USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 34
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 34
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Machter of David and Martha Wiley, of Noble County. Mr. Jackson rested in Noble County until 1828, when he removed i Washington County and remained until 1885 : then came to Ringgold County, and located on his present farm in Benton Township the foBowing spring. Bis farm contains eighty acres of as good land as can be found in the township. It is well
married in Putnam County. Indiana, Feo- ruary 12, 1855. to Miss Eliza Side, who was born in Virginia, in 1833, but was brought by her father, Conrad Siple, to Putnam County, whereshe grew to woman. hood. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherill, all but one are yet living - Samuel W., Mrs. Mary Homer, a widow; Mrs. Ida Homer, William, Jessie, Only, cultivated and well improved. He has a ; Emma, Lawrence, and Katie. John, their good residence, surrounded with native ' fourth child died at the age of twelve shade trees, out-buildings for stock, a finc orchard of ninety trees, and an abundance of small fruits. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have three children-William M., a qualified teacher, David Fay and Roxy Ann. Mr. Jackson united with the Methodist Episco- pal church in isto, and was licensed to preach in 1875. He has been an active worker in the cause of his Master, and a strong advocate of temperance. Politically he is a Republican. Postoffice, Clearfield, Taylor County. years. Mr. Sherill had but a team and two cows when he came to lowa, and the first few years of his residence here he had a hard struggle to obtain the recessities of life, but by persevering industry and ccon- omy, combined with goed business man- agement, he soon became possessed of ample means, becoming a wealthy citizen. He has been one of the county's most act- ive citizens, and few men have had a more active part in its development. For many years he led an active business life, and was quite extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock. He located on bis present farm in 1859, where he has 320 acres, all but ten acres improved by him !- self. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but is now identified with the Greenback party. Mr. and Mrs. Sherill are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Sheil is a member of Mi. Ayr Lodge, I. O. O F.
< HOMAS SHERILL, section 4. Rice It Township, is one of the oldest pio- neers of Ringgold County, locating on section S of Rice Township May 31, . 1855. At that time Indians were the prin- cipal inhabitants, and decr and wolves roamed at will over the prairie. Mr. Sherill is a native of Hendricks County, ladiana, born near In Bimnapolis, and reared on a farm in Putnam County, In lana. His parents, James and Nancy Sharill, were natives of Tennessee and Virginia respectively, and were married in In Mana. Both are now deceased. They were the trents of five children- Thomas, our sub- ; at. the old st child : William, now living to Jeferson Los unip. Ringgold County ; Mrs. Rebecca lunes, living in Frequent County, low: col David W. and Willida, residents of hd .... Thomas Shedil was
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FT O. MILLER. postmaster and propre. for of Miller's Sine, was !my 3ยบ Cumberland County Panther October 14. 1851. If's parents, Thomas C. and Martha MeCull mgto Millioner! four children -Laura, J. O., And0x 301 Magic Rua. When he was that you. of age his par p's removed to Com. reared, alsobl in li mine .the af 1 district selead and at Contiene
310
HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY
school. He was mannia December 26, 10. to Miss Josphine Spangler, of Thetak Coun'y. Hanghter of W.lion and Engb. Spangler, and they have six children- William H., Martha. Mary, Eva, Ma_gic. Fre Land an infant unnamed. Mr. Miller came to Ringgold County in the spring of 1873, and beated on section 9. Monroe Township. He has 160 acres of land. which he has cultivated and improved, a comfortable residence, barn, orchard. out- buildings for stock, and everything about the place shows the industry and thrift of its owner. In the spring of 1886 he pur- chased the store building, goods and resi- dence where he now lives, of George W. Bradford. Ile carries a good assortment of general merchandise, and keep- in stock everything usually kept in a country store. He was appointed postmaster July 3, 1986. He served as township trustee five years: is a member of the Presbyterian organiza- tion at High Point, and pohtically is a Re- publican. Although a young man, he has gained a social and financial position among the leading citizens of his township.
EORGE W. JOHNSON, farmer an 1 stock-raiser, living on section 2, Jaf- . ferson Township, is a native of In- diana, born in Madison County. Februarv 2. 1842. his father. Lewis Johnson, being Sad tive of Highand Carry, Onio, in . among the carly ages of Madison County, In- diana. George W. Johnson And order farm, ale located on the school of War- ren Counts, logo, to which comity his parente led mayer in may. He was
Taylor. Texts. Miles married Frank Labais, of Jefferson Township, Ringgold County, and has one daughter -- Minerva V. Mr. Johnson was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, eulisting in Company B. Fourth lowa Infantry. He served his country about one year, and participate ! in the battles of Goldsboro, Columbi . and others of minor importance. He has been a resident of Ringgold County since Au- gust, 1865, when he settled on his present farm in Jefferson Township, which con- tains eighty acres of valuable land. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and is one of the respected citizens of his township.
