USA > Iowa > Clarke County > Biographical and historical record of Clarke County, Iowa > Part 26
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OSEPH L. TEDROW was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, May 31, 1835. When he was two years of age his father settled in Athens County, Ohio, and purchased a small tract of land. lle died the following year, leaving a wife and six children. Their names were : Henry, Silas, Aaron (died aged thirty-six years), Susan H. (now Mrs. Hampton), Joseph L. and Freeman. Silas now resides in Athens Township, Ringgold County; Henry, in Jackson Township, Clarke Coun- ty, lowa ; Susan H., in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and Freeman, in Athens County, Ohio. The mother's name before her marriage was Barbara Ann Geist. Her husband's death
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left her with a large family, all of whom were too young to care for themselves. Her small tract of land in the wilderness had to be cleared before it could produce enough to even feed her family. She toiled with indomitable energy. The boys, under the pressure of circumstances, accomplished wonders. The family were kept together and only left the parental roof when they had reached maturity. The memory of their dear mother, who, in poverty and distress, did so much for them, grows more and more dear to each as time rolls on. She lived to see all her family happily settled in life, with families of their own, and died January 2, 18So, at the ripe old age of eighty years. She was married again after the death of her husband to Nathan Tucker. Their only child, C. M. G. Tucker, is now a prominent citizen of Athens County, Ohio. Joseph L., the subject of this sketch, is a self-made man. Working in youth by day's work to get clothing and school books, he made the best use of his limited advantages. His last schooling was ob- tained in the university at Albany, Athens County, Ohio. He came to Iowa in 1855, intending to return to Ohio and continue his studies until he graduated, but there seemed here to open a new life for him. He was gradually drawn into land specu- lation, and his early dreams of scholarship were dispelled and forgotten. He engaged in the mercantile trade at Liberty, lowa, with J. W. Hampton, which he continued successfully four years, clearing about $8,- 000. Several times afterward he visited his mother in Ohio. In 1857-'S he entered land in Clarke, Ringgold, lowa and l'otto- wattamie counties, and when the land office was opened at Chariton, he engaged there in land speculation, connected in busi- ness with Williams & Co. and Judge Brain- ard. July 28, 1861, he was united in mar- riage with Hester Ann, daughter of Jacob Proudfoot, of Liberty, lowa. She was born
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HISTORY OF CLARKE COUNTY.
July 22, 1844. They have had eight chil- dren, only five of whom are living. Their names, in the order of their birth. are- Lillah A., born September 26, 1862; Mer- tie R., born September 28, 1865 ; Addie B., born July 20, 1868, died September 22, 1873; Elsie E., born January 27, 1873 ; Harry R,, born May 6, 1875 ; Nellie C., born November 19, 1875; Lethe E. and Leah E. (twins), born January 8, 1SS5 ; Lethe E died February 17, 1885. Mrs. Tedrow is a lady of culture and refinement, and has many friends whorespect and love her for her many noble qualities. Her unselfish devotion to her husband and fam- ily has aided materially in placing Mr. Ted- row on the sound financial basis we now find him. Mr. Tedrow has given his chil- dren good educational advantages. Lillah and Mertie are teachersof high standing, and the former is also a music teacher. He has been in active mercantile business perhaps longer than any other man in the county. He has served the public in that capacity thirty-one years. He was at Liberty five years, at Ottawa nine years, first hauling his goods from Burlington and Keokuk, and after the building of the C., B. & Q. R. R., from Ottumwa and other points on the railroad. Coming to Clarke County, he opened the first stock of goods at Wood- burn. He was the first to establish a grain market at Woodburn, and has done much for the farmers. He now owns one of the finest farms in his township. Ile is a lead- ing member of the Methodist church, to which he has given liberally of his means to build up the cause. His family are all members of that church. Mr. Tedrow is a Mason of long and high standing ; is a member of Unity Lodge, No. 212, at Wood- burn: Pintalpha Chapter, No. 63, at Osce- ola, and a charter member of Constantine Commandery, No. 23, of Osceola. He has taken twelve degrees, and held many high positions of honor and trust in the order,
also in the township and county. He re- tired from business in Woodburn in 1886. In politics Mr. Tedrow is a Republican and has done much for his party. During the war of the Rebellion he was a liberal sup- porter of the cause of the Union, giving over $1,000 to assist the families of soldiers. It was his desire to enlist and bear arms in the defense of his country's honor, but was persuaded to remain at home, as his fellow townsmen thought his services at home in the store and postoffice were needed more than he was in the field.
