USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 27
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 27
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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
FROHN W. KINSELL. asuccessful farm- er of Tingley Township, located on section 6, is a native of Ohio, born in the city of Columbus, September 16. 1847, a son of John and Sophenia .A. (Daymude) Kinsell, natives of Virginia, of German de- scent. When he was four years old his parents moved to Bloomington, Illinois, where his father died, in 18;2, and he was reared by his widowed mother, receiving his education in the city schools. In 1874 be came to lowa and located in Ringgold
County on his present farm, which contains eighty acres of choice, well-improved iund. He ako owns a fine eighty-acre farm in Jefferson Township, which is used for pasture. Mr. Kinsell devotes the most of his attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle, having some of the best grades. Ile was married in I8;8, to Isabel M. Pollok, also a native of Ohio, dangh- ter of Alexander and Ann (Wallace) Por- lok, who removed to Illinois, where she was educated at the Monmouth Academy. They have two sons-Res E. and Day- mnde E. In politics Mr. Kinsell affiliates with the Democratic party.
FRAMES S. AVENELL, one of the most active and enterprising farmers of Tingley Township, living on section 6, is a native of Illinois, born near Mon- mouth, in Warren County, October 21. 1848. His father, Thomas Avenell Was born in England, coming to America whei a young man of seventeen years. Ile mar- ried Jane Brown, at Monmouth, Illinois. she being a native of Virginia, and they reared three children-a son and a daugh- ter still living in Warren County, Ilinois. and our subject. After their marriage they settled on a farm in Warren County where they lived many years, the moth r dying on the old homestead in ISS. James S. Avenell passed his youth on the Irane farm, receiving his primary edue . tion in the district schools, and later spett one year at the Mon mouth Academy wie he took a commercial course. He was married in 1875 to Miss Rebecca J. ish- con, a native of Ok'D. but at the time ! her marriage living in Warren County. Ilinois. They are the parent's of fot. children-Madge. L. J. Leroy. Reste al. Maud. Mr. Avenel lent Warren County in the fall of hogy, and came with his famin.
HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
to Ringgold County, Iowa, when he set- fled on his present farm in Tingley Town- ship, where he has 4o5 acres of choice land under good cultivation. He brought with him a good grade of cattle from lli- nois, and is still engaged in raising and dealing in fine cattle, and also devotes con- siderable attention to raising fine Percheron horses, in which he is meeting with suc- cess. Ile is a member of the Tingley Percheron Horse Association, which was organized for the purpose of introducing these celebrated horses. Besides the farm on which he resides, Mr. Avenell owns another farm in Tingley Township con- taining 200 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Avenell are members of the United Presbyterian church at Tingley, and are among the respected citizens of the township.
W. GLAZE, a prominent agricultur- ist of Lincoln Township, residing on section 30, is a native of Iowa, born in Louisa County, May 4, 1852, a son of James and Amanda (Copland) Glize, who were both born in the State of Indiana. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and on attaining the age of twen- tyrone years he began farming on his own account, beginning on his father's home- stead, and afterward bought a small piece of land. He spent three years in the State of Missouri when he returned to lowa, coming to Ringgold County, when he set- tied on his present farm in Lincoln Town- ship. wh ro he hasa good farm of fog acres. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Utterbick, a daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor Utterback who were natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Glaze are the parents of five children Florence M., born May 1, 1575 : Jennie E., born March 4. 1877 ; James B., born. April 3, 1970; Ralph 11., born July 12, 1881, and Clark
C., born January 23, 1885. Both Mr. and Mrs. Glaze are active and carnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Glaze is one of the active and enterprising citizens of Lincoln Town- ship, and since coming Here has served ef ficiently as road supervisor, school director and justice of the peace. In politics he is a Republican.
ANDREW JACKSON MERRITT, farmer, section 20, Athens Township, ## is one of the oldest pioneers living in the township. He is a native of Morgan County, Ohio, where he was born Decem- ber 16, 1832, son of William J. Merritt, de- ceased, a well-known pioneer of this county. He resided in his native county until fifteen years of age, then removed to Jackson County with his family. where he grew to manhood. He received his edu- cation in the common schools, and assisted in the work of the farm. In the fall of 1853 he came to lowa, spending the first winter in Washington County, and the spring fol- lowing removed to Keokuk County, and in the spring of 1855 came to Ringgold County, and settled in Athens Township. He was united in marriage April 5. 1858, with Miss Matilda Strickland, born in Coles County, Illinois, November 5, 1840, daughter of S. C. and Saran (Benson Strickland. She was left an onchan at an early age, and was scared by Joseph Strick. land, who came to Decatur County in 1854. After his marriag . Mr. Merrit located on section 17, which was partly improved. A log cabin had been built and a few acres had been broken. Alter Bring here one year he removed to s ction 16, on schon! land, and from there 15 section 27, where he resided about thise vo ts, then remove to section 6, Ring Township. In 1;the calle to his present farm, which had in
BIGRAPHIC.IL SKITCH! S.
