USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 31
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 31
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with that wead fer in Ringsaid County.
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011
HISTORY OF RIVGGOLI COUNTY.
and in February, 1857, drove tren to November 8, 1865. w. maried in Way (lo) Conseil D'uffs and soll them for about . County, lowa, to Mis Julia Ann AAnga- 3 cents per pound. He was in till in April. 1853, to Miss Elizabeth Jane Stes - art, a native of Virginia. They have to children living -- Oscar, Frank, Aleck, Will iam, Hattie andl Jennie. Mi. Wiky is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Garnet Lodge, No. 416, Caledonia. Politically he is a Democrat. Postoffice. Mt. Ayr.
bright, a native of Mabaska County, lowa, born July 20, 1847, a daughter of Ge rze and Cassandra (Downing) Argabright. After his marriage Mr. Riley commenced housekeeping on his land in Ringgold County, having bought the homestead of his brother Robert. Ile now owns 2;0 acres of fine land, the most of which is under cultivation, and his building im- provements are comfortable and con mo- dious. Mr. Riley has been a prominent man in his township, and has held every office in the gift of the people except justice of the peace and constable. He is now, for the third time, a member of the Board of Supervisors of Ringgold County. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have had cight children, but six are living -George W., David A., Hannah C., John W., Rebecca E. and Elsie M. Twin sons,. Alfred and Albert, died in infancy. Mrs. Riley's father was born in Ross County. Ohio, January 31, 1812, and her mother was a native of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The latter died in Wapello County, Iowa, in 18G5, and the father now lives with Mrs. Riley.
: AWRENCE D. RILEY, section 23, Riley Township, resides on the pioneer homestead located by his brother Robert H1. in 1853. He has been a resident of the township since 1856, and there are few men now living in the county who were here when he came. He was born in Marion County, Ohio, May 13, 1835, a son of Will- iam and Hannah Riley. He was reared on a farm, but when sixteen years of age be- gan to learn the blacksmith's trade. The month of his majority he came to Iowa, his brother, Robert, and his sisters, Nancy and Patience, being residents of Ringgold County. He bought 120 acres of land, which is a part of his present farm, but did not settle down to battle with the realities of life till after the war. In March, 1862, he went to Kansas, and enlisted in Com- pany H, Fifth Kansas Cavalry. His ser- vice was all west of the Mississippi River, O. INGRAM, of the firm A. In- gram & Sons, merchantsof Mr. Avi. lava, is one of the representative Young business ine got the places and stand. high in the estimation of His fellow cition- antall with whom ! - haag; dal. Ilsis a son of Andrew and Hester Haddixal- gan, the fogh ri ingod of the most s. A (. Ingres was found in lidten Counte. Ilinois. Jamary 18. 1 55. 10 came to Ir .. with His par Stein . 0. II i well de in Missouri ant Arkansas. July 4, 1863. he was in the bottle at Helena, and in Octo- ber, 1863, at Pine Bluff. In March, 1594, while scouting on the Salve River, near Mount Elba, he was taken prisoner and was confined to" months and twenty-five days in the stockade at Tyler, Texas. Heaton time made his escape, but was taken train with bloodhounds. In February. 1965. he wis paroled. an Lin April. 1755. was her.op. ably discharged at Larvenworth, Kanet. He thenreturned to Ringgold County, and , can J. having been give Up alon
phoning what would for Him But Premier vi. 185 - R. A. Lopes April 26. the storesalat auy uit of business. bayan his mesetatile the as a clerk in te state of J. S. Kibes, with whom he roman di several months. He was therun- info. Mr. DEJ came to Ringg Mi Coanty, lowa. in fact. when he lovstelen Ins persout land in Line In Town-hip, and bet Is his agricultural pursuits follows the carpenter's trang. He has met with suc- cess since coming 1 . Ringgold County, and is now the own get doc weres of a good land as can be found in his town hip. He has always beensen inthestrip citizen, and by his honorable de linde and strict inter- rity he has gained the respect of all who know him. In his political views he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order. belonging to bulge No. 555, of Waynesburg, Peassylvania. ployed some time by Huggins, Purkin & Co., and in 1875 formed a partnership with Day Danning and embarked in business for Himself. This firm continued sis years, when Mr. Ingram retired, but a few months later he, with his father, bought the stock of Mr. Dunning, thus forming the present firm of A. Ingram & Sons. Theiss is now the leading dry goods firm in the county all is well known, having a good trade from the surrounding country. They keep a full stock of everything in their line, aiming to please a large trade. Their large, double store is well lighted and is kept in perfect order, showing the oversight of a thorough business man. Mr. Ingram, in - addition to attending to his mercantile in- terests, is largely interested in real estate and stock-dealing, owning a good farm in Liberty Township. He was married in 1877 to Miss Addie Kinsell, daughter of D. C. Kinsell, of Mt. Avr. They have two children-Orr K. and Vera Il. Mir. and Mrs. Ingram are active members of the Methodis: Episcopal church, and also of the Good Templars order.
