USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 36
USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 1 > Part 36
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
RANK McGUGIN is a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, born near Hickory, July 24, 1843, the fourth in a family of six children of Daniel and Elizabeth (Campbell) McGugin. In March, 1846, the parents settled in Knox County. Ohio, where they are still living, on the old homestead. Frank McGugin passed his youth on the farm in Knox County, Ohio, receiving his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. At the outbreak of the war of the Rebell- ion he enlistel in Company A. Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, and spent the first two years of his term of service in Virginia. In 1863 he was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, Ninth Army Corps, and in (v. tober of the same year to the Army of the Mississippi, in the Second Brigade. Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, in which he served till the case of the war. Ii. took part in twenty eight engagements, in- cluding the battle of sound Ball Rim. Antietam, si ge of Vicksburg. Visitas Ridge, Kenyaw Mountain. The vagy- tured by the enemy at the Bottle in front o! Atlanta, July 22. 199peal wir ingi . oned at And sontill, and after time i. careerated By momentoch that Southern prival por cape. He Matt, ..
moted to Captain of his company, which. position he held till mustered out, August 4. 1865. He then returned to Knox Coan- ty, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Melissa Critchfield, and to them have been born two sons and one daughter-Daniel E., Clifford N. and Stella M. After his marriage Mr. McGugin settled on a farm in Knox County, where. in connection with his farming pursuits, he carried on a flour- mill for several years. In the fall of 1872 he came with his family to Ringgold Coun- ty, lowa, and settled on his present fari .: on section 12, Tingley Township, wherehe has since followed agricultural pursuits, Lis farm containing 160 acres of well-improved and highly -cultivated land. Mr. and Mrs. McGugin are members of the Christian church, of which he is at present serving as deacon and trustce.
MOSEPH L. MCPHERSON, section .. Tingley Township, is one of the hood. ing farmers of Kiegoall County. Ile was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylv. - nia, June 24. 150, the daily son o: Hud M. and R.| coa chensin MePherson. Mi wather a native of Pennsylvania and the r cher of Maryland. His mother die :
...
. 4 .1.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
spring at 1820. and the following summer was employed on a farm by the month. He then engaged in farming for himself, and now owns a fine farm of eighty acres. well improved, with a good residence and comfortable farm buildings. Mr. McPher- son was married in the spring of 1882 10 Miss Ella Kirkham, of Monroe County, lowa. In politics he affiliates with the Re- publican party.
TILLIAM S. ANDERSON, residing on section 16, Rice Township, was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, February 17, 1849. His parents, William and Sarah (Louder) Anderson, were both natives of North Carolina, where they were reared and married, and there their seven eldest children were born -- Mrs. Rhoda Stanford, a widow, now living in Decatur County, Iowa; John Calvin and Isaac B., living in Henry County, In- diana: Joel M. and Mrs. Mary A. Dunn, residents of Reno County, Kansas : Solo- mon S. was a member of the Third Iowa Cavalry, and died during the war. aged nineteen years; and William S., the subject of this sketch. Their daughter, Mrs. Sarah Iren Deck, was born in Decatur County. Jowa, and is now living in Reno County, Kansas. In 1851 the parents removed with their family from North Carolina to Henry County, Indiana, where they resided till 1859. They then settled in Woodland, De- catur County. Iowa, and two and a half years later came to Ringgold County, and settled on a farm in Eden Township, where they have since made their home. Will- iam S. Anderson, our subject. grew to manhood in Ringgold County, being about thirteen years old when he accompanied his parents to this county. He was mar- ried in Woodland Township, Decatur Coun- (), December 2 16; , to Miss Men Trater.
