Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa, Part 37

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 484

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Edwin H. Addison is an attorney at law, loan collector, insurance and real estate agent of Maxwell, Iowa, and was born in Rock Island County, Ill., January 1, 1859, being a son of E. J. and Catherine (Colburn) Addison, who were born in Erie County, Penn., the former May 9, 1830, and the latter September 9, 1830, her death occurring in Polk County, Iowa, May 29, 1882. The father is now a banker in Eureka, Kas. After attending the public schools, Ed- win H. Addison, in 1876, entered Universalist College, at Mitchellville, where he spent three and one-half years. A part of this time was passed in reading law in the office of John Fay, and a part of the years 1879-80 he studied law under the instruction of Judge Jonah Given.

From 1880 to 1887 he was engaged in farming and buying and shipping stock in Polk Coun- ty, and although he is now giving his attention to his present business, he still owns his fine farm of 240 acres, five miles south of Maxwell. October 3, 1888, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Iowa, at Des Moines, and soon after opened an office at Maxwell, where he has since held forth. He is now one of the successful young attorneys of the coun- ty, and gives every promise of becoming a leader in his profession. He has always sup- ported the measures of the Republican party, and socially is a member of Lodge No. 463, of the I. O. O. F., of Maxwell. His marriage, which occurred on the 12th of February, 1880, was to Miss Mary Sherwood, a native of Illi- nois, born February 12, 1861, and to their union two children have been born: Anna E. and Hazel M. Mr. Addison came to Iowa with his parents in 1870, and during a twenty years' residence in this State he has taken an active part in all worthy movements.

Dr. Charles W. Allen is a leading physician and surgeon of Story County, Iowa, and is justly proud of the name he bears, which has descended to him from a long line of illustri- ous and honored ancestry. The first of the family in this country, of whom he has any knowledge, was Edward Allen, who was born in Ipswich, England, and was at one time an officer of Oliver Cromwell's army, but npon the enthronement of Charles II., king of England, he fled from the wrath of His Majesty, taking refuge in the New World, and in the State of Connecticut married, and reared the following family: John, born in 1660; Edward, in 1663; Elizabetlı, in 1665; Sarah, in 1667; William, in 1669; Martha, in 1671; Benjamin, in 1673; David, in 1676; Samuel, in 1679; Abigail, in 1681; Mary, in 1683 and Caleb, in 1685. Of this family, Edward, the second child, married

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and became the father of these named children: Elizabeth, born in 1686; Edward, in 1687; Mercy, in 1689; Sarah, in 1691; Martha, in 1694; Jemima, in 1696; Hannah, in 1698; Consider, in 1701 and Samuel, in 1702. The youngest of this family, Samuel, was born in Connecticut, married, and in time became the father of the following offspring: Samuel, born in 1729; Sarah, in 1730; Chloe, in 1731; Eunice, in 1733; Hannah, in 1735; Caleb, in 1737; Sam- uel, in 1738; Susanna, in 1739; Mercy, in 1741; Lamberton, in 1742; Enoch, in 1744, and Icha- bod, in 1746. Enoch was the next to the young- est in this family, and passed from life July 8, 1789, his children being thus named: Enoch, born May 6, 1772; Abishai, April 1, 1774; He- man, June 14, 1777; Aretas, July 30, 1779; Obed, September 19, 1781; Mercy, November 4, 1783; Eunice, May 14, 1786, and Joel, May 9, 1788, the latter being one of twins, the other twin dying. Joel was born in Ver- mont, and was married January 8, 1812, to Miss Lura Clapp, also of that State, and unto their union a family of eight children were born: Enoch, born December 5, 1812, and died June 10, 1831; Reuben C., born March 10, 1814; Asahel, born August 21, 1816; Lucre- tia A., born November 20, 1818; Joel, born January 21, 1821, and died June 26, 1840; He- man W., horn November 11, 1823; Horace, born December 18, 1827, and died December 16, 1829, and Celinda, born December 12, 1830. The parents of these children died April 18, 1868, and April 29, 1883, father and mother respectively. In this family Mercy Allen, a niece of Joel Allen, made her home for a great many years and died July 25, 1888, at the age of seventy-eight years. Reuben C., the second member of the above named family, was born in the " Green Mountain State " and was there married to Miss Amanda Dewey, also of that State, and by her became the father of two