GEORGE R. ESTEL, a son of Jacob and Annat Estel, was born inthe de of Parteylvania, September .. ... He was rear dto i'm avocation of remaining on the long form till to mu's years of age. when he Became lamine De Carpenter's tale. He was mit limit riage to Mis. Martin Both, ale We are George Road, a range of Pain whenit.
OBERT FIFE, is a native of Ireland, born in County Tyrone, July 12. 1927, a son of Samuel and May A. File, with whom he remained till att dining the age of twenty years. He then hade fare- well to his native land, an I embarked on a sailing vessel at Larladerry, and after a voyage of six weeks and three days koand in Philadelphia. A week after his arrival he went to Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where he was variously cal au I remain. ing there till razy. Hetten way to Can. tox County, Oh, where he Shot tab years, and in Werly giah. We came to
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HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
native of Massachusetts, but at the time of her marriage living in Mercer County. Pennsylvania, to which county her parents removed when she was a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Fife have been born five children, of whom only three are living - Agnes, William M. and James P. Their daughter, Mary J., died at the age of fourteen years. Mr. Fife and his family are members of the United Presbyterian church, of which he has served as trustee. Mr. Fife is always interested in every enterprise which he deems of benefit to his county or town- ship. He is one of the active and public- spirited men of this community, and a much-respected citizen.
H. TEALE, junior partner of the firm of J. E. Teale & Brother, was born in Ohio, January 22, 1852, son of Frederick Teale whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Jo Daviess County, Illinois, near Warren. Here Mr. Teale passed his early life, as- sisting on the farm, and receiving his ed- ucation in the common schools of that county. In 1862 they came to Decatur County, and engaged in farming one year in Decatur Township. He then removed to Faye'te Town-hip, where he reside Itwo years, thence to New Buda Township. In 1874 Mr. Teale engaged in the lumber business with his brother. J. E. Teale. In Isty be removed to Kellerton, coming be- fore the town was named. Their stone building was the first business houseer ci- ed. They cury a large stock of goods, consisting of dry-good. Boots and shoes, lats and caps, clothing, staple anl fancy groceries, and a fait line of hardware. They started the first lumber yard in the town, aleh i now owned by . 1. H. T.de. He was married Janny 1, 1871, to Miss seventyfive credoals dry redling as
Frances Leachman, of New Buda Town- ship, and they have four children -Clar- ence, Harvey, Katy and Estella. Mr. Tcale is a member of Kellerton Lodge, No. 425, 1. O. O. F. Politically he is a Republican, and numbered among the solid. business men of Kellerton.
