Mrs. Williams dying in 1874. For the 3|^ third time Mr. Williams was united in marriage, 3 the ceremony taking place Jan. 1, 1880, and B I^JHga^o h'r'Hr'r'rl MAHASKA COUNTY. 203 ' the bride being Jane Edwards, also a native of ■ Wales. Two children have been born to them — : David and John. Mrs. Williams is the owner of il:>5 sixt3'-seven acres of well-improved farm land. Our li^ subject and wife arc members of the Congrega- » S tional Church. -5^^> -*v^ ^ C. BARRINGER, M. D., of Osl-^^^>4gl0i^-<=5^-f Oskaloosa; William E., merchant, at Tracy, Iowa; Richard 31., a f.«irmer in Mahaska County; Frank D., a merchant in Oskalousa : Klla, wife of Dr. K. 1>. Vonng. Red Oak, Iowa ; Edmund A., Jr., a real- estate dealer in Dodge Citj', Ivan.; Fannie, wife of Smith Mcl'herson.for four years Attorney General of Iowa, now engaged in the practice of iiis pro- fession at Red Oak, Iowa: Thomas II.. at present I'nitcd St.ates 3Iail Messenger on tlie C A- X. W. K. R., residing in Belle PJainc. For fifteen j'ears after coming to this county Dr. Boyer practiced medicine.' In order to give his undivided attention to his farm and store he tlien retired from practice. He was a man of large re- sources, a great reader, and a deep and practical reasoner, and possessing a reniarkable memor}-, it made him a leader among men. He was always a zealous politician, ever working for the success of his party and friends, yet never sought, nor would he accept public positicju liimself. Reared as he was in a home of ]ilenty, and used tnitil nearly grown to all tlic luxuries and ease of plantation life, with slaves to do his every bidI rt rm \ p • jr-i"^ I lUXlXIXXTlXIUllXIX I LJL-i.'-AJiii I u 1 r iTxmni imx c; ■20(3 MAHASKA COUNTY. Hi Pi fall of 1881 the present business was started by his son, but the father has been tlie manager of the business. Their branch store on the southeast cor- ner of the square was established in Julj', 1886, and it, as well as the parent house on West High street, is doing a fine l)usiness. 3Ir. Oiler is a member of the Masonic fraternity. While compara- tively a new man in the luisiness circles of this city lie has succeeded in Ijuilding up a fine business, which is rapidly growing, and has done this by fair dealing and the sale of the best goods at a moder- ate profit. I A.MKS LiaciITOX was iM.rn .Jan. lU, 1772, and was married May 20, 1802, to Elizabeth (^uinby, who was born March 1(\ 1782. He ^_^ was a farmer and miller, and built the first tlduring-mill in his neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Leigliton were the parents of eleven children, all of whom lived to man and womanhood. Five yet survive, as follows: Dr. .James Leighton, of Jlan- chester. 111., a graduate of Bowdoin College; Eliza- beth lives in Du (^uoin. Perry Co., 111.; William is now a farmer in Logan County, 111.; lie has held .several ofHces, among them those of C'ount3' .Judge and Clerk of Courts; Rebecca Walker, widow of Smitii Walker, of Du ^uoin. Perry Co.. 111.; Tobias, of Oskaloosa. .Jonathan Avas a surgeon in the Hl.ack Hawk War. and a graduate of Bowdoin College; he dieil in 18.57. Mr. James Leighton died .Inly 18, 1827. llis wid-jw survived him until Jan. '.), 18():i. They were butli niemliers of the Baptist Church. #••# ,|^^' |Tpv 11. BACON. The firm of Cruzen di Bacon, fnf'i Ikv^ grocers at Oskaloosa, coniposed of Jerome B. Cruzen and R. 11. Bacon, has established a ^ good and const.antl.y increasing trade. Their success has been attained b^y fair and honest dealing, and is attributable to their own energy and [icrse- verance. R. II. Bacon was born in \\'ashington County, Ohio, .Ian. 2'.), 1.S4."), and is a son of Martin and Lucy A. (Benjamin) Bacon. He came to Ma- haska Conntj' iu 1834, and took up his residence in White Oak Township. A year and a half later he went to Van Buren County, where he resided for eight years, when he returned to White Oak Town- ship, and after being engaged in agi-icidtural pur- suits there for upward of three j'ears, moved to Oskaloosa. He then engaged as engineer, and for seven years was occupied in that capacity in a flour- ing-mill. He then spent two j'ears on the farm, when he came to Oskaloosa and embarked iu the grocery- business, which he continued for about a vear, and then disposed of the same. In August, 1885, our subject formed a jjartnership with Mr. J. B. Cruzen, under the firm name of Cruzen & Bacon, which co-partnership exists at the present time. K. II. Bacon was united in marriage, at Oskaloosa. Nov. 10, 187."), with Miss Florence E., daughter of Cj'rus Mattox. She is a native of that place, and has borne our subject one child, a daughter, Daisy May. Mrs. B.icon is a member of the Christian Church. !ind holds fellowship with the denomina- tion at Oskaloosa. In politics Mr. Bacon votes with the Republican part}-, and socially is a mem- l)erof the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Trilum- inar Lodge No. l.s. C. MORGAN is a farmer and fine stock- raiser on section ;!1, Wliite Oalv Township. He was born in .Mahaska County, Iowa, Nov. 28, 18;j7,and is the son of Louis B. and S. A. (Smith) Morgan, the former a native of Mrginia and tlie latter of Teimessee. Louis B. Morgan first left llis native State and went to Illinois in an early day, remaining there until about 1845, during which year he came to this county, and settled in White Oak Township. This was long prior to the time when land came into market, but he staked off a claim, built a cabin thereon 10x12, and lived in it until the land came into market. He built the first frame house erected in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was one of the heavj^ tax-payei's in this township during his life, took an active interest iu ever3-thiug that tended to advance the interests of the people around him and build up his county, and was very prominent in its early development. He died at m m In i Z'M '-n Z'-A :-A i TTirTll Mnju; re TTTTllIllllIllllUltrl MAHASKA COUNTY. "S? 207 the home farm, Oct. 26, 1864, and his remains lie in White Oalc Cemetery. His widow siirvivi's. and is sixt3'-eight years old. The subject of this sketch, C. C. Jlorgan, was married, Feb. 28. 18,S0, to Mis.s Alice Hond, a It l:P ["• = fi I SB ':« daughter of Edwin and Nancy .T. (Bridges) Hond. Sr Mrs. Bond was born in an Indian bark house in this township. Her father was a prominent man among the early settlers, and liimself and wife are ?6 still living a retired life in this count}-. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have been born four children — S. Clay, Artimesia, Rena and Ida. Politically Mr. Morgan is a Democrat. He is the owner of seventy- five acres of land, all in excellent cultivation and well improved. Like his father l)efore him, he is a r| pleasant gentleman, whom to know is to like. His home is one of generous hospitality, and friends are ever welcome there. I St ^t^' 2=i=. i?.i ILLIAM M. SPRINGER, of Garfield Townsiiip, is a native of Marshall Count}', 111., where he was born Feb. 26, 1849, and is a son of Isa.ac and Charlotte (Ijams) Springer, the first a native of ^Maryland and the second of Ohio. Isaac was born in Maryland, Ma}^ 7, 1798, and was a son of John and Rebecca Springer. When two 3'ears of age he removed with his par- ents to AVest Virginia, where he remained a few years, and then removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he was married in the sjiring of 1826. They were tlie parents of twelve children, and the subject of this sketch was the eleventh child. Isaac died March 17, 1853. and his wife in .June, 1870. She was an acceptable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. William M. Springer was reared on a farm, but entered Hedding College at Abingdon, which he attended for three \-ears, receiving a very liberal education. Upon leaving selK)ol he went to Chi- cago, and officiated as Deputy Recorder in that city for two j-ears, and then returned to his home farm, .and engaged in the breeding of Short-horn cattle, continuing that business for five years, when, having disposed of his interest in Illinois, be came to this county in the year 1882, and located at the western limit of Oskaloosa. where he still resides, and at once engaged extensively in the importation and breeding of French draft horses. His first im- portation w.as five head of horses in .Inly, 18s;). .and the next year four. In 188,5 he imported nineteen head, and in 1886 twenty-nine head. At the head of his stables is the celebrated horse .Montevilliers, No. 249.5, of the National Register of French draft horses, which horse is always kept at the home farm. His l)arns, one 40x60 feet and 24-feet posts, and one 10x100 feet, are models in their arrange- ment for the care of the.se fine animals. He keeps on hand .at all times horses of all .ages for .sale, .and is prepared to lo.ad and ship at any time, a single horse or carload of them. Associated with Mr. Springer in this enterprise is Mr. C. T. AVillard of this city, under the firm name of Springer & Willard. and it is the intention of the firm to continue the importation of the best families of this breed of horses in the future in larger numbers than ever before. The good results of his importations are alread}' apparent in the im- provement of the stock of this count}', and the firm seems to encounter no difficulty whatever in dispos- ing of fine animals at good round figures. All of the import.ations have been made by Mr. Springer, who has visited France, spending several months of each year in that country, m.aking his selections from the best families of horses, with little regard to price, where the qualities of the animal seem to justify it. That he has alw.ays made good selec- tions is best proven by the national reputation he now enjoys and the ready sale of the animals se- lected by him. jNIen who inaugurate such enter- prises as this, in which they take a proper pride, as does the subject of this sketch, certainly deserve more than ordinary commendation in any commu- nity. They .are benefactors, in that they seek to do good unto others while financially benefiting themselves. Mr. Springer enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him, and is a most honorable and high-minded gentleman, whose words have alw.ays proven good as gold. Mr. Springer was married, March 1, 1877. to Mary Reece, a daughter of David Reece, of Abing- don. 111. They are the parents of five children : i f ' 'gxifxtxg; 1 1 nrTiTTrnfir rrri rrimifS t j r ama i iii'KimntJiinj-i' 208 MAHASKA COUNTY. P^ederick Reece, born May 28, 1878; Florence M., Dec. 17, 1881; Paul Melville and Pauline Clara, April 28, 1884; Paul M. died Aug. 30 of the same 3^car; and Gertrude Louisa was born Oct. 13, 1885. ANFORD COCHRAN is a faruier and stock-raiser on section 32, White Oak Town- ship. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Dec. 21, 1817, and is the son of Lar- kins and Christina (Warner) Cochran, who were natives of Virginia. They removed to Ohio in the IL early settlement of that State, pursuing the occupa- tion of farming. The father died in Ohio, in the j-ear 1820, and the mother in McLean County, 111., in 1859. The subject of this sketch, Sanford Cochran, emi- grated to Wisconsin from Ohio in 1851, coming to Mahaska Countj', in 1855, where he has resided ever since. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Vandevender in the State of Indiana, in 183'.). She is the daughter of Louis and ^Mary (Evans) Vandevender, both of German descent, and both of whom are now deceased. The fi^rmer died in 1877, and the latter in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran are the p.arents of nine children : George W., born Jan. 1 1, 1841, is married to Anna Baitscl, and lives in Cedar Township; Amanda, liorn Feb. 19, 1843, was the wife of R. W. Caldwell, now deceased; Wilson S., born Oct. 14, 1846, died Feb. 26, 1848; Lewis C, born Dec. 4, 1848, was married to Lilian Perkins, and died in California in May, 1875; Oliver C, born Nov. 2)S, 1850, w.as married to Ellen Rice and resides in Cedar Township ; .John W., born Dec. 6, 1855, lives with his parents; Laura, born Nov. 8, 1857, is the wife of J. C. Will- iams, residing in Taylor Count}', Iowa; Clara, born March 3, 1862, lives with her parents; Mary E., born July 8, 1864, is also at home. Mrs. Cochran is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Cochran is a Democrat, but has never been an ofHee-holder, beyond the position of Township Trustee. His homestead consists of 223 acres of tine land, all in cultivation, with good house 1 and barn, and excellent improvements of all kinds. 9s Mr. Cochran has lived in the countj' a third of a fe century and has been a witness of its development to a ver}' high type of civilization. He has passed 5ei through the struggles and privations incident to M pioneer life, and now enjoys the fruits of those [j; early struggles and trials. He has prospered well, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his numer- ous friends and acquaintances. ^?=^EORGE GILCHRIST, a farmer and stock- I (=y7 raiser, residing on section 17, Spring Creek ^^S^ Township, was born in Fayette County, Pa., April 16, 1826, and is a son of John and Eleanor (Swearingen) Gilchrist, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, and both died there. The subject of this a^M 1 1 1 1 1 m m sketch, George Gilchrist, came to this county in the spring of 1858, and in the spring of the fol- lowing j'ear, bought and removed to the land he now owns, where he has continuously resided except five years during the Rebellion. His farm consists of seventy acres of excellent land, all in a high S^t! state of cultivation, with a fine dwelling, good barn and out-buildings, and tiie best character of im- provements otherwise. In August, 1862, Mr. Ciilchrist enlisted in Co. K, 33d Iowa Vol. Inf.. under Capt. Mcintosh. At the organization of this company !Mr. Gilchrist was elected First Lieutenant, and when the regiment went into quarters at Camp Tiittle. at Oskaloosa, Lieut. Gilchrist was taken ill with fever and ren- dered unfit for duty, and the regiment moved to the front without him. At the end of a month, however, he recovered sufficiently to be able. to join his command at Memphis, Tenn., and remained with the regiment thereafter until the following JVIarch, when he was discharged on account of dis- •abiiity. He went then to Pennsylvania, and re- n\ained until the spring of 1868, his wife having gone there while he was in the army, and they re- turnecl to their home in Iowa, where they resided until the death of Mrs. Gilchrist, March 12, 1880. Oct. 4, 1.S81, he was married to Miss Lizzie Vance, a daughter of Samuel Vance, of HaiTlson Town- ship, this county. By this union there have been ::fi I I xJrj'aiSpix-txirTiXTXMXrrirrxxiiii] !^ rrrr ■-^ MAHASKA COUNTY. three children: Nannie B.. horn .I;in. 22, 1S8.'5; (Jeorge E. and Elizabeth E., .lunc o, IHH.i. Mr. (lilfhrist is a member of the I'nited Presby- terian, and his wife of the Christian Chureh. .Mr. (iilehrist is a very high-minded, uiiright and hon- orable gentleman, the ver3' sunl of honor in his transactions among men, whose word is as good as a bond, and who occupies the highest possible po- sition in the regards of his fellow-men. •9^—*^ o-sSMiSH^e.'.^ *— 5<- ^^ AMUEL MARTIN, of t^arfield Township, is an estimable citizen who enjo^'s tiie es- teem and confidence of all his ae(piaint- ances. He was born in Ohio in ls22,andis a son of Evi and Ann (Mills) Martin, both natives of Ohio. They removed, in 18.31, to Montgomery County, Ind., and there resided until their death, the former ilying in 1.S84 at the age of eighty-seven 3-ears, and the latter in 1883, at the age of eighty- three. The subject of this sketch was married in 1818 to Rebecca Loughridge, a native of Virginia. The^- are the parents of four children: William Evi, now at Excelsior, in this cotinty, and a sales- man in the Mine store at that place; J^ltan, wife of William Doan. died in 1882; Benjamin F, died at the age of fifteen months; Alice is at home. Mrs. Martin was born in 1830, and died Aug. 4, 1876. Mr. Martin left Indiana in 18.50, and went to Linn Count}', Iowa, where he engaged in farming for eight years; he then went to Linn Count}-, Kan., where he lived only fifteen months, leaving that State on account of drouth, and came to this county, settling on section 33, Garfield Township, where he now resides. lie owns 120 acres of land, all improved, and in a good st.ate of cultivation. He follows the business of general farming and stock- raising, in which he has been reasonably successful. \|] SAAC KALBACll, senior partner of I. Kalbach I & Son, the pioneer lumber firm of Oskaloosa, /i\ was born in Berks County, Pa., Nov. 13, 1.^22, and is the son of John A. and Sarah (Wenrich) Kalbach. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. :in(l descendants of the early settlers of that .State. His father's family was originally from Switzerland, and settled in Pennsylvania l)efore the Revolution- ary War. His father, .lohn A., was a soldier of the War of LSI 2 an. until 18^.'), when that brancli of the business was closed out by mutual consent, Mr. Kalijach and his eldest son continuing the lum- ilOJ!! her business at Oskaloosa, while W. il. and Mr. Hawkins have engaged in other lines of business in tlie same city. Mr. Kalbach and son, John A., es- tablished a branch lumber-yard at Rose Hill, whicli H H they still operate, under the managmeut of W. S. Hart. jMr. Kalliach in early days was City Marshal of , Oskaloosa for several terms, and has ijften served in the City Council. He is a member of Cf>mmer- cial Lodge No. 12«, I. O. O. F., of Osk.aloosa. Mr. K. has retired from active business, and is enjoy- i.ig the well-earned ease of honorable old age in his 1 5^ tasty and commodious residence in the nortlieast- ern part of the city. He has his children settled about him, and is happy in the enjoyment of the friendly regard and high esteem of a large circle of jsirajl friends and acquaintances. Et :y.. 8^1 miD||l "JHOSEPH SOPHER is a farmer and stock- raiser on section 28, Spring Creek Township. He was born in Mahaska County, Aug. 26, iC®'/'' 1856, and is a son of William K. and Aanes I! I: ill' (Hockett) Sopher. whose biography appears else ii where in this volume. Joseph Sopher was married to Marj' S. Terrell, Oct. 6, 1875. She was born Jan. 1, 1857, in Warren County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Thomas and Lydia S. (Steddom) Ter- rell, wh(; reside in Garfield Township, this county, •I lid jiursue the occupation of farming. By this union four children have been born: Raymond, July 5, 1876, died Feb. 24, 1880; William K., Jr., born Feb. 25. 1880; Thomas T., March 17, 1883; ,^ J. Walter, Marcli 26, 1885. Both parents .are meni- i * J bers of the Society of Friends. Mr. Sopher owns 5 101) acres of good land, twenty of which are in sec- tion 26, and eiglity in section 33, and all of whicli are under good cultivation and well improved. His barn is one of the best in the township, and has been b\ult with a view to the breeding of thoroughbred Short-horn cattle, of which he is making a specialty. His herd ahead}' embraces a number of fine animals, selected with great care from the best families on the continent. He is giving this branch of his busi- ness special attention, and takes especial pains in the breeding and care of his stock. Fiverything indicates a high order of ability in the business ]iursued, and is ttie best possible encomium that can l)e bestowed upon ^Ir. Sopher. ■SIOIIN R, BARNES, Cashier of the Mahaska County Bank at Oskaloosa, and also a mem- ^^ ber of the firm of Boyer lir Barnes, dealers i(^// in general merchandise in that city, has been a resident of this county since 1 855. and has been closely connected not only with the advancement and progress that Oskaloosa has made, but with the develoi)ment of the entire county. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1833, and is a son of Andrew and F^leanor (Robertson) Barnes, natives of Pennsj'lvania. The father came to this State in 1861, and died in the fall of 1874 in Scott Town- ship, this county^ His good wife survives him, and resides on the old homestead in Scott Town- ship. John R. Barnes was educated in the common ^-^ schools and at Mt. Union College, and, prior to 1859, was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Dur- ing that year he formed a partnership with Dr. Boyer, at Rochester, in the mercantile business, which was subsequently removed to Belle Fountain, thence to Oskaloosa, in 1871, and is at present con- ducted under the firm name of Boyer .i member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to New Sharon Lodge, and of Oskaloosa Lodge No. .58, K. of P. He is a gentleman well read in juris- prudence, and being a constant student and pos- sessed of an unlimited amount of energy, can not but succeed in his chosen profession. m 1^ YRON W. PRESTON, of the law firm of Blanchard & Preston, was born at Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa, Feb. 13, 1858, and is the son of Sylvester and Amelia M. (Wild) Preston. When twelve 3-ears of age he removed with his parents to JMarseilles. 111., and a year later to Grinuell, Iowa. He graduated from the Grin- nell Academy and attended tlie college department two jx'ars, then went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and graduated from Eastman's Business College. From there he removed to Newton, Iowa, remained a slK)rt time, and returned to Grinnell, and in July, 1883, came to Oskaloosa and began the studj' of law in the office of Judge L. C. Blanchard. He was admitted to the bar in the Circuit Court of this county in March, 1884, and in November fol- lowing formed tiie existing |)artiiership with his jire- ce|)tor. Judge Blanchard. Mr. Preston was married at Newton, lowa. Oct. i!: 1 IllIITiriII_IIlI£TTTIXXJ I i lii'i I ' i iuiiiixJ S LijLaij ■ iij nn iimiimritxjujiiiiii tin R^ lO ujajCm i 1^212 MAHASKA COUNTY 6, 1880, to Miss Nellie Blanchard, a native of Jas- per County, Iowa, and a daughter of M. A. and Mary E. Blanebard. By this union there has been one child, Kdith, born May 24, 18iS2. The father of Mr. Preston is a resident of Grinnell. His mother died July G, 1883. In his political relations he is a Republican; socially he is a member of Her- man Lodge, A. F. eV- A. M., of Grinnell Chapter, II. A. M., and Oriental Commandery, K. T., at Newton. Though young in his profession, Mr. Preston is making rapid strides toward the front rank, and is showing marked al)ility in the handling i of cases intrusted to his care. He is a young man of excellent abilit.y, a close student, h.S»t^ «^<^*tf-» He removed to this city in 1882, and is living a re- tired life. Politically he is a Uepiiblicaii of the .-talwart or- der. Mr. and Mrs. Mateer are the parents of nine cliildren, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, born PJ Mav 20. 183(;, died in November, 1858; William, i born Xov. 2, 1838, is a resident of Mahaska i lb County: Christopher C., born May 23, 1840, lives ill .Mahaska County; James, Oct. 10, 1841, is a resi- dent of this county; Samuel A., liorii July 20. 1843, died Aug. 4, 1880; George W., l)uru jS'ov. Ill, 184.'), lives at Red Oak, IMoutgomery Co., Iowa; John H., born Feb. 13, 1848, at Oskaloosa, Iowa; Mary A., liorn Oct. 29. 1850, died April 27. 1S7(;; Nancy J., horn May 27, 1858, died Feb. 13. 1883. Mr. Mateer had two sons in the late Civil War, who enlisted in the 40th Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the war, doing every duty im- posed upon them in a most creditable manner. Their regiment was under the command of (Jen. Steele, and participated in many of the prominent battles of the A'alley of the Mississippi. Mr. Mateer has lived for thirty-eight years consecutively in this county, and has observed its growth from a wild waste to a densely populated, highly improved and wealthy county. He is an honorable, high-minded, upright citizen, whom to know is to respect and es- teem for his many noble qualities, his kindly dis- position and his generous impulses. ir: E. FLEENER, dental surgeon, at Oska- loosa, is a native of Jefferson County, Iowa, where he was bom Jan. 5. 18G1. He is a son of John and Sarah Downey Fleener, na- tives of Indiana, who emigrated to JefTer.son County, Iowa, in 1845, while the present State was still a Territory. They were among the earliest settlers of that county. Dr. Fleener, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the founder of Abing- don, Jefferson Co., Iowa, that town being located on the land entered by him. J. E. Fleener, the subject of this sketch, was raised upon a farm, and received his early educa- tion in the common schools. In the spring of 1880 Ml m L^e^-^TJ rn imrgnnxiaLxi znxxxix I rmxTTu nxnx tixm rjcup C J j^^ii j, I iii.i Jcij_j tiuuuTzrxxnimTi.iH I r Hr i uL rt tix i i rmrTTiTT ii iTri' ■H;|^P|En 214 MAHASKA COUNTY. ira' ^ he entered the office of Dr. T. L. James, of Fair- field, Iowa, a graduate of Philadelphia Dental Col- J lege, remaining there as a student until the spring '■' (if 1S81, when he attended IMcCordsville School, at McCordsville, lad., graduating there in the 3: teachers' preparatory course in 1882. In the win- '^' ters of 188.3-84-85-86, he attended the State ^ University of Iowa, where he graduated in dental surgery in March, 1880. Following his graduation he came to Oskaloosa, where he formed a partner- ship with Dr. G. AV. Miller in the practice of den- tistry. Dr. Fleener is a young man of good ability in his profession, and may Ije st3ded a self-made man. _His father died when he was eight j'ears old, leav- ing him without anj- means whatever, and his edu- cation is the result of his own exertions. John and Sarah Fleener were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living: Robert W. is a farmer at Silverdale, Kan. ; John N. resides in A\'apello Country, Iowa ; William J. is engaged in farming at Abingdon, Iowa; Ella is the wife of S. J. Adams, of Hedrick, Iowa; J. E., our subject; Ells- worth M., of Hedrick; Lee E., of Wapello County; George N. is at home. John Fleener died in Keo- I kuk Count}', Iowa, in 18G9, and was a member of the Christian Church. His widow was married to R. Gamble, and ' at* present resides in Abingdon. With one exception the family are all members of the Christian Church. 1 ^=SS^=^ ' !PS D. WILLIAMS, who resides on section ;j, Des Moines Township, was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1817, and is the son of feijll j Jeffrey and Elizabeth (Cooley) Williams, both na- tives of Virginia. Mr. Williams came to this iconnty in 1852, and located on his present farm, which comprises 166 acres of land. He was mar- ried in 1840 to Hannah Johnson, daughter of John and Sarah Johnson, natives of Maryland, the father dying in 1846, aged sixty-three years, and the mother some years later. Mr. and Mrs. Williams lare the parents of seven children : Alaboisa, born April 26, 1841, died June 13, 1845; Francis Mar- ion, born Sept. 2, 1842, is a farmer in this town- M. ship; Lncina, born March 14, 1844, is the wife of Dennis White, of Garfield Township; Joseph H., born May 8. 1846, is married and resides near New Sharon, and is a farmer; he served eighteen months in the War of the Rebellion, in the 33d Iowa In- fantr}-, and participated in the battles of Saline River, Spanish Fort, and numerous other engage- ments in the Southwest. Nancy M., born Aug. 28, 1848, is the wife of Jacob Smith of Garfield Town- ship; Ellis, born M.ay 31, 1850, and Henry, Ma}- 1, 1852, are at home; James AVesley, born Jan. 21, 1855, resides in Garfield Township. Prior to coming to this State from Ohio, Mr. Williams followed the occupation of milling for about twenty years. He began life as a poor man, and has accumlated his present blessings by hard work, good management and strict economy. He and his wife are sincere, earnest Christian people, and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their home is one of comfort and good cheer, and in it the social qualities largely predominate. There has ever been concert of action, and a most delightful harmony has ever existed between par- ents and children, and there are no citizens of Des Moines Township who occupy a higher position in the esteem of their fellow-citizens, neighbors and friends, than Mr. and Mrs. Williams. IjpiA L. POMEROY lives upon a farm about ^^^ four miles northwest of Oskaloosa, known l|j\/_jj) as the Highland Farm. He is a native of Erie County, Pa., born Feb. 8, 1834, and is a son of James and Mar}' (Brown) Pomeroy, the father a native of Massachusetts and the mother of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Medad Pomeroy, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, while his father was a soldier in the AVar of 1812. The fam- ily moved to Indiana in 1843, and in 1847 came to Mahaska County and settled upon section 4, Gar- field Township, where the father of S. L. purchased a claim and improved the same. On this farm his father died in 1859, owning at the time of his death 160 acres of land. His father was a carpenter by trade, and built one of the first residences in Gar- field Township. There were four sons and one .^SSSSS iiijwimjiii- samBmiFi ^ IjJ J^rTgJ :^EJ^^S-dx L^xdc^j^JJ 1 irruxxxxu'I TT«XITTji'lTrf I m ll if III lit tit MAHASKA COUNTY. 215 .4» ^ daughter who caine to this count}-, one son and one daughter renmiufd in Indiana, and one son in reiin- sylvania. Ilany died April 30, 1885, aged sixtj'- seveii j'cars ; Harriet is the ^Yife of Jeremiah Pat- rie, of Jasper Count}-, Iowa; George died Aug. 30, 1855; Edwin now resides in Jasper Count}- and is engaged in stock business; Stephen L. is tiie sub- ject of this sketch ; W . K. resides in Jasper County ; James L., Jr., died Oct. 12, 18G1 ; Eunice, wife of C. R. Troy of this township, died Feb. 3, 1851. Jlr. Pomero}- was married, Aug. 18, 1857, to Miss Eliza Coffin, a daughter of %muel Coffin, who was a native of North Carolina. Thc}^ were the parents of six children, five living: Zeilide, born Aug. 13, 1858, died April 3, 18G1 ; Lorie, born Sept. 8, 1860, married O. H. Avey, Jul}- 15, 1886, Assistant Post- master in Oskaloosa; Elmer W.. born .Jan. 8, 1863; Gu}' Stephen, Sept. 29, 1870; Eunice, Jan. 26, 1876; William F., May 20. 1881 ; all at home. :Mr. and Mrs. Ponieroy are members of the Christian Church. In the year 187 1 .Mr. Pomeroy commenced the breeding of Short-h<:irn cattle, and began his herd with a purchase of four animals, two from the lierd of Milton Brlggs, of Jasper County, and two from the herd of L. 'SI. <^uart#. V^ ylLLIAM K. SOPHER, of Spring Creek Township, and one of the best-known men in the county, was born in Washington County, Pa., April 8, 1817, and is a son of Joseph and Phebe (Kenworthey) Sopher. Joseph Sopher was born in Londouii Count}', Va., and his wife in Bedford Count}', Pa. He was a miller by profes- sion, and followed that occupation the greater por- tion of his life. He also owned an extensive farm, managing and operating it in connection with his other business. He died in Poweshiek County, Iowa, Jan. 14, 1869, his wife having previouslj' died iu Pennsylvania, June 3, 1828. The grand- father of our subject, Joseph Sopher, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and our subject has a pocket glass which he carried all through that war. His wife, grandmother of our subject, was Cath- arine Cox. William K. Sopher emigi-ated from Pennsjdvania to Oiiio in 1833, and in tlie fall of 1834 removed to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where he remained and followed the occupation of farming until the fall of 1843, at whicii date lie moved to Jefferson County, Iowa, with his family — a wife and three children — and there resided until the fall of 1847, when he came to Spring Creek Township, this county, purchasing 140 acres of land .and improved the same; he afterward bought 160 more. Tlic first land was mostly timber and coal land, and was sold by him as such at a good advance on the original cost and improvements in 1882, and gave the last 160 to his two sons, William P. and Jo- seph. He then entered eighty acres of prairie land. In 1853 he entered eighty acres in Adam> Township, now the property of Richard Nash. He bought the southeast quarter of section 34, Spring Creek Township, luiiit upon it a good house .and barns, and otherwise improved it, and afterward disposed of it to Josiah Emmons. He pui'chased 1 60 acres of land in .Jasper County, Iowa, which he gave to Abijah T. and jMoses II. Sopher. He has reserved to himself twenty acres of land in Spring Creek Township, upon which he resides, and h.as built a fine frame dwelling, a good barn and other out-buildings, all neat and in good repair. Mr. Sopher has been one of the foremost men of his township in making the class of improvements that would best develop the general interests of his people and bring about the greatest good to the greatest number, and in all these enterprises has conformed strictlj' to the C! olden Rule, doing unto others as he would they should do unto him. His son Moses served three 3'ears in the late war for the preservation of the Union, doing his every duty in a most creditabli> manner. Ilisson Abijah enlisted, but was obliged to return home on ac- count of disability', and, not being able to return to his command, received an honorable discharge by order of the War Department. The subject of this sketch, William K. Sopher, was married, March 29, 1837, to Agnes Hockett, who was born Julj' 17, 1816, in the State of Ohio, U rU 1 Ij im Shxxxc Joannjuj.u rrrr-r : . ■ . - . . r .: rf. n rrr. . t . tt: . t ! rrftTrrr ] ;j td^ti^ ■ ^ irirrTttiiiia •222 acLE^xxr MAHASKA COUNTY. I I II I i^ = si;! a daughter of Moses and Olive (Cook) Ilockett. By this union there were five children — Abijah T., Phoebe, Moses H., William P. and Joseph. Phoebe and Moses H. are deceased. Mr. Sopher has held the offices of Road Super- visor and of School Director a number of times, and has been Township Ti'ivstee for three terms. He and his wife are prominent members of the Society of Friends, in which Mrs. Sopher has la- liored as a minister of Christ since 1852. Mr. Sopher has ever taken an active part in matters re- lating to Church and State, and the weight of his influence has ever been in the direction looking to the upbuilding of the interests of his fellow-men, spiritually as well as temporally. He is a man widely known and universally respected, and it is with pleasure that the publishers present his por- trait in connection with this sketch. As a fitting companion picture a portrait of his esteemed wife is also given. -E>- ^^"f^ -H> I SHAM ARNOLD, farmer and stock-raiser, of "White Oak Township, resides on section 1. He was born in Harrison Countj', Ky., Oct. 11, 1828, and is the son of Archibald and Jemima (Scott) Arnold, both of whom were natives' of Virginia. Thej' removed to the State of Iowa in 1871, locating in this county, where the former died in 1875, his wife having departed this life in Kentucky about the year 1848. The subject of this sketch, Isham Arnold, re- moved from the old home in Kentucky in 1852, coming directly to this county, and was married in 1853 to Miss Drucilla Simpkins, a daughter of Milton and Sally Simpkins, and to them ten chil- dren have been born : Elizabeth is the wife of Morris Lister, residing in this township; Nancy E. is deceased ; Sarah J. is the wife of Sanford Ewing, and resides in Rose Hill, Iowa; Joseph is married to Louie Rose, and lives in this township; Emma M. is deceased ; Alberta, William, and three chil- dren died in infancy. Politically Mr. Arnold is a Greenbacker, and has held several local ofliees in his township. He '^7 W. DOAK is nicely located in one of the fin- est farm-houses in the countj^ with all im- provements in the way of barns for all kinds of stock, and other buildings needed on a well regulated farm, and is situated on the northeast quarter of section 10, White Oak Town- ship. His parents were born and raised in Wash- ington County, Pa., and moved West (as it was then termed) to Ohio, in 1834, settling in Cham- paign County, a heavil}' timbered country, where thej- experienced all the hardships and privations of frontier life in clearing up a f.arm in the woods. But they succeeded reasonably well, and secured a farm of about 100 acres. The subject of this sketch, J. W. Doak, was born Sept. 23, 1845, and was the j'oungest of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls, one boy dying in infancy. His father, John Doak, died Oct. G, 1845, thereb}- depriving the subject of this sketch of a father's care and training. His mother, Rachel Doak, fought the battle of life as best she could, and raised her family of seven children, and is still living in Mechauiesburg, Ohio, at the ripe age of seventy-eight years, and is yet a remarkably active lady, physically and mentally. J. W. had verj' little chance of getting even a common-school ed- ucation, having been taken out of school at the age of fifteen years, in 1860. When those Southern pursues the occupation of general farming and ail' stock-raising, and owns 235 acres of excellent land, ^ in fine cultivation and well improved. He has an ||} eleg.ant home, commodious, comfortable and well pS} arranged, two good barns, and all necessary sheds, cribs and other appurtenances for his well regu- lated farm. It is, in fact, one of the neatest and best cultivated farms in this section of the county. In his business ]Mr. Arnold has been more than or- dinarily successful. He is careful, painstaking, energetic and industrious, w ithal prudent and eco- nomical, but not sparing his means where the in- vestment of them would indicate a fair return of profit, and is very deserving the esteem in which he is held bj' his friends and acquaintances. I i ^^S^^..,. sflHBI W^ ' LizxrxxznxnuiAT^ MAHASKA COUNTY. 223 I -: gentlemen of Democratic proclivities insulted the I i: American flaji-, and the immortal Lincoln said he " : needed the boys to protect the Stars and Stripes, - his two elder brothers, then living at home, enlisted Ijl^ in 1801, and left him to look after the farm and ^'''. care for his widowcil mother, and the remainder of ; the family. In the winter of 1865 he attended ri school two and a half months, walkina- two miles '5 night and morning, and this was practically- the last ; schooling received by him, and ended all his chances iL 5 for such an education as he desired and intended to ■ " have secured. In tlie spring of that year he began I farming for himself, on a small scale, on his moth- fjjller's farm and in iiartnership with an elder brother, "'-S which continued until the fall of 18G7, when the : partnership was dissolved, J. W. taking full charge ; of the old home farm. L- » Oct. 20, 1867, Mr. Do.ak was married tu Miss i:|011ie C. Chidester, a native of North Lewisburg, '^i Ohio, born Feb. 8, 1848. Her parents were natives } sS of West A'irginia. She was a young lady of sterl- } S ing worth, acting well her part in the struggle of J-'Slife, bv caring carefully for the household affairs, ^■;and at times lending a helping hand to lighten her : husband's Labors in the field. In the fall of 1869, : being seized with an uncontrollable desire to owii : a home of their own, he came with his estimable ■young wife to Iowa, making the long trip in the fe: farm wagon of Ohio dimensions, drawn bj"^ a span :of heavy French draft mares. Thej' arrived in : this county in December of that j'ear, and in March, : 1870, purchased a farm of 100 acres near the cen- jitcr of Monroe Township, on to which he moved, J^Sand where he lived until the spring of 1875, striv- [ H ing earlj' aud late to pay for his land, but by rea- ^ :son of an injury received by him from a wild : horse, in his earlier da3's, he was not physically able ; to follow the plow, and the failure of his wife's : hrnlth also compelled him to engage in some oc- ;^5^^«^«tf-» /^ ORNELIUS Mccarty, of Oskaloosa, was [I born in Loudoun County. Va., July '26, 1814, ^^^' and is the son of Cornelius and Nancy (Hunt) McCarty, natives of Virginia. He removed with his parents to Belmont Count}', Ohio, in the year 1828, and subsequently to Moi'gan County, where the parents both died. They were farmers by occupation, and had a famil}' of five children, four of whom are j'et living, viz. : Charles R., of Jackson County, Ohio; Daniel, living in Zanes- ville, Ohio; Cornelius, our subject, and William VV., of Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. McCarty was pre- viously married to Peter Hoffman, b}' whom there were four children, all now deceased. When nineteen years old our subject went to Zanesville, Ohio, where he was apprenticed to the trade of painter for two years, when he went to Cincinnati, and finished his trade with a man named Oliver Lovell, and soon after was given the super- vision of his shops, holding that position for two j'ears, and was then sent to St. Louis, Mo., as man- ager of a branch shop for the same man. He was married in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1839, to Miss Nancy Hukill, by whom he had two sons, Joseph, who when last heard of was in Texas in the cattle busi- ness, and Charles, deceased. Mrs. McCarty died in Zanesville in 1844. She was a consistent mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and greatly be- loved bj' all who knew her. Cornelius was again married at Zanesville, in 184.5, to Mrs. Mar}- H. '. } Berkey, a daughter of William Perry. By this 'i i" union there were four children, two now living: :v'' Alfred L., a dentist at Des Moines, and Katie, liv- i;- ing at home. ; A In 1854 Mr. McCarty left Ohio and came to Iowa, 5 2; locating in Oskaloosa, where he worked at his trade ; for a number of years, then engaged in a meat- -_ market for a few years, and in other occupations. : -^ He was in early life a strong Abolitionist, remain- : h ing so until the close of the war, since which time ; nj he has attilialed with the Republican party: he has : nj held the office of City Marshal for one year. Mr. ; ffi and Mrs. JMcCarty are members of the ^Methodist jrj Episcopal Church. Sf | Mr. McCarty had two sons in the late Rebellion, -n Joseph H. enlisted in the 5th Kansas Cavalry, was - soon after promoted Captain, and was stationed in _ Arkansas. His principal Imsiness was that of scout- ;;til ing and taking care of the bushwhackers of that ': section, and in the performance of his perilous duties was three times captured by the enemy, each time narrowly escaping with his life. Charles B. enlisted in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, and by reason Sli of jioor health was engaged on detatched duties t' during his term of service. Mr. McCarty also had : two brothers, Charles R. and William W., who E served in the late war, the latter of whom raised a S company of which he was elected Captain, and his : two sons were elected First and Second Lieuten- £;; ants, respectively. ^ %ir^^-- 3 1 I I I I I 1 I 1 I I I I I I .:l :ti I 1 JOHN THRASH, of Garfield Township, was S-; born in Dearborn County, Ind., March 12, gjj 1818, and is a son of William and Catherine | (Lester) Thrash, who were natives of Vir- J ginia. The subject of this sketch left his native place J in 1836, locating first in Knox County, 111., where he p[ resided for two years, and then emigrated to Henry ^^ [ County, Iowa, remaining there until 1843, when he came to this county and settled on section 21 of Garfield Township, where he still resides, and which he has improved, aud brought to the highest pos- ; }i sible state of cultivation. ; |^ Mr. Thrash was married, Jan. 25, 1849. to Miss ^SESl^ -SSI ^"L nrtiiifrSilTfriifxxifffr ft = P ij.-: 1 1 1 I i3i l: l^i I I 1?; i; 1 11 IBS r; MAHASKA COUNTY. Mary T. De Long, a native of Ohio, and a (laughter of Edward Dc Long. They are the jiarcnts of ten children: William, residing in this township; Elva and Lawrence A., at home; Rachel, wife of David Faulkner, of Poweshiek County; Mclilus L., War- ren, Stephen A. D., John C, Hilliard and Richard, all at home. Mrs. Thrash is a member of the Cath- olic Church. Mr. Thrash came to this county to take ad\ant- age of the cheap lands, and really came on to the New Purchase before the Lidians had loft it. Within twenty-four hours after the lands were open for settlement the whole neighborhood round about him was populated with settlers who, like himself, had been anxiously awaiting that time. Where Oskaloosa now stands was then called The Narrows, because it was the narrowest strip of laud on the divide between the Skunk and Des Moines Hi\ers. At that time there was only one cabin on the pres- ent town site, which was located near the center (if the present city, and owned by a man named Canfield, and was the first hotel in Oskaloosa. Mr. Thrash's highly cultivated (piarter-section 3ields him a handsome return as the years go by, and entirely relieves his mind as to future wants. It is, as we have said, in a high state of cultivation, and one of the best farms of that section of the count}-. Mr. Thrash possesses all those (jualities that enter into good citizenship, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 1 I S. McCLAIN, of Fremont, was born in Ma- haska Count}-, March 11,18.59. and is the son of Samuel and Jane (English) McClain, whose biography appears elsewhere. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Dinsmore, a native of Ohio, born May 30, 18;j(), and a daughter of WilliMm and .Mary (Ilanipson) Dinsmore, both of whom are living in Cedar Township, one-half mile west of the village (if Fremont. By this union there have been two children — Fred and Anna M3ril. Mr. and Mrs. McClain are members of the Baptist Church. In his political affiliations he is a Republican. Mr. McClain is engaged in the business of gen- eral hardware, pumps and farm implements, and ji. »i!iX carries a stock of about §2,000. He is receiving ifSgj'lt an excellent patronage from the people in and about the little citj-, and has been reasonablj^ pros- pj perous, and owns his store building and lot, and a i good, comfortable home and other property in the i city. He is a genial, pleasant man in his business and social relations, and very deserving of the suc- cess he is achieving in his business. He is deserv- edly i)opular, and enjoys the esteem of his patrons and acquaintances generally. ^- -^*-B- M^l ■^ (i. WHITE, a farmer and stock-raiser living on section l."3. Cedar Township, was born in Dearborn County, Ind., July 2-t, 1824, and is a son of James and iSIary (Grubbs) White. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and a sol- dier in the War of 1812, and his wife was born in Indiana. He died in 1858, and she in 1855, in In- diana. The subject of this sketch was married, in 1844, to Alvira E. Hough. She was born in Shelby County, Ind., July 15, 1828, and was a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Finley) Hough, the latter a sister of the Rev. John B. Finley, of Ohio, who in !|i|j| an early day in that State was a missionary among p the Indians, but is now Chaplain of the Ohio Peui- tentiarj- at Columbus. Jlr. and Mrs. White are the parents of twelve children : Frances A. is the wife of James T. Brownfield, and lives in Jasper Count}', Iowa; Mary Jane is the wife of G. L. Phil- lips, and lives in Cedar Township; Rachel R. is the ^^i.. wife of Frank Rockey ; James A., deceased, was mar- "' ' ried to Frank Reynolds; George AV. was the hus- band of Belle Ray, and died in Keokuk County, Iowa; Florence is the wife of C. A. Eastman, liv- ing in this township; John il., Jr., is deceased; Es- tella is the wife of George W. Watts, residing in Keokuk Count}'; Eva, Harry, Webb and Rhoda are at home. J. il- White came from Indiana to this county in 1841), and has resided on a farm during all these years, and has made for himself a home where there is peace and plenty. He owns 400 acres of riiirmiJiii.ifiiijramri ra a hcrrr 1^^ t :^ i: m. laud, all ill a High state of cultivation, upon which the improvements are not excelled in the countj", and has also twenty acres of land in Wapello Count}', well improved. Until within the last two j'ears Mr. White has been an extensive shipper of stock, but has since retired from the business, and gives his attention wholly to the management of his fine farm and the raising and feeding of stock for the market. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his political affiliations a member of the National Greenback party. His has been an active life since his residence in this county, and his pres- ent easy financial condition is wholly the result of untiring energy and zeal, and careful management of his business. He enjoj^s very deservedly the confidence of a host of friends. LIVER N. DOWNS. The legal fraternity of this county is well represented, as will ap- pear in another portion of this work, and among the young men of the profession who have a bright future before them, is the subject of this notice. He was born in Logan County, Ohio, Slaj- G, 18G1, and came to Mahaska County in 1S62 with his parents, continuing to reside here until 1865; thence to Keokuk Count}', remaining until 1878, when he went to Marion County till 1881. During that year he went to Michigan, where he attended the Law School at Ann Arbor, from which he grad- uated with honors in 1883. Having been admitted to the bar in Michigan, and to practice in the United States Courts, he hung out his shingle at Indianapolis, Ind., and there continued to practice his profession during 1883 and 1884, and then came to Oskaloosa, where he has been in practice until the present time. He is a hard student, possessed of an unlimited amount of energy and perseverance, and his past is indica- 3 tive of a bright future. Mr. Downs was married in Ann Arbor, JNIich., Sept. 17, 1884, to Miss Lucinda Goodrich, daughter of Cornelius Goodrich. She was born in Michigan, and is a graduate of the Literary Class of the State |t!> University^ of 1877, receiving the degree of Ph. B. In politics Jlr. Downs is a Republican. So- ciall}' he is a member of Oskaloosa Lodge No. 58, K. of P. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. ^^ APT. EDWARD GERARD, deceased, was ji(^.^ born near Lexington, Ky., Jan. 26, 1817. ^^^ His father was Benjamin Gerard, a man of French descent, and his mother, Margaret (Thomas) Gerard, a native of Kentuckj-. Capt. Gerard came to Iowa in the year 1842, while j'et a young man. and took up a claim in Lee County. In the month of April of that year he was married to Miss Mary A. Martin, who died in November, 1853. By this marriage there were six children, three sous and three daughters, all deceased. Capt. Gerard came to this county in the year 1843. Sept. 22, 1858, he was again married, to Margaret L. Pugh, a native of Greene Count}', Ohio, and a daughter of Will- iam and Elizabeth (Shoemaker) Piigh, the former a native of Frederick County, and the latter of Shenandoah County, Xa. By this marriage there are three children, one .son and two daughters, all living: Elrner, born Aug. 25, 1859, is now living on the home farm, of which he has charge, and com- bining the teaching of school during the winter months with his farming; Alcyone, born Jan. '26, 1861, and Edna, born July 19, 1866, a school teacher by profession, ^vho lias taught several terms. In 1854 Mr. Gerard, with an emigrant train of twelve wagons, drawn by oxen, started from Cen- tral Iowa across the western plains to Oregon. After traveling for ten weeks with this train, on ac- count of its slow progress, he with one other man set out to complete the journey. A few days after taking his leave, this train, with the exception of two boys, were all massacred by the Indians on Boise River. After many hazardous adventures and narrow escapes they reached Oregon City, ninety days after ci'ossing the Missouri River, the best time on record for an ox-team. After spend- ing four years i)n the Pacific Coast, the gi-eater part I of the time as a clerk in a dry -goods store in Port- land, he concluded to return by water, left San = --& It ^m J-Jr'r'r-r'A 'i^j^^^SSei' 1^^^^ MAHASKA COUNTY. 227' Francisco April 5, and landed in New York April 27, 1858, and came back to Iowa May 10, 18.")8. Capt. Gerard served three years in the regular army of the United States, and was under the cotn- mand of (ien. John C. Fremont in his wonderful exploration of the Great American Desert, and also served three years in the late Civil War as First Lieutenant of Co. E, 37th Iowa Vol. Inf., and was commissioned Post-Quartermaster while stationed at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was breveted Captain when the regiment w.as mustered out at the ex[)iratiou of its service. The Captain was a man of fine literary ability, a great reader, student .and thinker, and always took an active part in the political cam- paigns of this count}'. Politically he was a Re- publican, and a leading and influential member in the Union League of this countj'. Beyond the office of Justice of the Peace, which he held for several terms, he had no political ambition, and was always happj- in the success of his party, its candi- dates and its measures. He died April 4, 1872, re- spected b}' all who knew him as an honorable and upright citizen. u W. COLVILLE is a farmer and stock-raiser on section 32. Adams Township. He was born in the Shenandoah ^'alley in Virginia, (^)) Dec. 28, 1819, and is a son of Robert and Ilann.ah (Weston) Colville, who were natives of Vir- ginia. He was a miller b}' profession, following that business in Virginia, and in Ohio, where he re- moved in 1825. He died in 1828 or 1829, and his wife in 1873. The subject of this sketch came to Mahaska County in 1853, and remained until the spring of 1857, when he en)igrate(l to the State of Kansas, re- maining there until the year 18C5, engaged most of the time in the improvement of a farm. While in Kansas, he was in the employ of the (Jovennnent in the Quartermaster's Department, under Capt. Fnsl}-, Chief (Quartermaster of that Department, continuing in that service one year. He then en- gaged in the Overland Mail Service, under Ben lldlliday, who carried the mails from Atchison, Kan., to Salt Lake, Utah, and remained in his .serv- ice until after the close of the war, returning thence to his old home in the State of Ohio, where lie engaged in merchandising until the j'ear 1869, when he came back to Iowa, bought a farm, .and has remained here ever since. His farm is in a high state of cultivation, and its improvements, house, barn and other things are of excellent qualitj'. Po- litically Mr. Colville is a Greenbacker. tr^ ■xl .ufi eAPT. CHARLES P. SEARLE, of Oskaloosa, is a pioneer of 1854, and located in this cit}' in May of that year. He was born in Ches- ter, Hampden Co., Mass., April IG, 1831, and is a son of Zenas and Julia (Sheldon) Searle, also na- tives of Massachusetts. Charles P. was the young- est son and the seventh child of a familj' of four sons and four daughters, and is the only member of the family residing west of Ohio. His earl^' years were passed upon the farm, receiving his education in the common schools, supplemented by two terms at an academj'. He resided at home until he reached the age of twenty years. His father then gave him §25 in monej', and for the first time in his life he left his native State, and also for the first time enjoyed the novel experience of a ride on the cars and by steamboat. He went direct to Paines- ville, Ohio, and entered a machine-shop for the pur- pose of learning the trade. He had worked a few days onl}', when on the 16th of Maj', 1850, his right arm w;is caught between the belt and shaft, wiiich was revolving at the rate of sixty revolutions per minute, and was broken in four places. He went to Kinsman, Ohio, where relatives were living . .and remained with them until his recovery. In the fall of 1850, he engaged with his brother-in-law at that place as clerk in a store, serving him one year for a salary- of ¥75 and board, j'ct from this meager compensation he saved some money .and remained at Kinsman until 1854. During that year the west- ern fever seized him, and he turned his face toward the setting sun, came to Iowa, and located at Oska- loosa. At this time in the history of our .State there was not a mile of railroad in operation within ^^h^^^,ia^ 11 m Ti^Tr i - •--i] 1 n I It iri rxTnxim x 1 1 1 1 1 iii 1 1 228 MAHASKA COUNTY. ^-^ m Wm m its borders. His first business experience in this city was that of a dry -goods cleric, and in the spring of 1855 he became a partner in the business, the name of the firm being Hardj', Searle & Young. One year later he sold out his interest and retired from the firm, but continued to conduct his dry- goods business alone until 18G1, when he closed out his business and enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War. He was mustered into service in August, 18G1, as a private soldier in Co H, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf. i :j 5 1 At the organization of the regiment at Camp Mc- miM\ Clellan, Davenport, he was promoted Sergeant l}j Major. The regiment removed from its rendez- -^ vous to Benton Barracks, St. Louis., Mo., where they were placed under command of Gen. McKins- try, and taken on a forced march to Springfield, Mo., to resist the advance of the rebel General, Sterling Price, who was driven back into Arkansas. *^ The regiment- then went to Sedalia, Mo., and spent the winter of 1861-62. In November, 1861, Sergt. Maj. Searle was commissioned F'irst Lieutenant of Co I, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf. In March, 1862, thoy were ordered to Pittsburg Landing, partici- Ijated in the battle of Shiloh, and during the after- noon of the first daj^'s fighting nearly the entire regiment, with others of Gen. Prentiss' division, were taken prisoners by the rebels, and remained in prison until November, 1862, when they were ex- changed at Libby Prison. After a furlough of thirty days the regiment was re-organized, again en- tered the service, and was sent down the Mississippi River with Mr. Searle as Captain of Company I, to assist in the capture of Vicksburg, participated in I the various engagements immediatelj' preceding the investment of that city, iucluding the charge of May 22, and were forty days in the trenches round about that beleaguered city. Immediately following the surrender of Pember- tim to Gen. Grant on the 4th of July, the 8th Iowa jjr was of the army that started eastward driving Gen. Johnson's army of reinforcement across Black River and into the fortifications at Jackson. The enemy succeeded in getting out of Jackson, and across ]\ Pearl River, and being pursued gave battle at Bran- ^ don, Miss. The 8th fought gallantl3' on this occa- sion, won the battle, returned to Vicksburg and shortly afterward was sent to Memphis, Tenn., where they did provost dut}' for eight months. During this time the rebel General, Forest, made his famous raid into Memphis. It was a hand-to-hand conflict, and Capt. Searle was wounded by a sabre stroke across the right ear, received a permanent spinal in- jur}^ and was taken prisoner, but succeeded in mak- ing his escape a few hours later. His wife was with him on a visit at the time, saw him wounded and taken prisoner, and that Sabbath day, Aug. 21, 1864, was a memorable one for both of them. As his wounds were of a character disabling him for further active service he resigned his commission in Januarj', 1865, and came home. After his return from the service in the fall of 1865, Capt. Searle visited his native State, accom- panied by his wife and child, and spent the winter among the scenes of his boyhood days. During the spring of 1866 he formed a partnership with Capt. C. S. Wells, now of Knoxville, Iowa, and en- gaged in the retail groceiy trade in this city. In the fall of 1867 Mr. Searle was elected Clerk of Courts of this county, and served four full terms. At the expiration of his term of office he was ad- mitted to the bar. Mr. Searle was elected and of- ficiated for a time as Cashier of the First National Bank of this city. In the month of January, 1876, he purchased a set of abstract books and has since given his attention to abstract, insurance and bro- kerage. He represents twelve of the leading in- surance companies of the w_orld, and does the lead- ing business in that line in the city. The Captain has been twice married, first to Miss Eliza Shangle, a native of Ohio ,Dec. 25, 1855. She departed this life in 1857. April 12, 1859, he espoused Miss JNIartha E. Turner, a danghter of Rev. Asa Turner, of Denmark, Lee Co., Iowa, a prominent and well-known minister of the Congre- gational Church, and organizer of the first church of that denomination in Iowa. Bj' this union there have been three children : Dora E. is the wife of Harry S. Howard, Vice President of the Mahaska County Bank of his city; Alice is a graduate of Grinuell College; and Hattie L. The family are members of the Congregational Church, and Capt. Searle has been Superintendent of the Sabbath- school of that society nearly twenty j-ears. 11 ii ^n i m ssss^ssa. CHHHHEa MAHASKA COUNTY T'= Tlie Captain is esteemed one of mir most success- 1 liiisine.«s men, and has acquired a very conifort- : able fortune during his residence in this city. The elements which have conduced to bring about this desirable condition are those which obtain in the history of nearly every successful business man — first, an integrity which establishes confidence in the minds of the public, then the ability to perform that which is jiromiscd, in a proper manner, not for- getting that uniform courtesy which wins patrons and retains tliem. Capt. Searle possesses this rare combination in a remarkable degree, hence his suc- cess. In all matters of public interest having for their object the advancement of the material in- terests of his fellow-citizens, he will always be found in the front ranks, not with his influence alone, but with his time, his labor luid his mone}'. In moral reform he stands upon the highest plane, in the forefront of the contest, and is fearless and out- spoken in the advocacy of all measures liaving for their object the betterment of the condition of his fellow-men. -^-^^-^^ 1) C. McCLAIN of Monroe Township, is en- gaged in the business of general mei'chan- dising and farm machinery at Rose Hill, Iowa, under the firm name of McClaiii & Son. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, Sept. 13, I^ 4p^ HADRACH MORGAN, residing upon sec- ^^^^ tion 35, Garfield Township, was born in l\l^_3) ^^ i^'^s, in 1823, and is a son of John and ^Margaret Morgan, both of whom were na- tives of the same country. The father died in 18;)5, and the mother a few 3'ears later. Shadrach Morgan, the subject of this sketch, came to Amer- ica, landing in I'hiladelphia on the 3d of Augu>t. 1847. He first located at Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he lived a few months, and then went to Danville in the same State, where he lived a year, and was engaged in the iron works. He then w^ent to Luzerne Count}-, Pa., where he re- mained six weeks and then returned to Schuylkill Countj', remaining two years more. He then vis- ited his native land, and staid six months, return- ing again tt) Schuylkill Count}', where he lived one and a half years. He then went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, where for twd years and a half he was engaged in the gt)ld mines, meeting with fair success. Returning .again to Schuylkill Count}', he made that his home one and a h;df years, and then went back to California, re- siding there nine years, engaged in mining the greater part of the time, with indifferent success. Returning from California ■Mr. Morgan went to Pennsylvania and staid three months, during which time he was engaged in coal mining. On the 4tli of July, lsi)."i. he lauded in Mahaska C'ounty and 3 numxxij S IrTxxzzniimuiiiuuiiurTTil - kirf ^^-^ MM II m 1 ft. -A • m m i^ i iM m MM II li Pi located on section 35, Garfield Township, where he still lives, and is the owner of fifty-four acres of land. He has been engaged in mining and farming since coming to this county. Shadrach Jlorgan was married in 1851 to Han- nah Williams, a native of Wales, and daughter of Iven and Mary (Thomas) Williams. Tbey are the parents of three children: John, born March 22, 1855: INIary Kllen, Xov. 7, 1850: and David, Jan. 20, 1870; they are all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are members of the Congregational Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M. In politics jMr. Morgan is ver^v liberal. While living in his native country he learned the trade of a stonemason, which he worked at for some years and also followed that trade a portion of the time after coming to America. His first trip to Califor- nia was made in a sailing vessel, ami he was 108 days on the voyage from New York to San Fran- cisco. During the trip they ran short of provis- ions and for a time were limited to one tablespoon- ful of rice at one meal and a half biscuit at another. Mr. Morgan is now living a quiet life, respected by all who know him. 11 m m I K^ ACOB WOLFE is a farmer and stock-grower on section 35, Cedar Township. He was , ^ ^ liorn in Stark County, Ohio, Jul}' 10, 1825, ^M| '-^Z' andis the son of Samuel and ^Marj- (Shi vely) Wolfe, the former a native i>f Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. The}' moved from Indiana to Keokuk County, Iowa, in 1865. and both of them died in this State. The subject of this sketch, Jacob Wolfe, remained il with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, I and then began life for himself. He was married J in 1848 to Lydia Anmock, a native of Ohio, born March 12, 1827, and the daughter of George and J, Julia A. (Hull) Anmock, the former a native of "»^^ -^'^®"' J'^''*ey and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Anmock j died in Ohio, and her husband in Iowa, while on a 3 visit among his children. Jacob Wolfe came to Ma- haska County in 1873. He is the father of eleven children : Lucinda is the wife of William Cisco, liv- ing in Wapello County ; Linda A ; Julia A. is the wife of AVesley Jackson, living in this township; Samuel: Hannah is the wife of M. B. Lee, and re- sides in this township; Liuford; Mary is the widow of N. M. Lee, and resides in this township; Harmon II., Laura A., Emma E., and Freeman W. Mr. Wolfe owns 140 acres of excellent land, all in a high state of cultivation, and his house, barn, and other buildhigs and improvements are first class in every respect. His wife is a member of the United Brethren Church. In his political relations !Mr. W. is «i Republican. In every relation of life he will be found to be a first-class citizen and a man of strict integrity, highly esteemed by neighbors 3 and friends. yTLLIAM BOWEN, residing on section 35, Garfield Township, was born in South 3| ^ ^ AVales in 1839. He is a son of William ^ and Mary Bowen. Being the son of a poor man, i his educational advantages were limited indeed, a, and he was earl}' trained to hard work. In the 5 coal mines of the old country he spent the greater a part of his life until he was thirty years of age, q when he determined to emigrate to the United fi .States, witli the hope of bettering himself and fam- S: ily. He came by steamship and was twelve days Se in making the voyage. For the first six months Sp he engaged in coal mining in Ohio, but in the fall of 1809 came to Mahaska County and located at Beacon, where he continued the occupation of a coal miner. In the village of Beacon he remained fourteen years, and then located upon section 35, (iarfield Township, where he had purchased fifty acres of land some time previous. On this i>lace he erected a comfortable dwelling-house at the cost of §800 in addition to his own labor. Before leaving his native land in l8(;;i, Mr. Bowen was united in marriage with Mary Lus- combe, a native of the South of England, and daughter of William and Susan (Sargent) Lus- comlie. Ten children have been born to them: James, who- died July 26, 1875; Mary Ann, now engaged in teaching in Edmunds County, Dak.; she is a graduate of the Beacon public school, and lII»um«rTTHTTTr IramxnTTTXuni ti J. aSci^SiSd 1: MAHASKA COUNTY. i:U I i; \ \': \ \- i; \. 1 M! 1: I ll taught three terms iu this county before going to Dakota; Susie and Mima are at home; Arthur died .lulj 27, 1874; Fredericli. Willie, Oscar, Sarah and Xelly. ; ^Ir. Boweu and wife are members of the Baptist : Church, and he is also a member uf ti>e I. O. O. F. 3 and the Knights of I'ythias. In politics he is a : Proiiibitionist. AVhile a resident of Beacon, he was ; a School Director for two terms. ^M=^v^ ^OIIN B. ADLON. Among the business men I ■ of push and energy of Oskaloosa, who have ^_^ I accumulated what they have of this world's - '((^jl goods through their own energy and perse- ; ^ crance, and not as recipients of a legacy, is the S subject of this short notice. He is a watch-maker n by trade and is engaged in the watch and jewelry : business and also deals in musical instruments, and : established his business at Oskaloosa in 1850. Mr. Adlon has been engaged in his present business S longer than au^' one else in Mahaska County, hav- s ing spent upward of thirty -six j-ears in the same. He 5 began in a small waj', mended jewelry, repaired : watches and clocks, and as the demand for the jew- ; elry in those early days as well as repairing was \ not sutticient to occupy his time, or his sales large '• enough for him to make a living, he carried on a •; barber-shop in connection with his business. But ; close attention to business and the growth and de- ; velopment of the eountr3' soon increased his trade ■; and his stock was increased proportionately, until ■ji he now has an extensive establishment, and is meet- ing with signal success. Mr. Adlon was born in Mentz, a city of Uesse. B the principal city of Rhein-IIessen, on the left bank 3 of the river Ithine, Dec. 18, 182G. He is the son of c Nickolaus and Annie Adlon, and learned his trade in B his native city, after an apprenticeship of five j-ears. 3 He then traveled in Europe and worked as a " jour " .Ig until 1849. when he came to the United States, ilE landing at Mew Orleans. He worked in St. Louis ic for a while, and in December, 1850, came to Os- kaloosa and engaged in his present business. Mr. Adlon was united in marriage in .St. Louis, Mo., April 9, 1850, with JHss Elizabeth J. Kalb- fleisch. She was born in Dillingen (Hesse Homburg) Germany, March 10, 1830, and has borne our sub- ject six children, two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living: John H., born iu Oskaloosa. May 20, 1851, married Alice K. Kline, and is :i farmer in Garfield Township; Mar^' A., born iu Keokuk, Iowa, March 24, 1853, was next in order of birth; Henrietta E., born in Oskaloosa, Nov. 27, 1854, became the wife of Prof. Howe, of Os- kaloosa Commercial College; Ida F.. born in Oska- loosa, Nov. I'.l, 1850, married F. Horst and they re- side in Oskaloosa; Nickolaus C, born in Oskaloosa. April 7, 1859, married Mary Ivalbfleisch, and they are living at Farniington, Iowa; Eunice H., born iu Oskaloosa, April 7, 1801, married R. O. Mor- rison, a resident of Oskaloosa. The good wife and mother died Feb. 20, 1803, respected and loved by all who knew her. The second marriage of our subject took pl.ace Dec. 10, 1807, in Oskaloo.sa, and the lady selected as his life companion w;is Jliss Sarah P. Byei-s. She is a sister of Consul S. II. M. B3>ers, and daughter of .James Bycrs, and was born in Mercer County, Pa., .hily 7, islo. Of tiie latter union two children were liorn — Maggie May, .Jul3- 5, 1809, and Alice Anna, June I, 1871. Mrs. Sarah Adlon departed this life Jan. 19. 1875. Religiously Mr. Adlon is a Unitarian, and in [lolitics indepen- dent. -»»-HH-i|f -KH-e- il II .mm P^ECBEN WlllTAKER, of the firm of Whit- 'if' aker & Shriver, dealers in books, stationerj' and wall i)aper, Oskaloosa, was born in ^^ Muskingum County, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1835, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (McGiffin) Whitakcr. The foi-mer was a native of Virginia, of Scotch ancestry, and in his early life was a car- penter, but in later 3-ears a miller. In 1855 the family came to Oskaloosa, and the father under- took the building of a gristmill in the southern part of the citj', near the present site of the South Spring Mills, and died Dec. 18, 1850. before the mill was completed. The mother is still living, and resides two miles north of Oskaloosa with her sons Samuel and Frank. To them were born eleven m P": [ I «T;mTT«^yTir^T1 ^^^^' w iTi.Tt^nrT imw I tij.agxxjmxxixxi-Uiixixi iJLi i iTTtizimzzzrnixixznimiil 232 MAHASKA COUNTY. ^ children, eight of ^vhom arc living, as follows: Mary E. is the wife of Vi'. K. VValhice, a printer at Des Moines; Reuben; Sarah is the widow of George K. Led^-ard ; John was in tlie arm}- in Co. E, 3:3d Iowa ^'ol. Inf., and was wounded in the battle of Helena, and died in a hospital at Memphis, he ranked as .Second Sergeant; Gideon L. is Weigh- master at the Iowa Central Stockyards, Oskaloosa; llP^' .Maggie E. is the wife of Jesse Hyatt, a farmer in Sontliern Dakota; .lennie is the wife of Edward III Williams, of "What Cheer, Liwa; Samuel ^^'. and III I ! Frank are on the home farm. Reuben Whitaker received a good conimon- sehool education, and also attended Muskingum College two j^ears. After the family came to Iowa, in is,')5, he worked in a sawmill until Is.jO. then took a trip to Pike's Teak, and on his return en- ii hi ., born Nov. 29, 18.o7, is the wife of John B. Threlkeld, of Superior, Neb. In 18.53 Mr. Wing emigrated to this count}' and built a gunsmith-shop, on the ground now occupied by the new court-house in Oakaloosa. This was the first establishment of the kind in the county, and is believed to have been the first one built and operated in this part of the State. In 185.5 he pur- chased a farm in Spring Creek Township, where he resided continuously for twenty-seven j'ears, sell- ing the farm a few years since to a coal sj'ndicate, and receiving therefor $80 per acre. Mrs. Cather- ine Wing, who was a sincere and earnest Christian, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died Oct. 5, 186G. Mr. Wing was again married in this count}-, to Sarah E. Thornburg, who was born in Greene Count}-, Ohio, Ajiril 18, 1835. She was a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Moorman) Thornburg. Her father was a native of Lexington, Ky., but removed to Ohio while but a small boy, and her mother was a native of Ohio. They were both members of the Society of Friends. There w-as born to them a family of seven children, six now living: Sarah E.. wife of the subject of this sketch ; Melissa J., of Cass County, Iowa, wife of A. JI. .Saunders; Aloiizo E., of Madison County, Iowa; Dosha 1)., of this county, wife of .Jacob Shaul; Nannie E., of Oskaloosa, wife of Delos Dean; Thomas J., of Mahaska County. Mrs. Tiinrii- burg died March !l, 1871, and her husband March 21, 1875. They were sincere Christian people and iiighly respected wherever known. They came to Oskaloosa March 8, 1864. Our subject and wife are the parents of three children — Katie E., Nannie E. and Dosha C, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wing are leading and intluenlial members of the Society of Friends, and take an active interest in the advance- ment of the welfare, spiritual and temi)oral, of that society. Charles Wing is an honorable, upright citizen, enjoying the respect and esteem of his fel- !ow--men in an eminent degree. He has taken an active interest in the development of the resources of this city and county, aiding in this woi'k, as well by his means as by his personal intluence and indi- vidual effort. ACOB KRISER, farmer and stock-gTower on section 1 , Spring Creek Township, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., March 20, 1811, and is the son of Gasper and Jane (Baney) Kriser, who w-ere of German origin. They were among the early settlers of Pcuusylvania, settling there before the Indians had abandoned that coun- try. Gasper Kriser was a farmer and stock-raiser, and the father of twenty-seven children, and raised five others of different parentage. He had two wives, by the first of whom twelve children were born, and the latter, who wiis the mother of the subject of this sketch, had fifteen children. At his death he owned 1,200 acres of the best land in Lebanon County, Pa., was very w-ealthy, and one of the best farmers in that section of the coun- try. The subject of this sketch, Jacob Kriser, removed from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1840, and lived there until 1854, when he removed to this county, where he has resided since. He was married, Dec. 17. 1832, to Jane Killinger, a native of Pennsylva- nia, and of German parentage. By this union there 1 iHH': iiff^^ I' tii n i Mil u. ' «itX UUXgX»«lJXUlJtll tXll niJiiTgnmiiiiiirmiiro Lt.lXJZUXXX I i'l'i i"' '"*'"'*" '"^'""^ *'*'*"* •234 MAHASKA COUNTY. Ml 1 I were eight ohilclren born: Michael, Sally, Jacob. .John and William, living, and David, Balser and James, deceased. Jacob Kriser is the owner of 3.30 acres of good land, all nnder cultivation, with good buildings and other ap|)urteuances to a first-class farm. Mr. Kriser is a prosperous, well-to-do farmer, and one among the most successful of that profession in the count}-, and has achieved his pres- ent success by good judgment and proper economy. I [e is a man of the strictest integrity, honorable and straightforward in his transactions among men, and enjo.ys and merits the esteem of an ex- tended circle of acquaintances. *-:^<^>-J»iB^ -ca^ >^5.^-»Teat force of charac- ter, just the material of which sturdy pioneers are made, and to men of liis mold of mind and strength of character, this country is indebted for its re- markable development. For years it had been marked upon tlie maps as a barren desolate waste unfit for the habitation of civilized men. Cour- ageous men, however, spied out the land, settled upon it and found it a fruitful soil, yielding a thousand-fold U> the labor of the skillful toiler, and because of this endured the privations incident to life in a new country, that others might reap the benefit of their sacrifices. Marble monuments may not mark their last resting-places as testimonials of gratitude from those who have followed after, yet their names are engraved upon the tablets of mem- ory and the remembrance of their early trials is transmitted from one generation to another as a tradition of the past, thus building fortiiem a mon- ument more imperishable than brass. ~%/W .'v^iiCXi'©^^ |•>*g|^a/OT^f»>-'V^/^~ ICHAEL L. SHOEMAKE, dealer in new and second-hand furniture, cook and heat- ing stoves, pumps, lightning-rods, etc., es- tablished his business in Oskaloosa in 1857, and has resided within the boundaries of Mahaska County since 1853. He is an active business man, wide awake to his own interests, and always ready to lend a helping hand to any cause that is calcu- lated to advance the interests of the community- in which he lives. Mr. Shoemake was born in Smith County, Tenn., Sept. 17, 1835, and is a son of Michael and Judy Shoemake. His parents were natives of Tennessee, and our subject remained a resident of his native State until seventeen 3'ears of age, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools. In 1853 he came to Oskaloosa and embarked in tlie gi'ocery business, starting the first extensive grocery establishment in that city. In 1857 lie began his present business, and has carried it on continuously ever since, meeting witli success. He was married, Aug. I, 1 S5!), at Oskaloosa, to Hettie A. Wroughtoii. She was horn in Ohio, and has borne our subject three children, all sons. John H. resides in Oskaloosa, and is a pressman li\ trade; Frank W. married Delia Meeks, and they are living in Osicaloosa, as likewise is Harry W . Mrs. Shoemake is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal C'IhucIi. In politics our subject was formerly a Rei)ul)lican, but at present is a member of the Greenback party. Socially lie belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is a respected and iionored citizen of the county. .^■^»^- m ■^itf-* ^^IDEON B. McFALL, Sr., a dealer in lum- Itl ^=, ber, resides in Fremont, Iowa. He was '^^4! born in Bartholomew Count\% Ind., .Jan. 17, 1823, and is the son of William and .bine (Fenton) McFall, who were natives of Kentucky. The first-named was a soldier in the War of 1812. They moved to Indiana, where the latter died in 1839, and Mr. ISIcFall was again married, to Maiy Ann (iilliland, and removed in 184C from Indiana to Iowa, remaining about fourteen j'ears, when he w-ent to Harrison Count}-, Mo., and died in 1869. The subject of this sketch came to this State from Indiana in 1847, residing continuousl}' upon the farm he yet owns, on section 4, Cedar Town- ship, until 1882, since which time he has been en- gaged in the lumber business at Fremont. He was married, Jan. 16, 1845, to Miss Mary Newsom, who was born in Bartholemew County, Ind., Dec. 2, 1824, and is a daughter of John and Charlotte (Hollowell) Newsom. Her father died in Indiana in 1825, and her mother in Iowa in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. McFall are the parents of nine childieii : Mar- tha J., deceased; Charlotte M. is the wife of George \V. Beck, living in Wapello Count}', this Stiite; William O. is married to Sarah Lloj'^d, and they reside in Fremont, Iowa, where he practices medicine and surgery; Maiy A. is tlie wife of .Sam- uel Boman, living in Bartholomew Count}-, Ind. ; Kinnia A. is the wife of M. E. Keith, of Atlantic, Hi 11' liiJij m m •wm\ ill urn km wm m nil 'E5 236 MAHASKA COUNTY. p:.7( n m M\ D tbHHHH] Iowa ; Clara is the wife of Daniel Votaw, of Cedar Township; Gideon J}., Jr., is a lawyer at Oska- loosa: Jennie L. is residing at home; one son died in infanc}-. Mr. and Mrs. McFall are niemliers of the Meth- odist Episctopal Church. Politically he is a Dem- ocrat, and has held the offices of member of the Boaid of Supervisors, Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee, and is at present serving his third term as Mayor of the town of Fremont. With the exception of one or t^vo terms he has been a continuous member of the School Board for thirty years. Mr. McFall owns 1G2 acres of most excellent land, all in a high state of cultivation, with a line house, barn, and the best quality of im- provements of all kinds, and a line residence in the town of Fremont. lie is a pioneer in this county, and a gentleman well and favorabl}' known within its entire borders. In everything pertaining to the advancement of our material prosperit}' he has taken an active interest, and has promoted the growth and prosperity of the whole jyeople by ever}' means in his power. He is a man of the highest order of business ability, of the strictest integrity, honorable and high-minded in all things, and ranks first among the many good citizens of this count}'. eR. TROY, of Garfield Township, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Nov. 2G, 18'24, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Rob- inson) Troy. The former was a native of Virginia, and died in Morgan Count}', 111., in the year 1832, at the age of sixty-two years. The latter was also a native of Mrginia, and died in Garfield Town- ship, this county, in 1871, at the age of sixty-eight years. Six children were born to them, three of whom are living: Washington is a retired farmer, residing in Kansas; Abraham lives upon a farm in Prairie Township, and C. R., our subject. C. R. Troy was reared upon the farm, and has always followed that occupation. When about six years old his family removed to Morgan County, 111. He removed thence to Fairfield, Jefferson County, this State, and came to this countv in BEl 1843. locating in White Oak Township, about ten miles east of Oskaloosa. During this year the lands of the New Purchase were opened to settle- ment, and he, with his brother Abraham, took up a claim of 320 acres in that township. One year f later they went to Madison Township and bought a claim of 320 acres, upon which they resided for three years, then came to the present location on section 10, Garfield Township, and entered IGO acres of land, a portion of which is included in the present farm of C. R. Troy. Sevei-al years later they divided the land, each taking half, to which the subject of this sketch has added yet other lands, and now has at the home farm 190 acres. When Mr. Troy first settled in this county the Indians were just preparing to leave, and white settlers were a scarce commodity. No elegant farm-houses dotted the prairie, fences were an un- known quantity, roads were Indian trails, leading here and tliere over a vast expanse of jn-airie. To go to mill was a task frequently taking from three to four weeks, the nearest one being at Fairfield, fifty miles away. The lumber that built their abiding-places, and the salt that seasoned their hominy, was hauled by team from Keokuk. But they endured all these inconveniences, suited their wants to their means, lived and prospered through it all, and lived happy lives. C. E. Troy was married, April 11, 18.56, to Miss Amanda Lighter, a native of Kentucky, and daugh- ter of Andrew and Nancy Lighter. By this union there have been nine children: Jerome, James, Charles and Con are farmers, residing in this county; Amanda, Ernest, Andrew, Daniel and Frank are at home. In additipn to the home farm of 190 acres Mr. Troy also owns forty-five acres in Madison Town- ship. It is a fine farm, all in a high state of culti- vation, and has flrst-class imj)rovements. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and has upon the place about fifty head of fine graded Short- horn cattle. He has made a success of life by persistent energy and industry, coupled with excellent man;igement and proper economy, and is fully deserving all the prosperity that has attended ji|i him. No one envies the pioneer his well-earned ease in his later days. There is no more honora- M I I I I it v.: I ,JLXJJ[ t IJJt> |lXXl -l-tJLJ,-t h X. 'Rrf i-'.i-'r' , i I: I I l-.l tSr'r'r'cg ^r»xii^mirTTTTX«*TgT»'| MAHASKA COUNTY. 239 QiSble, liiu-h -minded citizen in this countv than the nj Ssubieet of this sketch, and none who stands hiohev ;in tlie confidence and esteen^ of hi? fellow-citizens. VSi IfclLLIAM FREDERICK is a retired farmer stock-raiser of Harrison Township, re- g on section 21. He was born IMaj' 25, 1800, in Pennsylvania, in what was formerly S§Northunilierland, now called Union County. He is a son of Thomas and Margaret A. (Tibbon) I i Frederick. Thomas Frederick was captured by the ; Indians near or between Reading or-IIarrisLurg, J Fa., in the j'ear 1750, and kept by them a prisoner ifor eleven years. He was about five years old when '^'^ captured by the Shawnee tribe. The}' cut slits in ^-bolh his ears for the reception of rings and other ornaments, as thej' proposed to make a chief of him. He died in Columbiana County. Ohio, ]May ijfi8, 1808; his wife also departed this life in that il county in March, 1825. Thej- were both of Ger- ;man parentage. It 5 The subject of this sketch, in the fall of 1804, ifiwent from Pennsylvania to Ohio in compan}- with •ijhis parents, and remained thereuntil 1845, engaged il^Sin the manufacture of woolen goods, he having I learned this business while a young man. He un- :derstood and followed all the processes employed : in the manufacture of woolen cloth, from shearing Kthe sheep to the finishing process which made the ipS goods ready for the tailor's use. June 9, 1845, he S gathered together his familj', and started with ■Steams for Iowa, bringing with him to this countj", igfive or six cows, 400 head of sheep and three head 1 Sof horses. They h.ad a verj- successful trip, and i-iS arrived at the place where he now lives Aug. 7, lie o 1 igl845, having consumed nearly two months' time on 5 the trii), and losing onh- a few head of sheep. This iJ^B was before the land in the New Purchase came into ::S market, and he bouoht out what was called a snuat- ;:ter's claim, on a half section of land, which he aft- jS'erward entered. 1 ^C Mr. Frederick now owns 710 acres of as fine land }-;as there is in the count}', all of it in a high state of J{ ; cultivation. He has on the place two fine frame I j; houses and an ample number of barns and out-build- ings of all kinds, and also a curiosity in the shape of a smoke-house made of a portion of a hollow sj-camore tree. It is about five feet in the clear in- side, the shell about one and one-fourth inches thick, and .stands about ten feet high, is covered with a shingle roof, and was put up in 1861. The subject of this sketch was married in Septem- ber, 1820, to Rebecca Shrlver, and to them have been born eight children : Electa ; Lufaj-ette was a soldier in the Mexican War, under Gen. Taylor, and died at Monterey', Mex. ; Clementine; George W.; William A., and three children who died in in- fancy. There is also an adopted daughter, Cather- ine, residing at home. The mother of these chil- dren died in October, 1857, and he was afterward united in marriage with Mary Reigart nee Jackson, who is now deceased. Mr. Frederick's first vote was cast for John Quincy Adams. He is now afKl- iated with the Republican party. 'Sir. V. is enjoy- ing the well-earned rest the struggles of his pioneer daj-s entitle him to, possessing a competence, and with it the highest esteem of a large circle of ac- quaintances. <^ OHN B. IIOOPES, a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of Oskaloosa, was born in Chester County, Pa., Feb. IG, 1809. When a child his parents removed to York County, near Ilarrisburg, and there he lived and worked upon the farm until he reached the age of seventeen years. He was then apprenticed to a tanner for three j'ears, for which he was to receive his board and clothes, three mouths' schooling during his ap- prenticeship, and at the end of the time a suit of clothes valued at §30, or $30 in cash, as he might elect. He worked several j'ears as a journeyman tanner, and in 1833, at Carlisle, Cumberland Co., I'a., was married to Miss Barbara Greider, who was born in Lancaster Count}', Pa., in 1815. In the spring of 1834 our subject and wife re- moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he was foreman for a number of 3'ears for Samuel McPherson, an exten- sive tanner in that vicinit}'. In the year 1844 he purchased a tract of land near Lima, Ohio, which he successfully cultivated for several years, when he sold at a good advance over the original cost, and I I I I 1: i^j^ ggji fc^i ^jj SBS p- j gj ■■: CJlXntTTTi-d [ZZJZXXXJLUX TT''"'T""»"«'TT'"'"*«nr' fyn-n r» TTT»uy ruTTTxu nXT, re^.. t li J III! rxjixirm i ixi-tixni I rrrt rrr y i- fT m rrrT jTiTiitiTi '■'If' »COT 1 *:j_i..i u : •UXXTTTim ii UN E:^^ |ii. .^ 240 MAHASKA COUNTY. removed with his family to Dubuque County, Iowa, wliere lie ]5urehasecl a farm of 400 acres near the town of Cascade. Tills he cultivated until about tlie year 18G5, when lie came to Oskaloosa, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Ibiopes were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living: Andrew, a farmer in Mahaska County ; Ann, wife of Jacob Whiteman, of Mahaska County, now deceased; John M., a banker of DalLas Centre, Iowa; Marion, a resident of Denver, Col. ; Jacob, a dry-goods merchant in Kansas; L3'dia, wife of R. G. Gilson, Florida; Swain, a merchant in this State; Daniel, who lives in Maliaska County; Lottie, wife of J. C. Steadman of this county ; Ezra, a merchant at Avoca, Iowa. Mrs. Hoopes died in 1879, and Oct. 18, 1883, he was married to S. R. Tejile, a native of Indiana. Politicall}- Mr. Hoopes is an enthusiastic Repub- lican, but not an ofliee-seeker. Mr. Hoopes' early religious training was received in the Friends' So- ciety, but he afterward joined the Methodist Fipis- copal Church. As a citizen, he is a man to whom the word good applies in the superlative degree. He takes an active interest in public matters and in matters relating to the moral health of the citj', and as a representative citizen of this county the pub- lishers of this Albu-m take pleasure in presenting his portrait. S" AMUEL McCLAIN is a farmer and stock- grower on section 16, Cedar Township. He was born in Harrison Count3', Ohio, Sept. 2, 1830, and is the son of James L. and Sarah (Ensle}-) McClain, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Mainland. .James L. died in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1851, and his widow in 1883. The subject of this sketch was married. Dee. 9, 18.51, to Jane English, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1835. She is a daughter of James and Jane (Perkins) English, both of whom died in Ohio. Our subject and wife are the parents of eight children — Joseph N., Sarah A., J. S., Wade, Xova, Jennison (deceased), Asa and Nellie. Mr. and ^Irs. ]MeCl.tin are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Repub- lican, and has held the office of Township Trustee. The home farm consists of 1 CO acres of good land, with an excellent house, well arranged, and com- modious b.arn, and other first-class improvements and conveniences in his business of general farm- ing and stock-raising, in which he is quite success- ful, by reason of good management, care and judgment. Personally Mr. McClain is much re- spected among his friends and neighbors as an upright citizen, good neighbor, and consistent Cliristian gentleman. --^ ^-^ ^ ^ AjMES SEEVERS, deceased, an honored pio- neer of ]\Iahaska County, of 1843, was born in Frederick County, Va., Oct. 12, 1792. His parents, Henry and JIartha .Seevers, were de- scended from the French Huguenots. The family removed from France to Germany, and thence to America in colonial times and settled in Pennsylva- nia. Later the branch from which our subject sprang was established in Virginia. James served an apprenticeship to the tanner's trade, at which he worked but a few years, and then engaged in farm- ing. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1820, to Miss Rebecca Wilkins, who was born Nov. 23, 1797. They were the parents of six children who lived to maturity ; two died in infancy, and one in childhood. William H., the eldest, is now Judge of the Supreme Court of Iowa, and a resident of Oskaloosa; he married Miss Caroline M. Lee (see sketch elsewhere in this work). Virginia R. is the widow of M. T. Williams, and a resident of Oska- loosa; Thomas F. married Louis.a Knight, and his death occurred in 1853; John M. was a soldier of the late war, being a private of the 3d Iowa In- fantry, .and died in 1S(;2 in the hospital, from dis- ease contracted in the service ; Theodore L. was a Lieutenant of the 33d Iowa Infantry ; . he married Miss Eliza Boswell, and resides at Marshalltown, Iowa; James A. was a Captain in the 15th Iowa In- (HK) I -si K2H2Sa i>UfiiriTiTi'Jiiiiiimitiiii_iiiitxi fSr'Hi-'r'i^l MAHASKA COUNTY. 241 I : I.: M h 1 : l-S r.: li! k 1-5 \:i fautry; he married Maiy Collins, and died from disease contracted in the army. Mr. ISeevers emigrated from Mrginia to Iowa in 18-t2. He spent one winter in Jefferson County, and in the spring of 184;icame to Oskaloosa, locating about a mile outside the city, and engaged in farm- ing. He was the first Justice of the Peace in Ma- haska County, and held the office man}' years. He was a true and consistent Christian, holding mem- bership with the Lutheran Church, and was an up- right, honorable man, who commanded the respect and good-will of his fellow-citi/ens. His demise took place at the ripe age of eighty-six years, April 6, 1879. His wife, the cherished partner of his joj's and sorrows for many years, and a most estimable lady, died Jul}- 4, 1873. -^ ti.:-: if-t ■i;> \;: i; ii i:: 1 V'\ il \\ : ■4 - I : I : I : 13S I : '1; ': X - R. M. L. JACKSON, surgeon dentist, is not onlj' the oldest practicing dentist of Oskaloosa, but of Mahaska County. He w.as the third of a faniil}' of seven chil- dren, and was born in Branchville, S. C, Aug. 24, 1829. His parents, Solomon and Elizabeth (Over- ton) Jackson, were Ixjth natives of North Carolina; the former died at Knoxville, Iowa, in 1851, and the latter at Oskaloosa in 1878. When the Doctor was but seven years of age the family moved to Concord, 111., but subsequently located in Lee Count}', Iowa. The subject of tliis sketch remained with his par- ents until twenty years of age, when he went to Macomb, 111., and entered the office of Dr. J. B. Kyle to study medicine. While at ]Macomb he also read medicine in the office of Dr. J. II. Bacon, who was for many years one of the leading business and professional men of Ft. Madison, Iowa. Con- cluding to make dentistry his regular profession, he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he studied, and began practice at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1852. In 1854 he came to Oskaloosa, where he has continued to reside, engaged in the active practice of his profes- sion, for almost a third of a century. Few men are more widely known than the Doc- tor. In his profession he stands high, his ability being recognized, not only by his friends and neighbors, but by the profession as well. In the State Dental .Society he served two terms as Vice President and one as President. As a business man and citizen he has ever had at heart the best interests of his adopted city and State, devoting much of his time to the public good. When the .State Bank of Iowa at Oskaloosa was organized, he was elected one of its Directors, and served as such during the active period of its existence. He was also instrumental in the organization of the First National Bank of Oskaloosa, and for five years served as one of its Directors. For more than thirty years the Doctor has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, at present being a member of Triluminar Lodge No. 18, A. F. & A. M., Hiram Chapter No. G, It. A. M., and Commandery No. 6, K. T. The fraternity has in him a strong advo- cate, and he h.as done much to build it up in this section of the country. In the organization of the Iowa Masonic Benevolent Society he actively par- ticipated, and for several years he was one of its Directors. On the 1st d.ay of November, 1855, Dr. Jackson was united in marriage with Miss Joan Phillips, a native of Illinois. They have five children — Harry, Dwight, Gertrude, Lizzie and Willie. Harry and Gertrude are married, the latter living in Des Moines. Dr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the Presbyterian Church of Oskaloosa. '1. i 1 %M il •n km m mm 11 W mm m ■>«i2.'2j2/©^-' ->.^^^yZ'^nr»v. AVID McFALL, a farmer and stock-grower on section 9, Cedar Township, was bom in Bartholomew County, Ind., Dec. 5, 182G, and is the son of John and Isabel (Finton) McFall, who came to this county in 1848 and en- gaged in farming. The former died Oct. 21,1 884, and the latter May 30, 1 883 ; they are buried in the cemetery at Fremont. The subject of this sketch, David McFall, was married to Charlotte M. Brown, Sept. 4, 1856. She was born in Indiana Feb. 19, 1840, .and is the daughter of Harvey and Charlotte (Hollowell) Brown. Her father died in Indiana, and her mother in Iowa, Oct. 8, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- fcM' :^iia' k!i rrn I rj.T>il i^^^S ; rx3 rm txxrmm x" 242 MAHASKA COUNTY. nTTTi- b-^^ _ ; ] KiiiTjtt: Pi Fall are the parents of eight children: IMary F., born Jul3' 4, 1857; William O.. Feb. 23, 1859; Sarah F., born .June G, 1861, died Feb. 7, 18(5.3; David E., born April 20, 1863; Charles, Feb. 17, 1867; Lottie May, Dec. 9, 1868; Jason, March 27, 1871 ; Nellie G., born Feb. 16, 1874, died Aug. 20, 1883; Mamie, born June 6, 1876. • Mr. JIcFall is a member of the G. A. R. ; he is a Eepuljlican in politics, and has held several local offices in his township. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. K, 33d Iowa Vol. Inf., serving for tljree years, and participated with his regiment in ^M the engagements of Helena, Little Rock, Camden, T,r T,. pi-aii-ie D'Anne, Poison Spring, Jenkins' Ferrj*, siege and capture of Mobile, in the army of ob- servation on the Mexican border, receiving his discharge at the close of the war. Mr. McFall was a good soldier, discharging every duty faithfully, and in the civil walks of life he is just as good a citizen. He is energetic and industrious, a man of strict integrity, and enjoys the esteem of his friends and acquaintances. pii m LIVER CRAWFORD, at present residing in Oskaloosa, was born iu Carroll County, Ohio, Oct. 3, 1836, and is the son of Mat- thew and Frances (Stevenson) Crawford, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland. AVhen Oli- ver was ten j'ears old he came with his parents to Washington County, Iowa, in the year when it was admitted into the Union as a State. There he grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education and attending one year at Washington College. Mr. Crawford was married in that count}', in February, 1871, to Miss Lydia A. .Singmaster, a na- tive of Kentucky. By this union there were four children, three of whom are now living. Mr. Crawford is still a resident of Washington Count}', Iowa, where he has large property interests, but is temporarily sojourning at Oskaloosa, where he has a brick and tile yard iu the southwestern part of the Ucit}'. He usually employs four or five men, and in *" the season of 1886 he made 150,000 tile and 80,000 brick. Mrs. Crawford died in 1878. She was a member of the Christian Church. In December, 1880, he was again married, to Mrs. Naomi A. Maxwell, also a native of Kentuckj'. Upon the or- ganization of the Republican party 3Ir. Crawford affiliated with it, but at the present time votes and acts with the Democratic party. <| ,1^ W. SPRAGUE, of Garfield Township, is a \&j// native of Washington, Ohio, and a son of ^y^ Jonathan and Susan (Lynch) Sprague, who were natives of Wheeling, W. Va. Jonathan Sprague was a farmer all his life, and was a soldier in the Mexican War. His ancestors were natives of Austria. He died Jan. 20, 1885; his wife's death occurred Aug. 13, 1883, at the age of sev- enty-eight years. The subject of our sketch came to this county in 1868, and settled in Des Moines Township, where he lived thirteen years, removing to his present location in September, 1881. He served the people of Des Moines Township one term as Township Trustee, and has been School Treasurer of Garfield Township for three terms. Mr. Sprague was married in 1864 to Miss Sarah M. Sprague (no relative). They are the parents of five children — Oscar, Osmer, Arthur, Asa and Vesta. His present farm consists of 120 acres of land, all improved, upon which there has been sunk a prospect shaft, which shows near a five-foot- eight-inch vein of coal, of the best qualit}' and re- sembling anthracite. Mr. Sprague was raised a farmer, began life as a poor boy, and has accumulated his present posses- sions by his own industry, good management, pru- dence and economy. He is a general farmer, but in the spring of 1885 turned his attention to the breeding of Poland-China hogs, making his first purchase from the celebrated herd of A. C. Moore, of Canton, 111. He now has a herd of ten thor- oughbred animals, and intends to continue the business. He is also the owner of a thoroughbred Durham bull. Mr. Sprague is a successful farmer and enjoys a reasonable degree of prosperity as a result of the intelligent direction and management of his affairs, and himself and wife enjoy the confi- dence and esteem of their friends and acquaint- } -l IXUrXXInfl'-lltXiln' t I ' r'r'Hr'HPr'r'r'r'r'i MAHASKA COUNTY. 24". in: ,-'•5 ance:<. jMr. Sprague is now tuniing his attention to the daily Inisiness, ruiiiiini; at present one wagon, and snpplying Excelsior witli niilli each da}'. •.©♦o.-@^llow- ing year, when the father died, and the j'emainder of tile family emigrated to the .State of Kansas. The subject of tiiis sketch, J. B. Redbiirn, came to Mahaska County in the year 1 8G0, locating in Har- rison Township, and January 24 of the foUuwing year was united in marriage with .Miss .Mary Punk, a daughter of Joseph and Jane Funk. By tiiis ' union there are eight children now living — Willi- S., Jennie, Jemima, Fredericka, Charles, Haye>. Joseph and Caiy. ^Mabel died in infancy. The home farm consists of 1(50 acres of very fer- tile land, all under excellent cultivation, andcd with the best class of improvements thereon. The i dwelling is a commodious and well-arranged brick structure, with an ample frame barn and other out' buildings to correspond. Mr. Redbiirn is a pro- gressive farmer, and keeps himself well advised upon all matters pertaining to the business of farm- ing and stock-raising that are essential to the proper and successful conduct of his business. Socially he is a pleasant gentleman, high-minded and honorable in his transactions with men, and oc- cupies an iqjper place in the regard of his friends j and acquaintances. -ji| W. WARRINGTON. The oldest estab- V@Ol lished photographer and artist in Oskaloosa is the gentleman whose name heads this no- tice. He established his business there in 1866, and, with the exception of a few months, has been continuously occupied in conducting it. Mr. Warrington was born in Damascus, Columbiana Co., Ohio, Oct. 9, 1842, aud is a son of John and Rachel (Garwood) Warrington. Our subject was brought np in his native State, attended the common schools, and there developed into manhood. When twenty-two years of age, he began to learn his trade at Alliance, Ohio, which he afterward mastered, and, in 1866, hoping to better his financial condition in life, he came to this State and count}-, and locating at Oskaloosa, embarked in his present business. He has met with success, which is attribut;ible to his own business tact and good judgment, coupled with his energy and economy. Mr. Warrington was married, June 27, 1867, at Oskaloosa, to Miss Julia, daughter of Daniel Mc- Michael. She was born in Indiana, and the issue of their union is a daughter — Jessie E. ilr. ^Var- rington is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to Hiram Chapter No. 6. In politics he is a Republican aud, owning as he does, the leading a iKxnimimr M X-XJ TT«»»w^>»i»-r«yTTrrT»iii n iiiiijirfjiiii xxiixizn^z: lEKlllXJZ: n^^Hatfc^z ■ TtTTttrt-ir yt llltHIl . tllTTT ItHIIIIIlIHIll- ^flFrflnrrrirtxiiiixiJiTrTri'irTmrriJ'* •244 MAHASKA COUNTY. Pi m I I tj.1 photographic gallery in Oskaloosa, anri treating all n customers with that gentlemanh' welcome which is Ro his leading characteristic, he has established a repu- tation second to none in that thriving little city. «>J— 4^ o-5*!'0 *— 5-«» OHN H. 8H0EMAKE, deceased, was a pio- neer of Mahaska County, coming here before Oskaloosa was laid out, and was born in Smith County. Tenn. He was a son of Michael and Judy .Shoemake, and was reared a farmer's boy. Developing into manhood, he en- hr w^ gaged in merchandising at Carthage, Tenn., whence [} ^ he removed to Collinsville, 111., where he engaged W^ in the mercantile business, and was there united in ij marriage with Miss Betsy McQuain. He came jl from the latter place to Mahaska Count}' and took p up land, and when Oskaloosa was started engaged in the dry-goods, hardware and grain business, and t Dj was also a dealer in live stock. W ''' Mr. Shoemake was the first Democrat to be elected Countj^ Treasurer and Recorder of Mahaska County, his election occurring in August, 1857, f- and continuing until August, 1860. He continued an active business man of Oskaloosa until his demise, in November, 1859. He was a whole- souled, genial gentleman, who had the happy fac- ulty t)f making and retaining friends, and was one of the popular men of his party in the county, and at the date of his demise left a wife and two chil- dren. Socially he belonged to the Masonic frater- nity, and was also a member of the I. O. O. F. M 1 hd w ILLIS S. KEDBURN, of Spring Creek Township, is a farmer residing on section 32. He is a native of this county, in which he was born Dec. 3, 18(31, and is the son of Joseph B. and Mary A. (Funk) Kedburn, for Inography of whom see elsewhere. Willis S. Redburn was reared upon his father's farm, and early learned to per- form his part of the daily work. Until of age, he attended the common district schools a few months in each .year, and then attended Oskaloosa College x3for two years. He is a .young man of considerable natural ability, which, supplemented by a good English education, and a determination to succeed, indicate that he will yet occupy a prominent posi- tion in society. The subject of this sketch was niaii'ieil, .Ian. 21, 1886, to Miss Flora E. Higgason. born in Thorn- town, Ind.. July 9, 1867, and a daughter of W. T. and Martiia C. (Evans) Higgason, the former a na- tive of Greene County, K3'., born Ma.y 11, 1828, and the latter of Harrison County, Ind., born Dec. 11, 1829. Her mother died .Tan. 22, 1(S81, and her father is now living in Indian;ii)olis, Ind. RTHUR C. ^A'ILKIXS. physician and sur- geon at Oskaloosa, was born in Roane County, Tenn.. Aug. 20, 1841. He was in the senior class at the State University when the late war broke out, and the business of the institution was suspended. In IsC'! he came to this State and located in Washington Couut.y. He took a regular course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, and graduated from that institution in the class of 1865. Entering at once upon the practice of his profession at Siguurney, he continued there until 1870, when he went to Lex- ington, this State, and was there engaged in prac tice until 1880. During the latter 3ear our sub- ject came to Oskaloosa, and foimed a partner- ship with Dr. D. A. Hurst, which connection con- tinued four 3'ears, and since the dissolution of the partnership Dr. Wilkins has continued in practice alone, meeting with signal success. Dr. Wilkins was married at Ft. Wayne, Ind., Jan. 26, 1876, to Miss Almira L. Briggs, daughter of Jesse and Rebecca Briggs. Mrs. Wilkins was born at Ft. Wayne, and of her union with our subject four children w^ere born, two sons and two daugh- ters, who have been named Emerson C, Fred Mar- cellus, Jessie Blanche and Clara Maude. Dr. Wil- kins is a Knight Templar and likewise a member of various Masonic bodies. He stands at the head of his profession in this section of Iowa, and is known as a thoi'ough student, not only in his profession, but in the school of history, natural science and literature. He is a gentleman of broad views, a fiieeeea h7g?TfHl ISi-'Hririrl irriinxiiiTT I MAHASKA COUNTY. 