children of whom Dr. Charles W. Allen, the im- mediate subject of this sketch, was one, his birth occurring in North Hero, Vt., in 1855. That the above facts are true in every respect, there can be no doubt, as they are copied from the old Deerfield (Connecticut) book of rec- ords, in the vicinity of which town the old homestead known as " The Bars " still exists. The house is still standing in which Samuel Allen, the great-great-grandfather, was slain by the Indians. Edward Allen, the first one of the family in this country, was one of a com- mittee appointed for the settlement of Suffield, Conn., in 1678, and received for his services a grant of sixty acres of land. Peter Dewey, Dr. Allen's maternal grandfather, was born in Vermont, on the 6th of January, 1770; his wife, formerly Miss Hannah Clapp, being born Jan- uary 5, 1789, also in that State, their marriage taking place August 3, 1808, and resulting in the birth of six children: Horace M., born June 1, 1811; Sarah, September 6, 1814; Ce- linda C., November 3, 1816; Amanda N., Jan- uary 18, 1819; Reuben C., June 10, 1825, and Lura F., July 7, 1831; all of whom are living except Reuben, who died August 11, 1876, and Sarah, who died January 1, 1846. Dr. Allen's father, Reuben C. Allen, was married twice, the first time on March 17, 1841, to Miss Sarah A. Dewey, by whom he became the father of three children: Lucien, born April 15, 1842; Lucius, born October 18, 1843, and died May 26, 1844, and Horace D., born June 16, 1845. The mother of these children passed to her long home January 1, 1846, and Mr. Allen afterward married Miss Amanda N. Dewey, on the 21st of September, 1847, and besides Dr. Charles W., who was born to them on the 17th of July, 1855, Hattie M. was born on the 23d of April, 1857. She married W. G. Robinson, October 14, 1886, and is living in Ness City, Kas. They have one child, Ethel

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F., born October 3, 1889. The Doctor's brother, Lucien, married Nancy A. Dodge, September 11, 1865, but she died November 3, 1876, without issue. Horace D. married Miss Lura E. Landon, November 21, 1878, and has two children: Lucy, born May 4, 1885, and a son born May 14, 1890. Dr. Charles W. Allen received excellent opportunities in his youth and early manhood, and his literary education was received in Dartmouth College, an institution he attended during 1875, after which he entered the University of Ver- mont, at Burlington, and was graduated from the same in June, 1879. During the fall of that year he traveled, and later he began the study of medicine in the Toledo School of Med- icine, at Toledo, O. In the spring of 1880 he returned to Vermont, and finished his medical education in the University, graduating in June, 1882, receiving the degree of A. M. in course. On the 16th of August, 1882, he was married to Miss Angie L. Stewart, a daughter of E. B. Stewart, of Vergennes, Vt. They now have two children : Carlton Stewart, who was born on the 4th of July, 1884, and Mary Harriet, born April 7, 1889. Dr. Allen first settled down to practic- ing his profession at Bristol, Vt., but in Janu- ary, 1883, came to Gilbert, Story County, Iowa, and the following year settled in Story City, where he has been a successful medical practi- tioner ever since. Socially he is connected with the State Medical Society, the Central District Medical and the Story County Medical Socie- ties. In his political views he is a Republican, and has been mayor of Story City for two terms. He is a worthy member of the Congre- gational Church, and his wife belongs to the Baptist Church of Ames.

Oley Apland (deceased). Mr. Apland was one of the much esteemed and respected citi- zens of Union Township, and as an agricultu- rist was a complete success, having made a

competence by this occupation. He was born in Norway in July, 1828, received his educa- tion in that country, and in 1854 emigrated to America, locating first in Kendall County, Ill., and then in Story County, Iowa. He supported the Republican ticket, was a thorough partisan, and held a number of local positions, viz. : township trustee, school director, etc. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran Evangel- ical Church, and his death was not only mourned by his relatives, but by all who were favored with his acquaintance. He was in every way a worthy man and citizen. His remains rest in the Fjiedberg Cemetery, where a beautiful mon- ument stands at his head, erected by his loving wife and family. Mrs. Anna Apland (the widow of Oley Apland) was also a native of Norway, born September 10, 1838, and the eldest of nine children, who are named as follows: Anfen Ersland, Martha (married Andrew Nelson, a farmer, and now resides in Polk County), Elias (was in the United States service, and died dur- ing the Rebellion), Carrie (died at the age of about twenty-eight years, and was the wife of Erick Viland, a farmer), Isabelle (resides in Iowa, and is the wife of Oley Nelson, who is a general merchant and grain dealer ), Amos Ers- land (single, resides in Iowa, and is a lumber dealer). There were two half-brothers, Hector Mason (who is a farmer, married, and resides in Polk County) and Morris Mason (who is married and resides in Polk County, where he tills the soil). The parents of these children were both natives of Norway, and both are now deceased. The father was a farmer. Mrs. Ap- land received her education in Norway, and in 1853 was married to Mr. Oley Apland in Story County. The fruits of this union were fourteen children, nine living: Ole O. (is a farmer of Story County, and married Miss Julia Stor- hew), Knute (married Tomina Erickson, re- sides in Story County, engaged in farming),