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A7 W. CROUCII, postmaster at Rei- ding, was born in Todd County, Kentucky, August 23, 1828. llis parents were James and Rachel D. (Patter- 2 sony Crouch, the former a native of Vir. ginia, and the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Kentucky, and had a fam- ily of six children, three of wh m livehits be grown-William F., J. W. and Charles N. When he was four months old his parents removed to Edgar County. This. where they resided four years, then re- moved to Shelby Comgy, where they Eved until is;6, when they moved to lowa. Oir subject wa naved on a warm, and recei .. Including in the externes sale k wali At Danville. Bises. When the fat i',
Day's County, For me'es cost of 1)i'd
27. 18 pa to Miss M. E. Rdag, of D .. County, col daughter of John and Min
1
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
241
5 13 his farmy and removed to Oid Red- ding. where he engaged in the mercantile business with C. S. Pugsley, for fourteen months, He then sold his interest and went to clerking. He was appointed postmaster at Redding in i8;g. and re-appointed in 1885. He erected the hrst building in Redding. Mrs. Crouch died April 1, 1875. leaving seven children -- Mary Jane, Eliza- beth F., John MI .. Delilah J., James W. and Laura E. March 15, 1833, Mr. Crouch was married to Miss Martha E. Trullinger, daughter of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Moss) Trullinger, and to this union have been born two children-Ida Louisa and Charles, Claude. Politically Mr. Crouch is a Dem- ocrat. As a postmaster he is courteous and accommodating, and has made many friends. Clearfiel ! County, Pennsylvania, July 2, 183.1. her parents. Thomas and Molly ( Yar- ger) Beightol, having been born in the same State. Her father is still living in Penn- sylvania. Her mother is deceased, her death taking place in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of nine children, all but the eldest daughter living at home. Their names, given in order of their birth, are --- Mary Ella, wife of Eliphaz Goodell, living near Mr. Johnston's : Ada May, en- gaged in teaching, which she has followed seven terms, boarding at home ; Cyrus D., Joshua B., Ellis I., Phineas F., Edith C., Charles W. and Seth T. The year follow- ing his marriage Mr. Johnston removed to Mercer County, Illinois, and from there moved to Lee County, in the spring of 1866, where he remained till coming to Ringgold County, in 1870. Mr. Johnston FROHN W. JOHNSTON, one of Union Township's leading agriculturists, re- . siding on section is, has been a resi- dent of Ringgold County since the spring was reared to agriculture, which he has always followed, and owing to his industry and good management he has been very prosperous through life. He brought with of 1870, living on rented land in Mouroe ' him to Ringgold County a small capital. Township the first two years after coming having about $600 left after paying for his contains 360 acres of choice land, all under improvement, besides which he owns an eighty-acre farn. in Liberty Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Johnston is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity. In school matters he has always taken a deep interest, and in all enterprises for the public welfare of the a Ivano men here. He had visited Ringgold County in . first eighty acres. His home farm now the fall of Ise), when he purchased eighty acres of land, a part of his present farm. While living in Monroe Township he also improved his land on section 18, Union Township, breaking twenty-five acres the first year, and the same amount the second year. In 18;2 he removed to his farm in Union Township, and that year cultivated fifty acres without any assistance. Mr. Johnston is a native of Venango County, of his township he is one of the most aslive Pennsylvania. born February 9. 1834, his workers.
parents, Anthony Y. and Polly ( Ellerkin) Johnston, big natives of Pennsylvania and Vermont respectivch. Both of his LA. J. IL. REDFORD of ME. Avr is the spot H. H. w.1 Margar 17 Mic. Clare Tedopl a five of Tell c. parents are deceased. the father's death of curring in 1835, and the mother dying in the year 18% Mr. Johnston were married They removed 15 Indiana in 153. Mi. in his native county. October 11. 1958, 10 Tedlord, the father, we a farmer | way- Miss Loving I. Beightol, who was born in pation, and died in 1525. His wife du Vin
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HISTORY OF WASGOING COUNTY.