1
who was born in Guffferd County, North Carolina, June 15, 1253. Her parents settled in Henry County, In liana. in 198. and m IST, moved to Decatur County, Iowa, where the mother di d. March 10. 1576, aged fifty-one years. In ISSA the father of Mrs. Anderson, Stanly Frazer, moved to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he now lives. Mrs. Anderson was the oldest in a family of six children. ller eldest sister, Sarah, is her father's housekeeper: Mary M., a teacher, also lives with her father ; James E. died in early chiklhood : Amanda is the wife of John L. Coaltrane; and Nan- nie. Mr. and Mrs. Arderson are the par- ents of two children -Charles C. born September 5. 1871, and Edward 1., born October 10, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson lived on a farm in Decatur County, lowa, until 1875, when they moved to Reno County, Kansas, remaining there five years. In the fall of 1880 they returned to Deca- tur County, and the following spring came to Ringgold County, and settled on their present farm on section 16. Rice Town- ship, which contains forty five acres of good land, this farm being one of the first settled in the township. Besides his hemne farm Mr. Anderson owns eighty acres of valuable land, which is located a half-mile from the homestead. In politics Mr. An- . derson casts his suffrage with the Republi- can party. Both he and his wife are me !.. bers of the Methodist Episcopal church ..
OBERT CAMPBELL. a ka ling farm- er of Ringgold Country, is a native -1 1 of Indian t. B em itt Madison County. June 12, 1812, a om of Jim and Susan (Williamson Camp bold, his Either a native
land. In the fallet is oli parents moved to low., and sattel in Ring I Cants,
4
HISTORY OF NINEGOED COUNTY.
ington Towaship. The father died in issi, Sadie and lda. Two are deressell the ellest. Ella, all the third, M .. They and the mothe: is still living. They had a Family of twelve children, ton of whomare arp members of the United Pressterion living our subject being the fourth. He church, at Eugen . was reared a farmer, remaining at home entil after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when, in September, 1861, 1., enlisted in the Union army, and was as- signal to Company 1, Fourth Lowa Cay- alry, and served until August, 1965. Hle was captured near Helena, Arkansas, when on a scouting expedition, and was held a prisoner from March till September, when he was paroled and sent to St. Louis, and a month later was exchanged and joined his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee. At Selma, , they remained several years, then went to Alabama, he received a gun-shot wound through the thigh, which disabled him for a time. After bis discharge he returned to his father's farm and engaged in agricult- ural pursuits, and after his marriage set- thed on the farin where he now lives, which contains 160 acres of choice lan !. He was married in 1869 to Sarah A. Mumford, who died in April. 1883, leaving one daughter- Estella M. In politics Mr. Campbell is a Republican.
RAMES W. GLENDENNING, farmer, section 22, Middle Fork Township, was born in Rush County, India, May 2, 1842, son of Jenes and Elizabeth Glend n- ning, natives of Tennessee. He was the fifth of a family of nine children. When he was six years of age his parents re- moved to Audrain County, Missouri, where Galloway County, thence to Gentry Coan- ty, locating near Lott's Grove. In the spring of 1861 they came to Ringgold County. Our subject was reared a farmer, and obtained his education in the common schools. In the summer of 1861 he en- listed in Company G, Fourth Iowa Infantry, and was honorably discharged on ac- count of disability. In March, 1862, he re- enlisted in Company G. Fourth Missouri Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. This regiment was in most of the principal engagements in Missouri and .Ar- kansas. Ile was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returned bothe. Hle was married October 4. 1866, to Miss Delilah Jarvis, formerly of Ohio, daughter of Phillip and Mary Jarvis. In 1867 he Inated in Riec Township, and two years later purchased hi- present farm, which at that time con isted of 155 acres of will land. He has added to an improved it, un- til he now has 20 acre of as goo I land as can be found in the township. He las a for twostory residen & created in IN . thin part. 1; Ni tet, with 1, 1 . 26 let, with a porch eight fet. The box is built in modo dah. well furnished. am I is one of the Best building - in the town
TANDREW STEVENSON, section 17, Tingley Township, is a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, born October 5, 18to, a son of John and Margaret Ien- dersom Stevenson. In 1862 he unlisted in the defense of his country, and was as- signed to Company A, Eighty-eighth Olio Infantry, and was discharged in June, 1805. lle was married in April, 1 Gp. to Mary C. Gilbert, of Licking County, Ohio. After !, return from the war he engaged in farming until it's, when he moved to Ring- gold County, lowa, and located on his pre ant farm, which contains .wy acres of choice land. Mr. mi Mr . Stevenson have five children Born, Margaret, Lisbeth, ship. He he. cel megaby in stock-
. 4
..