FROHN G. SNIDER, one of the pioneers of Liberty Township, living on the southwest quarter of section 3, was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, January 25, 1824, a son of John and Han- nah (Cosner) Snider. In 1835 the parents removed with their family to Bartholomew County, Indiana, residing there fill their death, the father dying at the age of seven- ty-three years, and the mother at the ad- vanced age of eighty-four years. Of their family of eight children, four only survive -- Mrs. Mary Nading, Mrs. Eliza Bruger, Cornelius and John G., who was the youngest child. John G. Snider, our sub- ject, was reared to agricultural pursuits in Bartholomew County. He was married November 17, 1850, to Miss Sarah Lorts, who was born in Bartholomew County, January 31, 1831, her parents, George and Sarah Lorts, being among the pioneers of that county, and there the father died, aged seventy-three years, her mother still a resi- dent of that county. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Snider, four are liv- ing- Elizabeth, wife of William Perkins, of Lucas County ; George, John and Frank, all living at home. A son, Thomas, died aged one month. After his marriage Mr. Snider was engaged in farming and oper-
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ating a saw-mill in connection with his brother Cornelius, in Bartholomew County, where he remained till he came to Clarke County and settled on his present farm, October 8, 1856. He brought with him to this county a capital of $2.300. llis first purchase here was 160 acres of unimproved land. for which he paid $1.6oo. His home- stead now contains 400 acres of land, which is kept under fine cultivation, beside which he owns forty acres of timber land. He is one of the respected and influential citizens of Liberty Township, and much of his time is given toward advancing the cause of education. Ile takes an active interest in all enterprises which he deems for the good of his township, and has served in several official positions. In politics he was for. merly an old-line Whig, but since the or- ganization of the Republican party he has voted that ticket.
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D AVID T. McNEIL, an old and hou- ored pioneer of Clarke County, was born in Homer, New York, October 2, IS18. his parents, Truman and Catherine McNeil, being natives of the same State. When he was two years old his father died, and his mother subsequently married again, and moved with her family to Montrose, Pennsylvania, where our subject remained till twenty years of age. lle then started
Neil continued flat-boating for two years after his marriage, when he settled in Brandenburg, living in that city until 1855. Hle then came with his family to lowa, lo- cating at La Porte, where he opened a dry- goods store, and was appointed postmaster, which position he filled, performing the duties of his office and carrying on his busi- ness till 1863. ]Ie then removed to Osce- ola, where he carried on a general mercan- tile trade on the southwest corner of the public square, becoming well and favorably known through the county, and by his hon- orable and upright dealings with all, he es- tablished a large trade. He was obliged to retire from the mercantile business in 1865, owing to a severe attack of sore eyes. Ile then engaged in the insurance business, and later devoted his attention exclusively to life insurance, in which business he is still engaged, representing the old and reliable North Western Life Insurance Company. of Milwaukee. Mr. McNeil has filled most of the township offices with credit to him- self and satisfaction to his constituents. lle is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Both he and his wife are menbers of the Baptist church, of which he is clerk.
FRAMES A. WOODBURY, a prominent 1 attorney at law of Osceola, was born in Adrian, Michigan, March 16, 1847. in life on his own account, going to New ' His parents, James HI. and Susannah Orlean, and from there went to Branden- : Woodbury, were natives of Massachu- burg, Kentucky, where he taught school , setts, born in the town of Sutton, where for one term. He then engaged in flat- i they were reared an Imarried. They em-
boating down the river to New Orleans, igratedi to New York, thenceto Michigan, the carly settlersof Decatur County, where they lived till their death. the mother dy- ing in isso, and the father in 1885. They reared a family of five children, four colls and one daughter-James A., the subject and while there he first met Miss Ana J. Land in 1856 came to lowa, being among Quigley, to whom he was married in Cin- cinnati, May, IS.j. They have reared six children to maturity-Augusta, Catherine, Fanny, Henry, Mary and George, who is in the wholesale hardware store of Charles F. Schmidt, of Burlington, lowa. Mr. Me- Fof this sketch: Dwight A,, who was a
