USA > Iowa > Mills County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 79
USA > Iowa > Fremont County > A biographical history of Fremont and Mills Counties, Iowa > Part 79
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AUSTIN G. FISHER.
Since an early period in the pioneer de- velopment of Fremont county, Austin G. Fisher has been a resident of this portion
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of the state, where he is known as a repre- sentative farmer and stock-raiser. He is a (lescendant of sturdy New England an- cestry, and was born November 1. 1817, in Washington county, Ohio. His grandfa- ther, Daniel Fisher, was colonel of a Massa- chusetts regiment in the war of the Revolu- tion, and about 1800 he removed to Ohio, becoming a resident of that section of the country before the Buckeye state was ad- mitted to the Union. He located in Wash- ington county, purchased a tract of land and continued the development of his farm throughout his remaining days. He lived a quiet and unassuming but honest and up- right life, commanding the respect of those with whom he was associated. In his family were the following children, namely: An- drew; Seth; Austin: Deborah, who became Mrs. Gilman ; Mrs. Draper : Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. Frances Dana.
Andrew Fisher, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, and spent his time there till early manhood, when he moved to Ohio. He was married first in Washington county, that state, in the year 1806, to Miss Mary Gray, a daughter of Captain Gray, who was engaged in the siege and storming of Stony Point and served throughout the war which brought independence to the nation. Subsequently he removed to Washington county, Ohio, lo- cating at Waterford Landing, on the Mus- kingum river, where he spent his remaining days, his time and energies being devoted to agricultural pursuits. In his family were six children, namely: Mrs. Rebecca Hay- ward, Mrs. Charlotte Hayward, Mrs. Clara Hart, Mrs. Mary Fisher, William and Han- ford. Andrew Fisher and his wife Mary re- sided in Washington county, Ohio, until her
death, which occurred about 1822. She left the following named children: Maria, who became the wife of J. Loring : Amanda, wife of William M. Dodge : Mrs. Elizabeth Root; Mary, the wife of C. R. Ames; Theodore A .; and Austin G. After the mother of this family had passed away Mr. Fisher, the father, wedded Mrs. Barris, a widow, and they had one daughter, Mrs. Sibyl Patton. After the death of his first wife Mr. Fisher removed to Athens county, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days. He was a hatter by trade, but in his early life he took keel- boats down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, trading produce to the coast people. In his religious faith he was a Universalist.
As the father left but a small estate Aus- tin G. Fisher and the other members of the family were early forced to start out in life on their own account. After his mother's death our subject resided with relatives and friends and when old enough engaged in farm work. He is truly a self-made man, for everything that he possesses has been acquired through liis well-directed efforts. His education was obtained in the public schools, but his mental training was some- what limited, owing to the necessity of his providing for his own support. He remained in Ohio until he had attained his majority, when he made his way to Illinois. Subse- quently he traveled to some extent and fol- lowed boating. When he arrived in the Prairie state he took up his abode in Monroe county and engaged in the cooper's trade. It was customary for people of that time to cut the trees that grew on government land, and this he did. He also engaged in coopering to some extent and followed any pursuit that would yield him an honest liv- ing. He had nothing to lose and a fortune
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to make. From Monroe county he removed to Morgan county, where he engaged in clerking in a store for one year, after which he took up his abode in Peoria, Illinois, where he was also employed as a salesman for about a year. In 1841-42 a financial panic was felt throughout the country and his em- plovers lost everything they had, so that Mr. Fisher was left without work. He then made his way to his old home in Wash- ington county, Ohio, and spent the winter there, after which he engaged to go down the river on a flatboat to New Orleans. From that city he worked his passage back on a steamboat, and during three of four months he certainly experienced very hard service. Steamboat work at that time was anything but desirable for white men, who were em- ployed side by side with the negroes and were treated no better. As Mr. Fisher ex- presses it "he saw the elephant from head to heels." Such surroundings were ex- tremely humiliating to Mr. Fisher and he therefore determined to enter some other walk of life. Arriving at St. Louis dirty and ragged, he would not allow any of his acquaintances to see him before he had had opportunity to change his clothing and dress more in accordance with the surroundings which he felt were his rightful environ- ments.
