USA > Iowa > Clarke County > Biographical and historical record of Clarke County, Iowa > Part 31
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excellent cultivation. his residence is com- fortable and commodious, and his fine new stable and other farm buildings well adapt- ed for the accommodation of his stock. In connection with his general farming he is devoting considerable attention to the rais- ing of stock, making a specialty of thorough-bred short-horn cattle. Mr. Bald- win takes an active interest in all enter- prises which he deems for the good of his township or county. He has held the office of highway commissioner and has served as school director, and is at present serving as supervisor with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.
OSEPH N. GRAVES, an early settler of Clarke County, is a native of Ken- tucky, born near Warsaw in Gallatin County, May 26, 1830, a son. of James C. and Catherine (Chrisenberry) Graves, who were pioneers of Boone County, Kentucky. Joseph N. Graves lost his mother when but two years of age. In 1841, when elev- en years old, he was taken by his father to Livingston County, Missouri, where he grew to manhood. On attaining his major- ity he went to Adams County, Illinois, where he began working on a farin, and in 1850 was there married to Miss Eliza House, of Adams County. Eight children have been born to this union -- William MI., died from the effects of a fall from the cu- pola of Osceola elevator : Charles A., de- ccased : Mary J., deceased; John C. and Elon, living in Osceola ; Martha E., de-
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posed of this land and removed to the farm where he has since made his home. He is an industrious citizen, and during his residence in Ward Township has won the respect of all who know him.
ON. B. BURROWS was born in North Carolina, February 8, 1803, and died at the residence of J. J. Wil- ley, of Villisca, Iowa, June 6, 1880, at the age of seventy-seven years. He left his native State at an early age, moving to Ohio, thence to Morgan County, Indiana, where he married Miss Rachel Coffin, who died at Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa, many years ago. He resided in Morgan County, till 1856, and during his residence there was county auditor for several terms in succession, and was known not only at home, but throughout the State, as a shrewd and influential politician, whose opinions were highly respected and whose ability on the stump and at the polls con- tributed largely to the success of his party. He moved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1856, and shortly afterward came to Clarke County, where for a number of years he was chairman of the county board, and represented the county in the State Assem- bly in 1868. He was an active business man all his life, till within the last few years, when failing health compelled him to adopt quieter habits. His home was at Osceola, the residence of his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Ball, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Allen H. Burrows, but part of his time he spent in visiting his daughter, Mrs. J. J. Willey, of Villisca, and a daughter in Wahoo, Nebraska, Mrs. Reese, whose hus- band is now supreme judge of Nebraska. For several weeks previous to his death Mr. Burrows had been afflicted with a disease of the stomach, and this, combined with the weakening effects of old age,
brought him gradually to the end, sur- rounded by all his children, who spared nothing that affection and medical skill could do for him. His remains were in- terred by the side of his faithful wife of former years. Mr. Burrows was a man affectionate at home, somewhat austere in public, but with a responsive heart when once touched. Living as he did during the most momentous times of his country's history, he was familiar with its men and affairs, and with a remarkable memory of events, names and dates, and gifted with an original and clear style of recital pos- sessed by few, his discourse was always in- tensely interesting. He was an honorable and intelligent citizen, and his death caused universal regret throughout the community.
OLIN BALDWIN, one of the pioneer settlers of Clarke County, who is now deceased, was born in Adams County, Ohio, in the year ISIS, a son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Foster) Baldwin. His mother died when he was about three years old, and at the age of twenty-two he was left fatherless. He was reared to man- hood on his father's farm, and followed the avocation of a farmer till his death, in which he was very successful, owing to his indus- trious habits and excellent management. After his father's death he came to Iowa, and located in Wapello County, where he was married in 1849 to Parthenia Collier, a daughter of Richard and Mary Collier, both of whom were born in Kentucky. Her father died at the age of seventy-six ycars, but her mother still survives, being now in her eighty-second year. After his marriage in Henry County, Iowa, he settled on a farm in Wapello County, on which he resided till the spring of 1851. He then came to Clarke County and entered 160
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acies of land on section 25, Osceola Town- ship, and became one of the most enterpris- ing and successful agriculturists of his neighborhood, owning at the time of his death 500 acres of choice land. He died in February, 1883, leaving a host of friends to mourn his death. He cast his first vote for Harrison and was identified with that party all his life. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow, who still resides on the old home- stead in Osceola Township, is a member of the Christian church and arespected mem- ber of society.