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Colonel of the Fourth Michigan Infantry, and was killed at the battle of the Wilder- ness : George, a druggist at Garden Grove ; William, who was killed in the late war while stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, and Libbie L., wife of J. L. Young, who is a member of the law firm of Young & Parish, of Leon. James A. Woodbury, whose name heads this sketch, passed his boyhood days in his native State, receiving his primary education in the schools of his native city. He came with his parents to lowa in 1856, and for a time attended the high school at Garden Grove, this State. He began his mercantile career in partner- ship with J. W. Boyle, of Garden Grove, with whom he was associated under the . firm of Boyle & Woodbury for eight years, this firin carrying on an extensive business. The partnership was then dissolved, when Mr. Woodbury came to Osceola and pur- chased the law office of Stuart Brothers, who at that time carried on four offices at different points. Mr. Woodbury had previ- ously studied law, taking a collegiate course in Yale College. Since coming to Osceola he has established a high reputation in his profession, and is connected with the firm of Davis & Rankin, 55 & 57 North Clinton street, Chicago, Illinois, and is also general solicitor for the Chicago Creamery Association, which carries on business in twelve States. Mr. Woodbury is associated in his Osceola office with C. W. White, as law partner. Mr. Woodbury was united in marriage in IS67, to Florence J. Bar- rows, daughter of D. C. Barrows, of De- catur County, lowa. They have three children-Lottie K., Libbie and Eugene WV. Mr. Woodbury has served as a mem- ber of the town council, and also on the school board. He was appointed by the Legislature one of the trustees of the Agri- cultural College, at Ames, lowa. He was one of the incorporators of the Des Moines, Osceola & Southern Narrow Gauge Rail-
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road. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, belonging to Lodge No 170, of Garden Grove.
LLEN II. BURROWS, only son of Hon. Barclay Burrows, was born in Morgan County, Indiana, October 1, 1831. A young man of superior intellect, his business qualifications were recognized at an early age, for before attaining his ma- jority he was chosen deputy county au- ditor, and as a reward for his merited suc- cesses he was elected to the office of county treasurer, the duties of which he discharged with signal fidelity and ability. In September, 1855, he was married to Miss Eliza Hussey, daughter of Hon. Anthony Hussey, of Dublin, Ireland. Miss H Iussey, on the death of her parents became the ward of her uncle, the Hon. George W. Moore, one of the earliest noted pio- neer politicians of Indiana. In the year 1857 Mr. Burrows removed his family to Osceola, Iowa, where he engaged in farm- ing, meanwhile pursuing his studies, which resulted in his admittance to the bar as an attorney at law the same year. Here, as in Indiana, his business qualifications soon be- came apparent, and in 1860 he was elected clerk of the courts, to which public trust he was returned six consecutive terms and after having enjoyed the well-earned reputation of being one of the best county clerks in the State of lowa for twelve years, he asked to be retired from further official duties. In 1868 Mr. Burrows engaged in banking, a business to which he seemed peculiarly adapted, and which he conducted individually until George H. Cowles be- came associated with him as partner, in 1869. Mr. Burrows was also interested in the National Bank, of Leon, and in ad- dition to his other business enterprises was for two years editor of the Osccola Repub-
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lican in which he took much pride, as well- he might, for its editoral pages, with sage ad- vice and logical conclusions, clothed in the purest language, could not carry else than the most ennobling influence to his many patrons. To his untiring energy and zeal Osceola is indebted for the foundation of its prosperity, and the magnificent brick block on the northeast corner of the public square is but one of the monuments of his industry. In the summer of 1873 Mr. Bur- rows retired from active business life ow- ing to failing health, and dangerous had been the delay. " The busy hands and active brain had taxed their strength too. long, and on November 20. 1873, he died suddenly, a victim to overwork." Of the Masonic order he was one of its brightest, lights, and in the Odd Fellows' lodge, a true disciple of "Friendship, Love and Truth," a member of the Christian church active in every charity. Mr. Burrows left a wife and three children well provided for financially, and having endowed each child with clear intellectual capacities, he gave to them a legacy far better than riches. Charles Barclay, the eldest son, graduated at the Iowa State University, in 1878, and is now engaged in the banking business at Norfolk, Nebraska, where his mother resides. He is now serving as county commissioner, and Madison County never chose a more thorough business man for the place, and so closely is he identified with the interests of Norfolk and vicinity, that many older and wiser heads-he being only thirty years of age-are subserv- ient to the correctness of his opinions and the solidity of his judgment. Allen Shel- burn, the second son, but recently gradu- ated from the lowa University also, and that he was a favorite in his class, and was of most excellent standing, we judge from the outspoken sentiments of his collegiate friends, and should he embrace the legal profession it is predicted that he will ful-
fill the promises of his father's youth, be- coming a gifted counselor; his excellent moral qualities and undaunted principle bespeak for him the love of any people he may live among. Miss Maggie, the only daughter, received her education at Indian- apolis, Indiana, and is to-day considered one of the most efficient authorities on primary education in Nebraska. She has taught in the public schools of Norfolk but two years, and the mantle of her fath- er's genius has undoubtedly fallen upon her shoulders, as her earliest efforts have been crowned with remarkable success, and her ability to lead in educational inter- ests is unquestioned. So, after a life well- rounded and complete, Allen H. Burrows passed from our midst, leaving a character above even the eulogy of gratitude, and these living examples to perpetuate his memory in good deeds and useful lives.