Returning to Morgan county, Illinois. Mr. Fisher entered the service of a huckster to drive teams and gather produce. There he remained for about a year, when he se- cured a position in the service of a doctor in Mason county, who employed him to carry on his farm. In 1846 Mr. Fisher married and continued to conduct the farm until he had saved enough money to purchase a tract of land of his own. In 1850 his wife died.
Ile afterward engaged in teaching school two winters and was then again married and resumed work upon his farm, which he had secured by locating Mexican land warrants. He improved his land, making it a valuable tract. He saw a great development in the county, for when he located here there were only four hundred voters within its borders. In 1852 he was nominated as a candidate to represent Mason and Logan counties in the legislature. but was defeated by forty- four votes. In politics he was then a Whig and afterward he became a strong Repub- lican. While in Mason county he served as a justice of the peace and since coming to Fremont county he has filled the office of township trustee. He remained, however, in Illinois until after all but one of his chil- dren were born. In 1874 he sold his prop- erty and came to Iowa, taking up his abode upon the farm where he vet lives. He bough one hundred and sixty acres of land. The farm was fenced and land broken, and soon well developed fields brought to him a good return for his labors. He also erected a commodious two-story frame residence, in which he yet resides, and with character- istic energy continued the work of the farm, which has brought to him an excellent finan- cial return. To his landed possessions he has added until the homestead comprises four hundred and thirty acres. Ile also purchased and improved another farm, which he gave to his daughter.
Mr. Fisher has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Elizabeth Kemp, who was born in Mason county, Illinois, a daughter of Abel Kemp. a native of New York and one of the early settlers of Mason county. where he located in 1836. In the east he had followed shoemaking, but after emigrat-
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ing westward he became the owner of a large tract of land and engaged in the tilling of the soil through a long period. Subsequently he removed to Wisconsin, where he retired from active life, making his home among his children until he was called to his final rest. He was the father of six children, namely : Mrs. Fisher, James, Daniel, Mrs. Mary Simpson, Sarah, who died at the age of fifteen years, and N. J. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were born three children : Amanda, the wife of G. B. Cluett, of Troy, New York ; Maria, the wife of C. W. Newell, of Nebraska ; and Frank, who is also living in that state. The mother of this family passed away and Mr. Fisher afterward mar- ried Miss Euphame Brown, a native of New York and a daughter of Joseph Brown, of the Empire state, who came to Illinois about 1848 and followed farming until his death, which occurred in Mason county. He had six children : DeWitt (C., a resident of Mason county, Illinois ; Mrs. Harriet Eldred, who died in Wisconsin: Robert; Jane, the wife of A. S. Blakeley ; Mrs. Emily P. Mul- ford. now deceased : and Euphame, deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher was blessed with eight children: Alice, the wife of Joseph Cope, now living in Arizona ; Al- bert, of Iowa; Clara, the wife of E. C. New- ell, of Nebraska; Mrs. Fanny Gilbert, of Fremont county ; Jessie, at home; A. G., who is managing the old homestead farm; Bertha, at home: and Lydia E., who is now employed as a stenographer in the city of New York. The mother of this family died December 22, 1895, respected by all who knew her.
In the evening of life Mr. Fisher is com- fortably situated in a very pleasant home amidst his children and friends, who enter-
tain for him the highest respect and esteem. His has been an honorable and useful career, and as one of the most venerable citizens of sterling worth he well deserves mention in this volume.
WILLIAM EATON.
William Eaton has through his own well directed efforts won a position among the leading lawyers of southwestern Iowa. He owes his advancement to no outside aid or influence, having depended entirely upon earnest and indefatigable labor for the suc- cess which he desired. He resides in Sid- ney, where he has a large and representa- tive clientage, having for a number of years been connected with important litigation tried in the courts of his district.