ILLIAM II. GARDNER, an old and respected pioneer of Clarke County, lowa, is a native of New Brunswick, born March 15, 1833, a son of William and Eliza (McClaskey) Gardner, the father born in the State of Maine, and the mother a native of Ireland. Our sub- ject was six years old when his parents went to Maine, remaining there four years. They then removed with their family to Cincinnati, Ohio, and a short time later set- tled in Ripley County, Indiana, where William H. lived for ten years. He was reared on a farm and received but limited educational advantages in the subscription schools of those carly days. In 1853 he came to Clarke County, lowa, and entered forty acres of his present farm from the Government, which he immediately com- menced to improve, building a log house and making other improvements. Ile was married November 20, 1858, to Angeline Danner, of Doyle Township, Clarke Coun- ty, a daughter of Samuel Danner. They have seven children-Elmer, Eva, Charley, Lizzie, Willie, Eddy and Frank. All the : children are receiving good educational ! heads this sketch, was the eldest of a fami- advantages, and Elmer, Charlie and Lizzie ' ly of ten children, seven sons and three are at present students of the college at | daughters, as follows-William went to 25
Battle Creek, Michigan. Mr. Gardner bas met with good success in his general farm- ing and stock-raising, and has added to his original tract of forty acres until his farm now contains 470 acres of well-improved land, and under a good state of cultivation. Flis log cabin of pioneer days has been re- placed by his present comfortable and com- modious residence. In his political views Mr. Gardner is a Republican. In his relig- ious faith he is a Seventh Day Adventist. Mr. Gardner has been a resident of Clarke County for over thirty years, and has taken an interest in everything connected with the welfare of his township, gradually ac quiring a pleasant home and becoming widely and well known as a progressive farmer. Although he began life without means, he has by his persevering industry and good management, acquired a compe- tency, and is now classed among the self- made men of Clarke County.
OHN S. YOUNG, one of the repre- sentative citizens and an honored pio- neer of Clarke County, Iowa, residing on section 24, Liberty Township, was born in Greene County, Indiana, November 15, ISIg, a son of Jacob and Martha (Storni) Young, the father a native of Maryland, and the mother born in Virginia, but reared in Kentucky. They were married in In- diana, and were among the early settlers of Greene County, that State, where they made a home in the wilderness, living there till their death, the mother dying in 1851, and the father about eight years later. The father was of German descent. The ma- ternal grandfather of our subject, John Storm, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. John S. Young, whose name
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HISTORY OF CLARKE COUNTY.
Mississippi in 1840, and died there in 1844; Joseph W. was a soldier in the Mexican war, and also served in the war of the Re- bellion, being Captain in the Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry, and was killed at the bat- tle of Lookout Mountain ; Littleton partie- ipated in twenty-seven battles during the late war without injury, but died at home of disease contracted while in the service ; Henry C. also died of disease contracted while in the service ; John H. died of typhoid fever about the commencement of the war ; Martin died in infancy ; Mrs. Ann Floyd, of Greene County, is the only mem- ber of the family beside our subject who still survives; Mrs. Elizabeth Carmichel died in Lucas County, Iowa, and Melvina died in carly childhood. John S. Young was reared to farm life, and with the ex- ception of one year in the mercantile bus- iness he has always followed that avoca- tion. He remained with his parents till twenty-one years of age, and until he was twenty-six years of age he devoted his en- tire earnings to their support. He went to Mississippi in September, 1840, return- ing to Indiana in May, 1841. February 6, 1844, he was united in marriage to Mary Beem, who was born in Owen County, In- diana, October 14, 1820, a daughter of Neely and Leah Beem, her father dying when she was quite young, in Owen County, and her mother dying in the same county in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Young have eight children living-Mrs. Adaline Fierce, living with her parents ; Joseph T. of Lucas County, Iowa; Enima, wife of Aaron Lynn, of Adair County ; William E., living on a farm near his father's homestead; Mrs. Cornelia Marquis, a widow, living near her parents: Mrs. Alicia Hamilton ; Mrs. Lucy Hamilton and Love, all living in Montana. Cornelius died in infancy. Mr. Young lived on his farm in Greene County until 1856, when he sold his property in Indiana and came with his family to lowa, loca-
ting in Otter Creek Township. Lucas County, where he remained until the spring of 1869. He then sold his farm of 240 aeres, buying the farm which he now owns and occupies in Liberty Township. Hle has met with good success in his agri- cultural pursuits, and besides his home farm, which contains 160 acres of valuable land, he also owns forty acres of timber land in the same township. In politics Mr. Young is identified with the Republican party, although in carlier years he was an old-line Whig. He and his family are Methodists in their religious belief. Mr. Young has experienced all the trials and hardships incident to the life of a pioneer, locating in the county among the early settlers, and has witnessed the many changes that have taken place, having done his part toward building up the material interests of this part of Clarke County.