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHLY.
raising and feeding. Mr. and Mrs. Glen- hype. located on section 15, Jeferson denning are the parents of six children - Town lip, on which he has im deall the William, Mary, Clara Belle, Ella, Sadie and Verdue. Gretta is deceased. Mr. Glen-
improvement , and brons' this land an ler fine cultivation. Mount Zion Method-st. denning is a member of the Metho list Epis- , Episcopal Church was built on his land copal church, and politically affiliates with the Republican party. He is very highly respected in the community where he is known, and is one of the leading men in his township. Postoffice, Ingart.
FAILLIAM CASNER, one of the active and enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of Jefferson Township, and an old pioneer of Ringgoldl County, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1819. Ilis father, John Casner, was a native of Mary- land. In early life he followed the shoe- maker's trade, but his later years he spent in farming. William Casner received his education in the log-cabin school-houses of his neighborhood, which he attended while not helping with the work of the farm. In 1828 he went with his parents -0 to Noble (then Monroe) County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He then be- gan dealing in lumber, and was engaged in the lumber trade twelve or fifteen years, in that State. He was married August 24, 1844, to Miss Margaret A. Keller, a daugh- ter of John Keller, deceased. Of eleven children born to this union, only five sur- vive -- Mary A., Christian, Jane, Susmah and Charles, all married but the litter. Mr. Casner went overland to California in 1852, where he mined for two years, re turning to Ohio in 1854. In the fall of 1255 he came to Ringgold County, lowa. an Ientered over joy acres of wild land, most of which was located in Jelarson following spre cher ty Ring Township. He brought his family here in the spring of 1956, when he sorted on for . Il hame the Hutho ho cali to the farm where he has since malle hi
near his house, in 123%. This was a trame . structure, 22 x 28 fedt, and was the inet church built in the county. Mi. Casper has now 200 acres of valna be land, and is at present devoting his thed principally to raising stock. He has held several others since coming to the township, having been justice of the peace three termes, and has served as trusted, school director and school treasurer. Mrs. Casher is a pper- ber of the Metho list Episcopal church .. Mr. Casner was a soldier in the late civil war. He was a member of Company G, Twenty-ninth Jowa Infantry, and participat- ed in the battles of Helena, Little Rock, and others. He served two years and seven months, when he was discharged for disa- bility. He has never fully recovered from the effect of his army experience, and now draws a pension from the Government.
TRENUS MILLSAP. farmer, section 18, Clinton Township, is one of the carly settlers who has been identined with the interests of the county for thirty years. He was born in Lawrence County, hofi. o. December 2). 1837. His parents were Bela and Jane & Bunch Miller natives of North Carolina. They reg da chy of seven children 6. A. Nancy Arn. Jan. Milsap was reached a farmer to last !- cate I in the commper schools, Integral
369
HISTORY OF MAGGOLD COUNTY.
ried May 21, 1861, to Miss Mary C. Dendis. a on which he erected a small log bouse, 14 x 16 feet. and began improving his farm. native of New Jersey. When twelve years of age she came with her parents, William In 1862 he enlisted in the defense of his S. and Nancy (McLean) Dennis, to Taylor , country, in Company G, Twenty-ninth County, lowa. Mr. Millsap settled upon his present farm in 18;5, which was then
Iowa Infantry, and was immediately sent to Missouri, thence down the Mississippi in a wild state. His farm contains ninety- . River. He took part in the battles of eight acres of well-cultivated and well im- proved land. He has a comfortable house, ont-buildings for stock, and orchard and small fruits. Mr. and Mrs. Millsap are the parents of eight children -- Nancy J., Elina Alice, Ulysses A., Emma E., Silas W., An- gie May, Sidney C. and Nora Belle. Mr. Millsap is politically a Republican. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since seven years of age. Postoffice, Mormontown.
