USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 24
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 24
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
ORINGTON CHANCE, one of the successful farmers of Washington Township, and a representative of one of the oldest families of Ringgold County, was born in Richland County, Ohio, near Loudonville, the date of his birth being October 19, 1835, a son of Joshua and Mary A. (Jump) Chance. The father was a native of Maryland, and an early settler of Ohio. Ile remained in Richland County until the fall of 1856, when he removed with his family to Ring- gold County, locating on raw prairie land, on section 36, Washington Township, and -4-133- here he built a small hewed lug house, ijs to feet, and began improving his land, on which he lived till his death, in 1858. The mother survived till 1828. They were the parents of three soas and five daughters, all of whom vet survive except William Henry, who died in the service of his country durin ; the late war. Dori: ton Chance, the subject of this sketch. They were mandied in lad ant. on to thom
AY DINNING, cashier of the City- zeus' Bank, at Mt. Avr, is a native of Cass County, Mieni. an. box (). tober 15, 18 14, a som oi Baren B. . nl S. 1 .. (Styles: Dub line, to Haber born in, Eric County, New York. April 3 Das Ha! the mother arrive of Massachusetts.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
were born four sons-Walter, Frank, Day and Charles B., of whom Charles B. is de- ceased. Barton B. Dunning, father of our subject, passed his youth in his native State. where he was reared to agricultural pur- suits, and when a young man he went with his parents to Michigan, where he improved a large farm. He learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in Michigan, and subsequently removed his business to Chi- cago, Illinois, where he engaged in the manufacture of barrels. He was one of the carly settlers of Ringgold County, bringing his family here in the spring of 1855, before Mt. Ayr was laid out. Jle was the first merchant in Mit. Ayr, bring- ing his first gools from Keokuk, Iowa, and in connection with his mercantile busi- ness he dealt in real estate and carried on farming and stock raising. He was one of the most active and enterprising citizens of Mt. Ayr, and was one who helped to give the town an carly impetus He died in Mt. Ayr in 1877. His widow still sur- vives. Day Dunning, whose name heads this sketch, was quite young when he was brought by his parents to Mt. Ayr, and there he was reared, receiving his educa- tion in the schools of Mt. Ayr. At the age of eighteen he began farming and dealing in stock under the direction of his father, and later left the farm and engaged in the mercantile business, in partnership with Andrew Ingram, with whom he was as- sociated under the firm name of Ingram & Dunning for five years, when they dis- posed of their business. Mr. Dunning was marrie l in 1870 to Miss Parola Keller, a daughter of I. W. Keller, and to this union have been born eight children. In the fall of 1980, after the death of his brother, Charles B. Dunning, who had organized the Citizens Bank at Mt. Avr, in June, 1930, Day Dimming took charge of the business, and soon after because sole propri for all cashier, and has since been doing a general
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banking business. Mr. Dunning has served some time as city councilmta, and is also a member of the School Board. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been trustee and steward for many years.
L. BONHAM, an enterprising citizen Ringgold County, engaged in the lumber business at Goshen, is a son of S. II. and Susan Bonham, who were natives of Ohio, but for forty-seven years have made their home in lowa. L. L. Bon- ham was born in the State of Iowa. April : 29, 1842, a native of Mahaska County. He was reared on his father's farm, receiving a common-school education in the schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty years he enlisted in the service of his coun- try in Company I, Twenty-second Jowa Infantry, and participated in the siege of Vicksburg. After being in the service three years he was mustered out and re- ceived his final discharge at Davenport, lowa. He then returned to his home in lowa, and April 26, 1866, was married to Mary E. Welsh, a daughter of Henry and Laura (Walker) Welsh, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mis. Bonham isa native of lowa, born December 22, 1844. To Mr. and Mrs. Donham have been bom nine children -- Irvin W. was born Merch 22, 1867, and died April 5. 1885 : Frel IT. was born December 14, 1848: J. M., born May 25, 1870; Florence, born March. 25, 1872 ; Laura, born October 25, 1974 : leroy, born March 27. 1977 : Novella, Down January 21, 1879; Carrie, ban July 1, 1%. and Eddie, bom March 2. 150g. After his return from the .. Mr. Bonham 1 ... 01 in farming in his n give counts, which de followed until 1s . with his family to Clarke Clients, the my .10 Ringgold County in 1 2. when he cta
Webo T His present Business, and is one of joy at the age of one your But few las theerling lumby merchants of the Joan- is. In his political views he aumece with the Greenback party. He belegt to the Old Follows onder, being a chatde wall. bu" of Lodge No. 53, at Geshen. He als ) belongs to the Good Templars order at Gasten, and is a comrade of James Con- nell; Post, No. 285, G. A. R. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bomhain are members of the Christian church.
