USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 21
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 21
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ry.
He participated in the battles of
Shiloh, Corinth, Jackson, Mississippi, Black
ILLIAM J. MERRITT, deceased, ' River Bridge, Mission Ridge, Resaca, and
was one of the first pioneers of the principal engagements from Chatt - nooga to Atlanta. After three years of hard service he was honorably discharged July 17, 1864, and returned to his home in Appannose County. During the winter of 1804-'s he worked in a packing-hous at Ellvville. The following spring n: en- gayed with the Western Stage Company to drive stage, and followed that occupa- tion four years. His route was principais from Mi. Avr to Bedford, and from ile i. tter place to Clarinda. He became an expat in handling the nous, and passen- gers always felt de then " Zed" occu; k 2 the driver's seat. March 3. Info, He wes married to Miss Marthy F. Stevens., Ringgold County, and the first set- tler in Athens Township. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio. September 5, 1803, son of Daniel and Nancy Merritt. He was married in his native county to Ma Ha Sneaker, who was born in 1855. After marriage they runovel to Morgan Count; and later to Jacke m County. In it's ; Mr. Merritt, with wite an l ten children, came by team to lowa a d settled all alone in Athens Township. He first built a los cabin on Lott's Creek, an I in a few months removed to section IF, where be built a la cabin with a lift. He was proprietor of Merritt Station. - alisfarm wascalled - and furnished food for the hungry traveler and daughter of John and Margaret (Home) the stage horses. It was called the half- ' Steven on. That same year le phy ta al way station between Ottima and Ne
a portion of las present fart which ;
204
HISTORY OU LINGGOLD COUNTY.
then in its primitive condition. Ii. com wat timer the partnership war d's olset. now contains po at and is called red and Me ling cand on the Run. He one of the best falls in Denunt & Play Itis one of the best watered and in the county, and is wellgood to ste kni .. ing. He has a good sony-and win tri- dence, well furne pod and sure amb faith shade trees, native James a fire oftaand. stock scales, and everythingr som the place is in a prospection condition. M ......! Mis. Beundrar Er pat ents of their dren-Elva Doma, Lax D. and Ligth Belle. Mr. Bogner has held the cure of assessor two teams. Heis a member of the Masonic under, Lodge 156, and politi- cally is a Republices. Postalhet, Char feld, Taylor County.
Stat . . Mit Au. .. daughter of John add (mir Smil, her father dying; oh nein was a child of eight years. Her mother well hives at the advanced age of cilt vous, To Mr. and Mrs. hun have i con vocat four children- Clic. D ., Ag nes and a son, smith, who di dim infancy. After of marriage Mr. hou settled on his present farm, which contains eighty tens of land, to fly mealloy and pa ture Hand. He also las eighty acres in another sortim of the same township. He is still dealing in blooded stock, an I hus at pres- ent on bi. larm, a fine herd of thirty head. Mr. Min has heki the office of justice of the post. there fore, ap ! he served isso latex of the School Band ler eleven was inpolitie In ist Repuldion, cast- and enterprisine farmer of Liberty Township, Ri gold Com. w.a. born in the State of Michigan, Ondeher 3. 1849, the sixth in allunity of thirteen chil. ing his First vote for President Gint. Both Mr. and aIrs. Tions are mendes of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has acted as superintendent of the Sunday- dren of Horatio and Many Ein Haus school for one year.
who were both born in New York State. The parents seattle ! with their family in Stark County, Ilinois, and in 1854 started for Ringgold County, lowa, and MAY on their way the father was drowned in Mar- ion County. The mother is will living at the advance Lage of seventy-UND Das making ber home in Mt. Atvr. Our subject was at boy of wie ver . when he was brought to this county, and here . was rested and educated in the district schools, finishing hu che ation in the Mt. Avr school. He prepared him It for a teacher, but chog est his mind and engaged in farming, and waiting cattle and hogs. He felt la gunther lap will (. W. Das, then trommer of Rugold County, and ry other they Shall et, ha on thor mini Barjon cti. They continu i thees
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ILLIAM H. LAYTON, a prom- nent and successful farmer of Lib. orty Tows hip, is a motive of Inoboru ban in To peration County, Fch- many 18, 1832 andr of English and Irish descent. His parents, John and Mary (Ruede Layton, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. They wie married in the State of Omo, and in 1829 settled in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where they spent the rest of their days. The target's death cramped in istr, at the andvargoddag . of eighty is year , and the mother died in Mar, nasi, in her signty- fifth var. Their a restor . were noted for timi. longevity. They were the friends of
236
HISTORY OF JUNGGOLD COUNTY.