245 ^ ~ ^: deep thinker, close veasoner, and follows with keen |-^ atteutiou the discoveries and developments in med- ical science. His success in his profession has been e| flattering, and he is rapidly building u[) an exten- ts sive practice. 1 Kansas being in the Indian Department, and the liE jurisdiction of the Superintendent for whom he was working embracing the Indians of Kansas and la- ^t dian Territory. He acted in the capacity- of clerk ifl until 187G, when he became agent of the Govern- irS ment, having jurisdiction over the Osage Indians, fl and held tiiat position until July, 1878. In 1883 ^S^ YRUS liKKDK. Secretary of the Iowa Life jj. ||i and Endowment Association, and residing I ^^^ at Oskaloosa, was born in Carroll County, N. H.. Nov. 28, 1828. He is the son of Stephen and Caroline (Dame) Beede, of the Society of Friends, his parents and grandparents on both sides having belonged to the same society. The Beede family were of English and Scotch descent, and residents of this country for several generations. Our subject was educated in a common school, which was supplemented by an academical course in what was called the Friends' Boarding School, of }jfi Providence, R. I. His earl_v life was passed on the farm in his n-itive State, and on arriving at the age ^ of maturity, and having received a good education, he eng.aged in the duties of a pedagogue, which he followed in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersej' and Iowa. In 1 852 he came to Iowa, and purchased a farm one mile north of Oskaloosa, which propert}' he still owns. Returning to New England he engaged in the mrvnufacture of oil carpet for a }il time, and then in 1856, went to Minneapolis, Minn., '' where he embarked in banking and real estate, and S was thus occupied until 18130. In the spring of 5 that j'^ear he came back to Oskaloosa, and has made J this his home until the present time. Mr. Beede E was the first Cashier of the First National Bank of i Oskaloosa, and was one of the incorporators of the J;; same. In 1870 he engaged in the service of the 1 I Government as Chief Clerk of the Central Indian '_i Superinteudeucy, with headquarters at Lawrence, Mr. Beede was appointed Special Indian Agent, and visited all the agencies in Washington Terri- tory, and man3' in Oregon, Nevada, Montana, Idaho and Dakota Territories, and also in Florida. He ter- minated his service with the Government July 20, 1885, receiving a statement of full and final settle- ment. Mr. Beede was one of the very few Indian agents whose accounts at the time of final settle- ment were in such a condition as to warrant the Government in settling according to their figures. They were absolutely correct. He was regarded by those high in authority as one of the most efficient Indian agents in the service. His superior knowl- edge and- skill in Indian affairs and accounts have been frequently called in i-equisition by Indian agents in making settlements with the Government. Jan. 1, 1886, Mr. Beede accepted his appoint- ment as Secretary of the Iowa Life Endowment As- sociation, and has continued to hold that position until the present time. He was married near Os- kaloosa, in Quaker style, July 8, 1858, to Miss Martha Pickrell, daughter of William P. and Mary Pickrell, of the Society of Friends. One child, jNIar}' C, has been born of their union. .She is the wife of R. W. Clayton, and they reside in Omaha, Neb.; they have one daughter, Mattie H. Mr. Beede was President of the City Council of Minne- apolis in I860, and has also been a member of the Cit3' Council of Oskaloosa. He is one of the lead- ing members of the Friends' Church, in Iowa, is a man of large experience, a close observer, and pos- sessed of very much more than ordinary ability. L5IER D. GERARD, of Garfield Township, was born in Mahaska County, Iowa, Aug. 25, 1859, and is a son of Edward and IMar- garet L. (Pugh) Gerard, for biograjjh}' of whom see elsewhere in this volume. Elmer was raised on the farm where he now lives, and was married, Nov. 3, 1881, to Miss Rosa Hofif, who was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, Jan. 7, 1864, and is a daugh- ter of Zebulon Iloff, of this county. He was born in Alleghany County, Md., May 19, 1835, came to A'an Buren Count}'. Iowa, in 1854, and in 1856 m Ehhhki fi >-/•■; 1, iJ fi 1 I P 1 m^ Pi i 1 i I mm IMIU si; EwtitiIqI ??=»WB m XXI I iixi luxtxxxoraixxjt tmi -■ rrnxmmrxirmxxiiinxxrxi ■- 246 MAHASKA COUNTY. was married lo Miss Clariiicla Jackson, a native of JMuskiugum County, Ohio, who was born in Dres- den, Feb. 18, 1841. Mr. Iloff was licensed to preach by the Jlethodist Protestant Church in 1850. He was a sohlier iu the war of the Rebellion, serv- ing through the entire war in Co. C, 1.5th Iowa \o\. Inf., and dj'ing at his home in Des Moines Town- ship, Maj' 7, 188G, leaving a wife and Ave children. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerard have been born two chil- dren — Harrj- and Ernest. Mr. Gerard owns fort}- acres of improved land, and is engaged in farming in the summer season and teaching school in the winter. He has taught the same school f(_)r several successive terms, and is verj' popular and thorough in that profession. He is a member of the Iowa Teachers' Reading- Circle, which has its headquarters at Des Moines. Each County Superintendent has charge of the members of the club in his county, which meets annually, when a line of reading is prescribed fcir the coming 3'ear. This is continued for four years, at the end of which time those who have mastered the course receive a diploma as an evidence of pro- ficiency in that respect. Mr. Gerard has been a member of the School Board in his district six years. In 1886 he was a candidate for Township Clerk on the joint Democi'atic and Greenback ticket. j)olling a larger number of votes than any man on the ticket. ^ AMES A. SEEVERS. In the days of slavery there were many Southerners, who, although In-oiight up in familiarity with that peculiar institution, yet felt that the.y could not con- scientiously give it support or encouragement; hence it was that in the settlement of the great Northwest many of the old slave-holding families of the South followed the tide of emigration and did their part in establishing and upbuilding a freer and a healthier civilization. The subject of this sketch was a member of such a family. He was born in Jefferson County', Va., ^larch (>, 18;52, and iu 1842 came to Iowa with his father, James See- vers, who left hiui in school at Burlington, while he with the rest of the family came to Mahaska County. Young James' longing for _the western home he had never 5een, combined with the fever of immigration of which he had had a taste, proved stronger than his love for school, and accordingly he left Burlington without leave and walked to the (_)skaloosa of that daj'. of which the main business buildings ivere a log IJacksmith-shop and grocery store. In 18.53, Mr. Seevers. having studied law with his brother. Judge William H. Seevers, was admitted to the liar and soon after formed a part- nership with Judge J. A. L. Crookham. In 1856 he was elected County Attorney, and dissolving his connection with Judge Crookh.am, formed a partnership with his brotiier .and Hon. M. T. Will- iams, with whom he continued in business until the outbreak of the Civil War. :May 29, 1855, Mr. Seevers m.arried Miss Mary Collins. She was the eldest daughter of one of Marion County's first pioneers, and still resides with her family in Oskaloosa. Three sons were born to them — Charles A.. Albert Collins and James E. — the second of whom died in infancy ; and one daughter, Eva, who is still living. Mr. Seevers was a strong adherent to the politi- cal faith of Stephen A. Douglas, and during the stormj' period preceding the war took an active part in the affairs of the Democratic party. When in 1861 all hopes of a peaceful settlement of tiie dif- ficulties between the North and South were aban- doned, Mr. Seevers espoused without hesitanc3' the cause of the Union, and a.ssisted in organizing a compau}' of volunteers, largely composed of men of his own political faith. In October, 1861, he was elected Captain of Company C, loth Iowa Regiment, and spent tiie winter of 1861-62 in quarters at Keokuk, Iowa. Capt. Seevers took |iart with his company in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and in the smaller affairs of luka and Boliver, suft'ering a loss in the first two engagements of five men killed and twenty-t)ne wounded. In both battles Capt. Seevers received honorable mention for gallantry in action. The loth Iowa arrived at Shiloh, by steamer, on the morning of the first d.ay of that battle, and as the men marched to the front with bright guns and new uniforms the}' were taken by the retreating Federals for regular troops. In an hour the 15th Iowa was also slowly retreating before the impetuous advance of the confederates. ■ (TTHTTII liJHblr'eM g ,i xilimxirii : m iiii- TT-TT T-TTTil HHK eg • pfpiyy^er i ::gcq q xxTTTT nr mi300Ea i t \» fev" i v3 'S 1^1 =18 i!S I li i: i; I I ra UiB i; I J r i; I I i i l:lB li In a forced march through heav\' tiinl)er from Cor- inth to liranil .hmctioii, Capt. Scevers fell, and re- ceived injuries in tiie side, which obliged him to re- sign his commission. On returning- from the army the Captain re-en- gaged in the jiractice of law, as much as his im- paired health would iiermit. Hut the injuries he had received caused the formation of a tumor, which, growing continually worse, caused his death Nov. 5, 1865, at the age of thirty-three years, when it might truly be said he was only fairly com- mencing life. He was once a candidate for the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, but was not successful. He canvassed the county for his party, and as a public speaker was a fluent one, and a man of much influence in the counsels of his party. V|[ AME.S A. STEUART is a farmer and stock- raiser, residing on section 4, AVhite Oak Township. He was born in Logan County, Ohio, Kov. 20, 1831, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Hanger) Steuart. The first- named was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and a cov- erlet weaver in the old country. He departed this life in Ohio in 1847, and his wife died at the old home place in that State, in 1885, at the advanced age of seventy-three j'ears. She was of German origin. Her grandfather Hanger was a soldier dur- ing the War of the Revolution. The subject of this sketch, James A. .steuart, was married, Julj' 4, 1852, to Vicena lloll}', and by this union there was one child, who died in infanc)- ; the mother died April 27, 1853. In April, 1854, Mr. Steuart was again married, Mary Jane Harris becoming his wife, and to them eight children have been born: William S., born Feb. 2, 1855, died Feb. 25, 1885; Uretta, born Maj' 30, 1856, is now deceased ; Henry H. and Elmore are also deceased ; Elizabeth A., born Feb. 1, 1864; Cora A., born Dec. 25, 1866, is the wife of Louis Wymore, and lives in Monroe Township; Emma, born Dec. 17, 1871; Arthur and Lona are deceased. The mother of these children died April 27, 1876. and is buried in this township. In 1877 Mr. Steuart chose as his third wife JIary L. Fostei-, and by this marriage MAHASKA COUNTY there were two chililrcn: Lewis, born Nov. 14, 1.S78, and one who died in infancy. The mother of these last-named children died May 19, 1880 and is buried in this township. Mr. Steuart came to Iowa from Ohio in 1851,5?, Politically he is a "t 1^1 and bought his present farm Republican, has represented his township on thet County" Board of Supervisors, under the old law, and has held nearly all the various offices in the township where he resides. He is a member of the lUj Masonic fraternity. Mr. Steuart owns 280 acres of ill^ fine, fertile land, all under fence ami in a very high state of cultivation, .'uid with improvements of the best character. Upon the farm arc four dwellings, three of them occupied by tenants. In addition to his occupation of general farming he turns his attention to the breeding of Short-horn cattle, Clj'desdale and Norman horses and Poland-China hogs, and has some very fine representatives of these various animals from the best families in the country. Ho is handling his business ver}' success full}' and prolit;il)l3-. In his business relations is always found to be a man of strict integrity, honoralile and fair in his deali)igs, doing unto others .'IS he would they should do unto him, and ^ thus merits and receives the apjircival of friends and acquaintances. 1 ccess- ¥ Dj' ns he ,W W. --€-*^- -^ late editor of the vas liorn in Fayette \jp^,ELSON D. PORTER. I jjl Oskaloosa Union, was liorn in Fayette W '^Mi County, Pa.. Jan. 23, 1838, and is a son of ^^ David .Porter. He was educated in the common 'li?^ schools and at Waynesburg College. Pennsj-lvania. and graduated therefrom with honors in the class of 1860. In 1862 Mr. Porter was ordained a min- ihi ra lliaial ! isterof the Presbyterian Church, in Fayette Count}-, *--- - •--' and served as Pastor in Brownsville and in Jefl'er- son County, that State. He was then Pastor of the LTnion Congregational and Presbyteria)! Churches in Erie Count}', Ohio, and then of the First Con- gregational Church of Carroll, Carroll County, this State. In October. 1875, Mr. Porter came to Oskaloosa and assumed the management of the Oskaloosa Standard, which position he held for ten years. In .lanuary. 1886, he became editor of the cizxriixnTH SI::. Si nssii' 3^ m ff 248 MAHASKA COUNTY. Oskaloosa Union, which was the outgrowth of a consolidation of the Standard and Messenger, and wliich position he held until September, 1886. It is a spicy little paper, Democratic in politics, and always found upon the side of morality, and advo- cating every just cause for the development and the improvement of tlie country and the elevation of mankind. .Mr. Porter was married in Pittsburgh, I'a., .lune 2, 1804, to Miss Sallie A., daughter of Capt. Elisha Bennett. She bore him two children, both of whom are deceased, and her demise took place in Chicago, 111., Dee. 22, 18(17. ^Ir. Porter was a second time married. Aug. 4, isd'.l, to Jliss Anna P., daughter of Capt. J. W. Grover, of Cleveland, Ohio. The issue of the latter union is five chil- dren. The record is as follows: Harry S., born Sept. lis, 1870, and died aged fifteen years; Chris C, l)orn Dec. 24, 1872; Fred N., April 13, 1875; Ada M., Oct. 1, 1S77, and Nellie M., May 1, 1880. Mr. Porter is a member of tlie Jlasonic fraternity and also of tlie G. A. R., belonging to Phil Kearney Post. He was a soldier in the late war, having en- listed in 1863, and served three months as Chaplain of the .')8th Pennsylvania Infantrv. mm E. SEEVERS, attorney at law, of Oskaloosa, was born in this city May 10, 1862, and is a son of James A. Seevers, late Cai)tain of (,?^ Co. C, 1.5th Iowa Vol. Inf. (now deceased), and Mary (Collins) Seevers. James A. Seevers was a native of Virginia, and his wife of Indiana. He came to tliis county about the year 1846. The subject of tiiis sketch received his education in the public schools of Oskaloosa and at Oskaloosa Col- lege. When twenty-one years of age he entered the law office of Hon. John F. Lacey, where he re- mained as a student for two years, and was ad- mitted to the i)ractice of the law by the Supreme Court of Iowa at its December session in the year 1885 .at Des Moines. In the spring of 1886 he commenced the practice of law in Oskaloosa. In politics Mr. Seevei-s is a stanch Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. r^r'HHHHHHHr'r'r' k'?^ He is a member of the Iowa National Guard, and |;[ Orderly Sergeant of Company F, Third Regiment. |:| of that organization. He is a young man of sterl- ing qualities, good morals and tine ability, and gives promise in the near future of making his mark in 3t the profession he has chosen. •~v .-Niijiiia^lg-K-g |->*^^^3^^i' <5 *^ -vx^/v J: G. JONES, of Garfield Township, is a na- tive of South AVales, where he was lK)rn Nov. 20, 1828, and is a sou of William G. and Elizabeth (Thomas) Jones, natives of that country. They came to America in 1840, set- tling in Luzerne Countj', Pa., and later on Mr. J; Jones came to Johnson County, Iowa, where he ii died in 1859, aged fifty-two j'ears. his wife having ^ died in Wales when the subject of this sketch was two years old. Mr. Jones followed his parents to America, ar- riving Aug. 7, 1845, and locating in Luzerne County, Pa., where foi- eight j'ears he was engaged in the coal business, as a contractor. He then went to California, where for two years and eight months he operated a gold mine and was successful finan- cialh' in this enterprise. After leaving California i^ti he returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained a short time, and in August, 1857, came to this count}', where he has since been engaged, the greater portion of the time in farming and mining. He was one of the projectors of the Iowa Coal Com- pany, which operated extensively under his super- vision in 1868 and 1869. He was for several j-ears J engaged in mercantile business at Beacon, and was Postmaster there during that time. He is also ~\ largel}' interested in Colorado coal lands, and at I'z^ one time was interested in 3,300 acres of coal land, J with a company oi-ganized to work them. ; Mr. Jones was married, Jan. 1, 1856, at Hyde : Park, Pa., to Miss ^Margaret Jones, a native of : Wales. The}' are the parents of six children : Sa- : rah A., wife of Thom.as S. Ingles, at Hollister, Cal. ; J^ Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Joseph Bevan, of Oskaloosa; William G., an attorne3'-at-law, at Oskaloosa; Emma, Winifred and John, at home. The home farm consists of 100 acres of well-improved laud. Mr. Jones is a member of the I. 0. O. F. and A. F, wm riTTTlniTTrilTTTlKXTl^I II tiicUijJcia -.1, .^.==^_ ,t1 MAHASKA COUNTY & A. "SI. lie was one of the [irincipal men nf tlie town of Be.aeon in its palmy (lajs, when the coal mines were in fnll operation at that point, the old Roop Mill and distillery being operated, when it had several extensive business honses and when it was the depot for the shipment of all our products, grain and stock, and at which point all the merchan- dise for ( tskaloosa was received ; in fact, when it i was the railroad station of the countj'. FiS ^fl DAM FOEHLINGER, one of the early set- (^^1 tiers of Oskaloosa, was born in Klicnish ]//lii Prussia, near the river Rhine, Aug. .'), 18 Hi. (^ Here he remained until he was fifteen years of age, receiving a liberal education, lie was then apprenticed to the trade of fancy turning for three years, receiving his board, but giving |80 and three years' work for the privilege of learning the trade. When he had finished his time he went to a large city in search of work, but found he was not up with the times, and worked one 3-ear for SI per week and his board. He then went to Olierstein, a hilly country, and the mountains filled with agates. Here he followed his trade, turning out the fixtures to watches, and jewelry of all kinds, for a short time, then traveled extensively over Germany as journeyman turner, stopping eventually at Berlin, where he was engaged for several years at his trade. Mr. Foehlinger was married in his native town, April 10. 1S42, to Katarina Klotz, by whom he has had four children, born in German}', viz. : Adolph, a machinist residing in St. Paul, Minn. ; Henry, of Burlington, Iowa; Matilda was the wife of William Harbach, and died in lb74; Charles is a salesman with J. B. McCurd}^ & Co., Oskaloosa. One child died in infancy. In 1853 Mr. Foehlinger left his native country and crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, which occupied forty-eight days in making the trip. He landed in New York, where he re- mained one J- ear. In 1854 he came to Chicago, and was employed for two years in the McCorraiek Reaper and Mower Factor}-. In 1850 James Fletcher, of Oskaloosa, went to Chicago, .and hired several men to come to Oskaloosa and work at cab- inet-making, and Mr. Foehlinger came along with them. Mrs. Foehlinger died in 1870. She was rin acceptable member of the Congregational Church. Our subject was again married, in the fall of l.'s72. to Miss Kate Wachter, who was born in I'lin. (iermanj', Nov. 17, 18;3'J. In 1809 she came to America, all alone, a stranger in a strange land. When a young girl, after the death of her parents, she went to Switzerland. She then made her way to England, where she remained four years as gov- erness in the family of a clergyman. In May, 1869, she landed in New York, and having letters of in- troduction to one of the first families of that city, succeeded in obtaining a situation as governess in the fainil}- of .John (imsbeck, who was residing in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and was one of the leading families of New York Citj'. Here she remained one and a half years, spending one summer with the famil}' at Newport. From New York she went to Chicago, where she was emploj'ed as governess in the family of H. O. Stone, a wealth}^ resident of that city. After the great fire she went to Des JNIoiues, Iowa, and served as governess in the family of B. F. Allen, banker, and from thence to Oskaloosa ; she still gives private lessons in German. She has become the mother of two children: Grace, born March 8, 1874, and Rena, Feb. 4, 187(i. The family are nicmljers of the Congregational Church. Politicallj- Mr. Foehlinger is a Democrat of the liberal school. He is also a member of the I. 0. O. F., and has held all the principal offices in the Sub- ordinate Lodge and Encampment; twelve successive years he represented his district in the Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa. He is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, also of the Rebecca Lodge, and is at present Treasurer of all f(jur. cf>ilil I UN: 1 Mc' -JS^' ^ ill W W_ mq wn' id mm I r m I p. COVEY is the owner of eight}- acres of well-improved land on section 3, Des Moines Township. He was born in Broome County, N. Y., March 2-2, 1817. and is a son of Daniel and Phanella (Burget) Covey, both natives of the same State. His father was an intelligent man, a member of the Universalist Church, and died in 1855, aged seventy-two years; his mother S»i?5T5 •250 iog MAHASKA COUNTY. ■TO! iai!ixm i 'xirixTxzn.ruji3urmtitiiin- P^~^ ■ !«''r»-TT-T-w»n.Ti ^ IT-rmrTTTyT TTTT T'' died in 1851, at the age of sixty-nine years. The subject of our sketch was reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools of his native State, wliere he remained until 1847. when he followed the advice of the lamented Greeley, to go West, and came to Mahaska County, and located on sec- tion 4. Des Moines Township, where he lived six years and improved a good farm. He then moved to section 10, where he lived seven years, and then purchased his present farm on section 3, where he has since resided. Mr. Covey was married, in 1845, to Helpy Eg- gleston, daughter of Orlander and Mary Eggleston. Three children were born to them, all of whom are now living: Charlotte, wife of A. T. Plum, of Des Moines Township; Daniel M. and Alice, who re- side at home. While never learning the trade, Mr. Covey has followed carpentering to some extent. He has never been what might be termed an active politician, and, above all, has never been an office- seeker, though he has served two terms as Consta- ble of his township. In his old age he is endeavor- ing to live a quiet and peaceful life, enjoying the respect and esteem of all who know him. 1 A. PAINE. The well-known business firm of A. A. Paine I<-p- -^ H?l ^=5»^IDE0N B. McFALL, Jr., of the firm of (I I g— , McFall ife Jones, attorneys, at Oskaloosa, ^^^jl was born in Fremont, Mahaska Co., Iowa, Aug. 3, 18G1. He is a son of (Jideon B. and Mary (Newsom) McFall, natives of Indiana, who came to this State and county in 1845, locating at Fremont. Our subject received his education in the com- mon schools, supplementing the same by a course at Oskaloosa College, and afterward took a law course in the State University of Iowa, at which place he graduated June 19, 1884, and began practice at Oskaloosa Sept. 11, 1884. He formed a partnership with William B. Jones in Februar}', 1885, under the firm name of McFall & Jcmes, which still exists, and which, for proficiency in matters of jurisprudence, stands exceedingly well in the county. In politics Mr. McFall votes with the Democratic party. Socially he is a member of tbe Masonic fraternit}', belonging to Toleration Lodge No. 236, Fremont. The parents of Mr. McFall still reside at Fremont, where his father is engaged in the lumber business. Our subject holds the position of lecturer on commercial law and business forms in the Oska- 1 n i^IDEON B. McFALL, Jr., of the firm of '^, 1 ::!i 1 1 k Mi^ raniitxxxraru IIIIIlrKTUC TTT« gTTrT» rwtr "iff m ^"g¥ *TyT wT JUtxxx: Ijfix ri xKx rixi rxTiTJ XI I rrx mi| ^„„i£H r:i --'-; ^n? — r . Kim KiaJjuttm loosa Business College. He is Secretary of the Ma- haska County Agricultural Society, and also of the Oskaloosa Board of Trade. He has a bright future before him, and is making rapid strides toward at- taining prominence, not only as an attorney, but as a gentleman of energy, push and perseverance. -^ ^-^ ^^ _ „,,RANCIS HUBER, a baker, was born in Ba- '-^ den, Germany, Feb. 4, 1804. He is a son of Joseph and Theresse Huber, natives of Baden. They were the [jarents of four sons, two living — Francis, the subject of this sketch, and ^j Joseph, a resident of California. Francis Huber was reared in his native land, receiving a liberal education. When eighteen j-ears of age he was ap- prenticed to the trade of baker, serving for a period of two years and receiving for his services only his board. In 1831 he left Germany for America, lauding in New York, where he estab- lished a bakery, and continued in the business for six years. In June, 1837, he removed to and set- tled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm and remained until 1849, when he came to =j^ this city, arriving May 2 of that year. Here he started the first bakery in Oskaloosa, which, like the town at that time, was on a very small scale. Mr. Huber was married in New York City in October, 1833, to Miss Christina Englehart, who died in that city, Oct. 1, 1834, and he was again married, Feb. 17, 1835, to Miss Mary Bachman. By this union there were four children, viz.: George was born in New York City, Feb. 8, 1836. In 1852, when he was sixteen years old, his father sent him across the plains with a man from Keokuk, who proved a hard master, and he left him at Omaha; he was afterward killed by the Indians near Muscle Shell, Mo., as was also his wife. Joseph S enlisted in the 14th Illinois Infantry with the three i! months' men, and re-enlisted in the same regiment for three j'ears or during the war. Upon the or- ganization of the colored troops b^' the War De- i^JEiS partment, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the 58th United States Colored Regiment, and is at present residing at Faj'ette, Miss., and engaged in cotton raising. Mary J., deceased, was the wife of George Steach. John M. enlisted in the 4th Iowa Batter}', which was sent to New Orleans and stationed for a time at CarroUton, and afterward at Thibo- deaux, La. ; he was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, with his command at the close of their term of service. Mrs. Huber died Aug. 4, 1850. She was an acceptable member of the Baptist Church, and was grcatlj' respected by all who knew her. Oct. 29, 1859, Mr. Huber was again married, to Mary Ann, widow of Joseph Huber. B3' this union there was one child, Frank, now a lesident of Oska- loosa. Mrs. Huber died in 1871. When Mr. Huber came to this county he was a very poor man, and did any and all kinds of work whereby he could earn an honest dollar. In his earl}' life he w.as an old-line Whig, then a Repub- lican, but at the present time a Democrat. At the time Black Hawk, the famous Indian chief, was taken prisoner, Mr. Huber saw him and also saw Gen. Jackson. In 1835 Mr. Huber was initiated as an Odd Fellow, in Lodge No. 13, and is probably one of the oldest living Odd I'ellows in the State, he having affiliated with that order for fifty-one years. He is also a member of Oskaloosa Encamp- ment No. 16. He is probabl}' the oldest baker in the count}' or State. (1/ AMILTON LAWSON is a farmer, and re- l(\j) sides on section 10, Spring Creek Township. i^\^^ He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, K^ Feb. 29, 1840, and is the son of James and Jane (Hamilton) Lawson. James Lawson was a comb-maker, and was born June 5, 1799, in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. His wife was born on the 27th of March, 1800, in London. England. They came to Canada in the year 1820, remaining only a few years, going from thence to New York, where they resided for ten or twelve years, thence to Huron and Trumbull Counties, Ohio, where they resided eight or ten years, going to Pennsylvania, in which State they lived until 1856, and then re- moved to IMarion County, Iowa, where they staid until 1859, when they came to Mahaska County. Mrs. Lawson died March 27, 1860. Hamilton Lawson was married, Feb. 10, 1864, to 3^1 uJ^Hi^frt M J' rS ^J r" m ify IS IS lirl. iJ:; tiES i;; 1; ' gJt^HJ^r'il ^^Ir^kS , r^AHii^k^ 1 MAHASKA COUNTY. Miss Mary PI AVarner, a daughter of Benton R. and Maiy J. (Andrews) Warner. She was born JMay 14, 1848. Her father was born in Wiiite County, Tenn., Sept. 26, 1818, and liis wife in Trumbull County, Ohio, in October, 1822; she died 5Iay 31, 1850. Mr. Warner was a farmer and briekmason, and makes his home with the sul)ject llowing the entire curriculum of that institution and grad- uating therefrom with honors in 1882. Leaving Oskaloosa College Mr. Jones took a law course at the State University of Iowa, and gradu- ated therefrom in the class of 1884. In February, 1885, he formed a partnership with Gid JIcFall in the law business, which still exists. In politics !Mr. '^ Jones votes with the Republican |)arty. The firm nf which he is a. member is composed of gentlemen ■ young in years, but who have a large amount of ;WH| energy and perseverance, and who are destined ffipt to make their mark in the years to come. Ther^'7'p; parents of Mr. Jones were among the early settU'i ~ of :Mahaska County, and are residing in Garfield T(jwnship, wliere his father is engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. I"'- ' i?SBRHSSSSSSSf| ^?5-rt- ON. WILLIAM U. SKKVERS, Judge of the Supreme Court of Iowa, one of the early pioneers of Mahaska County, is the son of i^) James and Re))eeea (Wilkins) Seevers, and was born in Shenandoah County, \'a., April 8, 1822. He moved to Frederick and Clarke Counties in youth, where he began the study of law, and came to Oskaloosa June 22, 1S44, and has made this his place of residence continuously since. Our subject pursued the study of law with Mr. Milton T. Peters, and was .admitted to the bar iu the District Court of Mahaska County, in 1840, and at once entered upon the practice of his pro- fession, as a partner of William T. Smith, which connection continued until 1852. He was subse- quentl}^ associated with his lirother James, in law practice, the firm name being William H. and James A. Seevers. Several years later Mr. M. T. Williams, now deceased, was admitted to the firm, and the style changed to Seevers, Williams & Seevers. Upon James entering the United States service in the late war the firm name was again changed, this time to Seevers & Williams. Several years later thej' dissolved partnership, and Mr. Seevers became associated with Mr. M. E. Cutts, now deceased, which connection continued until 1876, when Mr. Seevers was elected Judge of the Supreme Court of Iowa, and the partnership was dissolved. Judge Seevers was elected to the General Assem- bly of Iowa in 1847, .and again in 1875, resigning in 187G, upon his appointment to the Supreme Bench of the State. He was elected and served as County Attorney in 1850 and 1851, and in the spring of 1852 was chosen Judge of the Third Judicial District of Iowa, and served four years. 1 1 I I 1 PIJ ii wm 1,1 liHlil! «iiiTirTTny.iriii. . t 1 n I » t I IXIi I . f^:"^ ^2H f^^'^ -: - : mtXTii mta 254 MAHASKA COUNTY. Pi :i: \le has been prominently identified with the educa- tional iiitereits of the cit.y, and took an active part in the organization of the Iowa Central Railroad Company, serving as a member of its Board of Di- rectors many years. He was a stockholder in the Mahaska County Savings Bank, and also in the Os- kaloosa Kalional Bank, and has served two j'ears as President of the latter. He took an active interest in developing the coal resources of the count}', and was a stockholder and director of two local coal companies. Judge Seevers was married at OsTialoosa, Iowa, Feb. 20, 1849, to Miss Caroline M. Lee, daughter of Dr. E. G. Lee. Mrs. Seevers is a native of Ohio. Seven children have been born of this un- ion, two sons and five daughters, five of whom are living: Virginia K. married Henr^? L. Briggs, and died in 1881, leaving one child, a daughter; Carrie A. L. married James C. Fletcher, and lives in the town of Fletcher, Sac Co., Iowa; Harry ^V. is single, and is connected with the .Seevers Manu- facturing Company, of Oskaloosa; Grace is un- married and is residing with her parents ; Nell is the wife of William H. Kalbach. a hardware mer- chant of this city; William II-., Jr., is a student of Shattuck College, Fariliault, Minn. All of the children were born in Oskaloosa. Judge Seevers has been ten years on the Supreme Bench of Iowa, during two of which he served as Chief Justice. Ripe in the experience of years, i possessed of a mind trained in the logic of law, and naturally gifted in the power of reaching just and legal conclusions, he stands foremost among the few notable legal celebrities of the State. ^ OSEPH MOTLEY, of Oskaloosa, was born in North Carolina, in September, 1835. While a child his parents emigrated to Tennessee, and when about ten years of age, in the j'ear 1845, he removed with his parents to Madi- son County, 111. Here he grew to manhood, and here, in isjs, was married to Alniira Wilson, by whom two children were born, both d^'ing in in- fancy; the mother died in 1859. In 18G1 Mr r^U - rJ - p r^^l^r^V^ - ^ Motley enlisted in the 1st Nebraska Regiment, and was in the engagement at Cape Girardeau, Fts. Henry and Donelson, and Shiloh. He was one of the first men to enlist frpm that State, and after serving his countr}- two years and eight months, was discharged bj' reason of physical disability', having lost his eyesight. From a generous govern- ment he received a back pension amounting to §1,400, and now receives a regular allowance of 814 per month. Mr. Motley's second marriage took place in JMt. Pleasant, Iowa, in ISfiO, to Miss Sarah C. Elliott, born in Ohio, Sept. 18, 1849, and a daughter of Hosea Elliott. By this union there are three chil- dren, all living, namely: Charles W., Carrie I. and Frank W. ^RLANDO R. GASKILL, dealer in general merchandise at White Oak, this county, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, Sept. 19, 1834, and is the son of Milton S. and Ann Y. (Roach) Gaskill, who were probabl}' natives of Ohio, and both of whom died in that State. The subject of this sketch, O. R. Gaskill, came to this count}' from Ohio in the year 1852, and followed the occupation of blacksi.nthing until the year 18G1, when he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Iowa^'ol. Inf., and went with his regiment to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., was taken sick immediatel}' on his arrival, and discharged from service on account of disability, one month after his enlistment. Return- ing to this county, upon the recovery of his health he began work at lilacksmithing, and continued in that business for eighteen j'ears, or until 1871, when he engaged in the business of general mer- chandising, which he still continues. Feb. 21, 1850, Mr. Gaskill w.as married to Miss Julia A. Mather, a daughter of James D. and Mar- garet AVatson Mather, of Clinton County, Ohio, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Gaskill is a member of the Jlethodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gaskill owns about six acres of land, upon which are a good frame dwelling, and a roomy and sub- stantial business house, in which he carries an aver- age stock of $3,000 worth of general merchandise, Kl ii I! 1} flbl PI pi JsEHHSi^S gH ddrirV^r^rjdHr' ,^^ i ^ EcE^^ ^ /^...v^^W iiiul is doing a large and renuiuoiative Imsiiiess. He is Postniastor at White ( )ak. I'uliticallj- Mr. Gaskill is a Hepiililican. He lielongs to the Masonic fraternity, and has taken all the de- grees up to and including that of Knight Templar, and is also a member of the A. (). U. W. Person- all3' and soclallj- he is one of the cleverest gentle- men in ]\[ahaska County. His pleasnnt htmic is one of hospitality and good cheer, and to his friends, who are a host, the latch-string of welcome always hangs outside. Honorable, high-minded, upright, and of the strictest integrity in his every-day bus- iness, he enjoys the first position in the confidence and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. ••-j»t^ 5J:^ ■ <^*c^' n^a "d": ON. C. J. JACKSON, a farmer and stock- grower, residing on section 4, White Oak Township, was born in Union County, Ind., Dec. '2. 1S20, and is the son of Joseph and Lj'dia (Jeffrey) Jackson. They were natives of North Carolina, but removed to Indiana in the year 1817, and pursued the occupation of farming. Mrs. Jackson died Feb. 8, 1841, and her husband Jul^' 20, 1851, at the old liome in Indiana. The subject of this sketch, C. J. .lackson, removed from Indiana to Des Moines Count}', Iowa, land- ing at Burlington Nov. 14, 1842, and resided there until the year 1864, when he removed to his pres- ent home in White Oak Township, this county. Jan. 14, 1841, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Eliza Hood, a daughter of Martin and Rhoda (Brown) Hood. B^' this marri.age there were eleven children — Lydia J., Arabella, Eliza A., Frank L., M.artin J., John C, Thomas J., Willie, Henry A., Rhoda M. and Alice L. The mother died March 23, 1.883, and Jan. 24, 1884, Mr. Jack- son was married to Parthenia K. Gilchrist, a daugh- ter of Matthew D. and Parthenia (McDonald) Gilchrist. One child has been born to them — Harry D., Dec. 12, 188(i. Jlr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the Chris- tian Church. In his political attiliations he is a member of the Republican party. During the res- idence of Ml-. .bicUson ill Des ISIoines County he was elected a member of the Legislature, and served in the regular session of 1S61-G2 and in the called session of the year 1863 as a member of the House of Representatives. He has been a member of the Board of Supervisors of this count}- three terms, and has also officiated as Justice of the Peace two terms. The home farm consists of 300 acres of fertile land, all in good cultivation and well improved. His house, barn and other buildings are first class in all respects. Mr. .Lackeon is rated as among the successful farmers of Mahaska County, is a man of the higher order of intelligence, of large general information, and thoroughly competent to graple with the intricate problems of the time in which he lives. He is system.atic in the conduct of his business, an honorable, upright gentleman, of strictest integi'ity, well known and highly esteemed. Mr. Jackson, as will be noticed by the date of his arrival in this State, was one of the pioneers of Iowa, and the thrilling scenes through which those early settlers passed in the settlement of the State must ever awaken emotions of warmest regard for them. To pave the way for those who followed, to make their settlement iri the West a pleasure, they stemmed the flood-tide wave of civilization, the}' endured all, suffered all. Though at the outset subjected to all the inconveniences and privations incident to pioneering in a new country, Mr. Jack- son has succeeded admirably, and we find in his life an excellent example for young men just em- barking in the field of active life; of what may be accomplished by a man, beginning poor, but honest, prudent and industrious. In early life he enjoyed but few advantages; his school days were limited, nor had he wealth or position to aid him in starting in life. He relied solely upon his own efforts and his own conduct to win for him success. Nor has his been a success solely in the sense of accumulat- ing wealth, but in doing good to others; in serving others well, and in winning their respect and es- teem. He has ever strictly observed that most important factor in the successful public or busi- ness life of anyone — honesty. He is a careful, conscientious citizen, ever adhering to the dictates of his conscience in matters both of public and m M HHH h-jfi^ ^ TrrrrrTya on [J ij xixxxxxixxxxxzxjxmzntx Ml "h} 'V ixxxxxr xxit; KXtxx»ixx»xi gtxx, r I ixj^ m-^-i""»J g y^txi3.niJii : 258 MAHASKA COUNTY. private nature. It is therefore with pleasure that we present on an accompanying page the portrait of Mr. Jackson, as that of one of the leading and representative men of the county. M. DAVENPORT, attorney at law, Oska- loosa, was born in Gallia County, Ohio, May 1, 1840, and is the son of Joseph and Rebecca (Coverston) Davenport, natives of Ohio. Joseph Davenport was born May 27, 1814, and his wife June 17, 1816; they were united in marriage on the 18th of May, 1837. By this union there were ten children, nine of whom are living: F. M. Davenport, of Oskaloosa; Almeda, wife of Jackson AUgood, of Republic County, Kan ; Henry W., a farmer in Greene County, Iowa; Eliza, wife of J. W. Roberts, of Kansas; America, wife of Richard Nash, of this county; George "\V., of Keokuk County, this State; Samuel H., of tliis county; Joseph T., of Norton County, Kan. ; James W., attorney at law, of Jefferson County, Iowa, and a graduate of the law school at the Iowa State Uni- versity. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport emigrated to Iowa and located in Mahaska County in the 3'ear 1847. He entered 500 acres of land in Adams Township, and of that bodj' of raw land and unbroken prairie made one of the best farms in the county. Polit- ically 'Sir. Davenport was a Democrat of the Jack- soniau school, .and was a man well versed in the affairs of State and nation. He took a deep and active interest in educational matters, and his chil- dren received all the advantages that the best schools in the country afforded. IMr. and Mrs. Davenport were life-long members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, the father over fort}' years, and the mother for a period of half a century. He died in Jlahaska County Feb. 29, 1884; his widow is still living. As man and wife they journeyed together fortj'-seven years. The subject of our sketch came to this county with his parents, and was educated in the Iowa "Wesleyau University, in Mt. Pleasant, graduating in the classical course in the class of 1864. He en- gaged in farming for four years, and in the mean- time pursued a course of reading in elementary law. He then entered the law department of the Michigan ITniversity, at Ann Arbor, where he spent the junior year. Returning from that city he entered the office of Seevers & Cutts, then the lead- [ ing law firm of Central Iowa, remaining for eight r months, and then began the practice of his profes- • sion, which he has continued ever since. Mr. [ Davenport is also largely engaged in farming and ■ stock-raising. He was one of the originators of the ; Acme Co.al Company of this count}', and devel- ; oped this mine. In politics Mr. Davenport is an uncompromising i Democrat, and was the candidate of his party for the State Senate in 1875. His personal popularity was such that the Republican m.ijoritj', which ranged in tliat day from 900 to 1,500, was reduced in his case to 300. In 1878 he was elected Solicitor of the city of Oskaloosa. and in 1 880 was the can- didate of his party for Circuit Judge. The district being stronglj' Republican, he was defeated, but his personal popularity and well-Icnown legal ability enabled him to greatly reduce the majority against him over the entire district. He has always taken an .active interest in the success of the political party to which he is attached, and has alw.aj'S given liberallj' of his means and his services to bring .about the discomfiture of its opponents. In 1885 he assisted as one of the projectors in the estab- lishment of the Oskaloosa Times, the leading Dem- ocratic paper of the district and count}', but with- drew from all connection with that office in 1886. Mr. Davenport was married. May 1, 1870, to Miss M.artha M. Griffith, daughter of William and Laviuia Griffith, of Ohio. The issue of this union is one child, William AVarren, now twelve years of age. From 1871 to 1873 Mrs. Davenport was Principal of the Oskaloosa High School. She has always taken an active interest in the temperance cause, and h.as been its impassioned advocate upon the rostrum for many years. In 1 885 she attended the general convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, at Philadelphia, as a delegate from Iowa, and is at present Treasurer of the Women's Christian Temperance Union of the State of Iowa, and also of the local society of Oskaloosa. She is also one of the managers of the Benedict : n : h s^^^^§a ^£ riT I V t 1 t T ttti tttt ' i-I-M.j. *-^» i"»"j i I.: I:, I MrfrTrrrii^ r xiinxi P Ji miAj 'Tl Uriru MAHASKA COUNTY. k Home for Fallen Women, located at the city of Des Moines. Slie was educated at Hopedale Acad- emy, in the State of Ohio. At her home slie is a prominent worker in all the ladies' organizations. She has always been a great worker in looking up the poor of the city, and assisting them herself and in making their wants known to the Ladies' Relief Society and to the Township Trustees. She has received manj^ invitations of late to lecture in various parts of the country, but owing to poor health and the many duties of her official position in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, has nut been able to accept. b.^ Tia,Qi, "zr h ' ^i^AVID S. SMITH, residing on section 34, !| ji) Garfield Township, is one of the substan- (H^^^ tifl farmers of the township. He was ^''^ born in .Jefferson Count3', Ohio, in 1832, and is a son of .NUchael and Margaret (Shawver) Smith, both natives of the State of Pennsylvania, but of German descent. The father died at the age of seventy-four years, and the mother wlien sixt\'-four years old. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Like thou.sands of others the earl}' life of David was spent upon a farm, his edu- cation being limited to the common schools. On the 7th day of April, 1856, he lauded in Mahaska County and located at Oskaloosa, where he lived one year, engaged in cpiarrving rock. He then went one and a half milas north of Oskaloosa and rented a faini, where he lived one year. For the next six months he was engaged in working on the farm of John White, and the three months suc- ceeding worked for Daniel Nelson. He then bought a threshing-machine, which he ran for three months. In tiie spring of 185'J he started to Pike's Peak witli an ox-tearn, and was four months on the road. lieturniug home, he worked one month for ^L M. Hook for the muniiicent sum of SlO, chopping wood and making rails, after which he engaged a few months in feeding cattle at §2.5 per month. On the 29th day of INIarch, 1800, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Harriet Ann Shaw, a na- tive of Washington County, Iowa, daughter of Kxiriti ricS inTiruiuil Joseph and Highly (Duckworth) Shaw. The}- have been blest with ten children: Michael, born Jan. 12, 1861, married Mattie Tovera, a native of Ma- haska County, and is now living in Cedar Township : Hester Caroline, born Jan. 18, 1863, is now the wife of Thomas Evans of Beacon ; James, born Jan. 1 , 1865, died .Ian. I, 1884; Rhoda, born Oct. 7. 1866, died Jan. 28, 1877; Belle, born Sept. 10, 1869; Noah W., Dec. 21, 1871 ; David Otto, March 6, 1874; Norman, Sept. 0, 1876; Hosea, March 8, 1878; Emma, June 29, 1881. Mr. Smith is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed all the Chairs. AVhen he came to Ma- haska Count}' he was a poor man, but by industry, econoinj' and good man.agement, he has accumu- lated a sufficient amount of this world's goods to make him comfortable the remaining years of his life. Good fortune has not always attended him. In 1879 his bouse was burned, together with all his household goods and $755 in cash, on which there was no insurance. In politics Mr. Smith is a Dem- ocrat. He has served as School Director and School Treasurer, serving in the latter office five j'ears. Mr. Smith is the owner of 265 acres of land, 100 of which arc in Cedar Township; the remainder comprises the home farm. -<3- UC. MUSGROVE, farmer and stock-grower, lives on section 8, White Oak Township. ^^^ He was born in Tennessee, Aug. 20, 1822, and a son of Samuel and Reljecca (Mills) Musgrove. They removed from Tennessee to Alabama in 1822, and there remained until 1830, when the}' emigra- ted to the State of Indiana, where the mother died in July, 1838, and the fallier in l.s74. He was a farmer and tobacconist. The subject of this sketch, AV. C. Musgrove, re- moved from Indiana to Illinois in 1845, locating in Henry County, where he resided until the spring of 1854. and then came to M.ahaska County, residing here until 1866, when he returned to Indiana and remained until 1873, in which year he came back to this county, where he has since re- mained. He was married, Dec. 28, 1842, to Miss Martha Robinson, who died in 1845, and the fol- PI n. K3rxT-i nmVd rrdnnrmm rixi ^TTXxxTTxrra •• 260 MAHASKA COUNTY. ^ lowing year he was married to Etli.ilinda Gate wood. By this marriage there have been nine children: Mary E., Margaret R., Martha A.. Gilbert M. (de- ceased), Irvin B., Emma A. (deceased), William H., and two children who died in infancj'. Mr. and jMrs. Musgrove are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican, and has filled the offices of Township Trustee and School Director almost continuously since he became a citizen of that township. He has also held the offices of Township Assessor and Supervisor. The home farm consists of 200 acres of tlie best quality of laud, all in splendid cultiva- tion, and with improvements of the best character. His house is commodious and well arranged, and his barn aud other buildings of the best character. Jlr. Musgrove is a man of untiring energy aud industry, and has made a success of life iu his busi- ness, in the neighborhood where he resides, and where he is best known. He enjoys the regard and confidence of an extended circle of friends and ac- quaintances. /EROME B. CRUZEN. Among the well-to- do business firms of Oslialoosa is that of Cruzen & Bacon, of which the subject of ^^1 this notice is a member. He was born in Madison Township, Mahaska Co., Iowa, Aug. 17, 1853, aud is a son of Hamilton and Sarah (Coffin) Cruzen. Mr. Cruzen was educated in the common schools of his native county, came to Oskaloosa in 1875, and engaged as clerk for the grocery firm of Asher cVr INIattox. In 1879 Mr. Cruzen engaged in farming, and was thus occupied until 1884, dur- ing wliich j'ear he returned to Oskaloosa and en- gaged in the business in wliich he is at present interested. Mr. Cruzen was united in marriage at Oskaloosa, May 3, 187G, with Miss Lucy, daughter of Henry Mattox. Mrs. Cruzen was born near Bellefontaine, Ohio, aud has borne her husband two children — May and Harry. Religiously she is a member of the Christian Chureli. Mr. Cruzen is a Republican, and socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. By fair and honest dealing with their patrons the firm to whicii Mr. Cruzen belongs has established a j good and constantly increasing trade, and is meet- ing with signal success. VY?UDGE .T. A L. CROOKHAM, attorney, banker and stock-raiser, is a son of George L. and Sarah (Lake) Crookham, and was (^^/' born in Jackson County, Ohio. Our sub- ject's father was born in October, 1779, and died in Jackson Couutj^ Ohio, Feb. 28, 1857; his wife was a native of Tioone's Lick, Ky., born in September, 1779, and died in Jackson County, Jan. 9, 1852. They were the parents of sixteen children, five now living : Horatio died at the age of twenty-two, and was at the time of his death Superintendent of Con- struction on the Ohio and Erie Canal; Martha, widow of J. AV. Hanna, resides in Missouri ; Euclid married Samuel Montgomery, both now deceased; Horace, a farmer, died in Marion County, Iowa, Nov. 18, 1881 ; .James died in Virginia on his farm; Vashti died April 9, 1884; she was the widow of Abner Lewis, who died at Memphis, Teun., during the war; John A. L., the subject of this sketch; Milton, a farmer in Mahaslva Couutj' ; Lawrence, a farmer, now iu Pickaway County, Ohio; Norval died at the age of six years ; Oliver C., Emily G. and Louisa .are all deceased ; Jefferson G. is now in part- nership with the Judge iu the law business; Sarah L. and Amarillis C. are deceased. The father of the subject of this sketch was iu early life a salt manufacturer at the Sciota Salt Works, in partnership with Asa Lake, and they were among the first to engage iu that business iu Ohio. The father of George L., and grandfather of the Judge, was at the time of the Revolutionary War t.aken prisoner aud held for about eight months on the Western Reserve in Ohio, and forty years later, when the Indian lands were put upon the market, he returned to that country, bought the land, and located on the same spot where he had been held as prisoner, and died there. He was a blacksmith, and made arms for Gen. Washington during the Rev- olutionary War. The maternal grandfather was taken prisoner at the battle of Long Island, when seventeen* j'ears of age, and was given to the Ind- I w. 1 J' ^ss^ssa I miiiiiiiMiiiiin iiUTrrrziuimniixr "•^ taaajiar Ifagg^W&gSS^JP.e' '■^S^^ MAHASKA COUNTY. 261 1 : I : il : in: i| 1:1 hi I ::S ians b,y the English, and carried out to the Western Reserve, in Western Ohio. He was Ifked and adopted Iw the chief, and was sent out hunting, and escaped after about a year's captivity', footing it back. In 1.S20, fort3' j-ears later, he took a claim where the Indian wigwam was, and the spring out of which he formerly diiiuk was on this claim. He (lied on it in 1843. (ieorge L. Crookham learned the lilacksmith trade of his father, but when seventeen j^ears of age abandoned it, his tastes being in another direction, .and turned his attention to mathematics, in which he excelled. He was also a great reader and stu- dent, and invariably spent eight hours per day in his study, which w.as a small log house, built with jack- oak logs, which he called his Jack Oak College. Here he taught his children, and here w.as his library of valuable books, and a large number of vahuable manuscripts which were afterward burned because of his extreme views t>n the questions of temper- ance and slavery. He was an old Federal \V'hig, and helped many a colored man to gain his free- dom, his home being a station on the underground railroad of that d.ay, and his own son, Jefferson G., at one time driving the team that carried one load of these unfortunate people farther north. He was a well-read law^-er and physician, and although he knew nearly nothing about the workings of his large farm, and never had an3'thing to do with his numer- ous cattle, he knew all about the bugs, insects .and reptiles on the place. He was President of the first temperance societ}' ever organized in that countrj', and one of the most prominent Abolitionists in Jackson County, and wrote a great many articles for newspapers ujwn these topics. The subject of this sketch was reared on the iiiinic farm until he lacked two months of his ma- jority, when he went to Kanawah and took a eon- tract for and cut 40,()(tO hoop p(jles. He also en- tered 160 acres of laud in Jackson County, at $1.25 per acre, and then boated one summer on the Kana- wah River, after which he removed to Darv.in, 111., where he taught school for three years, reading law during the time under the direction of Judge Har- lan. Thence he went in charge of a cargo of prod- uce to New Orleans, and on his return stopped near Helena, Ark., and read law with Judge McKec. He then returned to Illinois, sold his land, and started to Oskaloosa in August, 1845, having made the trip on horseback. He bought two lots in this cit}-, but remained liere onl}- a short time because of the fever and ague that he contracted, and re- turned to Illinois, to a point above Burlington, where he taught school for twelve months, and con- tinued his study of the law under C. M. H.arris and Cyrus Walker. Returning again to Iowa, he was admitted to the bar in Lee County, and practiced his profession there until August, 1847, when he again came to Oskaloosa, where be has since re- sided, and engaged in the practice of the law, most of the time alone. He formed one partnership with Hon. .James Rhinehart, which continued for several years, and his last partner was Hon. H. W. Gleason, which association continued about seven j'ears. The Judge has. perhaps, defended more criminal cases than any other lawyer in Iowa. It was his rule to defend and never to prosecute a case, and fortunate indeed was the law-breaker who secured his services. His practice in this regard covered a large amount of territory, and he was employed in important ca.ses over the entire district, extending as far north as Marshalltown and Des Moines, and in a radius of nearly 100 miles in an}' direction from Oskaloosa. He was a lawyer of great caution, pre- pared his cases with a great deal of care, and was untiring in the production of the necessary evidence to sustain his theory of a case. In all public enter- prises the Judge has invariably been a leader. In procuring the location of the Central Iowa Rail- road through this county he spent two j'ears rais- ing subscriptions and obtaining right of way, for which he received no compensation, besides which he donated ¥2,500 in aid of the enterprise. In secur- ing the Des Moines Valley Railroad he paid a ^600 subscription besides spending a great deal of time and was also largely instrumental in securing the Chicago, Rock Island mpauy C, commanded bj' Capt. Edwards, as a private soldier, but performed the duties of a Ser- geant through his entire period of enlistment. He was in the battles of Kirksville and IJIoonifield, Mo., and Cape Girardeau. In Davis County, Iowa, in the j^ear 1862, nuder orders of his superior offi- cer, he arrested two men, wlm made a vigorous at- tempt to escape and finally succeeded, but not until he hail fought biavel^' to keep them, Holli were I T rrr"» .■■|..iii fj ■ ■ i m ■ ■ m inlrmTZK armed with revolvers, and fired at him eight times, four of the shots taking effect, one through his Icli h.and, one through the left side of the face, takinu out a portion of the lower jaw and some teeth, ami lodging near the jugular vein, just below the eni : one in the left side, this ball striking a memoran- dum book at least half an inch thick, passing through the book and lodging in his side, and one through the right arm below the elbow, breaking one bone of the arm. Notwithstanding his severe wounds, he was compelled to walk three-fourths of a mile, the rebels having taken his horse, before he could receive assistance and care, which he did at apriv.atehouse, where he remained until he was able to be taken home. He was wounded Dec. IG, 1862, and rejoined his command April 1, 1.S63, receiving his discharge jNIay 1;>, 186;5, and is to-day a cripple for life, yet a man of considerable activity. Mr. Grinstead was married to Elizabeth Ross, March 16, 1837. She was born in Rockbridge Couuty, Va., in 1816, and three children were born to them : James L., Thomas F. and Elizabeth. .Tames L. and Thomas both served in the late wai- for the Union, the former three years, and the lat- ter over four years; both were gallant soldiers, who did their dut3' on ever}' occasion. The mother of these children died in .Jefferson County, Ind., in 1843, and Dec. 31, 1844, he was again married, to Susan Smith, born in Montgomery, Ky.,Feb. 11, 1822. Eight children have been born to them: IMargaret A., born Dec. 3, 184.5, died Sept. 1, 1858; Calvin S., born May 17, 1847; Nanc.y Jane, Sept. 22, 1849; John II. C, May 17, 1852; Viola I., born Nov. 24, 1854, died Sept. 17, 1855; George W., born Aug. 14, 1856; Edward C, May 24, 1859; Abraham h., born May 30, 1863, died Aug. 18, 1861: Mary L.. boni .July 1 6, 1867, died Sept. 25, 1876. Mr. (irinstead is a meiiiher of the ('•. A. R., and politically a Republican. He held the office of Con- stable in Jefferson County, Ind., and Davis County, Iowa, for many ^'ears, and was a terror to all law- breakers, and fearless in the discharge of his duties. He owns 130 .acres of land, in good cultivation, with excellent improvements, which he farms profit- ably. He is highly regarded in the section where he lives, and enjoys the esteem of all who know B M Kill 111 i_iir« DUEZzxxxx: ^ES^Fn: 266 MAHASKA COUNTY. 11 11^ II U^Jj^yji \M him. Mr. Grinstead has been a very extensive stocli-dealer in times past, having boujiht and sold stock to the amount of hundreds of thousands of dollars. A. IIOFFJMAN, M. 1)., of Oskaloosa, was born at Jackson, Jackson Co., Ohio, Sept. 28, KS24. He attended the common schools at that place until 1 83)S, when he entered his father's store as salesman, and there re- mained until the fall of 1841. He attendetl the Ohio University at Athens for two years, and then commenced the study of medicine at home, but in the fall of 1844 he went to Athens, Ohio, and continued his studies for a period of two years un- der the direction of Dr. William Blackstone. He attended lectures at Cleveland, Ohio, during the sessions of 1846-47 and 1847-48, graduating Feb. 24, 1848. He practiced in the State of Ohio at Jackson and Logan until May, 1861, when he re- moved to Oskaloosa, I(^wa, where he has been en- gaged in active practice ever since. Since April, 1883, he has associated with him in his practice his son, R. C. Hoffman, M. D. Dr. Hoffman was married, Nov. 16, 1848, to Fmily Smith, of Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio. They liave four children: Edgar B., living eight miles west of Oskaloosa on a farm; John A., attorney at law, Oskaloosa ; Eflie L. was married to J. F. Rog- ers, in 1880, and removed to Kansas, where he died in August, 1883; since then she has been living with her parents; Mrs. Rogers has one child living. The youngest son, Ripley C, is a ph3'sician and sur- geon, and is in partnership with his father. Beside attending to their professional business Drs. Hoff- man have accumulated the finest private cabinet in the State and a very fine library of medical, mis- cellaneous and scientific books. Daniel Hoffman, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Woodstock, Shenandoah Co., Va., Jan. 18, 1790. He learned the trade of gun- smith with his father, and removed with the family to Ross County', Ohio, in 1806. He was a private soldier in the War of 1812, and at its conclusion went to Flarper's F^erry, Va., where he worked a short time in the armory. In 1814 he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Circleville, Ohio, and two years later removed to Jackson, where he lived until his death in 1861. During this jieriod he held many important ofHces, among them that of County Commissioner, Clerk of the Courts, and member of the Legislature of Ohio. He was the father of six children, as follows: Col. John J. Oarnett, of Kansas; Ripley C, attorney at law at Cohunbus, Ohio; David A. is the third son; Charles B. died in infancy; Cornelia X., now Mrs. J. L. J^ong. lives at Jackson, Ohio; Daniel W. was an attorney, and practiced at Ottawa, Kan., until his health failed, when he returned to Circleville, Ohio, and died Dec. 31, 1875: the eldest sou, John J., was Captain of a company of infantry in the three months' service, and afterward Lieutenant Colonel of the 2d \'irginia Cavalry. Daniel W. was Major of the 2d Ohio Heavy Artillery. Julia James, wife of JJaniel Floffraan, was born on what is now called Neal's Island, in the Ohio River, between Marietta and Parkersbnrg, W. Va.. April 10, 1800. They were united in marriage in the year 181 8, and lived happily together until his death. She died in 1863, at Jackson, Ohio. Her father. John James, came to Ohio from Connecticut, in 1787, six months after the first settlement of Mar- ietta by Gen. Putnam. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Masonic f raternitj', and has been AVorshipf ul Master of the Blue Lodge, High Priest of the Chapter, and was the first Eminent Commander of Command- ery No. 6, of Oskaloosa, which latter office he held for five 3'ears. The Doctor has been a ]\Iason since 1846, and an Odd F'ellow since 1847, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. — >>- o♦o.•^C)^X^••o♦o .S-— ^ACOB HIMES, one of the early settlers of Mahaska County, was bom in York County^ I Pa., Aug. 28, 1816, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Wonder) Himes; the former was born in 1786, and died in 1826; the latter was born in 1792, and died in 1859. Peter Himes was drafted in the War of 1812. but hired a substitute on ac- cyuut of his young family. He was the father of fSS ^ rJrJ^ I rUiTiiiTTrJLJiiiiiTi: KHS22a Hr'f^'rfi-'r'r'r-, ^^^^ MAHASKA COUNTY. 267 ■'H three children: Mar\', who married M. II. Plum- per, and died in Cumberland County, III., in 1S4!>; Jacoli is the subject of tliis sketch; and one child died ill infanc\'. Mrs. Himes was again married, to I'eter Lauck, and to them three children were born, one living, David C, in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Himes were members of the German Reformed Church for many years, but in later years united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, receiving his education in a subscription school, and finished his school education before he was eleven years old. He was a close student and (|uick to learn. His father died when he was ten years old, and at the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade for three 3'ears. The first year he received his board and clothes, and was allowed one week, during harvest time, and permitted to have what he could earn during that week. He served his full aprenticeship. and received ^30 in cash, with which to start out in life, and opened up a shop where his father had worked before him. He continued his studies, and before lie reached the age of twenty-one was employed to teach the school in the district where he had been raised. Mr. Himes was married, in Cumberland County, Pa., March 22, 1838, to Miss Mary Ann Lamer. She was btn-n in Cumberland County, Sept. 1, 1820, and was a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Camp- bell) Lanier, who were the parents of seven chil- dren : Eliza, Mary Ann, William, Margaret, Abra- ham, Fanny and John. Jlr. and Mrs. Lamer I'e- moved from Cumberland Count3', Pa., to ^'enango County. The mother was a member of tiic Luth- eran Church. In the same .year, Jacob llimes re- moved to the same count}', where he opened a shop and worked at his trade, remaining there until 1847, when he removed to Logan Count}', Ohio, and worked at his trade until the year 180(5, when he came to Mahaska County and purchased land in (iarfield Township, improved the same, and resided thereon until 1870, when he moved to Oskaloosa, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Himes are the parents of seven children: Sarah Jane, born Jan. 1, 1839, is the wife of David D. Ross, of this county ; George W., born June 1, 1810, was Orderly Sergeant in Co. E, 33d Iowa ^'l)l. Inf., aiKl died from disease con- tracted in the service Sept. 1, IKG.i; Theodore, born Jan. 24, 1842, w:vs also a memlier of the 33d Iowa Infantry, was taken sick in the service, brought home, and died Nov. 14, l.sijo; Jacob M., born June 22, 1K44. enlisted in the same regiment as a private soldier, serving until the close of the war, and i):u-ticipated in all the engagements of his regiment; he is now a resident of Adams County, Iowa; David A., liorn Oct. 26, 1846, is a farmer in Mahaska County; he enlistetl in the service twice, but was rejected as under age; Mary M., born Au"-. Hi. IS;')!, was married to(i. S. Prine, and died Feb. 13, 1871 ; Kdwin K. was born July 16, 1860, and is at present Assistant Cashier of the Oskaloosa Na- tional Bank. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Himes are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. They have been iden- tified with this county for thirty years, and have been observers of its wonderful growth and pros- perity. That they enjoy the highest regard of their numerous friends and acquaintances is not at all strange. They are high-minded, honorable peo- ple, iKjnest and upright in all their dealings with their fellow-citizens, and generous and liberal wherever and whenever their charity is invoked. ^ C. HOFFMAN. M. I)., of the firm of D. A. Hoffman tt Son, of Oskaloosa, was born in ^ ,1, Hocking County, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1860. He ^)came with his parents to this county when about one year old .and commenced reading medi- cine in his father's office when a boy of nineteen. His literary education was received at Penn Col- lege, Oskaloosa. In the years 1880-83, he .attended Jefferson Medic:d College, where he graduated with high honors in the class of 1883. After graduation . he formed a partnership with his father, who is one of the leading physicians of the county, and has since been activel}' eng.aged in the practice of medicine and surgery. The Doctor is one of the leading surgeons of Central and Southern Iowa, and is frequently called long distances for consultation and the performance of ditlicult and dangerous sur- gical operations. Dr. Hoffman is a member of tlie American Medi- ^_^ -mill trmiiiMiiiii»««^>.^ H !i,^f^iJ'M'VVV':V.V^V m M 11 iiiiziurnxnirTTXTTXi mm :P1 ff^Eil II 'mr u hi (T'^^ 5T? rmTimxri 268 MAHASKA COUNTY. cal Association of the State of Iowa, and Secretary of tlie Des Moines Valley Medical Society, and has been elected to an honorary membership in the Jas- per County Medical Society. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Knight Templar, also a member of the uniform rank of Knights of Pj-thias. The Doctor is an enthusiastic yet thorough student, a close observer, and a young man of more than ordinary ability, and possessing these elements is [j fast rising to the top round in his profession. NDREW .1. COMSTOCK is a farmer and stock-raiser on section 32, Adams Town- ship, now attached to Spring Creek Town- ship. He was born in Butler County, Ohio, (Jet. 30, 1828, and is a son of James T. and S— jy- Sarah (Wilkins) Comstoek. James T. Comstock } was a native of Connecticut. His father came to Ohio among the first settlers of that State, and lo- I j] :* I cated at the city of Cincinnati, while it was yet a igj^l]' small trading-post on the frontier. He engaged in ttat-boating, and generall}- made two trips each year to New Orleans, where, disposing of the prod- uce with which his t)oats were laden, he brought back such commodities as were needed bj' the set- tlers in those days, his boats being brought up the stream again by keel tow-boats. J, James T. Comstock, the father of the subject of n this sketch, in the year 1833, emigrated to Kos- ciusko County, Ind., and there built the first court- liouse and jail, and the first mill ever erected in that county. He remained there nine years, and ill the j'ear 1842 came to Mahaska County, Iowa, jMti and erected upon Skunk River what was afterward IH known as the Comstock Jlill, which has since been . .H™torn down and removed to Oskaloosa, Iowa, and its timbers used in the construction of the building now owned and operated by the Oskaloosa Oat Mill Company. He was a member of the Legisla- ture of Ohio, when the subject of this .sketch was !qjborn, in 1828, in which office he served two terms, and after removing to the State of Indiana, was elected one of the three Judges of the Supreme Court of that State, holding the office one term. As a public speaker, he was a mar. of fine ability and of established reputation in Ohio and Indiana. He was at one time Commander of the Ohio State Militia, and as a man enjoyed tiie respect and es- teem of all who had the pleasure of his acquaint- ance. He died in this township in the vear 184(), his wife surviving him and residing with her son until her decease in 1882. The suliject of this sketch, Andrew J. Comstock, was a soldier in the Mexican War, enlisting Oct. 15, 1846, in the 14th Kentuckj' Infantry, serving in that war until its close in 1849, returning after his discharge to his home and farm, whei'e he re- mained until September, 1862. He organized a compan3' of volunteers in Oskaloosa, which was accepted by the (Tovernnient, and known as Co. C, 33d Iowa Vol. Inf. He was commissioned Cap- tain of the company, and was its commander in all the battles of the regiment up to and including the battle at Jenkins' Ferry, where he received a sevei-e gunshot wound, and was taken a prisoner by the enemy. The Captain was taken to Camdon, Ark., and held as a prisoner for six months, and was then sent under a flag of truce, to the Union lines, to be exchanged for an officer of equal rank. The ex- change proving a failure he was paroled and sent to (ien. Steele's headquarters, where he was re- leased and resigned his commission, and returned to his home. With the exception of two years, from 1874 to 1876, which the Captain spent at San Buenaventura, Cal., he has lived on his old home- stead in this county. It was originally a squatter's claim, staked out by him in April, 1844, and when the land came into market, was entered by him on a land warrant calling for 1 60 acres, which warrant he received for his service in the Mexican War. He now owns altogether 300 acres of splendid land, all under fence, in an excellent state of cultivation and with first-class improvements. Upon the farm are two commodious and well arranged residences, three ample barns, and all the necessary' out-build- ings and appurtenances, and a fine bearing orchard of 300 apple-trees. Capt. Comstock is one of the earliest settlers in this section of the State, and is a veteran of two wars, in lioth of which he was distinguished for coolness and courage under any and all cireum- ifaasau anTirTxin-iiTititiirMtniiin ^ Baagggaa I rrixTi ^ riviiiiii'-'iiifiiir i tHHHHea 1^1 Mi stances. There is perhaps no man in Mahaska Country more extensively' known than ('apt. Jack Comstock, and certainlj' none stand higher in tiie esteem of their fellow-citizens. In his political afliliations he is and always has been a Democrat. His distinguished military service is the amplest proof of his loyalty to the Government under which he lives ; and the further fact that he is not an odioe-seeker, is evidence that he desires to avoid the turmoil and strife of political life, and enjoy his well-earned competence in the peaceful avoca- tion of farming, in which he has been eminently successful. ^^EN. SAMUEL ALLEN RICE was of Scotch- Ill (— , Irish descent, and the sixth cliild of Allen ^^J! and Melinda (Chapman) Rice, their family consisting of two girls and six boys, only two of whom are living, !Mrs. H. B. Rice, the eldest, and Gen. Elliott W. Rice, both residing at Sioux City, Iowa. Our subject was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., Jan. 27, 1828. When he was ten j'ears old his parents removed to Martin's Ferry, Belmont Co., Ohio, where they lived for nianj- years, and are now at rest in the old cemeterj* at that place. While living at Martin's Ferry, his father engaged in merchandising, and also owned a large boat, on which he and his sons made a num- ber of trips down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, and it w-as on those journeys that Gen. Rice obtained a knowledge of the river and boating, that served him to such good purpose dur- ing the war, while assisting in clearing the Yazoo Pass of obstructions in that celebrated expedition of the southwest. (ien. Rice early displayed an aptness for study and thought that afterw.ard so distinguished him in civil and military life. His first instructor was his sister Angeline (Mrs. II. B. Rice), who taught him to read, and with her assistance he completed the reading of the whole Bible when onl3' seven years old. She took great pains in teaching him in early years, and thereby created in his mind a love for study which he always retained. His mother and sister were zealous Christian women, refined and cultured, and they did all in their |J power to stimulate that genius in liim that, after- ward developed, made him so eminent at the bar and on the field. After attending the public schools at h3 he went with his command to Helena, Ark., and immediatelj- began to clear the Yazoo Pass of obstructions and open it up for navigation. This required a month of arduous and very dangerous service. Jul3- 4, 18(J3, the battle of Helena was fought, in which Col. Rice and his regiment bore a conspicuous part. This w.as a most important en- m I m 11 in JP mm 3i3iSixv I btuxixxxuxxzixjixtttrji tfnWJ itttittJTizittitt-iimui. r XXIX Rji jLUixixxxx niixx ixii 1-1 I rxxrox ixxruixx jmm mil I 270 MAHASKA COUNTY. i 1^% i i gagement, because Helena, with its Government | stores, was saved to tlie Union, and tlie rebels were ! very much discouraged in not regaining their lost territory on the west side of the river. Gen. Rice's command saved that place from capture, and he displayed a coolness, courage and tact during the engagement that gave him a star upon his shoulder. This liattlc lasted from early morning until 11 o'clock A. M., when the rebels precipitately re- treated, leaving many dead and wounded upon the field. In August, 1803. he received his commis- sion as Brigadier General of Volunteers. He was with Gen. Fred Steele when he captured Little Rocli, and his command assisted in the construction (if the fortification around that city. He also ac- companied Gen. Steele on his campaign into South- western Arkansas. During that campaign his com- mand met the rebels at Terre Noir Creek, Elkin's g_--h i Ford, Prairie D'Anne and Camden. In the en- oagement on the Little ^lissouri. Gen. Rice re- I 1 1; ii n ceived a severe scalp wound, a minie ball passing- through his hat. He remarked that he feared his hat was spoiled. The expedition from the time it left Little Rock, until it i-eached the Saline River, was one continuous engagement, and April 30, 1864, it culminated in the desperate and bloody liattle at Jenkins" Ferry, which can truthfully be called the great battle of Arkansas. Gen. Steele's arnn', on their retreat, reached the Saline River bottom on the afternoon of April 29, 18G4, with Gens. Kirby, Smith, Price and JLarma- duke close in pursuit, with over "20,000 Confeder- p3ll ate soldiers flushed with their recent victory over. I Gen. Banks, on the Red River. They were deter- 1 I mined to crush Gen. Steele's army and again place lU Arkansas in possession of the rebel forces. Gen. MsS_ Steele laid his pontoon bridge across the Saline River, and began crossing his train in the afternoon, but on account of a heavy rain which set in soon after, his progress was greatly impeded, and though t^ they continued to cross all night, morning found yet a large portion of tlie train on the south side of the river, the rain pouring in torrents, and the tiHHHKj entire river bottom submerged. His army was i| wear}', hungry and short of rations. About 2 V. o'clock on the morning of April 30, (ien. Steele l! sent for Gen. Rice to meet him at the Widow Jen- kin's cabin. (God bless the old lady, she still lives, and the writer saw and conversed with her about the liattle last April.) Here Gen. Steele said, " The enemy will attack us in force at daylight, and 1 look to j'ou, Gen. Rice, to hold them in check until the remainder of the army can get across on the pontoon." This Gen. Rice cheerfullj' consented to do, and with a force of 4,000 as brave men as ever wore the blue, held Gen. Kirby Smith in check, with his arm}' of over '20,000 as determined and resolute men as ever wore the gray, from 5 o'clock in tbe morning until noon, when, after making three desperate charges, the last one with the fresh troops of Walker's division of Texans, who arrived at 11 o'ch>ck, the enemj^ retreated, Steele's arm}' crossed the Saline River, and Arlcansas was saved. It was a dearly won victory, for over 500 of that little force lay dead or dying upon that field of carnage, their bodies intermingled with 2,000 Confederate dead. Three confederate Genei'als, Wall, Randal and Scurry, were among the slain on that memor- able field. Our boys held the field in a drenching rain, many of them standing in water waist deep, and ail of them had been without food since the day before. Some of them fired 200 rounds of ammunition. When we consider the number en- gaged, this was one of the most sanguinary battles of the war. Gen. Solomon, who commanded a division in Steele's army, in his report of this bat- tle, gives the Union loss as 521 and Confederate loss about 2,000. In speaking of this battle, a Con- federate Captain of Walker's division says : " Our laurels, if we wore any from that field, were crim- soned with the blood of over 1,500 of our bravest men. No more destructive battle is recorded in the bloody pages of our country's history." Gen. Rice had command of the field that day, and his coolness and good judgment in selecting the battle-ground fli^nked by Coze's Creek, a deep and rapid stream, on the right, and a then impen- etrable swamp and morass (made so by the inces- sant rain) on his left, together with the heroic bravery of the men who fought that battle, saved Steele's army and the State of Arkansas to the Union cause. The battles of Helena and Jenkins' Ferrv have never had the place in history that their importance entitled them to, because, as be- iiHecZ^i sa Hi 1? 1? \~.Z I; : i Ki :. MAHASKA COUNTY. 271 fore stated, they were overshadowed at tlie time by the great battles of the Eastern army, where tlie casualties were greater in number, but not in pro- portion to the number eng.nged, nor more import- ant in results. During the last charge of tlie rebels, about 11 :45 A. M., Gen. Rice received the wound which caused his death. A minie ball passed through his right ankle, carrying into the wound the rim of a brass spur buckle, from the effects of which he died at his home, .Inly (i, l.S(i4, in full possession of all his faculties to the last moment^ surrounded by his family and friends, and with the bright hope of a glorious immortality beyond this life. Gen. Solomon, in his official I'cport of the battle says : " Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice merits special men- tion, not only for conspicuous gallantry, and cool and correct judgment in action, but also for his continual personal attention to his command. During the entire expedition his services have been invaluable, and it is not without reluctance that I am obliged to part with him, even temporarily." Gallant Maj. John F. Lace\% Gen. Rice's Adju- tant General, whose rapid and accurate transmis- sion of orders that day won the confidence and ad- miration of all, in speaking of the battle says: '• Without deducting from the glory of the other commanders, we may properly say that to Gen. S. A. Rice, more tlian to anyone else, was due the re- sults of this da}-. A victory was dearly won that cost the nation a life as noble as his." (ien. Rice's genius was not confined to military life alone, for in civil life, he was even more dis- tinguished as a lawyer, and respected and honored as a citizen. When his death was announced at Des Moines, the Supreme Court of Iowa, then in session, passed touching resolutions and ordered them spread upon the records. Among other eminent lawyers, lion. Chief .Jus- tice (xeorge G. AVright, Hon. Thomas F. Withrow and Hon. William H. Seevers delivered touching eulogies upon his life and public services. Gen. Rice's remains lie at rest in Forest Cemetery just beyond the city limits of Oskaloosa, and over his grave the gallant 2'Jth and ;:i.'id Iowa Regiments of " Rice's Brigade." have erected a beautiful marble shaft, thirty feet in height, upon which is inscribed the names of the battles he fi night. Perched upon the top is an American eagle, looking awa}- toward the sunnj' Soutii, where Gen. Rice poured out liis life blood that the nation might have a new birth of liberty and freedom. Camp No. 48, Sons of A'eterans. at Oskaloosa, bears the name of this dis- tinguished soldier and citizen. Tile L'liief characteristics of (ien. Rice were cool- ness, courage, sound judgment, good common sense and great integrity and purity of character. To these virtues he united courtesy and kindness, which made him greatly beloved and respected by •all who knew him, so much so that in the thirty- six years he lived on earth he made for himself a reiHitation tliat is imperishable, and which the touch of time will scarcely efface. w m. !ti 111 ^- -€^B- H >vi]OHN LONti, brick and tile maker, of Oska- I loosa, was born in Yorkshire, P^ngland, Dec. 12, 1812, and is a son of Christopher .and Ann (Dunning) Long, who were the parents of six sons, viz : William, who came to America in 1 838, but has never been heard from since ; Robert, of Durham, England; Thomas and Chris- topher, of Yorkshire, England ; James, who died in infancy; and the subject of this sketch. John Long came to America in 1868, lauding in the city of New York, August 30, and going imme- diately to Schuylkill County, Pa., where he en- gaged in the manufacture of brick for three years. In 1871 he came to Iowa on a tour of inspection of this beautiful land, but retiu'ned to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1876, during which year he came to Oskaloosa and engaged in the manu- facture of brick and tile, and was the first manu- facturer of the latter commodity in this county. Mr. Long was married in England, Aug. 30, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Dowson, who was born in York- shire, April 30, 1820. By this union there were nine children, six sons and three daughters, seven of whom are living: William was killed in a coal mine in 8chu\-lkill Count}-, Pa.; John D. lives at Oskaloosa; Ann is the n-ife of James Roberts, of Cheyenne Count}', Kan. ; Edward is living in .Schuyl- kill County, Pa., and is a minister of the Methodist m-M mm wm m ^"^ '^Q^fflUiij h 272 .' i%*!y j'"[i» DLlJTxri:rixilx i3rix.i] MAHASKA COUNTY irixiiTxitxxiiiiiiiircrrxiijmi- i ti^_i^ .^ Of LJf Township, Vy\^ residiuo' on Episcopal Ctiiirch; Maiy is the wife of Dr. A. Elder; Thomas is a member of the firm of Long cfe Son, of this city; James died in Einuland in 1879; Henry is a resident of this county; Hannah is the wife of Joseph (iesford, carpenter and joiner, also of this county. Our snliject-and wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Cliurch, where all of the family- wor- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Long have lived together over forty-eight years, enjoying in all these daj'S good health and a reasonable degree of prosperity. They are estimable people, and are regardorated to the United States with iicr parents in infanc3'. In polities Mr. Nelson is a Oreenbacker. Socially he is a member of the order of the Knights of the Golden Rule. Mrs. Nelson I)elongs to the Presbj'terian Church. S. NICHOLS, deceased, a former resident of Oskahxtsa, was a native of Highland iK County, Ohio, where he was born Dec. 25, ^' isil. He was the son of Thomas and Martha Nichols, who resided upon a farm in that county. Here young Nichols gi-ew to manhood, re- ceiving his education in subscription schools held during the winter, and working upon his father's farm during the siMunier months, until he was seven- teen j'ears old, when he was apprenticed to the trade of blacksmith. He served a full three years' apprenticeship at this trade, receiving as his only compensation his board and clothing. He was married in Springfield, Clarke Co., Ohio, to Miss Mary Edgar, the daughter of .Tames and Margaret Kdgar. Her father was a native of Penns3'lvania. and her mother of Ireland, where she was left an orphan wiien quite young, and when about fifteen she emigrated to this country. They were married in Penns^ivania, Feb. 13, 1813, and in 1816 emigrated to Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio. The3" were the parcMits of eight children, two of them born in Indiana County, Pa. : JIary, Dec. 8, 1813; Catherine I., July 18, 1815, now the wife of Hezekiah Snowden, of Oskaloosa. Those born in Wooster, Ohio, were: Emily, now deceased, was the wife of M. M. Marion; Sarah .1., deceased, was twice married, first to Thomas Shei)herd, and sub- sequently to T. D. Porter; Noble Johnson. dcce:ised, died in Jasper County; James died in Smith Count}', Kan.; William was born in Highland County. The parents were raemliers of the Method- ist Protestant Church from childhood, and were highh- respected in the county where they resided. In 1843 they came to Iowa, and in 1844 to Oska- Ibosa. Mrs. Edgar died in this city April 28, 1851, and Ml-. Edgar Oct. 30, 1805. He was a man of large information upon all matters pertaining to the county. State and nation. In e.-ulj' life an old-line Whig, he alliliated with the Republican part}' upon its organization, and tiK)k an active interest in its success to the time of his decease. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were married July 10, 1833, in Springfield, Ohio. In 1837 they moved to Knox County, 111., making the trip b}' team and camping out along the road, remaining in this county for several years. On the 1st of May, 1843, Mr. Nich- ols came to what was called the New Purchase, in Iowa, and staked oil' a claim on the beautiful prai- rie in Harrison Township, near Kirkville. Here he built a cabin and made improvements upon his land : here was i)lanted the lirst orchard in ^Mahaska Count\', and he built the first blacksmith-shop and did the first blacksmithing done in the county. In the fall of 1844 he moved to Oskaloosa, and was elected a member of its first Board of County Com- missioners, and by them was chosen Chairman of the Board; and was also one of the Commissioners in the location of the county seat. Mr. Nichols was a man of retiring disposition, who avoided all pomp and show, aud was averse to accepting an}- offices, though frequcntl}' tendered him bj' his fel- low-citizens. He derived his greatest pleasure in the eujo3-meut of the quiet of his home. Soon after coming to Oskaloosa he established a blacksmith- shop, the business of which he followed up to 185C. After a period of rest from his arduous labors he established the Oskaloo.sa Nursery in 1860, which business he prosecuted up to 1873. In 1872 Mr. and Mrs. Nichols visited California in the hope of restoring his health which had begun to fail, and again in October, 1881, he went to Cali- fornia, and on returning from there gave up all act- ive business, aud enjoyed the retirement of his |)leasant home in the western part of the cit}'. For many years he was a member of the Methodist Church, but in later 3'ears united with the Congre- gational Church, of which he w.as a revered and be- loved member at the time of his death, which took place at his home in Oskaloosa. June 27, 1886. .Mrs. Nichols still survives, and resides in Oskaloosa. s^-^- i»' r feJi IS3 "M™2!i MAHASKA COUNTY. luitinrirrrirrrj njcranr-. IrirximxrxixnrraiixxiiTTTT i m They reared four children : Mary and Florence Recce, W. E. Shepherd, of California, and Alice Edgar. Mary is the wife of William M. Springer, and Florence the wife of C. T. Willard, both resi- dents of this city. Mr. Shepherd married Theo- dosia B. Hall, of Burlington. No man ever enjojed the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens more than the subject of this sketch. He was the soul of honur. In all transac- tions with his fellow-men his word was as current as his bond, and both were as good as gold. He was the soul of generosity, and his benevolence was only limited by his means. He was also liberal in all matters that had for their object the advance- ment of the interests of his town and county. It may be truly said of him that enemies he had none, while his friends were limited only by the number of those who knew him. The pul)lishers of this work are pleased to pre- sent in their galaxj- of portraits, those of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols. '^OIIN HOWARD is a farmer and stock-raiser on section 27, Spring Creek Township. He was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., ^March 10, 1812, and is the son of Robert and Tat- sey (Blackburn) Howard, botli natives of A'irginia. Robert Howard was a soldier under Gen. Jackson in the War of 1812, and both himself and wife died in the State of Tennessee. The subject of this sketch, John Howard, was married to Susanna Wright Jan. 8, 1832, and to them three children were born — Hepzibah, Emeline and Sarah. The mother died Maj' 15, 1840, in the State of Illinois, and March 10, 1841, he was again married, to Anna Canada, and to them were born two children — William R. and Richard. Their mother died in Iowa, April 4, 1854, and Sept. 10, 1855, he espoused as his third wife Rachel Hull, and to them three children were born — Alartha, Anna and Alar}'. Mr. Howard removed from Tennessee to Illinois in 1829, remaining there until 1845, during which year he came to Keokuk County, Iowa, and so- journed until the year 1854, thence went to Jeffer- son County, Iowa, where he resided until 1866, when he moved back to his old home in Vermilion Count}^ 111., remaining there until 1880, when he came back to Iowa and purchased land in Spring Creek Township, which he sold in 1882 to the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co., and in 1883 bought his present home, consisting of eighty acres of fertile land, which is in good cultivation, has the best of improvements, and is in ever}' respect a first-class farm. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are members of the Society cif Friends, of which religious organization he has been a zealous minister for over forty j'ears VILLIAM S. EUGAR, deceased, a pioneer of Mahaska County, was born in Spring- field, Ohio, Aug. 16, 1825. He was the son of James and Margaret Edgar, who came to Iowa in 1844, and settled in Cedar Township, Ma- haska Count}', when William S. was quite a young man. Here he. assisted his father in tilling the soil, receiving such education as the common schools of that day afforded. He was in reality a self-edu- cated man, was a great reader, a close student, and possessed a wonderful memor}-. In 1845 he came to (Jskaloosa with his parents, when his father, who was a carpenter and joiner, built the first court- house for the county. Soon after coming to the city he started tlie first harness-shop in the county, and conducted the business for some time. He was subsequently . appointed Deputy Clerk of Courts, under Hon. M. T. Williams, serving in that capacity two years, when he was elected Clerk of the Courts for four terms, proving himself an efficient otlieor, his management of the office being creditable alike to himself and his friends. Mr. Edgar wiis married, Oct. 20, 1851, to Miss Sarah M. Kinsman, a lady of English descent, and a daughter of Melitiah Kinsman. He was born in Nova Scotia, and, when a young man, removed to Susquehanna County, Pa., where he engaged in blacksmithing. Here he became acquainted with and was married to Miss Rhoda AV right. Six chil- dren were born to them, three sous and three daughters: Orson, deceased, came West at an early Kf- TiixjlH jtirirrixn AJi-iiiii y CTIITI ^ TTtli"! I XXTliTTT ViTiJyTnl U r«»»gTrTiTxrfiBmji,xn gday, when Iowa was a Territory; lu' Imilt. niid was ^proprietor of tiie first hotel in Osicaloosa, where he flived for many years. .leriisha was married in }:|Pennsylvaiiia to a man hy tiie name of Sherman SfcCaiifield, who settled in \\'iute Oak Township, 5Ia- ghaska County, at an early day ; Mr. Canlield died in this county several .years ago. Tirzah married Elijah Canfield, and resides in Polk Count}', Iowa; Melitiah is a farmer, residing in White Oak Town- ship, this countj' ; John N. is railroad agent at Cedar, a station on the B. - G & Co. \V. FORD is one of the proprietors of the ci'eamery at Rose Hill, Iowa, at present op- erated under the firm name and st\ie of Ford He was born in Linn County, Iowa, Nov. l.S, ISGS, and is the son of Eros and Mary (Hal- stead) F'ord. The latter is deceased, Imt the former still resides in Linn Count\' and pursues the occupation of farming. The subject of this sketch, C. W. F'ord, came to his present location in March, 1 SfSG. The creamery just established at Rose Hill is a new enterprise, and the liuilding, machinery and all attacliinents are new and good. The churning is at present done by horse-power. The routes for cream are hardly j-et fairlj- es- tablished, but the field is a good one, and the en- terprise is in the hands of young men of sterling tjsc worth, thoroughly competent in every detail of the business, and thej' expect to manufacture an aver- age of 2,000 pounds of butter per week, taking the season through. ANIEL DAVIS, of the Ihni of Carroll ct l)avis,attorne3-s at Oskaloosa, was born in Monroe County, Iowa, Aug. 24, 1<<.">^!, and is a son of David and Margaret (.lenkins) Davis, natives of Wales, for biographj' of whom see elsewhere in this volume. The subject of this if-E sketch was reared in Maiiaskji County, coming here when only seven years old. His early education was received in the common schools at Beacon, but he afterward attended Oskaloosa College, and has it !fH iliiiiiiiimiiiii attained liberal acquirements therebj". When twenty-one j'ears old he entered the law-ollice of F. M. Davenport, I'Csq., of this city, and after a period of close application and hard study, and hav- ing passed the most commendable examination, was .admitted to the bar, Dec. IG, 1882. Soon after his admission Mr. Davis formed a partnership with John IT. James, under the firm name of James & Davis, at Marengo, Iowa, where after a period of one year that partnership was dis- solved, and he came to Oskaloosa, and became a member of the firm of Carroll, Davis & Evans, with offices at Oskaloosa and New Sharon. In 188.5, Mr. Evans, at New Sharon, retired from the firm, and Messrs. Carroll cfe Davis continue the business at Oskaloosa. The firm occupies a prominent position among the younger legal firms of Oskaloosa, and is building up a practice which is flattering to their ability as lawyers, and financiallj* remunerati\e. In March, 1886, Mr. Davis was elected to the office of City Solicitor, which office he now holds. Politi- cally' he is a stanch Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. It is easy to predict the future of a .young man of the ability, application and industry of Mr. Davis. Such men rarel}' fail of reaching to the summit of their am- bition in the profession of theii^choice. 17 lElJT. ROBERT KISSICK, attorney at law, Oskaloosa, is a native of Mercer Count}-, Pa., and was born May 4, 1843. His father, Thomas Kissick, was a native of Ireland, and came with his parents to Pittsburgh, Pa., when sixteen j'eai's old, and was emplo3'ed as molder in a foun- dry in that city and resided there for ten j'ears, lisis] whence he went to Ohio and worked on a farm in Stark County. From Ohio he returned to Pennsyl- vania, and became acquainted with, and was mar- ried to, in 1S3U, IMiss Mary A. Lalferty, a native of Oiiio. They were the parents of eight children — live sons and three daughters — seven (jf whom are living: W. L. enlisted in the ICth Iowa In- fantry, as a private soldier, serving four j'ears. On Sherman's march to the sea he was jjromotcd Cajit- ^r>J s^s. k;. ji p?7? j>4^ rv?:,3^ SI i Jf^^f^^ 282 xxzxzT xxxxz] rrxxll MAHASKA mi mi W'^. ain of Companj^ C. Capt. Kissick was in prison at Andersonville for several months, and tliough still living, in this count3% has never fullj' recovered from the effects of that imprisonment. Liicetta J., deceased, married Dr. N. R. Hook, now of Lincoln, Neb.; Araminta is the wife of Rev. William Wil- son, of Dwight, III.; George L. is a farmer, and resides in Monroe County, Iowa; Florence is the wife of Dr. N. R. Hook; James L. is in Nebraska. Thomas Kissick, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a man of more than ordinary ability. He was an abolitionist from the time he became a voter. He and his «'ife were members of the Con- gregational Church. Robert Kissick was reared in Mercer County, Pa., until sixteen years old, receiving his education in the common schools of that State. In the spring of 1859 he came to Mahaska Countj', and in the summer of 1862 enlisted in Co. C, 33d Iowa Vol. Inf., as a private, and participated with his regi- ment in numerous engagements. In the fall of that year the regiment was sent to St. Louis, and put upon guard duty, and ordered thence to Colum- bus, Ky., and Union Cit}', Tenn., to repel a threat- ened attack upon those positions. They returned to Columbus, and in the early part of July, 1863, were sent to Helena, Ark. They were on the Yazoo Pass expedition as far as Ft. Pemberton, and returned again to Helena. Our subject was on the expedition against Little Rock, under Gen. 'h^RT' Steele, who captured that strDUghold in September, S JH 1863. Mr. Kissick remained at Little Rock until ^^^ the following spring, when he was promoted First Lieutenant and Adjutant in the 113th Colored Regiment, and remained at Little Rock until the close of the war, in 186.3, when his regiment was mustered out of service. After his return to Oskaloosa 3Ir. Kissick at- tended classical and Normal school for two years; when he was employed as teacher in the county. He was Principal of the High School at Manchester, Delaware Co., Iowa, one j'ear, and on his return to Oskaloosa entered the law oflice of Needham & ^ Lafferty, and later that of Lafferty & Johnson, as a student. In January, 1871, he attended the Law De- partment of the Iowa State University, and gradu- I ated in the class of 1872. Returning to Oskaloosa he engaged in the practice of his profession. In i 1866 he was appointed Deputy Revenue Collector of Mahaska and Marion Counties, serving about two years. Mr. Kissick has served several terms as Justice of the Peace, and for two years as Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee. He is a wide-awake Republican, a fluent speaker and hard worker. He is a member (jf Phil Kearney Post No. 40, G. A. R. Mr. Kissick was married in Oskaloosa, Nov. 4, 1S68, to Miss Mary J. Pettitt. who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, Sept. 1 2, 1 845. Six chil- dren have been born to them — Raljih W., Frank P., Guj' E., Edwyne R., Norman .1. and Mary I. Mr. and Mi's. Kissick are members of the Congre- gational Church. B. ALLENDER is a farmer and blacksmith, residing on section 25, Cedar Township. He was born in Hartford County, JId., Oct. 18, 1830, and is the son of John and Naomi (Ghiton) AUender, natives of Maryland. John Allender was a soldier in the War of 1812, and re- moved to Ohio in 1833, where he remained until 1831), and then emigrated to Henry County, Iowa, where he died in 1866. His widow survives him and is living at the old home in Henry County, Iowa, at the ripe old age of ninety-six years. They were the parents of nine children — -B. W., Thomas, James, Dorcas Ann, J. E., N. B., Mary C, Samuel and Wesley. The subject of this sketch, N. B. AUender, at the age of eighteen yea'rs went to Mt. Pleasant, and commenced learning the blacksmith trade with Daniel' P. Gess, and worked for him one year, when the boss quit the business. He then went with a man by tlie name of David Elliott, and worked for him eighteen months, and after that worked at " jour" work for one year. Nov. 22, 1851, Mr. Allender was married to Martha L. Thomas, a native of ( )hio, born Nov. 30, 1831, and a daughter of John and Martha (Snyder) Thomas, the former of whom died in Ohio, and the latter in Henry County, Iowa. Mr. :l ;l Si t/'r'r'r'PM ~ ii XJtXtiit JL. i; 1' xtar [xxrixrrrrrrrrxrrrTrrixSJrr TixrrT L fiTuxttT ^ '.iki - - - ■ ■ b'3 jrrxjcrxi ■ ^f g}- : .__: L KPVTVr-, iSHSEaa It 1 /V\- -v«jS£2A§'^^| >>*,^^S1/Zra7r»^*■ av~* M tfrie_eji'? B5a£g^£ga W P. SHRn'ER, of the firm of Whitaker & I (@ Shriver, dealers in books, stationerj^ and /l'-^v\ wall paper, at No. 117 West High street, Oskaloosa, was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, March 12, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Fink) Shriver, both natives of Adams Countj', Pa. The former was born April Hi, 178'.), and died May 5, 1857; the latter was born in 1805, and now resides with the .subject of this sketch. Three children were born to them, all of whom are living: Will- iam R. is a farmer in Madison County, Iowa; the subject of this sketch is second ; and Harriet L. is the wife of Reuben Whitaker, the partner of L. P. Shriver. Mr. Shriver resided in New Lisbon, Ohio, until 1848, when he removed to Highland County, Ohio, and in April, 1 85 1 , came with his father's family to this county, locating in Harrison Town- ship. Here Mr. Shriver was engaged in farming up to the year 1876, when he sold his farm of 140 acres, came to Oskaloosa, and l)ought an interest in his present business, in which he has since been en- gaged. The firm owns tiicir present commodious building. Mr. Shriver owns a handsome residence and two lots on Jefferson street, and several pieces of prop- erty south of Penn College. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and ranks as a Knight Templar. He is a stockholder in the Farmer's & Trader's Na- tional Bank. Mr. Shriver served the people of this Ir'jJJjizll,, (V I I I -^ BSEB i 'I !;■ 1 1 1 r "»g»g« MAHASKA COUNTY. 28a li 1 11 ii county for a period of three years, as member of the Board of Supervisors. He is unmarried and his elegant home is presided over by his mother. Mr. Shriver has been a very prudent managei' of his business affairs, on the farm and elsewhere, and possesses a competence .as the result of his ability in this direction. He is a most estim.able citizen, a man of the strictest integrity, and enjriys very fully the confidence of the people generally. ^^LEXANDER N. CALDWELL, of White K @IU\ Oak Township, is a farmer, stock-grt>wer and shipper, and resides on section 28. He was born in East Tennessee, Oct. 1 2, 1 839, and is a son of Thomas F. and .Sarah (White) Cald- well, natives of Tennessee. In the year 18ol the}' removed from that State to Maha?ka County, and followed the occupation of farming. The first named died March 8, 18.5.3, aud the latter Aug. 27, 1883. The subject of this sketch, Alexander N. Caldwell, was a lad of twelve years when his father came to this count}', and has followed his present business all his life. Dec. (), 1860, Jlr. Caldwell was married to Miss Esther J. Canfield, a daughter of Sherman and Jerusha (Kinsman) Canfield. She died March 4, 1874, and Sept. 12, 1875, he was again married, to Miss N. C. Stump, a daughter of Adam and Catii- erine (Kendig) Stump, and to them four children iiave lieen born: Charlie C, Earle S., Fred 15. and Warren A. Politically Mr. Caldwell is a Republican, and lias served the people of his township .as Assessor and in other minor oftices, havfng just comjileted his sixth consecutive year of service as member of the Hoard of Supervisors of tliis county, the vexatious duties of which have been discharged in a m.'umer entirel}' satisfactory to the wlK)le people, :iiiil re- flecting great credit to himself. On the expiration of his term of (jfticc, Mr. Caldwell was presented bj- his court-house asso- ciates witii a handsome photograph album, contain- ing photographs of all tlie county otiicers and tiic wives of those who were married. I'riends, other than tiie county otticers, at tlie same time presented him with an easj- chair, on which he could rest, while reflecting on the past, and how, "through much tribulation," he saw arise the present hand- some court-house structure, the erection of which is due to his energj' and perseverance. His farm consists of 400 acres of verj^ fertile land, all in the best possible state of cultivation, with a fine house, ample barns, sheds and other buildings essential to the conducting of his business of farmer and stock-raiser. There is much of in- domitable push and energy in the composition of Mr. Caldwell. He foresees the end of an enterprise from its beginning, lays his plans accordingly, and in a systematic manner pursues the even tenor of his waj'. He is a successful farmer, because, com- bined with abilit}' to execute, is his systematic method of doing things. In all his relations in life he has shown himself an honorable gentleman and a man of strict integritj', and these qualities com- mend him to the highest esteem of his manv friends. *^ I insirjTirri I 1 1 1 1 1. 