HOMAS M. HALL. an old and hon- Lored pioneer of Ringgold County. was born in Iradel County, North Carolina, September 8, 1823, a son of Stuart and Rebecca Hall. When he was three years of age he was taken by his parents to Jackson County. Indiana, and there he grew to manhood. His youth was spent in working on the home farm, and in his spare time heattended the district schools, where he received but the rudiments of an education. In 1853 he was married to Mary Ann Guthrie, a daughter of Samuel and Thirza Guthrie, and to this union werc born five children-Mrs. Theadocia Morrill, of Redding, Ringgold County; Samuel S., living in Benton Township; Theora Ann. deceased wife of I. N. Long ; Thisza Ann, deceased ; Rebecca J., wife of Thomas J. Jones, of Benton Township. Mrs. Hall died February 7, 1963, and Mr. Hall was again married, September 28, 1871, 10 Mis. Mary E. Gollidar, a native of In li na. When an infant she was taken by berger ents, Jim and Diey Goliplay, to Geren County, Wisconsin, where she was reared. Her parents sabe quently - the Tin Fish. sent his district in the sen 1. iste County, Iowa, where her father died. Hr nothing is still a ra iled of the com. ingthes sim. Helf or will gr Tothe second union were born that will bepaul, while a somyot dren, of when two badly me Kein aproape Bol, note of Drugs Country of anl Diey My. John T.anl Sint Loth
Dh. lived withme the Hints of Ringenil County when Mr. Hill came, he having settled on his present farm, on section 6. Ric. Township, in November, 1855, ani In has witnessed the growth and develop- ment of the county, and noted the changes year by year with great interest. Although he has met with severe rever.es, mainly by leading his name to secure other men's in- debtedness, he bas still a good, confort- able home and sufficient means to keep his family in comfortable circumstances. He is a man much respected throughout the county, and his many manly qualities have en learel him to all who know him. He is a member of the Christian church. Mrs. Hall is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal church.
RS. ELIZABETHI F. BROWN, daughter of Benjamin and Mar- garet (Kendall) Gibbon v, and sister of Francis E. Gibboney, of Riley Town- ship, was born in Bedford County, Penn- sylvania, March 18, 1822. Two years later her parents settled in Licking County, Ohio. She was married March 25, 1440, to Nicholas T. Brown, who was born in Boone County, Kentucky. J. miary 6, 1920. They commenced their early life in Ohio. but later became early settings of Longa County, Iowa, where the energy on li Ment of Mr. Bron sona ppel him am 4: 1to formmost of its citizens. Il. we promi. 1 1 th political, so they U besin . c.
HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTE.
i got his present business, and is one of died at the age of out your. But it's that tive itt ling lumber merchants of the coun- iv. In his political views be affiliates with the Greenback party. He bolopes to the Odd Fellows onder, being a charter inst .. bur of Ladge No. 53. at Geshen. He also belongs to the Good Templars order at Goshen, and is a comrade of James Con- nelly Post, No. 285, G. A. R. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bonham are members of the Christian church.
is livel within the Hunts of Riscant County when Mr. I'd came, he has The social on his present farm, on section 6, Rice Township, in November, 1855, and he has witnessed the growth and develop- ment of the county, and noted the changes year by year with great interest. Although he has met with s vere reverses, mainly by leading his muum - to secure other men's in- debtedness, he has still a gool, confort- able home and sufficient means to keep his family in comfortable circumstances. He is a man much respected throughout the county, and his many manly qualities have
THOMAS M. HALL, an okl and hon- ored pioneer of Ringgold County. , en leared Him to all who know him. He is a member of the Christian church. Mirs. Hall is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal church.
was born in Iradel County, North Carolina, September 8, 1823, a son of Stuart and Rebecca Hall. When he was three years of age he was taken by his parents to Jackson County, Indiana, and there he grew to manhoo !. His youth was spent in working on the home farm, and in his RS. ELIZABETHI F. BROWN, daughter of Benjamin and Mar- garet ( Kendall, Gibbon v, and sister , of Francis E. Gibb mey, of Riley Town- ship, was born in Bedford County, Penn- sylvania, March 18, 1822. Two years later her parents settlel in Licking County, Olio. She was marriel March 25. 1540, to Nicholas T. Brown, who was born in Boone County, Kentucky. J. mairy 6, 1820. but later became cally's tiers of Lot ..: of Mr. Bro va som al got him daten_ il spare time heattended the district schools, where he received but the rudiments of au education. In 1853 he was married to Mary Ann Guthrie, a daughter of Samuel and Thirz: Guthrie, and to this union were born five children-Mrs. Theadocia Mor:ill, of Redding, Ringgokl County ; Samuel S., living in Benton Township ; Theora Adn, deceased wife of 1. N. Long ; Thirza Ann, deceased ; Rebecca J., wil of Theens J. They commencal their early Ine in Ohio Jones, of Benton Township. Mrs. 11.il! died February 7, 1963, and Mr. It was again married, September 23, 1371, 16 Mit Mary E. Colidas, a native of India. En 200 of its diz . He w . j. i. When an infant she was taken by Her you cut, Jobb ant Diey Gafflay, to Gr ca County, Wisconsin, wheresh wa jeanet. Her parentssabe qu ently seul tin Tal. 1 County, lova, where Ler nacher di d. H . 1. 1 mother is still a resident of that cant . To the see and union were born wor che dren, of whom two aly at Him. he is and Diey May. John Thank You For Tem Ship . : KM
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Within Il. of Ruthe Count. Nebras The N .. of Riley Town by : Asa W' .. Vigo County, Indiana ; George 1 ... of Butter County. California; Oscar and Joseph A. of Mono County, California. John N. was the cidest child at home, and after the death of the father he took charge of his mother's property. In Key he came to Ringgold County and bought a home on section 10, Riley Township, where they lived together until after his marriage, when he made a separate home for himself. Mrs. Brown's homestead contains eighty acres of good land, and in addition to this she owns twenty-two acres of timber land. John N. Brown was married April 21, 1872, (> Mary E. Moulton, and has six children -Edgar A., Perry O., Lenora, Ora O., ! Effie Belle and Jacob. He owns a fine farm of 565 acres, and is one of the active business men of the township. He is a leading member of the Christian church.
AMUEL BAILEY, M. D., located in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, in March, 1879, an l has built up a good practice, having gaine I the confidence and esteem of his patrons and brethren in the profession. HIe is a native of Rock Island County, Illinois, 1 born September 1, 1851, a son of James at 1 Anna (Blakely) Bailey, natives of Ire. land, who came to America in their youth, and were married in Rock Island. His father died when he was an infant three months old, and he was reared by his silowed mother, and was given the bone- At o. a good education. He began du study of medicine with Dr. J. H. Sevier, 1. Preemption, Mercer County, Ilinois, and subsequently entere l Rush Medica College, Chicago, Illinois, from which he graditited in February, 18;y. and barmalı. soly after his graduation lo ste l in St. Avr. where, for seven years, he has been
identified wof all that pertains to the sucial and materia development of the place In 1832 he was elected corner of Rin, gold County, and has hell the office since by re- dection. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge and chapter, and also of the lodge and encampment of the Odd Tel- lois order. He is a member of the Epis- copal church, being confirmed by Bishop Lee, in 1865.