1833. Of his seven offdren two and live in any enterprise that pertained to the wel- ing; and of these the gidest, the subject of fare of the community. He died April 13, this notice, was born in Putnam County. 1882, leaving a wie and eleven children to mouin the loss of an affectionate husband and kind father. Mrs. Abarr resides on the old homestead, which contahis 230 acres of well-cultivated land. She has a comfort- able. well-furnished house, where the family have all the comforts of a good homc. Indiana, March 4, 1833. At the age of seventeen he entered Himover College it Hanover, Indiana, where he was gradu- ated in 1856, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then studied three years in the United Presbyterian Theological Sem- inary at Xenia, Ohio. He then entered upon the work of the ministry, which he has followed ever since, coming to lowa in 1879. In July, 1886, he became associ- ated with R. B. Williams in the ownership and publication of the Ringgold Count; Ri- publican. He was married in June, 1862; to Elizabeth Rowan. They have two children.
LOHN COIE, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 8, town- e ship 70, range 2), Tingley Township, was born in Columbiana County, Chio. in September, 1837, the eldest son of Robert and Maria (Eller) Coie, his father a native of County Down, Ireland, and the mother of Coshocton County, Ohio. The father was born in 1797, and was quite young when he came to America, where he died was born February 15, 1828, in , in 1857. The mother is still living on the old homestead in Ohio. Of a family of seven children born to them five grew to maturity, of whom four sons are still living. One son entered the Union army and was wounded at the battle of Knoxville, Ten- nessec. He returned home sick, and died from the effects of his wound. John Coie, the subject of this sketch, passed his boy- hood days in his native county, attending the common schools, and completing his education at Beaver Academy. After leay ing school he taught for ton winters antone summer. He located in Monroe County. lowa, in 18 .. where be followed teaching proved by his fatheris Low. Meant Vis, for four wint is, and during the solum r
C. ABARR, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Ringgold County, and White County, Illinois, son of John and Rhoda Abarr. He was reared a farmer, and obtained his education in the common schools. In 1856 his mother and one of his brothers removed to Whiteside County (his father having died in 1830), where they resided until IS --- , then came to Ringgold County and located in the eastern part of Clinton Township. He was married Au- gust 13, 1861, to Miss Ann M. Poor, daughter of Alvin Poor, a prominent pio- neer of Ringg all County. He located on the home farm where the family how re- side, in 1871, the first having Doch im- Abarr have Faltade diff ren, care of mantle worked at the carpenters trale. Il . purchased his je sont tam in IST. which was then an unbroken tract of whom are living Co. Madia A. Sil. W., Curtis E .. Mary F. ELpods, Millas Les- ter, Alice B De. 11. . L.nl. Effic. Vivin. Ralph, Gerti, and Vedl May Whati at the age of sixteen months, Mr. Anar Maghora'ch. Count . Jeden : Brokol. Int at the time of a minha like . was sum of in thestring hethit del good morals, andtalatys takeat. ctive ingist North Bend, Nop ... To that have
John loi
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
been born four children-Theodosia M., July 6, 1865, and returned to les Tome. In John S, Robert T. and Mary F. Mr. 1870 he came to Ringgold County, and set- tled upon his present form in Middir Fork Township. It was then in a wild unim- proved state. He now owns 440 acres of land, and it is recognized as one of the best farms in the township. He has a good, well-furnished house, out-buildings for stock, a good orchard, and is extensively engaged in stock-raising and feeding. He was married December 19, ISos, to Miss Elizabeth Bishop, born in Montgomery County, Indiana, and daughter of John Bishop. Mr. Hoffman is a worthy mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a Republican. Coie's farm, which contains 240 acres, is now under fine cultivation and well im- proved, and in connection with his general farming he is engaged in raising cattle and hogs of a high grade. He commenced life with but small capital, and by his own efforts has accumulated his present fine property, and is numbered among the self- made men of Ringgokl County. He has one of the finest libraries in the county. In politics he is a staunch Republican, casting his first. presidential vote for Abraham Lin- , coln, and since coming here has taken an active part in the politics of his party. IIc has served as township trustee and magis- trate for twelve years. In 1883 he was clected a member of the Twentieth General Assembly, and re-elected to the Twenty- first General Assembly in 1885, which posi- tion he has since filled to the entire satis- faction of his constituents. Both Mr and Mrs. Coje are members of the United Presbyterian church, at Eugene.