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MYRUS HOLCOMB, farmer, Troy Township, postoffice, Murray, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Brad- ford County, July 22, 1814, a son of flugh Holcomb. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received the benefit of an education such as could be obtained in the rude, log-cabin subscription schools of that early day. He was married February 22, 1839, to Lydia ITimes, of Troy, Pennsyl- vania, a daughter of Amos Himes, and of the six children born to this union only one, James M., survives. A son, Clinton A., died in the service of his country dur- ing the late war, and another son, Homer A .. died at the age of fifteen years. For his second wife Mr. Holcomb married Mrs. Mary A. Kendall, of Granville, Pennsyl- vania, who died in less than a year after her marriage. Ile was married in May, 1881. to his present wife, Mrs. Mary M. Hand, of Creston, Iowa, who was formerly
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HISTORY OF CLARKE COUNTY.
from Pennsylvania, and was a professional nurse. Mr. Holcomb removed his family to Stark County, Illinois, in the fall of 1855, when he came to Clarke County, Iowa, alone, and selected a home in Troy Township. He then returned to Stark County, and in May, 1856, brought his family to this county, locating on his farm in Troy Township in the following Sep- tember. The country was at that time but sparsely settled, and many were the priva- tions and hardships which the family expe- rienced. William Bell and George W. Banker are the only two living in Troy Township, who settled here as early as our subject, and these three brave old pio- neers have witnessed the many changes that have taken place during the past thirty years, bringing the country from a wild state to thriving towns and well-cultivated farms. Mr. Holcomb has held a number of the township offices, among which may be mentioned those of clerk, trustee, justice of the peace. He was a member of the Board of County Supervisors several years, and was a member of election for fifteen years. He is a member of the order of Good Temp- lars, and was a member of the Grange while it existed. He is a member of the Church of Christ and a deacon over thirty years.
left the county about the same time. They had five children, three of whom are yet living. The mother died September 29. 1842, the eleventh anniversary of her marriage, and at the same hour in the day. The father died September 26, 1856. The surviving children are-Benjamin, the sub- ject of this sketch; Isaiah, a resident of Geneseo, Illinois ; Jeremiah R., postmaster at Woodburn. Benjamin was reared on a farm and lived in Wayne County until he came to this county in 1865. May 5, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Hewitt, who was born in Ireland, Septem- ber 28, 1832, and died August 19, 1863, leaving one child-John A., residing in Knox County, Illinois. May 3, 1864, Mr. Felger married Mrs. Martha J. Bardon, who was born in Pennsylvania, March 27, 1831. She was a daughter of John and Fanny Arbingast. Her marriage with Albert Borden occurred April 28, 1853. He died March 26, 1858, leaving one son --- John F., now a resident of Jackson Town- ship, Lucas County, this State. May died at the age of cleven months. By his second marriage Mr. Felger had one child- Alta Estella, born June 19, 1874, and died Feb- ruary 3, 1876. Mary Matilda, an adopted child, was born December 27, IS78. Mr. Felger owns a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved, and good buildings. It is pro- tected by fine groves planted by his own hands. He has one of the best orchards in the county. He also owns twenty acres of timber land. When he came to this county he was worth less than $1,000. Mr. Felger was bereaved by the death of his wife July 25, 1886. She was aged fifty-five years, three months and twenty-eight days. She had been a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church thirty-five years, and Mr. Felger has been a member of the same de- nomination for fifteen years. He is a mem- I ber of the Masonic fraternity, affiliating
B' ENJAMIN FELGER, section 13, Jackson Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 28, 1834. His father, Adam Felger, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1796, where he lived until thirty-four years of age. He then immigrated to Ohio, walking the whole distance. He purchased a tract of land in Wayne County and commenced improvements. September 29, IS31, he married Miss Elizabeth Rasor, who was born in West- moreland County, April 10, ISII, and had , with Unity Lodge, No. 212, Woodburn, of
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which he was a charter member and one of its first masters. He also was a charter member of Good Shepherd Lodge, No. 414. Politically, he is a Democrat His mother was one of sixteen children, four- teen of whom lived to rear families. IIis father was one of fourteen children, thirteen lived to rear families. His present wife was one of nine children. He has served as magistrate and township clerk.