OHN A. LESAN, an active and suc- cesssful farmer of Liberty Township, residing on section 36, is a native of Maine, born near Bangor, July 10, 1832. When he was seven years of age his par- ents, Charles 1. and Mchitable S. (Pratt) Lesan, removed to the city of Bangor, where the father followed the mercantile business. John A. Lesan was reared in Bangor, receiving his education in the schools of that city. He left school when sixteen years old, and followed the sea from that age till he attained the age of twenty years, coasting from the Bay of Bangor as far as Florida. He then accom- panied his father to Stark County, Ilinois, his mother having died some years pre- vious, and in that county he was married. in the year 1859, to Miss Maggie Coon, a native of Canada. They are the parents of two daughters-Hattie M. and Nellie B. Mr. Lesan left Stark County in 1860, when he came to Ringgold County, lowa, and settled on his present farm, purchasing at that time eighty acres of open prairie land
Helena, Little Rock, and the taking of Mo- bile. Ile was mustered out in August, 1865, and discharged at Davenport, Iowa, when be returned to his farm in Liberty Town- ship, Ringgold County, where he has met with excellent success in his farming and stock-raising. He has added to his original eighty acres by subsequent purchases till his home farm contains ISo acres of choice land, besides which he owns 100 acres of pasture land located in Poe Township. He is still devoting his attention to stock-rais- ing, and has on his farm at present sixty head of thorough-bred short-horn cattle, and some fine specimens of Norman horses. Mr. Lesan was elected justice of the peace of Liberty Township in 1862, which office he resigned to enlist in the defense of his country. Soon after his return from the army he was elected trustee of Liberty Township, and a member of the Board of Supervisors under the old law, which posi- tion he filled until he was elected sheriff of Ringgold County, in 1868, assuming the duties of that office January 1, 1869, serving in that capacity for two years. He also held the office of postmaster at Mt. Ayr for two years, until 18; 1. In that year he returned to his farm, and soon after was elected justice of the peace, which office he has since filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents, and dining his term of office he has never had a cae of his appealed to the higher courts, Lot he has had his decision sestalled. Mr. Joan is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has burg member of the Melodia Episcopal dench for over thi. ty
>
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
years, and has held many of the offices of early settlers of Ringgold Comny. They his church. such as classleader, an I super- , have two children living = Minnie and intendent of the Sabbath-school. He is one of the respected citizens of Liberty Town- ship, having by his honorable dealings gained the confidence of all who know him.
ENRY H. ROSS was born in Liv- ingston County, Missouri, near Chilli- cothe, August 11, 1840, the eldest son of Thomas and Martha (McMillin Ross, who are of Scotch descent, the father born in Ohio and the mother in Kentucky. The mother of our subject went to Illi- nois when seventeen years of age, where she was married, and soon after went with her husband to Missouri where he fol- lowed the teacher's profession. In 1849 they moved to Wapello County, Iowa, and the year 1859, came to Ringgold County, where the father followed his profession, being among the first school-teachers of . subsequently came to Ringgold County.
Mount Ayr. He is still living in Ringgold County. The parents of our subject had a family of thirteen children, of whom only five --- four sons and one daughter -- survive. Henry H. Ross passed his youth in Wa- pello County, Iowa, where he attended the district schools. He came to Ringgold County, Iowa, in 1859, and attended school at Osceola till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Com- pany M, Third lowa Cavalry, and was in the Western department. He was capt- ured at the battle of Pea Ridge, but was soon after exchanged. He was mastered out of the service in August, 1865, at Day- enport, lowa, after serving his country faithfully for four years. He then re- turned to Mt. Ayr, where he taught school for thirty-six months. In 1867 he was elected county superintendent of eduals. He was married in 16; to Mis Mary Doze, daughter of Peter Dove, one of the
Eunice MeChidori. Mr. Ross was elected county surveyor, and served as such four years. In isto he was elected to the same office, holding the position the four years following. Ile was elected county auditor in the fall of 1885, which office he still holds, to the entire satisfac- tion of his constituents. Mr. Ross is a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public.