1 > 1 1 iTTXl nxTTEXJl I iuillllUISIKU il. U 1' " IS UGUSTUS A. HAMILTON. As one of the energetic business men of the thriving city of Oskaloosa, it affords us pleasure to give the reading public .a sketch of the gentle- man whose name heads this biography. He is proprietor of the Oskaloosa Planing Mill, and is eng.aged in making iloors, sasli, blinds, and also in contract building, and is prepared to do anj- kind of work in his line. He is meeting with that suc- cess in his business which energy and perseverance seldom fail to bring. Augustus A. Hamilton was born in Greene Count}', Va., Oct. 17, is.") 4, and is a son of Jallle^ W. and Martha (Headrick) llaniillon, natives of \'u- ginia. Oar subject came to Iowa in ISIKi, and made his home at ^lontezuma. There, after serving an ap- prenticeshii) of three j'ears and four months, he mas- ^^;"^ tered the cal)iiu't-maker's trade, and in 1873 went to Searsboro, this State, and worked at the carpen- ter's trade. From the latter place he went to Jasper County, and w;is tliere engaged for three years in the sawmill business. He then went to Lynnville, and remained a year working at bis trade, when he moved to Knoxville .Tnnclion. and was there a resi- (k^ i ffifi amx irrrrrrTTTiT' 286 M MAHASKA COUNTY. flent for one year. In 1881 our subject moved to Oskaloosa, where he was engaged in contracting and building until 1885. In .September of that year he bought out the interest of i^Ir. Wagner in the planing-mill at that place, and since that time has been engaged in that business, meeting with signal success. Mr. Hamilton was married in Searsboro, Oct. 17, 1875, to Jliss Klla, daughter of William and Mar- tha ]Meredith. She was born in lleurj- County, lud.. and tlieir luiion lias been blest by the birth of one child, Franlv, who is now ten years old. In politics Mr. Hamilton votes with the Democratic l)arty. '/__^ OX. .lOIIX F. LACKY. of Oskaloosa, son of 1^ John M. and Eleanor (Patten) Lacey, was born at New IMartinsville, \V. Va., May 50, 1841. When the subject of our sketch was twelve years of age the family removed to Wlieel- iug, and in tlie year 1S55 settled permanently- at Oskaloosa, Iowa. He attended the public schools at Wheeling, and select schools at Oskaloosa, re- ceiving what may iie deemed tlic equivalent of an academic course. School days over, he entered upon the study of the law in the office of the Hon. Samuel A. Rice, then Attorney (ieneral of the State of Iowa. In 1861 a call being made for vol- unteers, Mr. Lacey promptly tendered his services to the Government, and was the fifth man in Ma- haska Count3' to respond to the President's call, enlisting as a private in Co. II, 3d Iowa Vol. Inf., and was soon after made a Corporal, and served with'his command until the battle of Blue Mills' Landing, Mo., where he was taken prisoner and carried to Lexington, Mo. He was held a prisoner near the city during the siege, and after its ca]5ture by the rebels was paroled with Col. Mulligan's men. i I By reason of a presidential order discharging all $ paroled prisoners from the service, our subject re- turned home and resumed his law studies in (ien. Rice's office. In 186'2 Mr. Lacey was exchanged, and as addi- tional volunteers were called for, he again enlisted, and was mustered into service as a private soldier in Co. D, 33d Iowa Vol. Inf., Col. Samuel A. Rice ^ ^ M pprp g ;j jJ^p T i TTf rp g] ^rJ^^^^.j^jTa^n^^ ct)mmanding. He was soon promoted Sergeant Major of the regiment, and in May, 18()3, was com- missioned First Lieutenant i^ - 1 ; h : L : I "I i.-a 1=3 i;ia l:;a 4 i:ia i;:a i;;a i;:a i;:S liiB uia r a Tj-a ij a i:,a I 'a ^ u'a ME i-3a lit il P &-HHi5?-x] .:::199S MAHASKA COUNTY. 287 from his staff so gallant and meritorious an officer, and fnim his military famil3- so amiable and ac- oi>mi)lished a gentleman as C'apt. l^acey. He en- tt're Warren County, Iowa, where he has since died. His wi(h)W survives, and resides upon the homestead in Warren County, with a daughter. The subject of this sketcii and wife are the parents of eight ciiildren: Klnor.a, born Feb. 24, 1S.52. is the wife of J. F. Hnsseil. and lives in Nebraska; Solon B., horn April .'U), is.'io, married Mary Burris, and lives in (Jutinie County, Iowa; Aljigail, liorn Aug. 3, 18.')7, is the wife of H. 1). Hughes, and resides in Carroll Coiuity, Iowa; Mercy J., born Sept. 25, 1.S5'.), is the wife of .Samuel Tenuis, of this count}'; Phtebe L., born Nov. 20, 18(11, is the wife of Laban Kent, of this county; Joanna, born June 4, 18G5, is the wife of Willis S. Sharp, of Carroll County ; .Samuel, liorn Nov. 4, 1867, and Lettie, March 28, l.s71,are at home. A grandson, Jason W. Kent, born Nov. 3, 1881, is a member of the familj'. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets are both members of the Methodist Itlpiscopal Church, in which they are act- ive and influential members. They are strong ad- vocates of the temperance cause, and are firm be- lievers in the wisdom of a law that shall locate cinu-ches and school-houses on the hills and abolish the saloons in the valleys, and in this and their church work have no apologies to make to the sa- loon interests and rum power of the State, tirmlj- be- lieving that the continuance of so unhol}' a traflic is detrimental to the best interests of all the people and an insult to the intelligence of the nation. •M— ♦ o.-siHdBH*^'' ^=— ?<• ^& 'HHHa -.^SK, ICHARD DUMONT, Abstracter of Titles, ^ at Oskaloosa, and a resident of IMahaska m County since 1«54, w'as born in Haeketts- ^town, Warren Co., N. J., July 24, 1820, and is a son of John H. and JIar}' ((iates) Dumont. llis parents were also natives of New Jerse.y, and his father was descended from the French Ilugne- nots, who settled in the United States at the time of the exodus to this country of that persecuted people. Our sul)ject removed to New York City witli iinTiriiiiixixitmx WM ^p l! M! i^ i jxxjjrxxi 290 l-lllTl«lllll HlHl^TgT "rTTTit MAHASKA COUNTY, KtXM [ ■..:. , ,?.-> .■.■.". .. ^.■■;;,, ■;..:,. ; .. : --) H|- Err IxxxjixtxnmiuactiTTxtxnTm'* > t-i^u^ _ -J^ i!^ r his parents during his childhood, and in that city he was reared and educated, being instructed by private tutors. He learned the trade of a sash, door and )ilind maicer, which business he continued to follow until 184.'j, when he went to Elmira, in the same State, and was engaged in the same line of work until 1849. During the last-named j^ear he came West, locating at Kenosha, Wis. A year and a half later we find him again on the move, g(_)ing this time to Mansfield, Ohio. That city was' his home for the following three years. In 18.54 Ml-. Dumout again turned his face westward, stop- i ping c)nly on reaching Oskaloosa. Soon after his arrival here, in 18.54, he engaged in running sa.sh machinery, which he followed with moderate suc- cess for some 3'ears. In 1859 our subject received the appointment of Deputy Clerk of the County and District Courts, and for the following thirty months filled that po- sition with such satisfaction that at the next cam- paign his name was placed on the ticket for the pt>sition of County Clerk. On the counting of the 1! ballots after the election he was found to have re- ceived a handsome majority. Again, at the expi- ration of this term, in 18(14, he was re-elected, holding the position until Jan. 1, 1867. He was a faithful, accommodating public servant, laboring assiduously for the welfare of the people. Since 1-872 Mr. Duniont has served as Secretary of the .School Board of Oskaloosa, and holds that position at this writing. In 1877 he engaged with his sons in preparing paints and oils, and was in that busi- ness for two years. Since that time he has occujjied his time as Al)stracter of Titles. All-. Dumont was married in New York Cit\', May 22, 1842, to Miss Sarah Grafton. She was born in Providence, R. I., but w.as reared to ma- turity in New York City. ( )f her union with our Slubject six children — four sons and two daughters I — have been born, two of the former being de- ceased. Mary E. is the wife of (xeorge K. Lee, of jlielle Plaine, this State; Thomas R. married Miss Maggie Hewitt, and thej' are liviny in St. .Joseph, lo. ; he was a soldier in Co. F, 4th Iowa Vol. Cav., n the late Civil War, and did honorable service or his country ; Maria L. is the wife of Judson A. "Coffin, and is residing in Oskaloosa; John H. mar- ried Mary E. Ebersole, and they are living iu Omaha, where he is Secretary and Treasurer of the Omaha Water- Works, and is also interested in mercantile pursuits; F. Marion died iu childhood, and Charles died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Dumont are members of the First Baptist Church. Politically Mr. Dumont w.as an old-line Whig, but on the formation of the Repub- lican party in 18.56 joined its ranks, and has since continued to vote with it. VERETT H. BOBBITT is a farmer and stock-raiser, living on section 30, AVhite ^ t)ak Township. He was born in Missouri, Jan. 26, 1816, and is the son of William and Eliza- beth (Hale) Bobbitt, who were natives of North Carolina, and emigrated to Kentucky in the ver}' earliest settlement of that State. They then re- moved to Missouri, in 181.5. where thej' remained until 1829, and then went to Morgan County, 111., where they died. The subject of this sketch, Ev- erett H. Bobbitt, came from the old home in Illi- nois to this count}- in the year 1848, and opened a farm .and resided here until 18.50, when he went back to Illinois and remained three 3'ears, still re- taining the C)wnership of his f.arm in this county, to which he returned in 1856, and where he has con- tinued to reside since. In May, 1842, he was m.arried to Miss Mary Newton, a daughter of Henry and Martha (Izell) Newton, who were natives of Virginia, but who moved to Kentucky, and thence to Illinois about the year 18.'>8. By this union there were three chil- dren : Theodore N., David F. and Melissa .t. The mother died in 1849, in Iowa, and in 1851 he was again m.arried, to Nancy G. Moss, a daughter of William and Rachel (Brattain) ]\Ioss, both of whom died in Illinois. By this latter marriage there were three ciiildren: William E., deceased; R.aehel E. and iMarj' E. jMr. and Mrs. Bol)bitt are members of the Baptist Church, and the girls of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. Politically Mr. B. is a Democrat, has hold the otHce of Supervisor two terms, and nearl}' all the minor offices of the township. He It '!^f^ ' ni-TTrd tSaSSBSl m 15c 1 1 I owns 121 acres of excellent laud, all iiiuler fence, in a good state of cultivation, with the best class of improvemeuts of all kinds. He pursues the oc- cupation of general farming and stock-raising, giv- ing his particular attention to breeding and raising Cleveland Bay horses, and has several very fine ani- mals of this family of horses. Mr. Bobbitt is a citi- zen of long residence in this county, a man of posi- tive convictions, and equallj^ as positive in the expression of his views upon any and all questions, yet a man who enjo3's the confidence and regard of neighbors and friends. MAHASKA ■<«epj2;®^' ellAKLES CURRIER, of the firm of Charles Currier & Son, millers, resides on section 7, White Oak Township. He is a pioneer among pioneers, one of the few yet left to tell the story of the good old days when every man w^as the equal of his neighbor, and all were willing to share alike of the good things of this life. He is a native of the grand old State of Maine., the home of James G. Blaine and other noted men, not only of the present, but of the past, and was born in the town of Corinth, March 13, 1820. His parents, Ephraim and Hannah (Morrell) Currier, were na- tives of Massachusetts, but emigrated to Maine at a verj' early day, and were there united in mar- riage. Both di('(l in their adopted State manj^ years ago. Charles Currier remained with his parents on the farm until he was nineteen years of age, and, like many others who had heard of the West, with its boundless prairies, dotted here and there with groves of timber sufHcient for all practical pur- poses, determined to seek a home in that favored land. His first stopping-place was in Putnam Count}', Ind., where he remaine)RNEST A. IIOKNBOSTEL is a native of Germany, where he was born in the Grand /f_L-^ Duchy of Oldenburg, May 9, 1839. He is the son of George and Louisa (Britzius) Hornbos- tel, who were the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters : Ernest A. lives at Oska- loosa; Gustave died in (Germany; Doris married George King, of Utica, N. Y. ; Charlie came to America, and died in I.S()2; AVilliam, a resident of Michigan, enlisted at the first call for troops in the late war : Sophia lives in Rome, N. Y. ; .Julius and Edward served in the navy during the late war; Albert lives in the Province of Ontario; Charlotte, TT in New York; Ferdinand is Jiow deceased. Mr. Ji|^ Hornbostel's mother died in (iermany, but his fa- ther came to America in 1802 and died in l.s,s3. They were members of the Lutheran Church. The subject of this sketch was apprenticed to and learned the trade of a m.achinist. He wasedu- I cated in the University of Heidelburg, and afterward ill spent two years at Goettingen. From 1860 to 18G2 he served in the French armj' in Africa, under the command of the celebrated jNLarshal Pellissieur, participating in several skirmishes with the Arabs, in which he was twice severely wounded by sabre strokes, receiving one on the head and another on the arm. He crossed the Atlas Mountains, making a march of seventeen days without rest. Returning to (Germany, he remained there a short time, and in 1802 went to Bellville, I'rovince of Ontario, Canada. There he was married to Miss Alary M. (Toergen, by whom he has had seven children, three living — Ernest A., Mary A. and Edward A. In h 1877 he came to Iowa, settling in Dubuque, where h he was emplo^'ed in the Novelty Iron Works of 1-1 M Galena, 111., and thence to Des Moines, Iowa, at which latter place he w,as eini)loyed in the manu- facture and setting n\) of machines for the manu- facture of barbed wire. The machines in operation at Manchester, Iowa, are specimens of his skill in this I'egard. In 1884 he came to Oskaloosa and pnt up the machines now in use by the Oskaloosa Fence Company. He is the patentee and is manu- facturing the Mahaska Comp.any coal drill, a ma- chine for boring into the coal. He is also the pat- entee of the Horn))Ostcl Billiard Table Leveler, which he is manufacturing. He also manufactured for the Oskaloosa Oat Mill Compan}' a set of machinery- for cutting oatmeal. He makes a spe- cialty of making all kinds of models and experi- mental machines. His shop is in the Power & Land Conipan3''s building, Oskaloosa. Mr. Ilornbostel is a member of the Roman Cath- olic Church, and i)olitically is a Republican. He is a man '2Z2H^ W : — 'M : his business ventures, having a very correct and ^ - thorough knowledo;e of the details of his business, y : and a pleasant, engaging way about liini that not K : onlj' captures trade but retains it. He is a prudent o: : manager, and at once assumed a place in the front '.]^: : rank among our business men, and maintains it be- ^ : cause of the ability' that placed him there. Vt^,ROF. \V1LLIAM L. HOWE, Principal and Jl) proprietor of Oskaloosa Business College, •M i*^ was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., I \ Dec. 3, 1852, and was the only son of Ar- low L. and Sarah Howe, the former a native of New York and the latter of Indiana. Sarah Howe died in the j'ear 18.54, when AVilliam L. was adopted by his grandparents, Mr. and Jlrs. Samuel Mcdaw, who came to Mahaska County in 1856, bringing the subject of this sketch with them, and here he re- mained until 1865. Arlow L. Howe went to Min- nesota, and was married to Miss Hannah Albro, a native of New York. Arlow L. Howe, father of the subject of this sketch, was a soldier of the late Civil War, enlisting in 1862, in the 3d Minnesota Infantrj- as a private soldier, and later on was pro- moted Orderly Sergeant of his eompanj-, and served the full term of his enlistment, three years. At the close of the war Arlow L. Howe visited Iowa and took William L. home with him to Jliu- nesota to live, as both grandparents had died dur- ing the period of ten years he had lived here in Iowa. During the year of 1886 he attended the annual session of the G. A. R. at Sau Francisco, Cal., of which he is a member. William L. Howe worked with his father on the farm from 1865 till 1873, when he started out for himself, farming from 1873 to 1877, and having laid up a little he concluded he would invest in an education. His early days were spent in the Nor- mal School at Oskaloc>sa, and after quitting the farm in 1877 he entered Oskaloosa College, where he pursued a course of studies for two years and a half, when his health failed him and he aban- doned tiie course. In 1879 he attended the (Jem City Business College at Quincy, 111., and gradu- ated the same year with high honors. He returned -m MAHASKA COUNTY. 295 \ : \ 1 1 I U: I I I- I 1 I I I I ^-■ 4 - ISC IS 11 u: 1 : 1 : |-£ P I-: 1 - V : iJ : ftLlI 1 1 tej" to Oskaloosa upon the completion of his commer- cial course, and taught penmanship through the countj^ until August, 1880. He was asked bj- the Board of Oskaloosa College to make application for the principalship of the Commercial Department of i the college, which he did with a number of others 1 from the different parts of the county, and the board, after due examination of the forms of appli- cation, decided that William L. Howe was the one to fill that responsible position. After being, notified of his election as Principal of the Commercial Department, Prof. Howe en- tered upon his duties with a vim that has made him popular from the beginning as a penman and com- mercial teacher. He began his work in a small room with thi-ee students, and the attendance increased in two years so that he was obliged to move into the third stor3- of the main building, where he could have the required room. In 1884 there was a de- mand made upon him to open a night school for the teaching of penmanship, book-keeping and gen- eral commercial branches in a business course. He acceded to that dem.and, the school was opened in the central part of the city, a large attendance was secured, and from that day the Oskaloosa Business College proper, of which Prof Howe is Principal and proprietcjr, was an assured success. Much credit is due him for the establishment of this needed institution of our citJ^ In its details, its course of study, the methods employed in teaching, and in fact all that goes to make up a first-class commercial college, it is in all respects the equal of an}' similar institution in the West, and to see it will convince any skeptical person if he wishes a thorough commercial education. In September, 1885, Prof. Howe bought the furniture of the old Ottuniwa Business College, ami placed one of its students at its head, and it also is in good running order now, and the Ottumwa people have given him manj' fine testimonials for reviving this old school and making it the beacon light it is to-da^'. In March, ls,so. Prof. Howe opened another business college in JIarshalltown, Iowa, and put another one of his students in charge, which shows the disposition he has to do well by his best students if they wish to become teachere iu the great world of commerce. All these schools zxxxxxxxix xxxzuruxii - feii i 296 MAHASKA COUNTY. 'w are well patronized both from home and abroad, and his students are found in responsible positions everywhere, which spealis well for their instructors as well as the schools from wbich they graduate. The Professor was married, in 1881, in Os- kaloosa, to Miss Ilettie Adlon, a daughter of John B. Adlon, a prominent business man of this city. By this marriage there are two children — Samuel J. and Emily Cloris. Prof. Howe is a member of the I. O. O. F., S. of V. and M. W. of A. In the first order he has filled all the chairs, and in 1 884 was representative in the Grand Lodge of the order. He is also a verj' active member of the K. of P., and is .Second Lieutenant in the U. R. K. of P. As a prominent resident of Oskaloosa, and a representa- tive citizen of the county, the publishers of this Album are pleased to present in their galaxy of portraits, that of Prof. Howe. OBERT DOAK is a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 2, White Oak Township. He was born in Champaign County, Ohio, ^ April 1, 1838, and is a son of John and Rachel (Swisher) Doak, who were farmers In' occu- pation. The first named died in Ohio in 1844; his widow still survives, and lives at the old home in Ohio. The suliject of this sketch, Robert Doak, was married, April .5, 18G0, to Miss Eliza J. Shields, a daughter of Charles and Julia A. (Mj-ers) Shields. By this union there were three children — Maggie, Mattie .and Charley. The mother died May 23, 1873, and Feb. .5, 1874, he was married to Sarah Arnold, born Oct. 30, 1835, and a daughter of Thomas D. and Lavisa (Scott) Arnold. Oct. 8, 18G1, Mr. Do.ak enlisted in Co. I, 66th Ohio ^'ol. Inf., and served in that command until Dec. 27, 1864. He participated in all the battles, skirmishes and campaigns in which his regiment took a part, and did his whole dut}' as a soldier. In these various engagements he was three times wounded. In the }'ear 1861) Mr. Doak removed to Mahaska Count}', where lie has since resided. He is a mem- ber of the G. A. R., and in his political affiliations is an enthusiastic Republican. His home farm con- ; sists of 231 acres of good land, all in fine cultiva- i tion, well improved, with good house, barn and i uecessarj' out-buildings. Mr. Doak is prosperous i as a farmer, a man of more than average ability i and intelligence, who reads, thinks and acts for i himself upon all questions, is honorable and up- i right, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of everj'one in the circle of his acquaintance. yA. DURFEE, of Oskaloosa, is a native of Erie Count}', Pa., where he was born Jan- 17,1828. He is a son of Addison and Lor- raine Durfee, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Vermont. They removed, in 1831, to Rochester, N. Y., and eng.aged in the gro- cery business, which he continued until his death in 1833. Mr. .and Mrs. Addison Durfee were the par- ents of two children: W. A. Durfee, of Oskaloosa, and Emily N., wife of L. Lowry, of Port Byron, 111. Mrs. Durfee was again married, in 1851, to Hon. George E. Holmes, of Port Byron, 111., who died in the spring of 1872. The subject of this sketch, the only sou, after the death of his father, went to Erie County, Pa., where he remained until 1839, and then came West with his mother to Henry County, 111. Here he attended the High School at Geneseo, to fit himself for col- lege. In 1850 he settled in Port Byron, 111., and embarked in the mercantile trade, which he contin- ued for fifteen jears. In 1870 he disposed of his stock of goods and engaged in the business of min- ing and shipping coal, continuing in that business at Port Byron, 111., until the year 1878, when he came to this county and purchased an interest in the Excelsior mines, south of this citj', which prop- erty he developed, and sold his interest to the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co., at present the owners and operators of that property. In 1882, after dispos- ing of his interest in the Excelsior miue, he opened up and developed the Standard mine, located in the western part of that city, and of which he has been general superintendent from its organization. Mr. Durfee is also largely interested in other juiniug CSSHHS n at 1 YAts^ ."'-^ ^■?: l lXX Jjt-l lJElJIXXXJXt Xl -*>^ MAHASKA COUNTY. 297 V- ': properties in the State of Iowa, and particular!}' in ': Jasper Countj-. As a successful manager in this : line of bu.siness, Air. Durfee has no superior, and ■ few, if any, equals. His knowledge of the coal : measures and geological formations of Iowa, is ; based upon the deductions of science, and his views • as an expert are sought after anil prized li}' the coal : operators of Iowa. ilr. Durfee was inarri(Kl in Port B3 ion. Rock : Island Co., 111., Aug. 31, 1853, to Miss Harriet : l^ratt, a daughter of Ira Pratt, a native of WajMie . Count}-, iS'. v., where she was born June 2'J, 1831. : By this marriage there were two children: Grace ' C, wife of Dwight F. Downing, attorney at law', I Oskaloosa, and Clarence W., of Oskaloosa, of the I firm of Weeks & Durfee, dealers in general mer- ' chandise. Clarence is married to Miss Suella Mc- I'horrin, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Durfee are members of the Congregational Church. ~\/\/\, -»ta£j2/©^" ^>«.^^l/ZW7>v~ -v/v~^ i\. : u I : h' : h' - ,ALENTINE BRUBAKER, general farmer and stoek-iaiser, resides on section 1.'), Har- y/ rison Township. He was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Feb. 11, ltS38, and is the son of Daniel and Magdalena (Bixler) Brubaker. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German de- scent, and removed fo the State of Ohio about the j-ear 1824, residing there until the 3' ear 184i), when they came to Slahaska Count}', Iowa, making the entire trip 1)}' team. Here they bought nearly 400 acres of land, which they cultivated and inii)roved, and occupied as a home until his deatii in the year 1862. His wife died in 1804. The subject of this sketch has been twice mar- ried ; his first wife was Miss Ellen Ratliff, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Jlary (Rhinehart) Ratliff, to whom he was united Dec. 24, l.s()8, and to whom one child was born, Edie, April 12, 1870. He was subsequently married to ^liss Anna L. Bullington, a daugiiler of William II. and Sarah (Baldwin) Butlington. To them six children have been born : William II., May 18, 1872; Herbert A., Feb. 20, 1.S74; John E., Aug. 16, 1876; Mary E., .Sept. 20, 1878; Harlan D., Feb. 3, 1880; Elizabeth E., March I. 18.^3. Mrs. Brubaker's mother, Sarah Baldwin, died March 17, 1871). Mr. Brubaker owns 160 acres of land at the home farm, another eighty acres on the same section, and ten acres of timber. His land is all in an excellent state of cultivation, while the residence and other buildings are of the better grade. Himself and wife are members of influence and worth in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politicallj' Mr. Brubaker is a Republican. Rating him as a citizen, he is one of the best. In all his transactions with men, he car- ries out the spirit of the Golden Rule, thereby commending himself to all men as honorable and upright, and meriting and receiving the esteem of all who know him. ■-J*!^- 4^ l^Mf^> o 'pff^^ loosa, was born in Logan Count}-, Ohio, t4i\V Dec. 21, 1817. His parents, Samuel and ^^Ann (Walker) Ballinger, emigrated from Burlington County, N. J., about 1809. The chil- dren born to them in that State, w-ere : John, Oct. 7, 1796; Elizabeth, Nov. 2, 1798; Martha, Dec. 11, 1800; .Joshua, Feb. 5, 1803; Henry, April 21, 180.5; and Hope, Dec. 17, 1807. Mary was born in Ohio, Sept. 24, 1810; Samuel, May 9, 1812; Jane, Nov. 28,1814; Charles, M.arch 0, 1816; Thomas, Dec. 21, 1817; Isaac, June 11, 1820, making twelve in all. Those dying quite young were: Henry, Jane and Charles. All tlie rest lived to old age and raised large families, having the noble example set them by their venerated parents. At the writing of this sketch (.January, 1887) only two are liv- ing. Isaiic, in Liberty, Union Co., lud., and the subject of these lines, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Mr. Ballinger has been married three times; first, to Miss Mary Devore,of Champaign County, Ohio, June 8, 1837, and to their union were boi'u three children, namely, Oliver S. ; Elizabeth, now 3Irs. Ed. -Mott; and .Mary E. Oliver and Mary E. died in childhood, and their mother April 25, 1845, at the age of twenty-four years. It may be truly said of her, that she was one of the best of earth's chil- dren ; and died in the hope of a blessed immortality. The folkiwiug autumn, Mr. BalUrger married S '& iM rtTfT'--,!- I luri xnxizi.muitx 3 j. « i rm mctrxu u im 298 MAHASKA COUNTY. 11 Mrs. Lydia A. Hildreth, of the village of Brandon, Knox Co.. Ohio, with whom he lived thirty-six years. They h.id three children. Thomas Mott, the oldest, was born in Ohio, Ang. 10, 1846. In 1850 the family moved to Iowa, and made their first permanent home in Oskaloosa, where Mr. Bal- linger organized a Uiiiversalist societj' in the year 18.51. The societj' numbered some fifty or more, and had preaching once a month for several years. During these years lots were procured on which to build a church. But various causes prevented it from being done. One of the main reasons, per- haps, was the expiration of the time for which Mr. Ballinger was engaged with the society, public opinion in those days, particularly in the West, being molded by the itinerate custom of the Methodists, in making a change every one and two years. After about four years Mr. Ballinger thought the cause could be better served by having a new minister occupy the field, and accordingly the so- ciety had various ministers call and preach for a short time, liut made no permanent agreement with them until Mr. .Jdsi.ah Davis settled for a 3^ear or two with thcni. His labors were very acceptable, and but for the stringent times in money matters in 18.57-58, would have made a success in the work. Mr. Davis went to other fields of labor, and was succeeded by Mr. Fishback, Col. J. P. .Sanford,and a Mr. Clayton, all able men, who succeeded well for a season, but being somewhat eccentric touch- ing various theological opinions, finally withdrew, and went into other employments. In the mean- time ilr. Ballinger located on a ))iece of land in ^lahaska County that he had owned for some time, and improved a farm, preaching at various country places, mostly in school-houses, working hard at the same time, improving land and farming. In 1864 Mr. Ballinger's only living son, Thomas Mott, died of tj-phoid fever. He was nearly eight- een years old, tall, and well proportioned, good hearted, kind and industrious, loved farm work, and took a pride in making himself useful. He was dearly loved by all, and his death made a vacancy in the family never to be filled. Mrs. Ballinger was so affected that she never full}^ rallied from the nervous shock she then received, and a few years later closed her earthly life, and sleeps by her only son in Forest Cemetery. Her two remaining ■ children are Augusta and Ella. The former mar- ; ried Marqnis Barr, for several years Sheriff of Ma- ; haska County, now Warden of the Anamosa Peni- ; tentiar}-, in this State; the latter married David ; Woods, and lives in Kansas. Mr. Ballinger was ! married the third time, in the spring of 1 882, to i Mrs. E. J. Johnson, a widow lady residing in Os- kaloosa, and they are living on North Market street, if not in grandeur, at least surrounded with the comforts of life. We close this sketch by introduciiig one or two short articles from the pens of others, touching the religious and political status of Mr. Ballinger. The first from the pen of A. C. Edmunds in a publica- tion called the Life Boat, and the other from the history of the township, b^' H. J. A'ail. "Thomas Ballinger is a native of Ohio, where the father died in 1845 and the mother in 1854. Thomas was raised and well trained in the laborious industries peculiar to a farmer's life. He shared the advantages of the common schools of Ohio — attending from three to six months a year until about fifteen years of age. Since that date he has been engaged in battling with the duties of life — receiving some benefit from private instruction in the higher branches and in the languages. In 1834 he experienced a religions awakening which resulted in his joining the Methodist Church. Having his attention directed to the subject of baptism he finally became a member of the Disciples' Church, and for ten years was a preacher of that faith. Coming in contact with believers in Universalism, and studying the subject of the Divine govern- ment and the final destiny of the race as the result of beneficent economy, he finally concluded that if salvation was good for one it was good for all, and that God in His wisdom, justice and goodness would so arrange the dispensation of His providence as to insure this impartial and nniversal result. This mode of refiection led him to embrace the Abra- ham ic faith, and for twenty-five years he has been proclaiming the unsearchable riches of God's im- partial grace. "In October, 1 845, he married Lydia A. Hildreth, a native of Vermont. In 1850 he moved west and settled first in ^'an Buren Count}', but shortly : ^ (Tf^SSHS 3t fi^^sg-g.,,...,.pi^. J - ir: I : \-z 1::: \-:S 16 11 II \^\l ^\ v.: k n.'-: 1, : i( ; 1 I I I I ru : >^ - I c I : I c i:: moved to Mahaska County, and settled in Oska- loosa, wlu-re he lived until 1854. For the next two years he engaged in farming' near (Jskaloosa, and being invited to take charge of the society at Bentonsport, he preached for them for two years and then returned to the farm. In 18G1 he moved on his present farm six miles north of Oskaloosa. During these years lie has preached extensively through Southeastern and Central Iowa. He has held some eighteen discussions with prominent preachers of different denominations. In these discussions he has displayed more than ordinary forensic ability, and a well grounded knowledge of the Bible and of biblical interpretation. In 18()7 he was elected to the Legislature and served through the 12th General Assembly as member of the House. He made an independent member — ^con- scientious in all his acts — too much so to be tram- meled b}' party tactics. He had sufficient manhood not to join in the bitter and uncalled-for tirade of partisans against Andrew .lohnson as manifest by a majority of the members of the Legislature. Such is Thomas Ballinger. He is widel}' known through- out Eastern, Soutiiern and Central Iowa. In fact he has a reputation extending through the range of Universalistic believers throughout the West. He is a social, whole-souled, genial and upright man, without a peer in the West or in the world. Long ma}- lie live to bless the circle of friends whose burdens of life arc sweetened by his words of coun- sel and by the influence of his pure and upright life." "The last Christian society organized in Sharon is the I'niversalist. Although some of the oldest citizens of this part of thij county- were well estab- lished believers in tlie iloctrine of final restoration, and occasional [ireaching was had. yet their organ- ization as a religious body is an event of quite re- cent date. For man_y ^-e.ars the Rev. 'I'homas Bal- linger, of Madison Township, this county, preached in the school-house to good sized companies, and at such times as invitation had been extended. This gentleman may properlj' be regarded as the chiefest among the pioneers of the faith, in this part of the Stnte. He has preached all over Iowa, traveled mucli into Jlissouri and Illinois, and held numerous theological debates with various able ex- irrxiiiimiiuxtiii 1 1 KTinftxiiniK' IKTTllI ■^\rm\ ponents of different branches of the orthodox faith, and never without forcing the conclusion, and establishing beyond dispute, that he justl\ ranks as an able and skillful debater. No man ever engaged him without realizing that he was full mated in the contest, and he did well if he success fully parried his cimeter thrusts, and succeeds 1 well if he preserved his theological armor, and was able to retreat from the field with the shield of his faith untarnished. He is a strong, good man, and despite all differences of opinions, despite all creeds and jealousies, there are none but must admit his religious fervor, his theological skill, his strength of intellect and breadth of thought, his largeness of heart and superior social qualities, and now that his feet are treading the pathway that nears the narrow home ordained for all of earth, his years numbering almost the ' threescore and ten,' and his locks as white as the frosts and snows that so oft have come and faded while he earnestl}' labored, there are none but honor his worth, and think kindlj' of this one of Christianity's earnest advocates and humanity's able defenders." Mr. Ballinger has been in Iowa nearl}' thirty-seven years. Oskaloosa was a village of 300 or 100 in- habitants with o\\\\ one small church house; the court-house, then a small frame building, is oceu- pieil now by the First National Bank, and contains several ottices built in good style. A. magnificent court-house looms up across the street from the northeast corner of the square. The citj' has a population of 8,000 souls, and the countj' is unsur- passed in the State. He has witnessed all this great change and now, like good old Simeon, is read}* to depart, sajing, " I have seen Iowa increase its popu- lation from 100,000 in 1850, to over 3,000,000." L. MYERS is a farmer and stock-raiser on section ',). White Oak Township. He was born in North Carolina Maj- 22. 1 822, and is the son of Joseph and JIary (Ledford) .Myers, natives of that State, who removed to In- diana in 182!t, and resided there until 1852, when they came to IMahaska County, Iowa. Joseph Myers was a miller, and followed that occupation ^ \ \ CSWmTTTTTH 300 MAHASKA COUNTY. 'Pi' m\ all his life. His wife died in 186.5, and he in 1870. They were of German and English ancestry. The subject of this sketch, .T. L. Myers, came to this county in the spring of 18ri2. He was mar- ried, Februar}- 19 of that year, to Miss Welth}- Fuller, who was born in Ohio March 12, 1829, and is the daughter of Gabriel and Ann (Cunningham) Fuller, natives of Pennsylvania, both of whom died in Montgomery County, Ind. ,"\Ir. and Mrs. Myers are the parents of five children: Cyrena is the wife of F. L. .Tackson, and resides in Missouri; Mary A., deceased, was the wife of W. H. Whitaker, a resident of this county ; Roena M. is the wife of William C. Reed; the3' reside in Monroe Town- ship, this county, and are the parents of two chil- dren ; Oliver .1. married Miss Dell Leathers, and resides in Keokuk Countj', Iowa; Sarah J. is de- ceased. Mr. and iSIrs. Jlyers are memlters of the Christ- ian Church. His political affiliations are with the National Greenback part}'. He has held all the various township offices except that of Road Super- visor. Mr. Myers owns 160 acres of very fertile land, which he has brought to the highest possible state of cultivation, the improvements upon which are first class in all respects, and are hardly excelled in the county. Upon his farm is a natural spring of very fine water, which yields an ample supply for all purposes, and is never-failing. Mr. M. is an enterprising farmer, and has been reasonably suc- cessful in the pursuit of his business. A man of more than ordinary acquirements, he keeps himself advised on all matters of general interest, is social and hospitable, of the strictest integrit}', an up- right citizen, and well esteemed wherever known. I. LITTLE, deceased, was a native of Boonsboro, Md., where he was born Nov. 2.T, 1820. He was the son of William and Wilhelmina Little, who emigrated to Ohio when Henry was a small boy, in the year 1835. June 1, 1841, they removed to Columbus, Louisa Co., Iowa, during our territorial organization, re- maining there until Oct. 1, 1848, when they re- moved to Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., 111., where he resided uutil Oct. .3. 1878, when he removed to Oskaloosa. Mr. Little was a carriage-maker bj- trade, and followed that business from early man- ho(jd. He was a man of large general knowledge and well posted in the affairs of the country, a firm believer in the principles nf the Republican party, and a warm advocate of all its measures. In re- ligion he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife was a member of the German Reform Church. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are living: Eldredge W., of Ocean Grove, N. J., is a graduate of Rock River Seminary at Mt. Morris, 111. ; Martha A. is the wife of Daniel H. Smith, of Ogle County, 111; Harriet A. is the wife of Samuel Middour, of Oskaloosa. Mr. Little died in Mt. Morris in January, 1872, and Mrs. Little is now living in Oskaloosa at the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years, and is an un- usually active lady for her age. The subject of this sketch was early apprenticed to the trade of carriage and wagon maker, receiving in the meantime a liberal education. In earl}' life he assisted his father by the labor of his hands in the support of the family. He worked as a jour- nej'man in three different States, and when he first settled at Mt. Morris, 111., all the stock for the con- struction of wagons had to be hauled from Chi- cago. Mr. Little was married at Mt. Morris, Feb. 1, 1854, to Miss A. Norvella McNeill, a daughter of Francis and Mary E. (Cronise) McNeill. By this union there were nine children: William F., edu- cated at Mt. Morris Seminary, is engaged in the liver}' and transfer business at Oskaloosa, and is a memljer of the Oskaloosa Livery and Transfer Company; he married Mary E. Adams; Charlie F. is a tinner by trade ; he married Annie Y. New- comer, and lives at Kuoxville, Iowa; Harry is Su- perintendent of the freighting department of the Oskaloosa Livery and Transfer Company, and is married to Miss Nellie Alexander; Minnie E. is the wife of Charles Lofland, Cashier of the Oskaloosa National Bank; Arthur B. is .at home, and in the employ of the Western Union Fuel Company ; Nel- lie L. is stenographer for the American Coal Com- I •x 1 1 i-iLxiimit^ k__ ■ i^CJi^e^ U-r . n gLc^ cii^iti. fl= & 1^ ii ¥ I 1) : M v-z V-: $1 1) : h i:;: pail}'; anil \\'ill)iir, Xoni, and Kittic L. are at home. In l.sTS Mr. Little came to this county, and for three j-ears was engaged in merchandising at Mnchachinock. He then came to Oslialoosa and embarked in tlie grocery business, which he contin- ued for a time, and retired from to assume the agencj- of and furnish the mines in this vicinity with blasting powder. Mr. Little was a man of more than ordinary ability, and politically was a stanch Republican and an active defender of the principles of that party. lie was a man who took an active interest in educational matters. Mr. Lit- tle was very quiet and unassuming in his manner, was a great reader, a profound thinker, and well posted in the current topics of the time. He was a Mason and Master of the lodge at Mt. JMorris, 111., forman3' J'ears, representing his lodge in the Grand Lodge of that State. He died in Oskaloosa March 1, 1880, and was interred with the solemn rites of that order and its beautiful and impressive cere- mony. Jlrs. Little is still a resident of Oska- loosa, where she is surrounded by her children, who atisist her in the affairs of life and comfort her in her bereavement. i-^«<- m: J;ILLIAM S. CURRikr, junior member of the firm of Charles Currier tt Son, is a na- tive of Mahaska County, born in White Oak Township, Nov. 2G, 18.')2. His parents, Charles and Angeline (Harris) Currier, are num- bered among the earh' settlers of the county. (See sketch of Charles Currier.) ^^'iIliam was reared in the country, and .as soon as old and stout enough to handle a half bushel of grain, was put to work in his father's mill. In the milling business he has since continued, and to-day it is said that as a miller, ho perhaps, h.as no superior in the State of Iowa, if in the West, practically or mechanically speaking. He has made milling the study of his life, and is the inventor of the Currier 3Iiddlings Mill, a i)iece of machinery designed to take up the middlings as they are left by the ordinary- process of milling, even in the best mills, reducing them so that they ma}' be mixed with the otlier product of the mill, where they i)roperly belong. The ma- Tlie buhrs } The J h .1 chinery used in this system does this work success- full}-, as has been thoroughlj' proven. The buhrs used in the middling mills are made of a peculiar kind of stone found onlj' in a quarry of stone upon the farm of Charles Currier, and near the Currier Mills, section 7, White Oak Township, are guaranteed against heating or glazing, process for using the middlings was discovered by Mr. Currier in 187G, and in 1878 he put one of the buhrs and the necessary machinery in Siebel .v Co.'s Mill, at Oskaloosa, which proved very satis- factory.- A conqjany was soon afterward organ- ized for the manufacture of the machinerj-, and large numbers of inillshave been made and shipped fafai to all parts of the L^nion, and in ever}' instance sat- isfaction wjis given. Had it not been for the in- troduction of the roller process for the grinding of wheat, it is probable there would not have been a flouring-mill in the whole countrj' without one of Currier's Middlings Mills. As stated, Mr. Currier began working in the mill at a very early age. His educational advantages were therefore limited, but he has made a jjractical use of knowledge acquired, reflecting on what he reads, so that he has a well-stored mind of useful information. At the age of seventeen he was placed in charge of the mill, and with the exception of a 3'ear and a half in Eiddyville, where he also run :i mill, he has since been in charge. In 1 880 he was made a full partner in the business, and the firm name of Charles Currier & Son was adopted. In the conduct of the mill he has ever been ready to adopt any inqirovements that could be made, and in pursuance of which in the winter of 1 886-87 put in the roller system. The mill was ei'ected bv the senior member of the firm in ISoO, and is a frame structure on a stone foundation. It is lOx •14 feet, two and a half stories high, and is in good fefal repair. The power by which the mill is run con- }]IH sists of two improved rose wheels and one turbine. ^*^ The capacity of the mill is fifty barrels every twen- t3'-four hours. The reputation of the mill has al- wa3's been so well maintained that the name of Charles Currier . when he returned home and resumed farming, which occupation he has since fdllowed. He is now the owner of thirl y-eiglit acres of good land, and his wife is the owner of forty acres. In poli- ties he is lil)eral, and has lieen honored by his fel- low townsmen with several local ollices, serving as Townshii> Trustee three ye.ars, Hoad .Supervisor three years and School Director one year. He is a mendier of (iiven Lodge. I. O. O. F. His wife is connected by membership with the Methodist Prot- estant Church. ■, .Mr. A'ernon was again united in marriage, choosing for a comp:in- ion Miss Lida Bull, a native of Fayette County, Pa. ^liss Bull was left an- orphan at the age of three j'ears, and was reared in Philadelphia by a brother. Mr. 'S'ernon cast his first vote for (4en. Jackson, for President. He continued to vote and act with the Democratic party until the nomination of A'al- M landingham, for Governor of Ohio, during the Re- bellion. He then allied himself with the Republi- can party, with which lie h.as since continued to act. Mr. Vernon has held several local ollices of trust, once receiving the nomination for Count}- Treas- urer, but on account of a large private business would not accept the nomination. Commencing [I! life a poor man, Mr. Vernon by his own e.xertions has accumulated a large pro|)ert.v and is to-daj- liv- ing a retired life, enjojing the respect and confi- dence of a large circle of friends. KONARl) lURTOX. deceased, was born in Virginia in 1810, and was a son of Joshua " I' — '\'. and Pha'be Burton, the former being a na- tive of ^Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Of the early life of the subject of this .sketch but little is known, save that he was a farmer's boy and, like many others, received but a limited edu- cation, but wa^ accustomed to hard work. In 18.52 he came to Mahaska County and located on section 34, Garfield Township, where he lived until the spring of 18Gi, when he sold out and bought IGO acres on section 10, Des Moines Township, where he lived until his decease, which occurred Feb. 2(i, 1880. At the time of his death he was owner of 208 acres of fine land. In 1839 he was marridl to Susan .Mercer, a native of Favette Counlv, wm r^H. iqrm iirio t 3i...; PI m rrrrr^wwwttw rwi-. : irxiixrmrxxrinTixiixi|B 304 MAHASKA COUNTY. liinSiiTTirTirTiaiiTiirrirtxrix^ -tt^ rial Pa., daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Wallace) Mercer, who were also natives of that State. They had a family of ten children, Ave dying in infancj-. The others were: Eliza .J., now the wife of Will- iam Hait, of Des Moines Township; .lames Clark, who enlisted in the 3d Iowa Infantry during the war of the Rebellion and died in hospital at Mex- ico, Bio., and was there buried; Matilda, now the wife of W. H. Downing, of Des Moines Township; Thomas S., who served two years in the 4th Iowa Battery, and now resides in Lyie, Minn.; .Jesse M., who died in 18G3, aged twelve 3'ears. IMr. Burton was a regular ordained minister of the Methodist Protestant Church, receiving his or- dination in 1850. While carrying on his farm he never neglected to preach the Gospel as opportun- ity offered. All over this county, as well as in the neighboring counties, he has preached Christ and Him crucified in almost every school-house. Po- litically in early life he was a Whig, afterward a Republican, and later in life a CTreenbacker. He was a strict temperance man, and was aumug the first to advocate prohibition. His widow still re- sides on the olil homestead and carries on the farm. She is an intelligent woman and mucii respected liy all. OIIN E. .JONES, of Garfield Township, is a native of Wales, and a son of Thomas and Blary Jones, natives of Wales, who came to America May 11, 18.55, and settled in Lu- zerne County, Pa. The former died at Carbondale, in Jlay, 18G5, aged seventy- thi-ee years, and had followed farming all his life. He was a member of the Congregational Church, a man of deep piety, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. The latter died at Olyphant, Lackawanna Co., Pa., in June, 1873, aged eighty-one years. She was a member of the same churcii as her husband, and a sincere and earnest Christian woman, one with large sympathy for those who were in sickness or distress about lier, never failing to relieve them as much as lay in her power. The subject of this sketcii lived with his parents until 1SG7, when he came to this count}-, and set- tled on section 29, Garfield Township. He followed the occupatitm of mining in Pennsylvania for twelve years. He was married, Sept. 26, LSGl, to Miss Alice V. Roberts, a native of Wales, but who came to this country when a cliilil of three yeai-s. She was a daughter of Edward and Mary Roberts, natives of Wales, where the former was born in August, 1812. In the old country he was a miner, and held the position of foreman of one of the principal mines near where he resided. In his odd hours he studied medicine, and practiced among the miners as a matter of charity to them, not needing their money, as he w'as possessed of ample means. He came to America in 1849, and resided in Luzerne Count}', Pa., until his death, in 1882, at the age of seventy years. His widow still sur- vives, and is living in Pennsylvania. Jlr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of seven children: Osborne, now in Hitchcock County, Neb., engaged in farming; Bertha, wife of G. L. Elowers, in same county; Thomas, Edward, Ruth, Alice and Katie are at home. My. J(mes has been elected School Secretarj' of his district nine years in succession, and takes a great interest in all matters pertaining to the edu- cation of the rising generation. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., holding a card from his lodge in Pennsylvania. It was his misfortune on one occa- casion, while engaged in the work of stacking straw, to fall from the top of the stack to the ground. In attempting to save himself he threw the pitchfork which he had in his hands away from him, but it rebounded in such a manner that he fell upon two of the prongs, which passed through one shoulder and lung and entered his cheek, inflicting what the doctors pronounced a fatal wound, but in four days he had so far recovered as to be able to lie out again. In the summer of 1874 he suffered from a sunstroke, and for the two succeeding sum- mers was compelled to spend his daylight hours in his cellar. Mr. Jones owns eighty acres of land at the home farm upon which he has three miles of tiling. He is also the owner of half a section of land in Ne- braska, which he bought as an investment a few years ago. His business is that of general farming, in which he has achieved signal success. The home farm [iroduces liountifuUy under the intelligent - ft :a ::i ii S:l tFA 3:1 Z-\ 5-.1 B':l 3=^- u :;i ' n :-i z'h : n ::i II sin ZA z\ z-\ Z-\ Z'A zx ftPr'Tirrr-l I p^^^-^^s^tll...> HIXKTIII.III*; I txtrmrtTTTtriirT' g MAHASKA COUNTY. 305 management and thovougli cultivation given it by its uwniM-, and he lias not only been enabled to secure a good living as a result of his labors, but to place a surplus of his earnings in raw land as an investment. Himself and good wife are held in high esteem by their neighbors and all who know them. -».4'.} he was ^^^V j chosen to the Legislature from this county, having^: for his associate Hon. John F. Lacey, a most able representation, as all will admit who knew the two men. In February, 1872, he was api)ointed At- torney General of the State vice Hon. Henry O'Con- nor, resigned. He was elected to the otilce in the fall of the same year, and re-elected in 1874, hold- ,. ing that position until 1877. His reputation was ,k made national, when, as Attorney (ieneral in the celebrated ''Oranger'' railroad cases, he won for the people and the State the right to control these corporations. Those cases placed him in the front llM^ i-ank of the Iowa bar. jj} At home Mr. Cutts was nearly always on tine [| side or the other of all important cases in law. In 1«78 he was the choice of his party for Congress, declining, however, the proffered honor, but in 1880 accepted the nomination and entered upon an active canvas of his Congressional district. Not heeding the advice of friends, he spoke day and night during the entire campaign, and the result was the serious impairment of his health. He en- tered the canvas with a inajorit}' of 1,800 against him in the district, but secured a substantial vic- tory over his opponent and was given the certifi- cate of election. A long and bitter contest fol- lowed in the House of Representatives, and in the closing hours of the session he was ousted and his seat given to his opponent. Again, in 1882, he was unanimously nominated by the Republicans for Congress, and was triumphantly elected. But his career as a Congressman was to be a short one in- deed. The disease contracted in the campaign of 1880 was slowl}' sapping his life blood away, and on S.aturday, Sept. 1, 1883, liis spirit passed away. Marsena E. Cutts and Miss Helen Friek, daugh- ter of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Henley) Frick, of Sheboj'gan, Wis., were united in marriage June Hi, 1857. Their married life wa.s a hap|)y one, their love one for the other growing stronger and stronger as the years went bj'. Four children came to bless their uniou — Lizzie, Charles E., Thomas aiid Nellie, two i>f whom, Nellie and Charles, passed >^ mm U 1 m U iXlLLlllUllXtllU-IlttStJLlItt TiSiixjMttxiTtkjrxtw%ixni cii-ijLiuni Lj - JA X. 1 ixj t r u n t I X I rj > rrrTTxirn rm mm 1 m iTi 1 306 MAHASKA COUNTY. on and were ready to welcome the father to the better land. The life of the father was wrapped up iu these children. When Charles died he re- marked, "The half of iny life is gone." When Nellie passed away he was seriously affected, being in poor health himself. Two children, with the mother, now remain, "waiting, only waiting," while thoughts of the kind husband and indulgent father, and lov- ing children fill their minds, and they determine to be faithful to the end. His death is mourned by family and friends alike. We say he is dead, but may it not be as Longfellow has well said : '•We see but dimly tlu-ougli tlie ini-r and v,i])i)rs Amid tli traii>iticiii ; This life of mortal breath Is but a suburb of the life Elysiau Wliose portal we eall death." Mr. Cutts, as a lawyer, was the peer of any man in the State. He was diligent, .sparing no time nor pains in the preparation of his cases. He was no idler and had no sympath}' with an}' man in the profession who was. He had no special feature in which he was strong, but was regarded as a strong- man in all things, whether before a jury or Court. He was disposed in all matters to inquire into the why and wherefore of everything pertaining thereto. He did not stop with the questions of his profes- sion, Ijut grasped others and made them pass through his crucible. He was a man of sturdy likes and dislikes. As a partisan he was uncompromis- ing always. As a political orator, few men could eqtial him, and none were his superiors in forceful sarcasm. In debate he was strong, read}-, quick and merciless. In his political views he was con- scientious, and advocated them because he believed them to be morally right. As a man he thoroiighlj' despised all shams, and wanted no empty words or vain show, being himself plain in all his life. Those who knew him best loved him most. By some he was thought to be distant and cold; by others who knew his inner life he was regarded as a man most generous and charitable. The creditor, showing a disposition to paj^, was never pressed by him. and as Judge Seevers remarked at a meetina: JHHHHHHr'Hr'rijdci of the bar, "There were hundreds that knew and apjM-eciated his kindness. If .you want to know the facts as to his generosity go to the hiboring men of this citj'^, and inquire of them if ever they went to him for a favor that was not granted. The colored man who passed by his body to-day and burst into tears appreciated the nobilitj' of liis na- ture. And why.' Because he had been kind to him, and not only to him but to others. He never turned a deaf ear to one who was in want, and no greater epigraph could be inscribed upon his tomb than that he was kind to the poor. Such a man was JIarsena E. Cutts in all his life. ( )f him it can well be said that now 'He rests from his labors and his works do follow him.' " --V •.o*o.■(C)^>uzzard"s Roust, Look- out Mountain, and all intermediate battles and skirmishes up to the siege of Atlanta. His regi- ment was under command of Gen. Thomas, who was left to look after Hood while Sherman pursued his march to the sea. During the second daj''s fight on Missionary Ridge, while a charge was being made, a hand-to-hand tight occurred, in which the Captain was struck on the shoulder with a musket, which drove the elbow bone down through the rtesh of the arm. The Captain made two resolves when he entered the service, one of which was never to go into a hospital, and the other, not to be taken a prisoner, so he resigned his commission and returned to Indiana, where he engaged in farming for a short time. In 1865 Capt. Ebej- removed to Clinton County, Iowa, settling at Ue Witt, and in 1868 came to Os- kaloo.-^a, where he has since resided, following his occupation as builder and contractor. He was a member of the G. A. R. in Indianapolis, Sous of Columbia, which is composed of commissioned of- ficers and is also a member of the Order of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Mr. and ^Mrs. Ebej became the parents of ten children, nine yet living, viz : Mar}- E., Sarah R., Annie L., John F., Samuel M., Flora Alice, Charles T., Elmer II. and Lena M. 3Ir. and Jlrs. Ebej- are acceptable members of the Presb3-terian Church. Politically Mr. Ebey is a Republican, and has been since the organization of that i)art3-. He is a man who enjo^'s the confidence .and esteem of his fellow- citizens; is of positive convictions, casts the weight of his influence on the side of good morals, and is !is public spirited and patriotic now as when the war clouds hovered over the land. Mar}' M. Ebey, the niotlur of c>ur subject, was a cultured lady, a fluent speaker and a public debater during the days of tiic anti-slavery agitation before the w.ar. Her home was a station on the under- ground railroad, and many an escaped sla\e lias re- ceived aid and comfort at her generous hand and full directions to aid him inescaidng from the thral- dom of slavery. :^'^ '^^l:^' t"^ T5SSi>. LOJsZO BEAMAN is a farmer residing ou section 6, Spring Creek Township. He was born in the State of Vermont, Feb. i.'i, 181!), and is the sou of Joshua and Han- nah (Alcott) Beaman, both of whom were natives of Vermont, and died in the St.ate of New York, when our subject was but ten years of age. Joshu.a Beaman was a farmer, and served as a soldier in the War of 181 •2, removing, at its close, and when the subject of this sketch was an infant, from A'er- mont to the State of New York. When Alonzo at- tained his twenty-fourth year, he removed to Ber- rien County, Mich., remaining there until 1858, wheu he came to Benton County, Iowa, where he staid ten years, and until the year 1868, when he came to Mahaska County, Iowa, where he has since resided. Mr. Beaman was married in 1842 to Mary E. Ir- win, and to them one child was born — ilartha, who died June 20, 1864. His wife died March 30, 1845, and March 9, 1848, he was again united in marriage, to Sarah C. Stickney, and to them have been born si.v children: Alfred N., born Sept. 13, 1849, died April 25, 1851; Edgar A., born July 24, 1852, is married to Miss Ella Taylor, and resides in Mis- souri; Albert, born Oct. 6, 1860, I'esides in Spring Creek Township; Julius A., born Dec. 14, 1862, is also a resident of Spring Creek Township. Two children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Beaman are members of the Con- gregational Church. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fr.aternity. In his political alliliations he is a Republican, and while not an oHice-seeker, has held all the various township offices, except that of Con- stable. His farm consists of 100 acres of first (luality land, all under a good state of cultivation, iiiiiriij di lu rr J i j ^jg ^ f!'T!f '^^'^ ^'''' '^J=^^* ^ f* •= I XJJlXttlXIl ! KSriS 308 - ■ . . - - 1 n riTT n ma L.^_ MAHASKA COUNTY. I frrW "V r"¥T ?T-« T ^"VirgTT ni i m u mm with the very best character of improvements. In his business JMr. Beanian has been more than fairly successful, and has reaped a good reward for the labor of his hands. To brin? about a result so de- sirable as this, he has carefully and judiciously man- aged his business, using good judgment and econ- omv. Mr. Beaman is a man of fine social qualities and is held in high esteem by his friends and neigh- bors. ON. JAMES BRIDGES. Among the old settlers of Mahaska County who have lived to see it develop from its primitive condi- tion to tiie fine agricultural position it oc- cupies in comparison with other counties in the State, and who has done his share toward its ad- vancement, is the subject of this notice. He came to this count}' when twenty-nine j-ears of age, in .June, 1840, and has made a continuous residence here since that date. He is a gentleman who has [F'^ I accumulated what he has of this world's goods 11 :, I! J through his own energy and perseverance, and in I|(l3pll|| t]jg sun.set of life is enabled to retire from active h: TJ labor; he resides on the corner of South and JMar- n g pill m m ion streets, Oskaloosa. James Bridges was born in Dearborn County, Ind., near Aurora, Aug. 7, 1820, and is a son of Bartholomew and Pruah ((Treen) Bridges. When eleven years of age he accompanied his parents to Indianapolis, and three miles from that city was oc- ji, U cupied in farming. He was married in Indianapolis, Feb. 2, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Ij [ Taylor. She was born in Smyrna, Kent Co., Del., and bore her husband four children, two sons and two ll|l daughteis : James J. was twice married ; first to ! Miss Emma, and secondly, to Miss Nettie Feny, and is at present residing in Courtland, Neb.; Hannah U. became the wife of William B. Harris, a farmer of Monroe Township, this county ; William R. mar- :t3ried Hettie S. Fisher, and they are living near In- dianapolis, this county; Mary I. is the wife of Eli ; C. Piersel, and they also reside near Indianapolis. aThe loving wife and kind mother departed this life iJjApril 12, 1883, her demise occurring on the farm in Monroe Township. In 1849 Mr. Bridges moved to Monroe Town- ship, Mahaska County, locating at Indianapolis, where for four years he was engaged in merchan- dising. He was the first Postmaster there, and from that place moved on a farm in that township, where he emliarked in the raising of stock and in the cultivation of his land, and continued in agri- cultural pursuits until August, 188.5. He was a second time married, March 4, 1884, near Indian- apolis, to Miss Rebecca E. Fisher. She was born in Zanesfleld, Logan Co., Ohio, and to her union with our subject one child has been given, Earle F., born Dec. 14, 18S4. Mr. Bridges was a member of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Iowa General Assemblies, and is the only man who has been his (jwn successor in this county. He has held the minor oflices of the county, such as Township Supervisor, School Di- rector, Treasurer, etc. He was at one time proprie- tor of about 800 acres of land, but has divided it up among his children, with the exception of one farm of 120 acres, which he still owns, and is now living in retirement. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Triluminar Lodge at Oskaloosa. In politics he is a Republican, having voted with that party since its organization, and prior to that time was a Whig. He is a gentle- man respected for his integrity, and is one of Ma- haska County's leading and foremost citizens. fi^ss^ AMUEL STORM, deceased, was a farmer ^^^^ on section 9, Cedar Township. He was |i\/__Jl) born in Ross Count}', Ohio, Jan. 25, 1836, and was a son of Jacob and Hannah (King) Storm, the former of whom died in Ross County, Ohio, but his widow yet survives, and lives in Muscatine, Iowa. Samuel Storm was married to Zenetta Cooper, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, Dec. KS, 1840, and is the daughter of John and liliza J. (Reed) Cooper, the formei- of whom lives in Ohio, and the latter died in that State about the year 1 858. Mr. and Mrs. Storm became the parents of eight children : Hannah E., born July 29, 18G1; Henry, Fel). 23, 18G3; Jennie, March 19, 1865; Cora B., Dec. 25, 1869; Allen, Dec. 16, 1871; Frank, Jan. 21, 1873; Delia, born jriiixntxi I m TTTOxn 1 1 n li li u i 'pjigijg^l' MAHASKA COUNTY. May 4, 1875, died Jan. 2:i. 1 SS.i ; Hird ()., born Sept. 1-2, lS7i). Samuel Storm died Dec. 8, 1884. His widow still survives, and is the owner of 180 acres of land, all in good cultivation and well impr(,)vcd. She is a member of the Metliodist Kpiscoiial Cluirch. (Jur subject was a man of most excellent character, high-minded, honorable, and generous to a fault, which qualities commended him to a host of friends, bv wiiom he was greatlv esteemed. '\Ml B. MOBLEY resides upon section 14, Des Moines Township. He is a native of Bel- mont Count}-, Oiiio, born in 1821, and is a son of Levi and Sarah !MobIey, the former being a native of the District of Columbia and the latter of Harrison County, Oliio. In 1852 Mr. Mobley, the subject of this sketch, moved to Henry County, Iowa, and in 1859 came to this county, and purchased forty acres of land south of the river in Des Moines Township, where he lived until the fall of 18G9, when he moved to section 14, where he now lives and has 104 acres of land, fifteen of which are devoted to fruit. In 1841 Mr. Mobley was united in marriage with Lucy Pratt, by w-hom he had tln-ee sons: Chester, now in Colorado, engaged in the stock business; Seth, at Grand Island, Neb., engaged in the news- paper business, and also a real-estate dealer ; George, now in Washington Territor}', engaged in farming. They all served three years in the 7th Iowa Cav- alry during the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Mobley 's second marriage occurred in ISoO, when he wedded Elizabeth Dana, a native of Wash- ington County, Ohio. By this union there were eleven children, all of whom are now living: James is in Oregon engaged in farming; Alonzo, in Ma- haska Countj-, engaged in the fruit business; Rich- ard, now in Nebrasica, engaged in farming; Ma}' is the wife of Edward Wo(k1, a native of California, who now resides in Sutton County, in the Sacra- mento Valley, that State; Owen is also in Cali- fornia, engaged in farming; the others are William, Grace, Frederick, Mack, Carrie and Brice. Tiie father uf 'Slv. .Moble}- was a f.nrmer, and died in 1855, aged sixty-five years; his mother died in 187.S, at the age of eighty-four years. His father was a soldier in tiie War of 1.S12, while Mr. Moljley himself enlisted in the 42d Iowa Infantry, as a Lieutenant, but never left the State. In early lif(! he learned llie trade of a boat-builder, and worked at tlie same from 1842 to 1850. It was his custom to build a boat, load it with produce, and run it to New Orleans, where he would sell the boat and cargo at a profit. In 1 850 he engaged in the drug business, which he continued for two years, but on account of ill-liealth was compelled to sell out the business. In 1852 he moved to Ilenr}- Count}-, Iciwa, where he worked one year as a carpenter, and for the same length of time was engaged in the hotel business. He then ran an en- gine in a mill for two yeai-s, after which he moved to Centerville, Iowa, where he lived from the sum- mer of 1856 till the spring of 1859, when he came to this county, as already stated. Since coming here he worked for three winters at mining, the re- mainder of the time being engaged in general farm- ing, stock-raising and the fruit business. His sales of fruit now amount annually to upward of 11,500. He is a member of the Masonic fi'aternity. ^^1=^- ut 240 acres remained. In early life Mr. MeMalns was an old-line Whig, but PI I :i si u 1.4 •imm li ODomnua 2 CXUlXXlIZtXlZXUXXlIXX-IIXJX' t zju xj zxxz rxxxzi rx 1 1 1 'i£M'=-- 310 m m m MAHASKA COUNTY. he affiliated with the Republican party upon its organization, ami was its warm supporter and de- fender until his decease. He held manj' local ofliees of trust and responsihilit}-, such as Town- ship Trustee, School Director, etc., performing all the duties imposed with intelligence and fidelity. In 1837 Mr. i\lc]Mains was united in marriage to Miss Jane (ioddard, a native of Kentucky. ]\y this union there were eight children, five of whom are living, viz. : P^lizabeth, wife of John H. Fry, deceased; Ann, wife of J. B. Bolton, of the firm of P.olton & McCoy, attorneys at Oskaloosa ; Mary H, wife of E. F. Bolton, a farmer in Mahaska Comity : Isaiah, of Kew Sharon, and William, at Axtell, Kan. j\lrs. Jane McMains died in l.s.jcS. She was an ac- ceptable and leading member of the Christian Church. Mr. McMains was again married, Jan. 1, 18()1, to Mrs. Rachel Chldester, formerly Rachel Ilawlej', who was born in Chatauqua County, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1S29. Her father, Erie Hawley, was born Jnl}' 2'.t, 1797. He married Miss Hannah J. Engle, Dec. 22, 182n, who was born Aug. 29, 1808. They Avere the parents of eight children, four liv- ing: Elisha, of Mahaska Count\', Iowa; Rachel, widow of John McMains ; John, of Mahaska Count}', Iowa, and Cordelia, wife of James W. Johnson, of Oskaloosa. Two of the children died in infancy. Mr. Hawley left New York about the year 1832,- locating in Logan Count}', Ohio, then an unsettled country; here he remained until the year 1855, when he came to JNIahaska County, where he re- mained until his death in 1880, at the age of over eightj'-two 3'ears. His wife died the same year at the age of seventy-two. ]\Ir. and Sirs. Hawley were members of the Christian Church for many 3'ears, holding a prominent position in its councils and enjoying the confidence and esteem of their neighbors and friends. He was an honest, upright man in all his dealings with his fellow-men. His home was one of hospitality and good cheer, and he died beloved by all who knew him. John and Rachel McMains were the parents of three children — Oliver, Ida and Erastus, all of whom reside in this county. Mrs. McMains was previousl}' manied to Worthington Chidester, by whom she had one son, Holdridge, now a resident of Barber County, Kan. Mr. Chidester was an ac- ceptable member of the Christian Church, and died 2 Oct. 21, 1858. John McMains was one of the 3= early pioneers of this county, and aided very ma- terially in the development of its resources. The lands selected by him were among the best in that section of the county, and all the improvements were of a superior (piality. He was a prominent member of the Christian Church, a sincere and earnest worker, and gave of his money in support of the same. He was a nnin of his word, and dealt fairly and honorably with all men. Mrs. McMains resides in Oskaloosa, and is a member of the same chui'ch. MOORE, of Harrison Township, beside occupation of general farming, com- bines that of grain-bu3'er and stock-dealer )^ at Cedar, a station on the Burlington & Western Railroad. He was born in Warren County, Ind., Aug. 27, 1842, and is the son of John F. and Mary F. (Mattox) Moore, who came to Mahaska County in 1843 from Indiana, and yet resides in this township. R. W. Moore was married, Oct. 15, 1866, to Mary E. Cole, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Ross) Cole. The former was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now dead; the latter is still living, and makes her home with the subject of this sketch and other members of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Moore became the parents of five children— Ilila V., H. Bell, Franklin F., Charles C. and John ; the last two are deceased. In February, 18G4, Mr. Moore enlisted in Co., B, 36th Iowa Vol. Inf., Capt. S. A. Swigget com- manding. The regiment encamped at Davenport, and proceeded from there to Little Rock, Ark., and was with Gen. Steele in his expedition against Shrevesport, La., but failed in the object of the ex- pedition. The subject of this sketch was taken prisoner at Mark's Mill, Ark., as was the entire brig- I ade, and held as prisoners for ten months, and J afterward exchanged at the mouth of the Red River, 3 Arkansas. The}' were then sent to New Orleans, 5!^ where they drew clothing, recruited their wasted ;i . I ■'IS; rmm-j' \ - I:: 1. lis If 1 i| 1 1 1 1 1: li I MAHASKA COUNTY. 311 ■r-\\ lic'ultli, and were given a thirtj" days' furlougli to go to their homes. On the expiration of tlieir fur- lough they returned to St. Charles, on the White River, when they were ordered to Davenjiort, Iowa, for muster out and discharge from service, and our W- subject returned home, where he has been nearly ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the G. ]|?5 A. R., and politically a Republican. Mr. Moore is a successful farmer and business man in all the va- rious lines pursued by him, is a courteous gentle- man, a good neighbor, a generous man, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends. He has twice been Postmaster of Cedar, Iowa. --' ^#^ -^ AKRY L. SPEXCKR, President of the Os- kaloosa National Bank, and the H. L. .Spen- cer Company, wholesale grocers, Oskaloosa, was born at Spencer Station, Guernsey Co., Ohio, Dec. 30, 1842. His birthplace is a station on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and was named for his father, Asa Spencer, a native of Loudoun County, Va., born in the year 1807, first a farmer by occupation, and afterward a merchant, who, though not a wealth}- man, lived retired during ids later life and died in 187;"). The mother of H. L. Spencer was Phrebe E. (Piggott) Spencer. She was born in St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1809, and is j'et living at the old home in Ohio. Asa and Pha'be Spencer were married in St. Clairs- ville, Feb. 2, 183.J, and were the parents of eight children : Ellen P., wife of P. C. Cowgill, a mer- chant of Spencer Station ; Ann, wife of E. A'. Ship- ley, of Barnesville, Ohio; Frank S. is a farmer at , the subject of kaloosa; Amos P. is Secretary, and G. N., Treasurer, of the H. L. I =5 Spencer Companj- ; Melissa is the wife of J. G . Rob- ' erts, a farmer of Cedar County, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. Feb. 9, 18G3, he enlisted as a private soldier in Co. B, 9th Ohio Vol. Cav., was afterward promoted First Sergeant, and detailed on special duty at J =1 {iS -." " -■' ' •■- x'-S the old homestead in Ohio; Harry L., 1 :s this sketch; John P. resides at Oskah m IS 3? HUB brigade headquarters, receiving his discharge from service in August, 1805. After the war he entered the employ of an extensive commission house and wholesale queensware store at Zanesville, Ohio, re- maining with them for two years, and in the fall of 18G7 came to this city and engaged in the wholesale grocer}' business, associated with F. 3. Terrj-, under the firm name of Terry iSi Spencer. After a lapse of one year the style of the firm was changed to Terry, Wright & Spencer, Mr. T. T. Wright of Os- kaloosa having purchased an interest. A few years later Mr. Terry disposed of his interest, and the business was continued by tlie remaining partners, under the name and style of Wright ik Spencer, for a period of ten years, and until the death of Mr. Wright, in 1874, after which an organization, un- der the firm name of H. L. Spencer & Co., com- posed of Harr}' L., Amos P. and G. N. Spencer, and Joseph R. Hague, was effected, and the busi- ness continued under that name and style for three 3-ears. Feb. Ki, 1883, the present organization, known as the H. L. Spencer Company, was brought about, the three brothers before named constitu- ting the firm. At the date of the organization of the parent firm, Oskaloosa was distant two miles from a rail- road station, with no immediate prospect of a road being built through the city, and the idea of whole- saling under such circumstances was looked upon as a business venture of doubtful promise of suc- cess. In addition to this the capital of the original firm was of modest proportions and a suitable build- ing for such a business was not to be had. Keokuk, Burlington and Ottumwa, in additicm to Chicago and St. Louis, were drumming the territorj' tribu- tary to this firm continuall3\ and competition in trade was lively. All these apparent discouraging features did not serve to daunt the courage of the youthful firm. They l)egan business, followed it persistently early and late, were cautious in their line of credit, established themselves fully in the confidence of their customers, .and as j-e.ar succeeded •year, their business has grown from comparatively insignificant proportions to the now handsome sum of |;500,000 ye.arly. The building of their early business experience has given way to a more impos- ing brick and stone successor, while on the corner fr-nTi Tn 1 n 1 r ir« ti-rv?.. FVif Vr^ ri T JfiJS^SK^ I** -Kjjaj.-^ - iL^^ai - I »t<«iix3IHlJtl. untiTunx* E mitxiiniixinxxurxjn - 312 MAHASKA COUNTY. :ii of Main and Washington streets stands an imposing structure. (iOx 1 1 2 feet tioorage, with three stories and a full basement, built for tliem and under their direction, by E. H. Oibbs. Esq., a capitalist of this oit\-. Capacious as is this niaguiflcent structure, it is hardly ample enough for their rapidly increasing trade. Sept. 1, 18«o, the H. L. Spencer Companj^ com- l)leted negotiations for participation in a well-es- tablished wholesale grocery business at Sioux City, Iowa, purchasing the stock of the well-known firm of E. C. Palmer & Co., of that city, the new fii-m being incorporated under the name and style of the Tolerton <^•.o♦o *,-- (OlIN SC(JTT, one of the reliable citizens and well-to-do farmers of Adams Township, was born in the Lowlands of Scotland, and came f^)j to America with his parents when quite young. They at once proceeded to Iowa and set- tled in this county, and both died soon after- ward. They were the parents of eleven children : John, the subject of this sketch; Adam, Catharine and Mary, deceased ; Agnes, the wife of David "Morgan, of Tipton. Lorain Co., Ohio; Elizabeth, ^ ririBtHty riH ESg PPPF^-Py^y^ ^ m Mercy A. and Jane are deceased; Sarah J. is the wife of Charles Wells, of Knoxville, Iowa ; Jeanette is the wife of S. Reynolds, and lives in Adams T(jwnship. The subject of this sketch received an excellent common-school education, and followed the profes- sion of teaching until 1862, and has since that time lived a retired life. His farm consists of 107 acres of fine land in excellent cultivation and well-im- proved. Politically he is a Republican, and a strong man in the councils of that party. He comes of that sturdy Scotch stock who never waver in their devotion to principle, and, as a friend, sticks as close as a brother. He bears a most estim- able character and is highl}' regarded b}' his friends .and neighliors and an extended circle of acquaint- ances. ti^^HOMAS 11. WHITACRE, M. D., of Black Oak ffn^^ Township, is a n.ative of Ohio, born in Stark VV^^ County, July 15, 1822. His father, John Wliitacre, wfisa native of Loudoun County, Va., and was born Feb. 19, 1790, but when twelve j'ears of age removed with his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, and Nov. 2, 1814, was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Bye, who was born in the State of Pennsylvania, July 23, 1795. To them were born four children: Rachel Ann is the wife of Dr. James J.ackson, of Hanover, Ohio; Thomas H., the subject of this sketch ; Daniel B. is a loan and real-estate .agent in Cliic.igo ; Sarah C. is the wife of Thomas J. Arter, who resides in Columbiana County, Ohio. Jt)hn Whitacre was educated in a district school, but afterward studied surveying in Wayne County, with Joseph Larwell, a Government surveyor, as preceptor. This was prior to 1814. After his marriage he kept the Hostetter House five years. It was in what is now known as the town of Gilford, in Columbiana County. Dispos- ing of that business he removed to Stark County, in December, 1819, and built a saw^mill, flouring- niill and distillery combined. In 1833 he laid out what is now the town of Minerva. During the fall of 1826 he was appointed County Surveyor, to fill a vacancy, and served in that official position forty consecutive years, with the exception of three years, 3t:i m B:l 3f I i I |ll B'T^'^'xirxnxrmxi: MlElcltpmrjn !■»■■'■■ !< Ill mill Uirirrmn lg MAHASKA COUNTY. 315 r- : u flra m 1 = 1^ ir.; 1 when hu ivhhivcmI fniiii the Cdiintv. I>iil, dm his re- turn w:is Mi^aiu t'lected to the [xisition. and hold it until hi> death, which uccuiTcd in 18(JG. His wife (iit'cl in the yeai- 1 S.")7. The subject of uur sketch at the early age of twelve years began to assist his father in siirvejing, aum many of the surrounding towns, took charge of the interment, and his mortal remains were laid away in accordance with their beautiful rites and ceremonies. No citizen of Mahaska County was more greatly };t mourned than Micajah T. Williams. Always of a kindly and charitable disposition, he was never ap- ; pealed to in vain by those who needed a friend or u^ : substantial aid. He was a great frieml to the ; young, and many young men have received from : him wise counsel and such hopeful words as will : nut soon be forgotten by lliem. In all public : matters he took an active interest, and it is said : tluit subscription pajjers were few that were not S graced with his name, .and a liberal donation. He : Wivs a strong, stanch friend of the common school, i and with him the education of the ^'outh of the ; land was considered akin to religious duty. ; One of the l<>cal papers of Oskaloosa, in its : notice of Mr. Williams" death, said: "He was a : careful .-ittorney, a splendid man in everj^ way. ; .lust in all his dealings, of tne noblest instincts, kind : and gentle :is a woman, no one had ever an unkind t feeling toward this knightly, courteous gentleman." The M^ eHIiISTI.\N HOI TZ, of Oskaloosa, is of French descent and of the old Huguenot stock of France. His grandfather was Phili|) .Alfonso Lorenzo DeHautze, who came to Amer- ica in 1726, when eleven years of age, with his par- ents, and settled at Bethlehem, Pa. Afterward they removed to Berks Countj-, Pa., where Christian was born Dec. 27, 1 8011. Christian Houtz is the son of John Houtz, who was born in 17(52. He married Elizabeth Winter, a lady of English de- scent, born in America, and who died while Chris- tian was a child of eighteen months. Thej' wei-e the parents of four sons and three daughters. Chris- tian being the only surviving one. Mr. John Houtz was again married to a Mrs. .Snevly. Po- litically John Houtz was a strong Federalist, a man well posted in political affairs, and held the oHice of Justice of the Peace for twent3--four years. Occupying a prominent position in the community where he lived, he was the arbiter of aU difficulties among his neighbors. He was an influential mem- ber of the (ierman Reform Church, in which he held the position of Ekler for uian^' years. He died at Fredericksburg, Pa., in the j'ear 1H28. The subject of this sketch. Christian Houtz. re- ceived his education in the common schools. When sixteen j'ears of age he was apprenticed to the trade of carpenter .and joiner, serving an appren- ticeship of two and one-half years, receiving no compensation for his l;dior. and furnishing his own board and mending. After linishing hi.s ai)|iri'ii- H.^^ ?J^^ ::. ::,..:::::::::::.:::.:,..:::::: ia° rxxHxrx cxxmnm tjixxi rm r rxnmx r^Txm iiimji n it-tt ' ■ 318 MAHASKA COUNTY. mm ticeship he went to Buffalo, N. Y., then a small town, where he followed his trade. In the spring of 1834 he went to Perrysburg, where he spent thirteen years. lie was at Toledo, Ohio, when it was a hamlet of three liouses. In the spring of 1847 he came to Burlington, Iowa, by water, his intention being to locate at the capital of the State, and he remained in Burlington four or live weeks awaiting the action of the commissioners of loca- tion. After being informed by Gen. Dodge that Des Moiues would be the place, he started with a team for tliat |)oint. An unusual anujunt of rain washed out all the bridges along the route. Ar- riving at Oskaldosa he discharged his teamster and settled here. He purchased twenty acres of land adjoining the city limits of Oskaloosa, and three years later forty more, which is now a portion of the cit3' proper. In 1854 he laid off Iloutz's first addition to Oskaloosa, and in 1875, at the time the Rock Island branch was built into the city, he |ij {IL donated four and a half acres to the corporation W^ for a depot ground, and laid out the remainder as l! :[]] his second addition to the city. Mr. Houtz has alwaj's taken a lively interest in the prosperity ot the city, and there is probably no man who has done more for its upbuilding than he. In all laudable enterprises he has been a gen- erous giver. Politically he has always been an unswerving Democrat of the Jacksonian school, and has been a regular subscriber to the Chicago Daily Times for I the past twenty-six years. He was twice the can- H didate of his party for County Judge and once for ! Representative in the (General Assembl}' of Iowa, but his party being in the minority he was defeated. However, he received the flattering compliment of having run ahead of his ticket 200 votes. Four times he was elected to the City Council. During the war he was an ardent supporter of the Union 11 cause. ij In 1873 Mr. Houtz visited the continent of £u- aiiii iJIHH! rope, traveling over seventeen different countries, iJtHH: and visiting all the different cities and points of 3 interest iu them, attending also the great World's ' Fair at Vienna, Austria. While homeward bound } on the steamer Australia he encountered the most severe storm ever known upon the Atlantic Ocean, during the continuanceof which over 1,000 vessels were wrecked,, and more than UOO lives lost. Mr. Houtz has, in addition to his European travels, vis- ited nearly ever}' State in the Union, and is a man well versed in the public affairs of his State and county. He was made a Mason in the year 1854, and ranks as a Knight Templar. In 1 SKO he at- tended the Triennial conclave at Chicagcj, where, notwithstanding his age, he being seventy-four years old at that time, he was in the i)rocession and made a march of seven miles. In 18.S3 he at- tended the Triennial Conclave at San Franciscc>, Cal., and again at St. Louis in 18.S(i. He was married at Fredericksl)urg, Pa., Feb. "22, 1830, to Miss Priscilla Cloyer. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1812. The issue of this marriage was one child, Eva H., afterward the wife of ex- Lieut. Gov. .lohn K. Needham, wiio died in Oska- loosa in the year 1808. Mis widow still survives, and resides in this city. Priscilla Houtz died Feb. 2, 1872. She was a sincere Christian, and an ac- ceptable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Houtz was again married, Oct. 1, 1873, to Josephine M. Jenkins, who is a native of Oliio, born in Carroll County. Mr. IL)utz is a member of the Methodist Episco- ()al Church, a liberal supporter of its benevolences, and a firm believer in its faith. A public-spirited citizen, he is a generous supporter of all enterprises of merit that tend to the upbuilding of the com- munity in which he has lived so long, and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens in a large degi'ee. I SHFORD ROGERS, of Jefferson Town- Si'O! ship, was born in Hampshire County, now West Virginia, Dec. 12, 1810, and is a son (gw of Hiram and Rebecca (Poulston) Rogers, natives of Mrginia. The first named died iu 1804, and the latter in 1854. The subject of this sketch came to Iowa in 1850, settled in Marion County, and purchased eighty acres of land, which he af- terward sold, and then came to this county with the proceeds of that sale, about *S(i(l, and pur- chased lOO acres of unimprtived land. He went WSfiS*, MAHASKA COUNTY. 319 to work diligently, and at the end of five j'ears had his land paid for, finely improved, and a bal- ance of ^7,000 in cash in the bank. Aug. 20, IHlo, he was united in marriage with Miss Loretta iShaw, a daughter of David and Margaret (Buch- anan) Shaw, natives of Mrginia. Loretta's father died in Illinois in 1855, and her mother in Iowa in ls7!t. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers arc the parents of eight children: John is deceased; David lives in Adair County, Iowa; Daniel resides in the same county; Margaret is the wife of H. Saunders, of this county; Sarah is the wife of J. Swecm, of Basse}', Marion County; George lives in Marion County ; Rebecca is the wife of J. Hughes, and lives in Nebraska; Lutie is the wife of F. Yater. They reside on the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are members of the Methodist Episc»ii)al Church. Politically he acts with the Republican party. The home farm consists of 155 acres of excellent land, brought to a high state of cultiva- tion, and with first-class improvements. Mr. Rog- ers is a man of good ability, and is a systematic farmer in ever}' respect. His excellent manage- ment of his business finds him now in very com- fortable circumstances in life. He possesses a very high sense of honitt'; his homo is a genial one, and he enjoys the full confidence and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. -€^B- — « JOHN LOUGHREY, of Adams Township, owns and occupies a fine homestead, and has been successful in his business and agricult- ural pursuits. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, Sept. ID, 1818. He came to Iowa in 1865 with his family, and settled upon his present farm. Feb. It), 18-16, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Nash, a native of England, born in 1824. They are the parents of nine children, as follows: Sarah M. is the wife of W. .S. Reed, of Monroe Township; Henry M. is deceased; John N. lives in Adams Township; JIary M. is the wife of J. R. Roberts, of Rose Hill; Frances married Henry Ellis, of Monroe Township; Caroline A. is now .Mrs. .I:imes Tailon, of Adams Township; Ross lives in this township; Eniil}', the wife of I. Sum- mers, resides in Monroe Township; William is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Loughrey are proniiuent members of the Baptist Churcli. Politically Mr. Loughrey is an ardent Republican, and for years has been a prominent man in the councils of his party. Their home farm coini)rises some of the finest land to be found in Adams Township. It is all under culti- vation, and the improvements arc first-class. Mr. Loughre}' is esteemed one of the leading and well- to-do farmers of the county. He is a most estima- ble citizen in all respects, and enjoys the fullest confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. <^-3»^ ■ =4^^- "tf*c-* ni': 'fill AATD L. BOWMAN, of Ecighton, is a blacksmith and dealer in agricultural im- plements. He was born in Franklin County, Va., April o, 1845. His father, Joel I. Bowman, was a native of Virginia, and a miller and farmer by occupaticm, and spent his life in his native State, his death occurring :it the age of fifty years. His mother, Irene (Layman) Bow- man, is a native of Virginia, and still lives in Frank- lin County, at the age of seventy-four years. The subject of this sketch passed his early life on the fann. In 18G2 he entered a blacksmith-shop where contract work was lieing done for the Con- federate army. He did this, not to learn the trade, but that he might keep out of the service, and as he remained at that business until the fall of 1864, be- came quite an expert. He then ran the Confederate blockade and went to Gallipolis, Ohio. In 1865 he came to Iowa, and in the spring of 1866 resumed blacksmithing, establishing a shop with S. P, Beers as partner. This association continued for three years, wlien Jlr. Bowman became sole proprietor, and since 1881 he has added a stock of agi'icultural implements, of which he carries a full line in con- nection with his other business. Mr. Bowman has been twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Eliza Fleck, nee Hoover. Tiiey were miuried Aug. ;!, I.s7;5, and she diccl Del. 26, ls7C>. ksstiiJ^^-^: Wm m ^imirrrir »»XmXTy»**t-rT»-r»f rTTTi , m:^ 1 320 MAHASKA COUNTY. I leaving one son, William A. Sept. 26, 1878, he es- poused as his second wife, Sarah .1. Price, a daughter J. -J of Ij. I). Price (see biography in this volume), and WiL; liy tliis union there liave been four children, three ^ -i riiige there are eight children, all living: William gfi H., born JLarch 1, 1861, now a farmer in Nebraska; 3!;i Fannie II., born Oct. 23, 1862, wife of W. H. |i 3^ f Barnes, of Sherman County, Neb.; Elizabeth, born 3 fi Oct. 10, 186.5; George P., Feb. 19, 1868; Frank :a J., July 24, 1870; Mary C, Dec. 1.5, 1872: Charles 3 il T., Dec. 18, 1874; John Harry, April 15, 1877, a" : ii at home. On the lllth of .Inly, 1875, while Mr. (Jswandlc was engaged in the harvesting of grain with a Jiij rea|)er, by a sudden movement of the team, he was i'k thrown in front of the sickle-bar, and before he ^ :i could be extricated from this perilous position, the " ', right arm was cut off above the elljow, .also the -[''■ thumb of his left hand, ^-et notwithstanding the i;^ loss of his good right arm, lie alw.ays has and yet manages to do a considerable portion of the work on the farm. In 1876 he visited the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, and his f;ither and mother, who though quite aged, were still living at the old home in Penns3'lvania. His daughter Elizabeth is a graduate of Penn College, and has followed the profession of teaching since the win- ter of 1883, and is a young lady of line abilit}' in : -[J this direction. Mr. Oswandle started in life a poor - 1 Si; I 1^ boy, having no means whatever when he came to j^ this countj', and took up his first claim of forty 3|;} acres, and was onl}' enabled to paj- fened a grocery store in partnership with William M. Dutton, under the firm name and style of Steward & Co. This association continued about three year.*, when Mr. Dutton disposed of his interest to Hem-y 1. Little, and shortly' after the entire business was purchased by his two sons. The business is now conducted by one of the son? and Robert L. Turner, under the firm name of Steward ia liitru: ^^ xxzxxxTi: tmrrrrrxtr-wir^m w -rrt-t-tT-m , i 322 MAHASKA COUNTY. sold out and removed to Kansas, but not liking that country, soon returned to Iowa, purchasing another farm, and subsequently repurchased a small l)ortion of the land they had previously sold. Seven chihlren were born to them: William K., horn April 18, 1851, married Miss Anna ^Vheeler, and lives in this township; Charles T., born Dec. 2!), 1852, married Miss Iowa Biggs, March 20, 1876, her death taking place July 2-2 of the same year; |i;;;llj Sarah D., born Jan. 2, 1855, is the wife of James W-'^'Vl j.\ Sheeley, of Sherman, Poweshiek County, this State; Matilda A., born Dec. 10, 185G, is the wife of Homer N. Kirk, residing in Norton County, i| PJ Kan.; Frances P., born July II, 1859, is the wife of ip^jl J. L. Foster, of this township; Mary A., born Dec. jpE I 31, 18G1, is the wife of Greeley Caster, of Union Township; Clara W., born Sept. 3, 1865, is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, accompanied by their daughter Clara, attended the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876. Mr. Brooks was a Demo- crat of the J.acksonian school, unwavering in his support of that party and its principles, and one of the leading spirits of that i)olitical organization in this county. He departed this life Nov. 4, 1884, at the age of fifty-seven years. The home farm now consists of 342 acres of as fertile land as can be found in the county. It has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and the buildings and other improvements are not excelled in that part of the countv. -iTiJ^^ »rt.fi- iiHOMAS MOORE, of Jefferson Township, was born in Count}' T^'rone, Ireland. He came to America with his parents in the year 1857. His father, Samson Moore, came to Iowa forty years ago, settled in Mahaska County, pnr- ^§51 chased land and farmed it until liis decease. Ana'. } 2, 1886. His widow survives him and is living- 3 with her daugiiter, Mrs. J. A. Sprague. The sub- ject of this sketch, Thomas Moore, was married Jan. 9, 1884, to Miss Catharine Cummings, a native of Iowa. Politically Mr. Moore is a Ivei)ubliean. His homestead consists of 162 acres of tine fertile land, in an excellent state of cultivation and finely im- EsS£SS^£i Sg2ri2a proved. Mr. Moore is a man of more than ordi- nary intelligence, an excellent manager of his bus- iness, and has attained considerable success in farm- ing. He is an excellent neighbor, citizen and friend, and possesses all the qualities lliat commend him to the confidence and esteem of his friends and acquaintances. -P- ^ -H>- ?y-j ■ i r tjh rnxxi ra r xa ix i i ii xxuiE ixxainnirixjnxmtTxiuT tmnxj rrrrxji mjcxnmzTj ■'5 . 13 324 [feTJ MAHASKA COUNTY. ill that battle. They were with McClelland in his seven clays' battle before Richmond, and after his retreat were placed under the command of (ien. Peck, at Suffolk. They were a part of the expedi- tion, under (ien. Burnside, to New Berne, N. C, and two weeks later were sent to South Carolina, and while making a charge on Ft; Waggoner Mr. ^\'oodrutT was wounded in the right hip by a minie ball. He was promoted Sergeant in June, 1863, and, by orders horn the War Department, was sent home with a squad of eleven men to protect the draft, continuing on that i)ii(l- ing Sccrct.'ir.v of that society. The Doctor was iiianied, in Decatur C'onntv, Ind., Dec. (I, 18 1(1, to Miss Angeline Antrohiis, a native of that eonnty, born April ;!, 18'2.'). Uy this marriage there have been five cliildren, three now living: Isabella. I.: Klizabeth, wife of Allen John- son of Ottiimwa: Alice A. married Ernest (iihbs of Ottumwa, and died June A, 1881; Carrie !S[., wife of N. E. Owen, of Lathrop. Mo.; Harry died June 9, 18(>G. The Doctor and wife are acceptable members of the Presbyterian Church. In the pro- fession of medicine none rank higher or more fully enjoy the confitlence of the people than doe.s the Doctor. ^^EORGE C. JIORGAN, of the firm of Laf- f|[ (— ., ferty & Morgan, attoniej>-at-law, ( )skaloosa, ^^i| was b(jrn in Paris Township, Portage Co., Ohio, Jan. .'ll, 1847, and is the son of Evan and Sarah (Phillips) Morgan. His parents were born in Wales, but made their home in ( )hio. There his mother died in 1870, and his father in December, 1879. The subject of this sketch, (ieorge C. Mor- gan, was educated at Hiram College and Mt. Union College. He went to Michigan in 1868, and from there the following year to Davenport, Iowa, where he entered upon the study of law in the office of George Hubbell, and was admitted to the bar in that city, in May, 1875. He entered upon and con- tinued the practice of his profession at Davenport until June, 1875, when he removed to New Sharon, opened an office, and practiced successfullj' until September, 188;!, and then came to this cit}'. His existing partnershiji with Mr. Lafferty was formed in November, 1884. Mr. Morgan was united in marriage, at New Sharon, April 15, 187C, to Miss Hannah (Trahain,a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Jraham. One child has been born of this union, a son, Evan, now aged five years. Mrs. Morgan is a member of the Christian Church. In political affiliations Mr. Morgan is Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternitj-, and a Knight Templar Mason. The firm of which he is a member occupies a leading rank among the bar oi this city, au.^.o ^i— {<• •^fl B. McCURDY, of the firm of J. B. McCurdy & Co., wholesale and retail furniture and undertaking, Oskaloosa. is a native of Lick- ing Count}'. Ohio, where he was born Aug. '^it'iliaiH l 4' 1843. He is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Doughty) McCurdy, who were natives of Pennsyl- vania, but emigrated to Ohio at an early day. They were the parents of two children, who have grown to manhood. H. H., a merchant of Frank- lin County, Ohio, and the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy were members in good standing in the Methodist Episcop.al Church. Mrs. McCurdy died in 1847. and Mr. McCurdy in 1849, leaving young McCurdy to the care of friends, by whom he was raised. W. H. Barrickman was his friend during his boyhood days, caring for him as he would for a child of his own. With him he came to Iowa in 1854, settling in Cedar County, where he remained a short time. In 1855 Mr. McCurdy located in Poweshiek County, Iowa, and at the age of fourteen years was employed as clerk in the post-ofliee at Montezuma, for two and a half years. He spent one year in school at that place, and in 18G1 came to Oska- loosa. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 28th Iowa Vol. Inf., under command of Capt. J. W. Carr, of INIontezuma, remaining with his command until the following April; he was on the White River expedition. His health failing, he was in April, 18G3, sent to St. Louis, Mo., and the follow- ing July was transferred to the A'eteran Reserve Corps. In 1803 that corps was sent to Indianapolis, Ind., where the}' were in charge of the reliel pris- t>ners confined at Camp iVIorton. Our subject was color-bearer and had charge of the roll-call of 400 prisoners. Mr. McCurdy was discharged July 5, 1865, at the close of the war, when he returned to Oska- loosa and attended one term in school. He attended the Commercial College at l\It. Pleasant, Iowa, and graduated there. In 18GG, in company with F. G. Hamilton, he purchased the interest of Benjamin Roop, in the old mill in the west part of the city, to which thej' added machinery for the manufacture of woolen goods. He continued in this business until 1868, when he sold out and formed a partner- ship in the hardware business, under the firm name of P. A. Watts & Co., which continued until 1870, when he purchased the interest of Nelson & Nich- ols, in the furniture and undertaking business, and formed the firm of J. B. McCurdy & Co., which h.as continued successfull}' until the present time. In 1881 they built their present building, which is of brick, 70x20 feet, consisting of three stories and a basement, and in 1884, finding their space not am- m 3s ¥ 'wutui£i/ \ I 1 ijirii«j([fjjix'ixf«h n3Ltf »^ tj i»fi^ 'C PJ«j«< T» iiTi rUTriiiTTfll- ixxiTxTr MxiTTTTTiTUixizmTUUixzixxixxz I: : I : I : I : i:.F iac 13? MAHASKA COUNTY. 329 pie euougli to iioconiiiiodiite their gniwiiig trade, built an addition .JOx-iO toot, throe .stories and base- ment, and the entire buil^->ti^- 5^,{^= "^isS-' ON. WILLIAM T. .SMITH, :itt(jrney at law and Postmaster at ( )skaloosa, is a man well and favorabl}- known, not only throughout Mahaska County', but throughout the. State. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born May 23, 1824, and is the .son of Christiipher S. and Margaret (Thompson) Smith, the father a native of Delaware and the mother of Pennsjdvania. While yet a lad the family moved to Ohio, locating first at Da3'ton, and moving thence toXeuia. His father had been in fair circumstances while in Pennsylvania, but lost heavily in assisting others. During his boj'- hood days young Smith attended the select school of Thomas Steele several y^ars, working in the summer on a farm or in town, as he could find work to do. At the age of sixteen he commenced teach- ing a district school, and continued teaching, mostly in winter, and attending school or reading law in the summer, until .Jul}' 31, 1847, when, on examination bj' the Supreme Court of Ohio, at De- fiance, he was admitted to practice as an attorney 'il- and counselor at law in any of the courts of that State. On the 18th day of September, 1847, with but' ^35 in his pocket, witli l>nt few clothes, and not sn[)posing that he knew a single individual in Iowa, our subject started for the llawke3'e State. Descending the Ohio, tlicnco up the Mississippi to Burlingtf)n, he was there, on motion of .1. C. Hall, admitted to the Iowa bar. During the following winter, he taught a term of school near Fairfield, and in the spring of 1«48 came to Mahaska Count}', locating at Oskaloosa, where, on the 10th of March, he formed a law partnership with W. H. Seevers. As neither of these gentlemen had law books or monej', JNIr. Smith went to Burlington and pur- chased flOO worth of books from J. Fox Abrams on time, after making a plain statement of his finan- cial condition, prospects, etc. He was forced in the same way to secure credit for his board bill. But brighter days were ahead. At the annual election in August, 1848, Mr. Smith was elected County Prosecuting Attorney, which office he filled for two years. During the summer of 1849 Mr. Smith visited Ohio, and while there was united in marriage, on the 29th day of June, with Miss Magdalene Shannon, of Greene Count}', that State. This was a fortunate step, Mrs. Smith being to him truly a helpmeet. Eight children have been born to them, five of whom died in infancy. The living are Laura M., wife of Byron V. See vers; Omer C, who married Miss Lizzie Cutts, Dec. 31, 1885, and Lua L. On the dissolution of the partnership with Judge Seevers, Ma}' 17, 1852, Mr. Smith associated with Judge Loughridge in legal practice. This part- nership closed within one year, when Mr. Smith and M. T. Williams formed a [lartnership in the law "^^J^^ and real-estate business, to which was added bank- ing, the firm of Smith & AVilliams opening the first bank in Oskaloosa, March 1, 1855. This partner- ship continued until Jan. 1, 1857, when Mr. .Smith became sole proprietor of the bank, and continued business, under the style of AVilliam T. Smith & Co. From this time, for about ten years, Mr. .S. was one of the leading bankers of Central Iowa. In 1S5.S the .State Bank of Iowa was organized. I .: riiTTirr »'iii« ji ii tW»y»xi nmiiirrx -3T-iC TXilUL^frrttxxiurtJ' iinxxtuiai ir" 330 L'-A MAHASKA COUNTY. m -I "1 m i-!3r ini REgJ: and .Mr. Smith was elected ^'ic(' President of the s.anie, and as such was Chairman of the executive committee of whicli Hon. S. .). Kirkvvood, after- ward Iowa'.s War (iovernor, and Hon. Hiram Price, .subsequently a Member of Congre.s.s, were the other member.s. When the C).skaloosa branch of the .State Bank was organized, Mr. Smith was its lirst Cashier, and subsequently President of the .same, controlling a majority of the stock. This bank, in 18()4, was changed to the National State Bank of O.skaloo.sa, of which Mr. Smith was Presi- dent until he sold his stock in consequence of poor health, resulting from overwt)rk. While in active practice .is an attorney Mr. Smitli acquired ipiite a reputation in the line of mercantile collections, then a very considerable and profitable business in Iowa. To avoid the throwing away of Ijusiness of this kind, which fre- quently offered itself, Mr. Smith became a member of the firm of Smith, Rice & Myers, the latter gen- tlemen .attending to the collection business. The firm ivas dissolved April 1, 1.