William Eaton was born October 9, 1849, near Denmark, in Washington town- ship, Lee county, Iowa. His father, Eben- ezer Ansil Eaton, was born at Phillipston, Massachusetts, November 8, 1810, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1838 he emi- grated westward, casting in his lot with the early settlers of Lee county, Iowa, and there remaining until the spring of 1853, when with ox-teams he crossed the plains to California. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home upon the Pacific coast, however, for his death occurred in the Golden state in September. 1854. In 1833 he had married Miss Elizabeth Selfridge Rice, who was born July II, 1817, at Templeton, Massachusetts, and died in Henry county, Iowa, June 7, 1891.
William Eaton was reared amid the scenes of rural life and his experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of farmer boys. He assisted in the cultivation of the
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home farm until he started out to make his own way in the world. His parents were in limited financial circumstances and he had only such opportunities as he could provide for himself. He early manifested a love for study and availed himself of every opportunity for the improvement of his mind. He read extensively, and after mastering the branches taught in the com- mon schools he engaged in teaching, and with the money thus earned pursued the scientific course of study taught in the Den- mark Academy, in Denmark, lowa, where he was graduated in 1872. School teach- ing also provided him with the necessary funds for pursuing his law studies. He entered the law department of the Jowa State University, at Iowa City, and there remained until the time of his graduation in 1874. The determination which he man- ifested in securing his education indicated the elemental strength of his character and gave promise of future success. After his admission to the bar he located in Sidney. Iowa, where he began practice on the 2d of October. 1874. In his profession he has been successful. Thorough study has given 'him comprehensive understanding of the principles of jurisprudence, and these he ap- plies with accuracy to the points at issue. Financial success has also been vouchsafed him in return for his labor and legal abil- ity, and since 1882 he has invested largely in land and farming interests.
On the 4th of August, 1874. in Morri- sonville. Illinois, Mr. Eaton was united in marriage to Annie Elizabeth Grundy, who was born in Newark, England, in 1849, and in 1853 went to Bureau county, Illinois, with her parents. Henry and Ruth ( Glad- son ) Grundy. Two children have been
born unto Mr. and Mrs. Eaton: Elmer Eugene, born September 14, 1876; and Lil- liam, born December 21, 1879. In his church relations Mr. Eaton is a Methodist. holding membership with the church of that denom- ination in Sidney. In his political affilia- tions he is a Republican and is recognized as one of the active workers of the party in this portion of the state. In 1892 he was alternate delegate at large to the Republi- can national convention and was district alternate delegate to the Republican na- tional convention held in St. Louis, in 1896, and district delegate to the Republican na- tional convention in Philadelphia in 1900. In 1880 he was appointed by Governor Gear as district attorney for the fifteenth judicial district, to fill a vacancy, and was county attorney of Fremont from 1887 until 1890. In the fall of 1893 he was elected to the state senate from the seventh lowa district, comprising Page and Fremont counties, and was re-elected in 1897. receiv- ing both nominations by acclamation. Mr. Eaton is a man entirely free from ostenta- tion, straightforward and reliable, and com- mands respect and confidence wherever he is known.
JAMES N. SUMMERS.
When Mills county was located upon the western frontier, when the greater part of its land was in possession of the govern- ment and pioneer homes were few and far between. James Newton Summers, now de- ceased. came to the county and throughout the remainder of his life devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and to the faithful discharge of his duties of cit- izenship, winning high regard by reason of
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his straightforward dealing and his fidelity to manly principles. He was a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Taze- well county, on the 20th of August, 1829. He was a representative on the paternal side of one of the old families of North Carolina, and his father, John Summers, was a native of that state, whence he emigrated to Illi- nois at a very early day. He married Em- ily Woodrow, who was a descendant of Richard Withrow, a native of Ireland, who founded the family in the new world. In the intervening years the orthography of the name has undergone a change to its present form. The parents of our subject spent their last days in Illinois, the mother dying in April, 1835, while the father passed away many years later, at the ripe old age of sev- enty-two. They had five children, but only two are now living, Harvey and William. One son, Milton, died during the Civil war, while serving in the Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
Amid the wild scenes of frontier life James Summers was reared and was thus fitted for his pioneer experiences in Iowa. Schools were of a primitive character and his education was therefore rather limited, but his training at farm work was not meager. In the year 1854 the brothers of the family decided to seek homes in Iowa and came to Mills county, which was just being opened to civilization. The govern- ment offered its lands at a merely nominal price to those who would convert the raw prairie into cultivated fields, and the Sun- mers brothers therefore secured large tracts. James became the owner of a farm and with characteristic energy began its development. It was situated in White Cloud township and had hitherto been unimproved, but as time passed, acre after acre was placed
under the plow and began to yield good re- turns.