B. LANE is a native of New Jersey, born April 8, 1830, a son of Richard and Annie M. (Holines) Lane. The father was lost at sea when our subject was but eight months old, and the mother sub- sequently removed with her seven children, three sons and four daughters, to Highland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and there the mother died in the fall of 1852. In 1855 he came to lowa and en- tered 160 acres of land in Clarke County, which he partly improved, and then sold it and bought his present farin, which con- sists of sixty acres of finely-improved land. IJe has a pleasant home, and is one of Fremont Township's prominent and in- fluential citizens. He has held various township offees, and has proved a reliable and capable public servant. Mr. Lane was married in lowa to Miss Eda Harlan, daughter of Aaron Harlan, and to them have been born seven children, three sons
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and four daughters-W. E., Miriam, Ce- lesta, Nancy, Catherine, George W., Stephen A., Rhoda, and Clara Stella. The latter is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are men- bers of the Christian church. In politics he is a Greenbacker.
D R. JESSE EMERY, a resident of Mur- ray, was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, August 18, 1811, a son of Conrad Emery, who was a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He was reared on a farm, his father being a farmer by oc- cupation, and his education was received in the common schools, and .at Cannons- burg Seminary, in Washington County, of his native State. He began reading medi- cine at home, and by diligent study he became well versed in the knowledge of his profession, which he has followed suc- cessfully at intervals for thirty-three years. He left his native State in 1819, going with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio. March 28, 1833, he was married to Margaret Pounds, a native of the same county as her husband, and a daughter of Thomas Pounds. Five of the seven children born to the Doc- tor and Mrs. Emery are living-Sarah J., Conrad, Thomas, Elizabeth and Elijah. Those deceased are-Hannah, who mar- ried and left at her death five children, and James, who was killed by a log rolling on him, when nineteen years of age. Doctor Emery left Wayne County, Ohio, in 1835, removing to Knox (now Stark) County, III- inois in 1835. In 1853 he came with his family to Clarke County, lowa, when he settled in Doyle Township, and in 1855 he 1 and David Newton laid out the town of Hopeville. He came to Murray in 1876 where he has since made his home. When the Doctor first made his home in Clarke County, the Indians were the principal in-
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habitants. Ile was then obliged to go to Eddyville to mill. ninety miles distant, and during the first five years spent here, he went to Burlington to do his trading, which was 160 miles from his home. He would go to that city but once a year, get- ting sufficient to last a year. In 1860 he went to the Rocky Mountains, returning home the same year, and while there held the office of justice of the peace a short time. While living in Illinois he served as con- stable. During the late war he served in the Union army sixteen months, being a member of Company 1, Fifth Missouri In- fantry.
-3- HOMAS JOHNSON, a pioncer of Clarke County, living on section 20, Madison Township, was born in Hanover (now Prussia), Germany, the date of his birth being June 9, 1825. His father, John Johnson, immigrated to America, and settled in Clarke County, Iowa, several years ago, living here till his death. Thomas Johnson, whose name heads this sketch, left his native country in 1845, and after coming to America made his home most of the time in Sangamon County, Ili- inois, till 1856. He returned to Germany. in 1852. and married Miss Elizabeth Acker- man, a daughter of F. Ackerman. Nine children were born to them, of whom seven are living-Hilka, Matilda, John, Annie, Gretta, Frank and Rosa. Hannah died aged twenty years, and Nancy died at the age of seventeen years. Mr. Johnson came to Clarke County, lowa, in 1856, and has since been a resident of his present farm. When he first settled in the county wild animals abounded, and Indians were the principal inhabitants. He was then obliged to go to Indianola to mill, a distance of thirty miles. He began life for himself entirely without means. On landing in America he could not obtain work till the
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following spring, and until that time was in debt for his board in St. Louis. He has | always followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has prospered far beyond his expectations, and now owns 5So acres of choice land. In connection with his gen- eral farming he devotes considerable at- tention to stock-raising, and has at present on his farm 125 head of cattle, besides twenty-six calves, and between sixty and seventy hogs. Since residing in the town- ship he has served as trustee, besides hold- ing other local offices of trust. He is a member of the Protestant Methodist church.