^59, Gen. E. W. Price buying out the business. In the spring of 18iJ(! the Iowa Insurance Companj' was organized, and Mr. Smith was elected its President, which position he held during the existence of the company. In ev- ery railroad project in Slahaska County he has taken an active interest, giving of his time and means to secure their location here. For two years he was President of the Central Iowa, and to his efforts the success of the work is greatly due. The cause of public education has found in AVill- iam T. Smith a true friend. For years a member of the School Pjoard, and as its President several terms, he rendered valuable aid in setting in mo- tion those things that have greatly advanced the educational interests of Oskaloosa. Many improve- ments in buildings and methods of .school work were made at his suggestion. He was a large sub- .seriber to the Oskaloosa College, and in the contest made for securing its location at Oskaloosa by the church controlling it, took an active part, and was the author of the proposition made in tlie conven- tion securing sucii location. As a land-owner, agriculturist and citizen, Mr. Smith has taken great interest in Mahaska County fairs, having been intimately connected with every 1 association of the kind from the first inception to • the present time, as exhibitor, contributor, stock- : holder. Director and President. He was also Chair- : man of the Finance Committee of the .State Agri- f cultural Society for some j-ears, and b}' his wise : financiering and counsels contributed much to its : welfare. In Januar\', 18s3, he w.as elected Presi- : dent of the State Agricultur.al Society by an unani- ; nious vote, and re-elected in 1884 and 1885. While [ in this position, he was not a mere figure head, as '■ is so often the case with those occupying similar ■ positions, but was an ardent and an enthusiastic ; worker, and during his administration the society had a veritable bo1), our State J.,egislature authorized the issuance and sale of tile bonds of the State, and several weeks must necessarily elapse before the bonds could be prepared and offered for sale in the way provided by law. In the meantime moi'e troops were called for and more inouej' w:is needed for their organiz.atiou. Tlie validity of the bonds of the State was attacked both in our own .State and in New York, on the grounds that the Legislature liad not the power to authorize their issue, thus injuring their credit and of course lessening the ciiances of their sale. lu this emergenc3' an appeal was made to certain citizens of the .State wiio had or could control money, amongst others, you. That appeal was promptly responded to by you and by others. You at once took my personal draft for about iS5,000, and advanced me the money. You, also, at my suggestion, advanced about ^2,000 to other persons to meet the expenses of organizing certain troops, and afterward took about 4;1 3,000 of our State bonds at the highest price at which any of them were sold, and when they were wholly unsaleable in New Y'ork. In short, you were one of a few men through whose liberality and patriotism the .State was enabled, in the early part of the war, to achieve for itself at home its reputation of "alw:iy> ready," which throughout the war it so well main- tained at home and in the field, and during my term of office I believed and acted upon my be- lief, that you steadilj' maintained throughout the war the stand you took at its commencement. You and I belong to different political parties, but 1 must wholly lose my self-respect before 1 can, for political or any other consideration, refuse to do justice to one who eucour.aged and aided me at a time of public peril, when I so much needed encouragement and aid. Very respectfully, S. J. Kirkwood. Notwithstanding .Judge Loughridge had been 'elected over John P. Irish, two years previously, by a majoritj" of 7,300, Mr. Walden's majority was reduced to 4,122, another evidence of the popu- larity of the subject of this sketch. For many years Mr. Smith, in addition to his other labors, carried on an extensive farm, giving his attention more especially to stock-raising. At present he is doing but little in this direction. Having lived to see his party once more come into power, he has received the appointment of Post- master of Oskaloosa, and is at present giving his persoiual attentiou to the duties of that office. That he will make a popular officer is unquestioned. He has heretofore been tried by the city of his choice and never found wanting. This appointnient came to him unsolicited, and was brought about in a pe- culiar manner. When President Cleveland came into office, it was desired by many that the new Commissioner of Agriculture should be a Western man. Mr. Smith, who was then a member and President of the State Board of Agriculture of Iowa, proposed to the Board that it recommend Hon. D. W. .Smith, of Illinois, for that position. This the Board declined to do, stating it had a man in view from its own State in the person of William T. Smith, of Oskaloosa, whom it proposed to rec- ommend for the position. Mr. Smith urged tliem not to do so, assuring them that he did not desire ii n LS^^ 11 jiinmiii' i lQ^aJ." RjfXMrzriv?' 332 MAHASKA COUNTY. the office, but while temporarily called from the room, the Board passed a very flattering resolution urging his nomination ))j' President Cleveland. The following is the resolution : Resolved, That we, the Board of Directors of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, believe that the man to fill the office of Commissioner of Agricult- ure should be selected from the great West, and as no State stands higher in intelligent, broad and practical agriculture than Iowa, we are of opinion that the coming administration could do no better than to come to our State to select the man to fill that office, ami we most cheerfully and unanimouslj' recommend Hon. William T. Smith, of Oskaloosa, as a suitable gentleman for that |)osition. Mr. Smith is a man of large and varied experience in the practical affairs of life, and no man is better acquainted with the wants of the great agricultural nation than he. He has been a i-esident of the State a third of a century, and has been largely interested and en- gaged in developing its various resources. His methodical way in doing business, learned from some j'ears of experience in the ijanking business in the earlier years of the State ; his efficient work in 5^ seciu'irig to this part of the State its present lai'ge railroad facilities; his great aid rendered to the coal interests ; his intimate knowledge of the farm and stock interest, in which he has been engaged many years, and wliich has been demonstrated in the im- provement in the different kinds of live stock which he has from time to time owned and introduced, all point to and assure his capacit}' for the position at the head of this leading indnstr3' of the nation. In addition, the people of this State have not been slow to recognize his worth, as he was retained W eight years as Chairman of the Fin.ance Committee H of this Board, afterward, during some years a lead- j=)^ji ing and influential Director, and is now serving his y^^ third term as President, to which office he was elected three several times without a dissenting vote, and under his administration our societ}' has made greater progress than at anj- period in its history, and assured a position superior to that of an}' State Agricultural Society in the Union. Being thus strongly backed by the State Board, and with other recommendations, Mr. Smith went t(^ Washington, where his case was laid before the President l)y the Iowa Democratic delegation in Congress, .and others. There is but little doubt that the President had fully made up his mind to give him the appointment, but through the persistent urging of Senators ^■est and Cockerill, of Missouri, he changed his mind and wave it to one of their constituents. If Iowa had had one Democratic Senator, Mr. Smith would have secured the posi- tion. Some mouths after this there were several appli- cants for the Oskaloosa post-office, their claims being strongly urged by friends. The Presidtait was at a loss to know whom to appoint, not caring to offend friends of either applicant, whose claims seemed to be equally balanced. In liis dilemma he said to one of the Iowa Members of Congress: "'Where is that man Smith, who was so highly recommended for Commissioner of Agriculture.- He is from Os- kaloosa, is he not.' " When' assured that he was, he said, " I will appoint him," and the appointment was made, as much to the surprise of Mr. Smith as an J' one else, as he had never thought of the posi- tion. William T. Smith is a man of sanguine tempera- ment, is strong in his likes and dislilces, warm in his friendship, one ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in distress, and help them to help them- selves. Esteemed alike by political friends and foes, he will ever continue to enjoj" their friendship and confidence. The world is better that such men live in and wield an influence in all its affairs. The publishers are well pleased to present the portrait of Mr. Smith to the readers of this Album, knowing that it will be appreciated by one and all, and that no one is more entitled to the honor of representation in its pages. ^-^fi^»»-^»»^ not particularly hj : demonstrative, and prefers the pursuit of f.arming and its attendant responsibility to the turmoil of politics and its empt}' honors, .\iiiong friends and neighbors, with whom he has so long been asso- ciated, he is greatl}' esteemed and respected. ENRV KLEINKOPF, of Harrison Town- ship, is actively engaged in the manufacture of stoneware. He was born in Henry Count}', Iowa, .Jul}- 15. I.s5i),and is the son of B. and Ernestine Kleinkopf. The former resides in Henry County, and pursues the occupation of farming, and the latter dieil in l.sTl. Both wen; natives of (ierinany. The subject of this sketch w;is united in mar- riage. May 2, 1886, with Miss Ida Harding, a daughter of Louis and Jane (Tatman) Harding. Her father is a farmer, j'et, like the son-in-law, is engaged in the manufacture of earthenware, to a considerable extent, and has one kiln running about all the time. The clay grounds used by our subject have been used for the manufacture of stoneware for many years, and the qualit}- of that goods has an estab- lished reputation in nearly every portion of Iowa. The clay is pure and free from all deleterious sub- stances, and is molded into almost every conceiva- ble shape, suitable for household and other uses, and finds a ready sale in the markets of the State, at remunerative prices. ^t-St^^nm — \/v\^ ~w-..-\«ijiii^r!g-^»« M. BOVER, a well-known and respected resident of .Scott Township, is a native Ji '\\ llawkeye, his birth taking place in Mah.aska ^County, Aug. S, 1841. His father was Dr. Edmund Augustus Boyer, one of the pioneers of this count}', and a biography of whom appears else- I where in this volume. Our subject spent his early life at iKiine upon the farm, assisting his father in its care and cultivation. In .lune, 18G2, he left the plowing in the field to eidist in Co. E, .S3d Iowa \'ol. Inf., and served with that command in iiuiin-i- ous engagements u[) to Feb. 2',l, l.'^Gl, when he was i^t^^^IlIXILXlXXXLlttllllllll^XXllI >,Vj mmrrm irmi'tuiiiiLirnn jrTHTrnTXTt xiEmi i m ] Ib ilfe^ 11 m 336 MAHASKA COUNTY. itiiirrr;!- i 11 rlischarged for disability, having received serious injuries by a fall from a horse. After his discharge from the army Mr. Beyer re- turned to his home in Iowa, where he has since remained, with the exception of five years spent in Dakota, and now has the general management and control of the ample and highlj' improved es- tate of 900 acres, left Ijy his father upon his de- cease. He carries on the business of general farm- ing and stock-raising, and, like his father, is a man of general information upon nearly all subjects, and is a recognized authority in that section of the county, upon general topics, political and other- wise. Foliticallj^ Mr. Boyer is a stanch Greenbacker, and one of the liest posted men of that political faith in the county. .Sociallj' he is connected with the Masonic fraternity. #"# E MANUEL HITES, who is located upon section 12, Jefferson Township, though not an early settler of Mahaska County, may be classed among the pioneers of the State. He is a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, born in 181."), and is the son of George and Mar}' (Summerlock) Hites, the father a native of Mrginia and the mother of Pennsylvania. Emanuel was reared on a farm in his native State, educated in the common school, and thei-e resided until 1855, when he came to Iowa and located in Jiarion County, where he rented land for several years. He made his home in Marion County until 1868, in which year he came to Mahaska County, and settled on his present farm in Jefferson Township. In 1840 Mr. Hites was mairied to Miss Phcebe Netherow, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daugh- ter of Daniel and Elizabeth Netherow, also natives of that State. Her mother died in 1 868, aged sixt^'- eight years ; her father is still living, and has reached the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs.' Hites are the parents of eleven children : Albert, born Nov. 27, 1841, during the Late war enlisted in Co. C, 7th Iowa Voi. Inf., was wounded at the battle of Belmont and died in hospital at Mound Cit}-, 111., from the effects of the wound ; John, born Aug. 1, 1S43, enlisted in the 7th Iowa Infantry and was wfiunded at the battle fif Corinth, from the effects of which he died ; Ann Elizabeth, born June 30, 1845, is now the wife of AVilliam Finle}', of Rollins Count}', Kan., who was also a soldier in the late war; David S., born Jan. 20, 1847. is at home; Sarah Jane, born Nov. 25, 1848, became the wife of Andrew Patterson, of Ft. Scott, Kan.; Daniel A., born Oct. 23, 1850, is re- siding in Greenfield, Adair Co., Iowa, and serving as Clerk of the Courts; Leander, born Nov. 20, 1852, is at home; George Andrew, born Oct. 21, 1855, is at present engaged as a traveling insurance agent in Missouri; Valentine, born May 22, 1858, is at Shurtlcff College, Upper Alton. 111., preparing for the ministr}-; Thomas L., born April 10, 1861, is engaged in farming on the homestead ; AVilliam T., born Jan. 22, 1864, is a teacher and student at Shurtleff College. Mr. and ]Mrs. Hites are members of the Lutheran Church. In earlj- life Mr. Hites affiliated with the Whig party, but since the organization of the Republicans he has been an advocate of the princi- ples of that party. The home farm of our suliject consists of 230 acres of land, all of which is under improvement. The father of Mr. Hites died in 1875, at the age of eight_y-on^, and his mother in 1877. ^jK^.ATHAN ^^'. lirssEV. a lending farmer and |[ jj stock-raiser of Garfield Township, is a native li\J^, of the Buckeye State, having been born in Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Countj% Nov. 18, 1831. He is a son of Penrose, born June 22, 1800, and Susan (Wood) Hussey. born Jan. 5, 1805. The}' were natives of Maryland, whence they emigrated when (juite young, with their parents, to Ohio, where they became acquainted, and were married Dec. 1, 1830. Christopher Hussey, the grandfather of Nathan W., was born July 23, 1767, and emigrated to Ohio, in about 1804, during the troublous times in the early settlement of that State, and formed at one time a part of the garrison in the old fort at Cincinnati. He enlisted as a soldier in the War of 3N ill I'' li 1} m m II ii I 1 5StS3 1812, and served under the celebrated Commodore Perr}-. He married Miss Lydia Griibb. who was l)Orn Sept. 24, 1775. To them were born ten children, viz : Mary A., Penrose, Asahel, Anna G., John G., Curtis G., Eliza JI., Jane R.. Usther G. and Joseph G.. three of whom are living — Curtis, Jane and Esther. Grandfather Hussey lived a Christian, and died in the hope of a blessed im- mortalit}' Dec. 2^, 1851, at the ripe age of eightj-- five j'ears. His wife died Aug. 25. 1847, aged seventy-two years. Penrose Husse^', the father of our subject, was a tanner by trade and follc>wed that occupation for man^- )-ears, but afterward engaged ■ in agriculture. He was the father uf five children : Nathan W., of this county ; Isaiah IL, of Mt. Pleas- ant, Ohio; Milton J., of JIarshall County, Iowa; Lj'dia, wife of William G. Hubbard, of Columbus, Ohio, and JIargaret W., wife of Isaac K. Ratliff, of .Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, President and principal owner of a bank in that city. Penrose died Dec. 23, 1872, at the age of seventj-three years. Susan died June 6, 1877, aged seventy-two years. The3' were members of the Society of Friends, rwued as such, and teuacioush' adhered to that faith all their lives. Nathan W., the eldest son of Penrose and Susan Hussey, was married May 30, 1835, at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, to Miss Anne L., a daughter of Clark and Mary Terrell. She was born Dec. 18, 1832. Of this union there were twu children : Charles, born Jidy 30, 1857, and Lizzie, born April 7, 1861, and now the wife of Benjamin V. Shields, of Chicago, 111. In 1857 Nathan Hussey emigrated to Jasper County, Iowa, where he purchased land and improved a farm, residing there one year. In 1858 he went to Minneapolis, Minn., and purchased land near that city, and there remained until 1862, when he came to Oskaloosa. He remained here onlj' a short time, and then returned to Ohio, wliere he purchased and drove to this county, a (lock of 1,600 head of sheep. In 1864 he went to Mt. Plea.sant, Ohio, where he had charge of a woolen- mill, owned by his brother and Dr. Hussey. In 1866 he was emplo^'ed b}' Dr. Curtis (J. Hussey to Uike charge of a gold mine in (Georgia. He spent two years there, and the mine jiroving a failure, he abandoned it and wt-nt ti> Kansas City, Mo. In 1870 he removed to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he became General .Superintendent of a smelting establishment in that city. In 1 875 he came back to Mahaska Countj', where he has since re.sided in (Jar- field Township. Mrs. Anne L. Hussey died at her home near Oskaloosa, July 20, 1886, at the age of fifty-three years, eight months and five days. She was a con- sistent member of the Friends' Society, and led the life of a blameless Christian woman. In her home she fulfilled the measure of a dutiful wife and mother, and her going leaves the shadow of a great sorrow over the entire household. The subject of this sketch is a most estimable man, prominent in the counsels of his church, a successful farmer, and a leading; and infiuential citizen. ^ HANLEY J. LIKENS. M. D., o ((( n •''^barou, is a native of Ohio, and wf ^^ May 11, 1.S56. His parents, Jose HANLEY J. LIKENS. M. D., of New 'as born (Seph and Araminta (Painter) Lukens, natives of Ohio, were united in marriage ill 18 1s, and removed to Iowa in 1862, settling on a farm near Newton, wliere they still reside. The early life of Dr. Lukens was spent as a farmer's boy. working hard during the summer months, and gaining a common-school ed- ucation in the winter. At the age of fifteen 3'ears he entered Hazel Dell Academy, at Newton, which he attended for two 3'ears, and then, on account of ill-health, took a vacation for one 3'ear. \i the age of eighteen years our subject beg;in the study of medicine with Dr. Perr^' Engel, of Newton, as preceptor, and remained with him until 1878, and then entered the medical department of the Stiite University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, attending lectures for nine months, and in the spring of I 879 located at Peoria, Iowa, as a practic- ing ph^^sician. In the fall of 1880 he entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, graduating from that instituti(jn March 2, 1881, and resumed liis practice .at Peoria, continuing there until the spring of ls,s3, when he removed to .Searsboro, Iowa, at which place he resided until Jan. 1, 1885, when he came to New Sharon. Dr. Lukens has been twi<'c married. The lirst 1 1 mm m n 8 i' I i l y t tic "I >*^***niiAi'T>^ iriliiaiiiiTTTriTrrr trTTTTri ii i xilnir rrxTtr'J Tinxiramimiij; , t^jj^f ,; 3W 338 MAHASKA COUNTY. ill took place Oct. 16, IST'J, with Mi.ss Abbie K. Bar- ton, a daughter of C. C. and Ellen \. Baiton. Bj" this nni(^n there was one son, William Lester, born March 17, 1M«2. The niother of this child died ,lan. 17, 188:3, and November 8 of the same year, the Doctor was again united in marriage, with Miss Kmm.i K. Wharton, a daughter of James and Mary AVharton. Shu was born in Mahaska County iMarch P^l 18, 1856. The Doctor takes no furtlier interest in |)olitics than to vote as his judgment dictates. He is a member of the Society of Friends. By giving his ^ whole attention to his professional duties he liiis m gained a lucrative practice. He ranks well in the profession, is an untiring student, a genial, pleasant gentleman, whether iu the sick-room or among his friends, and is highly esteemed in his circle of ac- quaintances. *-*-^- W. PFOUTZ, a resident of Union Town- ship, is a native of Maryland, born Dec. (i, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Sarah A. (Remer) Pfoutz, both natives of Mar3'laiid. The father was b(jrn in the year 181.5, and the mother in and were the parents of three cliildren, as follows: Anna S., who died .Tan. 8, 1877; Esther ^M' ^^' '* now the wife of L. W. Graham, and resides in this township; George W., our subject. George W. Pfoutz was united in marriage. May 13, 1884, with Miss .Tustina Miller, a native of Ohio, born Feb. 13, 18.56, and a daughter of Stephen T. and Elizabeth (Harris) Miller, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Mary- land. By this marriage tliere has been one child — Frank E. Mr. Pfoutz owns eighty acres nf laud lying in Adams Township, but at the present time is residing „'g"" n with his parents, who are quite aged people, and is " assisting them in the management and cultivation of the home farm of 170 acres. In his political afliliatious he is a member of the Republican party. Mr. Pfoutz is engaged in raising thor(.)ughbred Short- iJlfi^ horn cattle, in which lie is meeting with success. He is a man of industry and energy, of good ability in I mi ffl ^ft ffr'.n'HHPW a quiet way, and possessing an excellent general knowledge of current events and tupics, and iscoui- mended for his manj' e-\celleut qualities that stamp him as a desirable citizen, friend aud ncigiilHir. v^. IVILLIAM STEWART, of Adams Townsliij), \/iJ// ^^^^ oldest of the living children of .John W^ and Martha Stewart (whose sketch see elsewhere), was born in .Tohnsou Count3', Ind., June 28, 1838. He came with his parents to Iowa iu 1844, and has since been a resident of this county. During his earlier life, he assisted his father in the various mills of which he had charge, and received such education as was afforded by the better class of district schools. In the year 1860 he united in marriage with Prudence J. Ruby, a daughter of Andrew and Ibbie (Withrow) Ruby. She was born in Ripley Count}', Ind., July 27, 1841. After mar- riage he followed farming in Adams Township un- til the year 1880, and then sold out his possessions and occupied rented land, and is at present located on the estate of Hardin Tice, deceased, which con- tains 320 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are the par- ents of fourteen children: Robert A., Fred H. and Martha Ibba died in infancy, and one daughter, Harriet, died in her eighteenth year. The ten liv- ing children are: William F., John A., Albert W. and Alfred W., twins, Etta J., James H., David S., Harr3' O., Ralph Waldo, and Mar}- Ann. Mr. Stewart is a member of the Masonic frater- nity. In his political relations he is a Republican. His first presidential vote was in the year 1860, and cast for Stephen A. Douglas, but since that time Mr. Stewart has ever been a stanch supporter of the Republican i)arty. He has served five j'eai-s as :i member of the Count}' Board of Supervisors, do- ing the thankless work incident to the office in a manner highly creditable to himself and for the best interests of the people. He has held all the various township and school offices, save those of Justice of the Peace and Constable. He is a very enterprising citizen and has always been ready t<> assist any worthy enterprise having for its object the advancement of the general good of the people, and was a very liberal contri))ut()r to the subscrip- : W S-ili M K -.1 ::fi :. J 5=1 :;i :=i •-■ n I y^Tr^ m m rTj jTTZjtTxxxim h r\i'Hi iiSg &cTSii i ^JrtxirSrl^ -rfrirrxjI UrTTtrmnTrTrtil n i i Tl l.<'.>a j-'r'i^ r^r' nU:l.-XCJ;cLc-. ^S" MAHASKA COUNTY. 339 I > I ■: tion that procured the building of the Central lowji Hailrund through this count3'. Mr. .Stewart is a man of more than average abil- it}-, a great reader and thinker, and unusually well posted upon the current topics, and is able to ex- press himself upon all subjects in a clear and forci- ble manner. He is one of the wheel-horses of the political [larty of which he is a meniber,'_and when ever he chooses to exercise it is a man of great in- fluence in its councils. l^ersonally and socially Mr. S. is a courteous and agreeable gentleman, the hospitality of whose home is as generous as the perfume of flowers in May. Because of his manj- manly qualities he commands the high regard of a large circle of. acquaintances and friends. 'DAM McDonald, i)roprietorof 309 acres of valuable land in Adams Township, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Feb. 13, (j^ 1822, and is a son of John and Mary (Hoagland) McDonald. He resided in his native State until 1.S5G, and then came into Iowa with his family, arriving December 13 of that year. He located in Mahaska County and purchased his pres- ent farm in Adams Township, uiion which he has since ci^ntiuiiously resided. .Mr. McDonald was married, Nov. lo, 1841, to Miss Mary Conaga. a native of Oiiio, born Sept. I'J, 182.1, and the daughter of .Jacob and Susan (Livingston) Conaga. The issue of this marriage has been thirteen children, as follows: Kdward, born in 1S12; Amanda, Aug. 2, 1813; Susan, born July 19, 1845, is the wife of Heul)cn (^uick, of Prairie Township; Enoch C, born Sept. 10, 1848, lives in Jefferson County, Ohio; Marcey, born March 19, 1850, became Mrs. \'an McConili, j and lives in Scott Township; .John, l)orn March I 1, 1 1852, resides in this township; Elizabeth, born Jan. I 7, 1854; Emeline, born Nov. 30, 1855, is the wife ; of John ^Vhite, of Cass County, Iowa ; Sarah E., I boru Jan. 10, 1858; Thomas J., Feb. Hi, 18C0; i Louie, born Sept. 22, 18G4, is the wife of Ileurv ; lloldfer, of Jiisper Count}' ; William S., born .Ian. i 19, I«(;G; Cora, Feb. 24. 18(;il. I The home farm of our subject is in a high slate of cidtivatiou. with the best cl.ass of improvements. Mr. McDonald in the m.anagement of his affairs displaj-s much more than aver.age abilit}' and sound judgment. He is a citizen of the first class, a most iionorable man, and one of strict integrity, stanorn .lul\• 12, 1823. and is a son of John C. and Mar}- (Bai'bara) Doze, natives of France, who were there married. The subject of this sketch, Augustus C. Doze, emigrated with his parents in the year 1858 to America, came at once to this county and settled in Union Township with them. His father died in the year 1862, and his mother in the year 1865. In the year 1850 Mr. Doze was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bass, a native of Indi- ana, and tiie daughter of William :nid .Margaret Ba.ss. IjV thi> union there ii;ive been seven ehil- I I 1 1 TTintnxxxn5ixir *?t purchase from the celebr.ated herd of A. C. Moore, ::ri ■a : 'L i'-.w 3:1 Ri-71 :^i Jr-'-i-'ildr-'.ria Irn ■ 1 1 f. : of Canton, 111. He now has a honl of ten thor- oughbred animals, anil intends to continue tiie linsi- ness. He is also the owner of a thoroughl)ie<] Dur- ham bull. Mr. .Sprague is a successful farmer and enjoj's a reasonable degree of prosijeritv as a result of the intelligent direction and management of his affairs, and himself and wife enjoy the confidence and esteem of their friends and acquaintances. Mr. Sprague is now turning his attention to the dairy business, running at present one wagon, and sup- plj'ing Excelsior with milk e.ach da_y. m il vs. l> l=S i-n i;s v:: vs. ]OHN (i. JjYTLE, a leading farmer and stock- grower of White Oak Township, w.-is born in Garfield Township, this county, April 2, 1HG2, and is the sou of ,Iohn i^. and Rebecca (Dawson) Lytle. His father was born in Ohio, and came to Oskaloosa about the year 1849. He was a carpenter and builder by trade. He w:is a man of genuine merit, and took an active part in the sujiport of all enterprises, which, in his judgment, would tend to advance the general welfare of the people with whom he was associated. In a word, his [jrincipal aim in life seemed to be that which Would result in the greatest good to the greatest number. During the late war Mr. Lytle enlisted, Aug. 12, 1»01, in Co. 11, 8th Iowa \'ol. Inf., and was elected Third Sergeant of his company. He was promoted .Second .Sergeant Nov. 1, 1861, Sergeant Major of the regiment in March, 1862, and Second Lieuten- ant April 4, 1863. During the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1802, he was captured by the rebels and held a prisoner six months. After returning to his regiment, he was promoted First Lieutenant of his companj, .July 26, 1864, and January 7 follow- ing, was commissioned Captain. On .Sept. 1, 186.'), he was discharged for disability incurred in the service, and came to his home in Oskaloosa, where he died Nov. 20, 186,'). Perhaps the greatest tribute of respect to the memory of .Tohn S. Lytle is this: He was not really able, physically, to endure the hardships and priva- tions of soldier life in camp and field, yet the life of the nation was thi-eatened, ami he stopped only to consider that, and without hesitation offered himself as a .sacrifice, to do what he could for his country, lie staj'ed with his command most hero- ically during all its eventful career, until the close of the struggle in 186;'), returning home to die just as the white-winged messengei' of peace had spre;iii its wings again over the land. The subject of this sketch, ,Iohn (1. Ljtle, was married, Feb. 12, 188,5, to Miss Lilian G. .lohnson, who was born Feb. 12, 186i5, in (iarfield Township, this county, and is the daughter of W. L. and Abi- gail (Coffin) .lohnson, now- residing in the town- ship of her bii'tli, and i)ursuing the occujjation of farming, llei- father was a native of Ohio, and her mother of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Lj'tle are the i)arents of one child, Elmer .\bor, born .Sept. 21. 188.5. roliticallj- Mr. Lytle is a Republican. He is en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising, and his care of the buildings, fences and other appur- tenances of the farm, the manner in which he cares for the stock, puts in a crop and tends it, and, in fact, his neat and business-like way of doing everj'- thing, stamp him as a young man of more than ordinary ability. ij ->«fl£2;r§^-^- ^^^1 — »®fS.ZJ2ra»v ^fP^.EL'BEN REDMAN, a wealthy and highly b:^ esteemed resident of Scott Township, was '^\ born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1837, '^^ being a son of Joseph and Margaretta (.Miller) Reflman. who were natives of Pennsyl- vania, but went to Ohio in 1806, with their parents. Joseph Redman was born in 1799, and his wife in 1804. He engaged in farming, which occupation he pursued until his death, which occurred while on a visit to Michigan, in December, 1878; his wife had died in .May of the same year, at her home in Ohio. IJoth were members of the Luth- eran Church. Reuben Redman canu' to this county in 1863, and settled in .Scott Township. In companj' with two other men he brought with him from Ohio 1,200 head of sheep, which he herded on the va- cant lauds of the county. The next year he brought :gni«»»ii»TAinj r^,.i.A3j rxxxrxrxtxx jru iptjiru-i- ^^tRTryj ■ tirixtujiixtxxixijurxuxxu/ n M m Hi rt^t ■ rTTTrrrrr i x» :i m . i nj[j^ «xrKrx fxxi riijij- 342 MAHASKA COUNTY. 1 r- 1:^ out from Ohio :^,300 more slieep. The partnership continued until the fall of 1S{J."), when it was dis- solved, leaving Mr. Redman with 1,100 head. He contiTiued in business alone until some time during the year 18G0, when he sold part of his herd of sheep and bought a tract of land on section 2 of this township, and which now is one of the most finely improved farms in the county. Here is an elegant residence, built at a cost of $2,000, three ample barns, and numerous cattle sheds, his busi- ness having been princi|)ally that of raising, feed- ing and shipping cattle and hogs. He is also quite extensively engaged in the raising of fine stock, and has several high-grade Norman and Clyde colts, and two full-blooded French Norman horses, imported by Springer Sz AVillard, of Oskaloosa, in 188o. He is also a breeder of Short-horn cattle, and has alread3' fifteen head of fine thoroughbred animals in his herd, most of them selections from the tine herd of M. K. Prine & Son, of this county. It is his intention to continue this business in a moderate w.ay, and to have none but the best breeds of animals. Mr. Redman takes a lively interest in tlie success of the INIahaska County Fair, of which he is a stockholder and Director. The subject of our sketch was married, in Feb- ruarj-, 1866, to Miss Mary F. Elson, a native of Stark County, Ohio, who was a daughter of Rich- ard and Sarah Ann (Brandon) Elson, natives of Virginia, the father born in 17!)7, and the mother in 1806. Richard Elson w.as in early days engaged in shipping merchandise bj- tiatboat from Ohio to New Orleans, and in this business accumulated quite a fortune. He located in Ohio, on Big Sandy Creek, where he built a fine flouriug-niill, and en- gaged extensively in sheep-raising. By prudent management of his two branches of business he added materially to his already ample fortune. He died at his home in Magnolia, Ohio, Aug. 28, 1879, .iged eightj'-two years. His wife, a member of the Christian Church, died March 21, 18-tO. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Redman have four chil- dren living and one deceased: Richard Elson, born Dec. 8, 1866. is a graduate of Oskaloosa Business College; Joseph C. was born Nov. 20, 1.S70; .Mary K., April 26, 1,S73; Benjamin F., Sept. 26, 1876; Sarah, born Aug. 26, 1879, died Aug. 16, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Redman are prominent members of ? the Presbyterian Church. Politically our subject i is a Republican. He owns over 800 acres of land, ! the home farm being under the highest state of i cultivation. Its proprietor farms with his brain :_ as well as his hands, and is supplied with all the gi modern conveniences necessary to enable him to ! conduct his operations thoroughly and systematic- ; ally. m ' u ■^ AMES T. DARLAND, of Adams Township, t was born in W.arren County, 111., Sept. 28, ; 1851. He came to Iowa with his parents in ; [J 1861, and settled in Poweshiek County, ■;? where his father bought a farm of 200 acres, resided : n upon and cultivated it for live years, and then came f k to Mahaska Countj% locating in Adams Township. 5 a The subject of this sketch was married, Nov. ; (i 19, 1871, to Miss Delcena Anderson, and by this 541 union there have been born seven children: Freddy, :;h deceased; Lizzie M., Elva I., William M.; Victor, 3!n deceased, Sj'lvia and Eva. 3|i Mr. Darland resides with his famil3- upon his j-n father's farm of 160 acres. He is a member of 5 R the Farmer's Alliance, and in his political relations Jii a Republican, and has held the offices of Constable §li and Road Supervisor. Himself and wife are mem- |;i bers of the Christian Church. Mr. Darland is a §!' gentleman of intelligence and large general infor- Iji mation, well posted on all current topics, and able |;i to express himself in a forcible manner upon all|;i debatable questions. In business affairs he is an g i excellent manager, and is fairly successful. Per- I-:' sonally and socially, he is highl3' esteemed by his Ej friends and neighbors. — ,3»»^ ^j»(^^;,-^,^5^-» OHN D. DAVIS, one of the leading farmers Mi of Adams Township, is the son of Notley *; k W. Va., April 8, 1814. He removed with ;;h his p.irents to Ohio in 1829, and there remained £^h until 1869, when he came to Iowa and settled in Ma- fn e - ' haska County. :-:i " ■; 1 On the 23d of December, 1841, Mr. Davis wasi^i 3 J _ ^1 MAHASKA COUNTY. 343 ,S(ti; united in marriage with Mis;^ .lane Harnes, a native of West Viruinia. born in 1S17. Tiiey became the parents of seven children, of whom record i.s made as follows: Milton was born Oct. A, 1«42, and be- came a soldier in the 27th Ohio Infantry, serving four years, from July, 18G1, to .Tuly, IHOo; Lean- der, born Jan. 11, 184.5, was in the 100-days' service in the late war, and now resides in Illinois ; Charles L., born Oct. 18, 1848, is a resident of Adams Township; Sheldon is deceased; Nettie was born Dec. 30, IBAC); M.atilda, June 17, 1800, and one child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject is identified with the Republican party. The home farm consists of 159 acres of excellent land, in good cultivation and splendidlj- improved. Mr. Davis has been fairl}- successful in his ]iresent occupation, and has shown rare judjiinent and good management in his business and farming operations. In the various relations of life he sustains the char- acter of an estimable citizen, neighbor ami friend, and enjoys the full confidence and regard of those who know liini. ••o*o-@JAkA^-.o«o.. ik^ RS. ELIZABETH DORNAN. of Jefferson Township, was born in the State of Indi- 1* ana, Feb. 18, 1834, and is the (laughter of William Y. and Sarah (Adams) .Mot>re. Her mother was born in Kentucky and her father inCJcorgia. Ivlizabeth w\>is the third of ten chil- dren. In the year 1860. she was married to Hugh Dornan, a native of Ireland, born May 12, 1819, and came to this country in the year 184.'). Hy this union there were eight children : William, b(>rn Feb. 18, isdl, lives in Boone County, Iowa; Thomas, born June 3, 18(;2, lives in Nebraska; John, born .July 19, 1864, is at home: .\;uiin. born Jan. 1, 18()7, is in Nebraska: Mary .1., Ijorn July •28, 1868, died Sept. 9, 1884; S.araii E., born Jan. 6, 1870; Kdward, July 1.'., 1871. anil Elizabeth, July 10, 1876, are at home. The father of these children died Aug. 7. 1883, "if cancer in the face. A great deal of time and money was spent in an effort to cure -Mr. Durnan, and the ablest physicians of the country were con- sulted, among whom we may mention Dr. Bishop, of St. Joseph, Mo., a 11.1 Dr. 1). F. McMillan, of Oskaloosa. But human skill could not save him. and lie fell a prey to that loathsome disease. Mr. Dornan was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church ; his widow is a member of the i Christian Church. The home farm, which she now occupies, consists of 198 acres of good land, finely cultivated and well imiiroved. Mrs. Dornan is a lady possessing many excellent and noble traits of character, and is highly esteemed by friends and neighbors. *^— «- — i>.a«S-^ffi|>^>o 4— f<> FREE MAN EV EEAND, one of the enter- prising and intelligent farmers of Mahaska lOCrrrrnini m \">'m County, resides upon section 10, Jefferson Township. He is a native born Hawkeye, first seeing the light of day in the county of Muscatine, July 16, 1848, being the sou of John and Mary (Phillips) Eveland. (See sketch of John F^veland.) When but six years of age Freeman came with his parents to Mahasi^a County, where he has since continued to reside. He was reared upon a farm, educated in the district schools of Jefferstm Town- ship, and remained at home with his parents until 1874, with the exception of two years spent in rtah and Nevada and ime year in Colorado. He then rented eighty acres of laud uijon section 10, Jefferson Township, belonging to his father, on which he moved and continued to cultivate as a renter until l)-i79, at which time his father deeded him the lain!. In 1880 he purchased eightj- acres adjoining. an*j2j£i2?©^^§^ ■^>"-^-aW3^'»^ -w-o- jjp^ AMUEL MIDDOUR, of Oskaloosa, was ^^^ born in Franklin County, Pa., March 30, |]; Wv_M 183S). There he grew to manhood, receiv- ing his education in the common schools of his native county. When he was seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of tanner and currier, receiving for his first year's wages onl}- his board. Upon the completion of his apprentice- shij) he worked as a journeyman for a number of years, and later on engaged in business for himself. At the time of Lee's raid in Pennsylvania, when the battle of Gettysburg was fought, the rebels took from him all his stock, wagons and liarness, and, in fact, cleaned him out. Having lost everything he concluded to come west, which he did, locating in Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., 111., where for a number of years he was engaged in the business of raising, bu}- ing and selling stock. In 1880 he came to Oska- loosa, leaving his family at the old home. In 1882 he brought his family to this city, where he em- barked in his present business, which is the tanning of whang leather and the manufacture of gloves from skins tanned by a process peculiarly his own. Mr. Middour was married in Ogle County, 111., to Miss Hattie A. Little, a daughter of William Little, of Frederick City, ^Id. By this union there are three children — Eldridge W., Lidu and Mina Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Jliddour are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was orig- inally an old-line Whig, but has otflciated with the Republican party since its organization. His par- ents were Jacob and Barbara (Hess) Middour, who were farmers and natives of Pennsylvania. They were members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and raised a family of six sons and two daughters — John, Jacob, George, .Joseph, Samuel, Catherine, fi Elizabeth and David, all now living at the old home St 11 ^a^^^^ '^1 1 I uisR MAHASKA COUNTY. 345 131 in Fraukliii Count}', Pa., with the exception of Sam- uel. Mr. Middour is a quiet, unostentatious citi- zen, devoted to the interests of his business, and an indefatigable worker, and to his efforts alone is due the success that has been attained by the Oslialoosa Tanning Company, of wliose business lie is Super- intendent. eHARLES T. BOWEN, druggist, established his business at New Sliaron in liS77. lie was born in Sharon, Pa., April 15, 1855, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Hopkins) Bowen, who were natives of Wales, and came to this country about 18.J1), settling at Sharon, Pa., where they re- sided until 18(35, and then came to Iowa, locating at Beacon, in this county, and engaged in mining. The father died there in 1807. and the mother in July, 1877. There were fourteen children in the family, seven of whom are living: Ann is the wife of Stephen Fellows, and resides in Van Buren County, Iowa; .lohn W. lives at Lincoln, Neb.; Charles T. is the subject of this sketch ; Mary is the wife of Thomas Jenkins, and lives in this county; Eddie lives at New Sharon ; Winnie is the wife of Ed Marriott, and resides in Van Buren County; Lizzie is the wife of James Campbell, and lives at Deep River, Poweshiek Co., Iowa. The subject of this sketch, Charles T. Bowen, grew to manhood at Beacon, and followed the oc- cupation of mining there and at other places until 1868, when he entered a general store at Beacon as clerk, and served nearly' three years. He had never attended school up to that time, and when he began clerking could neither read nor write, but he applied himself closely, and at the expiration of six months could do both quite well, and his salary was advanced to $45 per month. Retiring from that store he resumed work in the mines until 1872, when he was engaged as clerk in a drug-store at Beacon, and afterward in the same business at Mu- chachinock. In 1877 he came to New Sharon, and established his present business. Having but little capital, he began business on a very limited .scale, but proving liimself a live business man, and one who understood the details thoroughh*, his business increased rapidh', and in a few years he wiis doing a leading drug business of the town, which he con- tinues at the present time, and carries a large and well-selected stock of goods. Mr. Bowen was married, April ;jO, 1879, to Miss Jennie C. Wood, daughter of J. M. and Margerett Wood, and b}' this union there .are two children, Grade and Jennie. From a small beginning Mr. Bowen has made a large success fin.-uicially, and this too in the face of dilliciilties which vvould have dis- cour.aged most men. His education has been en- tirely the result of untiring stud}' on his part after reaching the age of manhood. He has developed a line business capacity, and understands the art of making money, as well as saving it. He is the owner of a pleasant home in New Sharon, and also of a section of land in Davidson County, Dak. ^s^^^m^^ ■.i\ IRA^I BEAL is a resident on section 15, Prairie Township. He was born in Fayette County, Pa., July 3, I si, '5, and is a sou of Nicholas and Mary (Pearsol) Beal, also natives of Pennsylvania. In 1823 the famih' re- moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, where our sub- ject grew to manhood, and in the year 1833 married Miss Jerusha McDonald, a native of Fayette County, Pa. To them were born seven children: Rachel is the wife of G. W. Akers, of Pleasant (irove Township; Nicholas lives in this township; William and S. R. are in Madison County, Neb.; Eluia is the wife of Robert Mitchell, of Madison Township; Naomi is the wife of James Fisher, of Prairie Township ; Hiram A. resides in Prairie Townshiji. The mother of these children died in August, 1884, and in January, 1885, Mr. Beal was married to Mary Osboru, a native of Jersey County, 111. The subject of this sketch followeil the occupa- tion of farming in Ohio until 1849, and then re- moved to Blackford County, Ind., and in 1852 to Henderson County, 111., whence, in 1855, he came to Mahaska County. His first purchase was 1 60 acres of land on section 30, Prairie Township, upon which he resided until 1870, disposing of the same to Hugh Cathcart, and removing to New Sh.aron, where he resided three years. His next i)urchase mt jTxrtt rKtrxxxrMZ.»zXLX :xnrr"ra mmxxxiixixsnx tx xrn rxrx; r 1 1 XU JXX.X UXUI X.I_1_1 1 X( LlXl I ' ri~x-ixxTiiizrxiu:xicT~ 346 MAHAtSKA COUNTY. was the southwest quarter of section 8. which he resided ujjon eleven years, liruught to a high state of cultivation, and then sold it for $8,000, settling upon his present farm, whicii is in a good state of cultivation, with buildings scarcely excelled in the township. He also owns 240 acres of land in Madison County, Ncl). In his political attiliations Mr. Heal is a Demo- crat, and lias held all the principal ofHces of his townshi|). such as Trustee, A,ssessor and School Director. During his residence in Prairie Town- ship .Mr. Beal has bought and sold a great deal of land and has no donbt owned at different periods more land than any other man in the township. Upon all his various properties he has invariably put the best class of improvements, and they ai'e a standing testimonial to his indomitable push and energy. He has made life a success because he willed it to be so, and in addition possessed that order of ability which makes the strongest possible combination, and laughs .at the failure to accom- plish anything short of impossibility. Such men are indeed, valuable citizens, and their career is Worthy' the emulation of the rising generation of the present time who know little of the lessons of experience learned by the sturdy pioneers in the school of privation and hardship. _>, ^^ <^ eW. FOSTER, who has been a resident of Mahaska County for over twenty years, of Scott Township, was born in Grant Countj', Ind., in 1 84i), being a son of Stephen and Marj' (Littler) Foster, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. Stephen Foster died in the fall of 1883, at the age of sixty-nine years. His widow still survives, being at this writing (1887) sixty- three years old, and resides with her son in Ne- braska. The subject uf this sketch came to this county in the spring of 1864, settling on section 3G, in Scott Township, and in August, 18G8, was united in marriage with Miss Annie Ream, a native of Penn- sylvania, and daughter of Benjamin Ream, now deceased, and whose biograph}' appears elsewhere in this volume. Of this marriage two children la have been born : Edwin AVinfield, born in June.: 1871, and Ollie (Jertrude, born in August, 1873. E Mr. Foster owns the quarter section upon which " he resides, and a small body of timber, and is en- ; gaged in general farming and stock-raising, and : may be pro])erly classed among the substantial, : enteiprising and thrifty farmers of the county. ; Politically hi- affiliates with the Creenback party. ~- ,^^ EORGE BRIGGS, of Prairie Township, is a : son of Jcmathan and Elizabeth (^lillhouse) -_ Briggs, both of whom were natives of Ohio, : residing in Belmont Count}', and engaged in farm- : ing. The}- came to Iowa in 18(;.5, and became resi- ; dents of Mahaska County, locating in Union Town- ; ship, where Elizabeth Briggs died in 187;j, at the ; age of seventy-two years. To them were born ; seven children, in Belmont County, Ohio, all of : whom were living when the youngest was thirty : years of age. Three are now dead, viz. : Robert. ' William and Josiah, who were residents of Prairie L- Townshii). and farmed the land their father had en tered in 18.")4. The living children are Mary; : George; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Stan ley, of Linn = County, and Benjamin. In the spring of 1876, I Father Briggs went to Keokuk County, where some c of his children reside, and where he owns consider- = able property. He was born in 1804, and although I now over eighty-two years of age, is hale and : hearty, and weighs nearly 200 pounds. ;~ George Briggs, the subject of this sketch, was E born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 12, 1834. : He was raised a farmer's boy, and received a good : common-school education, supplemented by one : year's attendance at the Friends' College, Mt. 5 Pleasant, Ohio. He resided in his native county ; until 1865, then came to Iowa. In 1869 he united : in marriage with Elizabeth Cattell, a daughter of H Joseph and Annar Cattell. She was born in Ma- ; honing County, Ohio, March 1, 1833. j Mr. Briggs now resides ^/^^SJ/t7^^^r»v~ -v/v^^ OEL BURNETT, residing on section l.'i. Sirring Creek Township, was born in Bed- ford County, Va., April 11, 1832, and is the ^^Jj son of James and Hannah Burnett, natives of Virginia, and both of whom died in the State of Ohio. Joel Burnett came from Ohio to Mahaska Count.y about the year 1870, and followed en- gineering in Oskaloosa for eight years, and at the sawmill of James Loughridge on section lr>, this township, for three years. Mr. Burnett was married, Sept. 21, 1850, to Rachel L. Taylor, who was born Oct. 9, 1839, and is a daughter of Jeremiaii and Dercj- J. (Searl) Taylor. JNIr. Burnett enlisted Sept. 18, ISGl, in Co. F, 5Gth (Jliio Vol. Inf., under Capt. George Wilhelm, Col. Peter Kinney commanding. He was Sergeant in that compan}', serving as such until September, l.st;;j. He participated in the capture of Ft. Donelson and the liattle of Shiloh, going thence to Helena, Ark., and participating in all the raids and skirmishes in which that regiment was engaged, also the battles of Port Gibson, Ray- mond, Jaeksim, Champion Hills and the siege of ^'^icksburg•, and in the battle of Champion Hills re- ceived a severe wound, by reason of which he was ultimately discharged. Mr. Burnett is a member of Mahaska Lodge No. 16, I. O. O. F., of Oskaloosa, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Repulilicau. He is an industrious, hard-working man, thoroughly competent as an en- gineer, genial and accommodating in business mat- ters, and eiijoying the respect and confidence of J k aU. E-ll #"# ISm^^^^^^s:^ ^^ EORGE H. FAUQUIER, who is operating a |I| (— ^ good farm in Adams Township, was born ^^^ in Miami County, Ohio, Nov. 22, 1821, be- ing tlie son of Thomas and Phu;De (Hathaway) Fau- quier, the former a native of Virginia, and the lat- ter of Ohio. When a small child Thomas Fau- quier was taken by his parents to Kentucky, whei-e he grew to manhood, and thence emigrated to Ohio, where lie married INIiss Pha'be Hathaway, by whom he liad ten children, five girls and five boys, of whom three girls and three boys are yet living. George H.. the subject of this sketch, was the fourth child. He was reared upon a farm, but at the age of nineteen commenced to learn the trade of wagon-making, and continued in that business four years, then returned to farm life. Mr. Fauquier resided in his native State until 1847, then removed to Indiana, resided there until the year 18.51, and in September of that 3'e:ir came to Iowa, locating in Mahaska Count3\ He pur- chased 20(1 acres of school land in Adams Town- ship, where he has since continued to reside. The subject of this history was married, in 1850, to Miss Sarah A. Woods, a native of Ohio, born in 1825, and by this union there have been born seven chil- dren, as follows: Clara is tlie wife of E. Phillips, of this township; Thomas lives in Harrison County, Iowa; James W. is at home; Henry resides in Cali- fornia, Eldora, Alfred and Mattie are at home. Mr. Fauquier was educated, politically, in the Republican faitli, but since the organization of the OJg HO MAHASKA COUNTY. 349 National fireenliMck piirty has lieeu an enthusiastic advocate of its pi-jneipios, ami a leader in its coun- cils. The homo farm of Mr. F". and his family is under excellent cultivation and finely iiM|)roved, and its owner has been fairly prospered in his busi- ness affairs. lie is a good citizen, energetic and in- dustrious, honoralile and conscientious, and enjoys the conlidence of friends and acquaintances. -^ .#>#. ^ I^^IMKOlJ U(JS.S, deceased, who w;is an hon- I }/) *^'^^^ resident of Mahaska County for more /1\ ,x^, than thirt}' \"ears, was the son of Mcshach and Eleanor (Jones) Ross, and was born in Harri- son County, W. Va., Jan. i), 1800. He departed this life in JScott Township, this county. May 17, 1876. The father of Mr. Ross was of Scotch-Irisii and his mother of Welsli descent. At the age of nineteen years he was apprenticed to the black- smith trade, and in 182-1 procured a shop and tools in Bridgeport, W. \'a., where for ten years he worked at his trade, boarding in the meantime with the famil}' of Dr. David Davisson. On Sept. 20, 1834, he was married to IMiss Ann Eliza, the daughter of Dr. David and Maria (DeVecmon) Da- visson. She was born Jan. 5, 1811. Her father was of English and Welsh, and her mother of French and Swiss descent. In 1834 Mr. and Mrs. Ross emigrated to Taze- well County, 111.; in 1837, to Darke Countj-, Ohio; in June, 1839, to Henry Count}', Iowa; in April, 1840, to Washington County, and in April, 1 845, to .Scott Township, this county, where our sid)ject re- sided until his death, as above noticed. His brother, John Ross, a practical surveyor, owning a complete set of instruments, who was afterward a member of the first bar of Oskaloosa, and emigrated to Califor- nia in 18.50, came to Mahaska County, May 1, 1843, and staked off a claim on section !), Scott Township, which he persuaded Nimrod to settle upon as a hc)me for his famil}'. They were happily engaged in Iniilding up this home for themselves and their children in this then new land, when Mis. Ross was called from earth, .Ian. 7, 184.S, in the thirty-seventli year of her age, dying as she had lived, a uirudirr nf the .Mrlhodist l';pi>c(ip:il Church. Six children were born to them, namely: David Davisson, Meshacli, Eleanor M.. John O. D., A. C. and Ann Eliza. Meshach died in Henry County in 1830; the others are living. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Ross moved to Oskaloosa, that his children might enjoy the educational privileges its excellent schools afforded, returning to the farm in April, 1870. In August following, a stroke of paralysis disabled the left side hio. (For lpii)gr:ipliy of her i)arcnts, see elsewhere ff .^i..-j^.,ks l&iir«Kyyi »y^rTTTy »itrrTT»?TJ v^xxxxxzxnai w C 350 in this volume.) Here she attended school until the winter of 1853-54, and the 3'ear following at Geneva Seminarj', in Northwood, Ohio. In the following summer, of 1855, she taught school near Zanesfleld, and during the winter of 1855-5(5 was teacher in the primary department of the schools at Middleburg, of which Rev. William Cheever was Principal. In the spring of 1856 she came with her pai-ents to Six-Mile Prairie, in this countj-, and the following spring removed to Scott Township. She taught at Prairie College School- house during the summers of 1857 and 1859, and in the summer of 1860 at Pleasant Dale School- house, Madison Township. In the winter of 1860- 61, in company with her brother Theodore, she attended a select school in Oskaloosa, taught by Prof. J. F. Everett. On the 15th of May, 1861, she removed with her husband to section 16. Scott Township, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Ross are menil)ers of the Presby- terian Church. They have four daughters — Ann Mary, Maggie A., Minnie E. and .Sarah A'ida. Ann Mary and Maggie A. are graduates of Penn Col- lege, having received the degree of B. S., June 24, 1885, and are^teaching in this county. INIinnie K. is a member of the class of 18^7, Penn College. Mr. Ross owns 102 acres of land, eighty of which is im- proved ;]the balance is timber. crs^^HOMAS T. HOFFMIRE, an esteemed citi- zen of New Sharon, is a son of Luther and Ann J. (Kirk) Hoffmire, a biography of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was born in Adams Township, this county, Feb. 14, 1859. He received his education in the public schools of New Sharon, and afterward taught school in this county four years. In .Tuly, 1881, he went to Creston, Iowa, and took charge of a branch office for the Singer Manufacturing Company, of Chi- cago, handling their business in a very satifactory manner, and with signal abilitj-, for a period of over three j'ears, and then returned to New Sharon to assist his parents, his father being in poor health. He immediately commenced a course of law read- ing, which he has continued since September, 1884, and in the meantime has carried on a real-estate, i insurance and collection agency. ; Mr. Hoffmire is a member of the Masonic f rater- ■ nity. As was his father before him, he is a man of i strict integrity, of fine iKisiness qualifications, is ; building up fur himself an excellent business, i gaining many friends and making no enemies. \ ^^^ OLOMON E. RHINEHART, M. D., was j ^^^ the son of the late Judge James and De- i 1(1/ jl) lilah Rhineliart, and was born at Waynes- | burg, Greene Co., Pa., Oct. 19, 1827. The ! family resided there some eight years after his birth, then removed to (4uernsey County, Ohio, whei'c his father, though an attorney at law, engaged in teaching school long enough to entitle him, ac- cording to the law of Ohio at that time, to practice his profession there. It was here, at the schools taught b}- his father, tliat 3'oung Rhinehart com- menced his school days. Possessing an active mind, united with a strong will, he mastered the outlines of a good education in early life, that en- abled him to seek higher educational advantages. These being afforded him, he lost no time until old enough to choose the profession he qualified him- self for, and energetically followed as long as his health would permit. Our subject read medicine three j-ears witii Dr. Hildreth, a prominent physician and surgeon of Zanesville, Ohio, and was then advised by his pre- ceptor to go for six months to a medical school at Cleveland, Ohio, to make further preparations for college. Compl^'ing with all the preliminary de- mands, he entered Jefferson Medical College, Phil- adelphia, where he graduated in 1850. On return- ing home he commenced practice at Senecaville, where his parents had lived for many years. But, like thousands of others, he thought of the advice of Horace Greeley, "Go west, young man," and came to Oskaloosa, Iowa, in the spring of 1851, entering into partnership with Dr. AVeatherford, who had a good practice. It was soon discovered that the young doctor had the ability and push necessary to make him just the man needed in this new country. In less than two years his partner \^ '/ / y///y/ /^ \ cS£jii MAHASKA COUNTY. ; went to drcrrfni, but Dr. Rhiiieliart's reputation was ; fairlj- establishcil, and liis rising fame .assured as a \% doctor of medicine; and witiial, being prepossess- ing and witii winning manners, it could hardly be expected he would remain long without another partner, and the next to be a woman. There lived a very intelligent 3"onng lady in the county, the daughter of A.sa and Susan Davis, then of Harrison Township, but formerly from Hallowell, Jle. It was noticed bj' some of his friends of Oskaloosa that in addition to the Doctor's duties in the prac- tice of his profession, he would occasionally visit iu the countr}', and on Oct. I'J, 1852, at the resi- dence of the bride's parents, on the farm now owned by her lirother, M. M. B. Davis, Dr. S. E. Rhinehart and Miss M.aria J. Davis were united in the bonds of matrimonj'. Rev. Thomas Ballinger officiating. Assuming the responsibilities of their new rela- \ tions, those J'oung people united heart and hand, ; and with indomitable energy started out to Ia3' the '■\ foundation of the wealth they afterward enjoyed. Is Hut several j'ears before his death the Doctor's „:. health failed. As a last resort he went to Denver, ■^ is C'ol., and thinking it helped him, made three visits it there, the last time taking his family' with him. : There he lingered for eighteen months, surrounded : l>y a loving familj- and able physicians, doing all t they could to make him comfortable. But his dis- I ease, consumption, battled both skill and kindness, I and on the 18th of January, 1 875, aged forty-seven R years and three months, in his right mind, and in I the full assurance of a blessed immortality, not only for himself but all mankind, feelingly and aflfec- tionately. he cnibr.aced his family, bade them fare- well, and clo.-^ed his eyes in death, to w.ake up amid the flashing glories of immortal youth. The remains of the Do<;ti>r were brought back to Oskaloosa for interment. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and on the day of burial the brethren took charge of his remains from the home ' iji of his parents, and gently carried them to the *i Methodist Church, where a funeral servic^e was con- ducted b}- the Rev. C. B. Clark, resident pastor, ^„ after which the liodj* was Uiken to Forest Cemetery '3 bj' the Master .Masons of the city, and liuricd in "'- "he familv li>l liv tlif ~if several deiir childriMi. 12C \ P 1 Dr. Rhinehart at death left a wife and two daughters, Alice and Cora. Alice married Mr. William F. Calloway- in Denver, but has since died, leaving one child, a daughter, who is now nine years old. Cora, the only one surviving, lives with her mother in the city, where they have a competence for life. The children gone before were Alice, Clarence, Nellie and Marj'. A grand family monument made of red Scotch granite marks the spot where cluster fond and sacred rec- ollections of the memory of Dr. S. E. Rhinehart. S. HENDERSON, M. D., druggist and phar- ist at Muchachinock, w:\s born in West Dec. 14, 18.52, and is a son of R. A. M. (.Shanklin) Henderson, na- tives of that State. R. H. Henderson, until his removal from West ^'irginia to the West, was en- gaged in boating on the Ohio River, and followed that avocation all his life, filling about all the dif- ferent positions and offices incident to steam-boat- ing. The latter years of his life in that businesi* were as Captain of one of the best boats upon the river. He has now retired from active labor and is living in Oskaloosa with his children. The subject of this sketch. Dr. J. S. Henderson, is a graduate of Starling Medical College, Colum- bus, Ohio, and is also a graduate of the Classical College at Marietta, Ohio, the course of which lat- ter institution he completed in 1877, and since wliich time has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in and near Muchachinock. In connection with his brother-in-law. Dr. .1. C. Bar- ringer, of O.skaloosa, our subject is Surgeon of the Consolidation Coal Companj-, of .Muchachinock, and has officiated in that capacitj' for the past five j-ears. The Doctor is Postmaster at Much.achinock. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights of Pythias. Though conipai.atively a young man in his pro- fession, the Doctor is possessed of a verj- high or- der of ability, and is making a very gratifying suc- cess in a professional w.a}-. With him a patient is a personal responsibility, and he takes great inter- est in Ihcir welfare, attendini; tliem faitlifulh ;iud m ^ "- ' i^ i ^ ' -^ tacrxiiiJiJi^ jmiiiiniii 1 M 3o2 MAHASKA COUNTY. if with the tenderest solicitude, and being possessed of a genial, sunny disposition, his very presence in the sick room is of itself a tonic. In the sterner duties of his profession, where the knife of the surgeon must be used, the Doctor is fearless, yet kind. The combination of all these qualities has established his reputation professionally- beyond a question. \Y? OEL E. OGBORN, of Union Township, son of Samuel and Esther (Andrews) Ogborn, was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 17, 1828, and passed his days up, 1 849. Mrs. O. is a native of Preble Count}', Ohio, and the daughter of Ira and Hannah (Cooper) Lane, the father of North Carolina and the mother of Ohio. To our subject and wife have been born thirteen children, as follows: Kosela and Walter are deceased; Wilbern married Miss Emma Scott, aud lives in New Sharon; Horace H. married Miss Laura Marks, and lives at Oskaloosa; Viola is dead; Frank H. married Miss Anna Mead, and lives in Rooks County, Kan.; Katie L. is a teacher and resides at home, but at present is at- tending Northwestern University, at Evanston, 111. ; Arthur C. married Miss L. Gorsuch, and lives with his father; Mollie died Nov. 26, 1886; she had been a teacher for some years; Alice V. is a teacher; Al- bert died in infanc}- ; Olive L. and Fred R. are at home. Mr. Ogborn affiliates with the Republican partj' ; he was elected Justice of the Peace in 1862, which office lie held for four years. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The home farm consists of 130 acres of extra good land, in an excellent state of cultivation and well im- proved. In the winter of 1886-87 some effort was made for coal on the farm, with a prospect of suc- cess. Mr. Ogborn is in every respect a first-class citizen, and possesses those elements of character which command the confidence and esteem of friends and neighbors. Mr. Ogborn's first presidential vote was cast for John P. Hale, with George AV. Julian for A^ice President. Until the organization of the Repub- lican party he was what was known as a "free-soil" man, since which time he has been a Republican. He is a strong temperance man and has not tasted alcoholic liquors for over fort}' years. ELIJAH BUSBY, of ]Monroe Township, son of John W. and Anna (Merriman) Busby, -/ was born in Carroll County, Ohio, Nov. 17, 1831. He came to Iowa March 27, 1852, first lo- cating in Wapello County. He entered some land in Madison County, in 1854, and sold it in 1863. He then came to this county and purchased a farm in Adams Township, which he afterward sold, and purchased his present farm of 11)7 acres in Monroe Township. April 30, 1857, Mr. Busby was married to Miss Eliza Bass. Thej' are the parents of six children : William L. lives in Brooklj'n, Poweshiek Count}'; Laura is the wife of Z. W. Thomas, of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; Emma L., John R., Homer E. and Lenna E. reside at home. Oct. 17, 1861, Mr. Busby en- listed in Co. F, 4:th Iowa Vol. Cav., served with his regiment until it was discharged, and then re- enlisted as a veteran, remaining with the regiment until its final muster out, Aug. 2, 1865. He en- tered the service as a private soldier; was promoted Corporal Oct. 1, 1862, was promoted Duty Sergeant May 1, 1864, and Commissary Sergeant of the com- pany before its final muster out. That he was a good soldier and did his whole duty is evidenced by his several promotions. He is a member of Tom Connor Post, G. A. R., at Rose Hill. Politically Mr. B. is a member of the Greenback party. His home is composed of good land, which he has brought to an excellent state of cultivation, and has it well improved. He is making a success an I! Hi pi m P£> r^" HXU3DUgir»' niiv " 'iiHHsMla""" '"B^^a MAHASKA COUNTY. of his business, because of his excellent manage- ment and goorl judgment in the conduct of the same. Personally and sociallj- Mr. Busby stinds high in the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. ^i-JC#?-^^ II /^) "^^^I^J^'*^ ^^- LOFLAND, a highly esteemed jll citizen of Oskaloosa, is the j-oungest son of ^^J Col. John and Sarah J. (Bartlett) Lotland, and was born in Oskaloosa, Jan. 15, 1859. He w.as educated in the public schools of the cit_y, graduat- ing from the High School in the class of 1877, afterward attending one year at Oskaloosa College. In 1878 he entered the employ of the C, B. & <^. R. R. Co., serving as civil engineer for a period of two years. In 1880 he was eug.aged bj' the Oska- loosa National Bank as book-keeper, retaining that position until the mouth of April, 1886, when he was chosen b3^ the Board of Directors as Cashier, vice W. A. Lindly, resigned. Dec. 28, 1881, Mr. Lofland was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary E., a daughter of Henry I. and Norvella Little, of this citj\ (See biogi'aphi- cal sketch elsewhere in this work.) She was born in Ogle County, 111., in 1863. By this union there have been two children: John H., born Feb. 6, 1883, and Helen, Feb. 21, 1885. Mr. Lolland is a 3'oung man of the strictest in- tegritj', possessing a high order of business qualifi- cations, and is firnilj' established in the confidence of the people, as the responsible position to which he has lately been chosen clearly' indicates. >)HOMPSON BALDWIN, deceased, was a pio- neer of this count}' of 1846, and was burn in Champaign Count}', Ohio, Feb. 10, isn;. Julj' 22, 1837, he was married to Sophronia P!iel|)S, who was born in Ohio, ^Nlarch 28, 1821, and is a daughtei' of Sylvester and Mai'ia Phelps. (See their biography elsewhere in this volume.) Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin came to Iowa in 18 16, locating ou section 1."!. of Richland Township, and hero he fol- lowed the occui)ntiou of farming until his rleiitli. L; which took place Jan. 15, 1880. Mrs. Baldwin 3'et survives, and resides on the homestead. The fam- ily consisted of eight children; only two are now living: Rosaltha, wife of James R. Grace, died Aug. 6, 1862, at the age of twentj'-three years; Sylves- ter resides in this township; Elizabeth Imogene died March 20, KSfJO; Nancy M. is the wife of Oh- tavius Hull and lives at Stockton, Cal. ; Caroline died Nov. 24, 1874, Edna, July 20, 1872; Marley, Aug. 10, 1880, and Hannah J., July 24, 1873. Mr. Baldwin was a very ardent supporter of the Republican partjs but refused all offers of prefer- ment and devoted his time entirely to his private business. At the time of his death he owned about 400 acres of land. It is one of the best farms in that township, is in a high state of cultivation and splendidly improved in every waj'. His life was a success in all respects, and he ranked as a leader among the strong men of that locality. His aliil- itj' was more than ordinary', and he possessed many noble qualities of a manlj' manhood. These en- deared him gi-eatly to his friends and neighbors and to a large circle of acquaintances in all parts of the county. By his uniform courtesy' he acipiired many strong and lasting fricudshi|)s, and had few, if an}', enemies. UC. SEMPLE, a prosperous farmer and resi- dent of Scott Township, was born in Car- (ii^^l '^f^ roll County. Ohio, in 1828. and is a son of tj IH Samuel and Jane (Crawford) Semple, who were na- ^^. P^. tives of Ireland, and came to this country in 1812. tjF-iy "]- W' The paternal gi'andfather of our subject was a sol- dier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Semple were among the early, settlers of Ohio, lo- r j| eating in Carroll County while the Indians were vw yet in possession of a large portion of the territory, iM and passed through all the trials and difficulties in- cident to life in those perilous times. W. C. Semple was reared to manhood under the parental roof, and married, Oct. 30, 1856, to Miss Rebecca Mackernian, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, and a d.auglUer of Daniel and Lucinda (Brad- ford) Mackerinan, the mother a native of Ohio, ancl tlic father of Pi'nnsvlvania. wiicrc he followed tlu' m tiiiiiiixxxxxxmKjrnii m CTTTi rrrmi 354 MAHASKA COUNTY. occupation of farmiug-. Our subject and his wife became tlie iiaieuts of four cliildren, two now de- ceased : Sarah Jane, the wife of Joseph Stevens, re- sides in Marion County, Iowa: Uaniel James lives in Merrick County-, Neb.; Marietta, Mrs. Jolin Ilarrold, lives in Des jMoiiies Township: Oijiha Ruth is at home; Samuel L., born in D^ti'J, died Sept. 10, IJSHO, aged eleven years, six months and thirteen days. He was accidently killed by the discharge of a revolver in his own hands. Mr. Semple arrived in this county May ;31, isd.i, and located on section i, in Scott Township, upon land then purchased, and wjiich he has developed to the highest state of cultivation. The buildings and other improvements on his farm are of the most substantial character, and have been built with a view to both comfort and convenience. The house alone cost over *2,200. Mr. Semple is ])rincipally engaged in stctck-raising, in which he has achieved signal success, and it has proven to him a most profitable branch of business. He is careful and s\-stematic in farming, as in all other affairs in life, and a worthy representative of that sturdy ancestry which '• knows no such word as fail." Me possesses great force of character, and an indomitable will, matures his plans and then pursues them to successful results. Such men are valuable citizens, whetiier they be fouud in the public or private walks of life. ^^EORGE E |I| (— ^ fine farm ^^jj was born ,^;?=!5) EORGE ELLIS DIXON, located upon the of Mrs. Reeves in Scott Township, in Hennepin, Macon Co.. 111., Feb. 24, 1850, and is a son of Samuel Albert and Ase- -n nath (Nash) Dixon, who were natives of Northern ij New York, and are now living in Greenwood F1 County, Kan., where Mr. Dixon yet follows the 1:1 trade of his youth, wagon-making. George, the Vj subject of this sketch, came to this county in 1«G2, having previously lived at Kirkville, Wapello Co., Iowa. Mr. Dixon was married, Sept. 17, 1871, to Miss Jennie Hammitt, a native of Jefferson Township, Mahaska County, and a daughter of A. J. and Hes- ter (Eveland) Hammitt, natives of Ohio, the former of Perry and the latter of Morgan County. To Mr. and Mrs. Dixon live children have been born, four of whom are now living: Hester Asenath was born Aug. K, 1872; Harry Hammitt. born Nov. 21. 1874, died Aug. 30, 1876; Leonard Andrew was born March 8, 1878; Mary Cornelia, July l.j. 1880; Clara Emma, Dec. 20, 1884. Mr. Dixon is a painter by trade, and followed that business until the year 1882, when he removed with his family t(j the farm where he is now re- siding, and of which he has general supervision. The farm is a [)roductive one, and turns out, under the skillful supervision of Mr. Dixou. ;is ample crops as it did in days of yore. r-'-.-.'.r-'/ ^^J'^Ti. ON. HARDIN TICE, of Union Township, was born in IMontgomer^' County, ^'a., Oct. 27, 1829. His father was of German de- scent, and his mother of English, but both American born. Thej' were people of moderate means, yet possessing enough to own a home of their own after marriage. To them were born eleven children, seven boys and four girls, and they had the pleasure of seeing all grow to man and womanhood. Four are now deceased. The chil- dren lived commendable lives, not more than one having ever been engaged in a lawsuit, thus prov- ing them peaceable and law-abiding people. The subject of this sketch, Hardin Tice, was the sixth son. Soon after his birth, the famil}' moved to Sangamon County, 111., where he was brought up, receiving only the meager common-school edu- cation of that early time. There were no free schools in those days, and it was only those of am- ple means who could afford even to think of a col- lege course. In the month of March, 1852, he started west on horseback, beginning life for him- self, and having all his worldly possessions packed in a portmanteau. He located in Black Oak Town- ship, this county, and bought 160 acres of land, on five j-ears' time, without interest, at an agreed price of $4.65 per acre, and here, with an elder brother, began the work of making a farm from the raw prairie. For the first eighteen months after their location the brothers kept house by themselves, or, 5tl at I f\ : ti ri : .1, :-i : 1 ;i 1 -1 II :l I I I L I I -I n c\ I I I I I I I i i! It I It 1 1 1'ljujuTtT-Trr" I riixinxmrxmii MAHASKA COUNTY. 355 as it was commonly termed in those days, kept ■• bach." The first summer they cultivated a crop on eight}' acres belonging to his brother, and spent the ensuing winter in hauling rails a distance of six miles with which to fence forty acres of his own land. The iiauling was done with four yoke of oxen, and the entire day from sunrise to sundown was occupied in hauling one load of ninety rails. The following spring with their ox-teams they broke the sod upon the encU)scd lorty acres and planted it in corn. In the fall of the same year .Mr. lice built a log- house 10x14 feet, and also constructed a stable of rails and straw. Having made all proper arrange- ments for housekeeping, he sought the hand i>f Miss Mar}- J. Wilson in marriage, and Nov. 2, 1.H.53, they were united in the bonds of matrimony. She was the daughter of a near neighbor, and was born May 8, 1835. Five daughters have been boiii to them: Clara, born Dec. 10, IX.'jl), is now the wife of A. C. Noel, of Leighton; Emma, born .hine ■2t>, 1860, is the wife of A. L. Christy, of Des Moines, Iowa; Lil}', born May 0, 18(1.1 ; Dora, Nov. 27. 18G',i; Delia, March 31, 1872. The tirst two j'ears following his marriage, Mr. Tice was engaged in farming and trading in horses, and then added that of bu^-ing and feeding cattle and hogs. This he continued with financial suc- ce.ss until 1870, when he rented his farm and moved to Oskaloosa. During all these _vears Mr. Tice has occupied a prominent position in the politics of his county and State, nearh' all the various township ollices having been held l)y him, and in the year 1875 he was elected bj- the Kepulilican party to represent this district in the House of Kepresenta- tives of the (General Assembly of Iowa, receiving in this election the high compliment of securing more votes than an}- other man on his ticket. After having spent seven years in the city of Os- kaloosa, living a retired life in an elegant home, Mr. Tice removed to his present admirable loca- tion in Union Township, where he now occupies his time in general farming and stock-raising. His present farm, bought in 1881, is a half section of very fine prairie land, lying in Adams and Union Townships. His first work was to set sixteen acres in trees, half e.Mcii of catalpa and wnlnut. It is so .fife 'ri'r. ' i jWirftjoWM i 'w wffffw L'iMfMJUiU i l l MMmW M iM Bi m W arranged as to be a thorough windbreak for build- ings and cattle-3-ards. The trees are large enough at this time, to make a splendid shade in the sum- mer, and will soon be an admirable protection from the chilling winds of winter. Upon the farm is a ver}- fine a|)ple orchard of 200 trees, embracing fifty different varieties, man}- of which fruited for the first time in 1886. There is, perhaps, no farm in Mahaska County that for its age shows such a high state of cultivation, or has a lietter class of improvements. It is ali'eady a beautiful home, and will be much more so in the near future under the admirable management of its owner. In educational matters Mr. Tice has always taken a great interest. He is a friend not only to our public schools, but to higher education. In 1881. w-hen an effort was made to move Oskaloosa College to Des Moines, Mr. Tice ojiposed the meas- ure in a forcible manner, and to his efforts, prob- ably more than to any other one man, it was de- feated, and Oskaloosa retained its old and widelv known educational institution. \\bcn elected Treasurer of the Hoard of Trustees, he not onlv nian.aged its general finances in an admirable man- ner, but taking tiie field, he solicited donations, first to pay oft' a debt of $(),5()() which was han( the college. In liiis work he was eminently successful, securing (hjnations amounting to -$1 1,000, while he himself contributed liberally. Mr. and Mrs. Tice are members of the Christian Church, and take an active interest in all things pertaining to the churcirs welfare. Hardin Tice may be properly pronounced a self-made man. His financial success in life, beginning as he did, with nothing but the labtn- of his hands, is the liest possible evidence of the [lossession of abilities of a very high order. There are few men in .Mahaska County better posted on general topics, or can ex- press themselves more forcibly and to the point upon debatable questions. His early advantages were meager, but lie iinpni\ed them, and the dis- tinguished ability with whicii lie rei)resented his county in the (ieneral .\ssenibly of the State, is evidence of broad and liberal accpiiremeiits. At his elegant liomc there is iinbimiided lii>spilalit\ . ft,' hi B V '?1 II 11 ff 1 I- m rn I » I Ti 1 1 1 J » Effl^ SSSS! i aMfefeaaiafainv.it.Ma czcronrxtra 1. 356 ITr > I 1 t ■ ITTTni-TT-T-T- ^im" MAHASKA COUNTY. I which is dispensed in an .idmirable manner by his ehai-ming- wife and daughters. Personally and so- cially he (iccupies a very high place in -the esteem i)f friends and neighbors. ..■>:<..;:i-..2» -iii^ miM ^ OSES KEEVES, dece.ased, formerly a resi- dent of Scott Township, was born in the State of iS'ew York, Feb. 14, 1800, and was a son of Levi and .Sarah (Meyers) Reeves. They were natives of the same State, and removed to Mn.skinguni County. Ohio, when our subject was a boy eight years of age. There he remained until 18oG, when, becoming of suitable age, he followed as a business, the buying and ship- ping of grain at Oaysport, Ohio. Mr. Reeves was married in Ohio in is-js. to Miss Margaret Jlonroe, a native of Ohio, who became the mother of one daughter, M. Minerva, now the wife of .Tames Finney. Mrs. Margaret Reeves died in Ohio, in July, 1859. Mr. Reeves came to Mahaska County in 18.)(;, settling on section 2(J, Scott Township, where he remained until his death, which took place March 28, 1879, at the age <.)f sevent^'-nine years. He had been a second time married, Dec. 17. 1859, to Mary Eveland, a native of Ohio, who still sur- vives, ■■ind lives upon the beautiful home farm of 375 acres, and in compan}' with her nejjhew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. Oeorge Dixon, carries on the business of general farming. 'l|p?i\ENJAMIN REAM, deceased, was born in ,^C, Pennsylvania in 1823, and was a son of John and Lydia (Cling) Ream, natives of Pennsylvania. John Ream, who was born in 1800, was a tinner by trade, and worked many years at that business in Reading, Lancaster and Newcastle. He also owned and operated a farm in that State, which he sold in 1 855. He then came to this county and purchased a farm in Garfield Township, which he afterward sold, and removed to Beacon, and there died in 1873, at the age of leventy-threc years. His widow, who was born July 1, 1800, still survives, .and resides at Beacon. The subject of this sketch was married, in 1 845, to Elizabeth Simpson, who died in the spring of 1855. He afterward married Charlotte Strang. He was a carpenter by trade, and a contractor and builder, and came with his pai'ents to this coinity in Septend)er, 1855, settling in .Scott Township, where he lived until the late war began, when he enlisted, July 22, 1801, in Co. C, 7th Iowa Vol. Inf., of which he became Second Lieutenant. He was severely wounded in the battle at Belmont, Mo., and died in hospital at Cairo. 111., Nov. 22, 18(',1, and his remains were brought home and liuried in the cemeterj' near Olivet. Mv. Ream was a man of good ability, uudauuted courage, and unflinching loyalty to his country-, and was among the first of those who volunteered from this county to lay down his life in its defense. AMES P. COWAN, a resident of Oskaloosa Township, owns and occupies a fine home- stead on section 25, which has been in his possession since 1868. He was one of the pioneer settlers of this locality, coming here while Oskaloosa was yet a village, and with his estimable wife has reared a famil}' of children. Their lives have been attended with the trials and dis.appoint- meuts incident to pioneering, but at the same time they have had their jo3's .and pleasures, and an abiding faith in Providence which has enabled them to meet adversity with brave and cheerful hearts. All their children have been spared to them, and in their comfortable and attractive home they are surrounded bj' many friends who have learned to both love and respect them for the principles of truth and honor which they have made the rule of their daily lives and in which they h.ave trained their children. The subject of this history was born in Wash- ington County, Pa., Feb. 22, 1823, and is the son of .lolin and Sarah (Proudfit) Cowan, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in Alle- gheny County in 1789, and the mother in Wash- ington County in 1799. Both died the same year, 1807, .lohn Cowan being seventy-eight 3^ears of I! m m >T[ i-^jLi.A-i_L M jTi:iri: i:i)MtJLi^i 1 ■ irxiTixiKriiTJiyriiTtxtiferiJJxrpf Urolrri^ l^pxiiri . l^^i^l MAHASKA COUNTY. 1 la, 1 ^ i] : age and his wife, Sarah V., sixty-eight, 'riii' grantl- fatiier of niir suhject, Ilenrv Cowan, was of Irish birth and parentage, and h>ft lii? native isle wiien a 3'unng man. lie was nniled in marriage willi Miss Jane Allen, and they l)eeame the i)arents of five sons and fonr daughters. This w^u•m-lle.•u•ted old gentleman and his wife lived to an advanced age and were held in great respect by the com- munity where they lived. His grandfather, .lames I'roudfit, was a Scotchman by l)irtli and one of the earl}- advocates of the abolition of slavery. His farm in \\'ashington Countj', Pa., was .said to have i been one of the import.'int stations of the under- ! ground railroad, I)}' which many fugitives escajjed to freedom. After making for himself a good i record as a father, friend and citizen, he passed from earth with a clear conscience, at the advanced i age of ninety-three years. James P. Cowan remained with his parents in AUeghenj- County, where the}' moved when he was an infant, until fourteen years of age. when the familj' removed to Guernsey County, Ohio. There he learned the blacksmith's trade, serving his ap- prenticeship in Cumberland and working there for five years afterward. Then, in the spring of 18;")2, he crossed the Mississippi, coming to Iowa, and located in this township, of which he has now been a resident for nearly thirt^'-five j'ears. He has always possessed in a marked degree the industry and energy of his forefathers, has lived eeonomi- call}- and met his obligations promptly, and each year managed to save something from his h(mest earnings. In 18GW, as the result of this course, he found himself the possessor of sufficient means to bu3' a farm, and consequently purchased the home- stead which he now occupies. It li.'is inaleriall}' changed in appearance since that time. He has made many modern iniiirovenients, has a handsome and substantial set of frame buildings, everything in good order, and in fact all the appliances of a first-class farm estate. He has learneil to take good care of his accumulations and can look the world in the face feeling that he is indebted to no man. Mr. Cowan was married, April 10, 1H41I, to Miss Clementine Duer, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, -and the daughter of Joseph and Marj' Duer. natives of New .Jersey. Karlv in tiieir lives tlieir parents had emigrated to Western I'ennsylvania, and tliey were there married in Brownsville. Thence they removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, where they reared ;i family of ten children. To our subject and his wife have been born five children, of whom the record is as follows: William A. is a miller at Beacon, Iowa ; John is a black- smith in Oskaloosa; Clarence \'., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is stationed in Brook- lyn, Iowa; Joseph D. and Mary E. are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Cowan have been lifelong mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have adorned tlieir (jrofession by blameless lives, and are endeavoring to carry out the principles of the Master, who commanded that His disciples should do unto others as they would that others should do unto them. '•tfili2/®^^'~M m—y^^^i^'m*'- 0;ri. I RIAH HAMBLEN, of Prairie Township, dates his residence in this county back to .854. He was born in Brown County. Ind., on the ."ith day of November, 1832, and is a son of Pleasant and Millie (AVeddle) Hamblen, the former a native of Mrginia, and the latter of Tennessee. Thej' were the parents of seven chil- dren: One son, William, enlisted in the service during the late war, from \\'arren County, Iowa, and died of typhoid pneumonia at Camp McClel- lan. The six living children are : I'riah; Lnvinia, now the wife of Al)el .Markwell. of Kansas; .lames T. resides in Brown County, Ind.; John lives in Christian County, III.; Nancj- is the widow of James Taggart; Pleasant resides in Christian Coun- ty, 111. Tlie parents of these children died in Brown County, Ind. The subject of this sketch, Uriah Hamblen, was reared on the farm, and resided at the old home until the fall of 18,")4, and was married on the 1st day t)f October of that year, to Miss Mary A. Cbappell, a native of Brown County, Ind., and to them have been born eight children, three of whom died in childhood; the five living are Thomas .1., John, Mary E., Sarah .1. and Lucy. Oct. ^>, IM.Vl, Mr. Hamblen and his wife, accom- 13 t JTX fJgjIJ ITTTlTjam .^w. 358 panied by a cousin, Lilman Oye, started for the West, nnd after a jonnie}- of over three weeks ar- rived ill this county. -JMr. Hamblen first settled in Blaclv (Jaiv Township, pnrcliased fiftj- acres of land, aad commenced to nialio for himself a home. In the fall of that year he went to Boone County, Iowa, and entered 120 acres of (Government land, but, not being well pleased with that section of coiintrj', sold it about seven years later, and in 1865 sold the land in Black Oak Township, pur- chased 120 acres of his present farm, which was then all raw jjrairie, and settled on the same; he now owns 20(1 acres of land, all in good cultivation and well improved. Mr. Hamblen is a Republican in i)olitics, Imt has no otHce-seeking bee in his bonnet. He gives his entire attention to stock-fanning, and is one of the most successful men engaged in that business in the county. He is a man of excellent ability in every way, a clear-headed business man and good manager. In his relations with the outside world he will always be found a man of the strictest in- tegrity, honorable and upright in every respect, and is much esteemed by all who know him. <^ rtUAAAM VEKMILYKA, the owner of 692 acres of fertile land in Adams Township, son of Peter and Mary (Ostihout) Ver- milyea, was born in Prince Edwards County, Can- ada, Aug. 14, 1831. He came to Iowa in 1866, and located in Mahaska County. June 24, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Cun- ningham, a native of Canada, born Dee. 10, 1846. They are the parents of three children : Austinette, born Aiiril 21, 186.5; Lottie M., April 25, 1876, and Walter C., Aug. 25, 1 879. The children all reside at home. Mr. \'ermilyea takes no special interest in poli- tics, and in exercising the right of suffrage selects the best man, regardless of party affiliations. His first purchase of land was 160 acres, and the next 125 acres, to which he h.as added at various times since until he now owns a wide extent, as above stated, all in a high state of cultivation and ex- cellently' improved. Mr. Vermil3'ea has made an w admirable success of his business and is a wealthy j:i man. His "(jod fortune is owing to his intelligence, in ■ »: 1 ability and admirable management of his affairs. :r'i ^ ■ i: 1 He is a very honorable man, and greatly esteemed ii by his friends and acquaintances. i^lMOTHY COBBS, of Prairie Township, is a resident on section 12. He was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 23, 1826, and is the son of Aiiselm and Ann (Coppock) SjJ Cobbs, wlio were united in marriage in 1825. ;,;} The former was a native of Virginia, and the latter s|[ was born near New Garden, Ohio. Anselm Cobbs |t removed with his parents to Ohio when a small i'j\ boy, and was inured to the hardships and labors of \'i\ farm life, and four times, during his early life, [1;} settled in the dense timber land of Ohio, and cleared up farms. He came to Iowa in the fall of 1864, and settled at New Sharon, where he kept H] hotel for a short time. He died in 1879, within three daj-s of his seventy-eighth liirthday. His wife died in Ohio in 1842. They were the parents of eight sons ;ind two daughters, six of whom are |Ei living. Timothj- Cobbs, the subject of this sketch, was the oldest child of the family. All his earl}' train- ing was upon the farm. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Cattell, a native of Mahoning County, Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph Sj and Annar (Shreeves) Cattell. Mr. Cobbs con- ^ tinned the occupation of farming in Ohio until the j'ear 1865, when he came to Iowa, aiid has since been a resident of Prairie Township. By his mar- riage six children have been born : Lavina, the wife of_ Christo(ilu'i- .1. Stanley; Annar, Mrs. Clark T. Roberts, and Catherine, wife of J. M. Teague, all reside in Washington County, Kan. ; Silas, Ollie and Tazetta are at home. In his political afflli.itions Mr. Cobbs is a Repub- lican, and his religious connection is with the ^ Society of Friends. He is the owner of ninety-five !•= i acres of land, adjoining the corporate limits of Ei New Sharon. His farm is in a high state of eulti- |:i vation, with all its improvements of the best char- acter. Mr. Cobbs is a man who never assumes a HHrjrjrjjrJdddl l JH33SESL vssEsm. {miiiiiimfmminmm Eg - };l - 1=1 l-iH^V^^ i ' tt-'jd MAHASKA COUNTY. '^^■ 359 I-;: virtue if he has it not, but pursues the even tenor [b? of his wa}', with the sul)limi' consciousness thnt liis chaniuter is made up of the strictest Integrity and uprightness of life, supplemented )iy the Ciiristi.-ui JiB graces. JAMES (;HACK, a successful farmer of Mon- roe Township, was l)orn in Kilkcnu}', Ire- land, ill tile year 1807. He came to America in 1821 and to Iowa in 1 8C.5, settlinj-- in Black Oak Township, this county. In 1843 he was married to Miss C'elia Holllngshead, a native of New Jersey. They are the parents of eight children : Philip lives in this township; Mary, Anna and Mar- garet are deceased ; James, Katie and Hattie reside at home ; Ellen is the wife of Henry Stringfellow. and resides in Adams Township. Politically Mr. C4race is a Democrat, and is a member of tiie Roman Catholic Church. His home farm consists of 200 acres of fertile land in an ex- cellent state of cultivation and well improved. He is an energetic, industrious and indefatigable worker, a man of a high order of intelligence, and a first-class manager of his affairs, and pfissessing these qualities has prospered fairly in life. As neighbor, citizen and friend, there are none who stand higher in the esteem of their acquaintances than Mr. Grace. --^st^ <^5>- -wx^ ENRY E\ELAND located on section 1, Jefferson Township, in 1853, and yet resides on the old homestead. He was bom in ^ Morgan County, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1828, and is a son of William and Hannah (Morris) Eve- land. His father was a native of New York and his mother of England. When twenty years of age William Evelaud, the father of the subject of this sketch, moved with his parents from New York to Morgan County, Ohio, where he lived twenty years and then moved to De Witt Count}', 111. While in Ohio he was engaged in the manufacture of salt, and after his removal to De Witt County, engaged in running a grist and saw mill. He died in 1845 at the age of forty -six years, his birth oc- curring Sept. 18, 1799. The mother of Henry died in 18(35 in Mahaska County, at the age of sixty-flve years. Henry Eveland was reared on a farm, and in his youth assisted his father in the farm work and in running the mill. At the age of twenty-five years he left Illinois and came to Mahaska County, and located on section 1, Jefferson Township, where he still resides. In the spring of 1865, he was married -a! i lli AJi K'Ti k B *»«««'ff« ■■■■■»-■ XXI 3ZXllJ1t III 11 CT»JV^ _ F^ -^ t^^^ HH? 860 MAHASKA COUNTY. 11 ti) Hiuldasah Campliell, a native of De Witt County, 111., and daughter of John and 'Slary Campbell. Her parents were early settlers of De Witt County, 111., having'located there about 1820. Her father died July 19, 1854, at the age of sixty years. Her ^^' mother died in 1855, at the age of fifty-one years. rjii jvxr. and Mrs. Eveland are the parents of six chil- jlx^ dren: William P. died aged two years; Charles, now at home ; Mary !Maj', now the wife of Edward Evans, of Jefferson Township; Dick and Nellie at home; Bird died March 11, 1873, aged fourteen years. Mr. Eveland is a member of the Masonic frater- nity. Among the local otliees he has held have been those ot^Township Trustee and Road .Super- visor. For eight 3'ears after coming to Mahaska County Mr. Eveland ran a ferry across the river near his residence. Success has crowned his efforts, and he is now the owner of 573 acres of fine land, nearly all of whichQis ^under'^improvement. He makes a specialty of fine draft horses of high grade. He also turns off about fifty head of hogs each year. He is a well-known and highlj' respected citizen of Mahaska^County and seems to enjoy life well. Mr. Eveland had two brothers in the late Civil War. Richard H. was in ;the 3d Iowa Infantry, and was killed July 22, 1864, at^the battle of At- lanta; Robert was in the" 18th Iowa Infantry, and served till the close'of.the war. ■•o»o.-@^,A^..o4o.. f AMES t). COFFEE, of Barnes City, was born in Rock Island County, 111., Sept. 5, 18G4. He came to Iowa with his parents and re- (^^7/ sided with them in Grundy County for sev- eral years, removing thence to the old home in Illi- nois, but staid there only a short time, coming thence to Mahaska County and settling in Pleasant Grove Township, where his father jjurchased eighty acres of land. The latter died April 20, 1884. His mother and brother John reside upon anil conduct the farm. James O. learned the art of telegraphy in 1883, and in the year 1884 received the appointment of vailway agent and telegraph operator at Harnes City. These positions he has filled to the entire acceptance of his superiors in authority, as well as to the patrons of the road in and about the station. He possesses an adaptati-P X z ami has made a success of his avt)e:itioii. lie pos- sesses those qualities which constitute a first-class citizen, and enjo3's the confidence and regard of liis acquaintances and friends. \f?AMf;s W. FINLKY, :i well-known citizen of Spring Creek Township, resides upon sec- tion 30, and is engaged in general farming ^^Jj and stock-raising. He was born in Guern- sey, now Noble County, Ohio, June 6, 18:i2, and is the son of Daniel and Nanc\- (Roe) Finley, the former a native of Shenandoah Valley, Va., and the latter of the eastern shore of Maryland. In childhood tliey were taken bj- their parents to Ohio, where they liecaine acquainted and were sub- sequeutlj- united in marriage. Ten children were l>orn of this union, tliree sons and seven daughters, of vviiom the three sous only are now living: .Tames W.. the subject of this sketch; Thomas M., a machinist of Ottumwa, Iowa; Samuel J., Principal of the public schools of (Quaker Citj', Ohi(». Daniel, the father of our subject, was by occupa- tion a farmer, and, moving to Ohio when the greater portion of the State was unoccupied terri- tory, he endured all the toils and privations of pio- neer life. He and his wife were consistent mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, respected and loved by all who knew them. Daniel Finley died Sept. .5, l.s(i'>, and his wife June 12, 18S;5. James W. Finley was the oldest child of tiie fam- ily', and as a matter of course, living upon a farm, he was soon made acquainted with the duties of a farmer's si>n. I'ntil nineteen years of age he as- sisted his father upon the farm in the summer and attended the district school in the winter. The winter following lus nineteenth birthdaj-, he went to Batesville, Ohio, and entered tiie High School there. The next summer he returned to the farm .■md assisted his father until winter, when he was >olicited to teach the school of his home district, wliere he had himself attended for so manj^ win- ters. Accepting the position, he filled it success- fully, and in the spring of 1853 entered Wittenburg College at Springfield, Ohio, attending during the spring and summer. In the winter of 1853-."j4, he r4 mm again taught a term of school in a district adjoin- h ing the first. Young Finley now desiring to see something more of the world, together witli a laudable ambi- tion of bettering his fortune, determined to visit! California, and in the fall of 1854 he made the trip to the New Eldorado, Viy way of the Isthmus of Panama, where he remained five years engaged in hj^draulic mining, in which he was fairly successful. He then returned tv his home in Ohio to visit his parents, with the intention of remaining but a few mouths. Init "the l)est laid schemes of mice and men gang oft aglee," saj's the poet Burns. On his arrival home he found his mother in delicate health, and for her sake he postponed his retuin to Cali- fornia, and finally abandoned the idea altogether. Up to this time Mr. Finlej' was "heart free," but believing it was not good for man to live alone, on the 19th da}- of November, 18G1, he was married to Elizabeth Jones, wdio was a native of Ohio, born Dec. 13, 1840, and the daughter of Thomas and Sabrah (Robinson) Jones. To them have been born eight children : Thomas D. died in infancy ; iSabrah F. died at thirteen years of age; Iowa I., INIary A. and .Samuel J. died in infancy' ; the others are Ann Liza, Carl \V. and Pearl M. After hi; marriage, Mr. F'inley engaged in farming in his na tive State for two ^-ears, and in the spring c)f 1864, ■]:. i] with his family, moved to Mahaska Count}-, and for J, j a few months was a citizen of Oskaloosa. While {p;j|i living in this city he was on the lookout for a good '^^i farm in its vicinity, and finding one to his satisfac- tion on sections 29, 31 and 32, .Spring Creek Town- ship, he purchased and moved on it in March, 1 865. His father dying in September following, as .f. already stated, Mr. Finley returned to Ohio to as- II!: sist in settling up the estate. He was appcjinted administrator, and knowing that it would take a long time to close it up, returned to Mahaska County in the spring of 1860, packed up and stored his household goods, rented his farm, and took his familj- back to Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1869. The business requiring his atten- tion now being satisfactorily .settled, he returned to his farm in Spring Creek Township. Mr. Fin- ley, in 1882, added to his original purchase eight}' acres on section 30, but adjoining the home il IT^llg '^ |-:t_t ji°f^ .j^p KfT^ "^Hg zxxxxxxxxx-z: T» »i V * X I Kipi X rzxx XIZZX3 z z x: inxm rxn tTTxnn I m H a^i!t 366 MAHASKA COUNTY. place. To the new farm he subsequentlj^ moved. The whole now consists of 240 ncres of excellent farming land, all of which is underlaid with a thick vein of bituminous coal of the best quality, and a shaft has been opened on the place. The land is well improved, and the buildings and other nuxil- iaries are of the best quality. Mr. Finley is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcojjal Church. Politically he is a Greenbacker. He keenl}- appreciates the demand of the country for constant watchfulness and protection against the frequent endeavors of the money power to control legislation. In his business of farming he has made a* success, and in his transactions with others he is honorable and upright, and enjoj's the respect of neighbors and friends. We herewith present excellent portraits of ]Mr. and Mrs. Finley, which will be viewed with pleas- ure by their friends, who are legion. -#^^ ^- A. HIMES, a well-known and highly re- spected resident of Garfield Township, was born in Pennsylvania in IiS4(J,and is a son of Jacob and Mary A. (Lamer) Himes, whose biography- appears elsewhere in this volume. Our subject came to this countj' in May, 1856, and settled on section .32 of Garfield Township, remain- ing there one year, thence removed to section 10, of Scott Township, where he remained three years, and then again to section 5, of Garfield Township, where he lived thirteen years. He then went to Adams County, in the western part of the State, and purchased a quarter section of laud, which he improved and lived upon from 1873 to 1877, when he came back to (iarfield Township and purchased the seventy-tive acres of land on section 4, where he now resides. Mr. Himes was married. Oct. 13, 187.i, to Sarah A. Dixon, daughter of Hon. John N. Dixon, whose ))iogTaphy appears elsewhere in this book. To them have been liorn two children: Mary Elizabeth, Sept. 30, 1«7(;, and John Jacob, April 10. 1878. Mr. Himes owns altogether •23.') acres of land, all of which is in cultivation. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the 3 [{ Masonic fraternit}-, belonging to Hiram Chapter No. S;}} 6. R. A. M. =; Mr. Himes and his estimable wife are highly re- it Bl garded wherever the circle of their acquaintance S[ extends. Theirs is a hospitable home, where exists a" plenty and to spare, and where the really needy a?ti ones are never turned empty away. He is an up- ji i right, honorable man in all his dealings in life, and b merits and receives in a superlative degree the ap- 2: pellation of a good citizen. I I 1 I 1 :1 r. I ,^RANKLIN P. BHEWER is the third son Sfl \U/L „* ir ^ ,T„1„., ,A,,..„.V TJ „.,,-, 5i| resides upon section 12, in Jefferson Town- Jii 11 and was reared upon his father's farm in Des gjii Moines Township. All the educational advantages |ii that he received were such as could be obtained in r i the common schools of this county. ii^ In 1876 ISIr. Brewer was united in marriage with s;;[j Miss Samantha Belle ^'^anee, a native of Wapello gji County, born March 9. 18;')7, the daughter Bradley and Louisa (Crenshaw) Vance yi of Harry and Helen (Adams) Brewer, and p resides upon section 12, in Jefferson Town ship. He was born in this county, Nov. 26, 1852 of Br I They S-i an have two children: Ernest Noble, born Aug. 16, 5:1 1877, and William Orville, March 29, 18,S0. W The homestead of our subject consists of 174 iw SI' 1 acres of land, 114 of which is under cultivation. Bji He moved upon his present farm in 187.S, where he GEi Q[: I has since continued to reside. In his farming op- Sfi erations he makes no specialty of any particular Bti line, but devotes his time to raising gxain and all p} kinds of stock which he may consider valuable. a|} Born and reared in this county, he has a particular Bw love for the same, and is in all respects a useful and worthy citizen. Mr. Brewer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, .and also of the 1. (). O. F. E. McDonald, of spring Creek Township, owns and occupies a pleasant home on sec- tion 10. He was born in Armstrong County, Pa., March 1, 1841, and is a st)n of Joseph and Ruth (Stephenson) IMcDonald, both of whom are f ixiznicn nxi'- 1?: 3E I II 1 :* if!: irfc UP 1$ iriS ll -. ■■■..■■. -,.. ■ ^iitTriTTn ). TTT TaTTTTTTITTI I. MAHASKA COUNTY. 367 IS natives of Peiinsj'lvania, and are of Scotch and German ancestry. Thej' left the Kej'stone State in 18.53, came to loiva and engaged in farming, and are yet living in this township, following that occu- pation. The subject of this sketch received careful home training and a common-school education, and after arriving at man's estate was married, Dec. 15, 187.5, to Mrs. Isabel (Greer) Sprowl, widow of Hugh Sprowl. By this marriage there have been three children — Walter H., Nelly M., and one child who died in infancy. Mr. McDonald's farm of fifty acres is mostly un- der fence, and he has a good house and other im- provements. Himself and wife are members of the United Presbj'terian Church. Politically he is a Republican of the stalwart order, but aspires to none of its emoluments or offices. He is at present serving as School Director in his district, which p(j- sition he fills in a creditable manner, and is regarded among those who know him best as an honorable, upright and conscientious Christian geutleman. ■ I i « J /^ OL. .lOHN LOPLAND has been a resident III ^ of Mahaska County for a third of a century, ^^^' during which time he has witnessed many changes, and has been an active factor in mau3' of the stirring events of the time. He is a native of the great Buckej'e State, the State that has given to the country such eminent men as Grant, (iarfield. Wade, Sherman, Corwiii, and others, and was born in Belmont County. .Ian. 10. lS3i). His father, .loseph Lortand, was a native of .Maryland, while his mother, Klizabeth (Lippincott) LoHand, was a native of Pennsylvania. Both emigrated to Ohio at a very early on section 2(). lie wa.'- Ijorn in Lagrange Count}', Ind., Aug. 14, 1844, and isasouof Loftns and .lane M. (.McCutciiin) Fox, natives of Ireland, tiic former born in Waterford and the lat- ter in l.ongford. They ranii' to this country .>oiiii after their marriage, and after slopping a simrt timi' in Ohio, settled in Lagrange Count}', Ind.. whcic the mother died about IS.'SO, the father surviving her aliout thirty 3'ears; he died in Pejjin County, Wis. The subject of our sketch, Loftns Fox, while yet a small boy, lemoved with his father to Pepin Count}', Wis., and grew to manhood on the farm, residing there until 1871, when he came to Iowa and purchased Kill .acres of raw prairie, which is still a part of his extensive f.arm. April 19, 187a, at Monmouth, 111., Mr. Fox w.as married to .Miss Emma Shuesler, a native of War- ren Count}', 111. They are the parents of five chil- dren — (ieorge, Alice Leota, ]\Iildred, Edward and Willie. Politically Mr. Fox is a Democrat, but takes no further interest in politics than to do his duty at the polls; he has never united with any re- ligious or secret society. He gives his entire atten- tion to stock farming, in which he has been unusu- ally successful, and owns 520 acres of splendid land, all of which is under cultivation and well im- proved. He is one of the largest stock-raisers in the county, and ranks annmg the heaviest tax-pay- ers. He gives close attention to his business, is prudent in the management of his affairs, and strictly honorable in his dealings, and is a man who enjoys to the fullest degree the confidence and re- spect of his friends. 