Mr. Summers was united in marriage in early manhood to Miss Charlotte Raines, a native of Missouri, and she became the mother of three children, two of whom are yet living. as follows : Lillian E., now Mrs. Palmer, and John Henry. After the death of his first wife Mr. Summers was again married on the 9th of June, 1873, to Miss Ella J. Brown, who was born in Tazewell, county, Illinois. She had seven children, six of whom are living, namely : Ross B. ; Eunice E., now Mrs. Carl E. Axtell .; Laura B .; Strayer S .; J. N .; and Arvilla M. Mrs. Summers is a daughter of Dr. Alfred and Sarah (Griswold) Brown. Her father was born in 1810, and was a grandson of Henry and Lydia (Humphrey) Brown. The for- mer was called "Continental Brown" owing to his activity in connection with the affairs of the Continental army which he joined in 1775. In April of that year he enlisted and served for six days following the alarm at Lexington, and was afterward with the First Connecticut Regiment. He was a member of the company commanded by Captain Woolcott. In 1781 he received a commis- sion as sergeant. From the First Connec- ticut Regiment he was transferred to the New York troops, serving under General Lafayette. He participated in the battle of Bunker Hill, the first important engagement of the war, and was also present at the sur- render of Cornwallis at Yorktown. In an engagement he was wounded in one of the limbs, and after leaving the army he was always known as "Continental Brown." In recognition of his services he was granted a pension by the government. Henry Brown was the father of Lyman Brown, who mar-
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ried Sarah Tryon, a daughter of Lord Tryon, of England, who was also in the Revolutionary war. Their son, Dr. Alfred Brown, was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hooker Griswold, who was born in 1810. At an early day they became resi- dents of Illinois, emigrating westward from Connecticut, making the journey in an ox cart. The Doctor. engaged in the practice of medicine for fifty or sixty years and both he and his wife spent their last days in Taze- well county, Illinois.
Our subject and his wife continued to reside on the old homestead until 1891, when his life's labors were ended in death. She still resides upon the farm and is one of the highly esteemed ladies of the com- munity. Mr. Summers was a man of strong purpose, honorable in all his deal- ings, and to his family left the priceless her- itage of an untarnished name.
DAVID AITKEN.
A very prominent farmer and veteran of the Civil war who lives upon a cultivated farm in Mills county, lowa, is David Ait- ken. the subject of this sketch. He was born near Glasgow, Scotland. December 20, 1828. His father, John Aitken, came to America in 1852, spending six weeks on the ocean voyage, and landed in New York, go- ing from there to Carbondale, Pennsylvania, at which place he died in 1877. at the age of eighty-four. He had married Ellen Pol- lock, who passed away but a short time be- fore at the age of eighty. They had reared the following children: John, who was killed near Scranton, Pennsylvania. when about thirty years old: Mrs. Ellen Law, a widow living at Pittston, Pennsylvania :
David, our subject: Valentine, who died in Oakland, California: Janet, who married George Stephens, of Susquehanna county. Pennsylvania; and James, who reside in Wilksbarre, Pennsylvania.
