USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 2
USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 2
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he is classed among the prosperous agri- culturists of Lincoln Township. He was Ringgold County, and settled on the farm where he now resides, which is one of the best farms to be found in the county. Ilis residence is large and commodious, and his barn and out-buildings are noticeably united in marriage to Miss Emma A .- who was born in Pennsylvania, December 15, 1852. They have seven childich- Harry R., born May 1, 1876; Laura E., born April 21, 1378; E. M., born July 18, good. and his orchard covers twelve acres . 1879; John A., born December 28, 1890 :
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HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
Ida L., born October 10, 1882; Ada H., | ter of W. Cole, Sr. They have two daugh- born April 26, ISS4, and an infant yet un- , ters-Emma S. and Edith May. In 1869 named, born March 19, 1886. In politics Mr. Baumann affiliates with the Repub- lican party. Mr. Baumann has on his - farm a very fine orchard covering three acres. His residence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious, and everything about his place betokens the thrift and care of its owner.
IDGAR J. PRATT, a member of the firm of Cole & Pratt, lumber-dealers, was born in Cayuga County, New York, September 17, 1841, a son of Joseph L. and Amy S. (Fox) Pratt. When he was three years old he was taken by his parents to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where the father followed his business, that of a carriage manufacturer, for many years. He died in 1878, his wife surviving him afew years. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters, Edgar J. being the sixth child. He passed his youth in Whitewater, receiving a limited education in the schools of that place. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted in Company H, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He partici- pated in the battles of Nasliville, Ten- nessee, and Chattanooga, under General Thomas, besides other engagements, serv- ing faithfully nearly four years. He was mustered out of the service at New Or- leans, in July, 1865, when he returned to Whitewater, Wisconsin. He then formed a partnership with his brother, John H. Pratt, in the mercantile business, which continued two years, when Edgar Pratt went to White Hall, Michigan, where he was engaged in buying and selling shingles, ties and lumber for two years. Mr. Pratt was married in 1864 to Miss Jennie S. Cole, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, the only daugh-
Mr. Pratt removed with his family to Mason City, lowa, where he engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there about seven years. He then formed a partnership with W. W. Lyons, they or- ganizing the Poweshiek County Bank, at Brooklyn, lowa, of which Mr. Pratt was cashier. In 1879 Mr. Pratt came to Mt. Ayr, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for two years. In isSo he became associated with W. Cole, Jr., thus forming the present lumber firm of Cole & Pratt. Mr. Pratt is one of the active and public- spirited citizens of Mt. Ayr, and during his residence in Ringgold County has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him. In the fall of 1883 he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, of which he is at present chairman, and is also president of the School Board. Mr. Pratt is a member of the Masonic fraternity, be- longing to the lodge at Mason City. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
JASPER K. DENHART, an early set- tler and prominent citizen of Wash- ington Township, lives on section 30, where he has a good farm of 145 acres, all well improved, with a comfortable resi- dence and farm buildings. He was born in Germany, March 15, 1839, a son of George and Christina W. (King) Denhart. When he was two years of age his parents came to America, being four weeks in making the journey from Havre de Gras to New York. They went direct to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they lived two years, and then went to Pickaway County, the same State, where the father was employed on the canal, and there died. The mother sub- sequently married again. He remained
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with his mother until manhood, in his youth being employed in a brick yard. On leav- ing home he went to Harrison County, Indiana, and thence, in 1852, to Marion County, Iowa, and three years later to Ringgold County, locating first at Mt. Ayr, where he was living at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, and in 1861 he en- listed in the defense of his country, and was assigned to Company G, Fourth lowa In- fantry. He served four years, participating in many severe engagements, among others being the battles at Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, and Atlanta, and accompanied Sherman to the sea. He was mustered out at Daven- port, Iowa, in August, 1865, and returned to Mt. Ayr, where he lived until 1866, when he located on his present farm. He was married in May, 1866, to Rachel Mi. Miller, daughter of J. D. Miller, of Ringgold County. They have a family of nine chil- dren -- Mary, James, George W., Clarence, Maud, Howard, Jennie, Lora and Julia. One son, Thomas, died aged six years.
August, 1865, and returned to Clarke Coun- ty, where he resided a few months, then ! removed to Worth County, Missouri, where he lived until 1882, then located upon his present farm, where he has since re- sided. Hle purchased this land of one Jacob Huntsman. He owns 194 acres in a good state of cultivation and well improved, located one mile south of Redding. He has a good one-and-a-half story residence, well furnished, surrounded by native shade trees, a good orchard and small fruits, and everything about the premises indicates the thrifty farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two children living-Oliver H., born October 31, 1861, and Elbert E., now thir- teen years of age. Oliver H. was reared a farmer, and educated in the common schools. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Ile was married Novem- ber 26, 1884, to Miss Mary E. Abarr, born in Ringgold County, and daughter of Dan- iel and Ann M. Abarr. They have one child-Orville R. Mr. Edwards is a mem- ber of the Missionary Baptist church, and in politics is a Republican. He is a man very highly esteemed and is considered one of the leading men of the township. Postoffice, Redding.