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ANDREW INGRAM, one of the lead- ing stock dealers of Ringgold County, and one who, by his energy and per- severance, has contributed largely to its interests, came to Ringgold County from Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois, in IS69. He is a native of Scotland, born in Aberdeen, May 29, 1833. When he was eight years of age his parents, George and Jane (Smith) Ingram, immigrated to the United States, via Quebec, Canada, and were forty-two days in crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel. Landing at Quebec they proceeded via the lakes to Huron, and thence to Savannah, Ohio, where they lived a number of years, and where An- drew grew to manhood and was educated. Ile remained with his parents until twenty- one years old, when he started out to com- mence the battle of life for himself. For several years he engaged in farming, teach- ing school during the winter, and then turned His attention to dealing in stock, on a small sale at first. as his means wel limited. At that time he was living in Monmouth, Minor, where he remained un- til IS6%. when I come to Mt. Avr. lowa, and located in Ringgold County. His first business in the count : was to buy hugs and cattle and drive t'. m. on fri, to Afton an I Loon. He has kept ste. Mily at this business until Je is now one of the largest buying and higher in Servern Borsa. In my your les he ship for that
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Yours Resfrifully
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Wah as 125. 1le, in addition to his stock He was taken prisoner at the battle of Stil hand held fifty-three days at Mem- pilis. Mobile, ColAba, Alabama, and Ma- con. Georgia, after which he was paroled and sent to Benton Barracks at St. Louis business, is one of the largest landowners in the county, owning 1.ooo acres, all well cultivated and well stocked. For the past eleven years he has been connected with the dry-goods trade, a member of the firm ' for a time; was then granted a furlough of A. Ingram & Sons, which is under the ' and came home. He was afterward ex- direction of his son, A. O. Ingram. Mr. ' changed and returned to the front. He was Ingram is an enterprising business man, ; at the siege of Atlanta, Jonesborough and and has contributed largely of his means Savannah, and was discharged December toward the development and improvement : 29. 1864; then returned to his home in of his adopted county. He has always been a strict temperance man, and has given his influence on the side of law and order. He was married in 1854, to Miss Hester A. Haddix, a native of Virginia. They have two sons-A. O. and Wilber B.
6 F. WALTER, farmer, section 3, Lott's Creek Township, was born in 22 Lucas County, Ohio, March 7, 1837, son of Abraham and Martha Walter, of Pennsylvania. He was the fourth of eleven children, and was reared a farmer. Here- ceived a limited education in the common schools, but studied hard at home. In 1855 the Walter family started for Iowa by leam, and arrived in Ringgold County July 11. The father located on section 9, Lott's Creek Township, where he still resides at an advanced age, and where he has all the comforts of a good home. At that time there were but three families living in the township. Game was abundant and sup- plied the family with plenty of meat. Mr. Walter was married December 4, 1850. 10 Miss Nancy Johnson, a native of Putnam County, Indiana, and daughter ot James un ! Juriah Johnson who came to Ringgold County in 1856. Mr. Walter located on a i love of will land near Caledonia. Octo ber 15. 1861, he enlisted in Company 1. I wents third Missouri Infantry, and . I've ! three years and two and a half months paraits related to Ware a County. 1. 2.5
Ringgoldl County. In 1872 he came to his present farm which was then in its primitive condition. It is wellimproved and in a good state of cultivation. He has a good story-and-a-half residence, out-buildings for stock, an orchard of eighty-five trees, small fruits, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Everything about the premises betokens the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Walter are the parents of ten children -- Mary Ann, Vinola P., Nancy Lilly, Laura Belle, An- mon J., Varden, Lizzie, Martin Luther, Minerva J. and Leroy. Mr. Walter is a member of Post No. 96, G. A. R .. Mt. Ayr, and is a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is trustee and one of its most liberal sup- porters. Politically he is a Republican. Postoffice, Caledonia.