Our subject received only such educa- tional advantages as were offered by the dis trict schools of his locality. His father had a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and it was the duty of David to assist in clearing up the land as quickly as possible. He was made useful in picking up brush and preparing fire-wood and doing the chores of a farm boy until he was able to take his place at the plow. Until he was twenty-two years old he remained at home, at that time engaging with the Delaware and Hudson railroad to draw coal to the canal, for this work receiving eighty cents a day, providing his own food. For three years he worked for the Pennsylvania railroad as the mana- ger of the force that attended to the unhook- ing of cars in the yards, leaving this situa- tion, in 1852, to make a trip to California. by way of the isthmus. From June to Au- gust he was on the way, but at length reache. i the land of gold and engaged at work in the Feather river placer mines. AAll his life Mr. Aitken has had the happy faculty of be- ing able to adapt himself to circumstances, and when he found he was not earning enough in the mines, he left there and ac- cepted a position as a steward in a hotel at Johnson ranch, where he remained two years. receiving in wages his board and fifty dol- lars per month. At that date he returned to Carbondale, Pennsylvania, again taking the isthmus route. In his active life Mr. Aitken has made three trips to California. "without getting rich." as he expresses it. In 1861 our subject enlisted, in Missouri,
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in the state service for six months. At the expiration of that time he enlisted for nine months, in the Second Nebraska Cavalry; and the third time, in the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, for the rest of the war. His dis- charge was received at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in the fall of 1865, when he re- turned here. He receives twelve dollars per month in pension money.
Mr. Aitken is a stanch Republican and claims the right to express and advance his views. He takes an intelligent interest in all public affairs, although he does not desire office. He owns eighty acres of fine land, and his sons own one hundred and twenty more, but Mr. Aitken has retired from ac- tive work on the farm.
Our subject was married in 1851 to Miss Janette Gillespie, and four sons and four daughters grew up to maturity, re- spected by the community where they are known. These are: Ellen and Elizabeth, twins, the former of whom married Henry Chaney, in Pottawattamie county, Iowa : the latter also married; Thomas, who lives near the old home, is a widower and has his devoted mother with him at pres- ent : Mrs. Isabel Lathrop, who is a widow living at Carbondale; William; Walter; Margaret, who married Daniel Martin and resides in Missouri ; and Charles, who is the farmer on the home place. He married Miss Jane Patten, a daughter of J. K. Patten, of this neighborhood. Mrs. Aitken is a well preserved woman and looks after the affairs of hier sons on their farm, at the present. her pleasant and thrifty ways making every- thing tidy and comfortable around them. Both she and Mr. Aitken are good and wor- thy members of the Church of Christ, and all of the sons, except one, have adopted the
religious views of their excellent parents. The family is a representative one, well known and esteemed by all with whom they come into compact.
OSCAR H. MARSH.
The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, who has acquired high reputation along the line toward which his energies have been directed, and whose social promi- nence is not less the result of an irreproach- able life than of the recognized natural gifts. It is a pleasing indulgence to write the biog- raphy of a man of this character. The coun- try has produced many brilliant men who in military or civil life have won prominence and honor ; most of our noblest and best men are self-made, and Mr. Marsh is a represen- tative of this class, for his life has been de- voted to labors wherein wealth and influence availed little or naught, the measure of suc- cess depending upon the mentality, intellect- ual acquirements and broad culture of the individual. Mr. Marsh has left the imprint of his individuality on each place in which, for any length of time, he has resided, and has opened to many the portals of knowl- edge, wherein memory's casket may be filled with the choicest gems-the only treasures which we may safely call our own. As an educator and writer he is now widely known, familiarity through the medium of books with the most gifted minds of every nation and of every clime has well qualified him for his incumbency as superintendent of the pub- lic schools of Mills county.
Oscar Hamdon Marsh is descended from notable ancestry on both his father's and mother's sides, the mother belonging to
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the well known Snyder family of Pennsyl- vania, while his father comes from that branch of the Marsh family which gained prominence through the invention of the machine harvester. The subject of this re- view was born near Williamsport, Pennsyl- vania, in 1864, and began his education in the district schools. His father's interest in educational matters led the son to read and study much at home. He was provided with good privileges in the line of mental training. When a youth of fifteen he became a student in the preparatory department of what is now Susquehanna University, at Selin's Grove, Pennsylvania, where he studied for four years. He was prominent in literary and historical circles and was the editor of the Philo, one of the society journals, for several years. He continued his education in Pennsylvania College, where he matricu- lated as a junior in 1883, and at once took high rank in literature, languages and his- tory. While a student in that institution he also acted as president of the Phrenokosmian Literary Society, which he represented on a number of public occasions. He was also a member of the Beta Chapter of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, which he represented with great credit in several oratorical and literary contests.