'AMES M. DHENXAJs, of Prairie Township, residing on section 35, w.as born in County Down, in the North of Ireland. Nov. 17, / 1841, and is a son of William and Ellen (Henry) Dreiinaii. The father died in Ireland in 1855, and his widdw rnine to the United States in 1 sd.'i, l(>f;\ting in Dane County, Wis., and resided there until 18(;5, when she came to Iowa, settled in this county and remained until 1884, when she sold her farm and removed to Adams County, her i)res- ent home. James M., tin' >ubject of this sketch, is the oldest of .seven children. He came to the United .Stiites ill 1 8(il . locating in Dane County, Wis., where in IsCmS he was married to Flora (!etz, a ii.'itive of \\ isconsin. They are the parents of seven chil- cli'cii — lessie .May, .Sarah Anna. William E.. Jaiuo !,.. ( liarles Harry, (ieorge (>. and Clyde E. mm 1 -iiiriiiiiii ixn 1 ii-iiiiixurxu iiiriT iK xa xj Kf»-»"»»«jTTTy" E^ixx ;S5 370 MAHASKA rj JHHiturTJiztiiiiiniiiii-* J" e>sj^-^ ^ii COUNTY. The following are the name? of the brothers and sisters of Mr. Drennan who are yet living, all of whom are residents of Adams County, Iowa : W"M- iani ; Effie. wife of Joseph Septer; Joseph, David, and Robert. Mr. Drennan came to Iowa in 1 868, settling in Prairie Township, and at first purchased 1 60 aci'es of raw prairie land, to which additions have been made, until he now owns 240 acres of excellent land, all in a good state of cultivation and well im- proved. His buildings and other appurtenances are of the best quality, and specially adapted to his business, which is that of general farming and stock-raising, in the latter branch of which he has been quite successful, and has realized therefrom a considerable revenue. Mr. Drennan is systematic and thorough-going in his business. He is a man of great energy and in- dustry, and nn excellent manager. Personall}' he WM I is greatly esteemed as a man of strict integi'ity and ^^U very honorable in his transactions with everyone, Hj DJ and is numbered as one of the leading citizens of ' Prairie Township. Politicallj- he is a Republican, and has held several local offices in the township. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. ENJAMIN F. SH0P:MAKE, of Madison Township, is a native of this county, born Aug. 11, 1861, and is a son of Wesle}' and Elizabeth (Coffin) Shoemake. The father is a native of Iowa, born in Jefferson County in 1841, and removed with his parents to this count}' in 1843. The mother is a native of In- diana, born in lfS42. IMr. .Shoemake received his rudimentary education in the common schools, which was supplemented by two 3'ears' attendance at Penn College. Nov. 6, 1884. our subject was united in t3 marriage to Miss Cora Else, a daugkter of John .1. and Susanna (Gearhart) Else, for biographj' of whom see elsewhere in this volume. She was born 2. HHHg m Feb, 1868. Bj' this marriage there is one 1|i child. Wildia Grace, born Sept. 20, 1885. ri dJiria Politically Mr. Shoemake is an ardent Hepul lican. Himself and wife are members of the Church jh of (iod. Mr. .Shoemake occupies the position of ;:;i ■J'reasurer of his School District. He is the owner of 1011 acres of first class, highly cultivated and 2; well-improved land, and follows mixed farming, but S; makes a specialty of stock-raising, mostly hogs and gi; cattle. He is a young man of considerable push, ^l^ coupled with large intelligence and cap.ability. and is possessed <>f .i laudable ambition to make life a ^l success, and is prospering finely, thanks to tiie pru- dent management of his affairs. He merits and re- ceives the esteem of his numerous friends and ac- quaintances. ■^ ' ^^ ' y TJO^^fi.^ ■^ OHN .1. ELSE, a resident uf Madison Town- ship, was born in the State of Ohio, Oct. 6, 1 835, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Whitaker) Else, who were natives of Penn- sylvania. Our subject came to Iowa with his par- ents in the year 1852, lived with them until he had !>f} attained his majority, and then purchased some ^p lift land and Ijegan the business of life on his own ac count July 4, 1858, he was married to Miss -ij} Susan Gearhart, a daughter of Ezekiel and Susanna ;|i[ (Bateman) Gearhart, the former a native of Dela- -^n ware, and the latter of New Jersey. B3' this union there have been seven children: William is a resi- dent of Kansas; Eddie is deceased ; Minnie is the wife of W. Carroll, and lives in Nebraska; Cora is the wife of Frank Shoemake. of this township; E?| Lewis, Fred and Frank are living at home. The -'t* mother of these children died in April, 1873. and Mr. Else was again married, in 1879, to Miss Jen- nie Greene, a native of Illinois, born in 1845. By this latter marriage there .ire two children — John and Alfred. Politically Mr. Else is a Republican, and the present Treasurer of Madison Township. He is the owner of 765 .acres of land in this county, and 400 in AVashington County, Kan. His home farm is very fine land, in an excellent state of cultiva- jlj tion and well imijroved, and, while he engages in 3E general farming, makes a specialty of raising hogs jj; and cattle, lie brings to the discharge of the busi- EH33aa HiiTTrril ' ness of life a high order of intelligence and ability, has prospered well, and is not only one of the best fanners of that section, but also in the county. lie is a high-minded, honorable citizen, of the strictest integrity, and fully deserving of the esteem :iiid confidence in which he is generally- held. ijjS Anna (Hassigg) .Smith, were :dsu natives of (ier- Ji| many. In 1,h2.s the family cmigiatcil to the Tnited ^- States, first locating; in SUnk County. Oiiio, where tlu'V rcmaiiRil until is.'lT. removin'; ilurini;- thai T'AH(.)N MIDOLKTON, a retired farmer of Pleasant Grove Township, was boni in the State of New Jersey, Feb. 15, l.silil. In the year 1 .Soo he came West to Iowa, set- tling in Scott Count3', where he resided for sixteen years, then came to Mahaska County, locating in Pleasant (Jrove Township, and bought his present farm of ItU) acres, which he has brought to au ex- cellent stiite of cultivation, and upon whicli the im- provements are of the best class. In Februar3', 184(1, Mr. Middleton was married U) Miss Deborah Stearns, which union has been blest by the birth of the following children: Zach- ary T. is at home; Ellen is the wife of H. Chandler, and lives in Kansas; Deborah is the wife of Martin Nolen. and resides in New .Tersey; Samuel died in 1K5(). Politically Mr. Middleton is a Republican. His life has been fairly- successful, and in his advancing years he is living in comparative ease because of the labors of his early days, and his careful and prudent management of his affaii's. As a citizen, friend and neighbor he enjoys the high esteem of a large circle of friends, and can look back over his past life with the reflection that there is no jjage of all its record that he desires to have ei-ased. ^OHN H. SMITH, residing on section 21, Black Oak Tc»wnship, is one of the pioneers of 18.51. He is a native of .Vlsace, (ierman}', born -.Ian. 22, 1 82(;. lli> parents, .lohn and fe; mm year to Elkhart County, Ind. They were thus pioneers in two States, and have lived to witness the great changes that have occurred in those com- mn wealths. The father died inl.s78, aged seventy- eight. The mother still lives in Elkhart Countj', at the ripe old a^e of eightj'-two years, having been born April HI. 1805. There were six children in the family, ail born in the United .States except John II. ; Of the number three arc ^et living: John II.; Margaret, wife of Michael Hoover, residing in Ca.ss County, Mich., and George, now living on the home farm in Elkhart County, Ind. John II. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and received only a common - school education. In 1848 he was united in nuir- riage to Polly S. Hennett, a native of .Stark County, Ohiii, born Sept. 25, 1830. by whom lu' has had six children: Eleanor J., Ephram, Ira; Izora, wife of Reason Ryan; George W., and Florence E.. wife of Frank Porter. In 1849, in company witii his wife's father, Mr. Smith come to Iowa and entered land in Black Oak Township, and in 1851 moved here with his family. At this time the coun- try was new and all the hardshiits and i)rivations of pioneer life had to be endured. There were no railroads in the State and all produce was hauled l(jng distances to reach a market. An inventory of his possessions when he settled in this county footed up as follows: Eighty acres of raw land, a team of horses, an old lumber wagon, and $54 in cash. But above all he had good health, strong arms, a resolute will, and a wife who was truly a helpmeet. Thej' determined to succeed, and to that end bent all their energies, and success has crowned their ef- forts. They now possess one of the best farms in .Mahaska County, comprising 330 acres of land, all jii;:, I! of which is under cultivation save ten acres, which ^fijl! is timber. Their present commodious residence 93f=ii was erected in 18G8-G9, and is among the ttnestfarin residences in the SUite, costing $8,350. It is a two- story frame structure, 40x42 feet in size. To each of his children arriving at the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Smith lias given $3,750 in cash or its equivalent in land, thus giving them a good start in life. With the example of their parents l)efore them, and inheriting their energy and thrift, it is nut to be ilonlited tluil each one will in time, add iisa I "*':tar 3SsfS rrxxixii rTTnirxn nnix miiT-'' l?at 372 MAHASKA COUNTY. iixixxxxjTxrrtrrxnrirrrmrruK ' tjgJlj g; r: ii to his or her possessions, and be ranlced among- the thrifty and enterprising pehall wax and wane he will have passed to that bourne whence no traveler returns, and as he has enjoyed the respect and confidence of his friends in his life he will be jileasantly re- membered b}- them when lie shall have passed off the stage of action. ■^ )>'ILLIAM F \aJ// blacksmith WW Township. ILLIAM F. NEWBOLD is a farmer and th. living on section 7, Cedar ship. He was born in Switzerland County, Ind., Jan. 24. 1844, and is the son of George and Martha (Burnes) Newbold, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Kentucky. They came to this county in 1851, and both are now retired from active labor, making their home with their son. William F. Newbold was married, Oct. 23, 1864, to Eliza J. Davidson, a daughter of Daniel and Keziah (Brubaker) Davidson, who are residents of Kirkville, Wapello Co., Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. New- bold are the parents of five childreii — Annette, George, Horeuce, Fred and Minnie. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Newbold is a Greenbacker, and has held the RHHHH 3^ i V I I El El . ---0,11 r '4 LLJLI 1.1X^1 mm m MAHASKA COUNTY. 373 v.'.i 4 \i IS ii Ip l-lS i;s Ilia VE 1 1 i; i; 5| IE Ills • la I* \\ i: I k \& i^c i:iP i^e IS I ;c us uc li He ir 1., i i:| 1 office of School Director. He i,« the owner of eighty acres of good hiiirl, all of whicli is iinrier cul- tivation, has good house and l)arn, cribs, granaries and other buildings. He is the patentee of the Newbold I'otato-I'Ianter, vvhicli is patented in this countrj" and Canada. It is a very ingenious ma- chine, and perforins accurately and rapidly the work for which it was dcsigiicil. In the sale of machines and territory he is meeting with marked success, and it is the opinion of those who have witnessed the operation of this machine that it is a veritable bonanza, and will prove a source of wealth to its owner. ENJAMIX TKUEBLUOl). of U^kaloosa. President of Penn College and Professor of 5yj)|i Mental and Moral Science, is the son of Joshua and Esther (Parker) Trueblood, born in Saleni, Ind., Nov. 25, IS47. His father, a native of North Carolina, born March 25, lt<15, was a farmer bj' occupation, and now resides in Tonganoxie, Kan. The mother is a native of Aza- lia, Ind., was born in 1819. and died in Plainfield, Ind., in March, IS84. The parental family con- sisted of six children, of whom the record is as fol- lows : The first child died in infancy ; Erastus died at the age of eight 3ears; Benjamin, our subject, was the third in order of birth; Alpheus is a minis- ter of the Society of Friends and Pastor of the church at Amboy, Ind.; William P. is an educator; he graduated from Earlham College, Richmond, Ind., in 1875, and is now Principal of the Friends' Academy at Tonganoxie, Kan.; Hannah A. became the wife of Milton Schoole^', a fanner of Hendricks County-, Ind. The boyhood days of the subject of our sketch were passed upon the farm and in attendance at the common schools. At the age of seventeen he en- tered upon a course of study at tiie Friends' Acad- emy at S.alcm. Washington Co., Ind., receiving his preparatory- course previous to entering Earlham College. In this institution he took a classical course, graduating therefrom in 1S(;;), in tiie mean- time lieing engaged as Princi|)al of a Friends' Academy, which position he retained for two years before gr.adu.'iting. He subsiMpicutly liccame Prin- cijial of Raisin A'alley Seminary, a piduiinent insti- tution of the Friends at Adrian, Mich. After tlic termination of his engagement here he returned to the college from which he had graduated, as Pro- fessor of English Literature, Jind was iicic for two years. In 1S7;>, upon the opening of i'enu College, Prof. Trueblood was tendered the chair of Pif all the prosperity that has attended him in the EOKGE LIEURANCE, of Monroe Town- in Clinton County, Ohio, in ed there with his father un- til 1836, when the family removed to and settled in U'arren County, 111. He came to Mahaska in 1844, and .June 26 of that year was muted in marriage to Miss Amanda Jared, born in Kentucky in 1827. l)eing the first couple married in the county. They are the parents of four children : Cynthia E. is the wife of John Witt, and lives in this township; Antlrew J. is at Neosha Falls, Kan.; Jo- seph M. lives in Stafford County, Kan.; Calvin U. is at home. (ieorge Lieurance served in the late war for a period of twelve months as First Lieutenant of Co. C, 40th Iowa \'ol. Inf., when by^ reason of sickness he resigned his conimissit)n and came home. He is a member of the A. F. it A. M. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Eiiiscopal Church. Immediately following his marriage INIr. Lieurance came to Iowa and settled in Monroe Township, this county. His home farm consists of 2 42 acres of l)ast, or may fall to his hit in the future. In every respect an estimable citizen, most iionondile and (jf the strictest integrity, he is highly regarded by a very large circle of acquaintances. ^THy\ENJAMIN CKUZEN, of Madison Town- '^< ship, was born in (Jreene County, Ohio, April 24, 1 «4,'). He is a son of Hervey and Asenath (Walthall) Cruzen, who were mar- ried in 1832. The former was a native of (ireene County, Ohio, born .Ian. 2i), 1801, and the latter was a native of \'irginia, born in 18l."i. She died Nov. 29, 1859, and her husband July 2S, l!S8(). Hervey Cruzen, father of the suljject of this sketch, came to this county March 8, 1849, and at his death was lesiding upon the farm first purchased by him upon coming into this county. He was a man closely and honorably identified with the be.st development of its growth. From the date of his residence here, down to the hour of his decease, he was known as a man w'hose whole life was imbued with rigid, old-fashioned, honest work and ways. In his immediate neighborhood, no man was more easily prompted to do a kind act, or to heed the demands that pioneer life or later days could make. Of the children born to him, all are living, and are honored residents of this State. The latter years of his life were not blest with vigor- ous health, and he suffered much, yet he did not give up the struggle, and was seemingly as bright and hopeful as in his younger days, yet he fell at the ripe age of seventy -six years, as the ripened grain falls before the sickle of the reaper, and was followed to his last resting-place, in the Pomeroy Cemetery, west of this city, by a large concourse of friends, and was laid away to his peacefid rest, ac- i rording to the beautiful ritual of the .Masonic fra- ! tiTuity. of which he was an honored niendjer. ; Tile subject of this sketch came to Iowa with his parents, and remained upon the lK)me farm until he was seventeen years of age, when the war began, and he left the plow in the furrow, enlisting in Co. !•;, M;')d Iowa \'ol. Inf.. and served his country faithfullv for llucc y^•ar^. With his regiment he (larlicipated in many of the important engage- ai ^HStI VrJrJ_.JrJM 1 UlTnflIlll ll TTTTTTTrTl^ftflQ^f|g , a MAHASKA COUNTY. 1| ments in the Mississippi Valley, and for nine .; months and twenty-five days of his enlistment was 5 eoiilined in a loathsome rebel prision in the Soutli. After his discharge from tlu' service, at the ex- piration of Ills term of enlistment, Mr. C'rnzen re- turned to his home in this county, ;ind Oct. \i. 1866, was nnirried to Miss Harriet .M. L.nmborn, a native of Knox County, Ohio, wlio w.'is hoiii March 6, 1850. By tliis union there have been four chil- dren: Marion, who is a member of Camp Rice Sons of Neterans, and resides in Nebraska; Cora, John L. and C'arlton reside at home. Mr. Cruzen is a memlier of Phil Kearney Post, # -V- i¥r^ ILLIAM PEARSON, .Ik„ who is succe.ss- eugaged in market gardening in Prai- Township, is a son of William and i|| Catherine Pearson, whose biography will be found IS? elsewhere in this book. He was born in Loeran 1 'I i^s Countv. Ohio, July 8, 1835, and came with the lis family to Iowa in 1850, He was reared to farm i=s life, and in Jauuarj', 1858, was married to Miss Hij Oulielma Kees, a native of Morrow County, Ohio, i;ic and born Sept, 21, 1837. i:i After his marriage our subject resided in .Mar- i ijS shall Count}-, Iowa, for two years, and then coming j to this county settled on section 24, Prairie Town- ship, where he owns sixty acres of land, and for the past three ^-ears has given his entire attention to the cultivation of snnill fruits and vegetai)les, dispos- ing of his produce at New Sliaron. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are the parents of two children: Catherine M., who died in the seventh year of her age, and William T. Politically Mr. }! j Pearson is a Republican, and has served as Town- ili ship Clerk and Trustee. Religiously he allillates ■ witii the .Society' of Friends. In 1 878 our subject became a»st>ciated in part- nersldii with A. (). Page, under the lirn; name anil style of Page & Pearson, and the}^ built a planing- miil at New Slnnou, which the}' operated for two years, since wliich time Mr, Pearson has given his attention exclusively to market gai-dcning. He is one of the most woitliy citizens of Prairie I'own- [ ■'^'^ .ship, and enjoys in :\ niarlved degree the regard of } his friends and acquaintances. KNRY S. STRIMiFKLLDW, a resident of Adams Township, is a native of Owen County, Ky., and was I)orn April H, 1843. When a boj- of ten years he came with his parents to Iowa, settled in JIahaska Count}', and has resided here continuouslj' since, following the occupation of farming. Dec, 4, 1 873, he was united in marriage with Miss Eleanor (irace, a native of Illinois, born April 25, 1846. To them three chil- dren have been born: Alonzo, Dec, 20. 1875; Grace, April 28, 1877; Edward, Feb. 7, 1884. Mr. Stringfellow is a member of the Ma.sonic fra- ternity, and attiliates with Triluminar Loilge at Oskaloosa. His political relation is with the Dem- ocratic i)arty. He is the owner of 120 acres of ex- cellent land, which he has brought to a good state of cultivation, and upon which the improvements are of the better order. Mr. .Stringfellow has been fairly successful in life, and has brought to the dis- charge of the duties incident to his calling, ability of a superior order, combined with good jutlgmcut and excellent management. In the social relations of life he is a man enjoying the confidence and es- teem of his neighbors, friends and acquaintances generallv. EONIDAS R, THOMP.SOX, proprietor of ^ 200 acres of v;dual>le land on section 13, _ ^ Des .Moines Township, was born in .Madison Count}', Ky,, in 1822. and is a sou of .lohu and Klizabeth (.Story) Thompson. The former died in 1857, and the latter in 1861, both having reached the age of seventy-five years. When aliout fifteen years of age Mr. T. aceoni- panieil his parents to Mimroe County, Ind., where y i 1 376 MAHASKA COUNTY. ■Jtoii ;in(l Clay (twins), Ellen and Fivd. Clifton (lied Fob. 14, l.S.sa, luiviau lu't-n kiileil in a coal- his father purchased an unimproved farm and was numbered among the earliest settlers of that county. For twelve years the subject of this sketch made this his home, in the meantime learning the trade of a brick-mason, wiiieh he followed until the breaking out of the ^Mexican War, when he enlisted, June !l, l.s4<;, in Co. A, od Ind. Vol. Inf., and served thirteen months, his regiment being attached to the brigade of Gen. Joe Lane. The principal engagement in which he participated was that of the battle of Buena Vista. At the close of the war he took ship on the lower Rio Crande for New ()r- ^pljj leans, where he was mustered out. Thence he went hi up the Ohio and Mississijjpi Rivers to ^Madison, " Ohio, where he landed in Julj, 1 847. While en route jjj: the Star .Sj)angied Banner was sunk from running m onto a snag, and Mr. Thompson, with otliers, was I compelled to swim ashore, 'i'went^' of the passen- ^^M\ gers were drowned, tlie remainder being rescued hi Jji by the Old Missourian, a large steamer, wiiich took Kj ! them back to Baton Rouge, where the}' had to re- ^i main three days before they could secure another steamer for np the river. Mr. T. Anally took passage on the Swallow, which landed him at Mad- ison. After returning home our subject resumed his trade, at which he continued to w-ork until the spring of 1 .s4,S, wlieu he came to Mahaska County and located his war claim. lie only remained here, however, until the "20th of JMay vf that jear, when, on account of scarcitj' of work, ho returned to In- diana, where he staitl until the fall of IS.jO, when he again came to Mahaska Count}', and began im- provements on his homestead in Des Moines Town- ship. Mr. Thompson was married, in Fel)ruar3', l,s.j3, to Miss Kmily Miller, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Daniel and Jane (Dull) Miller, natives of the same estate. Two children were born of this union — Jane, now the wife of Samuel Kitt, of Nebraska, and Emily, who died in l.s7.'5. Mrs. Tliomi)son died in 18.).'), and Mr. Thompson was again united in marriage, in 18.JG, to Miss Dorcas Morgan, a ua- jjtive of Kentuck}-, and daughter of Alex Morgan. By this union there were five children — John, Clif- ad -*- DYE, who is residing on section 8, Har- rison Township, was born in \\'est ^'irgiuia, 3i bank by a fall of slate; Clay is engaged in fanning in Sullivan County, Mo.; Ella is tlie wife of (Jreen Berry; Fred died in 1880. The farm of Mr. Thompson is mostly coal land. He has a coal-bank which he thinks was tlie lirsl bank opened out in Mahaska County, in 1848, and this he has continued to operate since that time, lie has also another bank, opened out in 188.j, which contains a vein of coal from four and a half to five feet thick. About 50,000 tons are mined each year. These command a large local trade, s§i the greater part of the coal being used for home 3;:i consumption. In addition to his niining o[)era- tions Mr. Thompson carries on general farming and stock-raising. In early life Jlr. Thompson was a Whig, atliliat- ing with that party while it continued to exist, since which time he has been a standi Republican. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 3^W 3:1 m ■V^-- ris ^\ Sept. o, 1846, and is a son of George R. ^^and Rachel (Orfett) Dye, also natives of the above State, where the}' still reside. The sub- ject of this sketch, R. W. Dye, came to Mahaska County in 18G'J, and on the Dth day of P'ebruar}', 1873, was married to Miss Orlena Baughman, the daughter of A. J. and Mary (Carpenter) Baughman, natives of Ohio, who were farmers in this county for a number of years, but who now reside in the city of Oskaloosa. By this union there were three 3e children: Emma G., born Aug. 31, 187G; Edna F., Dec. 14, 1877, and Mabel C, May G, 1881. Mr. Dye has an admirable farm of 109 acres, all of which is inider cultivation and has tirst-class im- provements of all kinds. In addition to general farming he is engaged in stock-raising to a consid- erable extent, giving his attention particularly to cattle, horses and hogs. Devoting his leisure hours to study and thought Mr. Dye has invented and patented a combined movable feed rack and trough, adai)ted to horses, cattle and sheep, which is said by those most Competent to judge lo be an in- vention of great utility. In the sale of territiiry. i IS B i n 1 -A I 1 1 1 iu r KrFTT'^ I ilUrixixiiix^HxT'riixixxTr Pir'r'r'r'rl li ii >3§ 1: is: 15, la IS 1 3 1 i$ 1 IHS and privileges for farms, counties and States, he is makiiii;- many excellent sales, and wherever the Siiine has been introduced and tested bj- practical men it is highly commended. The variety in liis business, and the success which has attended it, demonstrate clearly that Mr. Dye is a man of more than ordinary ability in every way. lie is a pleasant gentleman, both in social and in business life, and his home is one of hospitality and good cheer. Personally he enjoj's the regard of a large circle of acquaintances. MAHASKA COUNTY. -eaefi?®-^;' -x-SI-Swraa*-- BRAHAM MILLER, of Richland Town- ship, is the eldest son of (Teorge and Sarah an attiiek of cerebro spinal meningitis when but five years old, has entirely lost his speech. The mother of this child died in the year If^ds, and in I mi;:! Mr. M. married Susan E. Turner, a native of Maiyland, and a daughter of James and Martha liirucr. In ])olities INIr. Miller is a Democrat, but has no aspirations for political honor or preferment, lie was made a Mason at West liberty, Ohio, in ls4(), and is now a member of Central Lodge No. 3.S8, at Peoria, of which he was one of the charter members, and for several j'ears its Treasurer. Mr. Miller owns 2H(H acres of laud, iOO of which are well improved and under excellent cultivation. His principal occupation is that of stock-raising, and in this he has been reniarkablj- successsfid, and is numbered among the well-to-do and highly re- spected farmers of the county. In all the relations li (^Brown) Miller. He was born in Stark Conn- of life Abraham .Miller will measure up to the full ty, Ohio, Jan. l.s, 1.S24. He removed with his father's family to Mediua Conntj". and afterward to Logan Count\', Ohi Kliznbeth Johnson, a na- tive of ^'irginin. Mr. Laughlin has been Township Trustee several terms and held the office of Justice of the Peace for two j'ears. He is a member and Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church at Olivet. He came to Mahaska County before the land was put upon the market, and when there were less than seventy houses in the county, and the changes of all these years have been made under his observation. Then no school-houses, churches, costly residences, ample barns, no railroads, telegraph or telephone lines spajined these broad acres and in fact, few, if any, evidences of civilization existed, while now the prairies blossom as the rose, and the fertile acres yield an abundance and to spai'e. One bows al- most with reverence in the presence of a pioneer of nearly half a century, and envies him what his eyes have seen and his ears have heard of the sketches and incidents of his early days. ^•# RS. ANNA LAMONl), a resident of Union Township, and the widow of John Lamond, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, June 26, 1830. She came with her husband to America in 185!), first settling in Ashland Countj-, Ohio, for one year, and then came to lovva and liveil in Poweshiek County for three j'ears; thence came to this county, settling on section 1 of this township for twenty-nine years, and then moved to her present home. She was married to John Lamond in Scotland, May 22. 1847, and to them were born eight chil- dren : William, Mary A. and Jlargaret J. are de- ceased ; George C. married Miss Lacey Foster, and ives in Poweshiek County; Ann Jilizabeth is the wife of Miles Bradl)iiry, and lives in this town.ship; Mattie G. is the wife of William Smith, of this township; John K. married Miss Bertha Holt, and lives at home; Charles A. and James A. are at FJi home. The father of the.se children died Aug. 14, s 1881. i Mrs. Lamond is a member of the Presbyterian li Chureh. She is the owner of 160 acres of land in a a splendid state of cultivation, with improvements | of the best character, and manages the farm with S consummate skill, proving herself a successful farmer. She is a lady universall}' respected and esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances. RTHUR HP:NRY C0WLES,M. IX, of New Sharon, was born in Pella, Marion Co., Iowa, July 3, 1 859. His father, Edward C. Cowles, was a native of Delaware, Ohio- He was trained to a mercantile life, and was en- gaged in business for mauy years in his native town. But reverses came and he went to Califor- nia to regain his losses, and in this particular was successful. On his return from California in 1857, he came to Iowa, and settled at Pella, becoming one of the pioneer merchants of that place, and for years carried on one of the largest mercantile es- tablishments of that city, and controlled a large and profitable trade. He became tired of bachelor life, and in 1858 was united in marriage with Catherine Snyder, who was born in Indiana in 1837. By this union there were two sons — Arthur H. and Edward James. Mr. Cowles died Dec. C, 1861, soon after which his widow removed to Oskaloosa, and there reared her two sons. In 1881 she was united in marriage with J. M. Woods, and has since resided in New Sharon. The early life of Dr. Cowles was spent in attend- ing the public schools at Oskaloosa, supplemented l>y a term of two years at Penn College. In 1878 he began the studj' of medicine, with Dr. J. L. Coffin as Preceptor, and continued with him for two j'cars. In 1880 he entered the homeopathic department of the .State Universit}- at Iowa Cit\-, and one year later the Hahnemann Medical College in Chicago, from which institution he graduated in 1882, and immediately afterward located at New Sharon. When he located at New Sharon the ^1 lHa:i CJHBEEii Li^iS^Sh -iixixtxnxzxxxxiiixxxizl iusxi^^iWiriit'iunx ^^^^ MAHAvSKA COUNTY. .17 homeopathic practice was in bad repute, there hav- ing never been a graduate of that .-ichool of medi- cine in the place. Imt Dr. Cowles soon overcame the prejudice, gained the confidence of the people, and is now enjoying a good practice. He is a luemlier of tlie Masonic fraternity, also of the Iowa Hahnemann Association. I •>-;:!-"«» S? LTHER HOFFMIRE, deceased, was born in I ^ Knox County. Ohio, Aug. is, 1821, and jlL;!^ died at his home in Xew Siiaron, Sunday, May 9, l«8(j, having been a resident of tliis county since May 12, Ifi.j.i. His early life in Ohio was passed on the farm, and here he grew to maniiood. For many years he traveled over that .State, en- gaged in the sale of farm implements, manufactured at the Ohio Penitentiarj', and this l)eing prior to the days of railways, he used the old-fashioned four and six horse wagon in order to carry a large supply of goods. lie was also engaged there for many years in the buying of wool. In the year 1850 Mr. Hoffniire was united in marriage with Ann J. Kirk, a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County. Mr. ami .Mrs. lloffraire became the parents of six children, three of whom died in infancy, and one at the age of eighteen ^•ears. The living children are: Thomas T., a resi- dent of this county; Harriet J., now the wife of Dr. .M. (i. Hart, of Chicago, and an adopted daugh- ter, Lulu M., is a member of the family. Mrs. Hoffmire still survives, and resides in this county. \Vheu the famih- first came to this county they settled in Adams Township, and engaged in farm- ing for three j'ears, and then removed to Union Township, residing there until 1874, when the farm of 201) acres was rented, and thej' removed to New- Sharon. During his residence on the farm, Mr. Hoffmire studied law^ and was admitted to the bar. and after coming to New Sharon gave his attention entirely to legal matters. In the year 1880, his health lia\ing become S(miewhat impaired, he made a tri|) to Kansiis, the family remaining at New Sharon, and while there was admitted to the bar of that .State and practiced law one year, then re- turned to his home. ,\ll his life Mr. Hoffmire was a very active poli- tician. In his earlier days he was an old-line Whig, and a delegate to the convention in Ohio which nominated John .Sherman for Congress the first time. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and in 1 8.')(i ca.^t his vote for .lohn ('. Fremont for Presi- dent, and from that time until his decejtse w-as a stanch supjjorterof the Republican i)arty. He held the office of Justice of the Peace in this county foi' twenty-four years, and was Ma3'or of New .Sharon eight terms. He was a man of excellent legal judgment, and his decisions were never reversed. He possessed nianj' excellent traits of character, and these made for him numerous friends and ad- mirers. RA BARR, engaged in general mei'chandising at Fremont, is a a native of Tnscaniwas Count}', Ohio, and was born June (J. 1837, being the son of Daniel and Mary .M. (Stonebaker) Barr. The parents removed from Ohio to Perry Countj'. 111., in 1849, remaining there until their death, that of the father occurring in 18.i7,and his wife's in 18o-l. Daniel Barr followed the occupation of farming and milling, being an industrious man and a good citi- zen. The subject of this sketch, after reaching years of manhood, was married in 18.57, to Miss Nar- cissa J. Saunders, who was born in William.son County, 111., Sept. 11, 1834, .and is the daughter of William and V.U/.a (Arnold) Saunders. Her father was born in Fhiladelphia. Pa., and her mother in North Carolina. The former died in Williamson County, 111., aliout the year 184.i. and the mother resides with the subject of this sketch. Mr. anil Mrs. Barr became the parents of three children Charles M., Kroni T. and Lettie A., tlie first two being deceased. Ira Barr emigrated from Ohio to the northwest- ern jiart of Mis.souri in 18,56, where he followed teachiii.ii' >" t'lf" "inter and farming in the summer. In the fall of 18U1 he left Missouri and coming to \Vapello County, Iowa, operated a farm one j'ear, and in the spring of 1873 came to his present loca- tion. He is the surviving member of the old firm m ixjiLXixiixxxixiixiiixi I V: in '=!5 ■LXj-irxiitiJixnuxntyjirTTi t •-I I zi mixi rxirtinxTTJ rm trrzti-t arruirxm^ jj^w. 380 MAHASKA COUNTY. of Ban- (fe White, the Intter deceased, so long and favorably known in that section of the county in the business of general merchandising. He carries a well-selected stock of about $3,000 worth of goods, is enjoying a good trade, and deserves un- limited prospeiit}-. As a !)usiness man and citizen, he is honorable and upright, honest in his dealings with his patrons, personally and socially a genial gentleman, and enjoys the cDiifidenee and regard of a host of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Barr are members of the Cliristian Church. In his political affiliations our subject is Republican, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace ami Sciiool Director. i(^\AI>ENTINE REDLINGER. of Pleasant Grove Township, was born in Prussia, July ^ 27, 11^48, and emigrated to America April 0, 1S67. In the year 1868 he came to Iowa and settled in Keokuk Count}^ where he resided for nine years, then came to his present location in Pleasant Grove Township, and purchased eightj' acres of land, which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved. Sept. y, lf^74, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Planter. Thej' are the parents of eight chil- dren — Inger, jMathies, Nick, John, Katie, Peter, Valentine and Anna. The two latter arc twins. Politically Mr. Redlinger is a member of tiie Dem- ocratic i)arty, a man well versed upon [xjlitical topics, and one of tlie leading minds in that politi- cal organization in his section of the county. He is a careful, prudent manager of his business mat- ters, and is prospering fairly as a farmer. Per- sonally he enjoys the contidence and regard of neighbors and friends. '^m- 'Wl V. ELLSWORTH, of aionroe Township, I (^ was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, June jlL^ 23, 1823. and came to Iowa in 18C4. June 1, 1845, he was married to Miss Mary Oglebay, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in 1829. By this marriage there have been eleven children: Celestia J. is the wife of William Shaw, of Union Township; Sarah A', is the wife of R. G. Okey, of 3;[i this township: Caroline is deceased: James W. ~'~i lives at Rose Hill; Sevellen H. is at home; MarySftjj P. is the wife of Henry Williamson, and resides in gi Illinois; LeRoy W., Elmer E., Clara C, J^aurian V C. and Alberta A. are at home. H-fi Mr. Ellsworth has been a practicing physician g.^ for forty-two j'ears, and a local preacher in the g] i Methodist Episcopal Church since 1848. He was S' |^ ordained a Deacon in March, 1864, and an Elder ;^j in 1868. He is also a member of the Masonic fra- E |: ternity at Oskaloosa. He represented this county ; 3-! in the Fourteenth ( ieneral Assembl}' of Iowa in the c years 1873-74. He at that time affiliated with the Republican party, but disagreed with them on their financial policy, and has since become a member of the National Greenback partj', of which he is the acknowledged leader in this county. He owns eighty acres of excellent land, in good cultivation ?-t| and well improved. ffi Tlie Doctor is a gentleman of fine ability, pro- m fessionall}' and otherwise. He is a gentleman pos- sessing a high sense of li family to Oskaloosa, remain- ing in this city during the winter, and locating in the spring on his (jrescnt farm in iScott Township, which he has since cultivated and finely improved. He wa.s married. Oct. 2, 1842. to Miss Mary M. Myers, a native of Ohio, born near Circleville, Pickaway County, in 1 826. They became the par- ents of eleven children, as follows: Elmore, born Oct. 10, 184;}, lives in Scott Township; Damaretta, born in Ohio, Dec. 27, 1844, is the wife of Sanford Graham, of Black Oak Township; Hannah Vaughn, born Nov. 12, 1846. in Ohio; Beverly, born in Ohio, July 30, 1849, died in Mahaska County, Jan. 7, 1854; George Jacob, born in Carroll County, Ohio, March 3, 1851, is living at home; Isaac M., born May 22, 1853, is in Reno, Kan.; Mary M., born Jan. 22, 1855, is the wife of Jasper Olney, and resides in Marion County, Iowa; Richard V., born Dec. 8, 185G, resides in Scott^Township, this county; Hettie, born Feb. 11, 1858,'Charles Will- ard, April 21, 1861, and Cora Jane, Aug. 3, 1869, are at home; Sarah Ida, born Feb. 24, 1865, died June 25, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject has served as Justice of the Peace several terms, and has also been a member of the Count}' Board of Supervisors two terms, discharging the duties of this latter posi- tion in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He is systematic and thorough in all his undertakings, and pursues mixed farming, raising large numbers of horses, cattle and hogs. He has been prospered in life, and is in comfortable circumstances. He is widely and favorably known as conscientious and upright in all his dealings, a man of integrity and of in- fluence in the community where he resides. 11 M ml W>ILLIAM BOYD, a farmer and stock-grower on section 20, Cedar Township, was born „ „ in Guernsey County, Ohio, Jan. 17,1836, and is the son of James and Jane (Spear) Boyd. James Boyd removed from Ohio to this county in the fall of 1852, and is now living a retired life one mile south of Oskaloosa, where his wife died in 1871. Mr. Boyd was born in County Down, Ireland, and his wife in Ohio. The subject of this sketch was married, Oct. 5, 'ji'::[j| 1865, to .Sarah E. Warner, wlio was born Oct. 2», .^^ 1846, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Cook) ^ Warner, and to them have been born five children: Mary E., Dora F., James P., Xellie N., and Jessie E., the latter deceased. Mr. Boj'd enlisted in Co. K, 33d Iowa Vol. Inf., in August, 1862, serving for three years. He en- listed as a private, was promoted Corporal and made Color-bearer of the regiment, which position he held for eighteen months, and carried the flag during the first tight at Helena July 4, 1S03, and ri rxxrrjTl>Tl -% 382 MAHASKA COUNTY m m m again at the taking of Little Rock in tlie fall of LSGo. He was with his commanrl on the expedi- tion to Camden and all its vai'ious battles, inclnd- ing that of Jenkin's Ferry, and thence down the Mississippi to New Orleans; was at the taking of Mobile, thence followed his command to the Rio (irande River, and thence to New Orleans, where the regiment was mustered out and sent to Daven- port, Iowa, paid off and disbanded. Mr. Boyd and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and in his political affiliations he is a Republican, and now holding the office of Township Assessor. Mr. Boj'd owns seventy-seven acres of gof Cedar Township, now residing on section 32, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Fell. .'(, 1 842, and is the son of Daniel and Keziah (Brubaker) Davidson, who came to this county in 1850. Daniel is a blacksmith and works at that business in Kirkville, AVaj^ello County, and is also the owner of a good farm which he manages and operates. The subject of this sketch, J. W. Davidson, was married to Paulina E. Moore, April 1, 1866. She is a native of Indiana and was born in Boone County, Sept. 20, 1849, her parents being Laban and Nancy B. Moore, both of whom reside in Har- rison Township; their biography appears elsewhere in this book. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have be- come the parents of five children : Ida M., born }j,lan. 25, 1868, died July 29, 1869; Emma A., born I Oct. 6, 1869, was drowned by falling into a spring ^ <){ water, .Inly 28, 1871; Elmina, born July 25, IH71, died Oct. 18, 1872; Charles A., born Feb. i^^^ 20, 1H74; Eva F., Dec. 9, 1877. Mrs. Davidson is a member of the Methodist )iscopal Church. Socially Mr. Davis is a mem- K^^ ber of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is an adher- H^Rl ent of the Greenback faith, and has been for eleven :;{[ years School Director in his district. He owns « ]} eighty acres of excellent land, all in a good state S-ji of cultivation and well improved. His house imrn anli(' weal they are ever founil upon the side ' of liberty and justice. BNER ALLE>«, a prominent resident of I'nion Township, is a pioneer of 18,14. He I'i is a native of Hethleheni, Litchfield Co., Conn.. his birtii taking place Feb. 16, ISli), •iiid is a s(m of James and Clarissa (Way) Allen, who were also natives of that State, as were their : ancestors as far back as known. Abner is the eld- est of six sons, only three of whom grew to man- hood, and are yet living: James resides on the old homestead, and George P. near his native place. The subject of our sketch was reared to farm life, l| and managed during the winter months of his early life to gain a more than ordinai-j' education, and at the age of seventeen commenced teaching, which he followed for three sessions. At the age of twenty-one years, he turned his face westward, stopping first at Cleveland, Ohio, but removing soon after to Stark County, where he engaged in general merchandising, and continued the business for five years. In 1846 Mr. Allen returned to Connecticut, and was united in marriage with Hannah Hayes, a na- tive of Litchfield County. He established himself at Bethlehem and remained until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1848. The following year Mr. Allen went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, following mining for two years, and returned via the Nicaraugua route, the trip prov- ing a successful one financiall}'. In the fall of 1851 he married Betsy Ann Hayes, a sister of his first wife. In 1854 they came to Iowa, locating at Os- kaloosa, and he began merchandising, associated with a Mr. Perkins, under the firm name of Perkins & Allen. This association continued one year, when Mr. Allen retired from the firm, running the queensware business alone until 1858, when he en- tered into a partnership under the firm name of Cooper ife Allen, and operated a tannery for two \W^M years. In the year 1 860 he traded his city property for a farm near Oskaloosa, upon which he opened a coalmine, and operated the same until 18().'). Dur- ing that year he leased the mine, returned to his native State, and followed farming for six year.^. Returning again to Oskaloosa, on account of hih wife's health, .and finding it — -WN^ !i HOMAS H. B. RYAN, of Prairie Township, is a native of Union County, Ohio, where he ^^^ was born Jul_v !), 184b. He is a son of Jesse B. and Mahala Ryan, whose biography and also that of Percyrus Ilcitsman. his father-in-law, will be found elsewhere in this volume. Our subject came with his father's family to Iowa when but two years old, and resided on the farm in Richhmd Township until he attained to ye.ars of manhood. In December, 1873, he w.is united in marriage with Miss Kmma M. Ileitsnian, a daughter of Perc3'rus and Susan Ilcitsman. She was born April 27, 1853, and they removed to Cass County, Neb., where he at that time owned eighty acres of land. He, how- ever, remained there only one season, when ho sold his land and returned to this county, where he has since had charge of the estate of P. Ileitsnian, de- ceased, which contains 240 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan are the parents of two chil- dren — Ktta May and Mary Eva. In his political affiliations (jur subject is a member of the Demo- cratic party, and belongs to the Masonic fratei-nit}'. Mr. Ryan is a man of good business ability, and is successfully managing the estate pntrusteon Township of this county. Our subject gic" to manhood on the farm, and received an excellent common-school education. Farming has always been his occupation, with the exception of one year, when he owned and operated a meat-market at Oskaloosa. In 1872 Mr. Dilley was married to Sarah Knight, a daughter of Samuel .and Lydia Esther Knight. Mrs'. Dilley w.as born in 1849, and bj* her marriage has become the mother of four children — Charles, Arthur, Clara and Roy. In his political afiiliations, Mr. Dilley is a member of the National (ireeub.ack p.arty, but was fornierl}' a Republican. He now owns a farm of 175 acres, all of which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, and is succeeding well in both these branches of business. As a man he enjoys the con- fidence and esteem of his friends and neighbors, and is in every way a most estimable citizen. ?^ B. EMMi>RT, of Spring Creek Township, a farmer, stock-dealer and shipper, residing on section 29, was born in Boone Count}', Ind., July 24, 1847, and is a son of William and Fannie (New) Eramert. The father was a native of Indiana, and a farmer by occupation ; he died in Indiana in 1867; the mother was a native of Ken- tuckj', and still lives at the old homestead in In- diana. The subject of this sketch, T. B. Emmert. re- moved to the State of Illinois, in March, 1868, and remained there three years, and from there came to Mahaska Count}', settling in Harrison Township, near Cedar, where he remained until 1882, when he removed to his present home of 100 acres in this township, in addition to which he owns thirty-two and one-half acres of timber and pasture on section 31, and 320 acres of improved land in Harrison Township. On the home farm he has a fine house and barn, and excellent out-buiklings. and the land is in the best possible cultivation. .June 23. 1867, Mr. Emmert was married lo Miss .Martha A. Higgason, a daughter of William and Sarah ^Hcrron) Higgason. She was born Jan. 2.j, lU inr-': rarrrrrTTT^ 1841), in Moiitgomeiy County, Ind. Six children have been born to them, as follows: AVilliaui A., Sept. 24, 1868; Avis V., Dec. 1. 1869; Fannie M., born July 28, 1871, died Oct. .J, 1872; Mary Myr- tle, born Nov. 28, 1 87.'3 ; Nellie, born March 5, died June 20, 1882; Thomas Harry, born Oct. 1:3,1885. Mr. Emmert has made life a success in a V)usiness waj', by reason of superior ability, careful manage- ment, and honorable ami upright dealings, and these have been his characteristics since he has set- tled here. Honesty is the best policy in all things, and rarely fails to bring to him who be- lieves and practices it not only success in life, but the highest regard and esteem of his fellow-men. * AHLON STANTON, Postmaster at New \l\ Sharon, was born in Belmont County', li Ohio, Feb. 21, 1819, but at the time of his birth his parents were residents of Jeffer- son County, and were temporarily living in Bel- mont County, where the father was at the time teaching scht)ol. His father, Benjamin Stanton, was born in North Carolina, but removed with his parents when quite young to the State of Ohio, and there was united in marriage with Hannah Penrose, a native of Ohio. She died in l!S27,_leaving six chil- dren. Benjamin Stanton afterward edited an anti- slavery newspaper, and took a verj' active part in the discussion of that (piestion, daring the earl3' years of its agitation, but as he died about the year 1848 he did not see his expectations realized in this particular. Mahlon Stanton, tiie subject of this sketch, re- ceived the best possible education afforded by the common schools of his_day. He had intended en- tering Oberlin College, but was compelled to aban- don the idea because of the lack of means. He engaged in the occupation of farming, and in 184y married Penelope Williams^ a native of Logan County, Ohio, and a daughter of Silas and Susana Williams. In the fall of 1850 they came to Iowa and settled in Jefferson County, where he followed farming for two years, and then came to this county, locating near (Jskalousa, wliere lie engaged in farming, and also dealt largely in live-stock. He was at one time a very large landholder in tliis county, owning over 2,()00 acres. In the years 1873-74-75, he owned in partnership with James Hurst a large number of cattle, and Ijy reason of the decline in i)rices (jf live-stock, he lost the large and valuable i)roperty which he had worked so many years and so hard to accumulate. In 18S4 Mr. Stanton located at New Sharon, and Jan. 1, 1 sjsi;, succeeded David Vail as Postmaster at that ])lace. His wife died in Jefferson County, in 1S52, leaving three children : Lewis, a farmer in this county; Andrew W. resides at Oskaloosa; Elnia married Robert McAllister, who is in the emplo^y of the Government in Indian Territory. She died there in January, 1.S.S4. Mr. Stanton was married a second time, in 1855, to Arabella Wilson, a na- tive of Licking County, OIno, and by this union there is one child, Benjamin W., born June 25, 1860. Mr. Stanton was for many years a member of tlie I. O. O. F. Politically he was earlj' identified witii the anti-slavery movement, and was one of the men assisting in the organization of the Ilepublican party in this county, and he continued to be an active supporter of its principles until the close of tlie late Civil War, since which time he has affiliated with the National (ireenback party. He represented this county in tiie General Assembly of Iowa at the ex- tra session of 18G1. Mr. Stanton has been a long- time resident of the count}-, and in these years has established for himself a character upon which there is neither spot nor blemish. "iJ'^i l^^i-J^ ■^OHN STEWART was one of the pioneer millers of Mahaska County., He is a native of Virginia, and when a young man removed (^^// witli his parents to Indiana, and were among the earliest settlers of Johnson County in tiiat State, and there he learned the business of milling. In the year ls35 Mr. Stewart was married to Martha Park, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1843 he started to Iowa, making the journey by team, stopping during the winter of 1843-44 near Spring- field, 111., and in the spring of 1844 renewed tlieir ITXTXXII HiTEtrixTl MiJ ilUriiitrrrn MAHASKA COUNTY. 387 i'-$ 11 in 1^ 111 i; III li li! iii I-:: 1 111! journey and came to Jefferson County, in this State. In the full of that year they settled in Ma- haska County near Oskaloosa. Mr. Stewart at once went ti> work .it milling-, and pre.sided over the hoppers at the ujjper mill on South Skunk River for seven years, and the lower mill for one year. He then removed to I'nion Alills and took charge for one 3'ear, and for twcj years was in charge of the mill near Peoria. After this he i)ur- chased KKI acres of land in Adams Township, and engaged in farming until the year 1M7I. wiieii Ik^ sold out and moved to Polk County, Neli., where lie now resides and owns a quarter section of land. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are the parents of six chil- dren; two dietl in infanc}', one daughter at the age of eighteen 3ears, and the three living are: Will- iam, of Adams Township; James W., of Johnson County, In%*V»«V*i'c?tr-3>.T-.'-^ \i I'il [:» I 11:;; Mi 13J ACOB DILLEY, of Madison Township, is a native of Virginia, born April 1.'), liSlO, and is a son of Martin and Catherine Dille}', who were also natives of that State. Mr. Dilley came to Iowa in the j-ear IH.iJO, and located in this county. In 1835 he married Miss Elizabeth Bird, a native of Virginia. 63' this marriage there were five children : Amos, deceased ; Jane is the wife of J. t^. McConnell, of this township; David .M. and Floyd also reside in this township, and pur- sue the occupation of farming; \\illiam II., a con- tractor and line workman, lives in Topeka, Kan. Tiie mother of these children died in 187.5, and Sept. 2H, 1878, Mr. D. was again mari-ied, to .Mrs. Nancy C. Moon, widow of J. Moon. She is the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Roseborough) McConnell, natives of South Carolina. The former died in ls47, and the latter in 18r)7. Mr. and .Mrs. Dilley are inenibers of the Chuiiii of Jesus Ciirist. He is a [uominent and leading- member of the (ireenback parly, and has held the offices of .Justice of the Peace, 'J'ownship Assessor and R<»ad Snpervisor. He is now the owner of IDS acres of land, which is in good ciiltivation'and well improved. .Mr. Dilley is a pioneer in tlii^ county, and is a man well and favorably known during all the years he lias lived in the county. He has prosi^ered fairly well, and enjoys fully the confidence and regard of his circle of acquaintances and friends. -tcefi'©-^-' -gfSi<3'?nr*<' ^/ t)HN A. KALBACH is the managing partner of 1. Kalbach & Sou, dealers in lumber, sash, doors, blinds, and building material, at Os- kaloosa. The tirm was organized in 1864, and is the pioneer establishment in that line in the city. The subject of our sketch was born in Port Carbon, Schuylkill Co., Pa., Sept. 1, 1844, and is the sou of Isaac and Christian (Koch) Kalbach. (See their biography elsewhere in this volume.) He removed to Indiana with his parents in 1849, and from there to Muscatine, Iowa, in 18.50, and in 1851 to Oskaloosa. He was educated in the city schools, .and in 18G4 engaged in his present business with his f.ather. In addition to their lumber business the firm have carried on an extensive grain business, and were also engaged in the banking and lumber business at New Sharon, Iowa. For many 3'ears John A. has been managing partner, and has so con- ducted the business of the firm that the house of I. Kalbach union, one son and two daugliters: Warren, .March I'H, l,s74; Helen, Oct. 211, 1!S7(;, and Annelta. Ajiril ei- of the A. O. L'. W. He served as a member of llie City Council from the First Ward in \s7:\. and in 1h7(S was elected a member of the lioard of Snpervisors of thi> count}'. In an}' anil M w m mn f Tiiiim Uli 388 MAHASKA COUNTY. all positions Mr. Kalbach has receivefl the commen- dation of his fellow-citizens for a conscientious and able performer of ever^' duty imposed. In his family he is a kind and indulgent husband and fa- ther, in his business a man of strictest integrity, and in the community a progressive, public-spirited citizen. : B ^ M. RUSSELL, farmer and stock-grower, re- sides on section 36, Cedar Township. He was born in Waj^ne County, Ohio, Jan. 1 6, 1839, and is the son of James and Ruth (Harrison) Russell. The former was born in Lan- caster County, Pa., and the latter in Uniontown, Faj'ette County, the same State. He was a black- smith bj' trade when a young man, but in after years followed farming until his death, in 1845, in Wayne County, Ohio. His wife died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1852. They were the parents of eleven children — Frederick, T. J., Mary A., J. H., ^^ Sophia, Franklin, Sarah J., J. M. and G. W. (twins), E. Y., and E. F., who served in Co. D, 11th 111. Vol. Cav., and died at Vicksburg, Miss. The subject of this sketch, J. M. Russell, at the death of his mother, was a lad of fourteen years, and from that time on made his way alone in the world, most of the time among strangers, working in the summer months and going to school in the winter. During three years of his single life he made his home with a brother. In January, 1861, Mr. Russell was married to Rosa Coburn, born JNIay 28, 1838, in Madison County, Ind. She is a ' daughter of William and Rachel (Ellsworth) Coburn, both natives of Ohio. William Coburn was a soldier in the late War for the Union, and belonged to the 2d Illinois Battery, organized at Peoria, 111. He died in the service, ig^ll and was taken care of by the fraternitj- of Odd Fellows. His father, Samuel Coburn, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have become the parents of twelve children: Ora B., Rose E., William S., ^^^ George M., Rachel B., Elijah F., Sophia P. and Jason A. are living. Those deceased are Georgia, Clara L., Luella and Daniel L. Mr. Russell en- listed in the late war, Aug. 8, 1»G2, in Cu. K, 86th im 111. Vol. Inf., Capt. John F. French, and served six months, and was then mustered out because of dis- abilitj'. His twin brother and E. Y. and E. F. alsi« enlisted, the latter dying in the service. Socially Mr. Russell is a member of the G. A. H.; politically he affiliates with the Republican party. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns 200 acres of land, all in a high state of cultivation, with a fine fr.ame dwelling, commodious and well-arranged liarn. and other improvements; in fact, everything about the place is first class. The personal chaiaoter of Mr. Russell is beyond reproach. He is a conscientious Christian gentleman, practicing the spirit of the Golden Rule in all the affairs of life, and is greatly esteemed bv friends and neighbors. ;^ •€-*^- -^ 3i; i S'i y vILLlAM S. TREDICK, a successful farmer of Garfield Township, is a native of Phila- delphia, Pa., where he was born June 29, 1836,nudisa son of Thomas and Mary (Stavers) Tredick, natives of New Hampshire. They removed to Portsmouth, N. H., in 1838, and there Thomas Tredick still lives, in his eighty-eighth year; his wife died in 1842, at Portsmouth. The subject of our sketch, at the age of eighteen, went to Biddeford, Me., and commenced to learn the trade of machinist, working at the business one and a half years. From there he removed to Marshall, Mich., where he worked on a farm for two years, and attended the Michigan Agricultural College at Lansing for two years. In the fall of 1859 he came to this county, and in the spring of 1860 purchased 100 acres of land in Garfield Township, on section 21, where he has since resided. The land was but slightly improved at that time, but has, under his management, been brought to a very high state of cultivation and of improvement, his residence alone costing nearly §3,000. Mr. Tredick was married, in March, 1861, to Miss Matilda Batterton, a native of Bloomiugton, Ind. By this marriage there are four children; May, wife of John Mc Williams, of Garfield Township; Hattie. Charles and Wilfred. His wife died Feb. 7, 1876, and Feb. lt<, 1877, he was again married. 1*Efi r ; to Miss Margaret Moore, n native of Indiana. They are members of the Congregational Church of ()skaIoosa. Politically Mv. Tredick is a Republican. lie is engaged in general farming, in which he lias been very successful, and few, if an3", farms are more pro- ductive, or have been brought to a higher state of cultivation. Mr. Tredick is a man of quiet and ini- assuming manner, of liberal education, and of a strong social disposition, hospitable and generous, and as a citizen is highly esteemed by all liis ac- quaintances. iOBKRT AVHARTON, residing upon section 7, Jefferson Township, is numbered among it^V the pioneers of 1854. locating upon thatsec- ^5@tion on the 19th daj- of September of that 3'ear, and on this homestead he has since continued to reside. He was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1818, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Smith) 'Wharton, both. natives of Pennsylvani.i. His father w\as an earl}- settler of Ohio, having moved there about 1814. Robert AVharton was reared on a farm and re- ceived his education in the common schools of his native State. When eighteen years of age he ac- companied his parents to Delaware County, Ind., where he lived eight years, and was there married, Jan. 4, 1844, to Nancy Starbuck, a native of In- diana. Immediately after this event he removed to La Porte County, Ind., where he bought a farm of eighty acres of land, and there resided until 1854, when he moved to this county and entered 200 acres of river land, which he improved, .and has now- one of the finest farms in Mahaska County. Six children were born to his union with Miss Starbuck : John W., now in Osborne County, Kan. ; Tristam S., who died in 1881 at Creston, Iowa, of small-pox; Mary C. is the wife of Jeremiah Rose, now residing in California; Nancy Jane is now the wife of .Simon Mcintosh, and resides in Wash- ington County, Kan. : William A. is in Washington County Kan., engaged in farming; Thomas Jeffer- son is also a farmer in Washington County, Kan. Mrs. Wharton died Aug. 26. 1856. at the age ..f twenty-nine years. .Mr. Wharton was again mar- ried, the ceremony taking place March 1. 1857, aixl the bride being Mary J.ane Ashing, of Ohio. By this union there v>erc five children, four of whom are now living: Isaac Wilsey married Miss Addie Stoker, Nov. 25, 1886, in Jefferson Township; Leroy is now in Dakota; Tabitha is the widow f Delaware, and her mother of Ohio. To them have been born two children — Theressa M. and Cora B. .Mr. Garrett enlisted in Co. C, 30th 111. Vol. Inf.. under command of Capt. Adair, in October, 18()4, and was captured at Kingston. N. C. before reaching his ci)mmand. He was taken at once to Lilibv Prison, at Richmond. \ a.. « liere lie w.m^ llXlXIXXZlAlUIUKKJtXXjrEXli 390 m MAHASKA COUNTY. kept for eighteen days, when he was exchanged : and sent to .Springfield, 111., whence he was sent home ^5<^t- class citizen. 3ii LONZO ROCK'WELL, of Union Towushi[i, 3; was born in the State of Vermont, Jan. 1 1, 1832. Dec. 12, 1858, he was united in marriage with Margaret Vore, a nati^•e of jj Maryland, who was born Nov. 10, 1840. They be- a' c - came the parents of five children: Ida E., born i^ Feb. 23. 1862; Edward W., Nov. 4, 18G4;Milo A., sf^ April 4, 1807 ; Elsie J., June 1 , 1801» ; Walter L., Nov. ? 29, 1871. The mother of these children died Feb. = 18, 1870, and Aug. 16, 1878, he was again married, 3 to Mary E. Hiatt, who was born Sept. 24, 1847. By ; this marriage there were four children: Karl M., g born Aug. 4, 1879; Ruby II., Nov. 15, 1880; Pha-be E., Sept. 26, 1881 ; Flora B., July 31, 1880. i Mr. Rockwell came to Iowa in the year 1858, and settled upon his present farm, consisting of 100 acres of good land, well cultivated, the im- provements of which are of the better class, and pursues the occupation of general farming. In his political afliliations he is a Republican; himself and wife are members of the Society of Friends. Alonzo Rockwell is an estimable citizen in the fullest sense of the word. He is of the progress- ; .i! ive order of farmers, possessing much push and Eii energy, and has enjoyed a good degree of success S in his present business. That he enjoys the confi- 3^ dence of his neighbors and friends is beyond ques- «,: tion. His character is in all respects above and beyond reproach. ^^ -■"\^^.-^^/ljiJlU.'&^^- ,»^,S/(TZrj»\~ -v/vN/>. 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 I 551 SEl "■ 1 I I I I 1 1 I I I ^f OSEPIl E. CRAFT, a well-known and i)ros- perous farmer and stock-grower on section • 'it 7, Cedar Township, was born in (ireene ^ti County, Pa.. April 22, 1840, and is.the son of Peter and Tacy (Deagood) Craft, who came to 3^] Iowa about the j'ear 1856. The latter is since a deceased, but the former survives, and is liv- pj ing a retired life near Ottumwa, Iowa. The sul jec( of this sketch was married, Dec. l.s, 1873. l( Vs^^SSsi [xxurrxirt j.- SZB3 rs '•V t?55SHaP^„ , „ „ ,C?55^^„„ '■:t Allie Tennis, a native of Beaver County, Pa., and ii daughter of Jolin and Elizabeth (Aiken) Tennis, who reside in Ilairison Townshiji, this county, on section 7. li^y this union four chihlren have been born — Mary Eva. Elizabetii 1'., Nellie 15.. and unc who died in infancy. Mr. t'rafl is the owner u in White Oak Township; .lordon lives in ( .n-.uudciil County. Ivan., and Homer, in Monroe Township, this county. The father of these chil- dren died Dec. 17, 1865. Mrs. Boyles is the daugh- ter of Joel and Loretta Jared Adkinson, both of whom were natives of ^'irginia. Her father died in 18.H2. llei- mother is still living, and_niakes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Hamilton Hrown, of M(jnroe Township. Politically Mr. Boyles is a Democrat. .Mr. and Mrs. Boyles own 188 acres of good land, all in cul- tivation and well improved. He [losses-ses all the ([ualities of a good citizen, is an energetic, indns- tri(jus man, honorable and upright, and enjoys the confidence and regard of his friends and ac(iuaint- ances. wm -«- Mi Ip urn ^jp^ S. COOK, deceased, was a physician and ^^^^ surgeon, the son of Ira and Irene Cook, |H/_jR who now reside in Hardin County, Iowa. He was born in Indiana, Juh' 1.'), 18.J2, and received but a limited education in the public schools, but b^' subsequent reading and stud}- be- came a well-posted man upon most subjects of interest, and might properly be termed self-edu- cated. In 18.'j;j he came to Mahaska Connt\% and located at Fremont. On the loth day of April, 1854, he was married to Sarah A. Eastburn, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Haigh) Eastburn, born in Indiana Dec. 15, 1834. Her father died in 1872. and her mother in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Cook became the parents of five children: Alice M., Laura E. and Albei't N. are deceased; Rosa B. is the wife of Dr. Will- iam Bair, a graduate of the medical department of jj!;;i| the Nebraska SLate University, and resides in Ox- Ipillp foni. Neb.; .Sylv;inus S. is married, and lives in Jasper Count}', Iowa. From his youth Mr. C ook desired to become a physician, while his father desired him to learn the tanner's trade. But he could not give up his cherished ambition, therefore read medicine, and in 1855 begsui its practice at Fremont, subsequently removing to Richland, Keokuk Co., Iowa. After commencing the practice of medicine, he attended lectures at the Cincinnati Medical College, from which institution he received his diploma in 185H. when he entered actively into the practice of nied- H. I ffZKZuixjim iinxTfirsjTi pw kid 392 MAHAvSKA COUNTY. ;i;n icine and surgery, and continued in the work until 1863. He was then commissioned, July la, as Assistant Surgeon of the •24th Iowa Infantry, serv- ing as such for six months, when he was sent to Vicksburg as a Contract Surgeon, and died of disease contracted in the service Jan. 15. 1864. Dr. Cook was a member of the Baptist Church, and was a sincere Christian man. He was highly Pp] esteemed b}^ all who knew him. After the death h Hi II as a man of strict integrity, conscientious and hon- est in his business matters, and enjoying fully the liioh regard of all with whom he has to do in the business or personal relations of life. -€-*-^- H'of her husband Mrs. Cook returned to M.ihaska Bl County, where she has since continued to live. She iiis the owner of forty acres of good land, has a good house and small barn, and other excellent im- provements about the place, and is a lady highly f^i esteemed for her many excellent qualities of head and heart by an extended circle of friends and ac- quaintances. Mrs. Cook is a member of the Baptist Church. HOMAS BRIGGS, of Union Township, is a son of William and Jane (Roman) Briggs, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania, both now deceased. He was born u in Belmont County, Ohio, Feb. 4, 1838, and fol- ^^ lowed the occupation of farming in that State. Mr. Briggs was united in marriage with Miss Mar- garet Spear, a native of Guernsej' County. Ohio, and daughter of John and Elizabeth Spear. The father is deceased, but the mother j-et survives. They are the parents of eleven children, eight now living: Estella J., boru July 24, 1868; Dillon H. Oct. 30, 1869; Albert A., May 11, 1871; Carrie E., Sept. 20. 1872; Thomas E., Feb. 24, 1874; Cora A., born Aug. 13, 1875, died April 21, 1886; AVilliam E., born Feb. 7, 1877, died Feb. 5, 1879; Lewis K., boru April 18, 1878; Marj' E.. Jan. 7, 1880; John Clifford, born May 30, 1881, died April 21, 1886; Ilattie M. D., boru Dec. 23, 1885. Mr. Briggs is a member of the Republican partj-, and at present holds the office of School Director in his district. His religious connection is with I the Society of Friends. He came to Iowa in the ^year 1870. locating in Union Township upon sec- tion 29, and pursued the occupation of farming, in which he has been greatly prospered. He manages his business prudently' and economically, is rated MORY REED, of Pleasant Grove Township, is a farmer and merchant. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Sept. 21, 1853, but while still a mere child his parents removed to She- boygan County-, Wis., where they lived until 1868, going thence to Mower County, Minn., where they lived until 1876, when they came to lovva and re- sided for a period of five years, locating in this county in 1881. Mr. Reed is proprietor of a gen- eral store at Barnes Citj% carries a well-assorted stock of goods and is doing an excellent tr.ade, and is also the owner of a farm of 1 30 acres of good land, well improved and in a good state of cultiva- tion, and combining the two br.anches of business, both of which he manages witii ability and skill, is succeeding financiall}'. In 1878 iMr. Reed was united in marriage with Miss Ella Harper, and to them have been born four children— Ollie S., Millie, Effie and Willie. Mr. R. is an active member of the Republican party, and a warm supporter of its principles, and takes great interest in the success of its candidates for office. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Our subject has shown himself to be a man of more than ordinary ability in the management of his affairs, is a reader and thinker, and fully quali- fied to express himself upon all questions that come before the people for their decision. In his various relations with the world he measures up to the full standard of good citizenship, and enjoys the full confidence of all with whom he comes in contact, either in the social relations of life or in a business way. .*~;{c- -> <— - -;':—<► EN J AM IN F. TODD, who for over thirty years has been a resident of Spring Creek Township, is located on section 10, where he has a fertile farm and comfortable honif. Mr. Todd was born in Darke County, Ohio, Feb. .s. m ::i 31:1 :';! 3''1 3:;i -I ■ £1 H El El ti El i:i ^i 'tiJldr-UJil 1^^^^ p i;t: nr M if 'IS IE! lit 13 1=5 1:« 'St 1| 1$ IS I2t 1?P MAHASKA COUNTY. 1827, and is a son of Noah and Mary (Barton) Todd. Noah Todd was a distiller, and was acci- dentally scalded to death in the year 1827. His wife died in 1855. The subject of this sketch, at the age of nineteen months, together with his brother William, two years his senior, was bound out to a Mr. Edward Barton to remain until they reached their ma- jority. Mr. Barton died soon after, and tlie boys were turned over to his son, William Barton, of Wayne County, Ind. Here the bo3'S remained until they reached the age of twentj'-one j'ears, when each of them received $100 cash and a horse, sad- dle and bridle. In 1852 Mr. Todd came to Ma- haska County, whither his brother had precode .Miss Lu- rana Barton, who was l)orn March 15, 182S, and is a daughter of Andrew and Celia (Boswell)Barton. There were six children born to this union: Will- iam H.; Elizabeth and Ann E., deceased; twins. who died in infancy, and Leander J. Mr. Todd has sixty -eight acres of land, all of which is in an excellent state of cultivation and well improved, and from its few but fertile acres he reaps each 3'ear a bountiful harvest of golden grain. His resi- dence, barn and other buildings are of the best char, acter. Politically Mr. Todd is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party, believing them to be more conducive of good than those of any other political organization. Personall}' he is a man greatly esteemed by friends and acquaint- ances for his business integrity and correct habits. ^^; LONZO N. CHURCH, of Scott Township, i@j^| { was born in Seneca County, Ohio, April 13, 1 8-44, being a son of Eli and Mary (Woods) 1^^ Church, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of IMaryland. They were married at Seneca, Ohio, and came to Mahaska County in the fall of 1849, when the subject of this sketch was four j-ears old, settling on section 25 of Scott Town- ship, where they resided until their death, the hus- band dying in May, 1870, aged sixt^'-five years, and the wife in April, 1871, at the age of sixt}'- seven. Thej' were among the earliest settlers in Mahaska Countj'. Father Church was a regular mechanic, and kept up a sliop. w^orking at his trade as well as farming. The subject of this sketch remained on the farm with his father, working in the field and in the shop until 1862, when, the late Rebellion being in progress, he enlisted in the 33d Iowa Infantrv, .luly 18 of that year, and served with that com- mand until it was mustered out at the close of the war. .Tuly 17, IsC"). He participated in the mein- ornble battles of Helena, Little Rock, Prairie l)"Ainie, Poison Spring, Camden. Jenkin's Ferry, and was at the siege of Spanish Fort and Mobile, where theii' regiment was under fire continuously thirteen days and nights, and was also engaged in numer- ous skirmishes and other unimportant engagements. While on the Camden exi)edition. he became afflicted with opthalmia, which confined him to the regimental hospital about one month, and kept him from active duty for a period of four months, and u [mm 1.1 M [f^^ wm .s xnjncxxj Tiff** 394 — '~"Jgy'^'*y?U J:tir^ixi-rii.iTrxx t rTTiiz rtJiTi- MAHASKA COUNTY. =f}i " from the effects of whi(^h he has never recovered. After the war Mr. Cliiireh retiii-iied to his home in this connty, residiiiti' in the city r>f Oskaloosa for seven years. He was married, A\m\ 1 0, 1 ,s70, to Miss Snsannah .Tane Bartlow. a danghter of William and Ursula Bartlow, for biographical sivetch of whom see else- where in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Church are the parents of three children: Jesse Cheney En- gene, born Feb. 25, 1871; Clara Estella, Nov. 4, 1872; Daisy Etta, July 26, 187.5. Our subject owns a tidy little farm of fifty-four acres in this township which he has well improved. He is a member of the G. A. R., and has been Con- stable of Scott Township for seven years past, mak- ing a most efficient officer. pil S'fiT 1^ )>,ESLEY SHOEMA M W July 24, 1841, his SHOEMAKE, of Madison Town- lefferson County, Iowa, parents being Enoch and II Desdemona (Nichols) Siioemake. His father was a native of Ohio and his mother of Indiana. They M nj came to Iowa in the year 1 840, locating in Jefferson ^pjl County, where they resided for three years, then ^ '*^ came to this county and settled in Madison Town- ship, where they took up a claim and improved it. His mother died in the year 1844, and his father in 1874. The suljject of this sketch, Wesley Shoemake, was married to Miss Elizabeth Coffin, Dec. 12, 18G0. She is a native of Indiana, born in 1843, and a daughter of .lohn and I^leanor (^'otaw) Coffin, who were natives of Indiana. Her father died in 18.')2. Her mother is still living, and is now the wife of James Horner, of Madison Town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemake are the parents of Pal " ''yfive children : Frank married Miss Cora Else, and lives in Madison Township; Alice, his twin sister, died in 18();>; Edna died in 1876, and infant tvvins in 1878. ! Mr. Shoemake is a member of the Masonic fra- tiSfi^lUternit^'. He is an advocate of a union in Christ, of which there is an organizatioii in Madison Town- ship known as the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which has a considerable following iu that portion of the county. In 1881 the members of the church built a very neat clnmli. 28x38 feet, at a cost of |!l,;'»00, where they hold regular services every Sab- bath. The founder of this denomination is also the Pastor of the church. Politically IMr. Shoemake is a Republican. He began the struggle of life for himself twenty-five years ago, with a capital of ^lOO. To-day he is the owner of 580 acres of fine land, in an excellent state of cultivation, and with improvements of the best class. He pursues general farming and en- gages quite extensively in raising cattle and hogs, and is considered one of the successful farmers of this count}'. He is a mau of much more than average ability', intellectually, and in a business way, and while he devotes much thought and at- tention to the spiritual welfare of the outside world, finds ample time for the proper care and attention of temporal matters, and pushes the business of the farm with commendable energy, and to snccessfid results. He is highl}* regarded by a large circle of friends and .acquaintances. k'.. I is' 1 1 I I 1 1 1 ^•-te>fe * SAIAH PICKRELL, a well-known and higiily il' respected resident of Prairie Township, is one lii of the pioneers of 1858. He waS born in Logan County, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1831, and is a son of William P. and Mary (Williams) Pickrell, the for- mer a native of Ohio, and the latter of "Virginia. Jlr. Pickrell in his earl}- days was a tanner b}- trade, and followed that business for many years, but in the latter years of his life pursued the occup.ation of farming. He brought his familj- to Iowa in tlie year 1 850, settling first in Jefferson County, and re- siding there until 1858, when he came to tiiis county and took up his residence at Oskaloosa, de- parting this life in 1884, at the ripe age of seventy- six years. His wife died in 1872, at the age of sixty-four. They were the parents of four chil- dren, one of whom died in childhood. Isaiah, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest; Sarah J. lives at Oskaloosa; Martha is the wife of Cyrus Beede, Secretary of the Iowa Life and Endowment Asso- ciation, of Oskaloosa. Isaiah Pickrell. the subject of this sketch, came ;i Ell pi n r?- J'rJ '^> Utfi ; iirzxzfUfxxxzixxzxi' < iitixLijiiiijirixiii MAHASKA COUNTY with his parents to Iowa, and in !«(!() was united in marriajie with IMiss Klizahi'tli Iliatt. a daughter of Amos and Lydi.i Iliatt. Slie was horn in Iligli- land County, Ohio, Aug. 1(1. IS.'iS. To ihcni have been born seven chihlren: Cyrus; Lydia, wlio died at the age of four years; Mary, Caroline, William, Anna and Amos. Soon after his marriage Mr. Pickrell loeated in Jefferson County, but returned to Mahaska County in If<()2, and followed farming near Oskaloosa until 1867, when he purchased his present farm in Prairie Township. It consists of 220 acres of excellent land, in the best possible condition of cultivation and with first quality im- provements thei'con. Mr. Pickrell follows mixed farming, and is num- bered among the successful and prominent farmers of this county. The qualities that so much com- mended his excellent father have descended to the son, and the honor of the family is in most v/orthj' hands. Of him no evil can be spoken, in truth, and there is much in his daily life and conversation that is worthy of emulation. He possesses all the qualities that go to make up the full measure of honorable manhood, and enjoys the fullest confi- dence and esteem of all acquaintances. ARRIET I-:. AT WOOD, of Adams Town- shi]). was born In Johnson County, Ind., Nov. (!, 1n with the firm for about three years. March 11, 1858, Mr. Phelps was married to Eve- line Martin, born in West \'irginia, Nov. 11, 18;?9, and a daughter of M. J. and Sophia Martin, who located iu this county in the fall of 1855, and l<« them eight children have been liorii: Emma A. is the wife of Robert Savage, of Sherman County. Neb.; Edna S. is the wife of Joseiih Hanway, of Elk County, Kan. ; Lida M. is the wife of John Castre, residing iu Kansas; William H.. Julia C, Lyman L., Roljert O. and Neta .May are at home. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Plielps dissolved his connection with the sawmill and settled upcm his present farm, a portion of which, eighty' acres, he had received from his father's estate. Politically" Mr. Phelps has been a Republican since the organi- zation of the party, and is a man of much inlluence Pf^ : I -r^ ' TTTT-»|[MJ>yl^ l , iHJBtyrTT yrr^T 1 1___ (aijuxioTij orn jgjuijujrxji -"Vtt^v zmxrnxxxT rzm ixm n I TgrTiT rxxT rnxn ixim n :: r rTmrTt^T-j-rT mrTm-r-TTi-! UtTTTtTITirm 396 111 MAHASKA COUNTY. in political circles in the county, and has for many years serveil his people in the official capacity of Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity. His home farm consists of 320 acres, forty of which are timber, and the remainder of 280 acres is in a most excellent state of cultiva- tion, with the Iiest class of buildings and improve- ments, and admirably adapted to his business, which is that of stock-farming. Clmrles Phelps is a leader among men, and this because he has within himself the qualities that stamp him as a superior man in many respects. High-minded, honorable and upright, of the strict- est integrity, he merits and receives the fullest con- fidence and highest esteem of an extended circle of friends and acquaintances. "^E8SE B. RYAJS', formerly a resident of Ma- haska Count}', but now of Cass County, Neb., dates his advent into this county in _ the year 1S.50. He was born in Barbour County, W. Va., May 2, 1817. There he grew to manhood, following the occupation of farming, and was united in marriage with Miss Mahala Sterns, a native of West \'irginia, who was born March 2, 1814. In 18-iG they removed t(} Union County, Ohio, in 1848 to Indiana, and thence in 1850 came to Iowa and settled in Richland Township, where Mr. Ryan entered 240 acres of land and be- gan to make for him.self a home, and lived upon the place for nearly a quarter of a ceiitur}-. Mrs. Mahala Ryan departed this life May 2ti, 1873, leaving six children: Ingaba .J., now the wife of William Godby, of Buffalo County, Neb.; James R., a resident of Boone County, Neb. ; Eliza- ^ beth A., wife of William Nichols, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Jacob, who resides in Cass County, Neb.; Thomas H. B., of Prairie Township; and Nancy E., Mrs. Paris VanCleve, who lives in Hamilton County, Neb. After the death of his wife Mr. R\-an continued farming until 1879. He then espoused, as his sec- ond wife, Susan Foreman, and that year sold out all his possessions in this county and removed to Cass County, Neb., where he owns a farm of eighty acres of land. Politically he is a Democrat, and frequently- held local offices in the township. His religious connections were with the Methodist Epis- copal Church. ILLIAM A. HOOVER, a successful farmer, ! will be found engaged in his chosen occu- ; pation on section 4, Spring Creek Town- j ship. He is a native of Iowa, born March 7, 1855, and is the elder of the two children of James M. and Eunice (Cox) Hoover, natives of Indiana, the former of whom died in Sumner County, Kan., in the year 1S85; the latter is still living and occu- pies a dwelling on the farm of the subject of this sketch. His sister, Delpha, is the wife of Henry Glasscock, a resident of this township. Mr. Hoover was married, Dec. 9, 1880, to Miss Susan C. BaUenger, a daughter of Jeremiah and Margaret (Starlin) Balleuger; the former a native of Illinois, and a farmer b}' occupation; his death took place June 5, 188G. His wife, a native of Ohio, still survives, and resides in this township. Besides the home farm of 175 acres of land all un- der fence, with comfortable buildings and other ex- cellent improvements. Mr. Hoover also owns a farm of ninety acres in Adams Township, all in good cultivation and with the best class of improvements. In addition to general farming, which Mr. H. carries on extensively and successfully, he is also engaged quite largely in the breeding of Chester- White swine, of which he has not onlj' the finest drove in the county, but in this section of the State. His animals are all selected from the best known herds in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and other States, and to secure the best of all these he spares neither money nor time. He is very particular in the breeding and care of these animals, that noth- ing may impair their puritj' of breed and symmetr}- of form. The reputation of these animals is as fully established as that of the older breeding farms of Eastern States, and Mr. Hoover receives and fills numerous mail orders for them from all parts of the West. He is perhaps the most exten- sive breeder of pure Chester-White hogs in South- ; i: IMiii"iiTTTn- »-iiimtr|l TtriflTirUi; sa ^ssss, MAHASKA COUNTY. 3!)7 em, if nut in tlie entire State of Iowa, and fuiistant additiuns are made tn his lit'rd hy pnicliaso and otherwise. Mr. Hoover has been quite successful in liis lui- dert:d' five girls and two boys, one of the daughters and the two sons now living: Rachel, the wife of Sullivan Eckard, resides near Warsaw, Ind. ; George W. lives in Hancock County, Ohio, and William J. is the subject of this sketch. The first two years Mr. McFall spent in this count}' he engaged in teaming, hauling goods from Keokuk to Oskaloosa. The first stock of goods, owned by H. Howard, he hauled from Keokuk. In the spring of 1861 he went to Denver, Col., with an ox-team, taking a load of freight from Oska- loosa, being three months and a half in making the trip. Taking into consideration his active life, and serving in two wars, Mr. McFall is a well-preserved man, and is entitled to the respect and esteem of his friends and neighbors. -^.>> ■.o*o.■f§^><^..o♦o .<,r-- ANiMAH WELLS, nee Hammond, a highly respected resident of Monroe Townshijj, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, Nov. 1, Ih;30. Feb. 26, 1848, she was united in marriage with Albert Wells, a native of (Genesee County, N. Y., who was born Jan. 8, 1820. They came to this county in 1867, purchasing the present homestead of 160 acres, and farmed it until his death, which took place Dec. 25, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Wells became the parents of eleven children; Ilenriette is the wife of James Sprad- ling, of Washington County, Kan.; Celia is the }f wife of Enos Stevens, and also lives in Washington } County; Ralph P. is a resident of the above-named W.clirg, " county and State ; Reuben C. is in ]\Ionroe Town- ship, this county; Austin is at home; Eliza is de- ceased; Ida JI. is the wife of Frank Summers, and lives in Kansas; (ieorge O. is deceased; Frank is in Kansas; Bruce and Charles reside at home. Mr. and ;\Irs. Wells were members of the order of Grangers. He was raised a Baptist, and she a Methoilist. The home farm of 160 acres is a fine piece of land, in an excellent state of cultivation and well improved. Mrs. Wells is succeeding ad- mirably in the mau.agenient of the business of the farm. She is a lady of fine intelligence, of a benev- olent disposition, and highlj' esteemed for her manj' excellent qualities by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. — ^ # ' "# • ^- ^AMES A. RlCf], of Oskaloosa, is the oldest son of Gen. S. A. Rice, who died during the late war from wounds received in the battle of Jenkin's Feny, Ark. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sept. 30, 18.55. After attending the public schools, young Rice entered Oskaloosa College, where he studied two years, and then took a classical course in Washington and Jefferson Col- leges. In the fall of 1876 he entered the law de- partment of the Iowa State University, from whicli he graduated with honors in the class of 1877. Mr. Rice began the practice of law in Oskaloosa, and in the spring of 1878 was elected Mayor of the city, being re-elected in 1879. After serving- two or three terms he resumed the practice of law, and in 1881 was elected Citj' Solicitor, which po- sition he held four years. In 1882 he was a candi- date for the (jeneral Assembly of Iowa, and ran 3,000 votes ahead of his ticket. During his second term of Mayor the H0II3' water system was put in, and in this great public enterprise he took a great interest. While serving his last year as solicitor Mr. Rice revised the citj' ordinances, which had not been done for ten years, his work being a model of neatness and accuracy. He also conducted a number of important cases for the city through the Circuit, District and Supreme Courts of Iowa. Mr. Rice was one of the number elected to de- liver a eulog3' at the grand memorial services in this cit}'. He is an active member and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being an ofHcer in Commanderj' No. 6, Knights Templars, located at Oskaloosa. He is Vice President of the Library Association, i\ En s. 1 :. 1 u = 3 V I I I 1.1 Irl ; I ;:i : h ::-ri : 1 si; I ];i \ 1 •..\ : 1 m ill k A |l rl ?l ;i II a (;i ;i :!;l r.l r:i w ■I ;i :f I 1 1 I i;»H2SHHH?3 i?p'P'?ga i II Superintemlent uf the Fine Arts in Mahaska County Agricultural Society, and Captain of Samuel A. Kicc Company No. 48, Sons of \'eterans, U. S. A., at Oskaloosa. Mr. Rice Is a studious, energetic and reliable 3"oung man, always ready to assist in pro- moting any worthy enterprise. «i DG AR C. HULL, a resident of Prairie Town- Il5j ship, was born in Taylor County, W. Va.. IL^ Nov. 11), 1837, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Tliuinns) Hull, whose biography will be found elsewiiere in this volume. He was reared on the farm, and accustomed to its laborious work from early life to manhood, but received an ex- cellent common-school education. June 24, 18.58, ^Ir. Hull was married to Apalonia Martin, a native of Barbour County, W. Va., who was born Sept. 12, 1837, and is a daughter of Henry D. and Margaret (Means) Martin. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hull has been blest with five children, one of whom died in infancy; those living are : Margaret E., now the wife of D. M. Syl- vester, and residing in Jasper Countj', Iowa: Sarah C, Mrs. Willard Wharton, resides in Richland Township ; Henry C. and Alva R. are at home. In the fall of 186(1 ;Mr. Hull removed from his old home to Schuj'ler Count}', Mo., remaining there only nine months, and coming to Iowa in August, 18(>1. The winter following his arrival was spent in the soutiieasteru part of Jasper County, but in Januarj', 1 862, he purchased the north half of section 6, Prairie Township, and settled on the same the following spring, where he 3'et resides. In addition to the home farm Mr. Hull is the owner of twenty' acres of timber, a farm of 200 acres in Jasper Countj', one of 160 acres on sectioti 16, this township, and a one-half interest in 140 acres in Poweshiek Count}-, all of which is in a high state of cultivation, and well improved. His residence on section 6 is provided with all the modern con- ^ I'uiences necessary in a pleasant home, and is per- liaps one of the best farm residences in this county. On the northwest quarter of this section is a nat- ural mound, which occupies the entire quarter sec- tion, rising in the center to a height of twelve feet, and is the highest point of land in this countj'. Politically Mr. Hull is, and has been since its organization, an, enthusiastic and active member of the Republican party, and for many years has been one of the Township Trustees of Prairie Township. He was nominated bj' the Republican party of Ma- haska County, in August, 1886, for member of the Board of Supervisors of the county, and at the elec- tion in November, was elected to that position by a very handsome majority. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Hull is extensively engaged in stock-raising in addition to general farming, and in both branches of business has been remarkablj' successful. He brings U> the care of his business a mind well stored with useful knowledge and general information. He is a man of most excellent judgment, a most prudent manager, most honorable in all the trans- actions of life, and of the strictest integrity. His elegant home is one of unbounded hospitalitj', and friends and acquaintances are gladly welcomed and pleasantly entertained with abundance of good cheer. yT. SMITH, a farmer and stock-raiser on section 31 of that portion of Scott Town- ship now attached to Jefferson, owns 290 acres of valuable land, with good buddings and other fine improvements. He was born in Trum- bull County, Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of Robert and Jane Smith, his father being a native of Penn- sylvania and his mother of Ohio. Shortly after the birth 'of W. T., the family moved to Iowa and first located in Jones Count}', where they lived until the spring of 1846, when they moved to Ma- haska County, and located on section 32, Scott Township, where the father of the subject of our sketch entered a claim of 160 acres of land, which he improved and cultivated until his death, which occurred March 8, 1868, at the age of sixty years. When a young man, Robert Smith followed team- ing and freighting over the mountains in Pennsyl- vania, lie was a member of the Masonic frater- nity, and of the Presbyterian Church. The mother - lIlIltAXJlXXiaXULXUXZfSI ■ IIICXXXISKTZZCZXIXI TiiiExti ■^5"F?2^^ Mm znm zxt-cxxc 311 ,> 1 tiTxa ^P! 400 MAHASKA COUNTY. 'I m m still lives, making her home ivith her son, W. T. She was burn in LSI 4. and became the mother of seven children, two onl^- of whom are now living: Mai'garet .).. the wife of Philip Kittermau, of Mon- roe County, Iowa. ;ind ^\ . T., the subject of this sketch. On tlie :i4th day of JNIarch, 18(J4, our subject en- listed in the 33d Iowa Infantry, and .served as a Union soldier eighteen mouths, participating in the battles at .lenkin's Ferry and Spanish Fort. He returned home Aug. 15, 18G5, and began farming on the old homestead, which business he has since continued to follow. He was married. April 1, 1868, to Miss Nancy L. Locke, a native of Smith County, Va., a daugh- ter of James A. and Melinda Locke, both natives of the same State. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of six children : Freddie, born Jan. 30, 1 8(19, died in infancy; James Scott, born March 14, 1870; Nora, born Sept. 5, 1873, died Oct. 28, 188-2, at the age of nine j'ears; John Francis, born Jan. If), 1870. died Oct. 30, 1882, aged three years and nine months; Cora, born April 20, 1883; Lena, born July 1, 1885, died in infancj'. Mr. Smith is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and of the R. A. M. lu politics he is liberal, his views tending toward those of the Greenback party. ^- 18(17 ■4i^ LONZO VANALST, who owns and occu- pies a comfortable homestead in Black Oak Township, was born in Genesee County, N. Y., Nov. 9, 1837. He came to Iowa in and located in Poweshiek County, whence after a residence of three years he came to this count}-. On Jan. 18, 1867, Mr. N'.inalst was married to Miss Ellen Curd, a native of Klkhart Count}', Ind., bom Oct. 12, 1847. They liecame the parents of one child, Edward, now at home. The mother of this child died Aug. 28, 1872. On Feb. 14, 1883, our subject was again married, to Miss Alice Hoff. By this latter marriage there have been two chil- dren, James and Charles, both residing at home. The subject of this sketch was a soldier during the late war, enlisting in Co. K, 9th ind. \o\. Inf., and served for four years. He participated with ; his command in the many engagements in which it ; took part, and acquitted himself creditably .as a ■ soldier. • I The home farm of Mr. ^'analst consists of eighty- ; four acres of excellent land, in a good state of culti- ; vation and well improved. He has been fairly sue- ! cessful as a farmer, is an excellent citizen in every ' respect, and highl}- regarded by friends, neighbors i and acquaintances. Politically he is a member (jf i the Democratic party. i ILTON YOUNG, who owns a fine farm in Adams Township, is a native of AVhite County, Ind., and was born Jan. 22, 1836. He is a son of John and Nancy Young. Both parents were natives of Ohio. The father died in 1841, and the mother in 1840. gsti The subject of this sketch served as a soldier 3'n during the late war, enlisting in Co. A, 128th Ind. ^'«Jl. Inf., in the fall of 1863. He served faithfully as a soldier for eighteen montks, and was honor- ably discharged iu June, 1865, at Philadelphia, Pa., being in the hospital at that time. He at once re- turned to Indiana and remained until October, 1865, then came to Iowa. He made the entire trip by team, was thirteen days on the road, and ar- rived in Oskaloosa Oct. 17, 1865. After residing in the city one year, he purchased eighty acres oi land in Madison Township, which he cultivated and improved and afterward sold, and purchased a quarter section of land in Prairie Township. This farm he also sold and removed to Adams Town- ship, and purchased his present farm of 370 acres. On March 28, 1870, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Louisa M. Jackson, a native tif Ohio, and born Nov. 20, 1848. Mrs. Young is a daughter of J. R. Jackson, a native of Ross County, Ohio. Our subject and his wife are the parents of five children: Maud O., born Dec. 6, 1871 ; Charles H., May 30, 1873; Mattie P., Sept. 18, 1875; John M., Nov. 17, 1877; William C, June 1, 1881. Mr. Young is an enthusiastic Republican and a leader C)f the i>arty in his township, and has held many township offices. His home farm is a line ^ J^^rlrJ K f l^rJ|-'r-7''J : - xirrrriirUtrrTiii^i i ^ jdgj:lcicir'rJr'r'?i-'fj } MAHASKA COUNTY. body of land wluVh he hns hrouglit to a high f^tate i of cultivation, and npon wliich the linpiovenients ! are of tlio liest class. He lanks anioni; the prosper- on.s, Avell-to-do farnicis of the connty. and man- ages Ills liusincss with good judgnient. .Mr. Vonug is well posted iqion cnrront events, is honoralile j and high-minded, and greatly cstcenicd hy an ex- tended circle of ac. .lohn M. lives at .Montezuma; Rachel, the wife of Joseph Bone, resides in Washington I'erritorv; l)enni^. W'illiaiu A.. Bed v. Neri E. and ,T.Jt(AA^ iiTiiiiiiTiif iiixii ?*r,i i^xxn xxTxxi xxi xxxxJLij gCTri' i IITZXIIXrZXTC I mTixnrrxnimnrrxizJiiinj-i I riTxannii-uixuxiinxircxxixj"^ ^^ MAHASKA COUNTY. li Andrew A. live at Montezuma; Talitha. now Mrs. Horner, resides in Powesliiek County. In 1849 Mr. Bryan loaded his family and house- hold goods into three covered wagons and started for the boundless West, arriving at Oakaloosa, this State, October 12, after a journey of thirty- two days. They settled on section 31, of Adams Township, where our sul)ject had, the previous spring, purchased 200 acres of land. Here he lived for twenty years, following the occupation of farm- ing, and changed the raw prairie of 1849 to one of the best improved and most highly- cultivated farms in the county. In 1869 he sold the farm for $.50 per acre, removed to Hamilton County, Iowa, in- vested a portion of his capital in a flouring-mill, and resided there for about si.x years, when, on account of the death of his wife, he gave up house- keeping and has since made his home with his son, Andrew A., at Montezuma. ALanson Bryan is a man of great energy and force of character, was a cautious, prudent man- ager, .alw.ays exercising proper economy in his business, and made his life a great success. At the age of seventy-eight years he made a trip to Western K.ansas, by team, merely for the purpose of enjoyment. C. FAUQUIER, the possessor of a quarter- section of fine land in Adams Township, is the son of Thomas and Phcebe (Hathaway) Fauquier, and was born in Miami County, July 20, 1827. He resided in that State 1 848, when he went to Indiana, remaining there until 1851, and then came to Iowa, with his family, located in INIahaska Countj', and purchased 320 acres of school land. He was married, Oct. 20, 1849, to Miss Hattie Woods, a native of Indiana, born Aug. 24, 1832. To them seven children iiave been born, as follows: Kphraim lives in Union Township; Emma C. is the wife of Luther God- dard, of Adams Township; Delia B. married James Stafford of Spring Creek Township ; Lida A. is at home; William and Eddie are deceased; Almeda became the wife of James Fisher and is now de- ceased. The farm of our subject embraces a choice tract Ohio, until of land in an excellent state of cultivation and well improved. He has been fairly successful in his business, and has shown m Mi.ss Catherine M. Pearson, a native of Logan County, Ohio, born Uec. 7, 1838, and a daughter of Rev. William and Catherine (Pickrell) Pearson, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Mrginia. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan be- came the parents of nine children, two of whom died in infancy, Eliiia A. at the age of fourteen years, and Charles F. was killed b}- lightning at the age of twenty-one years. Five children are yet living, viz: Lillian. Fred H.. Ernest E.. Willie A. and Walter E. Shortly .after his marriage Mr. Bryan purchased a farm in Poweshiek Count3% and cultivated it iin- till lfs71, when he sold out and purcli.ased HiO acres of raw prairie on section ;i(;, of Prairie i'owu- ship. to which he has added until his present farm embraces 2.511 acres of very fine land, all in a high state of cultivation and with the best class of ini- provenifiits. Politically .Mr. Bryan is a Republican. He cast his first presidential vote for Fremont, in lH.i(i, and has held several local olKces. He has never connected himself with any religious or secret soeiet}', is a man of liberal celf intelligently upon general >ubjcct.-. He gives much attention to stock-raising, in which he h.is been very successful, and is one of the lead- ing farmers of Mahaska County, as well as one of its best citizens. He man.ages his business prudently and cautiousl}', is a kind and indulgent husband and father, and greath' esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. K\\ DENNIS MURPHY, Ph. D., Presiding Elder of the Oskaloosa District of the i \V Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in the ^^ county of Limerick, Ireland, on the 24th da3' of .June, 1833, being the son of Robert and Catherine (Barry) Murphy. The Barry family were descendants of one of the families who came over with William the Conqueror. Robert Murph3' and wife emigrated to the United States about the 3'ear 1841, and settled in Wayne, Mich. The}- were devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. Their famil}' included seven children, five of whom are living: .John B. is a resident of Wayne, Mich. ; Maj. E. B. Murphy assisted in raising the 7th Iowa Cavalry, and was elected and commissioned First Lieutenant of one of its com- panies. This regiment did excellent work in the border service .at the time of the Sioux Indian trouble. The Lieutenant was soon pronmted to a Captaincy and afterward to Major of the regiment, holding that rank when the regiment was mustered out at the expiration of its term of service. Maj. Murphy was the founder of Arapahoe, Neb., now a busy little city of 1,200 inhabitants; Hon. M. B. Murphy, of Plattsnioiith, Neb., represented his dis- trict in the Legislature of that State: P. B. Mur- phy, of Uni.aha, Neb. Rev. Dennis Muri>h_v left his home in Michigan ill 18.50 for the farther west, stopping .at Ottumwa, Iowa, where he engaged in business. He was soon afterward converted and joined the .Methodist Epis- copal Church. In LsTiS he joined the Iowa Confer- ence, and liegan to [treaiJi the (iospel. .Mr. Murphy was married, Aug. 11), lH(il, in Birmingham, Iowa, to Miss Lavanda Giu-sner, a daughter of the Rev. .Io>eph and Haniet (Housel) (i.assner. Her pareul> m m m ^reJ^f ^MTii ese.tia ^ ^dfcST^^*TTrJEm 404 MAHASKA COUNTY. xxiTriiiixrinxi" .|jti^: m ^' were natives of Virginia and Pennsj'lvania. She nas born in New Haven, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Feb. t, 1843. :Mr. and Mrs. Mnrphj' became the par- ents of rovement Comp.-uiy. at ^3 per acre, i^S which are now worth ■i<3i) per acre. Mr. IJartlow v.. pursues general farming, and is particularl3' engaged ifJc in stock-raisinsr for the ireneral market. Mr. and Mr^. l5:irtiow are members of the Chris- tian Church, and steadfast believers in its doctrines. Politically he is a Republican, and has affiliated with that party since its formation in the State of Iowa, in the 3'ear ls5(i. As a result of his indus- try and perseverance Mr. Hartlow is in very com- fortable circumstances, and certainly deserves all the iirosperity that has attended liini. and is a rep- resentative man among the many good citizens who reside in the township. EV. O. M. SCOTT, of Oskaloosa, is the son of 4 Charles .and Susan .Scott, and was born in f 4i\\\ Guernsey County, Ohio, Aug. 27, 1820. ^ ^'S^iHc was reared partly in said county, and partly- in Washington County, Pa., and in January, 1844:, was licensed to preach the Gospel. In the fall of that year he was received into the Mus- kingum Annual Conference of tlie IMethodist Prot- estant Church. ;iiid entered the regular itinerant work, which he continued in said conference until the fall of 1865. He was married. May 4. 1817. to Miss Hadassah J., daughter of Rulicrt II. and Blanche Cotton, in Athens County, Ohio. To them were hiorn six children: Emma H.. who died in the fifteenth year of iierage; Orion C; Clelaiul M.; Mary Blanche and Florence D., born in Ohio, and John Albert in Iowa. Those living are all engaged in business for themselves. During the late war Mr. Scott enlisted in Co. C, l>6th Iowa \o]. Inf., as Coriiorai. was soon made First Sergeant, and at the end of ten months, while in the siege of \'icksburg, was appointed Chaplain of his regiment b}' Gov. Todd, of Ohio. He was with Gen. Banks' expedition up Red River, at tiie l)attle of Sabine Cross-Roads on the .stii of April. 18(;4, was taken prisoner and held at Mansfield, La., for nearly three niontlis. during which time lie as- sisted ill caring for his wounded and dying com- rades. After his release he rejoined his regiment, and was present at the capture of F'ts. (Jaines and M(»rgan at the entrance of .Mobile, La. Finally, on account of ill-health, he tendered his resignation, and was honorably discharged a few nK>nths before the close of the war. In the fall of l.S(;5 Mr. Sell, with liis family. a!: I il »£ilF m mm 23SS s? .»— A ■am 406 MAHASKA COUNTY. came to Iowa and took charge of Tipton Circuit, having becorDU connecterl with the Conference of the Methodist Protestant Churcli in Cedar County, with which he still leniains. Tlie largest portion of his ministerial work in Iowa has been in Ccilar and Marshall Counties. Xearlj* three j'ears ago he loca- ted his family- in Oskaloosa, this count}', and this year (18«6-'S7) he has taken a vacation for the first time since the commencement of his ministerial labors. =^ YLVESTEH PHELPS, nc^w deceased, and one of the pioneers of l)S4,s, was a native of Connecticut, and was born May 4, 1780. In his youth he learned the traile of wool- carding, and while yet a young man migrated to Ohio, taking with him a carding-machine, hauling it all the way with a team. For many years he represented a manufactory of these machines, and was engaged in their sale throughout the .State of Ohio. Mr. Phelps was united in marriage with JNIaria Lathrop. June 24, 1818. at Milforil, Ohio. Mrs. P. was born m U'indham, Conn., Dec. ID, 1797, but went with her parents. IJenjamin F. and Eliza- beth Lathrt)p, U> Ohio, when nineteen years of age. The}' came to Iowa in the fall of |.S4;). and lived near Granville until their decease. Mr. and iMrs. Phelps became the i)arents of six children: .lulia was the wife of Rev. Sanford Haines, and died at the age of thirty-one years; Sc.iphronia is the widow of Thompson Baldwin, and lives in this township; Albert died in 18GG, at the age (.)f forty-three: Daniel died in 18.0.O, aged twenty-eight jears; Charles resides in Richland Township; lloran died in I.S51, aged seventeen 3-ears. Sylvester I'helps was the owner of .some land in Champaign County, Ohio, to the improvement of wliich he gave a portion of his time. In the year 1845 a neighbor by the name of Lundy removed to Iowa, .and his letters gave such a g'l(.)wing de- scription of the country, that in 1847 two of the children of Mr. Phelps came to this State, followed in 1.S48 by their father with the remainder of the family. They came by the ordinary mode of con- ye^'auce, the covered wagon of that da}-, and ar- rived in this county after a pleasant journey of six- : teen days. So well pleased was Mr. Phelps that ho 3 1 I I I I I I I I I 1 1 1 t returned immediately to Ohio, disposed of his prop erty there, and returned to pass the remainder of S his days in the beautiful land. His first business venture in this section was the building of a .saw- mill on Elk Creek, but the foundation proving to S= ai be sand, the mill was a failure. He intended jt erecting a carding-machine, but eventually aban- Bf doned this idea, and soon after disposed of his mill Sti property in a trade for some land. While engaged 9? in some repairs upon his mill-dam, he contracted J!. the disease which eventually caused his death. May 3;; 13, 18.51. His wife survived him many years, her death taking place in April, 1880. Politically Mr. Phelps was a Whig, and in an early day was elected and served as member of the Board of Commissioners for this c(junty. Socially he belonged to the Masonic fraternity. Life with him had been more than a fair success, and he was jf one of the pioneers who secured a competency 3; through his resolution, industry and wise manage- ?!; nient. i'\ 9:: ERASTUS COFFIN, well aixl known as a worthy resilient ,T Township, was born in Tippecs and favorably z'h of Madison ^r. Si Ind., Oct. 1, 1841. anoe County, si His father, Samuel Coffin, who was a native of North Carolina, born April 19, I 1 1 I 1 I I I I 1 I I I I 1 1 1 3^ l.SOl). eame to Iowa in 1842, and to this county in i.s44, and died May 0, 1880. At the time of his death he owned .500 acres of land. His mother, Sophia (Fi.sler) Coffin, was a native of Indiana, born Jan. 24. 