P. HOFFMAN resides on section IS, and is one of the leading ag- riculturists of Middle Fork Town- ship. He wasborn in Montgomery County, I Indiana, October 15, 1841. His parents were Absalom Hoffman, a native of Ohio, and Nancy (Conrad) Hoffman, a native of Indiana. He was the eldest of eleven children. When he was quite young his parents removel to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where he was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. During the late wai he enlisted, August 8, 1862, in Company G, Seventy- second Mounted Infantry, and participated in the battle of Chickamauga and all the historical engagements from Chattanooga to Atlanta. He was honorably discharged
FJOSEPH ROBINSON, one of the pros- perous farmers of Washington Town- ship, is a native of Ireland, born in 2 County Tyrone. August 17, 1835, a son of Robert and Jane Robinson. When he was an infant his parents moved to America, and lived in Canada two years, then re- turned to Ireland, where he remained six- teen years. June 15, 1853, he sailed from Liverpool for America in the ship, Fidiclia, and landed in the city of New York, a penniless boy in a land of strangers. He obtained employment in a brass-finishing and gas-fitting establishment, where he worke l a year and then went to Washing- ton County, New York, where he was em- ployed on a farm nine years. He then left New York and drifted to Ohio, and thence in 1861 to Wisconsin. He lived in Dane County, near Madison, until the fall of Ise4. when he moved to Ringgold County. lowa, and in the spring of 1855 moved to the farm where he now lives, on section 13. Washington Township. He bought eighty acres of land, forty of which were under cultivation, aul a small log calin had been built. He has added to his first
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316
HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
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purchase from time to time until he now ( IS85 he retired from farm life and moved owns Spo acres. The most of his land is ito Mt. Avr. He has been an energetic. en- terprising man, and is one of the represent- ative citizens of the county. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served in different official
seeded to grass, as he makes a specialty of stock-raising, having at times large numbers of both cattle and hogs. He al- so has some fine horses and colts, the most of them being of the Norman breed. Mr. , capacities. To him and his wife have been born cleven children, seven of whom are living-William L., Margaret M., George W., Virginia, Emma C., Charles W. and Alice Carey. The deceased are-Elizabeth, Sarah C., Mary Ellen and Henry Augustus.
Robinson has made his property by his own industry and good management. He is an honorable, upright man, and in all his dealings with business men wins their respect and confidence. He was married in 1858 to Sarah Dunlap, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, but living in Wash- ington County, New York, at the time of her marriage. They have six children- Hiram S., Charles HI., John D., Minnie Maggie, Elizabeth and Ida. The latter died aged twelve years. In politics Mr. Robinson is a Republican, casting his first presidential vote for 'Abraham Lincoln.
ABRAHAM JOHNSON, one of the pioneers of Ringgold County, located in Roscoe Township in 1856. He was born in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, August 2, 1818, and when he was about seven years of age his parents, Robert and Anna Johnson, settled in Putnam County. Indiana, where he grew to manhood, and was there married, in 1839, to Lucinda ENRY ARNETT, Mt. Avr, lowa, is a native of Montgomery County, Vir- ginia, where he lived until eighteen years of age. He was left an orphan at an early age, and was reared by strangers. He passed his early life on a farm, attend- Woods, a native of Kentucky, born in 1819. They lived in Putnam County ten years af- ter their marriage, and then moved to Cham- paign County, Ilinois, where they lived five years, and in 1854 moved to lowa, and lived about eighteen months in Monroe ing, when possible, the district school. In ; County, moving thence to Ringgold Com- 1828 he came West, and lived in Illinois three years, and in the fall of 1831 went to ; lives, on section 20, Riley Township. in St. Charles County, Missouri. He was married April 8, 1832, to Lucinda Wood, a native of St. Louis County, Missouri. In 1834 he moved to Lee County, lowa. where he lived a year, and then went to have had a family of wight children, of Des Moines County, and from there to whom six are living-James, of Mt. Avr; Louisa County, where he lived two or three years. About 1838 he returned to Braska; Mrs. Sarah F. Draper; Je tha S. Des Moines County, and subsequently to Calhoun County, Ilinois, where he lived until the spring of 1855, when he movel to Ringgold County, lowa, and located in Middle Fork Township. In the spring of ty. He located on the farm where he How 1862. His homestead contains ninety-five acres of choice land, and he also owns thirty acres of timber land in Missouri. near the State line. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Mrs. Mary J. McClung: John 11. o. No. an | Mrs. Mart LA. Bayless. William. Nul in childhood. and Mrs. Kittie And White. aged twenty three years. Mr. Johnsonand his family are members of the Me the list Episcopal church. He politics he is a Re
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
potian. Mr. Johnson's father died in Putnam Counts. Indiana, in 1837, and in !; ) his m cher accompanis ! her sons. A lamand WHHam. to Union County, lowa, where she did in 1875. Mas. Johnson's mother died when she was ten months old, and she was reared by an older sister, Mrs. Nancy Wass, of Indiana. Her father mar- ried a second time, and moved to Louis- ville, Kentucky, where he spent the last days of his life.