F7 T. BARRETT, farmer, section 5. Middle Fork Township, wa. bom in > Brown Counts, Ohio, July 5. 18.42. His parents were James and Margaret (Butt Barrett, the former a native c ! Col- ubina County. Onjo, and the jater Brown County. They were married near Russlivila, and ravel nine children John T., Frames E , GOb st L., WH.06 IL .. Rebecca. A. C. Max, George wml M
HISTORY OF WARGOLD COUNTY.
nois, where his early life was spent on the with his brother, George S. Allya. in the farm and attending the common school. Mt. Ayr Bank and real-estate business at Mt. Avr. Mr. John H. Allyn also repre- sents several goo ! fire-insurance compa- nies : Germania, Continental, Union of California and the Commercial Union. Mr. Allyn was married in September, 1882, to Miss Josie Ferguson of Worth County, Missouri, a daughter of John M. Ferguson of Grant City, Missouri, where he was late judge of the Probate Courts. Mr. and Mrs. Allyn are the parents of one son, Elton. Mr. Allyn in his religious views is an Epis- copal Methodist. Ilis father died in ISSi, and in :86; the family removed to Story County, lowa where J. T. resided until 1881, when he settled upon his present farm, which was then in a wild state. He owns 120 acres, all in a good state of cultivation and well improved, a comfortable home, out-build- ings for stock, and a good orchard. He was married September 15, 1875, to Miss Margaret A. Silvers, bom in Iligh Point Township, Decatur County, July 19, 1857, and daughter of Jesse and Sylvia (Trullin- geri Silvers, the former a native of Ken- tucky, and the latter of Indiana. The father came to lowa in 1843, and the mother in 1819. They were married in Davis County, and reared a family of nine chil- dren --- G. C., Thomas J., Nancy, Margaret, Adaline. Henry, Priscilla and Alda. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett have six children- Wilham Lee, Jesse Cross, George Emmett, Ora Lafayette, Charles Lloyd and Floyd. In politics Mr. Barrett is a Republican. Ile is a member of the Masonic and other societies. Postoffice, Redding.
OHN II. ALLYN, of the form of Allyn Brothers, bankers and dealers in real estate, is a native of Illinois, born in Dc Witt County in the town of Clinton, Sep- tember 7. 18449, the fifth child in the family of Henry aud Emily (Forman Allyn, Mr. Allyn pas. ed his boyhood days in his native county, receiving a goal education in the common schools. At the age of sixteen years be accompanied Ins mother, a widow, to Ringgold County, Iowa. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, but on reaching manhood be embarked in the diyegoods and grain business at Rolling, Ringgold Contaity, which he Allowed for four years. He then, in May. 1886, became associated
ETER MERRITT, farmer, section 21, Athens Township, has been identi- fied with the interests of Ringgold County for thirty years. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, November 4, 1S28, i son of William J. Merritt, whose sketch appears on another page of this history. When he was two years old his parents re- moved to Morgan County, Ohio, where he resided until nineteen years of age. His early life was spent at farm work. He re- ceived a limited education in the subscrip- tion schools of the back woods. In 18.47 the family removed to Jackson. February 23. 1850, Mr. Merritt was married to Miss Minerva J. Skinner, born in Perry County, Ohio, daughter of Charity and Samuel Skinner. In 1853. accompanied by wire and one child, he came to lowa by team. His father and a brother-in-law named Fos ter came with them. The first winter was passed in Washington. In 1854 be re- moved to Marion County where he resided until the spring of 1855. when he located in Athens Township, on 120 acres of Government land, entered the fall before, built a log cabin, 12 X 14. with penchent four, and d'abord ! moi. Heafterwardremovalto nation 3;, where
341
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
he resided until 1879, when he sold out and re-purchased the old homestead, known as Merritt Station, which he still owns. The farm contains eighty acres, well cultivated. He has a fine residence, 16 x 24, with L 14 × 16, built in 188o. He also owns cighty acres on section 21, with good house and orchard, 160 acres on section 27, well im- proved, making in all 377 acres. Politically he is a Democrat. They have one daughter,, Martha, wife of C. H. Lewis, of Athens Township. Mr. Merritt started in life without means, but by good management he has acquired a good property. He is classed among the leading citizens of Ring- gold County.