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Carrie (resides in Story County, and is the wife of Rev. Holm, who is pastor of the Lutheran Evangelical Church ), Rachel (resides in Story County, and is the wife of Knute Ersland, a farmer), Lizzie (resides in Story County, but is fitting herself for a music- teacher in the College of Music, at Decorah, Iowa), Anfin (is single and engaged in farming on the homestead), Elias (is on the old home- stead and is fitting himself for a teacher, being a student at the Iowa State Normal School at Cedar Falls), Peter (is a farmer and resides in Story County ) and Martin Oley (the youngest, who is ten years of age). The family are de- vout members of the Lutheran Church, and are liberal contributors to all benevolent institu- tions. Mrs. Apland emigrated from Kendall County, Ill., in the spring of 1855, when Story County was in a primitive state, when all was a vast prairie, and when Cambridge was but a hamlet. Mrs. Apland is the owner of 240 acres of land, has it all under cultivation, and has the largest and finest barn in the township. She has also a commodions residence, and every- thing to contribute to her comfort and happi- ness. She lost her husband on July 26, 1880, by a sudden attack of cholera morbus.

Arthur S. Aplin, M. D., is a prominent phy- sician, surgeon and practical pharmacist, resid- ing in the town of Cambridge, Iowa. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio, September 6, 1852, and was the eighth of a family of thir- teen children, whose names are here given: Emily (who died at the age of seven years), Mary and Lydia (twins, the former married to Rudolph Smith, a furniture dealer of Tennes- see, and the latter the wife of E. Smith, a farmer by occupation), Benjamin (is a clerk in a general store in Story County), Charles ( who married Miss Aldie Reed, and is a prac- ticing physician and surgeon of Dunreath, Marion County, Iowa, a town named after the

old abbey in Scotland), William (who is a successful physician, surgeon and pharmacist of Hamilton, Mo., is married to Miss Belle Eggleston), Alice (who resides in Hamilton, Mo., and is the wife of Clark McCoy, a native of Ohio; he is a dealer in general merchandise, and is quite successful), Dr. Arthur S. (the next in order of birth ), Emma ( resides in Story Coun- ty and is the wife of Joseph C. Mather, a farm- er and direct descendant of "Cotton Mather," so well known in history), Clarence (who is studying medicine with his brother at Hamil- ton, Mo.), Clara (is a resident of Cambridge, and has been a successful teacher of the county for several terms). The entire Aplin family are intelligent and exceptionally well educated, and eight members of the family have followed the occupation of teaching. Anna is married to E. L. Meek, principal of the graded schools of Polk City, Polk County, Iowa, a position he has filled for the past four years and is ably assisted by his wife; and Maurice, the youngest of the family, is a resident of Cambridge. Albert C. Aplin, the father of these children, was born in Connecticut in 1816, and, although he is yet living at the age of seventy-three years, he is hale and hearty, showing but little the ravages of time. He followed the occupa- tion of shoemaker in connection with the boot and shoe business, and in these enterprises accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. He obtained a fair education in the free schools of New England, and his wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Miller, also obtained a fair education. She owes her nativity to Ohio, where she was born in 1820. They reside in the town of Cambridge, and are ardent supporters of all educational institutions. Dr. Arthur S. Aplin obtained his early scholastic advantages in the common schools, being a regular attendant until he was sufficiently advanced to obtain a teacher's certificate, whereupon he engaged in