then in its primitive condition. His form. now contains gno arres and is email one of the best farias in Benton Talents It is one of the best-watered la'in in the county, and is wellady ted to sto kraj .. ing. He has a good story and whaty posi- dence, well furnished! and surromil . | with shade trees, native groves, a fine ordland. stock scales, and everything that the place is in a prosperous condition. M.and Mis. Beamer are the parents of three hill dren- Elva Dora, Loha D. and Its 'la Belle. Mr. Beamer has held the Lice of assessor two terms. lle is a member of the Masonic order, Lodge 156, and politi- cally is a Repaldican. Postoffice. Char- feld, Taylor County.
and enterprising farmer of Liberty Township, Rig gold County, Was born in the State of Michigan, October 3, 18.19, the sixth in a family of thirteen chil- dren of Horatio and Mary D, Bien Linus, who were both born in New York Snae. The parents settled with their family in Stark County, Illinois, and in 1854 started for Ringgoldl County, Iowa, ant whije on their way the father was drowned in Mar- ion County. The mother is still living at the advanced age of seventy-ty was, making her home in Mt. Apr. Our
FILLIAM H. LAYTON, a promi- nent and successful farmer of Lib- certy Township, is a motive of Intuit, bern in Tippecan . County, Feb. rubry 18. 1830, and is of English and Irish subject was a boy of six years when he , descent. His parents, John and Mary was brought to this coanty, and here ac , was reared and edneeded in the district schools, finishing his education in the Mt. Ayr school. He prepared him if for a teacher, but changed his mind and engaged in firming, and raising cattle and hogs. He formed a partnership with C. W. Das, then treasurer of Ringgold County, and weuther thy spent Sheraton thor mechani whatijorn canie. They continu i the second - together for Bom
Fonts when the premiership was dissolved, and Mi. lams settled on the kom. He Wasser, after married to Miss Jennie Sinp. 6: St. Avr. a daughter of John and Co obr Smit !. her father dying when she was a child of eight years. Her mother well lives at the advanced age of ciglity vours. To, Mr. and Mrs. Imnus have been coca four children- Elsie. Des, Ag- nes an la som, Smith, who died in infancy. After his marriage Mr. linus settled on bis present farm, which contains eighty acres of land, mostly meadow and pasture land. Hle also has eighty acres in another section of the same township. He is still dealing in bloodled stock, an ' hris at pres- ent on bis farm, a fine herd of thirty head. Mr. hous has heki the office of justice of the parte the three touns, ar! has served as secretary of the School Band for deven Hai . in politics In is a Repul lean, cast- ing his first vote for President Giant. Boil: Mr. and Mrs. Imus are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has acted as superintendent of the Sunday- school for one year.
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(Russell Layton, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respective's. They were married in the State of Ohio, and in 1529 settled in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where they spent the rest of their days. The tather's death occurred in 18si. at the advancedi ag . of eighty six years, and the mother died in Max, 1885, in her eighty- fifth year. Their ancestors were noted for th i. longevity. They were the parents of thing n chicken, cient of whom grew to
Mrs. With Layton e
I.H. Lay ton
241-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHL.S.
maturity, all being now deceased but three. . church. He was for a number of years a William H. Layton was the fifth child in member of the West Des Moines Confer- ence. Mr. Layton is and has been for years an uncompromising prohibitionist, always voting as he talks. He has also been for years opposed to all secret societies. He is a man of very strong convictions on all subjects, and is generally woll informed. He is a strong, logical reasoner, and al- though he is decided in expressing his opinions, both in public and private, always treats his opponents with fairness and courtesy. As one of the representative men of Ringgold County, we take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. Layton to our readers. his father's family. He was icared to the avocation of a farmer. his father following that pursuit, and during his boyhood he atten led the schools of his neighborhood at such times as his services were not re- quired on the farm. He was married at the age of twenty-one years to Miss Eliza- beth Creek, of Tippecanoe County, Indi- ana, whom he had known from childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Layton have cight children --- Abel M., Margaret E., wife of William French : Mary R., a widow ; Sarah Jane, wife of C. W. Schoch ; Lydia M., married J. Sievens; George P., William R. and Etta. After his marriage Mr. Layton rented a farm in his native county, where he lived until 1854. He then removed with his family to Marion County, Iowa, and during the same fali he came to Ringgoldl County and entered eighty acres of land from the Government, on which he imme- diately built a small log house, 16 x 16 feet, and commenced breaking his land, renov- ing his family to this farm in the spring of 1856. Mr. Layton began life entirely with- out means, and his great success is due to his own efforts, aided by his estimable wife, he having by his persevering industry and good management added to his real estate till he owns at present nearly 1,055 acres of choice land, the most of which is under cultivation, and pasture land. He began life as a general farmer, but as his means increased he engaged in stock-raising and feeding, and is now handling thorough-bred short-horn cattle, having at present 200 head, including grade little, besides which he has some fine specimens of Canadian draught horses. Mr. Layton served two terms as trustee of East Fork Township, before it was divided. He was elected justice of the peace of East Fork Town- chip, but refused to qualify. He and his wile are members of the United Brethren