unproved by Andy Foster, and hese lo has since res del. His farm contains 12 facies, and is in a good state of cultivation, and well improved. He also owns 160 acres on section i7, and sixty-two acres on sec- tion 7, twenty acres of timber land on section 36, of Poe Township, making a total of 322 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt have three children living-Joseph F., Martha Ella. and Andrew Clayton. Mary Alice is deceased. Mr. Merritt has always taken an active interest in anything that promotes the welfare of the community in which he lives, and is classed among the best citizens of the county, where he has so long resided. Postoffice, Kellerton.
OLOMON STAHIL, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Grant Township, residing on section 14. is a native of Perry County, Ohio, born March 25. 1829, a son of John and Elizabeth Huff- . man: Stahl, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and among the carly pioneers of Ohio. Solomon Stahl was reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has followed through life with the exception of about sixteen years, during which time he followed the mason's trade. He came to Ringgold County, Iowa, November 3, 1864. and has since resided on his present farm. in Giant Township, and by his indus- try and good management he has accumu- lated a fine property, being the owner of 240 acres, on which he makes his home, and is classed among the well-to-do farmers of his township. Mr. Stahl has been twice married, taking for hisfirst wite Miss El'za- beth E. Guytoi, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, in September, 1830. Right children were born to this union - John 11 .. William, Loretta. A. E., L. B., M. C., D. 1. and George E. Mrs. stall ciel Mayo IS; y and for his second wife Mlr.
Stahl married May Hattie Chilloglion, who was born in IndFina, September 12, 1852, a daughter of Vand E. Chivagton, her father being a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother born in Indiana. Mr. Stahl has been a veterinary surgeon for forty years, and still practices his profession in connection with his agricultural pursuits. He is a strong advocate of the cause of temperance, and is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In poli- tics he votes the Republican ticket.
ATELSON W. DUNSMOOR, deceased, a Of son of Horace and Jane (Bishop) 24 Dunsmoor, was born in Washington County, Ohio, September 8, 1830. He was reared a farmer in his native county, where he grew to manhool. He was united in marriage in 1855 to Miss Elizabeth Breck- enridge, a native of Canada, and a daughter of John and Margaret Brecken- ridge of Washington County, Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Dansmoor settled on a farm in Washington County, where he fol- lowed farming till coming to Ringgold County, Iowa, in the fall of 1873, when he located on the farm on section Is, Tingley Township, which is still occupied by his widow and son. Ile was pros crops in his agricultural pursuits, and tropi a small be- ginning became one of the well-to so chi- zens of his township. leaving at his death a fine farm containing 20 acres, all wehim. proved and under good cultivation. Hle was sick with pretoonia about four months before his death, which occur.el May 10. 15Po. He left a wife, a daughter and two sons to mount his low- Margaret J., wife of John S. Gues: John H., moong- ing the Groene faren. ...! Alvadore, live gan Tingly Township. Drie daughter, Lots.
his pold a view. Mr. Dans door Vis
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HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
staunch Republican, quiet, unassuming. in- dustrious, and strictly honorable in all his dealings, he gained the confidence of all with whom he had business or social inter- course, and at his death left a host of friends to mourn his loss.