UKE SILAY, a prominent and suc- cessful farmer, and one of the largest stock-buyers and shippers in Ringgold County, is a native of Ireland, born in the year 1824, a son of John Shay who was a farmer in comfortable circumstances. Luke Shay passed his boyhood on his father's farm, remaining in his native county till - reaching maturity, and was there married March 6, 1848, to Miss Julia Whelan. Of the nine children born to this union seven are yet living-John V., born in 1849 ; Jerc- miah, born in 1850; Margaret E., born No- vember 22, 1853. is now the wife of M. N. Hart; Thomas S .. born December 19, 1855 ; William H., born December 19. 1857: Luke H., born March 14. 1800, de- HUGGINS, SAVILLE & LAWHEAD, dealers in dry gonis, boots and shoes ceased : Michael C., born February 20, 1862; - groceries, hardware, stoves and tin- ware, clothing, hats caps, etc. Rol- ding, lowa. This firm is one of the most enterpri ing mercantil hou es in Ri add County. The zac computing the More I nown to be among the lost Business men of Ringeni'd County. It isa breach of a Mary J., born January 9. 1864, deceased ; Edward L, born September 15, 1865, de- ceased. One month after his marriage Mi. Shay sailed with his bride from Liverpopl, England, and thirty two days later landed in New York, May to. 1848. In 1951 they located in Clarke County, lowa, and soon after removed to Union County. There come to Ringget I County in real, and set cheblinda Kolding in the Water 1.6.
tled on a farm in Washigton (now Jeffer- son) Township, where they made their home for ten years. They then followed farming on the Platte River for eighteen years, when they settled on their present farm on section i, of Rice Township. Mr. Shay commenced farming and trading in stock in Ringgold County on a small capi- tal of $350. He applied himself diligently to his business interests, and by his perse- vering energy and excellent business quali- ties he has made his pursuit a success. His farm now contains two acres of well-culti- vated land, and he is one of the most ex- tensive shippers in the West, his shipments of hogsand cattle amounting annually to 150 car-loads. Besides his home farm Mr. Shay has accumulated much property, having given to each of his children a good farm of 205 acres. All of them are doing well and are honorable and respected citizens. Mr. Shay has a good residence, comfort- able and convenient, where he is sur- rounded by all the necessary comforts of life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shay are worthy members of the Roman Catholic church. In his political views Mr. Shay is a Demo- crat and a strong supporter of his party. He is one of the active and public-spirited citizens of his township and has contributed largely to the agricultural interests of Ringgold County.
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HISTORY OF RAGELA COUNTY.
It is under the supervision and more. ment of the junior partner, D. E. Lawhead. Mr. Lawhead was born in Logan County. Ohio, September 26, 1853. His father, R. : J. Lawhead, is a prominent citizen of Ring- gold County. His mother was formerly M. J. Elder. The family removed to War- ren County, Ilinois, in 1854, where they resided until 1876. Our subject was edu- cated at Monmouth, Ilinois. In 1873 he commenced teaching, and followed that oc- cupation until 1879, when he engaged in the mercantile trade at Mt. Ayr, with J. R. Henderson, as clerk. Two years later he went into business with his father, the firm being Lawhead & Son. In 1882 the pres- ent firm was organized. Mr. Lawhead was married September 26, 1876, to Miss Rettie Wright of Mommouth, Ilinois, and they have one child-Orr. Mr. Lawhead is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and politically is a Republican. Though but a young man he has gained an enviable reputation, socially and financially.