D. CARTER, proprietor of Platte Valley stock farm, resides on section 2 25. Benton Township. Perhaps no name among the pioneers of Ringgold County is more familiar to the carly set- tlers than is that of Mr. Carter, who has been identified with its interests for mbre than thirty years. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 21, 1824. His father, Thomas Carter, was a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, and his mother, Harriet (Davis) Carter, was a native of Ohio. They were married in Ohio, and reared a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Our subject was the second child. When he was five years old his parents removed to Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Ile was reared on a farin, and educated in the common schools. In 1843 the family removed to the then Territory of lowa, locating in Jefferson County, where they resided about two years.and in 1845 re moved to Wapelo County and settled upon land known as the Black Hawk Purdas. In 1343 '4 Mr. Carter assisted on the Gov- comment farvet Des Moines, under Ja. S. Scott, Garement Collector, ani legal to break the land and rate con where he took audate in Way Ho County. With In improved om loulisted. Jane games. he was united in tounhar with Miss His- cilla Clima, a native 4. Card. Com ...
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HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
Ohio, and daughter of Joho and Sirah Cunton, who came to lowa in isp. Mr. Carter resided in Wapello County and at- tendel to his farm duties until the first news of gold beiag foun ? in California was received, when he joined the first company that started for that golden shore, leaving a wife and two children at home to await his return. They started in April, 1849. with os teams, arriving in September of the same year. He at once engaged in mining. meeting with good success in gathering the golden ore, and a year later he returned to his home in Fairfield. He was the first Californian to return. In 1855 he removed to Ringgold County, entering a portion of his land in June of that same year, and set- tled upon it in the fall. His first dwelling was a log cabin, 16x IS feet, and it consti- tuted kitchen, dining room, parlor and sleeping rooms. In the fall of 1859 he was elected sheriff, and took the oath of office January 1, 1865. He served creditably for two years. At the breaking out of the civil war he was one to go forth in defense of union and liberty. He en- listed August 9, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry. He par- ticipated in the engagement at Helena, Arkansas, and was with General St .ele's division in the Red River expedition ; was at the battle of Saline, where his horse was shot from under him ; was at the taking of Mobile, Blakeley, and the Spanish Forts, where the regiment lost heavily ; was at Whistler, the last engagement of the war. Ilis regiment was in twenty-nine hard- fought bottles. He was honorab's dis- changed in August. 1965, and returned to his how - to resume his duties non his farm. Platte Valley farm contains 420 acres of as rich landt as ein b. loon 1 in the county. Mr. Citer is making a spo- cialty of fine stock, and owns, in company with three others, one of the best regis- tered Norman horses in Southern lowa; , Indiana, born in 1:51. a daughter of
also some thorough-bred short horns. On this farm can be seen some of the best horses and cattle in Ringgold County, His residence is a fine two-story buil ling, med- ein style and well furnished, and buildings for stock, orchard, etc. Politically Mr. Carter is a Republican, and has always buen one of the "wheel-horses" ever since coming to the county. He served as a member of the Board of Supervisors four years, and justice of the peace eight or ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are the parents of six children -- John T., Day, Harriet Ellen, Mary L., Eliza and Priscilla. Jane and Sarah are deceased. Mrs. Carter died in is82, and in January, 1883, he was married to Mrs. Phebe Martin, a sister of his former wife. Mr. Carter has won many friends, and no man in the county stands higher politically or socially.