EORGE W. MORRISON, engaged in blacksmithing in the village of Goshen, and also proprietor of the Goshen House, is a native of Huntington County, Pennsylvania, born February 18, 1845, a son of J. H. and Elizabeth Morri- son, who were natives of the same State. Our subject served three years and nine months in the defense of his country, en- listing September 30, 1861, in Company G, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry. He partici- pated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, siege of Atlanta, Sherman's March to the Sea and through the Carolinas, and partici- pated in the grand review at Washington. D. C., at the close of the war, besides others of minor importance. He was mus- tered oat at Louisville, Kentucky, July 15, 1965, receiving li discharge . at Springheid, Ilinois, July 20, 1865. Mr. Morrison was reared to agricultural pursuits, but after returning from the war, he began working at the blacksmith's trade. He was pro- ried October 14. 15%), to Nancy M. WHI. iams, who wa. bon in Milieu County, Ohio, March 6. 15,6, her parents
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HISTORY OF WINEGOLD COUNTY.
Stephen B. and Mary J. Williams, also b - ing natives of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have been born four children. of whom three are living - M. J .. born ! County, Iowa, in Ises. He settled where June 25, 1822; Ira G., born May 9, 18;7. and Amy B., born September 29, 1879. Their eldest child died in infancy. Mr. Morrison came to Ringgold County, Iowa. April 5, 1875, and during his residence here has established a good trade, and be- come one of the respected citizens of Goshen. He is a strong temperance ad- vocate, and both he and his wife belong to the Independent Order of Good Templars. In their religious faith they are Presbyte- 1 rians. In politics Mr. Morrison is a Pro- hibitionist. He is a comrade of James Conley Post, No. 285, G. A. R., at Goshen. 18:5. In 1865 Mr. Watson settled in Rock Island County, Illinois, where he lived on rented land until coming to Ringgold he now lives in March, 1869, where he has 120 acres of well-improved land. This was the pioneer home of one of Ringgold County's first settlers. a Mr. Page, who was afterward killed in the army. The first re- ligious services in Ringgold County were held at the old log house which stood on this place. The claim changed hands many times before Mr. Watson bought the land, which at that time was in its natural state --- covered over with brush and briar. Be- sides his home farm Mr. Watson owns fort; acres on section 17 of the same township, and eighty acres on section 13, Benton Township, all his lands being under im- provement. Both Mr. and Mrs. Waison were reared in the faith of the Episcopal church. They are well known and highly respected for their integrity, and many other good qualities. They have become prosperous citizens of the county, having by their careful habits and excellent man- agement gained a good and comfortable home. In his political views Mr. Watson eight years of age. Being left an orphan ; affiliates with the Republican party.
OBERT WATSON, a prominent agri- culturist of Rice Township, residing on section IS, is a native of Eng- land, born in Durham County, March 24. 1834, a son of John and Isabella Wat- son, the mother dying when he was two years old, and the father when he was so young he was early inured to a life of toil, and from the age of eleven years he has cared for himself. He found employ- ment as a farm hand in his nitive country till 1858, when he immigrated to Am rica, landing at New York in March of that year. He then proceeded to Cara la andl about six years lived in the province of Ontario, where he was married to Miss Sarah An Bryanis, a daughter of John Bryans. Mrs. Watson was born in County Fermanagh. lidland, in ISAt, but from her childhood was reared in Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson live been born seven children, of whom six are vet living. Mrs. Margaret Blunck; John, Lavins, O.c.m. Jane and Cora. The sixth chill died in
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MADDISON N. BOGGS, residing ce M section 35. Union Township, wes born in Nicholas County, West Vir- ginia, July 6, 1849. the youngest son of Elliott and Eleanor Bogys. His father was born in Galli. County, Ohio, and His mother in Greenvier County, West Vi- ginia. They were the parents of six chi! dren-Mrs. Lovina Carter al Mis. Sarah Fuller, living in Hvor . Mrs. Elizabeth. Mumahan, in Mitkell County, Kendis. William, bying i: Rol Willow Count, Nebraska ; Jones war jfd by bus whackers in West Virginia, wed And one
BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES. 24;
where he Las inve followed agricultural pursuits. His form contains 100 acres of well-improved land under a high state of cultivation, with good residence and fine farm buildings. Mr. Boggs and his wife yoad endurance, and finally imprisoned oy ware members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Topaz Lodge, No. 438, at Kellerton.