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wielding the ferule in the public schools of Iowa, and followed that calling with success for eight years. In the meantime he had com- menced reading medicine under Dr. J. C. Cor- selius, a graduate of the University of Ann Arbor, Mich. He afterward entered the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, and graduated in a class of 120 in 1879. He at once commenced practicing under his old instructor, Dr. J. C. Corselius, of Gales- burg, Iowa, continuing until 1881, when he went to Red Rock, Iowa, and a year later came to Cambridge, where he has since made his home, having built up an extensive acquaint- ance and an excellent reputation. He was married, on December 13, 1888, to Miss Sylvia Bossuot, a native of Cambridge, Iowa, born September 27, 1863, and to them a little daugh- ter has been born, named Maurine, aged seven months. Dr. Aplin has always identified him- self with the Republican party, and has strenu- ously upheld the sound principles of Republic- anism, his first vote for the presidency being cast for the "Soldier President," Gen. U. S. Grant. He has always been an active worker in local politics, and has done all he could to secure the nominations of men who were well qualified to fill the different offices in the town and county. He is master of Tabernacle Lodge No. 452, A. F. & A. M., of Cambridge, and is past master in the A. O. U. W. Lodge No. 232, of that place. The Doctor and his wife are liberal supporters of all charitable enterprises, and have liberally contributed of their means as they have been called upon from time to time. The Doctor can say for the development of Story County, since he has known it, that many thousands of acres have been reclaimed by the drainage system. The development and improvement of Story County have been very marked, indeed, ever since he has known it. Upon locating in Cambridge,

in 1882, he had just $1.50 in money, and the property which he now has has been earned since that time by his own industry and per- severance. He has built up an extensive prac- tice, and has gained the full confidence of his patrons, his services being required over a large area. He has a neat and comfortable home and an excellent library, both of literary and medical books. The " golden wedding " of Dr. Aplin's parents occurred December 3, 1889, at Cambridge, Iowa. Eleven of Mr. Aplin's children were present, besides many of his near relatives. The children presented their parents with a beautiful town residence, and this happy milestone in the pathway of life was as a beacon light, illuminating their journey. The epoch will never be effaced from the memory of parents and children.

Wesley Arrasmith, farmer and stock-raiser, Roland, Iowa. This enterprising agricultur- ist has been a resident of the county since 1853 and of Milford Township since 1854. In April, of the following year, he moved to his present farm, where he erected a log house, and where he has resided ever since. He was born in the Blue Grass State, Bath County, Ky., in 1827, and was the eldest of ten children born to Massey and Lucy ( Mor- gan) Arrasmith, the father a native of Vir- ginia and the mother of Kentucky. The former was a pioneer of Kentucky and there carried on farming until 1832, when he moved to Indiana and opened up a farm in that State. In 1852 he moved to Dallas County, Iowa, and two years later to Story County, Iowa, settling near his son, Wesley. There his death occurred in October, 1854. The mother was of Welsh descent and died in 1862. Her father was a pioneer of Kentucky. The Arra- smith family was well represented in both the Revolutionary War and in the War of 1812. The children of the above-mentioned couple are

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named as follows: Wesley, William (resides in Story County, Iowa), Leanah (now Mrs. Stanley, of Jasper County, Mo. ), Sally (now Mrs. Zenor, of Jasper County, Mo. ), Nancy (now Mrs. Alfred, of Milford Township), Abner ( was taken sick and died at Cape Girar- deau, Mo., during the late war), Mary A. (now Mrs. Blunk, of Labette County, Kas.), James D. (married and resides in Story County, Iowa; he was in the late war, enlisting in 1862, in the Eighth Iowa Cavalry), Joseph (married and resides in Washington), and John N. (who is also married and resides in Jasper County, Mo.). Wesley Arrasmith di- vided his time in youth in assisting on the farm and attending the subscription schools of Indiana. He was married, September 14, 1851, in Indiana, to Miss Catherine Grove, a native of Ohio and the daughter of Adam L. and Rachel (Antrum) Grove. The father was born in Virginia and of German descent, but the mother was born in Ohio, whither the father had moved at an early day. The latter remained there for some time and then moved to Indiana. In June, 1854, he came to Story County, Iowa, settled in Franklin Township, and here his death occurred on May 29, 1869. The mother is still living, and resides in Ames. After his marriage Mr. Arrasmith settled in Indiana, but moved to Story County, Iowa, in 1853. He entered 120 acres of land, improved it, but later sold out and in 1854 entered eighty acres of his present farm. This he has improved and added to until he now has 240 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. He also, in connection with his farming in- terest, is engaged in raising a good grade of stock. He votes with the Republican party, but is not active in politics. He is a member of the Co-operative Club. Mr. and Mrs. Arra- smith are members of the Baptist Church, and are much esteemed citizens. To their mar-

riage were born the following children: Thomas J. (born in Indiana and died in 1854), Frances Rachel (now Mrs. Noble), William H. (married and resides in Plymouth County, Iowa ), Lucy M. (died June 3, 1859), John M. (married and resides in Franklin Township), George A. (teaching the Gilbert school), James L. (died December 10, 1881, at the age of over sixteen years), Emma May (died Sep- tember 15, 1885, at the age of seventeen years and ten months), Oliver F. (in Ply- mouth County, Iowa), Elijah G. and Charles A. Mr. Arrasmith has given his children good educations and is interested in all school mat- ters. He is the earliest settler now living in Milford Township, and has been a witness to the rapid development of the country. When he first came to Story County there was not a house in Nevada, and they had to do their mar- keting and go to mill at Des Moines. Mr. Arrasmith has been a school director, township trustee and justice of the peace.