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C. HEPPERLEY, farmer and stock raiser, living on section 30, Lincoln Township, was born in the State of Illinois, April 12, 1840, a son of John and Permchia Hepperley, who were na- tives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respect- ively. Our subject was reared to the occupation of a farmer, which he has followed through life. At the age of twenty-three years he began fuming on bis own account. He was unitel in marriage to Miss Selina A. King. a daughter of W. and Eliza Brown King, who were natives of Ohio. They have s'y children Jacob F., born Maya4. 1811: D. C., born January 6, 1800; John W. born July 2, 18; e Vice E., born August 24. 1 ;5: Mark W., born July 21. 1975, and Gray Pa ban Jan n. children m . m . de 1877. Mr. Heged Went to low in the in they. Then.
spring of 180g. rewedning but asitort time, when he went to Kusss. After spending three years in that State he returned to Illi- nois, where he resided two years coming thence to Ringgold County, lowa, since which he has hved on his present farm. Ile is one of the prosperous farmers of Lincoln Township, where he has 200 acres of choice land all under cultivation. Ile has a fine orchard on his land which contains 100 apple trees, besides an abun- dance of other kinds of fruit. Since coming to this county Mr. Hepperley has served as road supervisor in Lincoln Township. Ile and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
M ELVILLE BENEDICT, a prosper- ous and public-spirited citizen of Riley Township, residing on section 3, was born in Fairfield County, Connecti- cut, March 20, 1853, a son of Benjamin and Emily Benedict, the father born in New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut, August 23, 1824. and the mother a native of North Salem, Westchester County, New York, born July 8, 1828. The mother died in Connecticut, March 18, 1864. having three children- Mrs. Clementine Bloomer, living in Connecticut : Melville, our sub- ject and Van Wych, Len November 22, ISCo, a telegraph operator of Polk County, lowa. Melville Bene l'or aecom; after his father to this State in 186%, making their Houve in Burlington about saved vous, when he remove its Decatur County. Our subject was mini i in Decatur County, Die mber If, ISTF. D. MEN Sura E. Long- acre, Lan in May on County. Only, March who died in Dane County July 22. 1792.
MORAPHICAL SKETCHUS.
Mary J., born May 9. 1887, an : May M., born May 1, 1881. Mr. Bundict Icated on his present farm on section 3 in th . Tall of 1878, where he has 220 acres, besides which he owns two other small tracts, twenty acres in this, Riley Township, and seventeen acres in Harrison County, Mis- souri. Politically Mr. Benedict is a Re- publican. He is a much-respected citizen of Riley Township, and gives liberally of his means toward the advancement of any enterprise which he deems for the good of his neighborhood, township or county.
H. GANDER, farmer, section 10, Mid- dle Fork Township, is a pative of Mus- kingum County, Ohio, where he was born September 7, 1839. Hisfather, George Gander, was a native of Culpeper County, Virginia, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his mother, Elizabeth Groves Gander, was a native of Zanesville, Ohio. She was the second wife of George Gan- der, and was the mother of five children, J. Il. being the second child. His carly life was passed in assisting on the farm. He was educated at Putnam University, and Zanesville, Ohio. When the civil war broke out he enlisted, in 1861. in Captain Talley's company for three months, and served his time, then re-enlisted for three and well improved. Ich.sa polstry years in Company B, Seventy eighth Ohio Infantry. being the second nameon the.com- pany roll, and was in thirty five different fa commelions par. zeven let. & t en pigements. Their initiatory engage- grove of two cents. ap order of two indicates the thought fond ento wi- all the CHT, of bone emli a Githen ML .. C. :. 1. , Hemy C. Fod Hana F. Mr. G wh man was af Fort Donelson: then Shiloh. Corupe. Water V: Hey march. and all the bout - down the Mississippi River prior to the siege of Vidaberg, which werefought by General Grant. They were at Viete burg, and then went with Gombal Spenden from Ackweight Atkins. where. July 2. 150g. Mr. Gando was wennik dinner sid the Site 1 Bocc. know and was sent home, Hogy bigen los Intego man .
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