1814, and was united in marriage §-. with Samuel Coffin in the year IS30. She is now deceased. Erastus Collin, of this sketch, came to Iowa with his pat-ents, lived with them in Lee County for one g|i \ e;u-. and then located in Madison Township of this ^ lountv. Me was married to Miss Sarah E. Corwin. .May 2(1, l.s6(j. Mrs. C. vvas born in New Jersey. Si! Sept. 1 1. 184.5. being a daughter of S. O. and Lydia SJj} K. (Baker) Coi'wiii, also natives i.if New Jersey. 3; By this marriage there have been four children: ip Nellie is the wife of E. Knight, of this township; s|} Frederick, Josella and Harry are at home. r'r'r'Hr'Hgggggg: "bidf^r'HH ;i3 i^a MAHASKA COUNTY. II Mr. Coffin served three 3'ears in the late war, as a member of Co. H, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf., and par- ticipated with his command in all its engagements. He was in the battles of Black River, Champion Hills, and other engagements preliminary to the in- vestment and siege of Vieksbnrg. and witnessed the surrender of that stronghold, .luly 1. 1863. At the second battle of Corinth he received a severe wound in the neck, not sufficient, however, to dis- able him. He was also with Gen. Hanks in his famous Red River campaign, and continued with his regiment until the expiration of his term of service, receiving his discharge at Davenport, Iowa. His record is that of a brave soldier, who performed every dutj' in a creditable manner. Mr. Coffin owns 197 acres of fertile land, in a high state of cultivation and well improved. His earlj' education was received in the common schools of this county. He was a close student and apt scholar, and possesses a fund of general informa- tion. He is an enthusiastic Republican, and socially belongs to Phil. Kearnej' Post, G. A. R. Mr. Cof- fin manages his business wisely, is fairl}' successful in life, and enjoys the friendship and association of a large circle of acquaintances. ^"■*"W" ii i: 1:. ir R^ c children, as follows : Alice is deceased ; Charles F. lives in Monroe Township; Frank and an infant child are deceased; Jessie and Edith are at home. Politically Mr. Sarvis is a Democrat. He was ENRY J. SARVIS, a well-to-do farmer of Monroe Township, is the owner of 193 acres of good land, which is in fine cultivation, and provided with excellent improvements. He has prospered in liis business and agricultural operations, and as a citizen, neighbor and friend, enjoys tiic confidence and esteem of an extended cir- cle of acquaintances. Mr. Sarvis was born in Indi- ana, April 2, 1K32, and came to Iowa with his par- ents in 1S13. His father, .Jonathan Sarvis, was .a native of Kentucky, and is still living in \^llite Oak Townshii), this county. His motiier, Nancy (W^'more) Sarvis, was a native of Kentucky, and died in tliis county in l.s63. Wlien about thirty years of age the subject of tliis sketch was married, in 1862, to Miss Anna Basey, who was l)orii in W.ashington Countj', this State, Oct. 27, l.sau. Of this union there were born six mm reared by parents who were members of the Chris- tian Church, and his wife in religious belief is a Baptist. ^'-12, anit a daughter of John and .Maiy (Dunel) (iill. They came to America in 18 1(1, making the tri|) in a sailiu sel, and landing in New Orleans, came up the .Mis- sissipiji Kiver to Naples, thence to .Morgrui County, 111. He wa> a boot and fhoe maker by Ir.-nle, and f(jllowed that bnsiues> until his death, which, with that of hi.s wife, t)ecnired in Morg.ui County, To the union of Mr. and Mrs. (Quarton have been given twelve t-hildreu: Marion is the wife of A. \'an Norsdale, and resides in Kansas; T. .M. mar- ried Emma Barnes, and lives in .Minnesota; Georgia is the wife of Joseph ]\lcFall, and lives in (Jska- loosa; Charlotte is the wife of .lames Byraui. and lives in Minnesota; \V. B. is a lawyer, and resiile.- iu Algona, Iowa; Amee F. live? with her parents. XXXHJIitxrnxxTn i rXXXXITTIIKJ XX2 t IXXXXl XXZl : 2ititiiii Jia ICITJ* ■XTTT I ir JX I tXIJ. - 408 MAHASKA COUNTY. as does also Kzra D. The following are deceased : Ilammoleketli, Minnie, Ann M. and Nathan. Mr. Quarti>n owns 290 acres of very tine land, 240 of which arc in a high state of enltivation, with the very best class of iinprovenients, and every- thing that is necessary on a well-regnlated and first- class farm. As a fanner Mr. (^narton has no su- perior in the connty, astiie neat and well-kept fields and fences at the home i)lace clearly indicate. He takes great [iridc in his l)uildings and in having all his improvements of the liest character, comfort- able and convenient. .Mr. (^iiarton is a hospitable gentleman, after the English st> le, and makes yon welcome to a tal)le that groans with the best of cheer. Wherever known he is highly regarded as a most estimable citizen. m Tf?OHN VOORHEES, of Black Oak Townshii), is a pioneer of the daj's of ISoo. He was born in AVarren County, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1.S2'J, and is a son of John K. and Mary (Rynear- Sfm\ son) A'oorhees, natives of New Jersej-, both (jf ij H whom settled in Ohio |)rior to their marriage. John ^-^ K. vv.as a blacksmith by trade, but in his later life followed farming. His wife died Dec. 28. l.sca, at II ii: the age of si.xty-three. Mr. \ot)rhees afterward Si: jiji came to Iowa, and died in this county Oct. 3, 1873, aged sevent3'-six years. There were eleven children in his family, five of whom died in child- hood, six grew to manhood, and four are still living. The subject of our sketch was the fourth child, and grew to manhood on the farm, receiving onlj- a limited edueatiou iu the district school. In l.Soo 1!; he concluded that the boundless West afforded bet- ^^ ter opportunities fi ir a young man, and consequently 1 turned his face towai'd tlie setting sun and soon ^ found himself in this county. His capital was $800 in cash, which he invested in the piuchasc of 240 aci'es of land on section IG, Black Oak Township, the cost price being 12,250. He paid out his ?.S0(i and went in debt for the remainder. It was com- H] parativelj raw land, with only a few acres broken, but had a iMetly good house for those times, and then he began the stiuggle for life. Believing, like one of old, that "it was not goo• ]OIIN H. WHITE, of Peoria, this county, well known as an experienced and skillful auc- tioneer, is the eldest son of Abner C. and (^^.' Zilpha L. \\hitc. (See their biography else- where in this volume.) He was born in W.a^^ne County, Ind., June 7, 1837, and there resided until 1 s.5.5, when with the family he came to Iowa, driv- ing one of the teams the entire distance. During the first ^-ear of his residence in Iowa he followed the business of freighting between Oskaloosa and Keokuk. Ill April, 18G0, he went to Darke County, Ohio, and J.au. 19, 1861, was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Tillson, a native of that count}'. He returned to Iowa in June, 1862, loca- iiig in Oskaloosa, where his wife died April 14, 1 8(J3. To them had been born two children, both now decea.sed. During the late war .Mr. White iMilisted, in May, 1864, in Co. D, li32d Ohio Vol. Inf., and served five months with his command, being mustered out in January, 186.'). Returning to Oskaloosa, Jan. 14, 1865, he was married to Mrs. Sarah A. (Matchett) Mace, a native of Washington County, Pa., who was born Feb. 14, 1«41. Soon after his marriage Mr. White removed to Fremont, and thence to Peoria, in 1868, where he has since resided, with the exception of the year 1874, which was spent in Kxcz n I rx ▼ cxx zxlixzxzj^Drzxx gltgTlI ^JU g In 412 i! II tt wi txxxjjirmxnxii iraixjtrxririii nxTn rm nmj ; MAHASKA COUNTY. Cass Cuiiiity, Neb. In iKilities, like his father be- fore hiiii, uiir siibjeet i> a Democrat. He is a char- ter member of Miildli Post No. 12(j, C. A. K., ami .•I member of the J. (). (). F. By profession he is an auctioneer, ami has followed the business for many years, coupling with it that of stock-buying. Mr. \Aniite has no superiors in crying sales, and es- pecially that class of sales where live stock is the principal offering. His long experience as a buyer of stock has made him thoroughly conversant with the characteristics of the leading families, and his services are in demand far and near, in this branch of business. Alwa^'s fair in his representations, he enjoys the entire confidence of his circle of ac- quaintances, which greatly enhances the value of his services in his chosen profession. - =^ - ■■mHi^ -^ ^^EOUGE \V. .SHOCKLEY, of the firm of [|j (— ^ Johnson & Shockley Bros., publishers of the ^^51 Saturday Globe, Oskaloosa, was born in New Vienna, Clinton Co., Oliio, Dec. 29, 1857, and is the son of Edwin and Frances M. (Truitt) Shockley, both of whom are natives of Ohio, and yet reside at New Menna, in that State. His father was a sol- dier in the Union army, and served till the close of the war. When he entered the service the family moved t(j Highland County, Ohio, where they re- mained for a time, and then returned to New ^'ienua, where George ^V. was educated in the pub- lic schools. When seventeen years old he entered the ottice of the Friends' Publishing House to learn the printing trade. This was a flrst-class office, and headcpiarters of all the Friends' publications, the greater number of which, for the State of Ohio, were printed here. In this office our subject con- tinued three years, when the publishing house was removed to Columbus, Ohio, though part of the material was retained by J. D. McClintock, publisher of the New Vienna Register. Mr. Shockley entered the service of McClintock, and continued with him for a time, or until the paper failed, when he went to Springfield, Ohio, and worked in the office of the Springfield Daily Times for about six months. Returning to New \'ienna he worked for J. M. Hussev, who revived the Register, and conducted it under the name of the Record for one and a half years, then went to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked in the job room of the Ohio State Journal till the spring of I8sy, when he came to Oskaloosa, and in company with S. B. Kinsey, purchased the job office of H. B. Drake and continued the busi- ness. Mr. Shockley is a first-class practical printer, and soon succeeded in securing a large patronage for the office. Believing it not good for man to be alone, shortl}' after coming to Oskaloosa, he re- turned to New Vienna, Ohio, and on the UUh day of June, 1883, was united in marriage with Miss Cora D. Williams, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Thomas and Frances Williams of that place. Thej' have one child, Frank Perley. Mr. Shockley continued in partnership with Mr. Kinsey until April 1, 1884, when his brother, T. il. Shockley, purchased Kinsej-'s interest, and the firm of Shockley Bros, was organized, which one month later was changed to Johnson ik Shockley Bros., jjublishers of the Saturday Globe, am] general book and job printers. (See article on Saturday Globe.) I'olitically Mr. Shockley is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternit}^ and with his vyife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and as business manager of the office, much of the credit is due him for the success of the Saturday Globe. Er-^-.-=; 1 y;ILLIAM BERRY, deceased, was one of the l^ioneers of 184.S. He was born in Wash- "^^ ington County, Ya., May 30, lisU. At the age of fifteen years he removed with his par- ents to Ohio and settled in Marion County. Here all that portion of his life until manhood w.as passed upon the farm. On Dec. 31, 1840, he was united in marri.age with Nancy Johnson, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Feb. 17, 1822. Of this union were born eight children, four of whom died in childhood. Of those who reacheil man and womanhood James M. enlisted in Co. C, 33d Iowa Vol. Inf., in 18G4, and died at Little Rock, Ark., of disease contracted while in service; John , M,,TTi..ii H'TTT.,,, mimTrr»n lT MAHASKA COUNTY. 413 H., Lauren B. and Charles G. reside in Richland ijTownship. In 1848 Mr. Berr^- removed witli iiis family to this count}', making the entire journey bj' team. Arriving in the month of October he immediately purchased land, located on sections 10 and 11 of Richland Townsliip, and created a home for him- self and his faraih-, in which ho resided during the remainder of his life. His death occurred Aug. 27, 1885, when sevent3'-one years of age. He had alwaj's enjoyed excellent health, and his death, occurred after a sickness of only one week, which j^ was as sudden as it was saddening. His remains j^are buried in Baldwin's Cemetery, and the ex- traordinaril}" large number of people who attended the funeral was evidence of the great esteem iu which he was held by those who knew him. JsS Mr. Berry was in early life a member of the |j|s Christian Church, but as societies of that denomina- jtion were scarce in Iowa at that early day, he formed no connection with any denomination after his settlement in this county. He was a liberal supporter of all churches, a man of strict integrity, [^ upright and honorable in all the affairs of life. His 5j means were exceedingly limited when he came to this county, and he experienced all the hardships and struggles incident to pioneer life, working {Sbravel}- and untiringly that those who followed I Rafter him might enjoy the fruits of his labor. In ;|this he was successful, and left his famil}- in good circurasUinces. His estate consisted of 240 acres ipof very fine land, which he had brought to a high i;c state of cultivation with improvements of the better ^grade. His widow still survives, and resides with her children. ILHAM HAZLETT, of Pleasant Grove Township, was born in the North of Ireland man}' j'cars ago. He came to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pa., where he re- mained one year, then went to Illinois and staid for four months, at the expiration of which time he came to Iowa. After his arrival here he worked at I farm labor by the month for ten 3'ears, and by rigid economy saved enough money to purchase his present farm of 1 60 acres, which is now iu an excellent state of improvement and cultivation. Feb. 9, 1876, Mr. Hazlett married Miss Eliza- beth Anderson, and to them four children were born: Alexander T. is defeased ; Jane E., William T. and Mar}' E., are at home. Mr. Hazlett is an unwavering Republican in his political affiliations. Himself and wife are members of the United Pres- bj'terian Church. Mr. Hazlett is possessed of that indomitable grit and perseverance that know no such word as fail, and has therefore made a fair success of life, though the way led over trials and difficulties that would have daunted most men. fOSHUA WAY, who lives upon section 6, Jef- ferson Township, located just across the line ^^ iu Monroe County in 184a. He is a native '^^f/ of Wayne County, Ind., born in 1821, and is the son of Seth and Sally Way, both of whom are natives of North Carolina, but who are num- bered among the first settlers of Wayne County, Ind. When sixteen years of age he came with his parents to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he lived until 1843, when he made claim to 160 acres of land on section 36, Clay Township, Marion County, which he improved and on which he lived until 1849, when he moved into Jefiferson Town- ship, Mahaska County, where he owns the south half and the northeast quarter of section 6. He also still owns the original homestead iu Marion Count}'. Mr. Way was married, in September, 1842, to Miss Louisa Doud, a native of Licking County, Ohio. By this union there were five children: Emily is the wife of Thomas Mann, of Pella, Marion County ; Asbury, who was a member of the 36th Iowa Infantry, and who served three years, died at his father's house in 1869; Catherine mar- ried Daniel Haun, of Jefferson Township, and died July 9, 1870, at her father's house; Taylor died when two years old ; Lydia lives in Omaha, Neb. Mr. Way's second marriage occurred in 1855, when he was united with Miss Ruth Ridlen, a na- tive of Decatur County, Ind., and daughter of Timothy and Sarah (Wright) Ridlen, the former a mm zxxzxxz m xxxrxxxKzxxx n "rrrrn^Ep* \l 414 MAHASKA COUNTY. native of Maine, and the latter of Marjland. Tliej' are the parents of five children : Seth, born in 1856 ; Charles Owen, born in 1 858. and farming in Marion Conntj', Iowa; AValter S., born in 1860, is farming in Jefferson Township, this county ; Will- iam J., born in 186.3, is fanning in Liberty Town- ship, Marion Co., Iowa; Horace Parker, born in 187:5, lives at home. :Mr. Way commenced life poor, but by intlustry, economy and giuti_i_rt 1 3HHB MAHASKA COUNTY. removed to Madison Towusliip, where he now re- sides, lie wa.s united in marriage with Miss Eliz- abeth Iligginbolham, Jan. 18, 1846. Mrs. Libb3' is a native of Kentiickj', was born in 1819, and is a daughter of .lames and Sarali (Miracle) Iliggin- botham. Her parents were natives of Kentucky. Her father died in 18.57, and her mother in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Liblw are the parents of nine chil- dren, as follows: Mary, wife of 1'. Fox, lives in Oregon; William is in Adair County, Iowa; Har- riet .1., -Mrs. H. C. Lighter, lives in Cass County, Iowa; James H. is in Nebraska; Charles, in Bour- bon County, Kan. ; Celia is the wife of J. F. Wells, of Cass County, Iowa; Ida is the wife of J. P. Price, and resides with her father; Esther E. mar- ried J. L. Barrett, of Chariton Count}', Kan. ; Jerry lives in Cass Count3\ Iowa. Politically Mr. Liliby is a member of the Dem- ocratic party, and has held the offices of Road Supervisor and School Director. His home farm consists of 142 acres, in good cultivation. He is in comparativel}' easy circumstances financiallj^ and is enjo3'ing the well-earned repose to which the struggles and trials of pioneer life have justlj' entitled him. Among his large circle of friends and acquaintances he is highlj' esteemed for his manj- excellent qualities. Mrs. Libbj- is a mem- ber of the Christian Church. ■~w..~v«jaje£>©^-«-| *@*>3/^ir*^*'\/wv BNER C. WHITE, now a resident of Green- wood, Cass Co., Neb., settled near Oska- loosn. May 0, 1 80,5. He was born in Franklin Township, AVa_yne Co., Ind., Dee. 28, 1816, and on a farm in that State gi-ew to man- hood. He was married, in 1836, to Miss Zelpha L. Howell, a native of North Carolina, born June 13, 1810, but who wont to Indiana when twelve years of age. Mr. White came to Iowa in 18,').5, bringing his wife and family with him in two covered wagons, and occnp^'ing twentv-one days on his westward journe}'. He imrchased eighty acres of land five miles southwest of Oskaloosa, and near the Des Moines River. l)ut. on account <>f the ague in that vicinity, sold his farm and removed to Fremont, i where he resided fifteen years, and cultivated a arm owned bj' him in Keokuk County. In 1870 he removed to Richland Township, and fanned un- til 1879, when he removed to his present home in Nebraska. His family consisted of six children: John H., of Peoria, this count}'; Sarah J.. Mrs. Mooi'man, of Oskaloosa; Mary A., the wife of .1. Ryan, of Richland Township; William L., Thomas M. and Dora Belle, who reside in Cass Count}-, [^^ Neb. Mrs. White died in Nebraska, March 29, Fi! W 1886. Politically Mr. White has always been a Demo- crat, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. The same qualities which commended him to our people during his residence in this county, as an estimable, upright citizen, we doubt not have as fully established him in the confidence of his neigh- bors and friends at his new home. I V ALTER E. DAWSON, a young and ener- getic citizen of Fremont, Iowa, is becom- ing one of the important factors in its industrial interests, having in 1885 established a tile manufactory, which, combined with other busi- ness, is serving to give employment to numbers of men, and circulating large sums of money monthly. Mr. Dawson was born in Cherry Grove, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Oct. 2, 1861, and is the son of John and Catherine (White) Dawson. His father was a na- tive of England, and the mother of Pennsylvania; the latter died in Indiana about the year 1866. John Dawson is engaged in the manufacture of tile at Colfax, Clinton Co., Ind., being one of the first to engage in that business in that county, and is the patentee of what is called the n|)-and-down draft kiln for burning tile. He landed in America in 1850, and since that time, by his energy and in- dustry, and the profits of his invention, has :iccum- ulated a snug fortune of ?25,()00. The subject of this sketch came to this part of the county Aug. 20, 1885, .ind began the man- ufacture of tiling at Fremont. His works have a capacity of 20,000, or about $300 worth of tile per week. He has two drv-sheds. 100 feet long and I i_i.]ii 1 1 II ■m: 1 i XZJi-mn:- rrwi-rm mm n X3 rrrm m: i 416 MAHASKA COUNTY. ■U'Jattle of the war, shortly after which Gen. Lee surrendered the entire rebel arm}' to Gen. Grant at Appomattox. From there the>- returned to New Orleans, where they staid a shoit time, were sent to Baton Rouge for muster out, and lastly to Clinton, Iowa, where they were paid off and discharged, arriving home on the 2Gth day of .July, 180.5. Mr. Hoopes has eighty acres of land in an excel- lent state of cultivation, with a good house, barn and necessary out-liuildings; he has 215 head of sheep, six head oi horses, and eleven of cattle. He has prospered exceedingly- well in his i:)resent business, and as a citizen stands liigh in the regard of all who know him. i j;U G. BUTLER, one of the early pioneers of the Hawke^'e State, who located in Lee County, Iowa, in 1837, resides upon sec- tion 4, in .TefFerson Township, this count}'. He was born in Onoud.aga County, N. Y., in 1820, and is a son of Martin and Cynthia (Pottei-) But- ler, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. After coming to the West he became engaged on river improvements for the Government in the summer of 1838, after which he ran a sawmill at St. Fraucisville, Mo., for three years. In 1849 he came to Mahaska County, and entered 280 acres of land, then returned to Lee Count}' and engaged in farming till 1853, when he went to California, mak- ing the trip across the plains with an ox-team, be- ing five months on the road. Mr. Butler remained in California two years, engaged in herding cattle. He then returned by water on the steamer Golden Gate, and North Star, via the Isthmus of Panama, and was twenty days making the voyage from San Francisco to New York City, it being one month from the time he left San Francisco until he reached his home. The voyage was without adventure, the only rough water tliey encountered being the Gulf ■Stream. After arri\ ing in New York Mr. Butler proceeded to Philadelpiiia, to iiave his gold assayed. He then returned to Jefferson Township, where he has since lived, and has one of the best farms in Mahaska County. In 1884 our subject made a trip to California by way of the Central Pacific Railroad, and was only five days on the road, the difference being very great between five days and five months, which was required for his first trip. He now says he would not cross the plains again with an ox-team for all the gold in California. After this last trip to Cal- ifornia he remained one year. Mr. Butler was first married in 1X41, to IMiss Al- vira Lampson, a native of New York, and daugh- ter of Andrew and Paturah (Campbell) Lampson, who were also natives of the same State. Three children blest this union, one son and two daugh- ters: Riley enlisted in the 33d Iowa Infantry, was taken prisoner on the Red River, in Texas, and died June 23, 1804. in Tyler (Tex.) prison, aged eighteen years ; Livoua is the wife of ^Vatson Co- der, of Washington County, Kan.; Lodoma be- came the wife of M. S. Harrold, of San Joaquin County, Cal., a prominent ranchman and miller, a large wheat-grower, and the owner of 25,000 acr(> of land. Mrs. Alvira Butler died Aug. 3, l.s.'il. aged thirty-four years. Jlr. Butler was again mar- ried, Oct. 5, 1851, to Mrs. Mary A. (Harrold) Tay- k>r, the widow of John iM. Taylor, ijy whom she had two children: Samuel, now in Oregon, and jNIargaret, the wife of Nelson Matthew. By the second niarriagf! of our subject, there were five children: Jenny Lind, wife of E. M. Wilson, of Garfield Township; William M., in Dennis, N. M., where he has been engaged in railroading five years in the employ of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. ; Alvira J., of Nebraska; Louisa, now at home; Aaron died when six months old. In 1882 Misses Alvira and Louisa Butler went to Colorado, where they remained two years, then returned east as far as Red Willow County, Neb., where they entered a tract of land, and Feb. 14, 1884, plowed the first furrow, and at once commenced to improve the claim. Tliey have since paid for the same, secur- ing the (iovernment patent. As a matter of course, both feel proud of their achievement, and well they may, as with their own hands tlie greater part of the work was done. Mrs. Butler died Dec. - 1 c^»i>mj \ T mf^fi^^ t -- MAHASKA COUNTY. ■4i:i I, ■: 26, 1886, of heart disease. The main object of the f. : visit of ^Ir. Butler to California was for the beiK'- tL. - !i.i : lit of his wife's health, but the trip was in v:iiii. "m : Mr. Butler is the owner of SilO acres ^)f laml, ;^- c nearly all of which is under cultivation. He be- ll] ; lungs to the Masonic fraternity, and was a member t -: of the County Board of Supervisors seven years. ti: He has also held the offices of Justice of the Peace, !•;: Township Trustee and Township Clerk. ((^ farme «)IDP:0N DAUGHHERTV, an intelligent rmer and stock-grower of Adams Town- and a pioneer of 1851, is well known to almost every citizen of the county. He is a na- tive of Ohio, born in Logan Count3', Dec. 22, 1818, and is the son of Jarvis and Hannah (Marmon) Daughhertj', natives of Virginia and North Caro- lina respectively, the former being of Irish descent, and the latter of French, though somewhat remote. Tliey moved to Ohio at a very earlj- day, were there married, and became the parents of six chil- dren, three of whom are now living, two in Logan County', Ohio: Zacheus is on the old homestead, and Jane is the wife of Oliver Corwin. The par- ents are both deceased. Gideon Daughherty was reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools of his native county. He remained at home assisting his father on the farm until he was twenty-three years of age, when he was united in m.arri.ige with Miss Rebecca, the daughter of Conrad Marshall. .Six children were born unto them — Morgan, Marshall, Jarvis, Eliza, and two who died in infancy. Of this num- ber but one is living, Marshall, who yet resides at home, but who was married in 1874 to Mollie AVheeler, a native of Maryland. In 1851 Mr. Daughherty came west and entered 800 acres of land in Adams Townshij), this county. He then returned to Ohio, and remainetl thereuntil 1856, when he came back with his family, occupied the land, and has since made it liis home. He still retitins his original purchase, to which he has added about a quarter section. In 1872 he erected a large and commodious dwelling, in whicli he takes |)leas- ure in rrcclviug iiis friends, lie is an enthusiastic Mason, a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, at Oskaloosa. Being now well ad- vanced in life and unable to attend the various meetings as often as he desii-es, yet when the weather is favorable, he is generally found present. In the summer of 1884 he invited the Command- ery and all Masonic friends to a grand dinner which he had prepared at his residence. About 100 Knights and 200 Masons who had not advanced to that degree, .accepted the invitation, and it can readily be conceived that a grand time was had. AVhile never connecting himself with any relig- ious organization, Mr. Daughhertj' was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, of which body his mother was a stanch member. He says it j'ct does his soul good to see the plain, simple dress of the old-fashioned members of that body. His wife was reared in the Presbyterian faith. Politi- callj' Mr. Daughhertj' has alwaj's been a Democrat, and upon National issues acts with that party, but in local affairs is decidedlj' independent of anj- party, voting for those he regards as the best men. "Uncle (iid," as he is familiarlj' called bj- his intimate friends — and these are legion — can have no higher tribute of respect paid to him. than to saj', he is one of God's noblemen, whose every im- pulse is to do good among his fellow-men, and bj' his example teach others that the world is made better, its people happier, ami one's own life length- ened and blest by following the glorious exam- ple of Him who said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This he has done, is doing, and will continue to do while he lives. It is the inner, better nature of the nnm, brightlj- beaming through his daily life and walk. It will be said of him later on, "Well done, good and faithful servant." LEXANDER M. RODGERS, of Garfield Township, is a native; of Ohio County, Xti., where he was born Nov. 17, 1819, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents at the age of two years. He is a son of lien jam in and Elizabeth (McCiee) Rodgers, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Jefferson County, Ohio. Thf subject of this sketch was married in l«ll. tt MJ, :rr^ 'liSitSiJ \mm It iti i-iiiiriJxrxTXTTmOTBnS !^- W' u m 420 MAHASKA COUNTY. to Miss Martha Flanegin, a' native of Ohio, and they became the parents of eight children, as fol- lows: James F. and Alexander M. died in infancy; Amanda is at home; William P., a bank solicitor at Minneapolis, Minn.; John, a Dakota farmer; Minnie J. died in infancy; Charlie D. is engaged at farming in Dakota; Louie A., a graduate of Oskaloosa College, in the class of 1885, is attend- ing the medical college at Iowa City. Mr. Rodgers was reared on a farm, but came to Oskaloosa in May, 1855, where he resided for twelve years engaged in merchandising. He afterward bought 120 acres of land on section 15 of this township, which he has improved, and on a portion of which he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers and daughter are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. In his political affiliations our subject is a Republican. As a fam- ily, none are more greatly' esteemed than that of Mr. Rodgers. Hospitable in the highest degree, generous and charitable without stint, they are greatly esteemed by their friends and acquaint- ances. --^ ' ^ " "P ^^ ^OHN P. WILKINSON is a well-known and I respected farmer residing in Union Town- ship. He was born in Greene Count3', Ohio, (^^jl/ Dec. 3, 1833, and came to Iowa Oct. 5, 1856, with his parents. In 1857 be was united in marriage with Miss Cyiitliia Watkins, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, July 15, 1840, and came to Iowa with her jxarents when she was ten j'ears old. They are the parents of three children : Clin- ton lives in California; William resides at Cherry Vale, Montgomery Co., Kan. ; Blanche is at home. During the late Civil War Mr. Wilkinson en- listed, becoming a member of Co. B. 40th Iowa Vol. Inf., Aug. 14, 1862, serving with his regiment in the different engagements in which it partici- pated, among them being the siege of Vlcksburg and the battle of Salineville, Ark. He received his discharge Aug. 2, 1865. In his political affiliations Mr. Wilkinson is an ardent Republican. At his marri.age his father made him a present of seventy acres of laud, to which he added forty by purchase, and is nuw the ¥/ y//////,^^^ ^ owner of 110 acres of splendid land, which he has|:( t)rought into excellent cultivation, and has well im- proved. Mr. W. is an energetic man and a good manager of his business, and has been fairly suc- cessful in life. He is known as a man of strict in- tegrity, honorable in his dealings with others, and M respected as a citizen, neighbor and friend. -;>t^>«-^»s^ '^!«f-»^te^ w ILLIAM SMALL, a resident of Pleasantl' Grove Township, was born in the State ofpj *Jf^' North Carolina, May 13, 1819, and re-|[ moved with his parents to Iowa in the year 1833,pJ locating in Lee Countj', where he remained for as|' period of ten years, coming thence to this county 5^^ in 1.S43, where he has since resided. June 3, 1841,3|i he was united in marriage with Bliss Susanna Mil-H-;;} ler, a native of Virginia, who w.as born Jan. 19,y 1822. B^- this unitm there were the following chil-^ dreu: Isaac lives in the State of Kansas; ThomasSl A., William and Susanna are deceased; one died inp} infancy. %\ Mrs. Small died Nov. 30, 1850, and July 10,5^i| 1851, he was again married, Miss Sarah A. Simp ""'* kins becoming his wife. She was a native of Vir- ginia and was born May l^i. 1830. By this latter Jifi marriage there have been four children : Nancy J. isj-il deceased; John L. lives in Pleasant Grove Town-|:} ship; James, in the .State uf Kansas, and Mary E.,2ei the wife of Marion Bradley, resides in this town-Kj ship. ffi I Mr. Small met with a severe accident Oct. 22, Ml 1886, resulting in the loss of one of his eyes. He^ii Si- 1 was sowing grass seed, which was in the chaff, and gl] some of the chaff blew in his left eye. He suffered 5|i greatly until December 7, when the eyeball was re §|i moved b}' Dr. C. J. Lukens, of New Sharon, as- 5|ij sisted bj' Dr. Cook, of Poweshiek Comity. ThisBfli was done in order to save the other eye, wiiieh was being affected. Mrs. Small is a member of the Methocli.st Episco- pal Church. -Mr. Small is a member of tlie Demo- cratic party. He is the ownei- of invty acres of good land in a good state of cultivation. He is one among the earliest settlers of tlie eouut^', com-Ki inii to its borders shortly after the Indians iiad va-3sil K 1 iL^ "^"' iij2££gy sassssa MAHASKA COUNTY. 4= P I ii cated the New Purchase, and has witnessed the mightj' changes that have occurred since that time. He is well and favorablj' known, and enjoj-s the re- spect and esteem of n large circle of friends and acquaintances. ^f^ AVID VAIL, Mayor of New Sharon, and 11 )ji editor and proprietor of the New .Sharon ,f^jf^ Star, was born in Uelmont County, Ohio, ^^ April 21, 1 «5 1 . II is father, John Vail, a na- tive of Belmont County, is a farmer by occupation, and now resides in Keokuk County, la. His mother, Abigail (Kdgerton) Vail, was a native of the same county, and is still living. John Vail and Abigail Edgerton were united in marriage Aug. 29, 1827, and to them were born fourteen children; three died in infancy and eleven are still living, seven boj's and four girls, named as follows: Semira L., Isaac N., Benjamin F., Mary, Hervey J., David, Anna, John N., Joseph S., Abigail E., and Walter E. When David Vail was thirteen 3'ears of age, the famil}' removed from the old homestead in Ohio to Iowa, locating in Keokuk Count}', where his parents yet reside. David was reared as a far- mer boy, tilling the soil in the summer months and attending school during the winter, and secured for himself the best education the common-school system afforded. In the fall of 1873 he left the farm and entered the office of the New Sharon Star as an apprentice to learn the printer's trade. His brother, Hervey J., now editor of the Pasadena iS'tor, at Pasadena, Cal., was then editor ;uid pro- prietor of the New Sharon paper. David Vail became a respected and prominent citizen at New Sharon, and on June 23, 1882, was commissioned Postmaster, which oflice he held until Jan. 1, 188G. On April 22. 18,So, lie pur- chased of his brother the New Sharon Star, and is now its sole proprietor and editor. Mr. \'ail has been twice married, tlie rM>t time, March tl, 1872. to Miss Ellen Coulsim, a native of Columbiana Count\', Ohio. Siie died .Ian. :i. 1 880, leaving two children. Cluirles C. and l.uelia. His second marriage occurred Feb. 7. 1882, with .Miss Vesta C. Coulson, a cousin of his first wife, also n native of Columbiana County, and by this union there has been one child, Theressa. The parents of David Vail are members of the Society of Friends, but he has never united himself with an}- ehnrch. He is a member of the Masonic fraternitj', and one of the principal officers of his lodge. In his political affiliations Mr. Vail is a very arden Republican, and has held many local offices. The old axiom that poets are bcjrn, not made, applies with equal force to the profession of 'f^^ journ.alism. It matters little what the literarj' ac- quirements of M man may be, unless the other essen- tials obtain, he will fail of success in the field of journalism. One must, literally speaking, have a "nose for nevts," and be ever on the alert to obtain this most desirable commodity. Then he must exercise the wisdom of a Solomon in leaving out that which should not be inserted and be careful to put into the columns of his paper evcrj'thing that should appear. He must be as patient as Job under the most trying circumstances. In ;i word, he must possess an individuality tiiat shall be stamped upon each issue of his paper before it can become a power among the people. A\'e believe Mr. Vail po.'i.sesses in an eminent degree all the jusieu essential qualifications of a first-class newspaper man, and the mantle of his brother, who established the New Sharon ^Stav, has indeed fallen njjon worthy shoulders. Personally Mr. \'ail is a most honor- orable gentleman, a nnin of strict iiilegrit}', one to be desired as a friend and fe;ucd as an enemy. He takes an active interest in all [jublic matters, giv- ing his first attention to tiie local interests of his JQ^ town and its surroundings, liut liberal and broad enough to com|)ass the interests of the county in which he lives. fl \ I ■feis t-vtiicij/e-^^' ^^ >*.^f^J/Z^^7>x« 'Vx/N/^. A. COWAN, a well-known citizen of Os- kaloosa. and senior member of the lirni of W. A. C'ow.-ui iV- Co.. millers, and proprie- tors of the Eureka .Mills at Beacon, was born in Ohio, Dec. 25. 18.50, and is a son of .Fames P. and Clementina (I)uer) Cowun. nMti\f.- of Penii>ylva- nia, who are now residing east of Beacon. The subject of this sketch was married, in ls78, to Mi» :zxxi3iiAlxtxn3iit 422 MAHASKA COUNTY Anna Rankin, a native of Terre Haute, Ind., ami to them have been bom two children, namely : Ktliel Margery and Cornie May. Mr. and Mrs;. Cowan are members of the Methodiist Episcopal Church. P(jlitically he is a Republican, and occu- pies the advance ground of the party on the ques^ tion of prohibition. The Eureka Mills at Beacon was established in 1864, by Benjamin Roop, who operated it four or five years, when, by reason of financial embarrass- ments, it passed from his (jwnership and fell into the hands of John White, now deceased, and has been operated by various parties since, up tu the time it passed under the control of its present managers, W. A. Cowan & Co. The mill is a mag- nificent structure, 84x84 feet, and five stories high, the first two of cut stone, and the upper stories of brick, and was originally constructed with a view to its use as a mill and distillery. Its cost was not rw" f:ir from $100,()0(). The present capacity of the _ mill for merchant milling is thirty-five barrels per day, and can be greatly increased at comparatively small expense. It is the intention of the present owners to enlarge their facilities in this direction, indeed trade has increased so rapidly since coming ^fsyjl under the present management, that this is ren- I .] derodalisolntelj' neces.sary. In addition to the large custom work done at this mill the3- manufacture and put upon the market the popular Legal Tender and Golden fSheaf Ijrands of flour, and handle three M grades of Dakota flour. The gentlemen composing ii, the firm are affable and popular, and are rapidly tak- ing the lead in milling in this county. The head mil- Hji ler is a gentleman of long experience in the busi- ness, and has few, if any. superiors in the State. ISS MARY D. M( MASTERS, of Union Township, was born in Gifford Connt3r, N. C, Aug. 16, 1821, and removed with her mother to Iowa in 1851, settling in Union Townshii), this county, where she has since resided. Her mother died in ls.s2, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. She had been deprived of ;i father's loving care wlien only thirteen years of age, he having died in the State of North Curolinji in the year 183:3. at the age of fifty-five years. The family consisted of seven children, of whom only two are now living. Hadley, (^uintin, .Samuel, Elizabeth T. and Eleanor L. are deceased; the lat- ter was the wife of J. R. Gorsuch, of I'nion Town- ship. The subject of this sketch. Miss Mary D. Mc- Masters, is a maiden ladj', and is the owner of a farm of 160 acres of excellent land, a portion of which is in' fine cultivation and well improved. Miss McMasters has the entire supervision of her farm, the cultivation of which she manages witlr rare skill and ability. She possesses noble ti'aits of cliaracter. excellent qualities of head and heart, and in her circle of acquaintances is highl}' es- teemed. y»;ILLIAM L. HAYS, a prosperous farmer of K Jefferson Township, was born in Jefferson ^ '^f^ County, Ohio, June 1.5, 1853, and is the son S of James and Rachel (Lee) Hays, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The subject of this sketch came :\h to Iowa in the year 1859 with his widowed mother, k}} who settled in Jefferson Township, wliere he was Si reared upon the farm and remained until reaching his majority. Mr. Hays was united in marriage witli Miss Norah Gardner, April 26. 1.^74. Mrs. II. is a na- tive of Iowa, and a daugiiter of Alexander and Margaret (Miller) G.ardner, who were n.atives of Indiana, and are at present residing in Ness Count}', Kan. Of this marriage there were born seven children, five living: Irre E., Delia M.. Ida O., Otto §[ and Lulu M ; Charles B. and an infant are de- ceased. Politically Mr. Hays is an ardent Republican. Himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He has traveled to a consider- able extent over the \Yestern States and Territories, but has found no place suiting him as well in .all respects as Iowa, and is now content to pass the re- mainder of his days in this beautiful country. His home farm consists of 200 acres of choice land, which is in an excellent state of cultivation, with jf } improvements i>f a class nuuh lietter than the ^ average, lie has completed the construction of ; Kl R? 'Brijer'f/Kl' 'ts;^jdPi-ia' IMAIIASKA COUNTY. 423 new and capacious barn which is a model in its ar- rangement. He foUows mixed farming-, and de- votes his attention more particularly to stock-rais- ing, rearing a few cattle and selling on an average 200 hogs a year. He manages his business in- telligently and has been very successful in life, lie is a man of strict integrity and most htmorable in his dealings. His home is a pleasant one, wliere friends and neighbors are alwaj's welcome, and where is to lie found an abundance of tfoud cheer. ISAIAII KRAiS'KEL is the senior member of tlie firm of Frankel, Bach & Co., bankers, on the north side of the Square in Oskaloosa, also a member of the firm of I. Frankel & Co., clothiers, immediately adjoining the bank on the east. lie is a native of .Southern Germanj', and was born Oct. 14, iy;32. He received a common-school ed- ucation in the old countrj', and when fourteen years of age apprenticed himself for two years and learned the trade of cigar-making. At the age of sixteen he was engaged as clerk in a mercantile house, where he remained until he reached liis ma- turitj', when he came to the United States and opened a dry-goods and clothing house at New Washington, Clark Co., Ind., continuing business in that place for three years, thence removing to Marion, and to Macon County, Mo., where he opened a general store, in company with Immannel Bach. Four years later thej- came to Iowa, and in the spring of 1861 opened a small clothing store on the east side of the Public Square of this city, in a frame building occupying a portion of the present site of the court-house. Some time after- ward they moved their location to the north side of the Square and two doors east of the present elegant building occupied l)y this firm, and in 18C9 moved to the west side of the Square, having pur- chased the building and ground immediately north of the alle3-, now occupied by the Singer Sewing Machine Company and other parties. In 1873 Mr. Frankel established a private bank, under the firm name and stylo of Frankel, Jiacli iV Co., at his lo- cation on the west side, continuing in business there until ISTC. wlioii lIu'V rcmovod to their pre.-- ent elegant quarters in Centennial Block, having a tloorage of 20x70 feet on the ground lloor. witli the upper story fitted up for ollices. In two respects Mr. Frankel and his active part- ner, Mr. Bach, are pioneers in business. Their clothing establishment is the oldest in the city, car- ries a large and well-selected stock, and makes a specialty of fine clothing; they also carry a full line of gents* furnishing goods, hats and cajjs. As bankers theirs is the oldest established bank in the county, and is possessed of ample capital to supply the wants of their patrons. For twenty years they have been the leading wool-buyers of this section of the State, their annual purchases of this product averaging 1;50,000 pounds. The firm have also had a branch clothing-house for the last fourteen years at Mason City, Iowa, managed by Mr. P. P. Himmelreich. The firm have been continuously as- sociated in business for the past twenty-seven years, and from a small begiiming, with limited means, have built up a large l>usiucss and established a business standing second to no other house in tlip county. Isaiah Frankel was married in Davcni)ort, Iowa. .Ian 20, 18G4, to Babetta Slienrman, a native of (Germany. Mrs. Frankel was boin in 1S40, and bj^ her union with our suliject has become the mcjther of six children, all living: Auselm, b(jrn Dec. 7, 1864, is cashier in his father's Ijank; Manasseh, born Sept. 22, 1866, is salesman in the dr^-goods de- partment of Baldanf Bros., of Oskaloosa; Nathan, born Oct. 18, 1868, is salesman with I. Frankel ik Co.; Henrietta, born Nov. 6, 1.S70; Hosa, Dec. 18, 1873, and Henry, May 2S1, 18,si. Politically Mr. Frankel is a Democrat, a leading member of the party, and takes an .active interest in city, county and State elections. He is the old- est member of the City Council, and has been elected four successive terms from the Second Ward, being a leading and valiie(l member of that l)ody. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies. Mr. Frankel owns about 14(; acres of land six miles northwest of the city, whirli is known as Cataljia Ridge Fine Sloek Farm, upon which he has a herd of twenty-live thoroughbred Short-horn cattle, and several head of high grade: IK- also raises N'orni:iii ;nid ('l\-cle.>d;de horses. :iMd ,|fej r i[B^H[~"~J5' K iLixi_i_t£rc» 424 MAHASKA COUNTY. "J^ff*" is making this business as much a success as he has an)- and all tho other enterprises in which he is en- gaged. Ml'. Frankel has been very successfnl in life, and that because he possesses the elements that have contributed to that end in an unusual degree. He has been a student of the problems of finance and trade, and a close observer of events for many years, and evinces unusual sagacity and foresight in the management of his business affairs. As a banker he is conservative and absolutely safe and reliable. As a business man he never makes or permits a misrepresentation in any particular. Among the mau}^ private banks of the State none are rated higher in commerinal reports than the one of which he is the managing head, and as an able financier he has established a reputation second to none. He is a ver^- public-spirited citizen, and always contributes by his influence and means to any and all enterprises tending to advance the in- terests of his city and count}', and enjoj's the full confidence and highest esteem of his fellow-citi- zens. years, surrounded by the comforts of life, can look back with pleasure, unmixed witii regret, and contemplate the struggles of their early days as a school of experience, valuable in the lessons of self- denial it taught to every pioneer. It is a pleasant reflection that one can scan their list of acquaint- ances, made after a third of a century of residence in one locality, and find them all friends, whose confidence and esteem thev enjoy. ylLLIAM M. LEIGHTON, of the Herald Printing Con ^ ^ has been connected with till 7AME.S SAMUELS, who h.as a comfortalile home in Richland Township, came to Iowa in 1844, locating at once in this township, and ranks as one of the earliest settlers and pioneers of this portion of the county. He was | born in Harrison County, Ind., Oct. 26, 1S24, re- | ceived a common-school education, and arriving at years of manhood was united in marriage with Miss Clementine Pettj', Oct. l.j, 1.S50. They became the parents of five children, as follows: Emily .1.. the wife of J. C. Boyd ; (iilliert D., and Eldora, the wife of William Lawrence, are residents of Rich- land Township; Lucy J. is at home with her par- ents; Tabitha is deceased. Mrs. Samuels is a member of the Christian Church, and .Mr. S. belongs to the Republican party. The homestead of our subject consists of fortj' acres, in ginid cultivation and well improved, with a comfortable house and necessary out-build- ings. Like other early settlers of this county. Mi. .Samuels and his wife endured the privations and hardships of pioneer life and now, in their declining ^;ILLIAM M. LEIGHTON, junior member ompany, Oskaloosa, be otflce as appren- tice, foreman, and partner, for the jiast seventeen years. He is a native Hawke^'e, and was born in Oskaloosa, Jail, l.s, 1,S.5(), his parents being Tobias and Harriet A. Leighton, who are numbered among the pioneers of ^lahaska County. William M. Leighton was married in Oskaloosa, educated in the common schools, and in 1870 en- tered the Ikrald office as an apprentice. He servcil his time and liecame a practical job printer. In 1877 he ]iurchased an interest in the office, and yet retains the same. In the division of the work of the olHce he was made foreman of the job depart- ment, and the success with which it has been man- aged is proof of his ability in that direction. The class of vvork turned out by the office is proof, too, that he is a tasteful, as well as a practical job printer. In the job room he is at home. Politically he is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason. El "1 \ I I 1 15 •XJ^tJ2/©ig^ t^^^/THmt" aHARLES A. CRONEY is a .Justice of the Peace, residing and holding office in ()ska- loosa. He is a native of Ohio, and was born Feb.. 22, 1840, in London. Madison Co.. Ohio. His father. John B. Croney, was a native of \'irginia, lioiii .March .'», 1797, and died in Ohio, Aug. 31, lsf4. His mother, Lydia S. (Jones) Cronej-, was a native of Tennessee, her birth taking pl.ace April 8, 1804. .She died in Lincoln, ^'eb.. .Sept. 26, 1871. They both emigrated from their respective .States - 1 ■u; ^ t'l 1 i^- 11"- 1 i:= Kj- 55 Si '*l 1 ^ J^ ■ !£ '1 »-. m hi ^Hf-'r^^'^^ II 1 11 i; i: i; ^^S MAHASKA COUNTY. 425 to Ohio at a very early day, and wcie llieic mar- ried March 22. Iis2!i. and reared a faniih' of stMeii children, of whom Charles was tiie sixth. Up to liis fourteenth year liie subject of lliis sketch had the benefit of tiie common sciiools of liis native State. He then entered a printiiig-ollice, worked one year, and in liSoo came to Maliaska County, Iowa. Some time durint; tiie followinsr year he commenced work in the Herald oHice, where he finished learning his trade. He then en- tered the law ollice of .ludge Crookhain. and, after a course of reading, was admitted to the bar in February, I.sOl. At this time the war clouds were hovering over the country, and soon after the storm broke forth. Ft. Sumter was fired u(jon, a call was issued l)v President Lincoln for 75,000 men, which was quickl3- followed by another for 300,000 more. Companies and regiments were quickly formed all over the North, and in the first company from Maliaska Count\- Charles Croney was enrolled. This company became Co. H, 3d Iowa Vol. Inf. It left Oskaloosa May 30, lt in its defense. As a writer, he is graphic and spcak> to the point, using the King's Knglish in a forcible, though pleasant manner. As a citizen he is well known and universally' esteemed, not only among hi.s political friends, but political enemies as well. All think well of •• Charley " Cro- ney, as is evidenced from the fact that he had no opiiosition to his election as Justice of the Peace. Fraternall}' he is a Mason, and has reached the de- gree of Knights Templar, being a member of De Payens Commandery, Oskaloosa. ORACE LVMAN, one of the pioneers of Iowa, who settled in \'an Bureu County in 1839, is now a resident on section 17, Jefferson Township. He was born in 1813 in Ontario County, N. Y., and is a son of Abner and Tabitha (Brown) Lyman, natives of Massachu- setts. When Horace was about five years of age his parents moved to Kentucky, where he was reared on a farm. In |S2U he went to Licking County, Ohio, where he lived until l.s39, engaged in farming. He then moved to \'an IJureii County, Iowa, and there lived until the spring of 1843, when he moved to Marion County, lowa. In 18G5 he came to Mahaska Count\' and settled upon his present farm. On this and adjoining sections he purchased in all 965 acres of land, and built a saw- mill in about 1844 acro.ss the line on main Cedar Creek, in Marion County. Mr. Lyman was united in marriage with Lucy demons, a native of Licking County, Ohio, [n 1837. Ten children were born unto them: Lowtia, who died in 1859; John, now engaged in fai-ming Sei IS im - n^ c-cc:.«tii ,&4i^^ I T^-»i-»>»nrT-rrTiT i 'ir 426 MAHASKA COUNTY. in Nebraska; Henry, who enlisted in Co. D, 36th Iowa Vol. Inf., and died while in the service; Hor- ace M., a member of the same company, was killed at Mark's Mills. Ark. ; Abner, also a member of the same company and regiment, was starved to death in rebel prisons ; Buck died in Leadville in 1884; Arza is living in Monroe County, Iowa; Martha is the wife of A. Johnson, of Monroe County ; Mary, Mrs. Emmet demons, lives in Buena Yista County, Iowa; Lucy, the wife of Frank Pack, in Marion County. Mrs. Lyman was born in 1819, and died Nov. 25, 1858. The second wife of Mr. Lyman was Ruth Lucas, to whom he was married in 1859. They iiave one son, All)ert, who lives at home. iMr. L3'man is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and in politics is a Republican. He began life a poor boy, and all that he now possesses was acquired by his own industry and perseverance. He has ful- filled all the oliligations of a good citizen, and en- J03'S the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. ^f^M^^^S^ I^M ANOAH HEDGE, Superintendent of Pub- Jf/ III lie Schools of Mahaska County, was born J li> in Coshocton County, Ohio. June 22, 1846. '* He is a son of George M. and Belinda (Atkinson) Hedge, who were natives of Gnernsej' County, Ohio, where they were born in 1816, and where they were married. Of a family of eleven children, eight have lived to be men and women : Anderson, a farmer of Red Cloud, Neb. ; Aaron en- listed in the 51st Ohio Regiment, but died of dis- ease contracted in the service soon after returning home; Sarah A. is the wife of O. A. Mulvane, pho- togiapher, of Newman, Douglas Co., 111. ; Manoah, our subject; Porter is an attorney at law at Lincoln, Neb. ; Belle is the wife of Richard Charles, a farmer near Prairie City, Iowa; Oliver P. is a grocer at Oskaloosa; Violet is the wife of E. H. Calkins, foreman of a printing-office in St. Louis, Mo. In 1865 the father moved with his family to Wapello Count}-, Iowa, locating at P^ddyville, and in 1872 I'emoved to Oskaloosa, his present home. Politically Mr. Hedge is a Republican^ and is an enthusiastic friend and worker in the cause of edu- cation. It was the single ambition and aim of both father and mother to give their children a good jjractical education that would qualify them for use- ful citizenship, and in this particular thej' succeeded admirably. Both are devoted members of the Christian Church and have served the Lord for many 3'ears. Manoah Hedge completed his education at Oska- loosa College. He began teaching when nineteen years of age and has followed that avocation for twenty years. During 1878-79-80, he was Prin- cipal of the High School at Beacon, Iowa. In the fall of 1880 he was employed at Prairie City, Iowa, as Principal of the schools for two years. He was then engaged as Principal of the Fourth Ward school in Oskaloosa until the fall of 1885, when he was elected to his present position. Supt. Hedge was married, Feb. 20, 1877, at Chil- licothe, Mo., to Miss Laura Skaggs, who was born and reared in that State. Having been left without father or mother the latter pai't of her life, she had learned to depend upon her own resources for her support and education. Of the children born to our subject and his wife, two are living, Violet and Laura. Mr. and Mrs. Hedge are leading and influ- ential members of the Christian Church of Oska- loosa. Mr. Hedge stands in the front rank of suc- cessful workers in the cause of education, and his continual advancement is the result of re.al merit and not of circumstances. In addition to the du- ties of his present office he is also editor of the educational deijartment of the Oskaloosa Weekly Herald. OHN C. TUCKER, of Monroe Township, is a son of James H. and Margaret (Sterling) Tucker, and was born in Owen Countj', Ky., Nov. la, 1824. His father died in 1857, and his mother in 1885. He came to Iowa in 1839, lo- cated in Louisa County, near Muscatine, resided there until 1857, and then came to this county and settled in Monroe Township. He was united in marriage with Miss Delia Williams, a native of i Indiana, Aug. 9, 1854. After a short period of j happy married life she died, Oct. 7, 1855. He was again married, April 23, 1857, to Miss Margaret Edmondson, a native of Tennessee. By this mar- l.'iiiiixiCtI MAHASKA COUNTY. If J riage tliero have been two children, one who died in infancy, and David C, at home. Mr. Tucker is a member (jf the Masonic fraternity, and alliliated with Universe Lodoe No. 212, A. ]•". it A. M., in What Cheer. Politically he is a nicnil)er of the Democratic party, and wliiic lie li\cd in Louisa Coiintj', was elected Treasurer and Kecorder. Dur- ing the late Rebellion Mr. Tucker eidisted in Co. C, 40th Iowa \n\. Int., serving tlnce years and one month, and jjarticipating in all the cngagcnienls in which his regiment took'part, ac(iiiitting himself as a brave soldier. The present home of our subject consists of 140 acres of tirst-class land, all in an excellent state of ciiltiv.ation and well improved. Ever since coming to Mahaska County he has jmicticed law in thelowei' courts, and has invariabl}' refused the olKces that from time to time have been tendered him. He is .a man of more than average abilit}^ in every waj'; well posted upon current events, and able to ex- press himself in an intelligent, forcible manner upon general questions. His record is a good one, both in civil and military life, and he enjoys in an un- usual degree the confldeuce and esteem of his fel- low-citizens. -{>- ^l--fe^- \17 AUREN B. BERRY was born in Richland I (^ Township, this county, Feb. 18, is.')(j, and jlL^ is a son of those honored pioneers, William and Nanc}- (Johnson) Berry, whose biography ap- pears elsewhere in this book. He was reared upon the farm and educated in the common schools. After reaching manhood he was married, in 1877, to Miss Pi'udence A. (Jriinden, who was born in Mer- cer County', Ohio, Nov. 2, 18iJ7,and is a daughter of Thomas and Margaret C. Grunden. Of this un- ion there have been born two cliildrcii — Kllicrt M. and Joseph C. The homestead of our subject is located on sec- tion 11 of Richland 'I'ownship, where he owns 107 acres of excellent land, all uniler tine cultivation and thoroughly improved. Mr. Berrj' comes of good stock and, like his father before him, is an up- right nijiii in all respects, and one who enjoys the confidence and esteem of friends not n few. As a liusiness man and ;i citizen he is fidfilling his obli- gations in a creditable manner, and politically casts his vote with the Ri-pnlilican pai-ty. ■^J-^E^^ -tfi-i — ^\ AMUEL JACKSON, pleasantly located on section 2, in Des .Moines Township, is a na- tive of Ireland, born in 1840, and a son of .losepii aniT*r«g^K»»»»» rw w rr rji'tirT-ni m I m m I Hi) 432 MAHASKA COUNTY. Shaw, who were amung the very earliest settlers of this fomitv, coniiiig to the Stale in l.s4(1, and set- tling in ^lahaslvn County in 1H48. (See sly his presciit wife reside at home. Politically .Mr. Hass is a meinlior of the National Greenback part^-, and has held the office uf Justice of tlie Peace several terms. He came to this coinity at the time the lands of the New Purchase were placed upon the market, and for a period of six 3'ears worked by the month for Mr. John White, now deceased, receiving for his first year's services, wages at the rate of ^8.33^ per month. Those were trying times for men, married or single, and rigid economy was the order of the da3-. Adapt- ing himself to the situation, Mr. Bass worked hard, early and late, saved his money and bought land, which he cultivated, improved, and added to as his means would permit, until he is now the owner of 480 broad acres, with the best class of improve- ments. He has pi-ospered, and his savings are the result of tireless industry and excellent manage- ment. As a citizen, none enjo}' more f UII3' the con- fidence and esteem of their fellow-men, and cer- tainly none are more deserving of it than the sub- ject of this sketch. -?34 T^ ©5- I. ^ 1: "^^^LMORE CLARK, a resident of Scott Town- ship, was born in Warren County, Ind., coming in the year 1851 to Mahaslva County with his father, R. ^'. Clark, for biographical sketch of whom see elsewhere in this volume. He was married, .Jan. 22, 1874, to Nancj' J. Fancher, a na- tive of Indiana, born May 10, 18.51, and a daugh- ter of Dennis and Rebecca (Sloan) Fancher, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Clark arc the par- ents of four children : Cevila Maud, born Feb. 26, 1875; Lconi, Aug. 23, 1876; Charles W.. June IS). 1878, and Louis, April 4, 1880. Mr. Clark owns a farm of 120 acres, all under fence and well impnived, with a commodious barn and comfortable residence thercun. He is engaged in general farming, principalh* in the raising of swine. He was a member of and served in the .State militia of Iowa, at the time when they were ordered out to repel a contemplated raid upon the •homes of this State by the rebel Gen. Price, of Missouri. Mr. Clark has been fairly successful in life, reap- ing the reward which industry and cai'eful man- agement insures in any and every avocation, and as a citizen is greatly esteemed bj^ a large circle of acquaintances. He has been a lifelong Republican ADISON TICE, an extensive land-owner of Mahaska County, resides on section 5, Black Oak Township. He is a native of \irginia, and was born Sept. 28, 1827, be- ing a son of Jacob and Jane (Hall) Tice. When but six 3^ears of age, his parents removed to what is now known as Menard Count}', III. There he grew to manhood, and became thoroughly familiar with all the duties connected with farming. In 1847 he came to Iowa, first stopping in Jasper County, where he purchased land and resided until 1852, then came to this county- and settled where he now resides. In 1855 Ml'. Tice was united in marriage with Miss Nancy E. Mays, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Charles and Mary E. Mays. B3' this marriage there have been born ten children: The- ophilus married Harriet Godb}-; Manella is the wife of J. E. Hull; Mary became Mrs. J. W. Straughan; ^linnie, Mrs. E. M. Grimes; Louisa, - Mrs. Luther Lawj-ence; the balance are, Cora, C. G., Hattie, Daniel and Lottie J. Mr. Tice. during the Civil War, was a stanch Re- publican, and voted with that part}' up to 1876, when he east his ballot for Samuel J. Tilden for President, and since then has afliliatcd with the Democracy. He has at different times held about all the various local offices in his township, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Tice owns 563 acres of land, 320 of which constitute the home farm, and devotes his entire attention to stock farming. His horses and cattle are all of high gi'ade. For three 3'ears he bought and sold live-stock, which business proved finan- cially a great success. In the \'ear 1804 he shipped thirteen cars of hogs to Chicago, of which he owned a half interest. They were sold in that city at the ixjxrirxijT If xnrarmxi- 434 MAHASKA COUNTY. extraordinaiy price of $13.65 per hundred pounds, which is supposed to be the highest price ever paid in tliat city for hogs. Mi-. Tice, a model farmer, has achieved financial success because of the ability with which he has managed his business, and has now reached a degree of wealth which enables him to live without the fear that the gaunt wolf of povei-ty and want will ever cross his threshold. He is of that class of citizens most desirable in any community, and is widely known and esteemed througlioiit tlie county. •^-^»t^- '<^(«f-" HULL, proprietor of one of the finest farms in Richland Township, is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Thomas) Hull, whose biography may be found elsewhere in this work. He was born in what is now Taylor County, W. ^'a., May 22, 1835, and there grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education in the meantime, and working with his father on the farm and in the tannery. On the 2d of October, 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah Shroyer, and born in the same neighborhood as her husband, Dec. 6, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Hull became the parents of six sons, one of whom, Irvin C.,died in childhood. The living are, Justinian E., Albert B., Ulysses G., Jacob I), and George L. The subject of this sketch, during the late war, enlisted Aug. 16, 1862, in Co. H, 12th W. Va. Vol. Inf., and serving until June 27, 1865, was honora- bly discharged. He participated with his comrades in the battles of Winchester, Piedmont, Cedar Creek, Perryville, Lynchburg, and Hatches' Run. At the siege of Petersburg his regiment occupied the principal position in the capture of Ft. Gregg, and received a golden eagle to be placed upon their flag-staff, inscribed as follows: "Presented to the 12th West Virginia Infantry for gallant conduct in the assault on Ft. Gregg, April 2, 1865." Signed by John Gibbon, Major General commanding 24th Corps. Mr. Hull was present at Appomattox when Lee surrendered the rebel army to Gen. Grant. His regiment was a part of the advance guard which cut off the rebel reti-eat, and it was his privil- ege to witness the meeting of the general officers of the two armies to arrange the terms of surrender. He also saw Gen. Phil Sheridan on his famous ride from Winchester to Cedar Creek. Mr. Hull held the rank of Sergeant during his period of enlist- ment. Following his discharge from military service Mr. Hull came at once to Iowa and settled in Richland Township, where he had previously purchased 120 acres of land, unimproved except twenty-four acres. His present farm consists of 366 acres of splendid land, which he has brought to a very high state of cultivation, the imi)rovements of which are scarcely excelled in the county. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and his present com- fortable situation in life gives ample evidence of the success that has attended his labors. It is al- most unnecessary to say that Mr. Hull is one of the leading citizens of his township. The same quali- ties that have given him prominence as a leader have also established him fully in the confidence and esteem of his friends and neighbors. Politically Mr. Hull is a member of the National Greenback part}', and one of the ablest men hold- ing that political belief in this county. He is not connected with any religious or secret society. In 1860 Mr. Hull cast the only vote for the Douglas electors in his precinct, as the following official statement will show: Grafton, W. Va., Sept. 20, 1883. The records of my office show that at the election held at Knottsville, Taylor Co., W. Va., on the 6th of November, 1860. for Presidential Electors, there were cast for Bell, forty-three votes ; Breckinridge, twelve; Douglas, one; Albert G. Hull, now of Mahaska County, Iowa, being the one who voted for the Douglas Elector. John S. S. Hehr, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Taylor Co., W. Va. I Re ME VI STE \VART , a well-known resident of Prairie Township, was born in Westmore- land County, Pa., Dec. 14, 1828, and is a ; son of Alexander and Sina (Hull) Stewart, natives : of Pennsylvania. (See their biography in this vol- : z^ c??-g=?q rrTTTTTTnjtxjjm-ij^ ' '7:r'r'r'f"r'r''-J P3S2S SSSSI miiz^i TrmimmxiAHi ■ - ^ MAHASKA COUNTY. 43.1 I iJ-; P P ume). He removed with his father and mother in their joiirneyings to Ohio and Missouri, and came with them tu Iowa. Here, in .laniiary, 1853, he was married to ^^j^!!''''^'^^' !"■ ■'^t'liilf-y^n native of \'ir- giiiia, l)orn near Lynciiburg. The day following' his marriage he settled on section 3, where he owned IGO acres of land, and yet resides there, being now the owner of 200 acres of excellent land, in a high state of cultivation, with first-class improvements and extra good buildings of all kinds. rolitically Mr. Stewart is a Democrat; he lias been Township Trustee for eight years, and was the first man to fill that position. He is not a member of any church or secret society. Mr. Stewart is ex- tensively engaged in stock-farming, and is making a splendid success of his business. His buildings and appurtenances are specially adapted to this Inisi- uess. I'ersonally Mr. Stewart is a man wlio thinks !ind acts for himself in all matters; he has positive convictions, and is equally decided in the utterance of his views on all questions, and is well posted on the current topics of the time. In his social rela- tions with his friends and neighbors, Mr. S. is es- teemed .as an honorable, upright m.an, .and one of strict integrity'. l-Z lEV. J. M. BAUGH is Past(n- of the First Presbj'terian Church at Oskaloosa. He is m\\ a native of Ohio, born in Highland County, IpSept. 2.5, 1838. His father. Dr. Waters Haugh, was a native of Kentucky, and in his day one of the laominent physicians in Ohio. He died about 1847; his mother, Jane A. (Barrett) Baugh, was a native of Oiiio. Some time after the death of his father his mother married Joseph Jones, then a leather merchant in liusseilville. Brown Co., Ohio, and in 1 849 the famil3- moved to Mah.aska County, Iowa, and located on a farm in what is now Spring Creek Township, where they remained several years, and then moved to Oskaloosa. Mr. Jones died in 1877. and .Mrs. Jones in 188;). J. M. Baugli, the subject of this sketch, came with the family to Maiiaska County, and assisted his step-fatiier on the farm till tlie removal of tlio family to Oskaloosa, but attended the country Wir>«;Vrr«»*r» yTTr»Tra 436 MAHASKA COUNTY. If the theological course. Before graduation he was waiter! upon by a comniittee from the First United Presb.yterian Church, of Blooniington, 111., and a call extended him to become Pastor of that body. He accepted the call, and the first Sunday after graduating found him in Blooniington, filling its pulpit. He remained here but a short time, when, be- lieving there was for him a wider field of usefulness, he accepted a call from the First United Presbyter- ian Church of Chicago, and moved to that city. In Chicago his work was quite successful, and he soon built up a large congregation, and in due time a new house of worship was erected, and the name of the church changed to the United Presbj'terian Memorial Church. On removing to the new edifice Mr. Baugh introduced into the worship an organ, which being contrary to the rules of the church government, provoked hostilitj^, the Presbytery taking sides against him. Not willing to engage in an unprofitable controversy, and believing it best for his own good and the good of the cause, he resigned the pastorate of the church, obtained letters of dismissal from the United Presbyterian Presbytery, and united with the Presbyterians. This step being made known, he received and accepted a call from the North Presb^'teriau Church, of Bloom- ington, and returned to that city, preaching there the following Sunday after his farewell sermon in Chicago. His ministry in Blooniington was both pleasant and profitable, but at the expiration of five years he accepted a call from the Presbyterian CUiurch of Oskaloosa. This call he first declined, and it was not finally accepted for about a year. Hav- ing passed here his early life, and also entering the service from this place, there may have been in his heart a yearning for home, and therefore he con- cluded to come. Of course, too, there were many old army comrades and friends of later years, who were desirous of having him once more in Oska- loosa. Preaching his farewell sermon in Blooming- ton, the next Sunday found him in Oskaloosa, so that there was no loss of time. Mr. Baugh has now been Pastor of the Presby- terian Church at Oskaloosa for eight years, and {j year b3' year has grown stronger in the esteem and affections of his flock. Not alone has he endeared himself to the members of his own church, but to the community as well, .ind it is safe to say that no Pastor here stands higher in tlic estimation of the people. An original thinker, he is not afraid to express himself upon any question that divides the Christian world, and while subscribing in general terms to the doctrinal statements of his church, he yet feels free to interpret them as his judgment and reason dicate. For ye.ars his study has been .ilong the line of science and advanced thought in relig- ion. The Old Testament Scriptures he believes to consist more in statutes and ordinances, with a few | general moral i^rinciples underl3'ing or running ! through it, while the New Testament sets forth prin- i ciples with few statutes and ordinances. The law i of the Old Testament is the school-master that ! le.ads to Christ, and having found Him we need few i ordinances, while all should try t(j conform their i lives to His, and to the spirit and principles of His ; teaching. As a sermonizer Mr. Baugh excels, his language being perfect, while his general style of speaking is the conversational, though at times he rises to the eloquent. In the nineteen years of his ministry he has served as Pastor in but three cities, and in that time there has passed no Sal)bath that he has not been recognized as such in one or the other of the three places. ^ -^^ ^ ARVEY LUCAS resides on section 23, Prai- rie Township, and is a well-known citizen. He was born in Cortland County, N. Y., i^j Dec. "iS, 1826. His father, Simeon Lucas was a native of Connecticut, while his mother, Eu- nice (Glazier) Lucas, was a native of New York. Both died in Cortland County. Harvey Lucas, of whom we write, was reared on his father's farm, and received a l)etter education than country boys usually obtain. In 1850 he took Horace Greelej^'s advice and came West, locating near Galesburg, Knox Co., 111., where he remained six years, and then came to Mahaska County, Iowa, moving to his present farm of eighty acres in 1860. On the 4th daj' of March, 1857, Mr. Lucas mar- ried Izah Bradl)ury. who wm> born May 30, 1837, ■ .;..r HMTTrtTim iiTirke, wiiere he took a full clas- sical course of study. \\ lieu in the senior year, he with a number of others in iiis class, decided to en- ter a law school at the close of their college year, and took up some iJielimiuaiy reading with that nbjert ill view. \\ hell his parents were advised of ' XI tut limT 1 MiMiMtnrm m m I y"'^''^ ?rr TT*^ Tf I iTirm rT*""' - 438 MAHASKA COUNTY. this plan, they were distressed be_vond measure. They visited him at school for the sole purpose of persuading him to give up the study of law. His mother's grief and his father's entreaties prevailed at last. He resolutely gave up the long cherished plans of his early manhood, and went home to take up the varied duties and responsibilities of a farm- er's life, leaving his classmates with only a few months intervening until commencement day. Sev- eral of these in after years became widely known, and occupied prominent positions in both State and National affairs. Mr. Uixon was at this time in his twentieth year. For two years he labored faithfully on his father's farm. During this time he became much interested in liorticulture, and had grown a fine nursery (jf young apple-trees. Out of this nurserj' he planted a large orchard, on land of his own near the Ohio River. In November, 1.S43, our subject was mar- ried to Miss Susan, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Zeppernick) Terrall. She was born in Colum- Ijiana County, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1822. They became the parents of four children : Mary M., wife of Benjamin McCoy, of Oskaloosa: Sarah A., Mrs. D. A. Hines, of Garfield Township; Elizabeth H., who married George It. Charters, of Lee County, 111., and Samuel R., a very promising boy, who died in October, 1873, aged fifteen years. Mr. Dixon came to this county in the spring of 1855, and settled in Pleasant Grove Township. His home farm consisted of the south half of sec- tion 25, and the north half of section 36, whei'e he lived for fourteen years. In 1869 he removed to section 4, Gai-field Township, where he owned 200 acres of land, upon which he resided until his death, in December, 1883. His widow still sur- vives him, and resides in (iarfield Township. Mr. Dixon at one time represented this county as State Senator, and was for several years a member of the Boai'd of Trustees of the State Agricultural College. lie always took an especial interest in horticultural matters, and at one time was Presi- dent of the State Horticultural Society. On his farm in Garfield Township he planted, in 1869, what was then the largest apple orchard in the State, consisting of 1 1 ,000 trees. The trees began bearing when five years planted, but produced nf) very large crop until the year 1880, when they si jielded the enormous amount of 34,000 bushels, si During his experiments with this orchard Mr. Dixon discovered a remedy for the destruction of trees by leaf rollers or eurculio, whicii lias since been adopted liy horticulturists, and for which he received a prize from the State Horticultural So- ciety. The orchard has borne Itut sparinglj- since his death, and large numbers of the trees have died from causes beyond the knowledge of all who have p i investigated them. Mr. Dixon was a man who took an active inter- est in public matters, was foremost in all measures for developing the resources of this section, con- tributing both time and means. He was a genial, ^ companionable gentleman, and greatly esteemed by j :l all who knew him. He taught bj' his dail3- lifi many grand lessons of perseverance, the beauties of j unsullied honor, and the humility that adorns true •!} worth. He always loved and adhered to the plain j H ways, the plain living and high thinking of the good, old-fashioned, Christian home of his parents, where had been passed his childhood and youth, and where the foundations of an incomparable character had been laid in truth and honor. EREMIAH F. EVERETT, ex-Superintendent of Public Schools of Mahaska County, now resides upon section 24, Madison Township, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Licking County, Oct. 15, 1831. His father, Harlow Everett, gi was a native of Hartford, Conn., but moved to Ohio in 1802. His mother, Dency (Werner) Everett, was born in Springfield, Mass., and moved to Ohio in 1805. Both wei-e quite young when they moved to that State; thej' were reared in what was but little better than a wilderness, enduring the toils and privations of pioneer life, subsequently uniting in marriage, rearing a family of children, and finally "passed over the river," the father dy- ing in 1846, and the mother in 1852. J. F. Everett, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon a farm, and educated in Dennison Uni- versity. Granville, Ohio, from which institution he ^i <£\ " iXlll , ; -1 I II JiilTlHOJIIXTXliHirTIITTTI^I jLUucisncQrxrrxxxxji, R MAHASKA COUNTY. 43!^ P m m I nj=c H^;; ■11 : graduated in .Tnly, 1855, in the classical course, receiving the fleyree of Bachek)r of Arts. After his graduation, he taught in the lligliland Academy, Licking County, Ohio, until March, 1857, when he removed to Mahaska County, Iowa, and taught in the pulilio schools until April, 1851*, at which time he established an academy at Oskaloosa, which he con- ducted with good success until September. 18U1. The war for the Union was now in progress, and duty required that he enter the service of his coun- try Mudhelp maintain its existence undivided. Ac- cordingly he enlisted in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, and for three years was actively engaged with his -regi- ment in the various marches, raids and battles in which it participated. In October, 18G5, Mr. Everett was elected County Superintendent of Public Schools, and was re-elected in lS(i7, serving four years. In 18()8he was elected Superintendent of the City Schools of Oskaloosa, and for two years filled both positions, but continuing as City Superintendent until July, 1.S72, when he was called to the superintendency of the city schools of Rock Island, 111., where he re- niained untilJuly, 1881, when lie resigned, returned to Mahaska County, and moved to his present farm in IMadison Township. As an educator. Prof. Everett ranks high, as evidenced from his retention as head of the schools in Rock Island, which are among the best in the State of Illinois. For over a quarter of a century, with the exception of the time spent in the army, he gave his time to the cause i^f education, studj'- ing its principles and carrying into active practice such theories as he felt would best promote its in- terests. On the 29th day of December, 18G8, Mr. Ever- ett was united in marriage with Charlotte E. Faxon, a native of Vermont, and daughter of .John and Eliza (Kellogg) Faxon. The3- have at the present writing (February, 1887,) four living children: Francis F., twelve years old; Edith M., aged nine years; Frederick W., aged seven years, and Anna Jenuette, who is three years old. The home farip of IMr. Evei'ctt is one of the i)est in Madison Township, and lies about six miles north of Oskaloosa. It comprises 160 acres, all of which is under a iiiiih state of cultivation, with a neat two-storj^ frame dwelling, good barns and other appurtenances thei'eon. He also owns '2'^-2 acres in Adams Township. In addition to general farming. Mr. Everett makes a specialty of Jersey cattle, in the raising of which he has been quite successful. In the conduct of his farm, he brings the same executive ability to bear that characterized him a> an educator, and therefore has been as successful as a farmer as in his other emplo3'iiient. Mr. ilverett is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, the principles of the order being dear to his heart. His wife is a member of the Congregational Church. As a citizen, friend and neighbor. Mr. Everett enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. I^v J35"®i:L vd T-JrJjDli n section 3, Jefferson Township, which he has grcatl)' improved, and on which he still continues to reside. Mr. Eveland was married, in 1839, to Mary Phillips, a native of Belmont, Ohio. By this union there were five children, four of whom grew to maturity, one dying in infancy : Linens, born in 1844, was a soldier in the 33d Iowa Infantry, and died at Little Rock, Ark.; Sarah Ellen, born March 4, 1840, is the wife of J. M. W. Blizzard, of Jeffer- son Township; Freeman, ln^rn July 10, 1.S48, is I iving^hi^ Jefferson Township; Egbert was born in Maj-, 1850. Mrs. Sarah Eveland died, and our subject, on Jan. 6, 1853, was again married, his second wife being Miss Elizalieth Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Daniel and Anna (Mace) Wilson. Her father was a native of North Ireland and her mother of Pennsylvania. By this ui.ion there are four living children : Alice, wife of John Mehana, now residing in .Jefferson Township; Ida M., at home; .Tessie, wife of S. V. Gerard, of Nebraska, and John E., at home. Mr. Eveland is the owner of 280 acres of im- proved lanil. Coming to this State at an early day, with many others, he can say he has expe- lieiiced all the toils and privations of a pioneer. but is happy in the consciousness of a well-spent jH i life. The following reminiscence from the pen of Mr. Eveland will be read witii |)leasure by his many friends : "After hearing of the fertile laud of Illinois, in lis41 I concluded to move therewith my family. In company with four other families we started from Morgan County, Ohio, in October, in w'agons. After twenty days of toilsome journej'ing we reached Clinton County, 111. AVhen we came to Illinois it was a great, beautiful, unbroken prairie, which we soou passed over. W'hen we arrived at our journej^'s end we were received by a brother who had moved to Illinois two years previously. I soon bought a hewed-Iog house, moved it on Oovernment laud, and moved my family into it. In the spring I sold my house and rented a farm. While staying there I paid twent3'-five cents for every letter that I received, that being the rate of postage on letters at that time. I occupied this S farm four years, then exchanged it for a farm in gi Muscatine Count}', Iowa, to which I journeyed in ffii October, accompanied by my family, making the gfi trip in five days, over a beautiful prairie country, and crossing the Mississippi on a tlatboat. I ar- rived in Muscatine with only 11 in money, which Si was expended in coffee. "•I occupied this farm until spring. During the pi winter I bought a claim of forty acres, with a frame Sal house and some other improvements on it. To se- cure the home I gave my horses, wagon and $60. B}' the kindness of one of m}' neighbors I obtained a team to put my crop in, and bj- d.ay labor I pro- cured horses to cultivate my crop the first year, and afterward procured teams of my own, both horses and oxen. When I went to my timber I took team and gun, and my horses or oxen would soou see the game. A.t one time my oxen spied a deer about 8 o'clock in the morning; I shot and wounded it, then loaded my sled witii wood and started my oxen home, then followed the deer. After walking about half a mile I killed another deer, which I hung out of reach of the wolves, and then resumed pursuit of the wounded one. I trav- eled in vain, .and found I had w.ali. Eleven years later I could see seventy-five houses. " During the winter of l.siS-t'.l tiierc was a very deep snow, which benaii falling the .sth of Xoveni- ber and continued until it was two feet deep; being accompanied by a wind it drifted terril)ly. One of my outside doors was snowed under, and the snow was piled u|> five feet on the roof. There being an extra room in my house, I gave it for a school-room, as there was no school-house within three miles. It was necessary to have a place of exit from the school-room and my part of the the house, as the snow was piled along the entire side of the house. To find where the door was from the outside 1 put a ramrod up through the snow at the top of the door, then went outside and began digging toward the ramrod, a distance of twenty feet, cutting a road four feet broad. This snow lasted till the next April. Wild animals of all kinds suffered for food during this time, and a great many starved to death. I have seen fifty deer in one herd top of a snowdrift eating the twigs of the trees. '• I bought fift3'-cight acres of timber and prairie this year. In Februaiy I commenced to break flirty acres, and 1)3- the 4th of June had it enclosed and planted in corn. The 2.5th of June 1113' wife died of cholera, leaving me with a family of four children. With the assistance of kind neighbors I kept my family together until the following Jan- uaiy, when 1 married in3' present wife. The fol- lowing spring I bought eight3' acres. '• We lived a prosperous, contented and liajipy life until the spring of 1854, when the Chicago, Hock Island & Pacific Railroad was located through Muscatine County, p.-issiiig directly through the center of m3- farm. Then I sold out, in 1 ii'paif and publish a digest of the decisions of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. 'I'liis work was a|)proved, and was adopted and published by the (irand Lodge. Judge Blanchard has been twice married ; first at Montezuma, Iowa, Jan. 13, 1870, to Miss Sarah Kilburn, daughter of F. A. Kilburn, then the lead- ing merchant of that vieinitj'. Of this marriage two children were born who are yet living : Rosalia, born March 7, 1 872, and Claude, May 17,1 875. Mrs. Saraii Blanchard died in Oskaloosa, Feb. 19, 1878. Judge Blanchard was the second time married, in Oskaloosa, June 1), 1880, to Miss Jozelle Williams, daughter of Micajah T. Williams, of Oskaloosa, a sketch uf whom appears on another page in this work. The Judge and his bride, for their wedding- trip, took a tour through P^urope, visiting the prin- cipal cities in the British Isles and the continent. They landed in Queenstown after making the ocean voyage in safety, and proceeded to the cit}- of Cork ; then made a tour of the Lakes of Killaruey and ad- jacent i)laces of interest, thence to Dublin and Bel- fast, taking a steamer from there to Glasgow, Scot- land, visiting the historic places in Edinburgh, ilelrose, Abbotsford and Dryburg, names familiar in connection with Sir Walter Scott. From there they journeyed to France, spent a week in Paris, went thence to London, Antwerp and Brussels, vis- iting the field of Waterloo w-hich witnessed Napo- leon's last battle, and from Cologne by steamer up the storied Rhine, touching the rich city of Frank- ford-on-the-Main, and thence to Heidelberg, where the fete in honor of the oOOth anniversary of the founding of its famous university was in progress. They then proceedeil to Baden-Baden, and from there made a trip by diligence in the Black Forest, thence to Strasburg, with its famous clock on its more famous cathedral; from there to beautiful Lucerne in Switzerland, thence by steamer to Vitz- nau, and by rail up tiie Rigi, from the top of which seven beautiful lakes were seen, with dozens of Swiss villages and the whole range of the Bernese Alps; thence by the Brunig Pass to Merigen.and Ijy pon- ies to the top of the great Shideck, where the gla- ciers are. They afterward proceeded to Bern, the capital of Switzerland, fiom there to Freyburg and Lausanne, and by steamer across the lake^to Geneva, and then back to Paris by rail; thence to London; .and embarking .at Liverpool, after a very rough passage landed in the city of New York. ,,.., A. SPENNY, who resides in the village of £j, Cedai-, was born in Fulton Count}', 111., Feb. 2, 1846, .and came to this county in 188."). Ho is the son of James and Sarah (Kountz) Speimy, the former of whom died in Wa- taga, Knox Co., 111., in 1884; the latter still resides in Kenton, Fulton County, the same State. A. A. Spenny was married, Oct. 2, 1808, to Miss Mary Will, a daughter of David and Jane (Asbury) Will, both of whom are deceased, the former departing this life in 180.i and the latter in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Spenny are the parents of seven children — Ida, Jessie, Nellie, Grace, Charles, Albert and Clarence. Mr. Spenny is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in his political affiliations is a Democrat. He is of the firm of Spenny & Iliggason, who are engaged in the manufacture of tile and terra cotta orna- ments, in which they are doing quite an extensive business. They employ six men, use a twenty- horse-power engine, and turn out about ()(),00O tile per month, the sizes running from three to eight inches. 'OIIN T. PORTER, who owns 200 acres of choice land and is a highly respected resi- dent of Union Township, was born in Ire- (^1' land, Oct. 20, 1841. He is a son of James and Margaret (McKee) Porter, both of whom were natives of that country, and both are now deceased. John T. came to America with his parents in 1842, and settled in Clinton County, N. Y. He remained at home with his parents until reaching his major- ^ f.Viir.'Ta TT-urxxuiTXiirxTTm-iim;' C 444 MAHASKA COUNTY. ity, then started ff)r the "West to begin life on hi.s own account. Coming- to t-lii.< county in 1870, he purchased forty acre.s of land on .section 32 of Union Town- ship, and during this year was united in marriage with Miss Almary M. Wells, a native of Clinton County, N. Y.. liiirn in 1S4'J, and a daughter of .Julius S. and Trypliena (Ober) Wells. By this uniiin there are fmir living children, as follows: Frank, born Nov. 18, 187:5; J:arl, Sept. 28, 187.^; Ross E.. Feb. l,s. 1881, and F:thel M., Oct. 22, 1 s.s."), all of whom are living at home ; James Les- lie, born Nov. 21, 1872, died F'eb. 25,187.3. He has added to his original purchase of laud, until he nuw owns an excellelit farm of 200 acres, 160 of which are in Union Township and forty in Adams. He has brought this to an excellent state of cultivation, and all the improvements are of a superior order. The wheel of fortune has turned, perhaps slowly, but surely, in his favor, and he lias jjrospered reasonably well in the affairs of life. This has not occurred by reason of " good luck " I! l![ alone, but has been coupled with industry and a mm projjer management of his affairs. He enjoj's the esteem .and confidence of his entire circle of ac- quaintances. Mr. and Mrs. Porter and their oldest son arc members of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically Mr. Porter belongs to the Republican part3', of which he is an unwavering supporter. w R. SAMUEL W. CLARK, a rising young phj-siciau of Oskaloosa, is successfidly en- gaged in the practice of his profession, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his community. He is a native of the Hawkeye State, born in Appanoose County, July 16, 1860, and is consequentl}' a }"oung man in the profession. His parents were Rev. George and Anna (Bean) Clark, and his father, still living, is a native of Marvl.and. The wife and mother departed this life in Illi- nois, in 1881. Dr. Clark received an excellent primary- school education, which was supplemented by a fire j'ears' course at Penu College, fmni which he gi'aduated V5 with hfmors, in 1882. His medical education was obtained at the Iowa State University, where he took a two years' course and graduated, taking his degree March 3, 1886, after which he began to practice in Oskaloosa. He is a young man of ex- cellent habits, strictly in favor of temperance, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. In politics he casts his vote for the support of the principles of the Democratic party. ^-vw --itjLCj2?©-^^ y^^^-gTnrr^-y : ^ LIJAH ANDERSON, residing on section 27, •^ Spring Creek Township, was born in Clinton ^^ C. On returning to Oskaloosa Mr. AVilson opened .i store, and for two years was associated with .Tf)ini 15. (iaunt, under the firm name (^f daunt it Wilson. general dr3'-goods mei'chants. Two 3-ears later he returned to the bank, and was with it until it wa.s merged into the >r.ati born in Pickaway- Countj', Ohio. Oct. 15, 1815, and lived in the Buckeye State until he wjis fifteen years of age, then removed with his parents to Indiana, and resided until 1854. He received care- ful training and a good common-school education ; after reaching manhood he was married, Nov. 9, 1841, to ]Miss Maria Marciuis, a native of Darke Count}', Ohio, and born in 1823. Of this union there were born six children : Ziba L. was killed at Corinth, Miss., by the accidentjvl discharge of a re- volver, which was being cleaned by his messmate; the ball entered his side and his death was instan- taneous; Smith M. wa.< elected .Sheriff of Mahaska County in 1878, and held the oHice four terms; upon the expiration of his last term of service, Jan. 1, 188G, he was chosen Warden of the penitentiary at Ananiosa, Iowa, and at present fills that posi- tion; Marq. Barr. as he is generallj' known, had li. M y FT^:- ^»9 ^xa-irxi-imixiJnxix»u>«: ^ cipi s ik^dj ' I n irmrrrm riT3 ^ us MAHASKA COUNTY. at I achieved an envialilo reputation a* Sheriff, and few, if any, peace officers were more courageous or efficient than he; in his new position as Warden he is displaying equally line executive ability as officer and discii)liiiarian ; Moses S. lives in Adams Town- ship; Mary M. is tile wife of W. H. Sleutii. and re- sides in Indiana; Carlton B. is a guai'd in the State Penitentiary at Aiiamosa ; J^aura P. is the wife of M. 1). (Tilchrist, County Treasurer of Mahaska County, and resides in Oskaloosa. Mr. Barr, upon coming to this State, entered a quarter section of land, and he afterward doul)led his possessions. The home farm consists of ItJO acres of excellent land in good cultivation, and upon which the improvements are first class. Po- liticallj' our subject is a Republican, and has for yeai's been recognized as one of the wise and pru- dent counselors of his party. Mr. Barr is a man of fine business ability, and has made life a success by the exercise of good judgnient in the manage- ment of his atfairs. He is recognized as a leader, both socially and ])olitically, and ranks among the progressive farmers of the county. His home is a hospitable place where maj' always be found an abundance of good cheer, and the genial [iroprie- tor stands deservedly high in the esteem and confi- dence of a large circle of acquaintances. ■'-J!»t^ i^i^ I. Of this union llieie have been burn five children: The eldest, J.illie L., died at the age of eighteen months: flio>o living are Nathan J., Klavius \y., Harry 11. and Lulu May. Mr. Lambert became a member of the Masonic fraternity at New Siiaron. He is also an active member of the 1. O. of G. T. He was one of tlie first to promote the cause of prohibition in West \'irginia. and since coming to this State, lias not abated his zeal in tiie cause. I). I'RIC'E, a highly esteemed resident of II Black Oak Township, and one of the i)io- neers of 1857, is a native of Ohio, born in Stark County, May 8, 1827. His father, John Price, was a native of the .State of New York, and a farmer by occupation, but in the later years of his life became a preacher of the Gospel in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came to Iowa in 18.^0, and entered lands in Keokuk and Tama Counties, but during the same year chose Mah.aska County as a permanent home, and made this his place of residence until his death, which occurred in 18.58. His wife, formerly Miss Sarah Farber, the mother of our subject, was, like her husband, a na- tive of the Empire State, but was married in Ohio, and resided there until her death, which took place in 1848. They were the parents of ten children, of whom two daughters died in infancy. p:ight chil- dren attained their majority, and Ave are yet liv- ing: .John is a resident of Scott Township; Ma- ria, now Mrs. Walker, lives at Defiance, Ohio; Benjamin F. lives in Cohn-ado; Lorenzo D. is tht' subject of___this sketch, and Margaret is the wife of Adam Laughlin, of .Scott Townsiiip. L. 1). Price received a common-school educa- tion, and when he attained his majority commenced to learn the |)ainter's trade, but his health not per- mitting him to engage in this, he changed his trade to that of carpenter. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Woods, Oct. U;. 18.50. Mrs. Price is a native of Summit County. Ohio, and born Oct. 2, 1831. Her father, Robert Woods, was also lioin in Ohio, and a miner by occupation. Her mother. .Mary (Davis) Woods, was a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. .md .Mis. Price l)ecaiue the parents of twelve children, two of wiiom rlied in infancy, and ten are now living: William H. resides in Butler County, Neb., and owns a half interest in the David City Tribune, tiie leading Republican paper of the county; iiis wife, formerly IVliss Anna Wilder, was born in the State of New York; tiiey have one ciiild, a .son. Sarah .1. is the wife of D. L. Bowman, of Black Oak Township; Mary Price, after attaining her majority, went to Nebniska, and for some time was engaged in the printing-office with her brother, but afterward clerked in a dry -goods store, and since 1885 has carried on dressmaking very suc- cessfully. .Tames V. is the second of the sons living; Alice is the wife of L. S. Walker; Cordelia and Lincoln came next in order of birth; John and Frank are twins; Alonzo is the youngest. In politics Mr. Price has always been a stanch supporter of the princijilcs of the Republican party. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist P^piscopal Church, with which he has been actively connected since 1S44. Mr. Price possesses all the elements which constitute the true man, and crowns them all with a consistent Christian character. li ys'itwtivrfrsi eRAWFORD \y. KENTFIELD, who came into Iowa in his youth, while it was still a Territory, is now an extensive farmer, stock- raiser and shipper, residing on section 32, AMiite Oak Township. He was born in Vermont, Sept. 10, 1829, being the son of Charles and Tri- phosa (Graves) Kentfield, who emigrated from the Green Mountain State to Wapello County, Iowa, arriving there Jan. 1, 1845. After a residence of one year tliey came to Mahaska County, and re- majned until their death. The parental household included six children — Crawford W., R. H., C. Z., E. M., M. J., and Bradford, deceased. The subject of this sketch was married, Oct. 18, 1849, to Miss Margaret J. Brooks, and by this un- ion there were four children: Alice, born .Sept. 12, 1850; Mary, Fel). l.J, 1853: Albert. .March 30, KJJki 1K.')G, imd .Jessie, Nov. 14, 18(}1. The mother of ^^ these chiklreii died Oc-t. 7, ISO^. Mr. KentHeld was the second time married, to JMrs. Nancy A. Kjirton, ni'c Rosnell, and they be- came the parents of one cliilrt, Iowa Elta, liorn Oct. 29, 187(1. Mr. and .Mrs. Kentfleld are members of the ^lethodist Ki)iscoi»al Church, and the political affiliations of our subject are with the Republican part}'. His lionie farm consists of 200 acres of ex- cellent land, all under fence, in the best possible state of cultivation and with first-class improve- ments. II is dwelling is tasteful and commodious, and his barn and out-buildings ample and well adapted to the nature of his business. He has a fine tirchard, containing a general assortment of all kinds of fruit trees liest adapted to this climate, all the trees of which are in good bearing condition •■nid are j'ielding well. Mr. Kenttield's specialtj* is that of raising, feed- ing and shipping cattle, in which he has been suc- cessfull}- engaged. He has grown with the growth of this county from its earliest settlement, and has achieved his prosperity b}- energv, industry and excellent management. Personally he is a gentle- man of great worth, and highly esteemed as citi- zen, friend and neighbor. RION C. SCOTT, Superintendent of the City 1 Schools of Oskaloosa, is a native of Belmont County, Ohio, where he was born Jul}' 14, 18.")l. He is a son of Rev. G. M. and Hadassah J. (Cotton) Scott. The father was born in Guernsey County, and Mrs. Scott in .lefferson County, Ohio. The sul)jcct of this sketch was reared in Ohio, but came witii his parents in the fall of 18G.J to Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa, where he attended the High School. In the fall of l.sci) lie went to Marshall- j town, Iowa, where during the winter he attended 1 the High School of that city, its Principal being Hon. P. M. Suttou,''present State Senator. In the spring and summer of 1870, Mr. .Scott f-. taught his first school, ten miles east of Marshall- town, and in the fall of that year, in company with two young men of that city, I). A. Holmes and Va\- ward AVillignxl, lie attended the academical de- pnrtmcut of the. State University at Iowa City. In 1 S72-73, he taught district school, and in the summer and fall of 1 874, he was in the ofHcc of Train De- spatcher of the Central Iowa Railway at Marshall- town, Iowa. He then resumed teaching in Marshall County until the fall of 1S7.5, when he was selected as Assistant Principal of the High School of Oska- loo.sa, and in 1X71; was elected Principal at an in- creased salary. He again returned to the Univer- sity, where he spent two years, graduating in .June, 1878. After his graduation, he accepted a call at ; Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa, to take charge of the i schools which he had attended several years before. In February. 1882, he resigned his position at Tip- ton to accept the principalship of the High School at O.skaloosa, and filled that position until the sum- mer of IS.si;, when he was elected upon the first ballot and liy the nuamious vote of the School Board, to the position of .Superintendent of the City Schools, succeeding Prof. Homer II. Seerley, now Principal of the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, Iowa. Mr. Scott has been a member of the State Teach- ers' Association for ten years, missing only one of its annual gatherings in that time, and that in the year 1884, when in company with Mr. C. P. Rogers and a delegation of teachers, they visited the ^\'orld's Fair at New Orleans. For eleven years he has been actively engaged in conducting Normal Institutes, and during the past four years has conducted the graded Normal Institute of .Jefferson County. The present year (1887) he is conducting the Nor- mal Institute in Clarke Count}', and assists in the graded Normal Institute of this county. .Snpt. Scott took the full collegiate and Normal courses in the Iowa State University, receiving the degree of A. B. upon his graduation, that t)f Bache- lor of Didactics in 1880. and the degree of A. M. in 1881. He was married at Brooklyn, Poweshiek Co., Iowa, .lune 20,1879, to Miss Mary, daugh- ter of Thomas and Rachel M. ((hiernsey) Flagler, of New York. She was born in Niagara County, N. Y., in November, 1)S."H. The marriage ceremony was performed by the father of Prof. Scott, assisted by Prof. .S. N. Fellows, of the State University. Of this union there are four children — Harolil O., Mabel E., Ralph C. and Bertha ,M. I:KH1 KFV-Fr-r. ^^c^ Jl ![^,— l^^g^^' '"K^T^F^Kf ^^^ae-g^= MAHASKA COUNTY. 451 -: Politically Mr. Scott is a ReiJuMicaii. llo is a ; ineiiilpcr nf the Ma,-iuiiic fratcniityand of tlie Legion c i>f Honor. Mr. and Mrs. Scolt are nienil)cr,s ol" the I Congregational Cluirrh. As a teacher, I'rof. Scott ^ ranks .'iniong the al)le eilncatovs of the Slate, and he owes his present [)ositioii solely to his ability as an instrnctor. -0- ^i-J^ fOEL HHINKV, one of the well-to-do farmers of Mahaska County, resides upon section 14, Adams Townslii[). He is a native of Ohio, liorn in Darke County, .Inly 22. 1840, ijE and is the son of .John I), and .lane (Schenck) \-,Z Briney, who were also natives of the Buckeye State. i:£ When Joel was but ten j-ears old the family came 1='; to this countv and located in Adams Township, i;| where his father died .Ian. o, I 8.S2. aged eighty-four V'.i years, two months, and twenty-one d.aj's. His \-z mother is still livins' in Adams Township, having {];; ^ IB arrived at a good old age, and waiting for the suni- :| mons to "come up higher" and join her loved ; companion who jjreceded her. .John D. Briney i^z was a blacksmith by trade, but only worked at this 1 -is V:i occivsionallv after coming to Iowa, making farming ' his principal work. Both iiarents were devoted V: meinl>ersof the Methodist Episcoi)al Church. Thej' had a family of twelve children, of whom even Jacob, a farmer resid- are now living, as follows ing in Adams Township; CephaCamblin, of Van Buren Connt3% Iowa; Char 1;; ing in Adams Township; Hannah is the wife of I „ I : lotte, who married Frank IJichards, now resides in } ; Kans.as; Penina, wife of Jacob (ioode, lives in Adams Township; Joel, the subject of this sketch; Alexander lives in Aliip. His land ill m m lij! \ im 1 1 m iii W lis iJi Y'-i. Ki'ii ijTTCirrtTnxirmnrxLim'' r J rrnii nrm mn iTxxii xiriu "> Eii 452 MAHASKA COUNTY. ;a is nnrler good cultivation, with first-class improve- ments, and all the appliances required bj- a modern agriculturist. Politicall}- Mr. Ivnowlton is a Republican, and was elected 113^ his part}' in I'nion Township, as a memljer of the Countj' Board of Supervisors, in which he served from lH7ti to 1879. filling the position in a most creditable manner. He possesses the Yankee characteristic of knowing how to make mcme}' as well as how to save it, and brings to the discharge of his business and social obligations, jl abilit}^ of a superior order, which has placed him among the jirosperous and representative farmers of tliis countv. ^ (4. WELCH, a prosperous farmer and stock- SiO raiser of Harrison Township, residing on section 'i.j, was born in Ohio, Aug. l!i, l.s3(), and is a son of .Tolm and .Margaret (Gilmore) AVelch, both of whom were of Irish descent. The former was a farmer and stoclv-grower, but was liv- ing a retired life at the time of his death, which took place in 1.S81, at Cadiz, Ohio. His widow- still survives, and lives in that city. The subject of this sketch, F. G. Welch, was mar- ried, Sept. 13, 18()(), to Miss Margaret .Simpson, and b}' this marriage two children were born — J>avenge and Omar .S. 