UGH R. DUKE, of the village of Woodburn, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, November 28, 1836. His parents, Thomas and Sidney (Johnson) Duke, were born and reared in Virginia. JIis grandfather was one of the patriots who served in the war for American inde- pendence, and his father served in the war of 1812. He was in the garrison at Fort Henry, Baltimore, at the time of its bom- bardment by the British forces. In 1853 the family removed to Logan County, Ohio, where the father died in 1855, aged sixty-three years. Hugh, being the eldest child at home then had charge of the family. They moved to Jefferson County, Virginia, and lived on rented land. July 18, 1861, Hugh enlisted in Company K, Seventh Jowa Infantry, in defense of the Union. l Iis first action was at the battle of Fort Donelson ; next in the terrible two days' battle at Shiloh, and later the siege of Corinth. He was in the battles of Inka and Corinth in 1862. In Middle Tennessee the regiment was doing hard duty until the relief of General Thomas' army at Chatta- nooga. The regiment then joined the Fifteenth Corps, undler command of General Logan, and became a part of Sherman's
grand army in its campaign against Johnston's army ; and at, Atlanta, in the he- roic campaign that followed, the Seventh bore an honorable part. In the battles that occurred between Chattanooga and Atlanta the Seventh also bore an honorable part, being nearly sixty days under fire. July 22 the regiment was engaged at At- lanta where General McPherson was killed; Sergeant Duke saw him fall and carried from the field. It was at the battle of Jonesboro ; followed the banners of Sher- man to the sea ; up through the Carolinas, and in the line of the grand review at Washington. While at Petersburg, Ser- geant Duke was permitted to visit his sister, Mrs. Emily Writt, at Sutherland Station, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He was honorably discharged July 22, 1865. The service of Sergeant Duke was honor- able in the highest degree. He was in the hospital at Bird's Point, in October, 1863, two weeks ; participated in all the battles of his regiment, terminating only with the surrender of the rebel General Johnston's army. He returned to Jefferson County, and June 13, 1867, was united in marriage with Miss Mary Frush, daughter of George Frush of Clarke County. She was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, August 3, 1841. In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Duke went to La- Bette County, Kansas, intending to remain, but being unable to get a good title to the railroad land upon which they had settled, they went to the northwestern part of the State and located a soldier's warrant. Af- ter the loss of several successive crops by grasshoppers, Mr. Duke abandoned all hope of living in Kansas and returned to Jefferson County. In ISSI he removed to the village of Woodburn. He owns ninety- three acres, all within the corporation of Woodburn. He is a member and Adjutant of Davenport Post, No. 385, G. A. R., and both are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church. They have five children living
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-Orin D., Elmer E., Mary E., Ida May and Clyde Otho. Roscoe J. died of croup in Feb- ruary, 1881, aged twoyearsand three months. Mr. Duke's mother died in 1874 in Jeffer- son County, aged seventy-four years. One brother, Thomas, and sister, Emily, live in Virginia. Two brothers, David and Will- iam L., live in Jefferson County. A sister, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, lives in Woodburn, and Mrs. Mary Jane Drenner lives in Kan- sas. In politics Mr. Duke is a Republican.
