USA > Iowa > Clarke County > Biographical and historical record of Clarke County, Iowa > Part 30
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VAN ILLIAM T. FARLEY, one of the pioneer settlers of Clarke County, was born in Morgan County, Ohio, June 25, 1819, the eldest child of John and Margaret (Calvert) Farley, the parents being natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Washington County, and the mother in Greene County. They came to Ohio when young, and when our subject was eight years old went to Tennessee, where they remained about five years. In the spring of 1833 they removed with their family to Monroe County, Indiana, where they made their home till 1850. They
then passed the following winter in Mis- souri, and in the spring of 1851 settled in Clarke County, lowa, where the father died in 1859, aged seventy-five years. The mother survived till 18844, dying at the ad- vanced age of ninety-two years. William T. Farley, our subject, was united in mar- riage in November, 1841, to Ann J. Curry, a native of Ireland, but at the time of her marriage living in Monroe County, Indi- ana. They are the parents of the follow- ing children-Eliza M., wife of J. M. Cook, of Oxbow, Nebraska; Martha F., wife of J. C. Headler, of Salem, Dakota; Joseph H., living in Clarke County ; Susan A .. wife of J. M. Campbell, of Nelson, Ne- braska; John J., of Marquette, Nebraska ; W. I., of Aurora, Nebraska ; Elbert S., died aged sixteen years; George II., of Melrose, Dakota, and Jennie De Arc, wife of George W. Lane, of Osceola, lowa. In the spring of 1851 Mr. Farley came from Indiana to Clarke County, Iowa, with his parents, his wife and four children, and a brother. On coming here he settled on section 5, Osceola Township, where he entered a tract of 240 acres from the Gov- ernment, paying $1.25 per acre. The first three months he lived in a rail pen with clapboard roof, the size of the pen being but ten feet square. By the end of three months their rude log cabin, 16x18 feet, was ready for occupancy, and there his family spent many happy days, experiencing all the pleasures as well as the privations of pioneer life. Their principal meat was venison, turkey and squirrel. The nearest mill was at Des Moines, and the nearest postoffice was Indianola. During his long residence here Mr. Farley has witnessed the many changes that have taken place. and has scen the country made up into thriving towns and well-cultivated farms. His own land is now under thorough culti- vation, and his present residence and farm buildings are comfortable, commodious
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and convenient. He was the first justice of the peace of Clarke County, after its or- ganization as a county, and has also served as township trustec. He takes an active interest in the cause of education, and helped organize the first school district in the county, and has served many years as school director. In politics he was form- erly an okl-line Whig, but is now a staunch Republican, and in 1884 was a strong sup- porter of J. G. Blaine. He takes an inter- est in the temperance cause.
ERRY JENKS, one of the oldest pio- neers of Clarke County, is a native of Massachusetts, born in Belchertown, Hampshire County, March 10, ISIS, a son of Jeremiah and Susan (Perry) Jenks. His father was born in Spencer, Massachusetts, and is of English origin. His ancestors being extensive manufacturers of cotton goods. The mother was a native of New England. They had a family of ten chil- dren, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to maturity. Jerry Jenks, our subject, passed his youth on a farm, his father at that time being engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. He received his primary education in the schools of his native vil- lage, and later received instructions in mathematics from a private tutor. After attaining manhood he was in the employ of a lumber firm in Georgia for a time. In 1841 he came to Ohio, and for about four years ran a saw-mill in Jackson County. He was married in 1843, to Mandane Burt, a native of Ohio, and of the seven children born to this union only three are living- Ada O., wife of Jefferson Daniel, of Clarke County, Iowa ; Arthur P., living at home, and Edward, who married Amelia Tindell, of Ottumwa, and is also a resident of Clarke County, In 18.45 Mr. Jenks removed to Monroe County, lowa. In the fall of 1850
he came to Clarke County, and entered by land warrant goo acres of land in Ward Township, for which he paid about 60 cents per acre. AAfter making his land entries he returned to his home in Monroe County, and in the following spring, 1851, he removed with his family to section 13, Ward Township, Clarke County, one mile west of the present site of Osceola. He now owns 1,000 acres of choice land all well improved, and under fence, which he has acquired by years of arduous toil and per- severing energy. In 1851, at the organiza- tion of Clarke County, Mr. Jenks was elected county surveyor for a term of two years, and at the expiration of his term was re-elected, serving in that capacity in all four years. In 1855 he was elected judge of Clarke County, and at the end of two years was re-elected. He was again elected for the third term, but before this term c.x- pired the office had been abolished. He also served as assessor of Ward Township for one term, and in all these offices served with credit to himself and to the satisfac- tion of his constituents. In politics Mr. Jenks affiliates with the Republican party. He is a consistent temperance man, and a respected citizen in the township where he has made his home for the past thirty-five years. His son, Arthur P., graduated in the class of 1870, from the Iowa State Uni- versity, at lowa City, and in 1874 was elected county superintendent of the schools of Clarke County, to serve one term.