B. EDWARDS, farmer, section 22, Clinton Township, is a native of Han- cock County, Tennessee, where he was born April 22, 1836, son of William and Mary (Bishop) Edwards. He was the second of seven children, and when four- T. LEE, farmer and stock-dealer, sec- tion 28, is numbered among the en- terprising and successful business men of Athens Township. He was born in Henry County, lowa, July 1, 1854, son of S. M. Lee, a native of Illinois, who came to IIenry County in 1838, when Burlington had but one log storc. His mother was 1 E. Carter, a native of West Virginia. His parents reared a family of eleven children, and all are living. Our subject was the third child, and when two years of age his father removed to Union County, where teen years of age his father removed to Davis County, Iowa, where the family re- sided three years, then removed to Clarke County. He was reared a farmer, and re- ceived his education in the common schools. He was married January 26, 1860, 10 Miss Sarah Miner, a native of Jefferson County. Indiana, and daughter of R. H. and Sarah A. (Wright) Miner. In December, 1863, Mr. Edwards enlisted in Company B, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and was on post duty at Fort Smith, Arkansas, most of the time. He was honorably discharged in ; the family resided four years. They then
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IHISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
returned to llenry County, where they lived eight years, thence to Union County again. In 1874 the family came to Ring- gold County. Mr. Lee received his edu- cation at Mt. Pleasant and New London. He was married November 15. 1877, 10 Miss Mary Livermore, of Ringgold County. daughter of A. Livermore, and a year later settled upon his present farm which was then wild land. He purchased eighty acres, and has since added to his first pur- chase until he now has 213 acres under a high state of cultivation. He has a good, comfortable residence surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, an orchard of 200 trees and small fruits, a barn, 40 x 44 fect, and out-buildings for stock, etc. He is engaged in stock-raising, feeding, and ship- ping stock. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are the parents of five children -- Leslic, Ray. Lucy, Frank and Charlie. Politically he is a Greenbacker. Although a young man he has gained a good position both socially and financially, and is classed among the best citizens of the county. Postoffice, Kellerton.
3-)? W. WILLIAMS, postoffice, Goshen, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 25, Lincoln Township, was born in Maryland, November 7, 1827, a son of William and Anna (Corson) Will- iams, the father being a native of Pennsy! :7 EDWARD STUCK, farmer, section 4, Lott's Creek Township, is one of the old pioneers who has been identified with the interests of Ringgold County for the past thirty years, and is well worthy of vania, and the mother of Maryland. G. W., our subject, was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has followed the greater part of his life. At the age of twenty-one years he began clerking in a dry-goods , a notice in its history. He was born in store, which he followed three years. De- Union County, Pennsylvania, October 10, cember 5, 185 1, he was united in marriage ; 1825, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Stuck. to Miss Henrietta Nulph, who was born in , He was reared on a farm, and received his Pennsylvania, February 6, 1831, her par- ents, George C. and Barbara Nulph, being natives of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. : Williams have been born nine children --
Francis A., born April 4, 1852 ; George A., born April 3, 1853 ; M. C., born April 3, 1855. Martha L., born May 5, 1857; Alice H., born February 4, 1859; Mary F., born January 27, 1861; John, born February IS, 1863 ; A. H., born February 16, 1865 ; and C. A., born March 30, 1867. Mr. Williams came to Ringgold County, Iowa, in an early day, being among the first settlers of Jefferson Township, where he first located. There he endured many of the hardships and privations incident to the life of a pio- neer, going to St. Joseph, Missouri, for provisions, which took six days to make the trip, grinding his flour (buckwheat) in a coffee mill, the nearest mill being at Osce- ola. His first house in Ringgold County was a rude log cabin with puncheon floor. He came to Lincoln Township with his family in 1878, when he settled on the farm where he has since made his bome ; here he has 160 acres of well-cultivated land, and good residence and farm-buildings, and is now classed among Ringgold County's best farmers. In politics Mr. Williams isa Demo- crat. Since coming to Lincoln Township he has served as school director, and also as president of the School Board. Mrs. Will- iams is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
education in the common schools of that day. When he was about twenty-one years of age, his parents removed to Henry County, Ohio, where they remained
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one year, thence to Lucas County, remain- ing two years, thence to Seneca County. ! then returned to Lucas County, thence to Sandusky County. He was married De- cember 14, 1851, to Miss Catharine Walter. I a native of Stark County, Ohio, and daugh- ter of John and Sarah Walter. In 1854 he came to Keokuk, lowa, and in the spring of 1855 removed to Davis County, Missouri. In September of the same year he came to Ringgold County, and located in Lott's Creek Township. In the spring of 1856 he came to his present farm, where he has since "resided. It was then in a wild state, and his first residence was a log cabin, which still stands as a landmark of pioneer days. His farm contains 100 acres, and is in a good state of cultivation. He has a fine story- and-a-half residence, erected in 1878, modl- ern styleand well furnished, a good orchard of too trees, small fruits, and a grove of native maples. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Stuck have one child-John E., born Oc- tober 23, 1852. He is a young man of in- telligence and good business qualifications. He resides at home and assists in the care and management of the farm. Mr. Stuck started in life without means, but by indus- try and economy he has acquired a fine property. Politically he is a Republican. Postoffice, Caledonia.