William Arrasmith, one of the early pioneers of this county, owes his nativity to Kentucky, where his birth occurred on November 30, 1828, being the son of Massey and Lucy (Morgan) Arrasmith, both natives of Ken- tucky, of which State their parents were early pioneers, coming originally from Virginia. They reared a family of ten children -- six sons and four daughters-all of whom are still liv- ing with the exception of one son who died in the army, and three of the sons and one daugh- ter are residents of Iowa. The father was a farmer by occupation, and pursued that calling in Kentucky until 1831 or 1832, when he went to Indiana, and there carried on farming oper- ations until 1853. He then moved to Story County, and chose a home in Milford Town- ship, but shortly after settling here he departed this life, dying in 1856. His widow survived him until 1862. When his parents removed

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to Indiana, William Arrasmith accompanied them, and there he attained his growth and ob- tained a meager education, his schooling amounting to about eighteen months, all told. In 1852 he married Miss Alvina Grove, and in August of the same year the young couple moved to Iowa and settled on the place where they now live. At that time the county was unorganized, and wolves, deer, turkey and elk were frequently seen, and land that is now worth from $30 to $55 could then be had for $1.25 per acre. Immediately after his arrival Mr. Arrasmith entered 160 acres of land, and he has since added the balance of 240 acres. One hundred and thirty acres of this are under a high state of cultivation, and well improved with a good house and out-buildings, orchard, etc. His farm, which is watered by the Skunk River, is very valuable, and he devotes his en- tire time and attention to its cultivation. In addition to farming, which he carries on quite extensively, he is largely interested in raising cattle, horses and hogs. He and wife have had a family of fourteen children- seven sons and seven daughters, viz .: James (a resident of Cherokee County, Iowa), Lucy (wife of John Cox, of this county ), George W. (of Gage County, Neb.), Lizzie (wife of S. T. Tripp, of Gage County, Neb.), John W. (a resident of Story County, Iowa ), Frank M. (living in Cher- okee County, Iowa), Ida (now living in Wash- ington County, Kas.), Emma (now the wife of Manford Hunter, of Story County), Charles E. (a resident of Nebraska ), Hattie (now living in Kansas), and Aden, Jennie, Clarence D. and Edith at home. The wife is a worthy member of the Christian Church. Mr. Arrasmith takes an active interest in local politics, votes the Republican ticket, and has been honored by his party with the offices of township constable and trustee, and he has also been a member of the board of county supervisors.

Oliver G. Ashford, farmer and stock-raiser, Nevada, Iowa. The subject of this sketch needs no introduction to the people of Story County, for a long residence here, and above all, a career of usefulness and prominence, have given him a very extensive acquaintance. He was originally from Columbiana County, Ohio, where his birth occurred on the 5th of Novem- ber, 1846, and was the twelfth of thirteen chil- dren, eight of whom are living, born to the marriage of George M. and Deborah (Vail) Ashford. The father was a native of Alexan- dria, Va., born in September, 1789, and died in Columbiana County, Ohio, in January, 1871. The mother was born in Washington County, Penn., in 1806, and now resides in Columbiana County, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Aaron Ashford, was born in Loudoun County, Va., about 1734, and moved with his family to Ohio in 1802. His death occurred in 1835, at the age of one hundred and one years. It fell to the lot of Oliver G. Ashford to grow up with a farm experience, and from the very first he has closely and energetically applied himself to agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He was educated in the public schools, and when twenty-one years of age, he started out for himself, being for some time engaged in rais- ing small fruit in Columbiana County, in con- nection with his farming interests. He came to Story County, Iowa, in 1875, settled in Nevada Township, and nine years ago he removed to his present place of residence, four miles east of Nevada, where he owns a well-improved farm. He was married on the 21st of Feb- ruary, 1867, to Miss Josephine Lones, a native of the Buckeye State, Columbiana County, born on the 12th of April, 1847, and the fruits of this union have been seven children: George M. (born January 2, 1868), Theodore L. (born October 8, 1869), John H. (born January 24, 1875), Albert E. (born July 28, 1878), Charles

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa, Part 37

Author: Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Goodspeed Number of Pages: 484

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 484