N., our subject, who was the fifth child. Our subject lived in his native State till thirteen years old. Then, at the breaking out of the late war, his father, who was a staunch Union man, was persecuted be-
bushwhackers. After being confined at Staunton for two months he was released. but before reaching his home he was again arrested, the only charge brought against him being that of loyalty to the Union. After his second arrest he made his escape by night. A violent storm favored his flight and saved him from a pursuit which meant death, and on reaching the Union lines he received the protection of Colonel. now General Cook. The spring of 1862 found the family united in Gallia County, Ohio, where they resided three years, removing thence to Abingdon, Knox County, Illinois. Late in the fall of 1875, the parents came to Ringgold County, lowa, and made their home on section 35, Union Township, where the father died in September 1882, aged seventy-one years. The mother now lives with her daughter. Mrs. Sarah Fuller, in Stark County, lili- nois. Addison N. Boggs, whose name heads this sketch, was united in marriage in Marion County, Iowa, in October, 1871. to Miss Mary Johnston, who was born in Knox County, Illinois, July 1, 1851, a daughter of J. R. Johnston, ont to this union have been born three children --- James, Bland Rosco . C. Aftera iding in Knox County, Mingis, ten year Mr. Boggs, in 1870 came to lown, and first locate lin Marion County where heresilel one year, and in April, 1874 came to Ring- gold County, where he lived in Monro Township over a year, owning a farm in that to winship on sections 1 and 12. Freen there he went to Chorke Cousty, Erva. living there one season, and in Darunter. 1875. returned to Ringroll Grupy aqui settled on his bum in Union Town hip,
- FRAMES A. MILLER. farmer, section 9. Clinton Township, was born in Rock-
c . bridge County, Virginia. September 4. 1826, son of Henry and Catherine Miller. He was reared a farmer and received his education in the common schools of his county. He was married October 4, 18.49. to Miss Susan E. Mackey, also of Rock- bridge County, and daughter of James S. and Nancy ( McMath) Mackey. September 10, 1856, Mr. Miller, with wife and five children, started for lowa, coming with one two-horse team and a one-horse vehicle with two seats. The journey lasted until the 7th of November. They slept in tents during their travels. He spent the winter of 1856-'7 in Middle Fork Township. and the following spring removed to what is now Worth. then Gentry County, Mis- souri. Here he entererlifo acres of GA- erminent land, and par hased twenty acres of tiveber land in Clinton Township, this county. His first house was a log cabin 12 × 16. In 150 be elected a frame house. if vag fect, doing the carpenter work hin- self. In IS6; he said out and bought 215 acres of his present farm, purchasing it of one Jola Weaver. The form was first set- tled by Thomas I. now Wand afterward i N. M. DeWitt. Ter unga Aquente CH- sisted of ale rdw co . and agratis, KAI. let, usalast story of by Mr. Weaver. Mr. Miler has adled to his origine par-
HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
chase until he owns 582 acres, a large por- Flate John Bingatan. By his last marriage tion being rich bottom land. He created Mr. Stevenson had two children who are his present residence in 1874. Ile is en- ' both deccased. Mr. Stevenson came to gaged in stock-raising and feeding-cattle, Ringgold County, lowa, in 18'S, and set- tled on the place where he now resides, which is known as the Beaver Farm, his home farm in Jefferson Township contain- ing 377 acres, besides which, he owns eighty acres of land located in Union County, Jowa. Mr. Stevenson is a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian church. horses, sheep and swine. He hasserved as justice of the peace twenty years, and has dispensed justice worthy of a judge of the higher court. He has served as county supervisor two terms, took the State ceu- sus of Clinton Township in 1875. and the United States census of Middle Fork and Clinton Townships in ISSo. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of fifteen children -- : John W .. Nancy Catherine, James H .. Horace M., Alexander T., Sarah Jane, I. NEWTON, farmer, section 30, Ben- ton Township, was born in Warren Lumina B., Charles T., Signora .1., Nathan R., Lena D .. Hugh W., Cora Susan and Angeline Mabel. Marietta E., wife of John ' S. Glendenning, died at the age of twenty- three. Mr. Miller is a member of the Anti- Hun - Thief Association. Healways takes an active interest in educational and relig- jous matters, and contributes liberally to all worthy enterprises. He is one of the best citizens of Ringgokl County. Politi- cally he is a Republican. Postoffice. Red- ding.