ILLIAM H. HAVILAND, a repre- sentative of one of the oldest fami- lies of Washington Township, was born on the old homestead in Washington Township, Ringgold County, Iowa, July 6. 1862. His father, William A. Haviland, was a native of Canada. He came to lli- nois when a young man, and was married in that State to Mary J. Skidmore. He lowa, with his family, which then consisted of his wife and two children, when he set- tled on a farm which is still occupied by our subject. The farm then contained 16o acres of raw prairie land. entirely unim- proved. The father being a carpenter, im- mediately erected a small log hoase for his family, and began improving his farm, but later in life resumed working at his trade. Ile was an industrious citizen, and was one of the most respected men in Washington Township, where he resided so many years. He died August 2 ;. 1385. leaving a wife and three children -- Elzinn, wife of R. A. Spence, of Mt. Avr; John A., and Will- iam 1., our sulle 1. The mother is now in her sixty-second year, and is making her home with our subject, on the old how- tead. The father was a member of the Mas mic fraterniv. At his dato he left a w Icultivated im. containing 150 acres. which was purchased by wy subject. Us
HISTORY OF LINGGOLD COUNTY.
having bought the interests of the other hirs. William H. Haviland was married February 19, 1882, to Miss Tillie Yachack, who was born in Ringgold County, Iowa, a daughter of Wentzal Yachack, a Bohe- mian by birth. They are the parents of two children-Ethel V. and Vella 1. Mr. Hlaviland is classed among the successful stock-raisers in his neighborhood, being principally engaged in raising cattle and hogs.
AVID PRESTON, a successful farmer of Liberty Township, residing on sec- tion 30, is a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, born near Monon- gahela City, January 3, 1833, his parents, Bernard and Margaret ( Williams) Preston, being natives of the same county, the mother dying in Washington County in 1852. Of a family of ten children born to them seven still survive, our subject, David Preston, being the fifth child. He passed his youth on the home farin, remaining in his native county until the spring of 1856, when he came to Ringgold County, Iowa, and settled on sections 30 and 31, Liberty Township, where he began to improve the land which at that time was raw, unbroken prairie. His first house was built of logs, feet. Mr. Preston was married in 1862 ot Miss Ann Eliza Lorimer, a native of Ohio, but at the time of her marriage living in Madison County, lowa. She died in Au- grust, ISSI, le wing three children-Jessie M. wife of Brown Thompson; E. K. and Nellie. Mr. Preston was again married in April, 1884, to Miss Anna Wirt, who was also a native of Ohio and a daughter of Joseph Wirt, of Ringgold County. In February, 1859, Mr. Preston was appointed sheriff of Ringgold County to fill a va. caney caused by the resignation of Spain of Allison. After holding the office of sher-
in for one year Mr. Winston Went to Col- orado where he was successfully engaged! in mining goll. Two years later he re- turned to Ringgold County and has since been actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, his cattle and horses being of a high grade. His farm is mostly seeded to grass. His rude log house has given place to his present commodious residence, the old clapboard roof of the former being now on the roof of his barn. Both Mr. and Mrs. Preston are members of the Method- ist Episcopal church, and respected citi- zens of Liberty Township. Bernard Pres- ton came to Ringgold County about six months after his son, David Preston, settled here, and died in Liberty Township in 1873.