Professor Marsh's first step after leaving school was to take up the study of law. He devoted his leisure time to a perusal of the most reliable text-books on the science of jurisprudence, and in 1886 was admitted to the bar, after which he successfully engaged in practice for a year. On the expiration of that period, however, he came west to accept the position of principal in the schools of Oakland, Towa, where he remained for four years, during which time the education-
al system of that city was largely improved. the schools being placed upon a splendid basis. Three years later, while acting as principal of the schools of Emerson, his suc- cess as an educator became so well .known that the people of Mills county elected him county superintendent in the fall of 1897. His county is strongly Republican and Pro- fessor Marsh is an advocate of the Democra- cy, but his political opinions seemed to have naught to do with his election to the office. for his fellow citizens recognize his worth and ability in the line of his chosen calling and know that the schools are in efficient hands. His enthusiasm, ability and strong personality have inspired both teachers and pupils to raise the standard of education high- er. His efforts have led to an increase of twenty per cent in the salaries of the teach- ers. Libraries have been placed in every school and the work of the teachers has been rendered much more effective. Pro- fessor Marsh is a prominent member of the Teachers' State Association, and in Decem- ber, 1900, he was elected president of the county superintendents' section of that or- ganization. He is also an active member of the Educational Council and his services are ever in demand as a teacher and lecturer in normal institutes.
Professor Marsh has gained a reputation as the author of some excellent works on American history. He compiled and pub- lished a volume entitled Aids in United States History, which is now widely used in Iowa, and he expects soon to issue a unique work entitled Incidents and Anec- dotes of American History. He has devoted much of his spare time to the subject and has one of the largest libraries of historical works in the state. His enthusiasm for
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history amounts to an inspiration and makes him a valuable institute instructor. He is the holder of life diplomas from the states of Pennsylvania and Iowa, and his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of mas- ter of arts.
In 1888 Professor Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Stella G. Beebe, of Corry. Pennsylvania, a lady of superior culture and literary refinement. £ She has also devoted much of her life to educational work and is now one of the most accomplished and effi- cient primary teachers in the Glenwood schools. Neither the Professor or his wife confine their reading exclusively to the things which pertain to their life work but have given much attention to the subjects of general interest. They are broad-minded people, thoroughly in touch with the ad- vanced thought, progress and movements of the day, and their labors in social and in- tellectual circles in Mills county have com- manded the highest respect and regard of all with whom they have been associated.
JOSEPH M. WORTMAN.
One of the well known and highly re- spected citizens of Deer Creek township. Mills county, Iowa, who is also an honored veteran of the Civil war, is Joseph M. Wort- man. Mr. Wortman was born in 1839, in the state of Ohio. His father, Jacob Wort- man, was a native of Virginia, and his moth- er, Valeria O. (Elliott) Wortman, was born in the state of New York.
Jacob Wortman passed his last days in Mills county, Iowa, where he had removed with his family in 1856. He had served faithfully a short term under General Jack- son in the war of 1812, and afterward en-
gaged in Indian warfare. Benjamin Wort- man, an uncle, served through the war of 1812 and through the Indian war, and one cousin, Benjamin Wortman, served in the Mexican war, the family seeming to have a taste for military life, our subject also mak- ing a brilliant record for himself in that line. The mother of our subject removed from New York, where she was born, to Ken- tucky, where she married, and passed her last days, after the removal of the family to Iowa.
When the Wortman family drove across the country from Ohio to Iowa, they found very different conditions from those they are now accustomed to prevailing in that then remote corner. The claim they bought was fertile, but for a time they had to face all the adversities of pioneer life, drought, wind and crop failure, and bear for some time the isolation that was inevitable, for few neigh- borly visits could be exchanged in those days. These conditions were experienced by our subject, and he now has his reward, in the ownership of a fine farm of nearly five hun- dred acres, upon which he resides in de- served comfort.