2) County, New Jersey, July 24, 1827, son of Isaac Newton and Susan (Black- well; Newton, also natives of New Jersey. They reared a family of nins children, of whom our subject was the second, and the eldest son. Ilis early life was spent princi- pally in town, his father being a mechanic, and his education was obtained in his na- tive hamlet. When nearly grown he en- gaged in boating on the Morris and Lehigh canal, from Jersey City to Eat a. Pennsyl- vania, which occupation he followed , several years. He then engaged in an apple distillery. He was married at the age of twenty-six, to Miss Elizabeth G. Batley, a native of New Jersey. After his marriage he engaged in familial and in IEL came to Ringgold County. asl locatol igon his present farm in Benton Townsin. It was then in its primitive condition with the er. ception of ten acres which had been broken. an ! a rude log cabin had been built. lu
OHN STEVENSON, one of the old settlers of Ringgold County, residing on section 12, Jefferson Township. was born in Guernsey County, O'so. April 4. 1817, a son of James Stevenson, a native of County Down, Ireland, who came to the United States when a young man. Our subject received his education in the rude log cabin subscription schus of that early day. He was mani'd love in regard 1 st be removed to Moment you, where Leoperated a steer saw and et mill for eight .en months, the returned to his farm. and on year later procent and purchase? a halt interest in the Dryden farm. ! I. lived here a year and a half. i amthe
to Miss Margaret Henderson, a daughter of Andrew Handler om, and of the six chil. dren born to this union, fores are living Andrew, Thomas At Ane. Mas Stoten son died Policy It. Top and Ma. Ster- enson was again w mach Att. i. a . to Miss Rabatt Hingen
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
well-improved, and it is one of the best stock farms in Benton Township. He has a com-, fortable house, out-buildings for stock, and one of the best orchards in Southern lowa, consisting of three acres, and small fruits. He is engaged in general farming. stock- raising and feeding. Mr. and Mrs. Newton! are the parents of eight children --- George R., Isaac J., James C., Monroe A., Minerva J., Lillie D., Fanny L. and Addie. In poli- tics Mr. Newton is a Republican. He has served as justice of the peace seven years, township clerk two years, and assessor one year. Ile is a member ofLodge No. 273, I. O. O. F., Pleasant Valley. The Newton family have been residents of New Jersey for six generations. started for lowa, leaving the family in Mc- Donough County, Illinois, for a time; he came on horseback to find a location for the winter, and decided upon Lucas County. In November. 1854, he entered 147 acres of land in Ringgold County, purchasing the claim of M. R. Brown, the first clerk of the county. The following spring ha settled with his family in his new home. There was a log house on the place, 14 x 16 feet, with puncheon floor, clapboard roof, stick chimney, and four acres under cultivation. He remained here one year, then removed one-half mile east, where he had entered more land and built another log house. Here he remained twelve years, and then removed to his present home. Their hewed-log house they first occupied still stands in the yard as a relic of pioneer days. During the first year Mr. Waugh HARVEY WAUGH, farmer, section 29. Middle Fork Township, is one of the carly pioneers of Ringgold County, having been identified with its interests for more than thirty-one years. Ile is a native of Sugar Creek, Montgomery County, In- diana, where he was born April 10, 1834. His parents were Milo and Elizabeth (Kiőhs) Waugh, the former a native of Ross County, Ohio, and the latter of Fayette County, same State. They reared a family of ten children-Martha, Joseph, Harvey, Milton B., Margaret, Maletions A., Mary Jane, Melissa, William and Alice. Harvey ! was reare I on a farin an L obtained his cdu- took an active part in what was known as the Indian war. In isi a company was organized as State Home Guards, and Mr. Waugh was elected First Lieutenant. He held the position creditably two years, and then resigned. Since 1854 he has added to his farm from time to time until the Waugh farm contains 1,300 acres of land, in a good state of cultivation and well improved. Ile has a fine two-story residence, built in modern style, and well furnished, a good orchard of large and small fruits, and a commodious barn, 40 x 40 feet. He is en- gagged principally in stock-raising and feed- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Waugh have seven cation in the common schools of that day. children living-Sarah Alice, James H., At the age of fifteen years he made a full . Martha Elizabeth, Mary Susan, Charles M.
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