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horse cultivators at Monmouth, Ilinois, which he followed for several years. Dur- ing this time he was married to Miss Sarah J. Morris, of Monmouth, who died in 1868, leaving six children, who are all doing for themselves. Mr. Palmer was again married in ISS3, to Mrs. Ella Nicholas, a daughter of James Spencer, who had two children by her former marriage. In 1871 Mr. Pal- mer came to Ringgold County, since which time he has resided on his farm on section 5. Liberty Township. His farm contains 320acres all under fence and well-improved, and during his residence here he has fol- lowed general farming and stock-raising, paying special attention toa good grade of cattle and hogs, in which pursuit he is meeting with success. Mr. Palmer has held the office of justice of the peace of Liberty Township for six years. He has been presi- dent of the Ringgold County Agricultural Society for some eight years, and by his strict and honorable dealings has gained the confidence of all who know him.
OHN F. PAGE, is a native of Ring- gold County, lowa, born in Rice Township, September 19, 1851, a son of Edward Page, who was a native of the State of New York. The father came to Ringgold County, lowa, in 1856, and set- tled on wild land, where he built a log cabin in which our subject was born. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and lost his life while in the service of his country. John F. Page, the subject of this sketch was reared to farming pursuits, which he has made the principal avocation of his life. His education was obtained in the common schools of this county. His mother died when he was three years old.
TRA A. PALMER, an active and suc- cessful agriculturist of Liberty Town- " ship, is a native of Canada, his parents, Wilkinson and Nancy (Ilurde) Palmer, moving from Rhode Island to Canada a short time prior to his birth, which oc- curred January 21, 1835. At an early age he was taken by his parents to Warren County, Illinois, and in that county he | and his father dying not long after he was grew to manhood, being reared on a farm. thus early in life left an orphan. In 1877 He engaged in the manufacture of two- The went to Dakota where he remained for
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HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
five years, most of which time he was en- gaged in herding cattle, and while there was deputy marshal in Deadwood City for one year. He returned to Ringgold Coun- ty, and is now devoting his attention to general farming, on section 5, Jefferson Township, where he is numbered among the enterprising young farmers of his neighborhood. Mr. Page was united in marriage August 19. 1884, to Miss Martha Kurtz, a daughter of John Kurtz, of Henry County, lowa. They are the parents of one child, a daughter -- named Ina M. Mrs. Page is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
LPHEUS M. GUSTIN, an old settler of Ringgold County, and an active 1 and enterprising farmer and stock- raiser of Jefferson Township, living on section 7, was born in Adams County, Ohio, February 25, 1844. Hisfather, Jerc- miah Gustin, brought his family to lowa in 1855, when he located in Marion County, coming to Ringgold County in the spring of 1857. The family settled on wild land and the first night camped on their new homestead, while the wolves howled all around them. Their house was the first frame dwelling in Ringgold County, the frame-work being hewed from the timber, and the siding, doors and flooring being hauled from Marion County, a distance of ADDISON C. PAYNE, one of the lead- ing agriculturists of Ringgold Coun- ty, now living in Mt. Ayr, is a native of Vermillion County, Illinois, born Febru- ary 29, 1844. a son of John and Letta 1 (O'Neal) Payne. The grandfather of our subject, John Payne, was a native of New 1 York, and one of the early settlers of Ver- million County, Illinois, where his son John was born. Addison C. was left an orphan at an carly age, his mother dying when he 100 miles. For two years they went to Ma- rion County for provisions, and their near- est mill was in Missouri, fifty miles from their home. The father at one time was snow bound while going to mill, and was unable to return home for three weeks. They tramped their grain out, and some- times flailed it out, on a dirt floor. Such were some of their experiences of pioneer life, but their hardships and privations are over, and they now enjoy the fruits of their i was about four years old, and his father
years of toil. Alpheus M. Gustin, the subject of this sketch, was reared amid pioneer scenes, and his youth was spent in assisting to clear and cultivate the home farm. Ile was married June 4, 1865, to Miss Catherine T. Harvey, and of the six children born to this union two are de- ceased-Emmitt and Oscar. The names of those yet living are -- William, Charles, Blanch and Fred. Mr. Gustin has met with success in his agricultural pursuits, and has now a well-cultivated farm, where he resides, containing 340 acres of valuable land, which is farmed by himself with the assistance of his two sons, besides which they thresh and shell corn for the neighbor- hood. He has the latest improved ma- chinery on his farm, and good farm build- ings for the accommodation of his stock. Mr. Gustin takes an interest in any enter- prise for the advancement of the cause of education or religion. He has taught school himself, following that vocation dur- ing seven winters, and was president of the School Board for two terms. He has held the office of justice of the peace one term, was township trustee two terms, and has also served as road supervisor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is superintendent of Morti- mer Sabbath-school.