'J'iieir mother died March 21, 1874, and .Sept. 12, isTtl.he was again married. Miss A. E. Slemmons becoming his wife. To them ^i^ have been born three children — Annie, Slemmons and Frank. ilr. and Mrs. AVelcli are members of the Presby- terian Church. He came to this county from Ohio in the fall of 180)G, locating in Harrison Township, where he owns 430 acres of excellent land, all un- L der fence, in a high state of cultivation, and with [ first-class improvements. His residence is a fine, commodious and well-arranged frame structure. 1" He has four convenient and properly arranged barns and otlier necessary out-buildings, for the 1 1 I I i y,SS'M P''e/'/f' ''^"'' Ellen (Bryant) Seevers, and was liorn in ^^^ Coshocton County, Ohio, March 3, 1847. The father of our subject was in early life a por- trait i)aintcr, but later engaged in the nursery busi- ness and also at farming. He was a native of Bel- mont County, Ohio, born Dec. 9, 1807, and is now residing near the southeast part of Oskaloosa. Our subject's mother was born Aug. 14, 1825, in Ohio, and is yet living. Three children were born of the 1^1 W'F'T^i^r, r^^^^^^T il MAHASKA COUNTY. 453 parental union: George AV., an attorney of Des }^K Moineti, Io\v:i; Byron V., our subject, anfl William A., a grocer of Oskaloosa. Wiien our subject was but six years old liis i)ar- ent* came to this cciunty. and purciiased KiO acres where they now live. Young .Seevers attended the common schools of Oskaloosa until I SdT, when iu' supplemented the education received therein by matriculating at Franklin College, Oliio, and after following the curriculum of that institution until June, 1«7"J, he graduated therefrom with honors. Hetuniing to his home in UsknloosM, Mr. Seevers 3 entered liie law offlee of I.atferty t(- .bjhnson, and 2 studied jurisprudence under tiieir instruction for S about two months. He was admitted to practice E iu 187;'), and energetically followed the iiractice of hi : iiis profession until LSfSO. He was in [iartnership K; : with Mr. J. O. Malcolm until March, l:>, 1X84. .Mr. .Soults is the owner of 22x :icre.- of good laud in an exci'llcnl sl;ile of < iiltivatiun. and with the ■ IlXXZlltl lilt til Jill iTliB^^B best class of improvements. He has already an excellent start in life, and displays an aliility in the management of his business affairs much bej'ond his yeai's and experieni'e. It is perfectly safe to prophesy that if no serious misfortune should occur to him, hv will in the neai- future take a leading po- sition among the prominent agriculturists of the county. He possesses intelligence and ability of a high order, and these, coupled with his energy, ac- tivity and [jrudence, will undoubtedly insure his success. His genial disposition has gained for him a host of friends, who esteem him for his man3' ex- cellent qualities of head and heart. He has a pleas- ant home and an amiable companion, and friends and acquaintances are always siire of a hospitable welcome iu the dwelling, which in all its appoint- ments indicates refined tastes and ample means. ^Tr^.OBERT MITCHFLL. proprietor of a valua- j!^-' ble farm 800 acres in extent, resides on Ji \\\ section 17, Madison Township, and ranks ^P)as a pioneer of 1851. He was born in Parke Count}-, Ind., JIarch IU, 183(j. His father. Jacob Mitchell, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a far- mer by. occupation. His mother. Mar}' (Scott) Mitchell, was a native of the North of Ireland. In 1851 the family came to Iowa and located in Madi- son Township, where the father died iu 1 X59, and the mother in 18(55. There were six children in the family: Martha, the wife of Amos Hodges, resides in Kansas; John W. lives iu this township; Isabella, Mrs. Jackson AVorley. also lives in Kansas; Jane, the wife of Andrew Bartlett, in Prairie Township, this county; Daniel died in 18(i0, at the age of twenty-six years. Robert was reared u[)on the farm, received a common-school education, and came to Iowa with his parents. In 18G4 he was united in nuirriage with Miss Elma. the daughter of Hiram and Jerusha Beal. whose biography see elsewhere in this vobune. Mr. .Old Mrs. Mitchell became the parents of four children, two of whom died in childhood; those living are Jacob and .lerusha. riie i)resent farm of our subject i> :ili in :i high state of iidti\ation. with improvcment> >econd to ;;l hM i:ra il ir xxixuLtmti :TrrTmi.i 454 MAHASKA COUNTY. 3;n Oj'l; none in that portion of the county, and largely de- voted to stock-raising. That Mr. Mitchell has made life a success in a financial way is evidenced l\y his ample possessions. These have not been at- tained without a straggle, and are the result of toil and a wise and excellent management. Robert Michell is known throughout the borders of tlie county, and ranks as a citizen of the first class. 'I'here aie no men more honorable and high- |.; [I minded, none of stricter integrit}', none more jl !: ; jl generous and hospitable, and it is not to be wou- [iMijjl dered that such a man stands high in the esteem of his friends and acquaintances. •>-^>t^^^>t^j^^>^*,^-n^i^^ in mm a hiS '^ ARRY BRI-:WER, an Iowa pioneer of 1.S42, and one of the best known citizens of Des Moines Township, owns and occupies a valuable farm estate of 340 acres located on section 12. He is a native of Chenango County, X. Y., born Nov. 19, 1815, and is a son of Henry and Lucinda (Johnson) Brewer, both natives of the Kni|)ire State. His grandfather, John Brewer, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was one of the early settlers of New York. The father of Harry was by trade a wagt)n-niaker and carpenter. In 1834 the family came west, and located in Ful- ton County, 111. Thej- only remained there about tliree months, during wiiich time the elder Brewer worked at carpentering in Canton, while Harr^' worked for a Mr. Rose, at Farmington, the same length of time. The family then moved to Ster- ling, Whiteside Co., 111., where the parents sub- sequentl}' died. Harrj' remained at Sterling until the spring of 1842, when lie came to Van Buren Count}', Iowa, and remained one j-ear. In the last jj fi week of April, 1843, he came to Mahaska County, S»J*i and camped on Muehachinoek Creek, where he now lives. In company with three other men, with some provisions and an ax carefullj^ concealed in a pack, he was permitted to pass the outposts of the soldiers into the count}', but with the promise ^£H^ ''^^^ ^'^ would do no work until the expiration of the Indian title on the 30th day of April, 1843. On arriving here our subject found on the place a small Indian hut inaiU' of (xJes, which he used as his home for three weeks, or until he could get a cabin built. A large tract of land was claimed by Mr. Brewer and the three already mentioned, which they divided up into four quarters, drawing lots for the choice, Mr. Brewer drawing the quarter section on which he now lives. For several weeks after he came U> this county he made his bread with flour and water, without salt, cooking it in a piece of elm bark before the fire. After the Indians left the country, Mr. Brewer proceeded to improve his claim, breaking ten acres of land the first year. At this time he had but two j'oke of oxen, a few articles of houseliold furniture, and was ^25 in debt. He lived in the log cabin which he first erected for one yeai^ with neither floor nor door. On tiie 13th day of March, 1844, Mr. Brewer, finding it not good to be alone, was united in mar- riage with Miss Helen M., a daughter of William C. and Sarah (Hill) Adams. She was born in Licking County, Oliio, while her parents were na- tives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have had nine children, seven of whom are now living: Sarah E., born Feb. 24, 1845, is now the wife of Finley McGrew, of \a\i Buren Country; William Henry, born Oct. 17,1847. died April 21, 18()3; George W., born Feb. 22, 1850, is in the mercan- tile business at Given; Frank P.. l>orn Oct. 26, 1852, and Edward I).. Feb. 20, 1855, are re- siding in Jefferson Township; Lucius W.. born Aijril llj, 1858, is engaged in farming in Dallas County, Iowa; Mary Florence, born Septeml)er 29, 18G0, died in September, 18(i2 ; John Elmer, born Aug. 11, 1807, and Albert II., May 13, 1870, reside at home with their parents. Mr. and Jlrs. Brewer are members of the Methodist P^piscopal Church. Harry Brewer has been honored Ijy his fellow-citizens with various local offices, serving two terms as Justice of the Peace and four terms as Township Trustee. He believes in seeing something of the world, and has made three trijjs to California. In the winter of 1885-86, he visited the World's Exposition at New Orleans. Success has li(.)unti- fully attended him. He has given three of his sons good farms, and still has his ample and beautiful homestead upon which to pass his declining years. He came to this county a poor man, and what he has attained has been secured b}' industry, econ. 5^1 !':h 3"; I I 1 in Sn J El El El 35' £1 1! 11 Kl ■L ; v.: 1.: I I 'tS"HHr^f7't^,' f-rr?7^r1 }jr: first settlors of tli( (iniy and good in;inagenieiit. Being one of tlie t'ountv. it can well be seen }i| that he has endured all the toils and ))riv!iti(>iis nf Ji^3 pioneer life, while living l< lint Ihrduulidut the State and Jiit county jl'; That his last da_>-5« here upon earth may he 1 1. M him A\1I) C. WA(;(H)M<:K is a prominent i' young attorney of Oskaloosa, and a son of John Waggoner, one of the earlier settlers of the countJ^ He was born in the city Hlg where he was reared and educated, Nov. Ill, l.so6. ;5 lie received an excellent education, having the ad- il vantages afforded by the cit\- High Schools and ;1J I'enn College. On arriving at the age of manhood MAHASKA COUNTY. witness the great Nation. his best rj: and happiest is the wish of everyone who knows I 1 I 1 i; iii:? he had marked out his course in life, wliich was in 1: I i; I I I I I i: i; E the line of the legal profession. To carry out this determinatic>n he began the study of law with John iJS F. Lace}'. After very thorough training under S that gentleman, he was admitted to the bar in l)e- :; cember, l.s.so, since which time he has been an act- ive, honored member of the Mahaska County bar. f? For a time he was in partnership with W. H. Need- ham. This connection, which ran from Jan. .5, [i|f2 \Wl, terminated March .So, 1883, since which time i:| Mr. W. has been alone. He is a memlier of the ii£ I. O. O. F., and politicallj'a Re{)ublican. i:.f 1 ]-i 1 1 }3C Carroll Country, Ind., Jan ^/OHN .MITCHKLL, a wealthy and inllucntial farmer of Madison Townsliip, i< une of the pioneers of IS;');}, and a sou of Jacob and Mary (Scott) Mitchell. He was born in t, ls;'.o. He removed JiJ with the family from Carroll to I'aike County, and il;J remained with them until 18.50, when he crossed the |Lt plains of the Great American Desert to California, Jr; and followed mining until 18.T.'i. He then came to ji^: this ciiunty. whither the family in the meantime had Jri; removed. In I .s.")4 he ayaiu went to the (miMch {;s Slate, remaining uimu tlic Pacilic Slope until 1 .sdo. Si.7 and then came back to Iowa. In ls(;i he was united in marriage with Miss Eveline Hower, a daughter of Daniel and Susan Hower. .Vfter his marriage he settled on section :i of Madison Town- ship, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the parents of nine children — Llewellyn, Klmer K.. Ollie. Kdna .1., Anson B., Amy, Addie, John 15. and May. In his political alliliations our subject belongs to the Re- |)ublican party, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is one of the largest land-owners of this section, being the proprietor of over 1,000 acres. His land is principally devoted to stock- raising, in which business Mr. Mitchell occupies a leading positit)n among the farmers of Mahaska County. He is a most estimable citizen in all re- spects, full}' deserving of the esteen) and confidence of his neighbors and business associates. Life with him must be as far as possible a success, and he has been to a great extent the architect of his own for- tune. The abilit}' to plan and execute, coml)ine(l with clear-headed management and prudent fore- sight, are the elements that have contributed to his present enviable condition, both socially and finan- cially, while his integrit}' ani- dence in Mah.aska County in November, 18.")(), and has Continued to reside uitliiii her lior- ders until the present time. He was born in Lou- doun County, \'a., March 21, 182-2, and is a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (W^'nn) Janney. The [)ar- ents were Mrgiuians by birth and of English de- scent, and the family were among the earliest set- tlers of Baltimore, .Md. John M. Jauney removed to W'arren County, Ohio, with his parents when ten years of age, and was reared in that Stale to agricultural i)ursnits. He received a common-school educatit)n in Ohio, and was married May 21, l.s.'iO, in Warren County, that State, to .Mis> Mary A. .lohnsoii, daughter <>( riioni.-is .M. and SM>.-in .lohn>on. Mr.-. .I;ninev wa> rrj Ib^Mp rar ^"^r^'P wm< 1i m ^4 W (fill lit 1 1 Mi! 'lij: il n ' i mt '¥■ I n mM rii';! wTtr. r ttr r :t T. I IP TiiiEiimi ti tltrtpwwl mjLlI O unxT rxri_ij mrrxxixii I IrTriTnniTirrrrTii 'iKTtiiw ir' g 456 MAHASKA COUNTY. born in Greene County. Ohio, anrt of her union with our subject five children have been born, lour of whom are living, two sons and two (laughters, namel_y : P"i-ank I.., who married Mollie Madigan. of Ottumwa, Jowa, and who at i)resent is residing in Oskaloosa; Lizzie L., who became the wife of A. A. Paine, a business man of Oskaloosa; Grant T. mar- ried Miss Lulu Cook, daughter of Dr. Cook, of Sigourney, and they are living at Oskaloosa, and Clara H. As stated. -Mr. .Tannery came to Oskalo(.i,-,a in liSoti, and has continued to reside in this city until the present time, lie was engaged in run- ning a transfer line until February, 1884, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Paine, which still exists. He was a member of the City Council dur- ing the years 180(j and 1«(J8, and elected to the same position in March, 18«G. He and his good wife were both brought u|i in the faith of the (Qua- kers, which is, in itself, a sufficient guarantee of his honesty, which is corroborated by his past. -^ns^^^^^^jn^. "(Y'OSKPll .SOULTS, one of the extensive land- owners of Pleasant Grove Township, was born in County Down. Ireland, in IS28. He came to the L'niteil States when a young man. in 1S4',), and tirst settled in the .State of Michi- gan, where he resided for six years, and thence came to this count}', in 18.0r>, and located in Pleas- ant (irove Township. In the meantime, Sept. 7, 1 S.jO, he was united in marriiige with Miss Anna' Bell, a native of his own country, and they be- came the parents of seven children, of whom the record is as follows; Joseph A., William J., and Elizabeth, the wife of John VVardrip, are residents of Pleasant (Jrove Township; Robert J. is de- ceased; Anna B. married Palmer Rumford, of Pleasant Grove; Louisa J. is deceased; Koliert .1. lives in Pleasant Grove Township. When Mr. Soults first came to this county he en- tered 1()() acres of land. He was prosperous in his farming and business operations, and afterward bought a section more. Since that time he has given a portion of his land to his children, but is yet the owner of ."loO acres, very line and fertile, and in an excellent state of cultivation, w-ith improve- ments of the best character. His intelligence and excellent management have rendered him more than ordinarily successful in life. He is a man of the strictest integrity, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of man}' friends and neighbors. Politically he is a live, wide-awake Republican, and takes au active interest in the success of his party. Himself «£ and wife are consistent and prominent members of B' the I'nited Presbyterian Church. -^4^^^ TzS'S-^ Xl /^ ILTON WIL.SON, a highly respected farmer i\ of Adams Township, is a native of the 14. Buckeye State, having been born in Lick- ing County, May 21, 1811. He arrived in Iowa, April 17, 187.5, and located on his pres- ent farm in Adams Township, which consists of 180 acres of land, excellently cultivated and well im- proved. Mr. Wilson has been twice married ; his first wife. Miss Emilj' S. Ackley, was a native of Licking County, Ohio. They became the parents of four children, of whom Anna and John are deceased; Newton lives in Ohio, and Emil}' at home. Mrs. Emily S. Wilson departed this life April 1."), 1.S44. and Mr. Wilson espoused as his second wife Miss Sarah Brown, the marriage rite being performed April 2, 1845). Mrs. Sarah Wilson is a native of Ohio, born in 1820. B3' her marriage with our sub- ject she has become the mother of eight children, as follows: Juliette, the wife of George Forsythe, lives in Ohio; Cary B., in Adams Township, this county ; Elizabeth R. is the wife of Gordner Burns, of Nebraska; Amanda J. married John Bloomer, now of Indiana; Mary became the wife of Charles Hull, of Adams Township; Eliza is the wife of Sanford James, of Pleasant Grove Town- ship: Almira, Mrs. Henry Snyder, lives in .Vdani? Township: Zoa is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and the members of their family bek)ug to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political relatiiairie, properly handled by a farmer iuess of the town, liut is proprietor of the omnibus and transfer lines of th.-it city. -Mr. and Mrs. ^■.llentiue are the parents of one daughter, Orlena Dell, who w.as born March 27, l»84. Mr. Valentine commenced life without means, and nothing but his indomitable push to aid him. He was engaged five years as a solicitor of insurance business, in which he was very suc- cessful, and by means of which he accumulated suffi- cient capital to give him a st;ut in life, wiiich now places him among the leading business men of New Sharon. Tiie same energy that char.acterized him in the iusurMuce business is shown in the man- agement of his pi-esent business. He is an excel- lent judge of human natuie, studies people as he would a book, and rarely makes a mistake in his judgment of men. He has many friends, and is de- servedly popular. ^1 NDREW McLAND.SBOROUGH, deceased, ^p. [ was born in the town of Otley, Yorkshire, England, Nov. 11, 1822, and was the son of John and Elizabeth (Harrison) Mc- In l.s:34 he came to the I'nitcd States, and Nov. 10, 1850, located in Cedar Town- ship, Mahaska Co., Iowa, where he resided until 1M5.J, when he moved with his family to .Jasper County, returning to .Mahaska County in IX;')!!. He then located upon the i)resent homestead, in Adams Township, which now consists of G«(; acres, where he continuously resided foi- thirty years. The marriage of Andrew McLandsborough and Miss Marcey McDonough was celebrated Nov. 12. 1840. Mrs. McL. i,- the daughter of John and Marcey (Hogelan) McDonough. and was born .Ian. 12, 1828. By her union with our subject there were born eleven children, seven of whom are liv- ing and four deceased: Elizabeth; Anna, the wife of John lAIcKinny, of Adams Township; Jane, James, Catherine, Thomas, lda,J(,hn. I'larrison and Alice. The three latter and :in infant are deceased. Ml-. McLau(ffeborough deiiarted this life July Ti, 1H8G. He was not a member of any church, but :in honorable, honcsl and industrious man, and in h ffl Landsborough. 'riiminruitiiirxijin jxj ji SSan ji xxxiin-mii_ii . Kii^TjTin* 458 MAHASKA COUNTY. every respect a most excellent citizen, who enjoyed the esteem :uid confidence of a large circle of friends, and whose memory will ever be cherished by them witli the Ivindliest sentiments. The funeral services, held at the residence of the deceased, were largely attended by neighbors and friends, and his remains were laid to rest in tlie old cemeter}' at Union Mill>. by the side of old-time friends and ^^! neighbors gone before. ii!) Mrs. McLandslioroiigh, with the aid of her chil- li dren, is conducting the liorae farm, which luis been III brought to a high state of cultivation, its improve- alj ments being of the be.-t class. It is one of the Rj most hospitable homes in lliat section of the count}', and Mrs. McLandsborough is a lady who stands high in the estimation of a large circle of friends and acquaintances, possessing noble traits of char- acter that liave endeared her to her fainily and to all who have tlie pleasure of her acquaintance. The !"" mother of Mrs. .McLandsborough is still living in Adams Towushii), at tlic advanced age of ninety- live years. nK\\'KI.L W'Ki.LS, pro|)rictor of a valuable , farm estate in I'lea.sant Gro\r Townshiii, _^ , and one of the early |)ioneers of Iowa, is a v:-\ I native of Illinois, born April 2(i, l.s3(i. lie came to this .State in 1818 with his i)arents. His father entered U;u acres of land in Pleasant (i rove Town- ship, wliich young Newell helped to cultivate and im- prove until he was seventeen years of age, and then began life on his own accc^unt, in 1853. After ar- riving at years of manhood, Jan. 1, 18Gt), he was united in marriage with Miss Patience Williams, and to them two children have been born — Madella, living, and Chester, deceased. Mr. Wells is the owner of .'Jt."i acres of splendid land, all under a good state of cultivation and well improved. He commenced with no capital save the strength of willing hands and a desire to suc- ceed in life, and iiis present position, both socially and tinancially. is ample evidence that he has not failed in his anil)itiou. He is an excellent farmer, 9 a man of good l)usiuess ability, a splendid manager, an excellent citi/en in every way, and enjoys full}- fir* r-^ Hi -'-^r'-'r'i-'.-T^-^'PPg?. ^^-•~J-'~>2i^rJr^rJrJ\ I M I \ the confidence and esteem of his acquaintances. His political relations are with the Democratic party. Himself and wife are worthy meinbci,- of the Chris- tian Church. y»,ILLlAM BOWEN, .Superintendent of the j / Oskaloosa Water Company, and also Sec- "^^^ retary of the Oskaloosa Gas Light Com- pany, is a resident of that city. Mr. Bowen is a son of N\'illiam and Loretta (Cooper) Bowen, and Sjl was born at Ft. Wayne, Ind., .June 7, 1853. The father was a harness and saddle maker Ijv trade, a native of Broome County, N. Y.. and died at Ft. jj-} Wayne, Ind., Oct. IG. 1869. Our subject's mother | was also a native of Broome County, and de()arted j' this life in Susquehanna, Pa. The parents had two ;'; children, (ieorge R., engaged in the plumbing busi- J ne. trade and was thus occupied until 18(1.'). Our subject formed a second matrimonial alli- ance, April 3, 1850. at which time Miss Hannah .1., daughter of Moses and Mar}' Atwood. became his wife. She was born in New Hampshire, but her parents subsequent!}' removed to CJeorgetown, Mass., where she was reared to womanhood. Of her union with our subject four children have lieen lioni. three daughters and one son, only two of whom are living: William K. niarriecl .Miss Ida .1. Kenilile, and is resi#► ILBl'RX B. ROBERTS, a pioneer i if Adams Township, was born in Henry County, Ky., ^ Aug. 25, 1S14. lie received a common- school education, and after attaining to manhood was married, Nov. 11, IS:?.""), to Miss Miranda Stringfellow, who was a native of Kentucky. Of this union there were born thirteen children, of whom the record is as follows: Mary F. liecame the wife of George M. Vallandingham, of Rose Hill. this count}' ; America became the wife of Jabez Ruby; he died in 1868; Elizabeth, Mrs. Joel Bri- W^\\ ne}-, lives in Adams Township; George W. lives in ij I Spring Creek Township, and Henr}- F. in Monroe 1 1 Towushij) ; Sarah is deceased ; James lives at Rose I' Hill ; John L. is in Adams Township ; Joseph resides Bki?j]i in Monroe Township: Charles F. and Martha, Alice and Ellen, twins, and an infant unnamed, are de- ceased. Our subject has thirty-five grandchildren living, and fourteen great-grandchildren. Mr. Roberts came to Iowa in 1851. audlocatedin Adams Township. Politically he is a Democrat, and himself .and wife are members of the Baptist Church. !^ At the time of his settlement in Adams Township I there were no impiovements on the place, and he I was one of the first men to build a house in that township. He now owns 160 acres in good culti- vation and well improved, and has been fairly suc- cessful in his agricultural and business transactions. The pioneers of his day are not many, and the passing 3"ears are decreasing the number slowly and surely. The prosperity their children are en- joying to-day is due to the hardships and priva- tions they endured in the early settlement of this country. Economy and close management were a necessity then, and it gave them an experience that was valuable in their after life and taught them how to save that which they^had earned. /RANCIS THOMPSON, now residing in Montgomery Count}', Iowa, was formerly a well-known citizen of Oskaloosa. He is a native of Penns3'lvania, b(jru in Lawrence County, Aug. 2. 1814. His father, George Thompson, and his mother. Mar}- l[Seott) Thompson, were both na- tives of the same State, where they lived and died. Francis remained at home upon his father's farm vintil fourteen years of age, when he commenced learning the tailor's trade, in which occupation he C(jntinued for about ten years, when, finding it did not agree with him, abandoned it and learned the trade of a carpenter. On the 29th day of JIarch, 18.S7, Mr. Thompson married Rebecca Wallace, a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Taylor) Wallace. She was a native of Pennsylvania, as were also her parents, who con- tinued to reside there till their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson five children were born: Mary, the eldest, died in infancy; Harriet J., in April, 1861, married F. Ellis, who died in March, 1867, at Os- kaloosa; Mrs. Ellis subsequently married, and is now the wife of Samuel Knowlton, of Union Town- ship; Mary P.. the third child, died in infancy; Martha E. married Rev. R. B. Farrar, of Monte- zuma, Iowa; Delia E. married E. McMnllin, of Villisca, Iowa. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Thompson moved with his family to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where for many years he followed his trade of carpenter and builder, erecting in that city some of its best houses, in- cluding those of the late Hon. M. E. Cults, Judge Seevers and others. He has been a lifelong mem- I tnrixirxKTi I •■^.iV HJ C r'-Cl UCCCCJi fiBPgHrl MAHASKA COUNTY. KJl her of the Presbyterian CImreh, and for ninre than forty years a Rnlini;' l'".l(hi' in the churches witli wliicii lie was connected. In l.sTs he engager! as colporteur for tiie I'resliyterian Hoai'd of Pnblica- tions. and continued to act as such until lws4. oi- until he was threescore and ten years of aye, when he retired from active work. He now niaialth bciiinuing to show signs of failure, in the s|)riug of IsTO he founded the Grand .lunetionp! Ili'lace, ])referring the safer path of independence as an editoi', and unvexed cares as a private citizen. He has, how- ever, filled many pl.aces of trust and hon(n- of a temporary kind. He was connected as ])rivate secretary with the commission to make treatj" with the .Sioux Nation in 1875. and in l.s7(j was a mem- ber of the commission to appraise the Pawnee In- dian reservation for the Government, lu 1877 he 1. rxiitxjjii 462 m 111 MAHASKA COUNTY. lorrrTTJiai SEW was apiiiiiiited Assistant iHspeLUn (icm^ral of Iowa, oil Gov. Newbokl's staff, with the rank of Colonel. In 1883 Gov. Sherman selected him as a member of the Mississippi River Improvement Convention at AVashington, D. C. In 188.3 he was elected Presi- dent of the Iowa Press Association. In 188G he was appointed by Ciov. Larrabee one of the com- mission for the location of the Iowa Soldiers' Home. Later in the same year he was elected Major of the M Regiment, 1. N. (i., and in the subsequent win- ter was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the same regiment. In March, 1887, Mr. Swalen was elected a mem- ber of the Oskaloosa Board of Education for tiie term of three years — until March. 1 890. He is also Secretary of the Maiiaska County Old Settlers' Association, which luimbers a great many of those who have been residents of the county for twenty years. He is a memlier of the Masonic, Odd Fel- lows and Pythian fraternities, and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is also President of the local Hoard of Trade, formed for the purpose of en- (■ouraging the establishment of h)cal manufacturing- places. -^^ — •:<-sf^- -^^- ROF. .T. A. BEATTIE, one of the promi- nent factors in the progress and jn-osperit}- ■^ of Oskaloosa College, is a native of Ash- land County, Ohio, where he was born Ma^^ 11, 184.'). His parents, John and Isabel (Thom) Beattie, were both born in Aberdeen, Scotland, the former April 21, 1817, and the latter Feb. 10, 1827. When young people the}' came to America with their parents, the elder Beattie settling in Richland C'ljnnty, Ohio, and Mr. Thom in Ashland Countj'. Their marriage occurred in the spring of 1844, and they first settled in Huron County, but later, in Ashland. They became the parents of nine children, viz.: Prof. J. A., our subject; Will- iam J., of (teneva, Ohio; John II., of New London, Ohio; Mary J., widow of Robert Hamilton, now living ill Huron, where she is Principal of the vil- lage schools; Robert M., attorney and Clerk of the Court of Huron County, Ohio; Kate I., a graduate of Hiram College and Principal of the Ladies' De- partment of that institution; Nettie, wife of Rob- ert McCabe, of New London, Ohio; Edward and Herbert, residing with their mother. Mr. Beattie was at first a Free-soiler in his polit- ical convictions, but later affiliated with the Repub- lican party, and held several offices of trust. He went into Ohio a poor j'oung man, hewed a farm out of the heavy wood, and identified himself in all waj's with the best element of the society of his neighborhood. He was a firm friend of education, and gave his children an unusuallj' liberal educa- tion for a new country. He was himself a man well posted in local and national affairs. When in the prime of life, he joined the Baptist Church, but subsequently united with the Christian Church, of which he was a member at the time of his death. Mrs. Beattie is still living in Ashland County, and is also a member of the Christian Church. Prof. Beattie was reared upon a farm until he was eighteen years of age, helping in the duties in- cident to farm laboi', and attending the common schools. He then hired out b}' the month, saving his earnings, so that, at the age of twenty-one. he was able to enter Savannah Academy. During the winter months, however, he taught the district school. He was then emplo^'ed in Linn Acadeni}- until he entered Bethany College, at Bethanj', Va., and graduated in 1873. In the fall of that year he was engaged as assistant in the department of mathematics in Bethany College. While there teaching, he was elected Superintendent of Public Schools of Ashland County, and served two j'ears. He then became connected with Bedford College, at Bedford, Iiid., being Professor of Mathematics, and the last two years President of the college. During the five years, with the exception of four months, he supplied the pulpit of the Christian Church. He was also associated in carrying on an educational journal, and also was called as an in- structor in the Normal Institute. Prof. Beattie came to Oskaloosa Sept. 17, 1881, and has since filled the Chair of Mathematics for three years in Oskaloosa College, and served as Ei Professor of Philosophy and F^nglish Literature, pi He has ever taken an active interest in educational £ affairs, line. and has done a great work in his special Our subject was married, Aug. 2(J, 1873, at I 11-11 i iftXti Mi Kg : V - i;-: I ;,: ■ ■ - U-: Savannah, Uhio, to Matrs^ie I)., daiiiihterof William MAHASKA COUNTY. 46ft I.- |j|the parents of fi>u J ^£ Kent, born .Inly U. l.sT 15C187S; Mal)el B.. Mav .'^.O. !i; 19, 188."). 1 is ijand Is^alii'l (Forbes) Henton, ami who was born in ^Asbhinil County, Ohio, Oct. II, 1847. They are (•hildrcii, as follows: Rolla ; Ktlu'l B.. March M. S.so. ami M. .M.. .hilv — >5— -5^w~«ffli>>--5^-o W. Ml ^■ KILL. The origin of the .McNeill faniil}' in America was with two brothers who came from Scotland in 17711. Archibald McNeill, one of them, was a |)hysician and Tjjl settled in Cieorgia, the other, .lohn McNeill, was a 1^ (ieneral in the British army, who on leave of ab- }^ senee. settled in Kent County, 5[d. lie forfeited 77ii by takiuij sides with the the Revolution, (ieu. Mc- ! IS his commission in ■I {jS American colonies in };J Neill had four children, three sons and one daughter. >;! The eldest, John McNeill, Jr., a lawj'er by pro- 'rj fession, removed to Cumberland, Alleghany Co., }rt Md., in 1800, and was for many years Judge of the Orphan's Court of tliat county. B\' his marriage jg:;j. with Mary Mj-ers there were born five sons and [^ three daughters. One of these children and the ^'■i father of the members of the family now living in ^ : Oskaloosa, Iowa, was the Rev. Francis Asbury Mc- : Neill, M. D., born Jan. 1, 1809. He was married '^■z in Frederick City, .Md., Feb. I, 18.30, to Mary E. \]:: Cronise, who was born in that city March 4, 1812. ( Dr. McNeill was baptized by Rev. Francis As- i J|C bury, the first Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal i {^ Church in America. He joined this church when i;E ^^U young, and was received into the ministry at ' [ 3? twentj' years of age; ordained De.acon in 1833 at i;C Baltimore, Md., b^' Bishop Hedding, and ordained };» Elder in 1837 at Jacksonville, 111., by Bishop Soule. J He found time to pursue a course of medical stud- : ies, and graduated at the I'niversity of Maryland, I in Baltimore, in the year 1834. I^ocatiug at Spring- » field, 111., in the spring of 183.T, he practiced medi- t cine and at the same time maintained his rainister- I ial connection for twelve years, after which he was £ located at various points bj' the conference. I The Doctor took a verj' active interest in politics, if!: and was an ardent opponent of slaver3-, which : largely infiuenced him to leave Maryland. He stumped the .State of Illinois for Harrison for Presi- dent in \>egislature when the Civil War broke out. His newspaper in Ogle Comity, 111., was among the first, if not the first, to hoist the name of Abraham Lincoln for President. He v/nn a warm personal friend and great admirer of the Mai'tjM- President. He was appointed .Surgeon of the Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry by Gov. Yates, resigned by reason of ill-health, was appointed Post Chaplain at Paducah, and afterward at Louis- ville, Ky., but left the service in 186.5, and died Feb. 3, 1872, at Mt. Morris, 111. Mrs. Mary E. McNeill died at Springfield, 111., Nov. 4, 1849, and Dr. McNeill was again married, Feb. 2, 18.57, to Barbara E. Wagner, at Mt. Morris, 111. Of the children born by the first marriage there are four living, all residents of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Mrs. Ann Norvella Little, born June 26, 1835, in Mar3-Iand, was married at Mt. Morris, 111., Feb. 1, 1854, to Henrj- I. Little, who was born Nov. 6, 1826, in Washington County, Md., and died at Oskaloosa, Iowa, March 1, 1886. James Floyd McNeill was born Oct. 15. 1841, at Spring- field, 111., where he was raised and obtained' a fin- ished education. He enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, for three years in Co. G, 114th 111. Vol. Inf. He was promoted Sergeant Major, serving until the close of the Rebellion, and was honorably disch.arged Aug. 15, 1865. He afterward officiated as clerk in the Adjutant General's office in Illinois until that office W.1S abolished. He w^as married, Nov. 18, 1872, to Julia E. Hibbs, of New York Cit^'. Two children have been born to them, Walter F. and Mabel. He was for raanj' yeai s connected with the First National Bank, of Springfield, 111., and is. now Assistant Cashier of the Farmer's and Trader's National Bank, of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Wilbur A. .AIcNeill was born June 1 1, 1 843, at Springfield, 111., receiving his education at the old Sandstone Seminary, Mt. Morris, 111. He enlisted in the Fourth Illinois Cavalrj- in 1M61, hail a horse shot under him at Shiloh, and received such injur- ies as necessitated his being discharged as unfit for «932^5>8 rmanxT- nxjim nxra rm rrrxTT m 1 466 MAHASKA COUNTY. service. He re-enlisterl in 1862. and while skir- mishing- .it ( iriorsonV Brirlge l)eluw ^Memphis, Teiin., and engaged in •.\ Imnd-to-hand pistol duel, was se- verely wounded in the right lung, bj' reason of which he was .again discharged from service. In 1870 he associated himself with his brother, H. W. McNeill, in the conl business, starting in Monroe Count}' as Secretary and Treasurer of the Iowa Central Coal Coniijany. Through all the changes that followed, as given in full in the sketch of his brother's life, W. A. McNeill has had personal charge of the accounting and financial part of the business, managing it with signal success and marked ability. Retiring from this business in 1881, he es- tablished the Oskaloosa Livery and Transfer Com- pany, on a scale of perfection in all of its appoint- ments and details not surpassed, if equalled, by anj' similar establishment in any city in Iowa. It is one of the most successful business enterprises in the cit3' of Oskaloosa. Wilbur A. McNeill is now the Manager of the Western Union Fuel Company and the American Coal Company of this city, yet finds time to give personal attention and supervision to the Cham- plain Breeding Farm, adjoining the city, on the ele- gant estate formerly owned by John ^^'hite, banker, now deceased.' He is the sole owner of this farm and the stock. The name is taken from his leading stallion, Champlain, who is a standard bred son of Daniel Lambert, dam Fanny Jackson, by Stonewall, by j;than Allen. Mr. McNeill believes in the su- perior excellence of the Ethan Allen famil}- of horses, and is fortunate in the ownership of so fine a representative. Of Dr. McNeill's second marriage were born four children, two living. Catherine M. was born at Mt. Morris, 111., May 20, 1860. After a liberal literary education she devoted herself to the study of vocal music, spending two years in Chicago, and then studied three j'ears with the best masters in London and Paris, completing the course in the spring of 1886. Frank S. McNeill was born Oct. 26, 1862, and is now living at Santa Barbara, Cal. Hobart W. McNeill, one of the leading men of Oskaloosa, was born .lune 18, 1847, at Peoria, 111. His mother dying soon afterward, he was reared from infancy b}- an aunt in Alleghany Co., Md., the home of the familj'. He was carefully educated, reaching the Junior y'ear at the University- of Vir- ginia, when it was closed b}' the rebels. He took the Senior year in 186;j at Rock River .Seminary, Ogle County, III. After a cour.se in reading he at- Bf tended lectures in the law department of the Uni- gf versify of Michig.an, in 1867; was admitted to the S l)ar in Springfield, 111., in 1868, and, l(»cating in El- af: dora, Hardin Co., Iowa, in 1869, formed a law part- || nership with ex-ftov. Enoch W. Eastman. Enter- SE ing the service of the Iowa Central Railroad i% C()nipany in 1870, he became their general .agent in 1871. As special agent of the Iowa Valley Construction Company which built the Central Railroad, he settled their affairs, which in two years had involved an expenditure of 14,000,000 and were very much complicated. His report made in New ^'ork City was printed by the company, and Bj .accepted as a final and complete settlement of its 3 business. §| In 1872 the territorial chartei' of the St. Louis 3§ nil (fe .St. Paul Railway' from Minneapolis south to 5j:1 the Iowa line at Northwood (since built upon by Hji the Minneapolis ii was merged into tlie Consolidation C'o.d Company, capitalized at 1500,000. Tbis lat- ter company absorbed the Iowa Central Coal Com- pany, capital §100, (toil, the Southern Iowa Coal Company, capital *i.')(),000, the Black Diamnnd Coal Company, capital ^lOO.ooo. and the Maliaska. C<»nnty Coal Company, cajjital ?!;jO,0(io. Iluis put- ting all the mines on the Central Kail wa\ under one management. The stock of this (tonii)any was sold in ISSl to the Chicago A' Xortli western Railway Company for x.')O0,O0(i cash, tiius bringing its value to par. Tlic record of these operations is that no man ever juit a dollai' into any of them who did not draw it out again with .i profit added, some moie and some less, in proportion to their judg- ment and courage, but there were no losses. The result of these coal operations to the county lias been, directly, that over 4,000 aci-es of farm lands have Iteen sold by their owners for over A4oo,ooo, anil the coal taken out of the ground wiiere it was worthless has lu'ought back into the county over ^i->,000,()00. In May, 18.sl, Jlr. McNeill accepted .ui offer from the Chicago, Milwaukee A- St. Paul Hailw.-iy Com- |)any as assistant to the (Tcneral Manager, S. S. Merrill, and wiiile with this company, among other things organized the coal department of this road, selecting tiie property and projecting its mining operations, and the very high efficiency of thi? de- partment is due to the efforts of able officers se- lected by him. He resigned his connection with tiiis company. November 1 following, to accept the Presidency of the Dubuciue Intern.al Improvement Company, organized to build the A. & N. \V. H. \i. under a charter from the State of Texas for .>00 miles, with a land grant of 10,000 .acres per mile. After the construction of sixty miles of that road a .special session of the Legisl.ature was convened by Gov. Roberts, who, ntit reg.arding the honor of tiie State, compelled a sus})ension of the work. Mr. .McNeill formulated the financial plan u hidi built the Masimic Opera House in Oskaloosa. He organized .and is President of the Oskaloosa Powei' and Land Company, capital, ?ir)0,0()0; the Oska- loosa Tanning Company, capital *2,'>,0()0; the Os- kaloosa Edison Light Companx . caiiital *'2r>,()00. ^^ [^7 Is Vice President of the AVestern Union Fuel Com l)any, capital .i;2U0,000; \'ice President of the Amer ican Coal Company, capital ?;200,000; Vice Presi dent and .Manager of the Iowa Iron W(jrks Com jjany, of Dubuque, capital >5li>0,000; Vice Presi-p dent and Manager of the Dubuque .Steam Heating Company, capital §.').i,000; Vice President and Manager of the Hasmusen Western Cable Railway Company, of Chicago, 111., capital *2,000,000; is a Director of the Farmer's and Trader's National '^^ Bank, oi Oskaloosa, and of the Oskaloosa Oatmill [I [[ Company : he also owns the Western Fuel .Suppl}- ;| [I Company, with headcpiarters at M,ason City, Iowa, which furnishes cord for settlers" use on 1,200 miles of road owned by tiie Chicago, Milwaukee ife St. Paul Railroad Company. Around him and in full charge of each corporation, and in every depart- ment of these several corporations, is gathered a staflf of al)le, clear-headed business men, thoroughly trained for their several duties. At the general otlice in Oskaloosa, each thirty days shows a com- plete abstract of the Inisine.ss done b}' e.ach com- ({j fjj pany for the month. W^ Iowa has few, if any, larger operators than H. W. q ;■ McNeill, and none arc more daring in tiieir vent- jfe^ ures, more systematic in their work, or mcjre sue- i h cessful in attjxining the best results. From those -^^^-^ who are not envious of the success of his various enterprises and the great prosperity that has at- tended him from the beginning he receives the full meed of well-deserved jiraise for what he has done to develop the city and county of his adoption, II. W. .McNeill was married. May 15, 1869, to Miss Lizzie Phillijis, at Eldora, Iowa, to which p^'^i place she had but lately removed from Alleghany | (I [1 County, Md. She was a childhood friend and[|!'::||! playmate of her iiusband. was educated at Dr, j[!;;r|2 Brooks' College, Baltimore, Md., and presides over (|^M lier elegant home in this city with the ease and ih grace that mark the refined and cultured lady. One 'bft^i child, Anna, is living, who was born S.aturday, July ^^' 12,1873. ' ' W ISRAKL S. THOMl'st)N, who has been a resi- dent of Mahaska County since 18(58, settled j first in Black Oak Towushii), where he liveil [^ eight j'ears and became i)roprietor of 420 acres of fuhi cmmniriiiiit irTinmxiTiITlII J gffis^r "t* " IL 468 land. This he afterward sold, and purchased the farm of Nimrod Ross in Scott Tuwnship, where he is now engaged in general farming. This fine homestead consists of 240 acres of land, with good buildings and all modern improvements. Mr. Thompson was born in Stark Connt^v. Ohio, in 1827, being the son of Thomas and Margaret (Swartlej) Thompson, who were lioth natives of ^^1 Westmoreland Count}-, Pa. 'r;|! Our subject was reared to manhood in his native rj] State, and trained to habits of industry and princi- l! pies of honesty by his excellent parents. He was married in Februarj', 18.51, to Miss Sarah Laugh- Rj Rl lin, w'ho was born in Pennsylvania, and they be- ■^■i=^' came the parents of six children, of whom the rec- mm m } good set of farm building.'^. Joseph Soults, Jr., was united in par ord is as follows : Maj- J. became the wife of Den- ] nis R. Robertson, of Scott Township; Priscilla mar- | ried Samuel Casey, who is occupied as a railroad j agent in Prairie City, Iowa; Harmon is a tele- graph operator; Sarah M. and Adam are living at ' home. The latter has been engaged in teach- ing, and possesses an excellent education, having taken a college course at Shenandoah, Iowa; ]. E., a telegraph operator, is at present an agent on the Wabash road. Our subject and his wife are mem- bers in good standing of the Methodist Protestant Church; in politics Mr. Thompson is a standi Re- publican. Miss Margarett Chamberlin, and five children have come to brighten the household, namely: James, born June 8, 187G; Anna, Feb. 11, 1878; Louis, Sept. 7, 1879: Cameon, Sept. 1, 1881; Winfield, Nov. 1, 1883. In his political affiliations, like his father before him, Mr. Soults is an uncompromising Republican. Himself and wife are members of the United Pres- byterian Church. He possesses good judgment, and is an excellent manager financially, hence has been successful in his chosen vocation. He has a pleas- ant home, where genuine hospitality is the rule, is a high-minded, honorable gentleman, and in all re- spects a worth}' member of societ}". >,ALTEK R. CAMMACK is the leading A. SOULTS, Ju., owns and occupies a fine homestead in Pleasant Grove Township, and is reckoned among its useful and valued citizens. He was born in Michigan, Sept. 1 , 1 850, and is a son of Joseph and Anna (Bell) ! : jljl Soults, natives of Ireland, and whose biography will be found elsewhere in this volume. The sub- ject of this sketch came with his parents to Iowa, in 1855, and in early life began to receive careful training in its duties and responsibilities. He worked with and for his father until he reached manhood, and was then presented with eighty acres of land, to which lie subsequently added 120 more by purchase, and now owns 200 acres of splendid land, all in good cultivation, and supplied with a marriage with l.# photographer <>{ Oskaloosa. Coming to this '^NS cit}' a stranger, he rented rooms (.)ver Wil- son's diy-goods store, and by close atter.tion to his business, with natural and acquired ability in his pro- fession, he has built up a trade second to none in this section of country. Combining artistic taste with the purely mechanical part of his business, he ^ produces work, that for superior finish and perfect S| pose of the subject, is unsurpassed. Mr. Cammack is a native Hawkej^e, born in Muscatine County, Oct. 20, 1856. His f.ather. James Cammack, is a native of Indiana, while his mother, Elizabeth (Hadley) Cammack, was a native of Ohio. They were married in Indiana and moved to Muscatine County, Iowa, in 1855, and from that county to Hardin, in 1859, locating on a farm near Iowa Falls, where the mother died in 1874. Thev were the parents of eight children, of whom Walter was the fourth. IJoth were members of the Society of Friends. Walter R. Cammack was reared on his father's farm and educated in the common schools of Har- din County. He remained at home with his father assisting in cultivating the farm until 18!S1. when he went to .Storm Lake. Buena \'ista Co., Iowa, and commenced learning the business of photography. Having, as alreadj' stated, a natural taste for the wcnk, he soon acquired an insight into the business, and became an expert pliotugrapher. After re aU/Hr'VKI Ji ^EE BfrnirPFni! MAHASKA COUNTY. 469 maining at Storm Lake for about a _vear and a half, he went lu Marshalltowii, where he remained thirteen months, and thence came to Oskaloosa. in April, 1884. On tlie 28th d.iy of October, 1884, Mr. Cam- mack was united in marriage with Carrie M. Wick- ershani, a native of Lee County, Iowa, and dauLfh- ter of Jesse and Jlarj' Ann (Bond) Wickershani. The parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Cammack be- long to the Society of Friends, and their religious tendency is in that direction. Mr. Cammack is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. While a citizen of Oska- loosa but a few j'ears. Mr. Cammack has made a host of friends, and enjoys the respect and coiili- dence of all. Mrs. Cammack is well known and is universally esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. "'MOS L. SIIAXGLE, of Prairie Township, is numbered among the pioneers of 18.54, and was born in Morris Count}', Oct. 30, 1831. His paternal ancestor, Frederic Shangle, was from Strasburg, Germany, emigrat- ing to this country in 1745, and settling on an es- tate of about 1,000 acres in the western part of Morris County, N. J. The eldest son of Frederick was Henry, who was about two years old when his parents came to America. Henry grew to man- hood, married, had a son named Frederick, born in 1770, and died in 1H3'2. The eldest son of the last named Frederick was named William, born Dee. 2.5, 1798. William Shangle, the father of the subject of this sketch, in 1 820 married P^xperience Leek, a native of Morris County, N. J., born in 1801. To them eleven children were born, two of whom died in childhood: Mar}- .M., now deceiised, was married to Daniel Mooney; Morris died in the State of Mississippi, in 1847; Harriet is the wife of J. H. Douglass; .lane married Truman Thomas, and died in 1868; Eliza married Capt. C. P. Searle. and died in .Ma}-, 18.57; Amos L. ; .Sarah, wife of B. B. .lack; William and .lohn C. The great-grandfather of Experience Leek was Thomas Leek, who cmi- y-ratcd from Wales in 172,5, and settled in Lonji Island. His son. Amos Leek, subsequentlj' settled in Morris County. X. .J., to whom was born a son, also named Amos, in 1771, and died in 18,5(). He was the father of Experience, the mother of our subject. In 1845 William Shangle and famil}' moved from New .Jersey to Ohio, and ten years later to Iowa, locating in Mahaska County, where Mrs. Shangle died, .Sept. 5, 1858. and William Shangle, April 14, 1874. Amos Shangle, the subject of this sketch, re- moved with his parents to Delaware Count}", Ohio, in 1845, and afterward accompanied them to Knox County. All his early life was spent on the farm, receiving in the meantime an ordinary common- school education, together with instruction in a private school kept by Prof. Corning, and sutticient to qualify him later on as a teacher. In the year 1854, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Mr. Dan- iel .S. Mooney, and two sisters, he came to Iowa, and the following winter taught school in Madi- son Township. Returning again to his native State in 1853, he was there, in .lanunry, 1859, united in marriage with Mary ^^'. Tuttle, who wiis born in .Morris County, N. .1.. Dec. 2fi, 1832. To them have been given three children: Mark Henry, born in 1861, now resides in Idaho: Louis Tuttle, born in 1863, and Frederick Morris, in 1865. Shortly after Mr. .Sh.angle's marriage he returned to Iowa, and in the fall of 1860 purchased eighty acres of his present f.'U'm, upon which he moved in 1 86 1 , and has since lived. In his political faith he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce for President in 1852. He has served as Justice of the Pe.ace, and for about fif- teen years as .Secretary of the School Board of his township. In speaking of his political faith, .Mr. Shan- gle says the first article in his creed is "Free trade to all; especial privileges to none," conseqiiently the Oskaloosa Ilpruld bestowed upon him tiie eu- phonious appellation of "Free trade crank," but he laughingly says "the Herald has never been able to turn that crank." When engaged in farming for a livelihood, Mr. Shangle does not neglect the |)leasures of mental culture. .A. library of over 200 volumes of poetry, phiiosoi)hy. history and fiction, with the leailing peiiodicais of the day. :ifFord^ iuleresling cutertaiii- ^, I mm \^ IIIUXILIXZXI ill §M inmrTami.mjjir-rT«» jTiii _^^:'.Z '*r~*'~v ». ■* nnrxnrrrmxxiiixiniriixii- ' ^X-^ ..^rS 470 MAHASKA COUNTY. ment for his leisure hours. He has always taken much interest in the success of the schools of his township, and to his labors they owe much of their efficienc}'. Mr. Shanj^le's present farm consists of KJO acres, which he lias Ijronuht to .1 very high state of culti- vation, and upon whicii the improvements are of the best class. [lis business is that of stock farm- ing, devoting his particular attention to the raising of horses. A residence of over one-third of acent- ur}' in this county has so fully established the char- acter cif our suljject that words of praise or de- merit would not change public opinion. As a citi- zen, neighbor and friend, few men are better kno\vn business affairs, j and a most desirable citizen in .all respects, and en- I joys the highest regard of a large circle of ac- quaintances. ♦><■■ ILTON CROOKHAJL a farmer and stock- raiser, resides on section 32. Adams Town- ship, lie was born in Jackson County, Ohio, May ;>, LSI 9, and is a son of (leorge L. and Sarah (Lake) L'rookhani. He was reared on the farm, and has ahva3's followed that avocation. His early education was very limited and was ob- tained ehictly before he was six j'ears of age. He remained at home in Jackson County until he had arrived at the age of twenty-one, and then began life for himself. lie traveled extensively through seventeen of the States and Territories, and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to England in 1S4;3, remaining there only a few months. Although his school edu- cation was limiteil he was of a studious turn of mind, and so continued until he was forty years of age, and his studies had embraced the common branches, anatomy, theology, chemistry, geometry', etc. In addition to these he possesses a large gen- eral knowledge of many of the sciences, and is con- sidered a well-read man. He taught school in Ohio and Iowa several terms. Mr. Crookham was married in Jackson Coui|ty, Ohio, within live miles of his birthplace, Jan. 17, 1847, to Miiss JMary l>nnu, a native of Jackson CVtinity, liorn .March 2i), IS2!'. and .a daughter of Samuel and Hetsey (Kelson) Bunn. Her father is deceased, and her mother still resides in Jackson County, and is over eighty years of age. By this un- ion there have been ten children, onl^- four of whom are living. Samuel is deceased ; George L. dietl at the age of five years; two children died in infancy; Horace is a farmer, and resides ujjon one of his father's farms in Richland Township, this county; Sarah died at the age of seventeen; Kniily is the wife of Luke Beach, a farmer residing ni)on ^Ir. Crookliam's home farm; Eliza died at the age of thirteen; Nellie, and an infant, unnamed, are at home. After his marriage Mr. Crookham located in Ko.ss County, Ohio, and eidtivated a rented farm for one year. In IX-ix he came to Mahaska County and entered 4(H) acres of (iovernment land, in .Ma. during which time he visited the Black Hills in Dakota, and upon his return purchased a farm in Cedar Township, where he now resides. Feb. 13, 1878, he was married to Miss Dosha Thornburg, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Moorman) Thornburg. By this union there were two children: Mary, born May 16, 1879, died May 16, 1880; J. Y., born Sept. 8, 1881. Mr.and Mrs. Shaul are members of the Societj' of Friends. : Politically his affiliations are with the Republican liarty. ' ; Mr. Shaul owns 160 acres of fine land, all in good - - cultivation and well improved, with a good house, : ■,^ barn and other out-buildings, and everything about : ^ the place is . in first-class repair. There are also " ^ ^^^ hBIHH .a nrrrr.ri IS MAHASKA COUNTY. 4/7 upon the farm two oooil orchards of boariiiirapple- trees, second to iiono in their yield and in the<(nal- ity of fruit. In addition to hi> u^eiu'ra! farininf;-. he niakef>a specialty of tiie lireedin;;- of Short-honi cattle, and has a ver}- nice lierd of tliese animals, representing some of the best families in .\inerica. and has also tuiiied his attention to the breeding of (irst-class I'oland-C'hina iiogs, and of tliese has some very fine specimens, eligible to ivcord. and from the best recorded families in this and other States. Mr. Shaul is an excellent manager, a tluprdugh- going, systematic farmer and stock-raiser, and has made a success of liotli branches of his l)usiness. lie is a man of gnod aliility. a reader and thinker. a close observer of events, and in all the relations of life most honorable and upright, and is greatly esteemed b_v his friends and acquaintances. [iJj--^ KNKV KLINKKU, an enterprising farmer of Union Townshii), was born in Ohio, Sept. ;•, ls:{.i, and is a sou of .1. J, and Margaret ^^' (McC'abe) Klinker. The former was born in (iermauy in the year ISOT, and came to the United States in 1818. His mother was born in Fairfield Connty, Ohio. Henry Klinker came to this State with his father in the year 1844, and lo- cated in Keokuk County, where he lived for one year and then came to this count}', residing with his father until the year 1858, when he was married to Miss Caroline Caster. C)f this union seven chil- dren have been born: Margaret K. is the wife of A. \V. Simmons, of Ottumwa; John B. is deceaseil ; Larrie J. is a student at college in Oskaloosa ; Lucy E. is the wife of Charles Morrison, of this town- ship; Louis \V., Charles J. and Kzey C. are at home. In his political attiliations .Mr. Klinker is a Dem- ocrat. He is also a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and Knights of Pythias. Himself and wife are acceptable members of the Christian Church. The home farm of our subject is on section 2.'i of this township, and is very fertile land, under good cultivation and well improved. .Mr. Klinker has been fairly successful in life, and enjoy.- a sutli- ciency of this world's goods as a consequence of his untiring industry and the proper conduct of his affairs, lie is a good citizen in all respects, and stands high in the estimation of neighbors and friends. ^T( an}' settler in this county, having been identified with the county for forty-three years. <| felLLIAM W. WINDER, a well-known citi- \^// zen of New .Sharon, is the eldest son of \y^ James and Eliza Winder, whose biography appears elsewhere in this book. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, Dec. 4, 1836, and spent his early life upon the farm, but came to Iowa with his family and worked with his father at the carpenter's trade at New Sharon. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. H, 8th Iowa \'ol. Inf., and served with his com- mand until May, 1862, when he w.as discharged on account of physical disability. Returning from the army, he again resided at New Sharon until tlu' fall of 1 864, when he returned to Ohio and learned the art of photography. In isiw he returned t~ rtTr r«-r»-T mrrrr TTT~» rtrrrrmrrfT • larirrxitii 478 MAHASKA COUNTY. but his impaired health not permitting such ardu- ous labor, he discontinued farming, and in 1 870 began work at the hiisincss of barbering, wIul-Ii he has since continued. During thf year ls7() 'Sir. Winder was united in marriage with Miss Deltorah Sharp, a daughter of Isaac and Lydia Sharp, and to them six chil- dren were born, five of whom died in infancy, and one son, Albert C, is living. Mr. Winder is a member of the Masonic fraternity and I. O. O. F. He has filled all the chairs in the fraternity of Odd Fellows save that of Secretary, and has for several years been Tyler of the Masonic Lodge. Politically Mr. Winder is a Republican, but takes no especial interest in politics aside from support- ing the candidates and advocating the principles of his party. Mr. Winder is a quiet, unassuming citi- zen, and a man of irre|)roachable character, enjoy- ing in a large degree the esteem of his friends and acquaintances. UFUS PUTNAM BACON, one of the pio- neers of the Hawkeye State, arrived within its borders in the summer of 1848. He came ^to this County accompanied by his brother John, who is now a resident of White Oak Town- shi)). They purch.ised '200 acres of school land on time, being without cash capital. Rufus P. left his brother in charge of the land and started out to earn mone3' to assist in paying for it. The follow- ing spring found him in Keokuk, where he was variousl}' employed until fall, when he started for California. He spent the winter following in Panama. On the '2d of Maj', 1850, he continued his journey to the Golden State, and after arriving there engaged in mining for the following tlu'ee years, meeting with fair success. He then returned to Iowa via Nicaragua and New York City, and found that his land was of pour quality, so he abandoned it and purchased another 300 acres in Monroe Township. Tiiat same month (May) Mr. Bacon was united in marriage with Miss Pha'be A., daughter of Butler Dunbar, and locating upon his land, engaged in agricultural pursuits there until ISi;.'). He then sold out, and removing to Oskaloosa, engaged with different partners in the grocery trade until 1873, when he practically retired from active business. The subject of this history was born in Wash- ton County, Ohio, Nov. 24, 1825, his parents being William and Eleanor (Miller) Bacon, both of En- glish ancestr}', and natives respectively of New York and Ohio. The parental famil}' included thirteen children, ten of whom grew to mature years. The mother of our subject died when he was but seven years old, and his father afterward married Miss Nancy ^"ineent, of which union there were born four children. After the death of his mother, our subject resided with an uncle at Marietta, Ohio. He received but a common-school education, as he could only pursue his studies during the winter months. His uncle was a tinner Ijy trade, which our subject also learned, and followed it until the time of coming west. Mr. Bacon is the only man wlio ever went to California all the way by water at that time. His brother. Eli (i., who .accompanied him, is now a resi- dent of \\'ashington Territory, where our sul>ject has visited him. In politics Mr. Bacon is a stanch Republican, and lias frequently been the incumbent of local of- fices, lie is now serving his fifth year as a mem- ber of the County Board of Supervisors. Socially he is Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity. He has been prominent in the political affairs of this .section, and as a journali.st and newspaper man obtained an enviable rejiutation. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have no children. -€^l ::i; "■;i ^- ON. BEN McCOl', of the firm of Bolton & IMcCoj', of Oskaloosa, was born in Jefferson ii County, Ind., March 22, 1846. He is the son of James and Lovisa (Nicholson) Mc- Coy, both natives of Kentucky, but who emigrated with their parents to Indiana at an early day. In the year 1850 thej' emigrated to Mitchell Count3% Iowa, the same year removing to this county, but are now living in Keokuk County, Iowa. They are members of the Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch was nine years old Ci22^£S IVFT^rTi^t agsssBsss MAHASKA COUNTY. \ : ■I) : ru : 1 : 'L :: :!:: n ,; ri;: 479 "I h h' : u;: I UK 1351 Jl \: : ^ : \- h In 5 I 1; when his icireiits came to Miihiiskji C'uiintj-. He at- tended tlie public schools until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he was sent to Cornell College, at Mt. N'ernon, Iowa, and graduated with honors in the c Lass of 18U!S. In 1X71 he entered the hnv office of Seevers & Cutts, and the following year was admitted to the bar. He taught school the winter of 1JS71, and in IMarch, 1H72, removed to Keokuk Count}', Iowa, where he commenced the practice of his ])rofessioii as a member of the firm of Andrews (fe McCoy. In Jauuar}', liS71, he re- turned to Oskaloosa, and formed the present part- nership. He served as City Solicitor of Oskaloosa during the year 187G. In the 3'ear 187.3 he was the successful candidate of the Republican party for the office of Senator of Mahaska Count}'. Mr. INIc- Coy enliste, where he resided for many years. He died at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. Our n ;: in|i subject in his newly married life settled at New Mar- nfiinl tinsville, W. Va., remaining there until 1853, when he removed to Wheeling, and in 1855 came tt) Os- kaloosa, which he afterward made his home. Here **^ he lived an honored and an honorable life for a quarter of a century. Although never a seeker after the honors and preferir.ents of political life, Mr. Lacey always took an active part iu every campaign, first as a Whig, and afterward as a Republican. His religious con- ij nection was with the Methodist Episcoi>al Chinch, of which he was a member for fifty years, and was a consistent and highly resi)ectcd nu-niber of that religious organization. His earh" education was siicii as the common schools supplied, but lie was a great reader, and kept himself well informed upon all matters of current interest. He was a genial companion, a loving husband, and a kind and in- dulgent father. He was never a man of more than moderate means, but his word in a financial trans- action was as good as gold. In the expression of his opinions upon all debatable questions, he was ever earnest and pronounced, and the weight of his influence was ever with the moral side of every issue. His last illness was of considerable duration and great suffering. His tenacity of life and nerv- ous force, while enduring most excruciating pain, were a source of wonder to his physician and friends. There being some doubt as to the cause of his death, a [)ost mortem examination was held, and thirty-six gravel were found in the bladder, one nearl}- as large as a hen's egg. Throughout all his painful illness he looked forward to death, and hoped for it without fear and as a release from pain. His was a forceful character, strong at everj- point, liable only to criticism because of his radi- calism in the expression of ideas which he believed to be right, but he was ever found upon the side of right, and was ever a defender of the cause of the oppressed, and his example exercised its influence upon those with whom he was associated. They might not always agree with him, but were com- pelled to acknowledge the soundness of the posi- tion he assumed, and though the summons came to him that sooner or later ct)mes to all, the impress of his life and character yet remains. Those who knew him best and loved him most, miss him even yet, and speak of him reverently'. !fi y-^«-«i)>-^'$s^ ^YlAMES 1!. BOLTON, senior partner of the I firm of Bolton & McCoy, attorneys at Oska- loosa, was born near Mt. Yeruon, Ohio, Dec. 21, 1840, and is the son of A. J. and Jane (Price) Bolton. Uotli of whom were natives of Ohio. Here .1. B. was reared initil twenty-three | years of age, attending ilartiusburg Seminary for three years, and teaching in one department for :ij two years as assistant of Profs. Downs and Finney. ! SiES^Sa J^'r^Fr^r^rl MAHASKA COUNTY. 4 SI ^■i:"- Following- tliis he took (ip the study of Inw with Arcssrs. Scriliner & Curtis, of Mt. N'enioii, Oliin, Imt lit the eiiil of six mimths iibandoiied his reail- iiig on aceouiit of expense. mihI followed teMchinii for :i time. Mr. Holloii enlisted in the .">d Ohio Inl:inlrv at the first eall, and was soon aftei- diseharued. as he eoidd not pass muster by reason of disability. In .Mareh. ISd;!, he eaine to Poweshiek County, Iowa, where he followed te.tehing and farniinu- up to tlie year ISfiC!, when he w.as engaged in fai'ming until ISTd, in the meantime pursuing his legal studies and purehasing his library. He came to Oskaloo.sa in l.sTd, and the following year was atlmitted to the bai-. In 1 s7 1 the present firm of IJolton it MeCo}' was formed. Mr. Bolton wa.s made a Mason in Oskaloo.sa, and is a Knight Templar. Ilis earl}^ political affiliations were with the Republican party, but of late years he has east his lot with the Democracy. He is not what would be termed a i)olitician, and has never sought nor desired office. He is a fluent speaker, and is a tower of strength to his i)arty in the active work of the campaign. Mr. Bolton takes .an active interest in all affairs of the ct)unty, and evinces great interest in her prosperity and that of the city. He is one of the leading attorneys of the county, and the firm of which he is a member enjoys ;i lucrative and growing practice. Our subject was married in Mahaska County, I(jwa, .March HI, IStw;, to .Vnnie ^NIcMains, a daughter of .lohn .and .Jane (Goddard) McMains. Mrs. Bolton was born in this county. The issue of this marriage is one son. Leslie, who is at |)reseMt attending school at Notre Uame, ind. *^ I 151 \f)OIIN FUNSTON resides on section 22, in Bl.-ick Oak Township, where he settled in l.H.')S. He is a native of Columbia Country, I I'a., his birth taking i>lace .Ian. 24, isii), and is the son of .le.sse and .Sarah (Tempieton) Fun- ston. both natives of the above-named count}'. In Its.i'.i the family removed to "St. Joseph County, Ind., where tlie father died at the advanced age of eii;lifv-oni' vears. and the niothei' at tlie age of m sixty -six. There were eleven children in the family, one of whom died in infancy, ten attained tlicii majority, and seven .ire still living, of whom the subject of our sketch is the eldest. .lohn Funston grew to manhood in his native 7.^;"? county, performing the arduous work incident to farm life, and receiving onl}' a common-school edu- cation. He removed with his parents, at the age of twenty yeai's, to St. .loseph Conntj', Ind., and ;" continued his work on the farm until November, l.S')l, when he went to Calif()rnia, making the journey by way of New York City and the Isth- mus of Panama. He followed mining about four- - teen months, and then became the Superintendent of a water company, and in 1856 purchased a toll- bridge, which proved a most profitable speculation, -^ but .as that country was over-run by rutlians and thieves at that time, and a man was alwaj's in dan- ger of his life, he sold out in 18.')8, and returned home by the same route he pursued in going. Soon pi -' after rcachina: home he concluded to make a west- ^^ '" ern tri|), with a view of inspecting the country, and tl' ; arriving in this county jnirchased 210 acres of f^^ land in lilack Oak Township, for which he paid >il2 per acre. Mr. Funston returned to ludi.-iiia in November, 1.^.5.s, and the following March. was married to Lo- f[j^=^. visa S. Lowry, .-i daughter of .lames and JIary Lowry, all natives of the State of Delaware. Two weeks after their marri.age they came to Iowa and located on their present home. Mr. and Mrs. Fun- ston have had but one child, a daughter, Mary A., who died in infanc}', Politicallj' Mr. Funston is a Republican, and has served as .Justice of the Peace several terms. His father was an old-line Whig. Mr. Fuuston's landed possessions amount to 415 acres of splendid land, which by the Labor of his hands has been brought to a high state of culti- \ation. .ind all of its improvements are of the bet- ter class. In the year 187(5 he concluded he had enough of this world's goods to enable him to pass his remaining days in comparative ease, .and since that date he has leased his land. Mr. F'unston has always been a very prudent man in the management of his aflfairs, and it has been his invariable rule never to go into debt, and to pay cash for everything he had occasion to bn}'. 11 il 11 i Ml.l.'.»i'.!.'i.'i'.fi'i?.^W ' f.W gWi WmtWWM !i't'.'J'.JL'i-.'i!4'J tzrtxx-xitr jtixxixzjrxu In mSirJn 482 MAHASKA COUNTY. and from this rule he has never varied but on one occasion, when he borrowed $100, and that only for a few days. It is a very pleasant thing to contem- plate — a life of ease with a competence back of it — and if any people on earth are entitled to this desirable condition of things it is certainly those who have endmed the hardships and privations of pioneer life. John Funston is a man who enjoys the |1 esteem of everyone, and is fully deserving of the high regard in which he is held. His whole career has been an admirable one, and is worth}- the con- templation and imitation of the young men of to- day. Religiously he is connected with the Chris- tian Church. -i^^l- -*7^ EBECCA LAWRANCE, of Richland Town-, ship, was born in Union County, Ohio, iv^l April 19, 1821, and came to Iowa .and set- ^^tled in this county in the j'ear 1845. April 12, 1848, she was united in marri.age with William Lawrauce, who died in this count}' June 21, 1874. ,.p-j-j- They became the parents of eight children : Charles jj j is deceased; Cora, the wife of James Samuels, lives jp^jl in Richland Township; Emma is at home; Eliza, p y' tlie wife of Philip Apple, is a resident of this town- 1 j shi|); Caroline is deceased; Amelia, the wife of n ]iy \\iniam Evans, lives in Granville, Iowa; William ^^1 is a resident of this township ; Melissa is the wife ^^ of Thomas Canine, and is a resident of Adams W County, Iowa. i"^ The old homestead where Mrs. Lawrauce now resides has been her continuous home for forty years. There was little else than bleak prairie in Richland Township when they settled there, and neighbors were few and far between. One might in those days cast the sight in any direction, and for miles on either side of him, the residence of np j friend or neighbor obstructed the view. Around 3 the little liome that she and her husband built and occupied in that early day, is now a comparatively dense population, and the handsomest portion of the entire county. Her husband was quite a prom- inent man in the township during his lifetime, held many of its important olHces, and enjoyed the con- tideuee and regard of all his acquaintances. His widow is an acceptable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a lady greatly esteemed for the Christian graces that adorn her noble woman- hood. eAPT. JOSEPH H. EVANS is a well-known farmer residing upon section 2, of Jefferson Township. He is a native of Maryland, born Aug. 10, 1822, and is a son of Jacob and Mary Evans, both of whom were natives of Wales. His father died when he was one year old, and his mother when he was twelve years of age. He was then taken by an uncle, Jesse Evans, who lived in Tippecanoe County, Ind., where he spent his youth and worked in a mill until 1854. Capt. Evans was married in 1 .S44, to Lucy A. Gerard, a native of Indiana, Itorn Dec. 30, 1827, and a daughter of Joseph and Ann (Uollison) Ger- ard. Nine children were born to them: Mary J., born .So})t. 19. 1845, is now the wife of Joseph Blakeslee. of Des Moines City ; Harvey P., born Jan. ;J, 1848, by profession a school teacher and farmer, died June 9, 1877; Alonzo T., born in La Porte, fnd., April 18, 1850, died July 2, 1878; Charles P., born Oct. 12, 1852, died Aug. 7, 1860; Jesse A., born in Jones County, Iowa, Sept. 30, 1856, is now engaged in teaching and farming in this county ; Eleanor, born in Jones County, Iowa, Jan. 23, 1859, is now the wife of J. G. Harrold, a farmer of Ues Moines Township ; Edward M., a twin brother of Eleanor, is a farmer and school teacher in this county; Ann, born April 9, 1862; Joseph Howard, born in Mahaska County, Nov. 6, 1869, died Aug. 13, 1871. Mrs. Evans died March 3, 1881. She was a member of the Universalist Church, of which body Capt. Evans is also a member. Mr. Evans was again united in marriage Nov. 25, 1886, choos- ing as a companion Sarah M. Timms, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Bibbee) Timms, both of whom were natives of West \'irginia. On the 12th of August, 1862, Mr. Evans enlisted in Co. G, 31st Iowa Vol. Inf., as a private, being promoted Captain March 31, 1863, and served as such through the war, taking part in the battles of Chickasaw, Walnut Hill, Port Gibson, Brush Creek, Raymond, Jackson, siege of Mcksburg forty -seven tSr'Hr^r^fO lit: If MAHASKA COUNTY. 483 I- u. lift 1 1 i':,: Mi i Is 13 I iJ; 1.;; 1-: Si daj'S, second battle of Jackson, IJecatur. 'renn., Lookout Mountain, Mission Uidu^e, Delta. Resaca, Dallas, New llujje C'luircli, Snake Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, I'eacii Orehard, Ackworth, Chattahoo- chee River, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejo}' Station, and Bentonsville, N. C. After this Last battle the regiment went to NVashington and par- ticipated in the gr;ind review. Capt. Kvans was never off dut}' during the tliree years of his service. At the close of the war our subject returned to his home in .Jones County, Iowa, and remained un- til the spring of 1869, when he came to Mahaska County, where he bought a farm of 180 acres of land on sections 1 and 2, .lefferson Township, where he has since continued to reside. Ilis farm is well improved and the dwelling-house on it cost $2,200. While a resident of Jones County and before the war, Capt. Evans served eight years as Justice of the Peace. He was elected a member of the Lower House of the 18th General Assembly from Mahaska Count}', and served not onlj' with credit to himself but to his constituents. At present he is a member of the Board of Supervisors. In politics he is a stanch Republican, believing in the principles of the party, which he is ready to defend upon .anj' and ever}' occasion. Socially he is a mendjer of the Masonic fraternity. Kl : '^'■■ il : 1=5 H - I ,: 1 "* Jl \H v.: tJ-: K '- '/ M. BYKRS, who is numliered among the earl}- settlers of Oskaloosa, was bt)rn in Mer- cer County, Pa., Feb. 12, 1814. His father, William Byers, located in Mercer County in 1797, being one of the Commissioners to organ- ize the county in 1801. and was the first Sheritf of that county. He was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War and also in the War of 1H12. He was married in Allegheny County, Pa., near Pittsburgh, to Anne Larimer, a cousin of Gen. Larimer, and a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Byers be- came the parents of nine children, tiiree of whom are living: .Marv is the widow of Andrew Morri- (ou,aud resides in rnionviUe, Appanoose Co., Iowa ; J. M. is the subject of this sketch; E. Wiley is a resident of Jlercer County, Pa. Mr. Byers was an old-line Whig and a great admirer of Henry Clay. He died in 1844, and his wife in 1847, both in the sevent3'-seventh year of tlieir age. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm in Mei'cer County, Pa., receiving his early educa- tion in the proverl)ial logcal)inof tliat day. In his early days Mr. Byers learned the trade of stone- mason and plasterer, which business he followed for forty-flve years. In 1842 he came west with the intention of locating on the New Purchase in Ma- haska County, and while en route was taken sick with fever, which iUness ecjntinued for three months, and after his recovery he returned to Pennsylvania. Our subject was first married in Mobile, Ala., to Parmela II. Marshal, a grand-daughter of Chief Jus- tice Marshal. After a happy married life of two years she died, leaving one child, S. H. M. Byers. In 1839 he was again married, to Miss Eliza Birch, of Crawford County, Pa., b}- whom he had three children, two living: Anna, wife of S. E. Moreland, a merchant at White Rock, Kan., and James, a blacksmith at Nassau, Iowa. Mrs. Byers died in 184(), and in 1848 he was married to his present wife, Anna E. McVickers, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. By this marriage there are the fol- lowing-named children : Henry V., a graduate of King Medical College at Cincinnati, now a ph3'sician at Iledriek, Iowa; John D., a carpenter at Oska- loosa; Lj'dia J., the wife of John Moore, a farmer in Jefferson T( ) wnship, this county ; Carrie, a teacher in the High .School at (irinnell, Iowa; Nettie B., wife of Richard Hull, a farmer of Mahaska County, Iowa; Ch.arles II., a civil engineer, and a gi-aduate of Oskaloosa College, now in the employ of the C, M. (k St. P. R. R. Mr. Byers came to Iowa in 1851 and settled in Washinulon C'ounty, where he purchased a farm, disposing of the same and removing in 1853 to Oskaloosa. where he has since resided. Nearl}' or quite all the earlier brick structures of this citj' are monuments of his skill as a master builder. In 1849 he wont to Cheyenne, W. T., and built a num- ber of the principal buildings of that city. In early life he was a Whig, but became a Republican when that part}- was formed, and by its suffrages has m 1 1 J Ml I IM M ill III mm imIi j. im m a^jj .^^SSSit T^TTi ^ n i-im-m-KJj iT' *'" 'ixni rzxzxxxzrxxm rxxz xttxxtxttxt:> m *8* MAHASKA COUNTY. 11 I held several offices of local trust and importance. It was his pleasure to vote for Henry Clay three different times. Mr. and Mrs. Byers have been for many j'ears acceptable members of the Presbyterian Church. Two of his sons served during the War of the Re- bellion, Maj. S. H. M. Byers and James. Mr. Byers has been identified with Oskaloosa and its interests for the past thirty-three years, and has observed its im growth from an insignificant village to a prosper- ous city of nearly 7,000 people. As a husband and father none have been more kind, indulgent and loving than he. As a citizen alive to everything that has tended to the prosperity of his cit^' his word and his vote have on all occasions been upon the side of right. He is now enjoying, in his old age. the comforts and luxuries of life in the midst of and surrounded by his children. ::m 5^ m Trrixrrz I M riii txri fU^ni EHRsar^a I n.:'i I.: Iris I 13: M m ■u:iS i;: ^.; I ■: 1 :t 1 t T C 'I I "■5 I = P IS ^ r-i H iJyi KPr'r^r't^ iiniTnii iirTTtTrw-TtTTtrtllif 3 [TZXTLLX:! IZIXlXXtXU rxlziixiirl^ ■"«5ae_~ Hi HID IHIl 111 fWTw rwwirTrtwwTtrrwvrttwi KTTM oxrrrzrxxxxz: ■ II till IIXITTIZ" il^ M B S5SHSI i j^^^jiii la a^ fos- p 't^seeea" """" 'isaaaaa" MAHASKA COUNTY. 497 ®i" ■*■ fe^. -mi INTRODUCTORY, m- ^> i/®^-- M^ iift^XK (.1 tlic fairest and liesl of till' coimties (if this hoaiiti- fiil Statf is that of Mahasin the home of the white man. liut %}]^^ in that time what chaniJes have heeu wrought. A conntry riehl}' endowed by nature, which for long centnries was only the aliode of wild beasts it A ^ K •'""! f<'"''* of the air. and for a time bj' the wily re in *i Sthe present gcneratiuu views tlie fields of waving grain, elogan t farm h< mses with siili- stantial out-buildings, vil- lages and cities, it cannot realize that it was once the home of the red men, who loved to tish in its numerous streams, to hunt over its liroad prairies and through its beautiful groves, and who called it home, while they worshiped the Great Spirit, thank- ing him that their lot was cast in such a beautiful land. But such was the case. The Sac and Fox Indians, when Northern Illinois was wanted for settlement l)y the whites, were forced across the Mississippi, but m!vny of them would not willingly remain, and un- der the lead of Black Hawk, in 1831 and again in 1832, recrossed the river to the beautiful Rock River, where they had for years resided and which they hoped to repossess. An armed force was sent against them and they were again driven back to this reservation in Iowa. On account of tiiis trouble, known in history as the Black Hawk War, thej' were dispossessed of a [jortion of their Iowa country, which was rapidly taken possession of by the whites. Settlements were soon made in all that portion of the countrv obtained bv the treatv. and still the wliites were not satisfied, and it was determined to gain by purchase llie remaining portion of the Ter- ritory of Iowa inhabited by the Indians. Accord- ingly, what is known as the treat}' of 1 8-12 was ne- gotiated at the agency, what is now Agency City, in October of that year. (iov. .lolni Chambers acted as Commissioner on tlic part (.>f the Tnited States. By it the Sacs and Foxes relin(iui>licd to the I'nited States all their lands west Kan.sas in the fall of 1845, and the remainder in the spring of ■ 184G. That portit)n of the Territory now comprising Mahaska County was a part of this purchase. It was origia.ally the home of a portion of the Sac and Fox tribes, an Indian village being located in White Oak Township, on Skunk River. This village was presided over by Kish-ke-kosh (the man with one leg off). This chief had the re])utalion of being qnite a wit, and a number of anecdotes are related illustrating that trait in his ch.aractcr. It is said of him, that when on the journey east in 1837, in compau}' with a delegation of chiefs, he afforded considerable amusement to the party and other- witnessing it, by the waj' in which he showed u|inu officious young man. While on board a steamer, the j'oung man, with a number of ^oung ladies. Went on board to sec the Imliaus. The v<'un;f man. ill 1 «, J 1 I 1 K li ^ II I \ hi I Illlf I.UIIEX XlXXTLtXXXX. I X ti ruTXXXZiXTXXXum rxn 5H??as^]n! rmTT rxTXT i - n^^Qzza r.OO MAHASKA COUNTY. ili "11 riiiaH acting as escort, and for the amusement of his lady friends, began lingering the dress and ornaments of the chief, while indulging in various liumorons re- marks. When he was through, Kish-ke-kosh stepped up to him and began the examination of his coat, vest, pantaloons and watch-chain, felt his hair and exhibited his teeth to his brother chiefs, jal)- bering away in the Sac tongue. A large crowd was upon the deck of the steamer, and the hearty laugh- ter showed that the}' duly appreciated the lesson on manners lieing taught the young man by one con- sidered a liarbarian. In this connection we give a sketch of the In- dian Chief for whom the county of Mahaska was named : M.ahaska, or White Cloud, was an Indian Chief of great distinction of the Iowa tribe of Indians, lie was the son of .Mau-haw-gaw, or Wounding Arrow, who was principal ciiief of tlie I'auiioochee or pierced nose band of Indians. Mau-h:iw-ga w emigrated from Michillnuicinac to thf west liank of the Iowa River near tlie close of the last century, and located near its nK)nth, giving it the name of Neolionv, oi- Master of Rivers. Shortly after locat- ing here he was visited by a delegation of Sioux, and while smoking with them the pipe of peace, he was suddenl}' killed by the treacherous party. The lowas. justly indignant at the conduct of the Sioux, resolved immediately on revenge. A war party was raised, of which Mah.aska was the legitimate chief, but being young, and never having distinguished himself in l)attle. he declined taking the command, but l)y virtue of his right, he confei-red upon a dis- tinguished and tried warrior the anthoritj' to lead his warriors against the Siunx, stating at the time that he would accompany the expedition as a com- mon soldier, and fight until he should acquire ex- perience and gain trophies enough to secure him the confidence of his people. Accordingly he marched with his part}- into the Sioux country, where they gained a great victory, ."Mahaska with his own hand slaying and securing the scalp of the Sioux chief in whose lodge the life of his father had been so treacherously t.aken. Having thus shown himself a brave, he assumed command of tlie warriors of his tribe. The war adventures of Mahaska were lunnerous and daring. He was in eighteen battles .against various bauds and was never defeated. In one of his expeditions against the Osages he called upon three Frenchmen to assist his party in crossing the Missouri River. The Frenchmen, without provo- cation, fired upon his party, wounding one of his braves. Mahaska and one of his braves returned the fire, killing two of the Frenchmen. For this he was subsequently arrested by the United States au- thorities and thrown into prison. He soon after- ward escaped and returned to his tribe, where he found four sisters who had lost their natural pro- tector, all of whom he married. The youngest of the four was Rautchewaime. or the Fem.ale Flying Pigeon. Shortly after his marriage he |)Ianned an expe- dition .against the Sionx, which w.as in a measure successful. Returning to his lodge, he ordered the scalp dance to be danced, but on account of a pain- ful wound in the ankle he could not p.srticipate in it himself. Placing the scalps which he had taken in the hands of luthehono, or Big Ax. who, being the first Ijrave of his liand, was entitled to the dis- tinction, he said : "I have now avengeil the death of my father. My heart is at rest. I will go to war no more. I told Manshuchess, or Red Head (meaning (Jen. Clark), when I was last at St. Louis, that I would take his peace talk. My word is out. I will fight no more." In 1824 Mahaska was one of a party on an em- l)assy to Washington. Leaving his wives at home he proceeded on his journey, but had gone bu>. about 100 miles, when he was slapped upoii the l)ack, and turning around saw Rautchewaime standing before him with an iqjlifted tomahawk in her hand. She thus accosted him: "Am 1 your wife.' Are you my husband.' If so, I will go with you to the iMawhehunneche (the American big house), au tSri.r'r'r'Ki tSHHr^P?] M^ STjAJy MAHASKA COUNTY. 501 li-a vate his land, erecting a double log' honsc, in which he lived in comfort. This he said was in obedience to the advice of his great father. Soon after his return, in company with Hautclie- wainie and her youngest child, yi)ung Mahaska, he set out to explore a tract of land. Both were on hor.^eback. K^iutcliewaiine carrying the child. Fear- ing enemies, Mahaska rode some distance in front. On reaching a certain eminence, he looked back to see what distance his wife. and child were from him, and was much surprised not to be able to see them. Riding back some miles he saw her horse grazing near the trail, and presently the bodj- of hi.-* wife near the edge of a small precipice, with her cliild resting its head upon her body. The horror-stricken chief, alighting near the spot, was soon assured of her death. Standing over the corpse, he exclaimed in his mother tongue: "Wau-cuuda menla-bratus- kunee, shimgan-raenia-nanga-nappoo ! " which being interpreted means, "(Jod Almighty! I am a bad man! You are angry with me. The horse has killed 111}' squaw." At that moment the child lifted its head from the dead body of its mother and said : Mother is asleep." The inference was that the horse had stumbled and thrown her. In 1833 a son of an Iowa chief was killed by a party of Omahas, and Mahaska was urged to head a part3' to seek revenge. He refused, sajMng: " I have buried the tomahawk; I am now a man of peace." The party, however, resolved to punish the aggressors, notwithstanding Maha.ska's refusal to go with it. They returned with six scalps. The mur- derers having been reported on both sides to the Government, (ien. Clark was directed to cause tiic lowas to be arrested. This (lut}' was assigned to (ien. Hughes, their agent, who called upon Ma- haska and made known the order. Mahaska an- swered : •• II is right. I will go with yon." The offenders were arrested and moved to Ft. Leaven- worth. While confined there, one of the prisoners called Mahaska to his cell, and looking him full in the face, said: •• If ever I get out of this place alive. I will kill 3'ou. A brave man should never be deprived of his libert}'. You should have shot me at the village." Unfortunately for Mahaska, that Indian succeeded in making his escape from the prison, and with a party went in pursuit of the object of lii.> ifvengc. Mahaska was found en- camped on the Nodaway, was attacked and slain. This was in 1 H84, Mahaska then being about fifty years old. 'I'hus perished a brave man, a true friend to the American people, to commemorate the memory of whom the county of ^[ahaska is appro- priately named. WJil, PH ri m ii llli m m &!: ^TtTTrtTR^mH^^TFfWn jimim-i :Q5siar ' KTn»li«rTT» mSiJiSrd r«xrtnrrxTxxEccTixniirrm I nxxnxx nixxi rann mrtrtxi 1 502 MAHASKA COUNTY. Jplfl Ml •-^»^>- lll'.N the white men first vis- ilc'd this county is iin- ,3 known, but it could not lie expected that when its excellent soil, broad prai- I le- 'ind beautiful groves »\('ie knuwn, it would long ri'iu:un m us vu'gin state.' Before the In- dian title was extinguished it had been vis- ited by some looking for a choice location, and claims were secretlj' marked out. The General Government carefully guard- ed the rights of the . Indians, and until the time fixed upon by the treaty in which the Indians ceded all the lands owned by them in the Territor}- of Iowa, no man was allowed to effect a settlement. .Soldiers were stationed all along the border, whose duty it was to keep the whites out of the country till the appointed time. Notwithstanding their vigilance, however, now and then a man would go through the lines and quietly select a claim. On the night of April 30, 1843, a large number of persons were encamped upon the southern line, waiting until the clock should strike 12, when they would at once go over and take possession of the claim already marked, or for the purpose of select- ing one. Those yet living of that number report some lively traveling and active work in establish- »i^=*tf-» ing claims by that part}' of hardy pioneers. Few disputes occurred, as the greater number had spied out the country, and it was pretty genei'ally under- stood where they were to locate. The first claims were generally made along the banks of the Des Moines River, on either side, the [irejudiee against locating upon the prairies yet ex- isting in the minds of many, though the special rea- son was probably from the necessity of having tim- ber for theii' houses and for their fences. Among those now remembered, bj' those consulted, of the number that came in on the morning of May 1, 184.:i, or very soon after, were Dr. E. A. Boyer. William Edmundson, John White, William D. Can- fleld, Poultney Loughridge, Edwin Mitchell, John ^IcAlister, Robert Mitchell, William A. DeLast- niutt, A. S. Nichols, William Pilgrim, David Stump, Wilson Stanley, Robert Curry, Brittau Ed- wards, John W. Cunningham, M. T. Williams, Jo- seph Craig, Richard Parker and George W. Jones. But these were only a few of the great number that came in at this time. Their number was legion, and therefore it cannot lie claimed by this man or by that one that he was the first settler in Mahaska County, or that the first settlement was made upon a certain specified tract of land. The mild winters of 1843-44 and 1844-45, fa- vored the rapid settlement of this section of coun- ■M-.» m .3g-c:-£^J^fci MAHASKA COUNTY. 50ri try, nnd inanv who havp since heconie distinguished in the iiistoiy of .Alaliaskn County wore nuinheied among those who came in al that lime. Some of these have performed their life work, and have passed on, beeoniinji iiilial)itants of "a land in which there shall he no parting." Others yet re- I ^ ^:?<=^^£X£'^¥W® main honored citizens, and though bowed down witli the weight of many years, they look back upon the scenes of long ago with feelings of just pride. Others have moved farther AVest. and become pio- neers of another conntr}', while a few may have re- turned to the homes of their fathers. CiS Omgani EAT ION, •/^i)5^Ci\-vv I E\V fin less than one ye.ar the time the tirst se 'a : r- n I,' : hi : i counties were settled ■re quickly than Mahaska. In less than one ye.ar from iettlers came in there was a popula- tion suHieient for organization. Previous to this time the coun- ty was attached to Washington for judicial purposes, and its first election was held at the house of Toultney Loughridge, in what is now .Spring Creek Township, in October, 1843. The ballot-box used on this oc- casion was au old box, which is preserved, and is in the possession of Dr. S. A. IIolTraan. of Oskaloosa, to whom it was donated by Mrs. Loughridge. The Doctor keeps it among his relics, of which he has a large collection. An elec- tion was held at the same time at the house of Wilson Stanle3', on Lake Prairie, in what is now Marion Countj', it also being attached to Washing- ton County. About this time William Ldmundson was appointed a Justice of the I'eace by tiov. Chambers under an act regulating unorganized counties. This was the first office created for or held by a citizen of this county. Mr. Edmundson appointed William A. Delastnuitt and Joseph Craig as his Constables. At a session of the General Assembly an act was I nsrxi] '■"^"^'^y^' "r' SSS"' ^ sM^M^ passed and approved Feb. 5, 1844, for the organ- ization of Davis, Wapello. Keokuk and Mahaska Counties. M. T. Williams was appointed Clerk, and William Edmundson Sheriff, to organize the county of Jlahaska. An election was ordered held April 1, 1844, for the election of county- officers. There were nine polling places, two of which were in what is now Marion County. At the election the following named were chosen : John White, Probate Judge; William D. Canfield, Treasurer; William Edmundson, Sheriff; William A. Delast- mutt, Assessor; Brittan Edwards, Coroner; Will- iam PilgTim, Recorder; David Stump, Surveyor; John W. Cunningham, Commissioner's Clerk; A. S. Nichols, Wilson Stanlej' and Robert Curry, County Commissioners. It is presumed these men were sworn into office a few days after, though there is no record to show the fact. The writer, together with R. P. Bacon, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 188G, made a thorough search through the various offices in the court-house, and could find no records whatever of the acts of the County Commissioners covering a period of seven years. The act of the Legislature authorizing the or- ganization of the county api)oiiited Jesse Williams, of Johnson County; Ebenczer Perkins, of Wash- ington County, and Thomas Henderson, of Keokuk County, Commissioners to locate the county seat of Mahaska. There were three locations proposed Ill'H M '!5 - ^T iiixxxxnxrojiDtxxjLKij rixyT jTTxmy i'^ '^»rTT''ir»TTF"»^ C i rxii xxiix ti - ixiii ni xxi-iJtiXJ-n .. rrxinxnuxu mi ^uisiiiiii i 504 MAHASKA COUNTY. la I ^liagU: 1 iH 1: Ml 11 Hp1 iHf for the county seat: 1, the geographical centei- of the county, about two and a half miles north of the present city of Oskaloosa; 2, Auburn, located upon Des Moines River, at the head of Six-Mile Prairie, laid out by George W. Jones; 3, "the Narrows," a point on the water-shed between the Des Moines and South Skunk Rivers. The Com- missioners met at the time specified, visited the diiiferent locations, and listened patientlj- to the arguments of the friends of each. On the 11th day of May, 1 844, the)' made their report, in which they stated tliat after having been dul^' qualified, and having examined the various locations, "have come to the conclusion to locate the county seat of said county, and do herebj" locate said countj- seat, on the southeast quarter of section 1 .3, in township 75, of range 16." This location now comprises the present business portion of the city of Oska- loosa. When it came to naming the proposed town, Oskaloosa was suggested on the part of some, while others contended for Mahaska, the name of the county. While the Commissioners preferred the former name, they concluded to leave its se- lection to the County Commissioners. When the board met it decided upon Oskaloosa as the name of the seat of justice, a name it yet l)ears._ By order of the Court, David Stump, County Surveyor, laid out and platted the original town of Oskaloosa, and appointed a day in June for the public sale of lots. The settlers on Six-Mile Prairie could not be reconciled to the selection of Oska- loosa as the count}- seat, and violently opposed any improvement of the place. On account of this opposition at the time appointed for the sale of lots very few people were in attendance, and but six lots were disposed of, and those at a great sacrifice. Lot No. 2, on the north side of the Square, a very choice location, sold for 145, one- eighth in hand, and the balance on long time. Lot No. 5, block 19, where tlie Downing House now stands, sold for *i41. At the annual election in August, 1844, the countj- seat question was made the issue. Those favoring the center of the county and those in favor of a point on Six-Mile Prairie, united in the nomination of a ticket for county officers. The ticket in favor of Oskaloosa was elected by a large majority, which forever settled the county seat question, the county thus escaping the contests which have raged in various other localities for the seat of justice of the count}'. On the County Commissioner's Court depended the setting in order of the entire machiner}' of the count}', and the general administration of its af- fairs. This was no light work. Roads were to be located, bridges built, county houses erected, taxes levied, and all was to be done, if possible, without burdening any of the people. Among the first acts of the Commissioners was that of providing a suitable building for the dispen- sation of justice and for the various county officers. The proceeds from the sale of town lots were by law set aside for the building of a court-house and jail. After the election in August, 1844, when the officers representing Oskaloosa were elected by a large majority, those inclined to purchase town lots at the seat of justice made haste to secure choice locations, consequently in a short time an amount sufficient to build was accumulated. Ac- cordingly an order was passed in the fall of 1844 for the erection of a court-house. Sealed propos- als were called for, and the contract was let to James Edgar for a building 28x50 feet, two stories in height. The second floor was to be used for offices, while the first floor was for court purposes. The building was raised by the settlers who assem- bled on a certain da}' for that purpose. After its erection, and it being before the day that prohibit- ory laws were even thought of, a joU}' good time was had in disposing of the wet goods provided for the occasion. The building stood on the north- west corner of the square, where it remained until 1875, when it was moved west on High street, and was known as the Oskaloosa House, or " Noah's Ark,'" and used for hotel purjjoses for several years. Some years ago it was partially burned, and as this is written, in July, 1886, its ruins still stare out at the people as a ghost of the departed. Lentil the erection of churches, school-houses and other pub- lic buildings, the court-room was used for religious services, theaters, concerts, and every variety of entertainment. In 1859, having become too small and inconvenient for the transaction of public busi- ness, it was leased by the county for commercial i 3 W i j t XXXTIJ.rLl'XTJJJT.Jt lJl ' ' SSI 5c 1 3?1 i rsFJTrrr rrFlTrfT'i^ .iggn M i^TolJ JHHHdljri SHcir U.J. '1 1 ti'^vvS Pr'r'' - — t^lB'ku UKF"-' MAHASKA COUNTY. 505 B:; purposes, H. Tredick <■ the County .Iinljre. Pi's the winter of 1850-.')1 the (ieneral Assembly of the State passed an act abolishing the otiice of County Commissioners and transferring its iluties to that of the County Judge. Therefore llie otllcial life of the board lenuiiiatcd in August, 1851. John A. L. Crookham was the first County }ij Judge to trans.act the duties that had devolved }[| upon the County Commissioners in the administra tion of county affairs. It was.during his adminis- ,, tration and that of his successor. Judge Jamespj Rhinehart, that much of the railroad legislation inUi'^lfSi the county was transacted. .Several propositiuii~ were submitted by them to a vote of the pe()|)le ^,. ^ for aid in the construction of railroads. These Jg (}| Judges were probably as well able to discharge the [M^ duties of the office as any men in the county, and jl,; jl j while many were satisfied with the law .and were l|!i;:;|! willing it should remain upon the statute books, j l! |; j jl the great majority of the people, not only in Ma- llii=ffl haska County, but throughout the State, were op- posed to the " one man power," .and it was repealed by the creation of a Board of County Supervisors, h Acts of the Kosird of Supervisors. 11 M mm I -I J! N 1 860 the General Assembly of the State ||! passed an act creating a Board of .Supervisors, ^ ij ii composed of one member from each civil town- "C ''_ shiiJ in the county. The first board commenced i^^ official Work in January, 18(;i. The most impor- |- ant business transacted by the board while it was lis composed of a member from e.ach township was in relation to the war. Their record in this respect is - honorable indeed, it being their aim to do all in ' their pc>wer in aid of the soldiers in the field, and their families at home. In 1.S70 the law was again changed. Instead "f one .Supervisor from each civil townshi]j. there were but three to be elected from the county large. This order is j'et in vogue, and is probablj- more satisfactory than any other system. The work is carried on smoothly, and few complaints are made. The supervision of the Imilding of the present handsome court-house is the most impor- tant work transacted of late years. .\l the November election, 1880, the question w.as submitted to a vote on the approi)riation of ?i75,i)00 for tlie erection of a court-house, all funils iin hand derived from the sale of swamp lands, or which might afterward be realized, to be applied for the purjjose. The vote was 2,536 for, and 2,1 7 1 against the appropriation. On the 2 1st (hiy of .luly, ISbl. a contract was entered into between the F^^^ild ^:^^:^^I^J.ggF ,. snip, mere ^^ . ■ county at R H a,vU 506 MAHASKA COUNTY. i rr Board of Supervisors and O. J. King for the erec- tion of the building for the sum of $7.'), 000, which was increased for extras, $9,481, or a total of $84,- 481. Mr. King soon afterward commenced work, but failing to comply with the provisions of the contract, he was removed and the boaj-d itself took charge of the work. This was in November, 1883, the time given ^Mr. King for the completion of the building. R. P. Jiaeon was made the building agent, and under his direction the walls were pro- tected for the winter, and in the spring of 1884 work was again resumed. Contracts were let with various parties for special work, and for furnishing material. It was found that the building could not be completed according to the design for the sum mentioned, so accordingly a vote was again submitted for an additional appropriation of 850,- 000, Feb. 17, 1885. For some cause a light vote was polled, many, it would be supposed, caring- nothing whether the proposition was voted up or voted down. The proposition was defeated by a vote of 1,580 against to 1,394 for the appropriation. In May, 1885, another proposition was submitted 1 for a direct tax of $50,000, which was carried by a vote of 1,928 for and 1,170 against. Under the direction of Mr. Bacon work was again resumed, and in December, 1885, t^e first term of court was held therein. On the 1st day of Januarj', 188t!, the counts' officers took possession of the building, and for the first time in twentj' -seven j-ears had a permanent home. The following named comprise the list of incoming officers on that da}': F. E. Smith, Clerk of Courts; .John R. Bear, Auditor; M. D. Gilchrist, Treasurer; C (4. By ram. Recorder; Calvin Woodruff, Sheriff; Manoah Hedge, .Sujserin- tendent of Schools; C. W. Tracy, Surveyor; Dr. J. C. Barringer, Coroner; A. N. Caldwell, John H. Evans and R. P. Bacon, menil)ers of the Board of Supervisors. The total cost of the building, including fur- niture, pavement, plumbing, etc., was $132,500. Even a hast}- glance at the building, which is a large three-story and basement building, brick, trimmed with stone, will convince anyone the job was well done, and the Board of Supervisors deserve a vote of thanks. 11 11 J •'O^ ^Si jj* .„" an MAHASKA COUNTY. 507 1 1 I I rC m 1-: nj; M 1l b IS u . ni;-: i VK fox; tlie llai i'..!tiWattv.i^.Vi'^;^i'^^i' .'i' ; 1 ■^j's'ji •^•i^^i.'i^; .-■Pi^t.-p^, t,^.'t^ <.'•. 'i^'ig^t^t^^t:^' OOP . cOo~ O question entered more vit:il- ]y into almost ever3'^ po- litical contest from the for- ni;itit)n of the Government ti 1 1 800 than that of slavery. a^ The States of the Union in J5^ which slavery existed, con- "^* tinuallj feared that their rights would he encroached upon, and to allay such fears and main- tain peace, various compromise measures were passed. 'I'liese only served for a little while, and were never entirely satisfactory to ei- ther party interested. That known as the Missouri Compromise seemed to come nearer a solution of the ilif- ~ liculty than an^' other, and was the most satisfactory' to the Northern States. 