ALBERT G. BEALL, an carly settler Es of Ringgold County, where he is classed among the enterprising farm- ers and stock-raisers, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, on a farm near Wooster, April 16, 1822. His parents, Zephaniah W. andl Eunice (Spink) Beall, were na- tives of Pennsylvania and New York State respectively, and were among the early settlers of Ohio. They removed to Ringgold County in May, 1859, where both died, the mother November 12, 1862, in her sixty-fifth year, and the father March 9. 1871, in his seventy-fifth year, at the home of our subject. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters, our subject being the eldest of the family and the only one now living. Albert G. remained on the home farm with his par- ents till attaining the age of twenty-four years, and in his youth attended the dis- trict school where he obtained a fair education. On leaving home he entered the store of Cyrus Spink, where he was employel for eighteen months, and some six months later he went to Oxford. Ohio, where he was engaged in clerking for three years. He then went to the Cum- borland Morgrains in Tennessee, and in company with another young man bought cattle which they drove into Ohio, follow- ing this pursuit for two years. In the fall of 1955 he came to lowa, and alter traveling over several counties he settled in Ringgold, purchasing 190 acres on sec- tion er of Lot's Creek Township. Here- sided in Mt. for two years, and part of
this time served as deputy recorder, and also a. treasurer and deputy clerk of the court. He was married in September, 1857, to Miss Lois Funk of Wayne County. Ohio, a daughter of Hugh Funk who was a native of Virginia. They are the parents of two children-Corwin K. and Eunice May, wife of W. B. Ingram of Mt. Ayr. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Beall was elected to the office of county treasurer and re- elected in 1859, but resigned before the ex- piration of his second term. In 1861 he was elected superintendent of the schools of Ringgold County, which position he filled for two years. He was then elected county surveyor, holding that office from 1863 till 1869, since which time he has de- voted his attention to farming and stock- raising, and buying and shipping stock, and at the present time is extensively en- gaged in breeding short-horn cattle and Percheron horses. He hasnow some very fine thorough-bred cattle on his farm, and some imported Percheron horses. His farm now contains Soo acres, all fenced and under cultivation. In politics Mr. Beall casts his suffrage with the Republican party. His family are members of the Christian church, and respected members of society.
M. STEPHENSON, farmer, section 14, Benton Township, was born in Te Greene County, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1934, the eldest son of five children of James and Hannah Minen Stephenson. He was reared on a form and educated in the common schools. He was married January 14, 1864. 1 Mary Dulany, of Greene County, daughter of Dennis and Elizabeth Dulany. He engaged in farm- ing in his native county until 1;, then came to Ringgold County and settle ! upor a portion of bis present larin, in Benton Township. His first purchase was 102
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
acres of land. The improvements cell- sistedl of a log cabin. and thirty-five acres, broken and fenced. He has since added to his original purchase until he owns 1,150 acres of the best soil to be found in the county, and it is well cultivated and well improved. He is engaged in stock- raising and feeding, usually keeping from 200 10 300 head of cattle. He has a good residence, modern style and well furnished, a corn barn, out-buildings for stock, and everything about the premises betokens the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson have two children- James Allen and Myrtle J. Mr. Stephen- son has served creditably in nearly all the township offices; is a worthy member of the Missionary Baptist church, and politi- cally is a Democrat. He has always taken an active interest in the advancement of education and religion in his community, and is a liberal supporter of any worthy enterprise. Postoffice, Delphos.
for eighteen months was engaged in gen- cial merchandising. In October, 1885, he became associated with Mr. Carney, forin- ing the present firm succeeding the La- throp Brothers who had been in business about a year. They keep a full stock of everything in their line and have a good trade. In addition to their other busi- ness they represent several of the substantial Eastern fire-insurance com- panies. Mr. House is the recorder of the village of Tingley, He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. House was married in December, 1885, to Miss Emma Ilancock, daughter of Vandemar Han. cock, of Monroe County, Jowa.
LEASANT J. GRIMES, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Ring- gold County, Jefferson Township, where he became well known and much respected by all who knew him. He was born in Putnam County, Indiana, October 7. 1829, where he grew to manhood, and was there married July 4, 1850, to Miss Eleanor Ilam, Of the five children born to this union, all are deceased but this youngest, A. Edgar. Mr. Grimes left his native county with his family in 1865, when he came to Ringgold County, low, and first settled in Jefferson Township. where his wife died, Jounity 22, 1864. llc was aga'n united in marriage August 6. 1865. to Miss Mary M. Talbot, who was one of the early teachers of Ringgo !! County, where she taught tea terms. Her father A. F. Talbit was amony the early settlers of this county. By his second marriage Mr. Grims hal two children-Chaly W. an| 1cm R., who are still living with the .. mother. A migre of Mr. G;inos, Thimp Bever, daughter of Rue Dever. i.