FOIN DICKSON, one of the leading farmers of Ringgold County, and a pioncer settler of Union Township, where he still resides, on section 34, Was born in Crawford County, Ohio, Novem- ber 19, 1827, a son of George and Agnes Dickson, who are both deceased. Our sul- ject was brought up on the home farm, re- maining with his parents till twenty eight years of age. He came to lowa in S-piem- ber, 1856, and the following month pur- chased 160 acres of land on section 34. Union Township. Ringgod! County. The following spring hel gan improving he land, breaking up and fencing forty acre ., and in 1859 he bull a chestory house, 1.1 x 25 feet in size, which was the second flame house in the tryn hip. He felt ! His house to a family with when he div } till his murit. c. ami rentel part of me form. Hewas ps ! in memoriam .Augu .
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NOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
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Ricard A. Chew, an early settler of dealing in marble, and later dealt in osage Clarke County, lowa, who settled in Dovle T. voship. that county, in 18544. To Mr. and Mes. Dickson have been barn three children-Jennie, Opal and George. In polities Sie. Dickson votes the Democratic
orange trees, He came to lowa, and in 18 67 settled in Mahaska County, where he remained till the spring of isto, since which he has been a resident of Ringgoldl County. Ilis farm is located on section 19, ticket. He is widely known throughout ! Washington Township, where he has 280 Ringgold County, and ranks among its , acres of choice land, all under fence and best agriculturis's. Quiet in manner, un- assuming. industrious and strictly honor- able in all his dealings, he has gained the confidence of all with whom he has busi- ness or social intercourse. In 18so the father of Mr. Dickson visited him in Ring- geld County, and died at the residence of i his daughter, Margaret Walters, near Mount Ayr, August 28 of that you, in his eightiet !: year. The mother's death oc- curred some two years before that of her husband. well improved, Mr. Harvey having changed his farm from raw prairie to well-cultivated fields. In connection with his general farming he devoted considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of hogs, in which he is meeting with success. Mr. Harvey was married in February, 1856, to Miss V. E. Erkenbrack, a native of the State Fof New York, but at the time of her mar- riage a resident of Ogle County, Illinois. To this union have been born three chi !- dren-Frank S., living in Jasper County, Iowa; Jennie E., married Herbert W. Marsh, who is now deceased; and Ray E., at home. Mr. Harvey has held the office of justice of the peace four years, and is still holding that office. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for forty-two years, and has been steward of his church for many years. Mrs. Har- vey is a member of the same debomination. Mr. Harvey commenced life on hisown ac- count, entirely without means, and has by his own efforts accumulated his present fine property, becoming one of the prominent men of histownship. anh is a much-resort- ed citizen. In politics he was formerly an old-line Whis but has been a Re- publican since the organization of that party, casting his first Presidential volet : Zachary Tavla. Mr. Harvey's gram- father, Willian Harvey, was a shiir in the war of the Revolution. 110 Ethers ry ol in the war of iste, and in the Black Book war. The fun rattled m Licking Cout- ty. Oblo, as raelyas IS.3. Ho vas 1900 worried. t. Hinge for his first wil Names
TY TILLIAM A. HARVEY was born in Licking County, Ohio, near New- ark. July 12, 1826, the third child of James and Mary A. (Billingsley) Harvey, the father a native of Maryland, and the mother of Licking County, Ohio. When he was two years old he was taken by his parents to Tazewell County, Ilinois, and there he grew to manhood on a farm, his father being a farmer by occupation. In his poput he attended the common schools of Taze : Al County, and later spent two versat the Rock River University, in Ogk Crusts. Elmois, having previousy taught schot for pro terins to defray his ex- I -nbes wolle at that institution, and after completing his education he followed the t ... He's pression for a time. He was a- coated with Henry Miller & Co., of Colussibas, Olio, for toar years, after which he ir mated in Peoria, Illinois, and engaged in the King bu iness. Later he engaged in the exoregy business after which be begun Miller, by whom he had have children. the
sousa! three langniteis.
children, of whom ten ge w 1x privasite. eight still living, our subj at nejpg lewis ontem of this union. The parent's myxom su'just moved to Tatowch Chants. HE mais in 1826, where they made their home till their death.