'I'lio ac- quisition known as Mason's and l^ixon's line, the rapid growth of the North, and the formation of new States, without slavery, alarmed the Son t hern people who feared the loss of jfowcr. Then came the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, the adoji- tion of the Kansas-Nebraska hill, and the question of the introductfbn of slaves into the Territories. The Republican party, formed for the purpose of preventing any further extension of slavery, was re- garded as a menace by the South, and threats of m m n m secession were made in the event of that party com- ing into power. In the political campaign of 1H60. the Republicans, with Abraham Lincoln as their leader, presented a solid front, while the Democ- racy was divided, presenting Stephen A. Douglas as a candidate for the Presidency', representing the Northern wing of the party, and .John ('. Hreckin- ridge. of Kentucky, representing the Southern wing. .John Hell, of Tennessee, was also a candidate, re- ceiving his nominatio.i from the I'nioii party, com- posed principally of those formerly affiliating with the American or Know-Nothing part^-. The elec- tion of Lincoln was almost a foregone conclusion. While it was known that there were many hot- headed men in the South willing to plunge the c*)untr3- into a civil war. few [lersons realized tlie danger, or for a moment believed that the threats of the Southern people would lie carried into execu- tion. Little was known of the pr('pMratin afterward raised, and in 18t)-2, four com[)anies for the gallant ;!3d Regiment. But to every call till the close of the war, there was a response made, some citizens of Mahaska County stepping to the front, saying: " Here, take me." Many of them were taken, some of whom were never given back, their bones bleaching upon some Southern battle- field, or hastily interred in a grave without mark to tell wh' in de- Sj i fense of their conunon C( luntry. Tlie record of these & i noble whed log cabin, owned In" William IJ. Cantield. and located within the present limits of Oskaloosa, was the first term of court held. The building was not even floored. A joist laid across one end, and some loose plank thrown upon cross pieces, furnished a rostrum for the Judge and Clerk, while a plank placed upon two Hour barrels sup- plied the place of a ilesk. The Grand Jury met and transacted business about three blocks north of the Public Square, being secreted in the tall prairie grass. .ludge Joseph Williams, who presided at this term of court, was appointed to the bench about 1831). He was an eccentric man, though a good .ludge. He was a gi-eat favoi-ite of the bar and people, and after a hard da}''s work in solving the intricacies of the law, he would amuse the crowd by playing upon his violin, and singing some of the popular songs of the day. On the organization of the State he was elected Chief Justice of the Su- preme Court. On the organization of the State, .Mahaska County was made a part of the Third Judicial Dis- trict. -\t the April election following, Cyrus 01- ney, of Jefferson County, was elected Judge of the di.strict. He served until March 15, 18.51, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Joseph C. Knapp, of Van Buren Count}'. William H. Seevers, of Mahaska County, was elected April .5, 1852. After serving nearly four years Judge Seevers resigned, and was succeeded by Caleb Baldwin, of Jefferson County, who served until 1856, when Henry B. Hendershott, of Wapello County, was elected. In December. l.H5(>, Mahaska County was de- tached from the Third District, and made part of the Eleventh. William M. Stone, of Marion Co.. was the first and only Judge of the district. Under the Constitution of 1857 Mahaska County ri IJ U 1j wm I :: M ^^ ■1 '". 'If'- 1. '^.; ■ill: ■Tr«)fl«»trv> I tiili,,, 5111 MAHASKA COUNTY. m lli !i;^ was placed in the Sixth Judicial District, with Jas- per, Jefferson. Keokuk, Marion, Poweshiek and Washington Counties. Judge Stone, who was then living in Marion Countj-, was elected as Judge, Oct. 12, 18,58, and served until 1861, when he en- tered the Government service as Captain of Co. H. ad Iowa ^'ol. Inf. He was succeeded Iw William Loughridge, of Mahaska County, who was first ap- pointed b.y the Governor, elected in October, 18(il, for the unexpired terra, and re-elected in October, 1862, for the full term. He was succeeded by Eze- L' kiel S. Sampson, of Keokuk Count}', who served two terms. H. S. Winslow, of Jasper Couiity, was then elected, and served until succeeded by J. C. Cook, ^] of Jasper County, who was elected Oct. 8, l.s7>s. In October, 1882, J. Kell^- Johuson, of Mahaska Count}', was elected. Under the Constitution of 1857, the offlce of Dis- trict Attorne}' was created. Those holding that office have been as follows: George D. Woodin, of Keokuk County, elected Oct. 12, 1858; Horace S. Winslow, of Jasper County, elected Oct. 14, 1862; Moses A. McCoid, of Jefferson County, elected Oct. 9, 1866; S. G. Smith, of Jasper County, elected Oct. 11, 1870; George W. Laf- fert}-, of Mahaska County, elected Oct. 13, 1874; Edward W. Stone, of Washington Count}-, elected Oct. 8, 1878; John A. Donnell, of Keokuk County, elected Nov. 7, 1882. In 1808 an act was passed creating Circuit Courts throughout the State, each Judicial District to compose two circuits, with a Circuit Judge fcjr each district. This court continued luitil Jan. 1, 1887. An act was passed and approved April 10, 1880, abolishing Circuit Courts and re-organizing the Ju- dicial Districts, and three Judges were to be elected in each district. Mahaska County was made a i)art of the Sixth District. At the general election in November, 1886, J. Kelly Johnson, of Mahaska, David Ryan, of Jasper, and W. R. Lewis, of Poweshiek, were elected District Judges. On Saturdaj', Feb. 27, 1886, the new Mahaska County court-house was dedicated with imposing services, to its appropriate uses, and the keys de- livered to the representatives of the people. The bar of Mahaska County has at all times been composed of men of acknowledged abilitj', and, as n whole, will rank with any county in the State. In the limits of this work justice cannot be done all who have practiced l)efore the courts of the county, and therefore only a lirief mention is made. Ilenr}- Temple was probably the first attornej' to k)cate in tiie county. He was not a brilliant man, and did liut little business. For some years he was a Justice of the Peace. He moved to Cass County and was there elected County Judge. Harvey J. Skiff was from New England. He moved here with his family at an earl}' day, re- sided a few years, and then went to Newton. He was a close student, and b)' successful ventures in trade accumulated some money while here. A. M. Cassiday was reared in Poweshiek Counly. He was a good attorney and had a fine practice while here. He was prosecuting attorney at one time, and also a member of the Legislature. He now resides in Colorado, where he has an extensive practice. Allen Greer came about 1851. He was a good judge of law, but made no success as an attorney while here. John D. Pollock was a man of promise, but died early. Thomas ilacon was one of the leading attorneys and lived here some years. He moved to Canon City, Col., but now resides in Denver, the same State, where he is the leading criminal lawyer. Z. T. Fishej' was from Ohio. He was a good lawyer and had a good practice. He is now living in Red Oak. Iowa, and is one of the leading attor- neys in that section of the State. Thomas L. Dilley was here a short time, and then moved to Indianaola, and hi:- whereabouts are un- known. Piiilij) Myers was here a few years. He was an industrious law\er; at present he resides in Chi- cago. (J. W. and U. F. Yocum were both good lawyers. They moved to Albia many years ago, and from there went West. H. O. Lyster was admitted to the bar in Oska- loosa, but practiced little or none in the county. He went to Kansas many years ago. Silas Sawyer was an attorney who gave little ^^^» r-irirrr"r1 MAHASKA COUNTY. oil time to the law. He was County Surve^'or for some years. He moved to Dubuque years ago. .k-ff Dugger was oue of the earliest attorneys; he remained but about two years, and returned to Illinois. .1. M. Perrj- came about 1853, remained about two j-ears, and then moved to the western part of the State. He was Avell read in law, had a reten- tive memory- and much native talent. Israel Curtiss, a brother-in-law of Judge Ilolmau, of Indiana, came about 1847, and settled upon a farm in Black Oak Townshi[). He had formerly been a preacher, was an excellent talker, and had a fair practice while here. He moved to California. There have been man3- others, some of whom at- tained considerable notoriety in law and politics. Among them were M. T. Williams, M. E. Cutts, ex-Oov. Eastman, and W. II. Needhani. Sketches of some of these will be found in this volume. In March, 1848, when William T. Smith came to Oskaloosa, there was not a law book in town, save a few owned bj' E. W. Eastman, who was subse- quently elected Lieutenant Governor of the State. The bar of Mahaska to-day is composed of ex- cellent men, some of whom deservedly- rank high in the profession throughout the State. The fol- lowing is a list, as shown upon the bar docket in the fall of 1861 : J. B. Bolton, Ben McCoy, L. C. Blanchard, J. A. L. Crookham, J. G. Crookham. James Carroll, Danfel Davis, F. M. Davenport, D. F. Downing, 0. N. Downs, John A. Hoffman, Robert Kissick, W . S. Kenworthy, J. C. Kenworthy, Will- iam Loughridge, J.^F. Lacey, W. R. Lacey, G. W. Lafferty, George C. Morgan, J. O. Malcolm, Liston McMillan, W. R. Nelson, O. C. G. Phillips, W. A. Greer, D. M. Perdue, J. A. Rice, F. D. Reid, C. P. .Searle, L. A. Scott, B. V. Seevers, W. J. Sexton, J. C. Tucker, D. C. Waggoner, J. L. Warren, James E. Seevers, H. L. Thatcher, J. C. Williams, B. W. Preston, G. B. McFall, W. G. Jones. 11 4^,: m iiagaj^mj EfflSr ~-M^^ "-'-^ <^^ "-'-^ "'^ "-^ J w?r<^ 512 PSi, MAHASKA COUNTY. I HERE is no better index uf ^]a the standing of a commun- ity than in the attention given to educational matters. However strong the unbe- liever, there is not one but would prefer to settle in a com- munity where school-houses and chui'ches abound, than in one where they are unknown. In respect to its educational standing, Mahaska County will not suffer by comparison with any other county in the State. The first school opened in the county was on the Itith day of September, 1844, in what is now Sjuing Creek Township, by Miss Semira A. Hobbs, now tiie wife of T. G. Phillips, of Oska- loosa. The scixjol was held in a log cabin erected for the purpose, and was located ujion section 16. It was about sixteen feet square, constructed of round linn timber, with puncheon floor. For her services as teacher, Miss Holtbs received $1.2o per scholar for a term of three iminths. Among those in attendance at this school were the following named: Emily, John, James, Joseph, Thomas and ;\Iary Loughridge; Nathan Stafford, Abigail Shaw: Abijah, Amanda' and Abigail Kooms; James Thompson and brother; Emily jNIitchell; Joseph, Elizabeth and Ella Cunningham; Eliza Ann, Elizabeth, AVilliam, James, Deborah and Mar3' Ellen Cox. and Sarah Coffin. Of the Loughridge children, Emily grew to womanhood, married James Correll, and moved with him to Montana Territorj' ; she is now a widow, and was residing in Montana in July, 188(i. John married P^mily Bean, and now resides in Appanoose County, Iowa; James resides on a farm in Spring Creek Township, and is unmarried ; Joseph now resides in Montana; Thomas m.arried Martha Roe, and now resides in Montana; Marj' married Philip Shaver, and lives in Poweshiek County. Nathan Stafford is now in Kansas. Abigail Shaw grew to woman- hood, married, and is miw dead. The Kooms fam- ily moved awa^- and were lost sight of. The same is said of the Thompsons. Emil3' Mitchell mar- ried James Walker, and now resides in Loup County, Neb. Of the Cunningham children, Jo- seph grew to manhood and died some years ago, unmarried; Elizabeth married Mr. Barnes and is now somewhere in Illinois; Ella married Dr. Smith, and is now living at Granville, Mahaska County. Of the Cox children. Eliza Ann married Mr. Staf- ford, moved to Kansas, and there died ; Elizabeth married Mr. Knight and now lives in Kansas; Will- lam married Martha Jarvis, and also resides in Kansas; James married Mary Hibbs, and now lives in the latter-named State ; Deborah married Seth HoUingsworth, and moved to Eureka Springs, Ark. ; I i.im-r.^ MAHASKA COUNTY. If Its \ \ 1 . I I i 1 IE I 9 I: I I Mary Ellen died when a child. Sarah Coffin mar- ried Hampton Cruzen, and now resides in INIadison Township. The old sciiool-honsc remained aliout tliree 3'ears, when it was torn down and tlie 1!20,000 were secured. Then came on the well-remembered '•hard times" of 1857-58, and also the inevitable failures to collect the subscriptions of the building and endowment funds. Contractors broktf, mort- gages and liens were pressed toward foreclosure, and for a time it looked as if all the work so auspiciousi}' begun and so effectually prosecuted would be swept away on the great wave of com- mercial disaster. After the failure of the con- tractor, the Treasurer of the college, Richard Parker, continued the work upon the buihling, un- der much embarrassment from want of means. Not all the subscription to the building fund was ever realized, and its ileficiency was finally made up by funds from other sources. It was not until five years after the selection of Oslvaloosa as the site of the institution that the un- finished building was in a sufiicientlj- advanced state to ]iermit the opening of a school. This was conducted by G. T. and W. J. Carpenter, recent graduates from Abingdon and Eureka Colleges, Illinois. The attendance at the beginning of the school was but five, and during the entire year did not aggregate fifty. The history of the college, from the opening of the school in 1861, may be divided into two periods, the first covering a lapse of twenty years to the summer of l«81.and the second fif)m that date to the present. During the first period G. T. Carpenter, B. W. Johnson, and F. M. Bruner successivelj' discharged the duties of President. A. F. Ross and S. P. Lucy were for brief periods Presidents pro tern. G. T. Carpenter was President during the last four years as well as at the beginning of this period. During the greater part of this time a successful school was maintained, and large subscriptions were raised througii the State to pay indebtedness and for endowment, the latter exceeding $40,000. Some of the endowment fund was diverted to other purposes, a part was loaned on insutlicient securities and lost, and a large part proved to be worthless, i s-:i ^ S--U 31": I SEl 'S 35 %i ':31 m ilk ^ i I ( 5_1_1 _l_ILi HJ^J" l~I~i ; :. (TJ^She swept away, and the very existence of the col- ti'I: lege imperiled. ij;; At this juncture a new Ijo.-iid of Trustees was 1^.^: elected, with R. H. Johnson. President; Hardin ;^i;;Tice, Treasurer, and Porter Hedge, Secretary. The Scity and county were energetically canvassed, and gasum sufficient to liquidate the entire iiidelited- :|ness, together with a "teacher's fund," in the ag- lijc gregate amounting Id 5! 1 1,000, was promptly raised. ?S A new f.acultj' was organized, with G. H. Laughlin ; as President, and the college was opened in the fall, I for tlie first time in its iiistory free from ilel>t, and :: with the provision in the charter that neither i: building nor grounds should ever again be encum- 5 bered bj' mortgage. In .lune, liSJSS, President G. J H. Laughlin resigned to assume the charge of M ; Hiram College, Ohio, and H. II. Johnson was called ic to the presidency, which position he still retains. .Since the re-organization of 1881, the old debt ?: has not only been liquidateil, but an endowment Jit fund of more than $29,000 has been raised, a part of which is now productive. .Much credit for these results is due to the personal efforts of Hon. Hardin |S Tice. Treasurer, and to the energ}- and zeal of Prof. \\i.]. A. Beattie, who spent man}- months in the field .1- fin.ancial agent, as well as to the spontaneous Kj., generosity of the people of city and county, and of the Christian brotherhood througlKjut the .State: u lbs !j|to all of whom gratitude is due, and thanks are \^ rendered. A reference to the catalogue shows, that fin' the {pjye.ar ending in Jinie. I.S.S4, the attendance of stn- }f; dents was 1.58; the year following, lUG; and the 54 ''ist year, 232; which may be regarded as a hopeful 1 j\ indication of the growth of the college in popularity ip and usefulness. }s| The library lias within tiie hist few years, lieen ji:! enriciied by the addition of hundreds of carefully }sB selected volumes. A generous lady, Mrs. Minerva IS Crites. of Columbus Citv, lias tiiken stei)s to found W : "SMT' a new library, to be established and supported by present and annual gifts, and to be finally enriched liy a generous bequest. I'he museum h;is also been the reci|>ient of many valuable gifts, and is much indebted to its curator. Prof. M. K. Wood, who spent a recent summer on the sea coast in tlie study and collection of speci- mens of nunine lift'. Already both library .■uid museum rooms are too small, .anil these valuable adjuncts will soon be given quarters adeiiuale to |)Vesent and future demands. The Executive Hoard of the college is. at present : C. P. Evans, President; A. M. Haggard, .Secretary, .inil .1. A. Beattie, Treasurer. W. M. Semones, a former graduate, is acting as financial agent, and looking after the interests of the college in the field. It is justlj' a matter of pride to tiie friends of tin- institution to note the positions of honor and re- sponsibility that are now being filled by its gradu- ates. While many institutions present a much larger list of alunuii, few, if any, can show a larger percentage who are making the best use of an edu- cation, or who are reaping a larger harvest of its honors. Consciou.- of the fact that the great niajoiity of successful men and women in the educated world have prosecuted their studies despite the disadvan- tages of very limited means, the authorities of this institution have offered every encouragement to such, by placing tuition at a very low rate, institut- ing a sj'stem of boarding that furnishes meals at actual cost, and commending strict economy, helping as far as possible, industrious students of deficient funds to the waj's and means of securing an educa- tion. The college has been fortunate in the char- acter of its students, they being representatives from the best homes of ixir intelligent, industrious, and moral commonwealth. To this fact is largel}- due the excellent discipline tluit has prevailed. To this, it nuay be added, that trivial restrictions, irritating exactions and degrading espionage are en- tirely discaixled. Students are taught self-respect and self-discipline, and being treated as ladies and gentlemen, they seldom lietray the trust. It is the ambition of a faculty, earnestly devoted to the pro- fession of teaching, to stimulate the student lo thorough work, preferring the more narrow ami 1 Ml h, mi ^ ICiiJ-LLkxrn COUNTY. Ipl ^72-7.3, school was first openeil in the new liuilding. though at first the woi-k done was not of a college grade. In September, ImTM. the name of the incorporation was changed to '• Peun College," and the institution opened on a college basis, with college courses and a regular college faculty. The number of students was large from the lirst. though in the earlier years they were mostly r chemical investigations perhaps equal to those of any college in the State. The cabinets of nat- ui-al history, geology and mineralogy, afford rare opportunities for study in all these departments, and have already grown uncomfortable in their present quarters. All the departments have been from the first presided over by men of recognized abilitj'. The trustees have spared no pains to make the col- lege in fact what it is in name, an institution of higher learning. The moral and religious tone of the institution lias alw.ays been especially marked, and it is nniversall}- considered a safe and healthful place for young men and women seeking an educa- tion. The citizens of Oskaloosa have fiom the fir.-t taken an active interest in its development and growth, and have aided it liberally. ai; X m rxx T rU rni c SHK printing press is :i great factor in tlie civilization of llie uineteentii century. If Arcliimedes liad liad a print- ing press upon which to place r^Syiif his lever, he would have come nearer moving the world than if he had secured what lie most wished — a base outside of it from which to operate. There is not a hamlet in the United States in which the newspaper does not enter, aud scarcely a neighbor- hood. With the modern tele- graphic communications, they are blc to place before their readers the occurrences from almost every part of the world within a few hours after tai\ing place. As a disseminator of news, the press is in- dispensable; as an educator, its influence is im- measurable. Mahaska County- has been notably a county of newspapers, and the press of to-day is among the largest and ablest in the State, and Iowa has more newspapers, in proportion to its inhabit- ants, than any other State in the Union. At the present time there are several regular pu'blications in this county. Since the first time the paper came from ihe press, the newspaper en- terprises have l)een numerous, and the numlier of editors counted by the score. Among the gentle- men who drove the quill for these publications were some talented, graphic and cultured writers, some of whom wielded a .salutary influence in the county, while others won unenviable reputations. The edi- torial staff of the various papers at present repre- sents pleasant, forcible and pointed writers, vvho advocate their various theories, principles and po- litical views, with much al)ilitv and success. I I 'rii«' Oskulousa Herald. OjNDEKtlie name of the Iowa Herald^ the I first numl)er of this jmijer made its appear- ^ ance July 1, 1850. It was a six-column folio, Whig in politics, anil wasei'ccley. Its typographi- cal appearance was hardly up to the standard of the paper of to-day. The sallitatory of its editors was quite lengthy, containing the usual promises of what the paper should be. In November, IHoO, new type was purchased, and the name changed to the Oskaloosa Herald. Tiie [jajjer seemed to meet the fate usually attending the establishment of a paper in a new and sparsely settled country. Appeals were i: m ri Jirci-^Ti 5*. rxrjrcrrrrr* 18;' 518 M MAHASKA COUNTY =::=tii 6 ;^: made from time to time to it? patrons to pa}' up. In its issue for Feb. 21, I Sal, the following notice was placed at the head of its editorial eohunns: "Flour, pork, beef and wo(_k1 wanted at this office. Now is the time to show your humanity — the printers" children are crying for bread and meat. Come, lend a shoulder, and help us out of this difflcultj'." j\[r. Needham continued as editor until .luly, 18.52. when, having received the nomination for State Senator, he withdrew from editorial control until after the election, when he resumed work. The first number of the third volume appeared in an enlargel ' lis I c I : if \i II » I I I ^'WV •->«j2jB£/©^3^4 |->»®J^Z'3/v~v The Iowa Reform Leader. ^N the suspension of the Consercator, Mr. Welch immediatel}' issued prospectuses of a new paper under the above title, with the object of advocating the formation of a new part}- in Iow;a. Receiving some encouragement, the first number of the paper made its appearance July 13, 1871. In 1872 the paper was identified with the Greeley movement, though at the same time stat- ing that movement was not what it contemplated, but, as choice between Greeley and Grant, it pre- ferred the former. In 1873 it was identified with. ftxrrjTriiS X KlXMX^'f'" jr' ' i' j ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' j ' ' ' ^ ' j^ 'ij [i'i'_ r d J Hf tJ i' l'B l L but not in complete harmony with the anti-monop- oly party. In the spring of 1874 the material of the office was sold to M. G. Carlton, and for a time Mr. Welch published a paper in Albia, Monroe Count}'. In the fall of 1874 he removed the office to Oska- loosa, and again commenced the publication of the Reform Leader, which he continued until July 12, 1877, when it suspended. In 1876 the ieader sup- ported Peter Cooper for the presidencj'. -^ <^"^ ' ^- The Times. ^^^ EVERAL attempts were made for the es- ^^^ tablishment of a Democratic paper at Os- %/L-M '^'"^loosa, before success crowned the efforts. The Herald, being such a strong advocate of AVhig principles, and, as common in the early days, being devoted almost entirely to the dissem- ination of political principles, could not be satis- factory to the followers of Jackson. In January, 1854, appeared the first number of the Oskaloosa Times, tm advocate of Democratic principles, edited and published by Cameron it Ingersoll, the junior partner, L. D. Ingersoll, afterward becoming some- what famous as the Washington correspondent of various metropolitan papers during the war. After a time the paper changed hands, and was ably conducted by R. R. Harbour and David Coomes. Samuel Dressier next bought out Coome's interest, and soon after A. A. Wheelock bought out Mr. Harbour, the paper being published under the firm name of Bressler & Wheelock. Richard Wellslager next became interested in its publica- tion, purchasing the interest of Mr. Bressler. Il finally passed into the hands of Mr. Wheelock, anil by him was continued until the destruction of the office in 18G4, by soldiers who were home on a fur- lough. The Times, in some of its editorials, bore down pretty heavily upon the soldiers, and, com- menting upon the killing of A. T. Alloway, used language that was quite offensive to the men then imperiling their lives in the field. In March, 1804, some of the men of Company H visited the office and asked the suspension of the paper while thej' II ifrh: m .'. rr. : mri 1 1 1" . ij "jttt^ .- . jrcTTTxrjS^ ■ H»»H»»1»»1 TTT'TTT ¥» 1 t » H t f IXXU-XIXXJ-XI.IZ LITIXIM 1 *"T-»-TTT» t >T-I tTTTTTTi I T 1 iTT-nr-r T 520 MAHASKA COUNTY. were at, home on a furlough. This was refused on the part of the proprietor, who, in his nest issue, stated tiiat he had been threatened by the soldiers, who. if they attempted to molest him, would have to face the Demopracy of Mahaska County. On Saturday following the appearance of that issue, a number of the members of Co. H, 3d Iowa Vol. Inf., marched to the office, threw the forms of the paper into the street, emptied all the cases of type, and then left. The ]iaper never again made its appearance. Democratic Conservator. N the suspension of the Times, the ]3emoc- racy of Mahaska County was without an organ for a time. A stoclv company was formed, an office purchased, and a new paper es- tablished, called the Watchman, with Rev. Ira C. Mitchell as editor. It continued in existence but a short time, dj'ing of starvation. Samuel B. Evans attempted to revive it, but only issued one number of the paper and abandoned the enterprise. Earl)' in 186.T George W. See vers and Russell Higgins made use i>f the material of the Watchman office, and issued a few numbers of a p:i|)er they called the Reveille, but could not secure sufficient support to justify its coutinuance. On the 2d day of August, 1866, Porte C. Welch commenced the issue of the Democratic Conservator, which, for a time, proved fairly successful. In 1869 the paper commenced the advocacy of a new jiarty, and its name was changed to Progressive Conservator. This paper was continued with more or less success until .lune 2',t, 1871, when it ceased to exist. -*- The Saturday Globe. ^HIS is one of the neatest papers published in the State of Iowa. It was established Oct. 1 , 1881, by Alonzo Sherman, under the name of the Telephone. When first issued it was but a four-column folio, printed on a sheet 18x24, but was subsequently enlarged by Mr. Sherman to a seven-column folio, or double its original size. Fori': a time the paper was quite successful, and bid fairfe to become a permanent institution in Oskaloosa,S but for some cause it lost the good- will of the busi-ffi nesscommunit}', and in the fall of 1882 passed intoS:} the hands of J. W. .Tarnagin, who continued itsS publication with increasing prosperity until thea spring of 1884. During this time II. B. Drake was5 running a job office on the north side of the square,! which, in the spring of 1883, he sold to G. W.I Shocklej' and S. B. Kiusey, who removed it to the| south side of the square, and continued the busi- ness. The pattnership between Shockley and Kinsey continued until April 1, 1884, when T. M. Shock- ley purchased the interest of Mr. Kinsey, and the firm name of Sliockley Bros, was adopted. In M,iy,||i 1884. J. W. .Johnson [lurch.ased the office, sub-gl scription list, and good-will of the Telephone, a,n& forming a partnership with Shockley Bros., under the firm name of .Tohnson & Shockle3' Bros., con- tinued the publication of the paper, though at once changing its name to the Saturday Globe, and also enlarged it to a six-column quarto. The object from the first with the present owners was to estab- lish a flrst-cl.ass family newspaper, non-partisan, but thoroughly" impartial in its comments on passing events. They determined to win the confidence and respect of not only the business men, but of the citizens in general. That they have succeeded let its present Large circulation and its advertising patronage attest. When the present film took hold of the paper it had a circulation of but about 700, now above 2,000 copies are printed weekly. What is known as patent outside or ready print, was used | at first, but this was changed Oct. 1, 1885, in con- sequence of the great demand made upon its local columns by advertisers. The statement is made in the beginning of this article that it is one of the neatest papers printed in the State of Iowa. This is positively' a fact, for it has no superior, typo- graphically speaking. It is printed upon first-class, cre.im-tinted paper, and is a credit to all concerned. The editorial department will compare favorablj' with an}' paper in the St.ate, its editor, Mr. J. W. Johnson, being a ready and forcible wTiter upon any subject he chooses to handle. M t-'iiTj~f;r;*"j .-ir-i- .-r- I-. MAHASKA COUNTY Politically the paper is inrlepeiKleiit in its broad- est sense, anil upon all questions atlecting |)nlilit' interest has no hesitancy in speaking' as thought best for the good *>f all. While never neutral it i.< also not partisan, so that nieniliers of either of the great parties can find no fault with it. In connec- tion with the paper is a first-class job otlice, with steam-power press, and a supply of material equal to any demands that may be made. The Shockley brothers are first-class printers. V. M, ir E New Sliaroii Star. ^HIS paper was founded in 1S73. by H. .1. Vail, its first issue bearing date of January 22, of that year. It was a seven-column fcilio. but was soon enlaiged to an eighf-eoluran folio. In December, l.s7.'), its form was changed to a six-cohimn quarto, but after a few years it again returned to its old form and size, an eight- column folio. H. J. Vail continued its editor and publisher until April 22. mM'), when he sold to his brother, David \'ail, who still c- The Oskaloosa Timos. T the present writing (February, 1887) this is the only Democratic paper published in Mah.oska County. In the summer of 1 S.s.'i a joint stock company w.as formed, and material purchased for the publication of a new Democratic paper, the first number of which made its appearance under date of July 16. 1885. It was a six-column quarto, well and neatly printed, witli Mr. G. Carlton in the editorial chair. William T. Smith was business manager, or superintendent, though all work was done under the supervision of -Mr. Carlton. The latter continued to act iis editor for one year, and was then succeeded by O. H. 1'. Grove. July l.j, 18t<6. Mr. (4rove being a practi- cal newspaper man, as well as a ready writer, gave life and tone to the paper, and everything seemed to be working smoothly' and harmoniousli'. But on the morning of December 22, the whole outfit "went up in smoke" in the great fire of that day. Everything was burned, and the Democrac}- of Ma- haska was left without an organ. As soon as possi- ble after the fire a meeting of stockholders was held, and it was resolved to renew the publication of the paper as soon as the building could be re- erected and a room prepared. K. II. Gibbs, the owner of the building, who returned fnjin Chicago the day after the fire, at once put a force of men t(^ work, and in fifty-eight days h.ad the rooms ready for occupancy, and the Times again made its appearance, handsomer than ever. Some of the stockholders, feeling themselves unable to replace the amount lost, sold to .lames E. Seevers, who now^ owns one-half the stock, and is the present business manager. O. H. 1'. Grove was retained in the publication of the paper, its editorial matter being impersonal, though in an article announcing the change it was stated : '•It i.s proper to remark here that the business manager alone is responsible for the paper's policy and behavior, and old enemies, if there be any. who may be bent upon a reconciliation, know with whom to negotiate a peace ; likewise it is intended in this cimnection to give a hint to any who may be inclined to provoke hostilities, that they may know- where to send the challenge." The Times presents a very neat and attractive appearance, proof that a thorough, practical printer is in charge. Being the only Democratic paper in the county, and reaching a class of people not reached by other papers in the county, makes it a valuable advertising medium. The office h.as a fine assortment of job type, and is well prepared to turn out a superior class of work. I Jl n. 11 11 ,lr=Jr^l MAHASKA COUNTY. ft "^g :::;.: ..iL -..jir *^^^^^ Coal Interests. HE coal interests of Mahnska County are greater than an}- coiuitj' in the State, in ^^^^^ fact its annual output is almost equal to that of any two counties. By whom the first coal was taken is unknown, but being exposed in man_v places, many of the earlier settlers began its use soon after coming to the county. During the first year of its exstence, lfs.50, the Oskaloosa Herald often referred to the coal fields of the county as be- ing inexhaustible, and a mine of wealth to the peo- ple when they could be properly developed. Un- doubtedly there are veins of coal inider the en- tire county. Prof. White, formerly State Geolo- gist, when asked in relatioji to the extent of the coal fields of the county, gave it as his opinion that the supply was sufficient for a five-foot vein over the entire surface. While many private mines were opened and uuicli coal used for the lo- cal trade, it was not until the completion of the Central Iowa liailroad that the mines were de- veloped to any great extent. The coal of this count}', says the Slate Mine In- spector, is about as easily developed as any in the State, as both of the Skunk Rivers, and also the Des Moines River, traverse the county from northwest to southeast, and all three of these rivers, as well , as their tributaries, have cut their channels through jj. the coal measures, leaving the measures exposed or M thinly covered along their banks. About the first extensive mining operations com- uienced in 1873, b}' the organization of the Cen- tral Iowa Coal Company, of which H. W. McNeill was the Superintendent. That corporation absorbed the Hardin and Mahaska Coal Company, and sub- sequently the Southern Coal Company, with 700 acres of land in Muchachiuock Valley. In 1875 ^tj the Consolidation Coal Company was organized, including the above and the Black Diamond Works, with a cash capital of $500,000. H. W. McNeill was made Superintendent of this company, which commenced and carried on a large business, ship- ping annually about 250,000 tons of coal. In the fall of 1880, the C. & N. W. li. R. Co. bought out the consolidated company, which was then owned al- most exclusively by II. W. and W. A. McNeill, and J. K. Graves, the consideration being §500,000. g} Since that time the Northwestern has worked the §} mines, employing on an average about 500 men, and taking out 275,000 tons per year, requir- ing 27,500 cars to transport it, or an average of uearl}' 100 cars per each vvorking day. .1. K. Buxton has been manager of these mines since the}' came under the control of the Chicago and North- western Company. This company has been quite fortunate in not having h strike since it com- menced operations. Some ;350 outof the 500 employes of the Con- solidation Coal Company (its name not being changed by the railroad company ) are colored men. The first colored men imported into the county was in 1881, since which time about 1,500 have come in. .1 many of whom were unfit for woric in the inines, and soon dropped out. Some returned South, while oth- ers found suitable imployraent in this and neighbor- ing counties. A society lias been organized by them for mutual protection. Each married man pays into the society' $1 per month, and each single man fifty cents. Kighty per cent of this amout is paid to a ph)'sician for his medical services, while 2(1 per cent goes into a sinking fund for the burial of the dead. They had in the summer of 1886, over $500 in the sinking fund. Another feature of the col- onj'^ is woith mentioning. Any difficulty occurring between members is settled among themselves. A trial is had and the offending party fined, the tine going into the sinking fund. In case one refuses to pay the fine he is expelled from the society and the coal company refuses all further emploj^nient to him. All money is paid out on order signed by the President and Secretary of the society. The Treasurer of the coal company acts as Treasui-er of the society. In 1885, according to the report of the Coal Mine Inspector, there were thirty-eight mines in operation in the eount3', operated by the following- named companies or individuals : Consolidation Coal Company, three slopes and one shaft; L. K. Thomp- son, one drift; Excelsior Coal Company, one drift and two shafts; Andrew Moore, one slope; O. H. Vance, one shaft; Marshall Underwood, one shaft; Henderson England, one slope; William Evans, one slope; Robert Evans, one slope; Samuel Ream, one drift; William Ilallowell, one drift; Iowa Coal Com- pany, one shaft and one sloi)e; James Morrow, one shaft; John Chilcoat, one drift; George L. Shoe- make, one slope; Leighton Co.al and Mining Com- pany, one drift; O. O. Chapman, one slope; .lacob Heightman, one shaft; Hugh Smith, one slope; American Coal Company, two slopes; Acme Coal Company-, one shaft; Western Union Fuel Com- pany, one shaft; Nathan Hussey, one shaft; Samuel Cable, one shaft; Samuel Smith, one shaft; Howard ife Sous, one Shaft; Standard Coal Company, one shaft; John Burgess, one shaft; Joseph Davenport, one shaft; W. N. Hoover, one shaft; Williuni Har- rowman, one shaft. The output of these mines for 1884, as reported to the State Mine Inspector, was 932,714 tons. IllllllUJliXU I rrmu rzxxrzu S.i, which, estimating at ten tons to a carload, would require for its transportation, 93,271 cars. Re- duced to bushels, there would 23,317,850. At eight cents per bushel, or $2 pf-r ton, it would amount to ijl, 805,428 for the year. A very neat sum to bo taken out of the bowels of the earth in Mahaska County in one year. The Standard Coal Company was organized in 1882, with W. A. Durfee, President, and H. C. Rockwell. Secretary and Treasurer. E. L. Dudley is the present President; II. C. Rockwell, Secretary and Treasurer; W. Durfee, Superintendent of Mines. Mr. Durfee has occupied the latter posi- tion since the organization of the company, and well understands his business. The company usu- ally employ from 100 to 200 men, and mine about (^^ 75,000 tons per j'ear. The voin from which the j] coal is Udcen is four and a half feet thick. The coal is of as good quality as any in the State, and is shipped north for railroad and local trade. 1 I I -<>~5iS -:: Agrrlriiltiiriil. AHASKA has always been regarded as one jl \ of the best counties in the State for agri- r, cultural purposes. All the cereals pcculi.Tr ' to this climate flourish liere. In the forty - three years since the first settlement was made, it is affirmed by those residing here, during all that time, there has never been a total failure of crops, either from drouth or a wet season. The year 18!SG was probably the worst in its history, and Lj some suffering was experienced from drouth, but |1 notwithstanding there was a fair crop of almost all l! kinds of grain. The fact is, the soil is capable of (11 standing either a wet or dry sesison. , 'hl:^ MAHASKA COUNTY AGKK TLTLKAL SOCIUTY. In the fall i.f 1 s.",(i the Oskaloosa Herald called the attention of farmers and others to the impor- tance of a Society for the purpose of disseminating useful inforination in regard tv agricultural and mechanical affairs. The matter was quietly dis- cussed among those interested during the following winter, and in the spring of 1852 a call was issued for the purpose of organization. On the loth of miiitiiiti I iiixiuTii •XS"^ XXXXSIZIUXTXXZII^ ^tiy : 'E* 524 MAHASKA COUNTY. m 4 m 1 i;n March, a meeting was held at the court-house, in which Poultney Loughridge was chosen Chairman, and T. F. .Seevers, Secretary. After a lull and free discussion, a committee of five was appointed to draft constitution and ijy-laws and report the same at an adjourned meeting to lie held on the 27th of March. E. W. Eastman. Andrew Williams. John S. Walker, T. F. Seevers and A. M. Galer were ap- pointed the said committee. Atthe adjourned meeting the committee reported the Constitution of the Mahaska County Agricult- ural Society, together with articles of incorporation, which were adopted, after which the following- named officers were elected: Poultney Loughridge, President; John Bond and C. N. Smith, Vice- Presidents: Thomas F. Seevers, Secretary : Andrew Williams, Treasurer. On the 12th of June another meeting was held, at which it was resolved that the first annual fair of the society should be held at Oskaloosa. .Saturday. Oct. 23. l!S.')2. At the ap- pointed time the fair was held. The Herald for the following week stated that it was l)etter at- tended than anticipated, though the number of articles on exhibition was not large. The second fair was held on .Saturd.ay, Oct. l.i. 18o3. at which there was a much larger attendance, and a much larger and better displ.ay "f agriciMt- ural and mechanical products. At this fair William Frederick took the first premium on corn. Iiaving on one acre of ground raised 138 bushels. County Fairs were held each year, and in 1 8.58 the State Fair was also held in Oskaloosa, as also in 1859. _ The latter was no better than the regu- lar county fairs now held at this place. In 1873 the old society abandoned its articles of incor|)oration. and in 1874 a joint stock com- pany was organized, under the name and title of Mahaska County Agricultural Societj-, with a paid up capital of i|10,00o. with privilege of increas- ing to 5)40,000. The society has been quite suc- cessful in its operations, and owns one of the best fair grounds in the State, situated in the north- western part of the city of Oskaloosa. There is an excellent race track, wide enough for six sulkies aljreast. For the past few j'ears Henry H. Prine has been President of the society, and under his wise ministrations the grounds have been well kept, and the fairs have been nuiformlv successful. % in p,^^^^^ TlTT tlBT L m 13 i i; ! i; ! 13 i; 1 ! liiiciiiteJ w^iiiHumi^'umHiufuaiiu jSS^Sa r// ///////y^ 4 MAHASKA COUNTY. 525 ^% :|1 -^^: -;»t^ ,;«»^i^*^^'^»tf-» OME of the fairest of the smaller cities of the United States are located in Iowa. Prominent among these is Os- kaloosa, the gem city of the State. It is beautifully lo- cated u])on the divide, at an al- most equal diytance from the Des Moines and Skunk Uivei's. Fort}'- three years i\go the site of the citj- nas a wildoiness. where the white man had no home, liut where wild liirdsand beasts abounded, and where the red man loved to roam. But the time had come foi- the birds to take their tliglit. the wild beasts to flee, and the red men to move on toward the setting- sun. William D. Canfield was the first white man to erect his cabin upon the site of the i)resent fair city. In the spring of lf>44 he made his claim, and built a log house near where the Central Iowa depot is located. At that time tiie county had not been organized, nor had an^' steps licen taken for its oi- ganization, and therefore, it is not likely that Mr. Canfield had thought of the county seat lieing here located. He desired a home in this favored land, and this localitj' he made his choice. But the countj' was being rapidly settled, and its organization was soon determined upon. The Territorial Legislature passed a suitable act for the purpose, Coniniissionei-s were appointed, an election held, and Mahaska was numbered among the counties of what was soon to ■ ' ' "^ *^fTT¥rTTT* ITTX^*" "'""F^XJUIXKHIXXXm"'"! l)e one of the brightest and best of the States of the Union. A home must now be selected for the officers of the count3% where the official business could properly be attended to. The Commissioners appointed by the State for that purpose selected a portion of section 13, township 75, range 16 west, of the principal meridian, giving it the name of Oskaloosa, in honor, it is said of a beautiful Indi.an maiden of that name, signifying "the l.i.st of the beautiful." At the time it was selected as the county' seat it is said there was not a single tree upon the original plat, but now every street is lined with beautiful elm and maple trees, while upon all improved residence lots fruit and ornamental trees have been set out in such abundance that Oskaloosa of to-day is known by man\' as the "City of Trees." It can also be said to be a city of churches as well, fnr its religious welfare has been zealously guarded l)y the various religious organizations of the day, the leading denominations being provided with com- fortable as well as ornamental houses of worship. The schools, too, of the city, are a source of pride, l' With Oskaloosa and Penu Colleges, the Oskaloosa Business College, and the public schools, each di- rected bj' experienced educators, an opportunity is afforded for obtaining an excellent education at a nominal price. Thoroughness in every depart- ment seems to be the watchword of each of the schools. (Jskaloosa has attained its present standing by a stead}' gi-owth. There is not nor ever has been III: rxuii ll .. .1 " Mi; LlJi fpi anything of the mushroom in its development. If anything, its citizens have been too cautious, and have not reached ont for those things easil.y obtain- able, and which would have redounded to its ci'edit and been profitable to all. It cannot but be ac- knowledged that no inlanrk in the Master's cause. On the church mils there are the names of about 300 members, many of whom have moved away and have not called for letters. There are about 150 active members residing in the city or in the vicinity of Oskaloosa. Church of Christ. Tiie Church of Christ was organized by Elder H. H. Hendryx, March 25, 1846, with thirty members. Josepii B. Royal and Matthew Edmundson were chosen Elders. Mr. Royal is now and has l)een for many j-ears an ac- ceptable minister of the Gospel in Illinois. The church has had a fairly prosperous condition, gen- erally with quite a large membership. The finan- "W^ cial necessities of the college have drawn pretty "-■■ h: heavily upon its membership from time to time, but they have usually " given of their abundance as the Lord has prospered them." The Sunday-school has been a prominent and successful feature of the work of this church. Among those who have ministered to this church, either as regular pastor or supply, are H. H. Hen- ^ dryx, A. Chatterton, J. B. Noe, N. E. Corj^ W. J. Carpenter, G. T. Carpenter, N. A. McConnell. W. R. Cowley, John Crocker, A. Hickcy, B. W. John- son, D. R. Dungan, N. Dunshee, G. H. Laughlin, E. Goodwin, R. H. Johnson, J. A. Beattie and A. Wg g yi. Haggard. The last is the present efficient pas- tor, who is doing an excellent vvoi'k. The member- ship is about 300. Manoah Hedge is Superintend- ent of the Suuday-school. % % :i 1^ 1 The First United Presbyterian Church was organ ized June 17, 1849, by Rev. J. C. Porter, under fe} the name of the First Associate Reformed Presby- |j} terian Church, of Oskaloosa. In the fall of 1858, after the union of the Associate and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Churches of the United States, under the name of the United Presbyterian Church, the Oskaloosa Church accepted the name, and became the First United Presbyterian Church |:ri of Oskaloosa. Rev. Mr. Fee was the first pastor »Pi of the church, beginning his labors in 1853. In ;4i 1853 while he was pastor, a house of worship was :ih erected, the second in Oskaloosa. In 1854 Mr. zw jr. \ Fee resigned, and the church was without a pastor s^i till June, 1856. wiien Rev. R. A. McAyeal was Im 3-1 called, and served the church with great ability and profit for twenty-two years. He was succeeded by Rev. AV. A. .Spaulding, who remained two years. ::k Next came Rev. .J. C. Calhoun, who remained a t-n little over one year. In May. 1884, Rev. O. S. Ka Morrow came, and is still serving as pastor. The fji present memljei'sliip of the church is 120, and it is BJi in good spiritual condition, contributing liberally sn to all the various missionary and other purpo.ses. i: A parsonage has been built in the past 3'ear, and %\ the churcli is practically out of debt, paying its gj pastor promptly. Mr. Morrow keeps a record of JSi attendance of all members, so that he knows ex- actly' who are faithful and who are not. Baptist. The First Baptist Church of Oskaloosa was organized in December. 1855, with a member- ship of but five persons, and until the spring of 1856 had no regular preaching, when Rev. J. F. Childs was called to the pastorate, and served eleven years, during which time a house of wor- ship was erected. This house was sold in 1882, and the Presbyterian Church edifice purchased. The last building is in a much better location, and the church is now in a very prosperous state. St. James Episcopal Church. The parish was or- ganized Maj' 27, 1855, by Rev. E. W. Peet. Serv- ices were for a long time held in Union Hall, but g in 1869 a church building and rectory were erected, and the cause was placed on a better footing. Since that day several rectors have officiated. In March, 1885, Rev. Allen Judd commenced his p labors here, and has met with very gratifying sac- J ii "- 1 ', itirn Allium HriiiirTrrt%iii rfTTll U^ MAHASKA COUNTY. 531 ai,;: ■1:: 1 c I- \ V 1 1 1 1^1^: 1 = 5: = li c cess. There are now forty-five comnimiie.nnts. twent_v-two of whom have come in under Mr. Judd's ministration. The Catholic Church in Oskaluusa dates its ex- istence from 186.'). when Rev. Father .Shanniian gathered the few adherents togetiier who were of that faith, bongiit ;i luiilding for a churcli. and held regular services. At that time there were but about thirty families in the parish. In their first house they continued to worship until 1880, when their jiresent neat church edifice was erected, at a cost of $4,000. At this time the present pastor. Rev. M. O'CarroU, was in charge, and to him the people are indebted for the church building the}' now occupy. Among the priests who have been in charge of the parish were Revs. McCabe, C'labbj', Harding, Malone. Gaffenj'. Feeley, and O'CarroU. Under the ministration of Father JIaloue, the par- sonage was built. (Since 1880 the congregation has lieen increased more than half, and now numbers over 100 families, with a total of 600 persons. This is certainly a good showing, and proves that Father O'CarroU has been faithful to his trust, and has labored hard and" elliciently. The church is a neat brick structure, and is well furnished. SOCIETIES. ^5^ SKALOOSA is well represented with the vari- l( Jjj ous secret and benevolent societies, each in '^^7 their way trying to do what good they can for their fellow-men. Masonic. Tri-Luminar Lodge No. 18, A. F. & A. M., was organized under dispensation Jan. 16, 1849, and received its charter from the Grand Lodge .lune 7 of the same ye.ar. In December, 1 854, several of its members applied for and ob- tained a dispensation to organize a new lodge, which w.as organized, and June 6, 185.5, received its charter as Seevers Lodge No. 54, A. F. & A. M. The two lodges worked harmoniously and prospered well until January, 186.'!, when on account of the loss of many of its members by enlistments in the army, or rather their withdrawal from active work on that .account, Seevers Lodge surrendered its charter, and its members returned to the parent lodge. On account of feeling growing out of the war. 3i:. it was thought best to again divide, accordingl3- in .\pril, 186(i, a dispensation was granted to organize another lodge, and Amity Lodge No. 186 cann into existence, receiving its charter in June follow- ing. After eight years' work Aniit3' surrendered its charter, and again all Masons in Oskaloosa were united in Tri-Luminar Lodge. After occupyini; several buihlings. and wishing a home of their own, the various Masonic bodies of the cit}-, including Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, united in building the third story of a building on south side of the square, 40x80 feet, into which all moved. This was in 18()6, On the 20th day of January 187:J, the building, with its entire contents, was destroyed by fire, the lodge suffering a net loss of ^56,500. After living in rented halls for some years, the JLasonic h;dl and opei'a house was erected and occupied. lUit once more the fire fiend came, .and Dec. 22, 1886, the hall was bnincd, the order losing heavilj'. A chapter of R. A. .M. was organized Nov. 1,5, 1854, under dispensation, and a charter granted in June, 1855, under the name of Hiram Chapter No. 6. The chapter h;is had a very successful career. De Payens Commander^- No. 6, Knights Temp- Lar, was organized under dispensation Dec. 1, 1865, and June 2, 1X66, a charter was granted by the Grand Commandery. It lias had a very prosperous existence, with a large membership, not only of the best citizens of Oskaloosa, but ni.nny from neigh- boring towns. Odd Fellows. The Inde|)endent Order of Odd Fellows is a strong organization in this place. Ma- haska Lodge No. 16, was one of the first organized in the State, the date of its organization being July 11, 1848. William^. .Seevers was its first Noble Grand. It has had in the main a prosperous career, witli a present membership of 162. In 1S60 Com- mercial Lodge No. Pis was organized, which has now a membership of 110, or a total for tlie two lodges i)f 262. An encampment luider the nam6 of Oskaloosa Kncampnient No. 15, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 28, 1854. It has a present membership of seventj'-five. G. A. li. The veterans of the late war have a fine organization, known as Phil Kearney Post No. 40, G. A. R.. which was instituted May 13, lfi81, 1 a 11 \ Ya 'M" Km m m 532 MAHASKA COUNTY. by A. B. Hnzeltine, of Des Moines, with fourteen charter members, anfl C. P. Searle, Commander. Since its organization the post has done a good worl^ in this citj'. It has a committee to look after the poor, and its timely relief has been a blessing to more than one family. The services on Decora- tion Day are directed by this post, which never fails to remember departed comrades, strewing upon their graves beautiful flowers, and letting fall the tears of regret. The post is a flourishing one, with an enrollment of lU members. The Commanders have each served one year, and in order were, C. P. Searle, Robert Kissick. F. II. Loring, C. Wood- ruff, .John N. Martin and D. F. Nichols. Two deaths have occurred among its membership. The present Commander is D. F. Nichols. L. of H. The Legion of Honor is represented in this city by Banner Lodge No. 57. taking its name from the fact that on its organization, in January, 1880, it had an enrollment of 107 members, thus making it truly the banner lodge of the order. Its first President was .lohn Lofland, while T. H. Green was the first Secretary. A. P. Spencer was the Presi- dent in July, IiS86, with J. C. Ferrall, Secretary. Death has taken three members of the lodge, S. B. Waters, Samuel Wilson and H. II. Gay. At pres- ent there are ninety-two members in good stand- ing. A. O. U. W. Oskaloosa Lodge No. 152, A. O. U. W., was organized by J. M. Stinson, Deputy G. M. W., in March, 1878, with thirt_v-two charter members. It now numbers fort^'-seven, having lost two by death— Horace W. Fisher, who died Dec. 6. 1882, and Z. T. Kalbach, who died Dec. 25, 1 880. This lodge was one of the first to protest against the action of the Supreme Lodge with ref- erence to assessment for death losses in other States, and was among the number secednig and forming the State Lodge. Its first Master Work- man was B. V. Seevers: its present Master Work- man is W. H. Shaw. Its first Recorder was H. L. Briggs, while M. B. Bristol now occupies that po- sition. Sons of Veterans. Samuel A. Rice Post No. 48, Sons of Veterans, was organized in October, 1885, with eighteen charter members, which have since been increased to thii-t}-. James A. Rice was r aE elected its first Captain; M. D. Gilchrist, First "Ivieutenant; O. H. Avery, Second Lieutenant. At the annual meeting the officers were .tU re-elected. Considerable interest is being mnnife>ted in the or- der by all entitled to membership, and it is des- tined to do great good in inculcating patriotism and l)rotherl\' love. The Modern Woodmen, Independent Order of Red Men, Knights of the Golden Eagle and Good Templars are also represented. Militia. Company F, 3d Regiment, I. N. G., vvas organized Aug. 11, 1884, with John N. Martin, Captain; Frank S. Stone, First Lieutenant: W. W. Douglas, Second Lieutenant; James M. Bateman, Orderly Sergeant, and fifty-five enlisted men. The company meant bnsiness from the start, and deter- mined not to be content with being second to an.y other company in the State. Beginning drill, they so far mastered it, that at the first regimental en- campment, held at Newton, in the summer of 1885, they took second raonej'. The company also at- tended a celebration of Independence Day, at Ot- turnwa, where thcj' again took second money, for proficiency of drill. In addition to the uniform fur- nished by the State, the company, in the summer of 188G, purchased handsome uniforms for all offi- cers and men, costing §700. They have a hand- some silk flag worth $95. Their armory on High street is fixed up in an elegant manner, and is pro- vided with one of the handsomest cases for the guns to be seen anywhere, the workmanship of Le- roy Dutton. The company reflect credit upon the city of Oskaloosa. BANKING. The first lianking house in Oskaloiisa was opened March 1, 1855, by W. T. Smith and M. T. Will- iams, under the firm name of Smith is, Williams. The latter remained about two 3ears, sold out, and in 1858 the l)usiness was transferred to the Oska- loosa branch of the State Bank of Iowa. A short time after Smith & Williams opened up. John White (fe Co. commenced the lianking business, which they ran a few months, and then sold t<> W. H. Seevers & Co., who ran until 1857, when they retired from the business. John White & Co. immediately re-opened, but voluntarily quit busi- . rUrrntiij Ugxrii - ££S MAHASKA COUNTY. 533 ness oil the organization of the Oskaloosa branch of tlie State Hank. Mr. White heconiing President of the latter, while William T. .Smith was made Cashier. In ISCi.t this hank was changed to the National State Bank of Oskaloosa. The First National Bank of Oskaloosa was or- ganized Jan. 1, 1M(;4. and went into voliintarv liq- uidation in ls(;,s. At present there are four good banks in the eity — the Oskaloosa National, the Mahaska County Bank, the Farmer's and Trader's National, and the piivate bank of Frankel. Bach & Co. Tlie Oskaloosa National Bank is tlie outgrowth of the Mahaska County Savings Bank, which was established in the year 187."), and which contin- ued to do business until it was re-orgauized under its present name, with a paid up capital of i!!.')0, 000. Ezekiel Clark was its first President, and W. A. Lindley, Casiiier. The latter continued as Cashier until yiay, 18«t5, when C. E. Lotland was chosen to fill the position. M. E. Cutts succeeded Mr. Clark as President. II. L. S|)encer at present occupies that position. The hank has done a very success- ful business since its organization, and has a large line of deposits. Its officers are pleasant and ac- commodating. The bank is situated on the north- west corner of the square, in a building erected in 187(;, when it was known as the Mahaska County Savings Bank. The Maha.ska County Bank was organized in June, 1883, with a capital stock of *.iO,000, which was increased Feb. 1, 1884, to $100,000. Its first and present oflScers are : J. A. L. Crookliani, Presi- dent; II. S. Howard, Vice President; John R. Barnes, Cashier. The bank is organized under the [ State laws, its stockholders being liable for double ; the capital stock. It is doing a safe and satisfac- j tory business, numbering among its patrons some of the best business men in Oskaloosa. i The Farmer's and Trader's Bank w.os organized I in December, 1877, and is the outgrowth of the I private bank of Gibbs Bros. In 1883 it was I changed to the Farmer's and Trader's National Bank. The private bank of Frankel, Bach A' Co. com- menced business in 1873. In 1876 the firm erected its present bank building, in which they have one of the largest vaults in the State. The bank is oiu- of the strongest in this section, its owners being large holders of real estate, and men of wealth and enterprise. GAS WORKS. P'roni the dip to the tallow candle, then to the kerosene laini), and next the gas, each an iini)rovi - incut upon the other as an illuminating power, wa? the order of develoiHiient in this line. In 1872 the question of having gas was agitated, and a company organized and incorporated with a capital stock of *G0,00O. J. L. Pinkerton was the first President and Superintendent; D. W. Hunt, Secre- tary; C. P. Searle, Treasurer. A building for the manufacture of gas was erected in the southwest [)art of town, about three miles of main laid through the principal residence and business streets of the city, and in December, 1873, Oskaloosa was first lit up with gas. which was manufactured from crude petri>leuni. The manufacture of ga? from petroleum not proving satisfactory after the expiration of three years, the entire works were rebuilt, the wooden mains taken up and repl.aced with iron, and coal used for making gas. For the first year there were less than 10(i consumers, while at present there are about 4(10. The company have now about six miles of main, and, .in addition to the private con- sumers, furnish for the city seventy-two lamps on the >trect corners. On account of ill-health Mr. Pinkerton had to resign the superintendeney of the works at the end of the first year. He was suc- ceeded liy D. W. Hunt, who served until Jan. 1. 1884. when he was succeeded by William Bowen, the present etticient Superintendent. The capital stock j-et remains at $60,000, but the stock of the company is not in the market, as holders do not care to sell. ELECTIUC LIOHT. In the winter of 1883-84 the Oskaloosa Gas Company secured a permit from the City Council for the stringing of wires and lighting the city by electricity, using the Ft. Wayne Jenne}' Arc Light system. They leased power from the Oskaloosa Power Company, which they used for about eight- een months, and then secured a building north of Exchange Block, put in improved machinery, and £:HH^g ^FcV wm "^ Tiiimnxixxi 11 ^- n,' ru n i ■ IL h [EL.;- ''j~ ^! ?T1 S.erate also iu like manner, thus supply- ing the cit3' with good, chcaii light. WATER WOHKS. The credit for the present system of water works is probably due more to D. \\ . Hunt than to any f-jff- other person. For some years he had agitated the B subject and corresponded with tlifferent persons and firms interested in water works and systems of water works. In the fall of IsTl) the Holly Com- pany, on the request of ^Mr. Hunt, sent a gentleman here to investigate the feasibility of putting in their ill m m n n I \^M system of works in this city. On his making a SH favorable report, a company was organized with — i the following-named incorporators : M. T. Williams, C. P. Searle. E. H. Gibbs, G. W. Hale. William Loughridge, W. A. Lindley. E. Bach, Mitchel Wil- Ison, T. K. .Smith. H. L. Si)encer and Samuel Hal- dauf. .Shares were placed at 820 each, and the capital stock was placed at §150,000. The follow- ing-named officers were then chosen: ^\"llli.^nl Loughridge, President : John -Siebel, Vice Presi- dent: 1. Frankcl, Treasurer; D. W. Hunt, Secre- tary. A franchise was granted, and on the 25th of October, 1879, a contract was made with the Holly Company for putting in operation the works. Eight miles of main were at once laid, to which one mile has since been added. The works were completed and final test made Aug. 10, 1880, at which time a two-inch stream of water was thrown eighty feet high. The water supply is obtained from the Skunk River, about four miles from the city. One of Holly's complex compound engines is used, and also a duplex pumping engine. The capacity of the works is 2,500,000 gallons per day, and at present there are used about 500,000. D. W. Hunt was appointed by the company superintendent of construction, and on the completion of the works was made Superintendent, acting in that ca- pacit3' for about three and a half years, when he re- signed, and William Boweu was appointed and is now serving in an acceptable manner. There are now about 300 consumers of the water supplied by this company. IXSURAXCE. The Iowa Life and Endowment Association of Oskaloosa, a mutual life insurance society, was or- ganized in February'. 1882, under the .State laws of Iowa. Its incorporators were composed of some of the best men of the city. It has had a fair busi- ness, having issued some 1,GOO policies. The of- fices of the company are iu Exchange Block. Its President is C. P. Searle. The Iowa Masons' Benevolent Societj' also has its headquarters at Oskaloosa. It was organized in 1878, and has had a very prosperous business, report- ing at its ninth annual meeting a membership in the first division of ii,06;3, and in the second division l,'J7!i. In the first division there had been 143 deaths in eight years, or 0.6 per 1,000. In the second di- vision there had been 41 deaths in six years, or 6.6 per 1.000. Its President is John Siebel. LIBRARY. The Masonic Library Association is dul}' incor- porated under the State laws of Iowa. It origin- ated in Tri-Luminar Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and was organized Jan. 1, 1885, having at that time 1,000 volumes of books. The number has since been increased to 2,500. The library is open each Saturday from 2 to 5 P. M. and is free to all, though onl3' its members can take books from the room. The present membership is 200. A mem- bership fee of ¥1 entitles the holder to one book per week. About 100 volumes are drawn out per week on an average. The officers of the associa- tion are D. A. Hoffman, President; E. Baker, Vice President; Frank D. Boyer, Treasurer; Mrs. Mary Lafferty, Librarian. In the great fire that destro^'ed the Opera House, Dec. 22, 1886, the library was also burned, save a few volumes. The .association at once opened out on the north side of the square, and hope in due time to gather together even a better library than the old one. TILING. It has been but a few years since tiling came into general use in this country, though its advan- tages had long been conceded by those giving it n-p^^s^ 1-= n I.: I : f^^^^l g5Ea ?^w>' 7?^3S -1.'" MAHASKA COUNTY. 536 ¥ lis 1^ i;5 IJC i:s i:s 1:1: l.-S i;,: 1 l; 13 !;■ i;; i: 1.' 1 1: 1. i: I- 1 i: i- Ur, ;t special thought. At present there are two facto- ries ill this city. The Oskaloosa Tile Factory «as first established as a lirick-yard in 187() hy .lohii Long. In 1882 Oliver Crawford purchased the plant, and in 1883 converted it into a tile factorj', though still manu- facturing a few brick. He makes tile three to six inches in diameter, iiiid manufactures G(M),000 to 800,000 feet- per year. The Oskaloosa City lirick and Tile Works were established in 1881 bj' Long ife Son, who had pre- viously been engaged in brick manufacturing in this city, and who had manufactured some tiling, in re- ality the first in Mahaska County. They now have three kilns of 20,000 e.ach, and can turn out 10,000 bricks per day. The tiling manufacliircd is of a su- perior quality, and a ready sale is found for it in Ma- haska County. The senior member of the firm has had an experience of sixty years in the manufact- ure of brick and tile. OTHKU MANLK.iCTORIKS. The Oskaloosa Tanning Compan_v was established in 1880, with U. W. McNeill, President; \V. T. Phillips, Secretary', and .Samuel Middour, Superin- tendent. The business had been started a short time previous by George Iluggins and others. In March, lfi8'), the buildings burned, and the plant was removed to the Power House. About thirty persons are employed by the companj-, which is now one of the leading industries of the city. A patent process is used in the tanning of leather. Mr. Middour, who has charge of the concern, is a practical tanner, of many years' experience, and un- der his supervision the company turns out a qual- ity of leather which cannot be excelled in the country. The capital stock of the company is *.')0,000, and the sales amount to ?75,000 annually. One salesman is cmplojcd upon the road. The Oskaloosa Oat Mill was brought here from Skunk River by John H. Warren, who formed a company composed of some of the leading men in the city to operate it. John Zcar, a practical mil- ler, has charge of it. The capacity of the mill is fifty barrels per twelve hours. The meal manufactured here stands at the head. In addition to those nienlioned there are several others which do a large business. FIKE DEPARTiMENT. Oskaloosa has for many years had a well organ- ized fire dopartmeiit, which has been able to suc- cessfully cope with near]}- all fires. The worst fire the city ever experienced was on the morning of Dec. 22, 188G, when a fire broke out in Baura's restaurant, which rapidly extended, and in a few short hours the Times block, in which was the post-otRce, Charles Ralston, newsdealer, the Times office and Baum's restaurant; Fagan truetion to the people. C. L. Koller is Post- \- master. CEDAR TOWNSHIP. /^ EDAR TOWNSHIP lies in the southeast cor- I ner of the county, and is bounded on the e.ist hi;;? ^^^(' by Keokuk County, on the west by Harrison i;'| Township, on the north by White Oak Township, and on the south by Wapello County. It coin- il prises congressional township 74 north, range 14 west, of the oth principal meridian, and is a fine lilE body of land, gently rolling in almost ever^' part, i^i^ the soil being of the best cpialit}'. Cedar Creek I I crosses the soutinvestern part of the township in a ijE southwesterly direction. The Oskaloosa branch of c the Central low.-i, and the Burlington and North- r western Railways pass through the townshi|), af- E fording e.xeellent facilities for the transportation |c of all produce. The township dates its settlement ^E from the tir»t, it being remembered there was no one near who could claim to be the first settler of Mahaska County, for the name of the first settlers was legion. The scliool-honse and the church were almost contemporaneou? with the first ycttlenient of the township, the first school-house being erected in 184G on the farm of Samuel .MuFall, and his nephew, Joseph .McFall, Uiughl the first term of school therein. The Methodists are in a numerical majority, having three church buildings in the township. Among the representative men of this township are G. B. McPall. R. H. Sigafoos, J. S. McClain, David McKall, W. K. t^uarton, J. M. Russell, H. V. Sheets, Ira Barr ami Joseph Craft. Fr«'iiK»iit. ^RI'^.Mt)^! is one of the oldest villages in Mahaska County, though its present appear- /1\, ance would indicate that it was a new one. It was hdd out in l!S4x by William Morrow, and named in honor of the " Great Pathfinder." Gen. John C. Fremont, afterward the first candidate for the presidency on the Republican ticket. The first dwelling-house was erected by .Mr. Morrow, who also built the first stoi-e liuilding, in which he oi)ened out a stock of general merchandise. Until lailroads began to be extensively built in the State, Fremont was quite an important town, being upon the main line of travel, on what is known as the " divide." Its post-otHee was also estiiblished in 1848, with William Jlorrow as Postm.a,skaloosa branch of the Central Iowa, and the Burlington A- ^\■estenl. Since these roads were built the place has taken a fresh stitrt, and while it has had no rapid increase in population, new houses have been erected, old ones repaired, and the town now pi'esents a very attractive appearance, while a fair Inisiness is trans- acted by its business men. There were in the fall of 188G, two general stores, one hardware, one drug, and one furniture store, two hotels, one livery, one tile factory, one live-stock firm, three phj'si- cians, several harness-makers, wagon-makers and blacksmiths. Three churches — Baptist, Christian and -Methodist Episcopal — gave spiritual light to all around, while a good gi-aded school furnished educational advantages to the young. EAST DKS MOINES TOWNSHIP. HIS is one of the latest organized townships in the county, dating its organization in 188.'). Notwithstanding this, it is one nf the oldest In point of ^ettll•nlenl in the county liip m h ! iHi i "^ .. iilxijLmi rrxxtxxi mxxTuxx iTTixx raxu " 538 MAHASKA COUNTY. Bg w m m Even before the Indian title was extinguished, Maj- 1, 1843, a few adventurous persons slipped, or ob- tained permission to pass through the lines, and en- ter the promised land. Among those was Harrj' Brewer, _yet an honored citizen of the to-wnship. His companions were Ephraira Munsell. Philip Schuyler, Harvey Case. Isaac De AVitt and Mr. Scribner. The best lands were soon taken up, and in a short time after tlie ever memorable 1st day of May, 1843, a large settlement was formed along the Des Moines River. Sometime during the fol- |:;=n lowing year, the first school in the township was held. In its undivided state Des Moines was created a township in 1845. There are in the township several very fine farms, though much of the land is broken, and probably all underlaid with coal. Among the leading citi- zens who are now residing here may be men- tioned Harry Brewer, George W. Brewer, W. J. jg- McFall. J. B. Mobley, L. R. Thompson and L. 1). |H^ Williams. Within its borders are two villages. Given and Muchachinock, the latter being a min- ing village exclusively. A good part of Excelsior also lies' in this townsiiip. In fact it is hard to tell D ] where one village leaves off and the other begins, J— =Sp there being a row of houses almost from Oskaloosa \fiM to Muchachinock, about six miles. I! i n li M !li I I ill! I I I m C 11 Giveu. IVEN was laid out in 1870, by Harry Brewer, and at present on the line of the C, R. I. & P. and C. I. Railroads. The station of the first-named road was located here in 1871. The first store was built by Harry Brewer, and is now run by his son, George W. Brewer. This is the only general store in the place, but there is one drug-store, a grocery store and meat-market in the place. There is also one church, and an Odd Fel- low's Lodge, which is in a flourishing condition. G. W. Brewer is Postmaster, and has been for some years. Mnchachlnock. neighborhood began to be developed about the time of the completion of the Central Iowa Rail- road. In 1872 a switch was laid up the creek from Given station bj' the Central Iowa Company, since which time the village has constantly' grown and the mines developed, until there is at present a population of about 2,000. the greater number of whom are colored persons. The village took its name from the creek, which is of Indian origin, signifying muddy water. The main part of the village is located upon sec- tions 13 and 24, and here, in 1884, the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Ci>nipan3' extended its track from Belle Plaine, and built a depot. Around this depot quite a business has s]nung up. which now includes one general store, two drug-stores, one meat-shop, one barber shop, four restaurants, two hotels, four churches and thiee school-houses. The churches are the Swedish Lutheran, Swedish Methodist, Colored Methodist and Colored Bap- tist, each of which have regular pastors, no one paying for ministerial services less than $000 per year. The Welsh had a Congregational Church here at one time, but it has ceased to exist. WEST DES MOINES TOWNSHIP. iHlS township comprises all of township 74 north, range 10 west, lying west and south of the Des Moines River. Its settlement and history are connected with that of East Des Moines. There is neither vill.age nor railroad with- in its borders. ^-vw ..%^j2j2j^7^5-|@^-| > >*'^^Si^Z^2r?^»v* '\•^x^ - i^^^HIS unincorporated mining village stretches m(^^ along the JIuchachinock Creek for two ^^^' or three miles, the greater part of it l^ing jBHW in East Des Moines Township, though extending I Qfa; over the line into Harrison. The mines in this IP I 'a ■fi :,T. -n. GAKFIELI> TOWNSHIP. i^^^HE history of this township, which comprises ifl^^^ all of township 71 north, range 10 west, ^^^y of the 5th principal meridian, save a few sections on the east which form a part of Oskaloosa, is associated with that of Oskaloosa. Until 1882 what is now Spring Creek, Oskaloosa and Garfield formed one township. The northern half of Gar- field is Hue [frairie laud, sufficient)}' rolling to give it a good natural drainage. The southern part is very uneven, but all underlaid with coal, which makes it verv vnluahle. In this township are some of the best farms in Mahaska County, which are operated bj' men who make farming a profession, and who are not slaves to the farm, but make the farm their servant. In addition to general fai'ming much attention is given to stock-raising. Among the prominent men of the township may ; be mentioned the Prines, S. L. Pomeroy, Thomas C. Beach, R. II. .lohnson, A. J. Lytle and John R. : Pilgrim. The educational interests of the town- : ship .are carefully guarded, the schools being among ; the best. There are now nine good school build- V : ings in it, with one graded school at Beacon, which : has graduated a number who are now filling im- 3 portant positions in various parts of the country. : All in all, Garfield, like the man in whose honor it is named, is a model township. Besicou. V : HE village of Beacon is situated upon section 27, and was laid out in 1M()4, under the name of Enterprise, a post-oflice there be- y' : ing established under that name. On the comple- : tion of the Kec>kuk it Des Moines Railroad, the ; station was given the name of Oskaloosa by the i^:| rfiilroad company. The name of the town was, L! however, soon changed to Beacon. The vill.age is :g about two and a half miles southwest of Oskaloosa, !H 5 and although for some time it h.ad a railro.ad, ■|| : while Oskaloosa had none, it yet never became i}] : a rival of the latter place, as its projectors fondlj' |}j I hoped. fjj ; Surrounded as it is by a fine coal country. Bea- : con may proiJerly be termed a mining town, its in- . : Iiabitants being ]>rincipally tliosc engaged in inin- ^ ; ing, together with llieir families. The i)i>pulati(>n };; of the town at the i)resent writing is alioiit 70(i, .-uid ill it has a Methodist and Congregational Churcli. one i?^ of the best public schools in the county, a fine fi I rtouring-iiiili. one of the largest mill Ipiiildings in li; the State, two general stores, one drug-store, res- i:| taurant, l)illiard hall, livery sUxble. wagon, black- i;': smith and shoe shops, and such other business as is \':C demanded by the place. Its proximity to Oskaloosa I : lulrt^ the ifeneral trade, there being; a line of hacks ■ II 1 1 1 IITT continually running between the two places, carry- ing passengers at a reasonable price. The Odd P'el- lows have a flourishing lodge here, with money in its treasury. The village was incorporated in 1874. — >t^ 4K •^5*?— 4=f£>- HARRISON TOWXSHIP. 'IniVUT little natural timber exists in the town- Li^, ship, the greater part of the land being a /^jjl, rolling prairie, "not too rolling, but just rolling enough." The soil is of an excel- lent quality, well adapted to general farming pur- poses. It was first settled in 1H43, and was or- ganized in 1)S44. A part of Eddyville extends into this township, as well as Muchachinock a)ul Ex- celsior, the latter two being mining villages. Ce- dar, a stati(m on the Burlington & Western Rail- road, also lies in this township. It has a general store, a splendid tiling factory, blacksmith-shop, etc. A post-ollice had been established here for some years previous to the building of the railroad. There are seven churches and eleven sdiool-houses in the t(jwnship, proof that its educational and spiritual interests arc well guarded. JEFFEKfSOX TOWNSHIP. ^/EFFERSON isa purely agricultural township, having no vill.age within its boundaries, nei- ther is a single t>ne of its many fine f:irms l)rokeii by a railr)ad. The township is well supi)lied with timber, while its prairie lands rank with the best in the county. Moses Nowels. Miram Covey ami E. Flanders are said to have been the first settlers, staking their claims the morning of May 1 , 1 H4:l The township is now well settled and well improved, being su|)plied with several churches .'ind nine good schools. Among the most prominent men are Robert Wharton, Ilor.ace Ly- man. P. tl. Butler, Joshua W.ay, John Eveland. Henry Eveland, J. II. Evans. A. Rogers and Eman- m hi J 1 } P; mil iliji H n P H 1 u 1; ili tuuilxsr luia 8^B I irTrrTni.imi.i.ij immmxri ^rrrmmr Zdbdfrf^ i iij t mamgixj m! :i rxxiii xxnxz ia rxx*- tJrTt miii 540 MAHASKA COUNTY. iirxxitxrrrrxrxrxjnmiiirai- b^Xa *r3 if ICIrTTmni •^^ uel Kites, all of whom. stand well in the cominunity, I I 1 I n 'If^siT being representative men in every sense of the word. ♦1^ MADTSOX TOWNSHIP. ADISON is well watered by the south fork of the Skunk River and its tributaries. The surface of all the township is mueh broken, ' but for general farming and stock-raising is unsurpassed. Among the early settlers were Enoch Shoemake. William (loodplaster. .John Padgett, William Brummcl. Samuel CdUin and Ilervey Cru- zen. In the fall of 1«4G a log school-house was erected, and William Lawrence taught the first term of school. There are now seven good scIkjoI- liouses, and the schools will compare favorably with •any others kuiik River and numerous tributaries, and the township is almost equall}' divided between timber and [irairie. The eastern half is mostly prairie laud of an excellent quality, while the west- ern is principally timber. Pleasant Grove was not settled so early as some other parts of the county. Among those entitled to the name of pioneers, ma^' be mentioned Amos HoUoway, .s. Whitaker, Noah Van Winkle, William Hamblcton. .lohu Wymore, .John Wyatt, Benjamin .Murphy and .lohn Whitehead. The most promi- nent citizens now living here are David Lystcr, bauiuel K. McSpadden. II. A. Sarvis, D. L. Lyon, John Lister and Joseph Soults, all of whom are well-to-do farmers, exerting an influence ft)r good in the community in which they reside. Hon. D. L. Lyon is at present representing his district in the House of liepresentatives of the General As- sembly of Iowa. The first settlers were mostly from Ohio and Indiana. There arc now quite a number of families of .Scotch-Irish descent, of a , stock that are tried and true. The first school was in 1H5.3 and taught by Rich- ard .Mayberr^-, in a log cabin on the farm of Isaac McCartney. This was a private school. In the fall of IH.5.5 three school-houses were built and the township was divided into districts. There arc now nine sub-districts in the township, each having a good school-house, the schools comparing favorably with otliers in the county. The religious welfare of the community is guarded b}' several religious organizations. The village of Agricola on sections 3 and 4. was laid out in 1854. It h:is never at- tained any special prominence, but has now about 200 inhabitants. ^ #>#. ^ tfj ^ PKAIKIE TOM N SHIP. ^HIS township received its first settler in 1844 in the person of .John Ililer. a half-blooded negro, who located on the northwest quar- ter of section 3, where he remained for many years. A man named Wallace came next, and settled upon section 4, in 184.5. S^ime three or four others came in between 184.5 and 1849, but it was not until the latter year that any considerable settlement was made in the township. The reason of this was the scarcity of timber, the township being composed almost entirely of prairie land, from which it de- rives its name. Prairie Township was organized in 1856, and wa.s one of the last townships organized in the county. To-d.aj- it stands as one of the best, with improvements second to none, with church and school privileges unexcelled, and with a class of people to merit the favor of every one. The first school-house was erected in 1856 in the center of section 3. Jesse Ballinger teaching the first term of school therein. The fii-st sermon was preached at Eli S ^.^lj 'r-^ !, ^ ibrijit Lv~^* 3i : 3,, I I .542 MAHASKA COUNTY. Ihe residence of Levi Stewart, b3' Rev. .John Curr3', a Baptist minister, in May, 1856. Prairie Townshi]) iias witliin its borders the citj' of New Sharon, the most iniportant town in the county outside of Oskaloosa. The township is di- vided into nine school districts, including New Sharon, and its school buildings and schools are among the best. New Sharon. EW SHARON is located upon sections 13 and 14, and the town was platted .July 22, 1856. From the " History of Prairie Town- ship," from which the greater position of the early histor}' of the township is obtained, it is learned there was quite a contest over the name. William Zimmerman, one of the original proi)rietors, pro- posed naming it "Schenefeld," which means "Pretty field," a name which would have been very appro- priate, but. on account of the dilHculty of spelling. it is quite probable, it was rejected. It was finally decided to call the town Sharon, and as such it w.is recorded. When the a[)plieation was made for a post-olfice it was found there was one by that name in Warren County, Iowa, so the name New Sharon was given to the office, and by common consent that has been accepted as the name of the town. The first building erected was in IboG by Edward Quaintance, while James Winder erected the second. The latter opened the first store for general mer- chandise in 18.57. " The growth of the town was decidedly slow," said Mr. Vail in his history of Prairie Township, " until the years of speculation that came as one of the natural results of the Civil War that was inaugurated in this country in 'tiO. Gradu.ally it developed until the close of the war, when the spirit of enterprise and speculation that was swelling every avenue of our commercial sys- j tem with uuhealtliy vigor, pushed it rapidly for- ward. In 1870 the prospect for the early eom- 3 pletion of the Central Railroad of Iowa through the town was so flattering, that the attention of en- terprising men in various parts of the country was dii-ected thereto, and as a result, the population of I the town increased by hundreds, and rapidly became I one of the liveliest and most energetic ti-adiug points in all Iowa. Like all other towns, New Sharon reached a point when a too rapid growth necessarily received a check. Between the years '72 and '76 she added more than 400 to her popu- lation through emigration alone, and could boast of about 900 inhabitants. New business houses were established in rapid succession, old structures were vacated for new and more costly and spacious edi- fices; but the time for a halt came. Many citizens, probably nearly 200, left the town to search for fairer fields of labor." On the return of better times, the town began to assume move of its old-time appearance, but it has never enjoyed the boom it had followiifg the com- pletion of the Central Radroad. New Sharon was incorporated in 1871, its incor- poration being hastened by the establishment of a wine and beer saloon near the depot. The first election was held Oct. 4, 1«71, and H. M. Fortuey was elected ^tlayor. A prohibitory ordinance was one I if the first acts passed by the council, and the saloon was soon a thing of the past. Other attempts have since been made to establish a saloon here, but without success. Religiously New Sharon is favored, the greater number of inh.abitants being church-going people, and tliere are a number of denominations repre- sented. Those having organizations are F'riends, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterians, Chris- tians and Universalists. For a full and detailed histor}^ of these organizations the reader is referred to Vail's History'. The secret and benevolent societies are repre- sented by the Masons, Odd Fellows and Good Templars, eacli of which have fine organizations, and each in their way trying to do good. The business of New Sharon is good, it having representatives of the various lines of business, and, to crown all, it has a splendid local paper in the New Sharon Star, edited by David Vail. New Sharon has had two very severe fires. On tlie morning of April 29, 1876, a fire broke out, and before it was finally stopped damage was done to the amount of $30,000, on which there was about $10,000 insurance. On the morning of Dec. 14, 1886, another fire occurred, resulting in a loss of $16,000, on which there was but $5,000 insur- ance. a !j it i Si 3-;u 2 1 1 i HIHP liHgeea I'-'r'-'^'-'^i m [I:; Tlie town, heretofore, has heen illy providefl H.-: with meiins to cope with a tire, but arr:ingcmeiits [11 were in progress to thoroughly organize, and a fire " " < purohased as tiiese lines were being writ- MAIIASKA COUNTY. 54;: ly^C bell 'i^l ten. m The village of Taintor is situated upon section (i, on the line of the Newton branch of the Central Iowa Railroad. It affords a market for the fanners of a splendid section of country, and ought to prosper. BICHLAN1> TOWNSHIP. "Ip^iICHLAND lies in the northeast corner of 'ILi'^ the eountv. and compri.ses '.l^-' th( Im no' %)pal the county, and compri.ses township 77 north, r.ange 17 west, of the oth princi- W0) pal meridian. The section lines were run by James Grant, who afterward became one of the pC leading attornej's of the State, a District Judge. iliC and a very wealthy man. Thompson Baldwin, lilS Moses Wassam, Lauren Osborn, Powell Bush and -_(, 'William Lawrence are numbered among the early p settlers of the township. Mary Westlake taught iH the first term of school in the winter of 1846-47 in ?: a log cabin owned by J\Ir. Baldwin. Since that day, Url now forty years ago, great changes have been made K^: in schools and school systems. The old log school- houses have all disappeared from Mahaska County, If giving place to neat, and sometimes handsome, frame or brick structures. In Richland there are p now nine good, comfortable school buildings, and 1 11 the schools will compare favorably with others. )ts The southwestern part of the township is eonsidera- 5 bly broken and covered with timber, while the S northern and eastern is prairie land. Near Peoria ; are some good quarries of building stone. Among » the leading men of the townshii) are A. G. Hull, Charles Phelps, S. E. Bebli, J. II. White and James Samuels. Peoria. 'fl^^EORIA was laid out in Is.'iS, liy T. Spain and others, and is situated on section 22. he same influences that have built up or broken down so many towns throughout the length and breadth of the land, have operated j^ljl against this village. As long as railroads were tiTilfimmi. ITT .77..' TTTrmr. 1^; not near, its chance foi- [)rosperity was equal to the best, but when roads were built within a few miles, and all gcncr;il (rullir was cinried by the improved method, there was no further hope. At present there are two churches. Christian and .Methodi>i Episcopal, while the business interests are repre- sented by two general stores and a blacksmitli- shop. Two physicians also reside here. The po|i- ulation of the place is about KtO. Henry Cooni- is Postmaster. Granville is another town of the past, being killed l)y the village of Taintor, which is but a mile and a half southwest. SCOTT TOAVNSHIP. ^j^>^HE township of Scott comprises all of town- ship 75, range 17, Ijiug north of the Des Moines River. Its first settlement was along the Des Moines River, and was contemporaneous with the first settlement of the county. Among those to first locate in this township were Dr. E. A. Boyer, Charles Stoddard, Harvey Norton, William Jenkins, V. B. Delashmutt, Joseph Tally, Abraham Bryan, William Long, Hiram Nordick, Robert Con- ner, John Metzger, Benjamin Kianklin, John Bate- man, John Ross and William Buel. Some of these remained but a short time, but the greater number became permanent citizens of the county. When the township was organized it was given the name of Jackson, by the County Commissioners, but in 1852, when Scottand Pierce ran for the Presi- dency, the township cast a solid vote for .Scott. Dr. Boyer was commissioned to return the vote to the County Judge, and at the same time was requested to have its name changed, ^^'hen the Judge asked him for his petition for a change of name he was referred to the vote cast. It w^as satisfactory, and its name was changed to Scott. Two embryo villages have existed in this town- ship, Rochester and Bellefontaine. The latter was laid out Aug. 24, 184G, and the first house erected was by E. M. Thisselle, one of the proprietors of the place. A store was carried on here by Dr. Boyer until 1875, when it was moved to Tracy KJ "» 544 MAHASKA COUNTY. If Marion Comity, a? wSs also the post-oflfice. Roch- ester was laid out in liioO, hy John Wright. Its histcn'y is meager iiuleed, it never having had over fifty or sixty inhalntants at any one time. Marion White ran a store here for some time, as did Dr. Boyer at an earl\' day. The [jost-oftice was ealled Auburn. It was discontinued in 1 SS.t. The village of Olivet was laid out in ls77. It is a .station on tiie ('., R. I. & P. R. R. The first house was erected hy William Snmner, who opened tlie first store in the place. H. B. Brown com- menced hlacksmilhing the .same season. Samuel Casey was the first station agent. The village took its name from the Olivet Presbyterian Church, which had been organized some years previously. II. D. Ross was the first Postmaster. William Sum- ner is the present official. The village has never attained any special growth, and contains but half a dozen families, though consideralile shipping is done from this point. The following account of the religious and edu- cational historj' of the township is contributed by D. D. Ro.ss, an old and respected citizen : " Pres- byterian services were held as earlj' as 18.50, ap- pointments being filled by Oskaloosa ministers. During the winter of 1857-.58 Rev. Childs (Bap- tist), and Rev. Delong (Presbyterian), held a series of union meetings, at the close of which quite a number united with each church, which formed branches of the Oskaloosa churches. In the spring of 1 800, at the residence of Mrs. Sarah Robertson, a Presbyterian Church with twenty-six members was organized by Rev. C. II. Delong, assisted by Rev. Johnsou, of Adel, with C. H. Delong as Pastor, William Alexander, Jacob Himes and D. F. Laugh- lin as Elders. Mrs. Delong proposed that the new church organization be made Olivet, which name was at once accejited and is retained. Rev. Delong moving to New York Rev. Asa Martin took charge until his health failed. Rev. A. T. Wood then took the field until the fall of 1868. Regular services were held in Prairie College until Oct. 17, 1867, when Olivet Presbyterian Church was dedicated by Rev. Wood, Pastor, assisted by Rev. John Fisher, at a cost of -^1,666. The church is built upon three acres of ground, donated by Albert Phillips to the organization for a church, lot and cemetery. It is in the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 9. In the fall of 1868 Rev. Fisher took charge of the church, and was in- stalled Pastor of Olivet and Pella Churches, during which time he preached at Leighton, and organized a church there. His relationship with the churches being dissolved in the summer of 1876, the church was supplied one year by Rev. Kier, one year by Rev. Mathews, at intervals by Rev. Jennings. Rev. T. C. Strauss, Rev. P. Bliss and Rev. Shafer. The church now numbers thirty -five members, who have during 18)S,5 and 1886 repaired their building at a cost of about i!*400. The present Elders are D. F. Laughlin and George Barnes. The first Sunday-School was organized at Prairie College in 185o, with D. F. Laughlin as Superiutend- dent. This school received from the Sunday-School Union, a Sabbath-School library. Since that time a school has been kept up most of the time during the summer season until about four years ago, since when it has been constantl}- kept up in Olivet Church summer and winter, with a good attendance. Each one in attendance is furnished with a weekly paper and lesson-paper. D. D. Ross is the present Superintendent. There was Methodist Episcopal preaching at an early date, a class being organized as earlj' as 1 847 or 1848, which continued until the winter of 1882, when Rev. Richards held a series of meetings and organized a Methodist Protestant Church, including a portion of the old Methodist Episcopal, and some others, numbering in all twenty-two members. Adam Laughlin was chosen Class-Leader, and Will- iam Laughlin, Steward. The Methodist Protestant Church is just completing a new building at Olivet Station, at a cost of about |!l,"200, where they held their annual conference in September, 1886. There is one Old-School Baptist organization that has held regular services since 1880 in the Greely School-house. Rev. Aaron Wood is the present preacher. Tiiere was a Tunker organization in the town- ship, which in the fall of 1875 held its annual meeting about three-fourths of a mile west of Olivet Church. There was a Methodist Episcopal church at Belle- fontaine for a number of years, which was moved to Tracy. nas3sj5. m Km i =1 i ii i ■ X :x ,. I H I' It "•in BE I r??^?^^'7i?^ I3C til 150 15| 3S 1 1 1 1-- 1: 1 1 i;j In i;i 1;. I -:■, i; L: I? Ir, i; Ir \=; l-ll 1=:; \% i| la I I 1 1 IE I I I 1 = The first school in Scott Township was a snb- scriptitni school taught by Williuni Pope, in tlie win- ter of 1846-47. It was quiti' well attended, and would have averaged about thirt.v. The names of those who attended this school and still reside in Ma- haska County-, are ?Mrs. John R. Barnes, Mrs. Christian Iloiitz. Mr. IX I). Uossaud Mr. Z. Delasli- niutt. The house was a log cabin, with slab benches, one glass window, one large crack with greased paper, a mud and stick chimney, and the historic back log. It stood on the bank of the Des Moines River, on land which is now the site of Rochester. The first school in a house built by taxation for the purjjose, was a term of four months taught in Prairie College in the winter of I850-.51 by .John Thompson, at ?! 14 per month. The expenses were paid in part by public funds and part by patrons. The number of pupils enrolknl was thirty-four. Prairie College was a frame building 18x20 feet, completed in 18;j0, situated in District No. 2, Scott Township, and located on a half-acre lot of the southeast corner of the northeast (juarler of section 16, township 75 north, range 17 west. The building was burned the winter of 1867-68, after having done eighteen j'ears of service :is school- house, church and public iiall. There was a log .school-house liuilt by contribution in about 1848 or 1849, where school was held. Ver3' shortly' after the building of Prairie Col- lege, a frame school-house wasjcompleted at Roch- ester, and soon after this, one in the eastern part of the township, known as Western Academy. These three were the first frame buildings. There are now (in 1886) seven school-houses in tlie townshi)), and good school privileges uniler the Indepeniient District System. This township pays its teachers as high vvages as are paid in the count}'. SPKINU tKKEK TOWNSHIP. LTHOUGH much broken, almost the entire township is suscei>tible of cultivation, good crops being the rule either in dry or wet seasons. In addition to its value as a farm- ing country, the land is underlaid with coal, much if which is now lieinjr taken out. The settlement of the township dates from the morning of May I , 1843, several of its pioneers anxiouslj' waiting the striking of the clock at niidniglit giving notice that the Indian title wiis extinct, and that the fair land of Mahaska County was now thrown open for set- tlement. Among those in waiting, and who lost no time in securing their claims were Poultney Loughridge, John McAllister, Edwin Mitciiell, Robert .Alitchcll. and Patterson Martin, who soon brought in their families. .lolm McAllister came from Muskingum County, Ohio, of which State he is thought to liavc been :i native. He remained an lionored citizen of the township for many years, but finally moved to Kansas, where he has since died. Poultnej' Loughridge wiis a native of l'cnu>yl- vania, but came to thus State from Ohio. Kew men are better known among the pioneers than I'oult- ney Loughi-idge, a well written sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this volume. Edwin Mitchell and Robert Mitchell were also from Ohio. Edwin died at a very earl}' dsiy, Rob- ert surviving him for some years, but both dying in Spring Creek Township. Mr. .Stiifford came in the summer of 1848, and located near Loughridge's. lie was the first of a large settlement of Friends, who have since located in Spring Creek and adji>ining townships. When the claim club was organized, on account of his peace principles, Mr. Stafforil refused to become a member, trusting his claim would be respected, and he be permitted to purchiuse without trouble. A speculator thought as Mr. Stafford was not a member of the club he would be permitted to ob- tain possession, but the members of the club gave him to understand that they would defend Mr. Stafford's rights. The speculator didn't buy. Mr. Stafford died some j'ears ago. The nearest post-ottice at the time the first set- tlers came in, was at Fairfield, Jett'erson Cotinty. To thispl.ace the whole neighborhood sent at inter- vals a messenger to bring their nuiil. Fairfield wa.-- also the nearest trading point. There wa.-. marrying and giving in marriage in that early day. The first one of which the histor- ian obtained kn^>wledge, wa> that of \\illian> Staf- 'H -i mm o4G MAHASKA COUNTY. H^? II m HI : m ford and Eliza Stanley, which occurred in 1845. Mrs. Stafford died in lcS53. The first birth is supposed to have been that of John Mitchell, who was born in 1844. Spring Creek has the honor of having the first school in the county. It was held in the summer of 1844 by Miss Semira A. Ilobbs, now Mrs. T. (i. Phillips, of Oskaloosa. In the educational article on another page will be found an account of this school. There are now nine good schools. There is no village in this township. UNION TOWNSHIP. , NE of the best tovvnships in Mahaska County' is that of Union, comprising township 77, range 1.0. It is bounded on the east by Pleasant Grove, on the west by Prairie, the north by Poweshiek County, and the south by Adams Township. On the organization of the county it comprised five congressional townships, three in Poweshiek County and two in Mahaska. The Poweshiek township was detached shortly before the organization of that countj-, and what is now Pleasant Grove in 1850. Among the early settlers of the township were John Morrison, IS'athan Brown, Jacob Dalby, Isaac N. Griffith, John Widows, Jacob Klinker, .Jesse JNIoon, Fred Weirner, Benja- min Groves, Anderson James, John McMains, John Deardorf, John Graham, Daniel Rogers and Robert Tilford, tlie latter being yet an honored resident. In the forty-four years since the first settlement was made, it cannhi|i, all of which arc oc- cupied the greater |i;irt of the year. In leligious matters, the Christians and Methodists seem to be »■ in the lead, each having church edifices and hold- ing regular services. Among the leading citizens of the township at present, are William Stewart, Abner Allen, Robert Tilford, A. C. Doze, Hardin Tice, S. Knowlton, Alonzo Rockwell, Dr. J. II. Fry and J. E. Ogborn. A village was laid out in this township at quite an early da3', and a post-offlce established in 1855, which is still maintained, P. D. Taylor being the present Postmaster. There is a good flouring-mill in tlie place and one general store, no railroad, and consequentl}^ in a bad condition so far as pres- ent or future prosperity is concerned. WHITE OAK TOWNSHIP. ^HE South Skunk River cuts this township in almost equal parts, entering on section 7, and pursuing a circuitous course, passes out from section "24. This takes from the township a large amount of land, the river bottoms being valuable only for their limber, which is abundant and of good quality. While much of the laud is verj' broken, there are yet many fine farms within its borders, and many excellent citizens, enterprising and hos- pitable. The first settlement in this township is dated from May 1, 1843, M. Kinsman, Alex. Troy, Henry Bond, William Bridges, James Stanfleld, John and William Butler, being the pioneers. Here was the celebrated Indian village of Kish-ke-kosh, from the ruins of which some material for the first cabin was obtained. As the township settled up schools were opened and religious services were held, the first school, it is said, being held in 1845. There are now nine good school Imildiugs in the township, a fine graded school being held in Rose Hill. At an early day, a village taking the name of Oxford was laid out on section "20, and for a time it appeared tliat it would have more than a name. But like many other towns throughout the West it was "'snuffed out" by railroads in proximit}' to, but not in its borders. White Oak post-ollice is still kept on the site of the old town, (». R. (Jaskell being Postmas- ter. Mr. Gaskell has been keeping here a general 1 ■3 J J JJUI 11. i.^ J- fc. ^ ■ ]« AH ASK A COUNTY ■1J-: a:;S i1 fi,: P ;;! !■; 1-; \=: 1 = ^■: Tj : ■i;.: L : r- U-: li i ,-1) : 1:! 1:5 store since 1 871 , and carries a fine stock of goods, a stock that would compare favorably with nianj- kept in tiic larger towns. On section 7 is the well-known Currier Mills, which has been in existence for nearly forty 3'ears, and which has supi)lied farmers for miles around with Hour equal to the best. The village of Hose Hill is the only one in the township. Rose Hill is the outgrowth of the building of the Oskaloosa branch of the C. R. 1. & P. R. II., and was laid out on the completion of the road to Os- kaloosa in 1875. It is situated on sections 3 and 10, on hind formerly owned by James Ornhaum and A. Williams, and is about ten miles east of Os- kaloosa. The first business house was built in 1875 by Bailey' avidS 283 Davis, John D 342 Dawson, Walter E 415 Dillcy, Moyd 385 Dillcy. J 387 Dixon* G. £ 354 Dixon, J. N 437 Doak, J. VV 22a Doak, Robert 296 Dornan, Mrs. Elizabeth 343 Douglas. J. H 284 Downing, W.J 302 Downs, O. M Doze, A. C Drennan, J. M . . Driiry, Casper. . . Dumont, Richard Duncan, G. N. . Durfee, W. A... Dye, R. W E . -236 -•339 ..369 344 ..afg ■•477 . .296 ■•37*» Ebey, Capt. Thomas 306 Edgar, W'm. .S 278 Ellsworth, I,. F . .380 Else, John J .370 Emmert, T. B 385 Evans, J. H 482 Evans, Sarah J 333 Eveland, Freeman 343 Eveland, H 35r. A. C 2.1: Wilkinson, John P 4:.< W'illhoite, Harriet '; Williams, John C ?' 1 Williams. Hon. M. T 31- Williams. L. O 214 Williams. Wm. F. 202 Wilson, Milton . 456 Wilson, Mitchcl 445 \N'indcr, James 17: W'inder, W. W 47 Wing. Charles r Wolcott. Wallace T i - Wolfe, Jacob 2 ; Woodruff, C :■" Woodworth,E. M 4 , Wyntore, .Amos 263 Wymorc, F. M .. 33Q Y Young, Milton 400 L^^i Zaring, J Zaring, J. W. Zear, John. . . ^irai D3. -Adams, John 22 Adams, John Quincy 38 Allen. Capt. L. J 180 Arthur, Chester A 98 Briggs. .\nscl no Buchanan, James 74 Carpenter, Cyrus Clay 138 Cleveland, .S, Grover loa Fillmore. Millard 66 Finley. J. W 362 Finley, Mrs. Elizabeth 363 Garfield, James A 94 Gear, John H 146 (.Irant. Ulysses S 86 Grimes, James W 118 Harrison, Wm. H 50 Hayes, Rutherford B 90 Hempstead, Stephen 114 Hoopes, John B 938 Howe, Prof.W. L 294 Jackson, Andrew 43 Jackson, C.J 256 Jefferson, Thomas 26 Johnson, Andrew 82 Johnson, R. H 197 Jones, S.W ..430 Kirkwood, Samuel J 120 Larrabec. VN'illiam 154 Lincoln, Abraham 78 Lowe, Ralph P 122 Madison, James *o McNeill, W. A 47-1 McNeill. H. W 464 Merrill, Samuel 134 M oil roc, J antes 34 Ncwbold. Joshua G 142 Nichols, A. S 274 Nichols, Mrs. Mary 27s Oskaloosa Business College.. 293 Oskaloosa College 515 Pierce, Franklin 70 Polk. James K 58 Eta 1^:: I Uicc, M. M 168 Seevtrs, Hon.W.H 252 Sherman, Buren R 150 Sopher, Wm. R 218 Sopher, Mrs. Ai;ncs 219 Smith, Wm. T 328 Stone, William N 130 Taylor, Zachary 02 Tyler, John 54 Van Buren, Martin 46 Washington. Cieorce 18 White. John 'v* While. Marlh.i J uv rmiinrmnmi V A(| /^ Ar Id rj^Li ij i-:i 552 INDEX. HIST©RICJLm mi iHii! IH INTRODUCTORY INDIAN HISTORY EARLY SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATION Acts of County Judge. Acts of Board of Super visors WAR FOR THE UNIOIs' COURTS AND BAR EDUCATIONAL Oskaloosa College Penu College Oskaloosa Business Col lege THE PRESS Oskaloosa Herald Reform Leader The Times Democratic Con.serv'ator Saturday Globe New Sharon Star Oskaloosa Times MISCELLANEOUS ■" " 497 Coal Interests 522 Madison 499 Agriculture 523 Monroe CITY OF OSKALOOSA 525 Pleasant Grove 502 City Government 526 Prairie 508 Educational 527 Richland 505 Religious 528 Scott Societies 531 Spring Creek 505 Banking 532 Union Gas Works 533 White Oak 507 509 512 514 Electric Light Water Works Insurance Library 533 534 534 534 VILLAGES Agricola Beacon Bellefoutaine 516 I iling Manufacturing 534 535 Fremont 294 Fire Department 535 Granville 517 517 TOWNSHIP HISTOR- Indianapolis IES Adams 536 536 Lacey Leighton 519 Black Oak 536 Muchachinock 519 Cedar 537 New Sharon 520 East Des Moines 537 Olivet 520 West Des Moines 538 Oxford o21 Garfield 538 Peoria 521 Harrison 589 Rochester 522 Jefferson 539 Taintor 'i^^y^-'^ff^M^^ . imnu i/^i-'i-'r^"'^ ■ J»n i«« T»«rTx irTriP3irr; i It ^' '^