FAON. JACOB PROUDFOOT, one of the early settlers of Liberty Town- ship, was born in Harrision, now Bar- bour County, West Virginia, October 29, 1822. His father, Thomas Proudfoot, was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, Febru- ary 20, 1803, and in 1808 accompanied his parents to Harrison County, and there grew
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to manhood, and late in the year 1821 mar - ried Miss Elizabeth Robinson, who was born in Pennsylvania, November 28, 179S. Jacob Proudfoot was reared in his native county. His father was a farmer, miller and blacksmith, and in his youth he be- came familiar with all three vocations. September 14. 1843, he was married to Miss Cyrene Van Scoy, a native of Randolph County, West Virginia, born March 3, 1826, daughter of William Van Scoy, now a resident of Virginia Township, Warren County, Iowa. In 1855 Mr. Proudfoot came to Iowa, and spent the first winter in War- ren County, and in April, 1856, located in Liberty Township, Clarke County, and opened a blacksmith shop. He soon bought some land, and combined farming with blacksmithing. He now owns cighty acres on section 6, Liberty Township, and twenty- three acres of timber land in Squaw Town- ship, Warren County. He also owns twen- ty-three lots, with a pleasant residence and blacksmith shop, in the village of Liberty. In politics Mr. Proudfoot was reared in the Democratic faith, but his devotion to the Umon caused him to uphold the ad- ministration of Abraham Lincoln, and he has since affiliated with the Republican party, and has been prominent in its coun- cils in Clarke County. In 1875 he was elected a member of the Sixteenth General Assembly. He has served eleven years as magistrate of Liberty, and several years as a member of the County Board of 'Super- visors. He has been postmaster at Liberty about fourteen years. He has always been much interested in the public affairs of his country and State, as well as the local af-
home : Overton T. is a resident of Liberty ; William D. lives in Walla Walla, Washing- ton Territory : Samuel N. in Vicksburg, Mississippi ; Charles F., of Liberty, and Aaron V., of Indianola, Iowa. Mr. Proud- foot's parents came to lowa with their younger children, and made their home in Squaw Township. Warren County, where the mother died February 10, 1880. The father now spends his time with his chil- dren, going from one to another, as he wishes, cach giving him a hearty welcome whenever he chooses to favor their homes with his presence.
ALIAS A. LANHAM, a prominent pioneer and enterprising farmer of Osceola Township, was born near the town of Bethel, in Clermont County, Ohio, the date of his birth being November 7, 1822. His parents, William A. and Eliz- abeth (Steyers) Lanham, were natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively. They were married in Ohio, the father having lo- cated in that State when about eighteen years of age. They remained in that State till their death, and to them were born nine children. Elias A., our subject, was reared on his father's farm till reaching his majority, his education being received in the common schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty-two years he was married to Miss Elizabeth P. Frazee, of Clermont County, Ohio, and of the eight children born to this union only three are . now living-Ceny A., wife of James H. Wilson, living in Missouri ; Mary M., wife fairs of his county and village, and has . of Henry V. Grippin now living in Nebras- never failed to cast his ballot since 1856. HIe and his wife have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal church about forty-seven years. They have a family of seven children -- Ilester Ann is the wife of ka, and William A. married Helen L. Peck, and is living in Dakota. After his marriage Mr. Lanham removed to lowa, locating in Lee County, where he remained till the spring of 1852. He then came to J. L. Tedrow. of Woodburn; Leah is at : Clarke County and settled on his present
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farm, a part of which he entered from the Government. His farm is located on sec- tion 12, Osceola Township, and contains 160 acres of valuable land under fine culti- vation, and the log cabin, in which he spent the first two years of his residence here, has now given place to his present comfort- able and commodious dwelling. Ile has al- ways followed agricultural pursuits, and is still engaged in general farming and stock- raising, devoting considerable attention to the raising of hogs and high-grade cattle, and on his farm he has erected a good barn and other farm buildings for the accom- modation of the same. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lanham are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and respected members of society.