In 1861 Mr. Wortman left home and went to Omaha, where he enlisted in the First Nebraska Cavalry. but the regiment, not having its full number, was brought to Iowa and made a part of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, under Colonel Lowe. Its first move was to Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, from there being transferred to Fort Donel- son, where it engaged in the battle fought at that place in 1862. After that his regi- ment, now a part of the Army of the Cum- berland, engaged in the chase and capture of guerrillas through Tennessee and Kentucky, and took part in the terrible battle of Cor-
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inth, since which time many a family has worn the token of woe. Following this battle the regiment to which our subject belonged was detached, and combined with the Fourth Michigan Cavalry ( which cap- tured Jefferson Davis) and the Seventh Pennsylvania Regulars. The new organiza- tion became known as the Saber Brigade. and under General Minty became as famous through the country as the Iron Brigade. uncler General Bragg. These trained sol- diers were experts in sword practice, and their services were constantly in demand. at Stone River. Nashville, and all around Atlanta. On account of their skill and bravery this brigade was always placed at the front, and experienced hard fighting all through the war. As a cavalryman our sub- ject was frequently called upon to perform very hazardous picket and guard duty, often being exposed to the greatest dangers. Al- though escaping wounds he was captured by the enemy and placed in the terrible pris- on pen at Andersonville, contracting sick- ness there which necessitated a time in the hospital at Bedloe's island. after the close of the war. He was mustered out there in 1865. The war has long been happily over and its issues closed. but a grateful country cannot forget her heroes.
Mr. Wortman married Amanda M. Dolph, of the well known Dolph family, of Mills county, and two children were born to them, William S. and Mrs. Bertha White. Since the war. Mr. Wortman has been an ardent Republican and has filled a number of local offices, such as trustee and school director. Both he and his estimable wife belong to the United Brethren church. where they are beloved for their many vir- tues. The general estimate of Mr. Wortman
is that of a neighbor, a good man, whom every one in the neighborhood respects, and this is worthy praise.
HENRY E. SCHOENING.
Henry E. Schoening, one of the most thrifty and proseprous farmers of Mills coun- ty, was born in Holstein, Germany, October 28, 1838, his parents being Peter and Sylvia ( Karsten ) Schoening. The mother died in Germany, May 2, 1849, when fifty-six years of age but the father afterward came to the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1800. Hle took up his abode in Oak township. Mills county, becoming one of the successful farm- ers there, his attention being given to agri- cultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business career. He died No- vember 2, 1881, at the age of seventy-eight years, and is now survived by two of his four children, the brother of our subject being a resident farmer of Pottawattamie county. Iowa.
Henry E. Schoening spent the days of his boyhood under the parental roof and when nineteen years of age started out upon an independent business career. He has been a very successful farmer and stock-raiser and now owns over five hundred acres of valu- able land in Mills county, together with three hundred and twenty acres in Lancaster and Nance counties, Nebraska. He also has business interests in Council Bluffs, being a member of the firm of Peterson & Schoen- ing, dealers in hardware and furniture. On the 18th of August. 1865. Mr. Schoening was united in marriage to Miss Katrina Brockman, a daughter of Peter and Ida ( Boe) Brockman, natives of Holstein. Ger- many, whence they came to America in 1864,
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
locating first in Nebraska, where they re- mained for four years, and then removing to St. Marys township, in Mills county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schoening have been born eight children, as follows: Emma Mary, August William, Charlie Edward, Marquart C., Anna Katrina, Wilhelmina Christina. and Nelly Sophia and Martha Louise, who are deceased. The two oldest children are living in Nebraska upon farms of their own, while the other surviving members of the family are still with their parents. There is a grandchild, Ernest M. Geise, who is living with Mr. Schoening.
In his political views the subject of this review is a stanch Democrat, but cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He
has filled the offices of township clerk, as- sessor and trustee, and has been a member of the school board for twenty-eight years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. In all his public duties he has been found true and faithful, being known as a worthy and acceptable officer. His pleasant home is located about ten miles from Glen- wood and eight miles from Council Bluffs. Mr. Schoening is public-spirited in an emi- nent degree : national progress and local ad- vancement are both dear to the heart of this adopted and thoroughly loyal son of the re- public. His devotion to the country is above question, and no faithful son of America is more true to her institutions or more faith- ful to his duties of citizenship.
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