C. HOUSE, of the firm of House & Carney, dealers in wagons, buggies, wind mills and farm machinery, Tingley, lowa, is a native of New York State, born in Oswego County, August 20, 1852, a son of Allen and E. C. (Enslow) House, natives also of the Empire State, the latter being a daughter of John Enslow. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Henry County, Ili- nois, where the father died, and the mother how lives in Tingley, Iowa. Our subject is the second of five children, only two of whom are living. He receive la fair cdu- cation in the schools of Henry County, anl when twenty years of age began teaching, which he followed six years. In the spring of 18;8 he came to low., and lived five years on a farm south of Ting- ky. He then moved to the village, and aise living on the ahl home fett
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HISTORY OF RINGHOLD COUNTE.
both her parents being deceased. Mr. Grimes settled on the farm on section 0. Tingley Township, in 1866, which is still occupied by his widow, which contains 240 acres of well cultivated land. Mr. Grimes died May 27, 1877. his death being a source of universal regret in the town- ship where he had lived so many years. He was one of the best stock-raisers of bis ! township, and by his energy and industry became the owner of one of the best farms in Tingley Township. Besides his home farm. he left, at his death. 120 acres in Jefferson, all under fence, which is used as pasture land. He died a Christian, having been a member of the Lutheran church for many years. Mrs. Grimes and her chil- dren are members of the Christian church, at Tingley.
a grat dedl of time and money upon his premises. Mr. and Mrs. Green are the parents of five children-Elsie, Mary F., Lois, Truman, and George E. Mr. Green is a member of the 1. O. of G. T., and polit- ically affiliates with the Democratic party. He is classed among the solid and substan- tial men of the township, and has won the confidence of all who know him. His post- office address is Kdlerton, Ringgold County, lowa.
FOSTER. merchant, Caledonia, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, 2 April 21, 1841, son of James and Anna (Burgess) Foster. He was the eldest of six children. When he was four years old his parents removed to Holmesville, Holmes County, where he was reared and educated. He was married October 3, ILES GREEN. farmer, section 2.4. Athens Township, was born in | Warren County, New York, March 22, 1827, son of Reuben II. and Fanny (Mead) Green. His early lite was spent on the farm and attending the common schools and Chester Academy. He was married November 30, 1853, to Miss Mary Dunn, of Warren County, New York, daughter of Jesse and Susan (Sherman) Dunn. In 1859. to Miss Lovisa Wheaton, a native of Holmes County, and daughter of David and Sarah Wheaton, who died in 1866, leaving three children -- Jumes Franklin, and two now deceased. October 1, 1861, Mr. Foster en sted in Company F, Sixty- fifth Ohio Infantry, and was in several of the most noted battles of the late war. He was in the engagement at Shiloh, Chicka- mauga. Franklin, Mission Rilge, Stone 1854 they removed to Henry County. Illi- : River, Nashville, Kenesaw Mountain, Bir nois, and in 1868 to Ringgold County, lowa. Shanty, and Peach Tree Crock. He was h morably discharge 1 in November, 1965. Heresided in Holmes County util 187 when he came to> Ringgoll County, loca- ting in Cal lonia, where he was engaged in buying and shipping stock until 18;2. and then engaged in the mercantile busi- ness. Starting in a goali way he has gia !- Bally increase ! his stock as hits trade in- creas, until he pox caris . la gest ch of gumball merchant live, and by fair dealing Mr. Green moved upon his present farm in August, 186). He first purchased eighty acres which was in its wi'd state. He now has 20 acres of as goo I land! as the town- ship affords, under a high state of cultiva tion. He has a goal two-story residence, created in 18:0, modern style and well ter. nished. He has a large barn 36 x to jest. for grain, bay and stock, an l'an orchard of 200 trees and small fruit. II . is alsoen. gaged in bee culture, hass ane pure 1 . and a cross with the same. He has sent October a. riss less martial to Mos
BIO GRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Lon Huston, of Helmus County, Ohio, and their children are --- Il mer. Granville, By- ron Lindell, Bessie Allelia, and Bertha. Ma Foster is a member of Lodge No. 293. 1. O. O. F., and is a member of the Christian church. Politically he is a Re- publican.