ISRAEL COX, an early settler of Clarke County, and a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Ward Township, was born near South Perry, in Hocking County, Ohio, May 1, 1828, the second son in a fam- ily of eight children of Covington and Effa- mie (Camp) Cox. His father was a native of New Jersey, and a son of Philip Cox, and his mother was a native of the State of Pennsylvania. The parents were married in Ohio, being carly settlers of Fairfield County, Ohio, which was afterward di- vided, a part being called Hocking. Both parents died in Ilocking County at ad- vanced ages. Israel Cox grew to man- hood on a farm in Fairfield County, Ohio, receiving a common-school education in the rude log-cabin school-houses of that early day. He was married in 1849 to Miss Eliza J. Barnhill, a daughter of David Barnhill, an early settler of Clarke County. In the fall of 1855 Mr. Cox came with his family to Clarke County, Iowa, and for four years carried on farming on South Squaw Creck. He then removed to his present farm on section 1. Ward Township, where he has
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since followed general farming and stock- raising, in which he is meeting with good success. Of late years he has made a spe- cialty of short-horn cattle, and horses of the Norman and Clydesdale breeds. He now owns in this county 1,200 acres of land. his home farm on section 1 containing 360 acres under high cultivation, and all the surroundings betoken the care and thrift of the owner.
THOMAS GREGG, one of the brave old pioneers, who has been actively identified with the growth and ad- vancement of Clarke County for many years, is a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, born December 17, 1814. His father, Andrew Gregg, was a native of Ireland, coming to America in an early day, and settling in the then woods of Ohio, when the principal inhabitants of that State were Indians. Our subject was reared on his father's pioneer farm, he having such edu- cational advantages as the primitive log- cabin subscription schools of that early day afforded. He was married October 6, 1835, to Isabella Shepherd, her father, Joseph Shepherd, being a native of Ireland. Eight children have been born to them, of whom five are still living-Mrs. Elizabeth Otis, Cy- rus, Wesley, Mrs. Isabella Kennedy and Mrs. Hattie Wadsworth. Mr. Gregg went to Peoria County, Illinois, in the spring of 1836, when Indians and wild animals were numerous. Peoria was then called Fort Clarke, and in the now thriving town there were then but four houses. Ile removed to Lee County, lowa, in June, 1843, and in the fall of 1851 came to Clarke County, settling where he has since resided, in Doyle Township, and here he endured all the hardships and privations incident to the life of a pioneer, but through all these vi- cissitudes his wife has been a faithful help
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meet, having done nobly her part toward building up a home for her family. When they first came to the county no improve- ments had been made, not a fence to be seen through the surrounding country. Indians and wild animals were the princi- pal inhabitants, and at one time our subject saw 700 Indians together. Their wheat had to be taken to Oskaloosa to be ground, which was eighty-five miles from their home, Mrs. Gregg going herself to Oska- loosa, at one time bringing home with her three geese, which were the first geese in Clarke County. Mrs. Gregg would often work in the field to help her husband. For three weeks the family lived on corn bread, Mrs. Gregg grating the corn on a tin grater. Some of their neighbors lived two weeks without tasting bread. Mr. Gregg built the first church in Clarke County, and in it the first school was taught. A few days after coming to the county the wife of his neighbor died, and her coffin was made by hewing slabs out of a tree. The first man who died in their neigborhood had a simi- lar coffin made for him, but it being too short his feet projected about a foot. Mr. Gregg has met with success through life, having by his own efforts acquired over 400 acres of good land. He still owns 140 acres, he having given the rest to his children. Both he and his wife are de- voted members of the United Brethren church.