FJONATHAN STUCK, farmer, section 1 4, Lott's Creek Township, is among .0 the leading agriculturists and old pio- neers of Ringgold County. He was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1828, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Stuck. He was the third of four children, and was reared a farmer. At the age of fourteen years he learned the tailor's trade, and fol- lowed that occupation four years. He then removed to Lucas County, Ohio, where he with a clapboard roof, its size being 16 x 17 . resided three years, thence to Seneca County, Ohio. In 1952 he was married to Miss Anna Paine, and their two children were Henry and Franklin. In 1855 Mr. Stuck removed to Missomi, where Mrs. Stuck died the same year. July 1.1. 1855. he came to Ringgoll County and entered ICu acres of land from the Government at 81.25 per acre. His fir & residence was a log cabin. IVA IS fest with punchen fap. He has since added to Me farth until in. Owns 349 acres, and his ter is kowym to be one of the best in the topasig. lle has a good, oneand helpfor- rennes
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
rounded with shade and ornamental trees, out-buildings for stock, an orchard. al everything about the place indicates the thrift of the proprietor. In 1857 Mr. Stack married Miss Mary Hollister, a native of Greene County, Indiana, and they have eleven children --- Elizabeth, Mary Ann, John, Jacob Lincoln, James Mamel, Lu- cinda, Peter, Daniel, Charlie, Martha and Joseph. Mr. Stuck came to Ringgold County with very little means, but by in- dustry and good management he has ac- quired a large property. Postoffice, Cale- donia.
CHRISTIAN WALTERS, one of the pioneers of Union Township, and an active and public-spirited citizen of Ringgold County, was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 29, 1831, the ninth child of Conrad and Susan (Coffman) Wal- ters, who were born and reared in _Alle- gheny County, Pennsylvania, and after their marriage settled in Ohio. After the . mother's death the father was again mar- ried, and by his second wife had a family of eight children. Eleven children were born to his first wife, who was the mother of our subject. He passed his boyhood on the home farm, remaining with his parents till seventeen years of age. He then served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's and car- riage-maker's trade, which he followed for several years, being engaged in business for himself part of the time. In 1857 he came to Ringgold County, lowa, and bought at school-land sales six eighty-acre lots located in Union, Monroe and Tingly Townships, and commeneed improving part of his land. In the spring of 1'50 he disposed of these lands at an advance on the purchase price, leaving himself 100 acres on section 23, Union Town hip, a part of his present lenne top! He held at this time about Sus q with which trinke and his castle and hogy to the Last
improvements on ls land, and innedi- ately began to build a house, which he afterward rented. He became a contractor and builder, and create 1, by contract. six- teen school-houses, fourteen in Ringgold County and two in D catur County. Io 1864. wishing for a change and nes enter- prises, Mr. Walters went overland to Cali- foria as builder and freighter, and was engaged in contract work in that Sta'e for two years, returning to this country in 1865, by the Isthmus of Panama and New York City. He was married in Crawford Coun- ty, Ohio, December 5, 1867, to Miss Mar- garet Dickson, who was born in that county in 18.12, a daughter of George and Agnes Dickson, and a sister of John and George Dickson, of Union Township, this county. Of the nine children born to this union, seven are living-Agues, Charles, Leona, Jap, Cary, Ollie and Bert. Two children died in infancy. In 1876 Mr. Walters brought his family to Mt. Ayr, where he lived four years, improving a farm near that city. Ile owned ico acres adjoining that place and 320 acres ove an i a half miles distant, improving both of these farms, where he built good houses, and also erected a fine residence in Mt. Avr. Ile subsequently disposed of to advantage his property at and near Mt. Avr. . Wal ters came to Ringgold County a j for than, the little capital he had being maudy bor- rowed ; but industry and energy R. bined with good business qualifications and a determinati at to su ceed have et abled him to win, an ! he is now numbere . among Ringgold County's wealthin & a.h. He has led an active busines life. which failing health along has rost in a great measme comp lied Von to :dlinguish, bol he is and has been for Many petits sport past years be wal type sites ogalin
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.