TEPHEN A. WEAKLAND. residing on section 13, Liberty Township, is a native of Cambria County, Pennsyl- vania, born February 24, 1836, a son of John and Mary Ann (Litzsinger) Weakland, who were born, reared and married in Pennsyl- vania, making their home in that State till their death, our subject's grandfather John Weakland, being the first settler in Cambria County. Stephen A. Weakland was reared to a farm life, remaining on the home farm until twenty years of age. Ile then came to Iowa and began working on a farm in Clayton County. The following year, 1857, he located in Lucas County, where he commenced working at the car- penter's trade, and in 1858 he came to Clarke County and bought forty acres on section 24, Liberty Township, which he improved. He was married in 1862 to Nancy E. Short, who died February 1, 1882, in her forty-second year. She was a Christian woman, being a consistent mem- ber of the Christian Union church. Her parents were among the pioneers of Liberty Township, where her father died. Her mother is still living, making her home in Indianola. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Weakland seven still survive -John W., Joseph C., Oliver C., Simon, Mary Ann, Sarah, Gillette, all living at home but Joseph C., who resides in Ne- biaska. A daughter, Adaline, died in in- 23
fancy. Mr. Weakland came to the Hawk- cye State a poor boy, but persevering energy and habits of industry have placed him beyond want, and to-day he is classed among the substantial farmers of the coun- ty with which he has been identified since 1858. Beside his home farm of 160 acres on section 13, he owns sixty acres on sec- tion 14, and twenty acres on section 11 of Liberty Township, and eighty acres of partially-improved land in Otter Creek Township, Lucas County. In politics he is independent in local elections, voting for the man best qualified for the duties re- quired, and in national elections he gener- ally casts his vote with the Democratic party.
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HEROW W. PARKER, an active and enterprising farmer, and the present justice of the peace of Madison Town- ship, residing on section 15, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, April 22, 1840, his father, Richard Parker, who is now de- ceased, being a native of the same county, and a carpenter and farmer by occupation. Sherow W. Parker attended the common schools of his native county, where he re- ceived a fair education. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has made his life's work, and by his persevering industry and good management he has met with success. He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Company C, Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, and during his term of service he was sick at Jefferson- ville, Indiana, for five months. He partic- ipated in a number of engagements, among which were, Perryville, Kentucky, Chick- amauga, Buzzard's Roost, Rome, Georgia, and Kenesaw Mountain. Mr. Parker was married March 20, 1866, to Miss Lizette Crew, a daughter of the late James Crew. Twelve children have been born to them
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HISTORY OF CLARKE COUNTY.
-- Katie, Sherman, Charles, Richard, Frank- lin, Homer, Alburtus, John, Lizetta MI., Josiah, George and one deceased. Mr. Parker located in Fulton County, Illinois, in the fall of 1865, living near Canton till the fall of 1869. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and the following spring settled on the farm where he has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising, his farm containing 156 acres of choice land. Mr. Parker has held several offices of trust since locating in Madison Town- ship, serving as township clerk, road su- pervisor, assessor and justice of the peace, and for eight or ten years has been clerk of the School Board. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
ILLIAM B. TALLMAN, attorney at law, was born at Point Pleasant, Tyler County, West Virginia, Jan- uary 11, 1848. His parents were Thomas B. and and Frances Tallman, who removed with their family in 1850 to Iowa, and first settled at Keokuk and shortly after in Des Moines County, this State. Here William was raised as a farmer's boy ; attending the common school until he was prepared to enter college, at which time he entered the Baptist University, at Burlington, Iowa, where he afterward acquitted himself with honor in the graduating class of 1870. He then removed with his father's family to this county, and engaged in farming in the -summer and teaching in the winter until 1875, at which time Mr. Tallman married Miss Emma Bester, of Abingdon, Illinois, a lady of many accomplishments. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Tallman was elected principal of the Woodburn school, at Wood- burn, Iowa, which position he held until 1879, during which time he studied law, and in ISSo removed to Osceola, Iowa, and was admitted to the bar in December of the
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