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OHN DIEHL, of Osceola Township, was born near Eaton, in Preble County, Ohio, February 27, 1835, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Good) Diehl, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, re- spectively They had a family of ten children, of whom six still survive, John being the fifth child. Ilis father went to Ohio in his youth, and was married near Germantown in that State, the mother
dying in her native State in 1852. The father subsequently married again, and moved to Illinois, where his death occurred in 1873. John Diehl was reared on a farm till his fifteenth year, when he began learn- ing the blacksmith's trade, which he fol- lowed until coming West in 1860. Mr. Diehl has been twice married. His first wife, Lydia A. Boadle, was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio. She died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving one daugh- ter, Mary. Mr. Diehl was again married in 1859, to Sarah A. Carnahan, of Darke County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Sarah ( Adams) Carnahan. They have four children living-Charley B., Minnie E., Dellie V. and John Richard. In 1860 MIr. Diehl left Ohio, coming to Clarke County, Iowa, when he located on his present farm on section 4, Osceola Township, on the Knoxville Road. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry, in the three years' service, and was in the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. Ile par- ticipated in the siege of Vicksburg. Jack- son, Mission Ridge and Lookout Mount- ain, after which he was transferred to Bat- tery D of the Fourth Missouri Artillery, in which he served six months, when he was detailed head blacksmith in the Fourth Division, in which capacity he served till he was honorably discharged at Daven- port, Iowa, in July, 1864. Soon after his discharge he recruited a company, of which he was appointed First Lieutenant, and later promoted to Captain, but his com- pany did not go into active service. Since his return from the war Mr. Dich! has de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with success, and is now the owner of 400 acres of choice land, which is well improved and under fine cul- tivation. He is now classed among the pros- perous and enterprising citizens of Clarke County, most of his property being made by his stock-raising, he having been very
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successful in the raising of cattle and hogs. Mr. Dichl has been president of the Clarke County Agricultural Society, and has served his township as trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a comrade of the Grand Army post, of which he is at present senior vice-commander. He and his wife are members of the Chris- tian church, attending Union Chapel, and are respected members of society.
ILLIAM HOGUE, deceased, was born in Valley Forge, Chester County, Pennsylvania, September 21, ISIS. He was the eldest of seven chil- dren of James and Christina (Patterson) Hogue, his parents being natives of Scot- land. When a young lad his parents went to Hocking Valley, Ohio, where he lived until twelve years of age, when he accom- panied his parents to Meigs County, they locating on Leading Creek, where he was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. He was united in marriage February 4, 1846, to Lucinda Bailey, of Meigs County, Ohio, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Hysell) Bailey, and of the five children born to this union, four are yet living-Viola C., Emma, Lucy M. and lda May. A daughter, Emeline, died at the age of fourteen years. After his marriage Mr. Hogue purchased a farm in Gallia County, Ohio, on which he lived until 1867, when he moved to Iowa and settled with his family in Green Bay Town- ship, Clarke County, on the farm which is still occupied by his family. Ile improved this land, bringing it from a wild state to a well-improved and finely-cultivated farm, this being one of the first farms improved on South Prairie. The homestead contains 210 acres of as good land as the township affords. The fine two-story residence, erected in 1885, is comfortable and com-
modious, and the out buildings for the ac- commodation of his stock are noticeably good. In his chosen avocation, that of a farmer, Mr. Ilogue was highly successful, and surrounded himself and family with all the necessary comforts of life. In politics he was a Republican, and was elected on that ticket to some of the township offices, all of which he held to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church till his death, which occurred September 17, 1882. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and left a widow and four chil- dren to mourn his loss, his death being a source of universal regret. He was a good citizen and neighbor, and by his fair and honorable dealings secured the confidence and respect of all who knew him.
OSEPH KELLEY, deceased, was born in Morgan County, Ohio, July 30, 1824. He was left an orphan at an early age, and therefore received but limited educa- tional advantages, his youth being spent in assisting with the work of a farin. In IS51 he came to Clarke County, lowa, where he entered a tract of land containing 600 acres, to which he added at different times till he owned nearly 1,000 acres. He was married in 1855 to Miss Harriet Sturman, who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1838, she being next the youngest in a family of twelve children of James and Eliza Stur- man, who moved from Virginia to Coshoc- ton County, Ohio, and from there to Madi- son County, lowa, in 1849, where they died. After his marriage Mr. Kelley settled on a farm of 160 acres on section 3, Ward Township, which is still occupied by his widow, and where he died in September, 1870, leaving seven children -- Mary E., wife of Anderson Burt; Charles A., Sarah A. (engaged in teaching school), Lettie MI.,
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Nevada, Francis M. and Viola M. Mr. Kelley was an industrious and enterprising farmer,and by his excellent business manage- ment was very successful in his agricultural pursuits. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and as a citizen and neighbor he was held in high esteem for his many manly qualities. He was always interested in every enterprise which he deemed for the public good, and for a time served efficiently as clerk and also as asses- sor of Ward Township, giving satisfaction to his constituents. He was an active mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving as steward from the organization of his church till his death, and also held the position of class-leader. His widow is a member of the same denomination, and a respected member of society.