OBERT JUDY. farmer, residing on section 6, Clinton Township, has been identified with the interests of Ring- gold County for nearly thirty years. He was born in Newtown, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1827, son of John and Elizabeth (Shearer) Judy, natives of the same county. He was the oldest of five children. His early life was spent in the town of Marietta, and his education was received in the schools of his native village. At the age of seventeen years he went to work on the tow-path of the canal. His promotion was rapid, and at cighteen years of age he was captain of a beat on the Susquehanna Canal where he re- mained six years. He was married Janu- ary 5, 1851, to Miss Sarah A. Sargent, born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Mc- Clure) Sargent. January 9. of that same year he removed to Marshall County, Ilinois, where he resided two years, em- ployed as captain of a canal boat. Tie then cagage i in a hotel at Lacon, same county. In 1853 he removed to Bur au County, where he acted as foreman o & the main line of the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Rahead. He themidmoved to Beloit, Wisconsin, where la resided a short time, th n took a contract for hilding the Beloit & Racine Railroad, and located at Burlington. Kadse County. fn 1855 heremoved to Reise and engaged in the hotmm- to. bur vest: thin return 1 to Bacon, Filipe, and took a contract for building se mant of railroad for the
New Boston & Fort Wayne. In 1856 he removed to Heary County, lowa, locating at Mount Plasias, where he resided two years engaged in contractingon the Chica- go, Burlington & Quincy, and finally, April 9, 1858, arrived in Ringgold County, and I settled upon his present farm, which was then in a wild state. His first house was a log cabin 10 x 12 feet. He has improved and cultivated his land until the Judy farm is known as one of the best in the township. Hle has a good, comfortable residence, well furnished, a good corn barn, a fine orchard, and everything about the premises indicates the thrift of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Judy are the parents of five children-Lizzie Loutzenhiser, Emma Siemiller, Myers, Florence Skinner, and Mary L. Mr. Judy has served as member of the School Board, and under his supervision the first school- house was built in Clinton Township. He has served as road supervisor a greater length of time and built more roads than any other man in Ringgold County. Polit- ically he is a Republican. Postoffice, Mor- moutown.
G. GRAHAM, section 30, Lincoln Township, was born in Brown County. so Ohio. July 22, 1844, his parents, David and Mary Graham, being natives of the same State. He was reared to the occu- pation of a farmer, which he has made the principal avocation of his lite, following it with the exception of one year, while en. gage in a butcher's shop and while in the service of his country. At the deedtrinkt. con vous he called in Company K. Exclus third Thise- Info.try. and partion pated in the best of Fort Donelson, and other chance at- of less note. .. . servingfor the wars he was low tech dische rundt at Chicago, laimois, in Fol.
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HISTORY OF FINEGOLD COUNTY.
united in marriage May 10, 1848, to Miss cause of his Master, traveling over the Miriam Dam, a native of the State of northern part of the State. In 1857 he Pennsylvania. To this uni im was born one son, Earl, who Jjed October 36, 18;8, the date of his birth being September 18. 1.78. Mr. Graham takes an active interest in the affairs of his township, and is at present holding the office of assessor to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. His farm which contains eighty acres is un ler thor- ough cultivation, and the surroundings of his place show the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. Mr. Graham is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Cromwell, Iowa. Ile is also a comrade of Eda Ottier Post, No. 290, G. A. R., of Clearfield. carne to Buchanan County, Iowa, where he did much hard work in the cause of Christianity. In isto he came to Ring- gold County, undsettled in Monroe Town- ship, where he has since resided. He has a farm of eighty acres in a good state of cultivation and well improved, a comfort- able house, an orchard of 120 trees, native grove of two acres, out-buildings for stock, and everything about the premises looks cozy and home-like. In November, 1875. he was married to Mrs. Sarah Nelson, a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, who was a widow with five children --- 1 Charles W., Clara, Effie, Nettie and Katie. Mr. Smith has preached the gospel about thirty years, and has been able to do a great .EV. S. SMITH, farmer, section 2, M: Monroe Township, was born Novem- Aber 10, 1816, in County Wicklow, DAgancy, Parish of Sheahana, Ireland. son of William and Henrietta (Sargent ) Smith, who were the parents of eight children. . a zealous worker in the cause of temper- deal of work in his Master's cause. His specialty is "the defense of truth against false doctrines." He has always taken an active interest in anything pertaining to the cause of religion and coucation, and is ance. Ilis theological studying was done mainly on horseback.
When he was three years of age his father came to Canada, and died two years later. Mr. Smith was then taken to Franklin County, New York, where his early life was spent at farm labor. Two years of this time he was in a grog shop, poisoning and dealing out liquor by the glass. He ob- tained his education by hard study at home, at night by the light of the fire attending school only three months in his life. He was married December 20, 1833, 10 MES Mary Lampher, born in St. Lawrence County, New York, who died in 1. 73. He united with the Methodist Episcopal
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