ILLIAM E. HARPER, recorder of Clarke County, was born in Kos- ciusko County, Indiana, near the . city of Warsaw, November 9, 1844. He was the third of seven children, four of whom are now living. The father, James Harper, is a native of Indiana. The mother, Delilah (Mason) Harper, was also a native of Indiana. They immigrated to Clarke County in 1857, and settled on a farm, where they remained many years. They then moved to Osceola, where they still reside. William E. passed his boyhood on a farm, and received such educational ad- vantages as the common schools of that day afforded. At the outbreak of the civil war, when he was but eighteen years of age, he entered the service as a private soldier, enlisting in Company D, Eighth Regiment, lowa Cavalry, and served faith- fully two years in the Western army. He took an active part in the Atlanta cam- paign with his regiment, also in the last campaign of the war; he with his regi- ment in 1865 was with General Wilson's cavalry corps when they made their famous raid toward Mobile, Selma, Tus- kaloosa and other points, after which he returned to Georgia, where he was mus- tered out August 13, 1865. After being honorably discharged, Mr. Harper returned to Clarke County, and engaged in agricult-
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ural pursuits. September 26, 1865. he mar. ried Miss Emarilla, daughter of G. N. Til- lotson, of Clarke County. They havetwo children-Levi S. and Addie L. In 1873 Mr. Harper left the farm and moved to the city, where he accepted a clerkship in a store. In Isse he was the Republican nominee for county recorder, and was clected by a large majority. So well did he discharge the duties of his office, that in 1884 he was re-elected. Mr. Harper is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is well known, and by his genial manner has won many friends.
BISHIA SANDERS, farmer and stock- raiser, living on section 5, 'Knox - Township, was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 2, 1848, a son of Jesse and Ep- sey (Battin) Sanders, the father being a native of Georgia, and the mother born in Columbiana County, Ohio. They were the parents of nine children-Benjamin, Ma- tilda, Simeon, Myrom, Clarinda, Jesse, John, Sarah and Abisha. Abisha spent his youth on a farm, his education being obtained in the common schools. He en- listed in the defense of his country at the early age of fifteen years, he being one of the youngest soldiers in the company. He joined Company B, Tenth Ohio Cavalry, in February, 1863, and participated in many engagements, and was with Sherman in his grand march to the sea. He was in Gen- eral Kilpatrick's command. He was hon- orably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, in August 1865, when he returned to his home in Perry County, Ohio. Octo- ber 21, 1868, he was married to Phebe Travis, of Perry County, and they have eleven children living-Matilda, Albert S., Stella A., Effie Alice, Carrie Irena, Ora Centennial, Orle F., Vernon P., Charlotte,
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HISTORY OF CLARKE COUNTY.
Lora Blaine, and an infant unnamed. Mr. Sanders has been a resident of Clarke County, Iowa, since the spring of 1878, when he located on his present farm in Knox Township. His farm contains 200 acres of as good land as can be found in Clarke County, and is all under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Sanders is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, be- longing to Post No. 189. In politics he is a Republican.
D R. CALVIN BLYTHE, one of Clarke County's leading physicians, resides in the village of Woodburn. He has been a resident of Clarke County nineteen years. He was born at Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania, August 25, 1832. His father, Cal- vin Blythe, Sr., was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and his mother, Patience Au- gusta Elliott, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, the latter died when Calvin was six months old. She was a member of that family of Elliotts of whom Commodore Jesse D. Elli- ott, U. S. N., was a distinguished member. His father was a lawyer by profession, and a leading man of the State; served in the Legislature two terms; as judge and col- lector of port at Philadelphia under Presi- dent Tyler's administration. His death occurred in 1843. The following from the Philolelphia Ledger shows the esteem in which he was held by the public:
" DEATH OF HON. CALVIN BLYTHE."
" We record the deccase of this gentle- man with deep regret, for he was one of the most amiable, courteous and unassum- ing gentlemen of our acquaintance. lle served with distinction on the Canada frontier during the war of 1812, has been a member of our State Legislature, sec- retary of the Commonwealth, attorney- general, president, judge, collector of
the port of Philadelphia, and hell be- sides various honorary positions of trust. He died at the residence of his brother Ezra, in Adams County, whither he had repaired in consequence of his failing health."
Dr. Calvin Blythe remained in Harris- burg until he was ten years of age, then went to Philadelphia where he grew to manhood. He studied medicine at New- ark, Ohio, and graduated in the medical department of the University of Pennsyl- vama, Philadelphia. He commenced his practice in Wapello County, lowa. Since that time he has devoted all his time and energies to his profession, and has been remarkably successful. The doctor is a member of the order of A. F. & A. M., and affiliates with Unity Lodge, No. 212, at Woodburn. He is a dealer in drugs and medicines, keeping the only drug store at Woodburn. John E. Blythe, the only brother of Dr. Blythe, served in the marine service of the United States Government, on the steamer Somerset. He died in the service in 1864.
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