ING P. TAYLOR was born in Ilart. ford County, North Carolina, No- vember 26, 1816, a son of James Taylor, who was born near Richmond, Virginia. His father was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, being severely wounded at the battle of Brandy wine, from the effects of which he died in 1817. Our subject went with his mother and brother- in-law to Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1834, where he lived till the fall of 1851. He then removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, and in 1864 went to MeDonough County, Illinois. He came to Clarke County, lowa, in 1872, settling on his present farm on sec- tion 2, Doyle Township, where he has since followed farming and stock-raising. Mr. Taylor has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah J. Hagan, whom be mar- ried in 1849. She died in May, 1852, leav- ing one son-William, who is now a resi- dent of Murray. For his second wife he married Asenath Cox, in March, 1853, and to this union have been born three chil-
dren-Judson J., Mary and Ida, Judson being superintendent of the schools of Clarke County. Mr. Taylor is classcd among the prosperous farmers of Doyle Township, where he has a valuable farm containing 290 acres. He is a member of the Baptist church.
EORGE W. VAUGHT, an old pio- neer who has been identified with the growth and advancement of Clarke County for over thirty years, is a native of Clark County, Indiana, born December 12, 1828. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Giltner) Vaught, were na- tives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respect- ively, and to them were born fourteen chil- dren, of whom our subject was the second child. Ile passed his early life in working on the home farm, his education being lim- ited to the log school-houses of those early days. For several years he was engaged in flat-boating on the Ohio River, freight- ing wood and hay to the Louisville market. At the age of twenty-one years he came to the then Territory of Iowa, locating in Jef- ferson County, and a short time later re- moved to Appanoose County, where he re- sided until 1854. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and located on Government land in Green Bay Township. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Thirty- ninth lowa Infantry, and at the battle of Parker's Cross-Roads he was shot through the left arm at the elbow. He was then confined in the hospital six months, and from the hospital was sent to Memphis, Tennessee, but being unfit for active duty in the field on account of his wound, he was placed on duty in the Provost-Marshal's guard, where he served till his discharge, August 11, 1865, just tlirec years from the date of his enlistment. He then returned to his home in Clarke County, remaining
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there till he removed to his present farm in 1879. His farm is located on section 30, Green Bay Township, and containseighty- five acres of choice land under a high state of cultivation, with comfortable house and farm buildings for stock. a fine orchard, etc. He is still engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in which vocation he has met with success. Mr. Vaught was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Melis- sa S. Sherlow, of Appanvose County, Iowa. They have seven children living-So- phrona, Leonidas, Savilla, Dora, Ellsworth, Libbic and Isabelle. In politics Mr. Vaught is a Republican. He is in religious faith a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. During his long residence here he has tak- en a deep interest in everything connected with the welfare of the township, and bas become widely known and universally re- spected throughout the county.
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OSEPH L. BALDWIN, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Osceola Township, is a native of Monroe Coun- ty, lowa, born in March, 1858, a son of Joseph and Harriet Leavel. His mother died when he was but thirteen months old, and he was shortly after adopted by John and Parthenia Baldwin. He passed his youth on a farm, and received his educa- tion principally in the common schools of his neighborhood, being reared to man- hood in Clarke County. He was united in marriage January 19, 1881, to Lillie White, daughter of B. F. and Eliza A. White, resi- dents of Middleport, Ohio. His family | ceased ; Ada and James. Mr. Graves fol now consists of two children, a son and a ; lowed farming in Adams County, Ilinois, daughter-Clarence and Clara. Mr. Bald- , till 1854, when he returned to Livingston win is classed among the most prosperous : County, and in the fall of the same year young agriculturists of his neighborhood, came to Clarke County, lowa. On com- ing to Clarke County he entered 160 acres in Ward Township, and improved eighty acres of his land. He subsequently dis- being now the owner of a fine farm of .240 acres, which is located on section 25 of Osccola Township. Ilis land is all under
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