APTAIN ANDREW JOHNSTON, one of the principal stock-breeders of Ringgold County, is a native of Jef- ferson County, Obio, born Februar; II, 182 ). Ilis parents were Michael and Jan- Nixon Johnston, his father ban at Ship- pensburg, Pennsylvania, and his mother near Steubenville, Ohio. They lo vatel in Jefferson County after their marriage and when he was about ten years oldl they moved to Holmes County, where they live !! fifteen years, and then went to Knox County, and from there to Richland County, where the father died, agel sixty- seven years. The mother is still living. now making her home in Ringgold County. where she has lived since 18;6. Their family consisted of ten children, right of whom are living. Andrew being the ell- est. Ilewas given a gop l'education, atten 1- ing some time the Wooster Academy, and al o was a student of Ohio Week van Uni- versity, at Delaware. His youth. when not in school, was spent in assisting this tomat, and then to Captain of His company. father of the faria, and in teaching school, remaining at both . natil i.mah . . !. He was madied in Knox County. Oliv, June 10, 1 55. 1 ) Phinh . Ruch, a native If the couply. In September of the salle you they came to loga, and live l in Musai County the lol aring winter, med in i springof 1956 located in Ringgold Don't. entering eighty acres of his prosent com r. sitent during the Last monthand servi From there went to New Orleans. when in Liberty Township, from the Gok In- ment. He built a Front of total das ke we mustend out in August, 18. 11.
Went to wols to improve bo. iand. dobr the best he could with hi- Rawird means. now owns i Facres, which is well adapted to his present business of stock-breeding. For some time he engage lin general farm- ing. an i they began dealing in sheep on a small sale. He gradually increased his stock antil lie had jos head, herding them on the prairie. At that time prairie wolves were trou'd some, and he Lad no small difficulty in protecting his sheep from their ravages. After engaging in that industry about fifteen years he dispersed of his sheep and turned his attention to short-horn cat- tle. He purchased his first stock of cattle in 1866, of one of the principal stockmen of Iowa, Tim Day, and ler bought of others. He now has over hity thorough- bred cattle on his farm, all eligible to registry. Some of them are of fine fami- les. Young Mary being his favorite. He also has a number of very fine grade horses of the Percheron and Clydesdale draught breed, and has been very successful in the various branches of stock-raising, all his gained a wide reputation, extending beyond the limits of his own county. In 1862 Captain Johnston enlisted in the ple- feuse of his country, and was assigned to Company G. Twenty-ninth lowa Infantry. He was su' sequently promote1 to Live. He participated in the logic at Helen Ananas, July 3. 1. 53, and the capture i Lift Ruch. Was with Gen. A State . his Camden condition, and took part in. the battle of Seine River. the Shape!
A. Johnston
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
was wounded twice, but not severely, never being obliged to leave his regiment. Since returning home he has served his county and township in sevend official capacities, and has made an efficient and capable pablic officer, devoting the same care and attention to his duties that char- acterized his life as a soldier. He has served one term as county superintendent of schools, and two terms, Fourteenth and Fifteenth General Assembly, in the State Legislature. Has served three terms as a member of the Board of Supervisors, being at the present writing a member of the Board. His family has been four children, three of whom are living -- Sophronia, Hat- tie, wife of Joseph Atwood, and Poe. . 1 son, Ray, died in early childhood. The wife, Phoebe, after nearly thirty-one years of married life, died suddenly, from paraly- sis, April 17, 1886; thus ending the his- tory of this Johnston family, as a united family amongs us. The Captain says that whatever of popularity and character as a soldier and citizen he may have acquired, he must attribute a very large portion of his success to his wife, who in courage and industry, as also in many of the finer quali- ties, he has always regarded as more than his equal. " Without her I have no his- tory."
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