FROHIN M. POOR, farmer, living on section 22. Rice Township, was born in Washington County, Indiana, Au- gust 4. 1836. the eldest child of Alvin and Julia .A. Pour, who were among the pio neer settlers of Ringgoldl County. They came to this county in the year 1856, and settled in Clinton Township on a farm where they spent their last years. They were the parents of eight children, all of why are vet living. Their names are- John M .. Tabell. Alvin M .. Ann Maria, Daniel W .. Clinton E., Susan E. and Wes- I.v A. Joh. M. was reared in Washing- ton and Pike counties, Indiana, his parents Locating in the litter county a few years previous to their coming to Ringgold County. In i85; he returned to ladiana where he atend. I school, preparing his - De ra teacher. which profession he f. thered in Mattina and Illino's, until his ihr's death which occured in 19 2. www he returned to Ringgold Canty to he ciptistlin Company G. Twenty-ninth Hogy . Infurry, and although bis regiment di : not part ig de in many historic bitte, the 0 days wa auditions, as well. - hop ...
Holm the best campaign in Text. He
received an honorable discharge at Daven. part lowa. Augus 10, 1865. Her imine! to Ringgold County. April 11, 137, when. he was married to Miss Mary J. Baird. a daughter of Sandrel Baird, one of the carly settlers of Clinton Township where he still resides. Mrs. Poor was born in Putnam County, Indiana, October 12, 1849, and ofthe with her parents to Ringgold County in 1855. where she has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Poor have six children living- Eugene W., Millie Belle, Mary Enfima. Willie W., Elmer R. and Lura M. Orville, their fifth child, died aged one year. Mr. Poor followed farming in Clinton Townthip until 18;5, when he commenced improv- ing his present farm in Rice Township. having improve! his 160 acres himself without any assistance. In politics Mr. Poor casts his suffrage with the Re- publican party. He has served in several township offices efficiently and acceptably. and is at present township assessor. Both he and his wife are members of the Method- ist church.
. AVID CARLTON, ami wasfulicher and stock-raiser of Line An To suship. residing on section 21. Is a native of Ireland, born September 15, 1841. At the age of seven years he. in company with his parents, Dass Hoot Nancy ( Mc. Arvs Cupl. tom, sailed trom Pehast for America, Find. ing at Nest Oriens, Jimary 1. 1 4 . 201 Connecticut, and iral. that Siete roll, wo toin lana, wherth grew top lom wd. il he has always polmed. H. i I V. for Idingi in Dos from the_ in the ent
HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
He has been successful in his agricultura! pursuits, and has now a fine farm e stain- ing 160 acres of cultivated land with good residence and farm buildings. He is one of the public-spiritel citizens of Lincoln Township, taking an active interest in all enterprises for the advancenant of the same, and during his residence here has , gained the confidence and respect of all who know him, by his honorable and up- right dealings. For his wife Mr. Carlton married Miss Florence Jackson, a daughter of William and Phobe (Myers) Jackson, who were natives of Indiana. Mrs. Carl- . ton was born May 4, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Carlton have two children -- G. A., born August 2, 1872, and J. R., born August ;, 1884. In politics Mr. Carlton is identified with the Democratic party. Mrs. Carlton . is a member of the Christian church. Their postoffice is at Clearfield.
resided three years, then sold and removed to section 25, where he lived until IS; then sold and removed to Athens Town. ship, where he purchased too auies of land, a portion of which is now included in the town piat of Kellerton, having, in i879, sold eighty acres to one Perkins for town fots in the northern part of the town. His home farm contains 240 acres of land, well cultivated and well improved. He has a fine residence, one and a half stories high, 16 x 26 feet, with L, 24 x 26 feet, a commo- dious barn 32 x 44 fect, and an orchard of 300 trees and small fruits. He is engaged in stock-raising and feeding. Mrs. Fittro died March 19, 1864, leaving one chill- Alice. In October, 1864, he married Susan , West, of Decatur County, who died in a few months. March 25. 18'6, he was mar- ried to Mrs. Sarah McCartney, nie Burkett. widow of J. McCartney. She was born in Putnam County, Indiana. They have three children - Chester, Charles and Ernest. Mr. Fittro's farm adjoins the town plat of Kellerton, and is considered one of the most valuable farms in the Township. Politi- cally he is a Democrat. Postofice, Keller- ton.
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