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BIOGRAPHICAL, SKETCHES.
being killed during the late war in the riot at Danville, Illinois. At the age of five years he was boand out to John E. Cooper, a practical farmer and stock-trader of Ver- million County, with whom he remained for sixteen years, and during this time re- ceived a limited education in the common schools. On atraining the age of twenty- one years he started out in hfe for himself without means, and the two years follow- ing was employed on a farm, receiving $25 a month the first year, and the second year his wages were increased to about $33 a month. He was married in September, 1867, to Miss Sarah II. Guymon, of Ver- million County, her father, Frank Guymon. being now a resident of Carroll County, Missouri. They are the parents of two children-Alta aul Ora V. In the spring of 1867 Mr. Payne went to Mal'son County. lowa, and during that summer broke prai- ric, and the same fall bought wheat. which he sold at Des Moines. Ile then began dealing in cheap land, in which enterprise he made his first money. After his mar- nage he removed from Madison to Adams County, where he purchased a farm, and after breaking his land soll it. In 1869 he assisted in laying the Chicago. Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad, and acted as pay- master of three divisions of surveying companies, locating the road from .Afton to Council Bluffs. He also furnished supplies for the three companies of surveyors, cach company composed of twenty men, and furnished his team for the sum of Sioo a month. In January, 1871, Mr. Payne pur- chased a farm in the east part of Ringgold County, which he sold in the fall of the same year, an I bought lan lin Grant Town- ship, this county, and to his original eighty acres he has added until he now owns 640 acres of choice land and was there actively engaged in dealing in cattle until March. 1864, when, on account of failing health, he left his farin
and removed to Mt. Avr. where he has since lived somewhat retired, though still looking after his business interests and trading in stock on a small scale. Mr. Pevne may be classed among the self-made men of this county. having by his own en- ergy and industrious habits accumulated a competency for his declining years. B .- sides his large farm in Grant Township he owns other land in the county, his real estate covering 1,000 acres.
ATHAN MILLER, farmer, section 22, Middle Fork Township, is one of the well-known and worthy citizens of Ringgold County, and was born in Rockbridge County. Virginia, April 17, 1824. ITis father was Henry Miller, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. His early life was spent assisting on the farm and attending the common schools of his native State. December 9, IS4;, he was married to Miss Sarah M. Shaffer. daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Mc- Henry) Shaffer. He resided in Rock- bridge County until September 12, 1855. when, with wife and five children he started for lowa, with horse team and wagon. He arrived in Louisa County October 27, where he spent the winter, and the following March came to Ringgold County and located upon his present tarm in Middle Fork Township. He first pre- empted the land from the Government. His first residence was a log cabin, 14 x 16 feet, with puncheon floor and clapboard roof. and the furniture was of home man- ufacture. In November, 1862, he was elected Captain of Company B, Third Bat- talion, Home Guards. He held the office creditably until it was disbanded. in 1864. Mr. Miller has added to his original 150 acres until he now owns 326 acres of land in a good state of cultivation and well im-
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HISTORY OF RINGGOLD COUNTY.
proved. He has a good story-and-a-half residence erected in 1875 and furnished in a manner that betokens the refinement of the family. He has a good orchard ol two acres and a variety of small fruits, out- buildings for stock and grain, and every- thing about the farm indicates the thrift of its proprietor. He is engaged princi- pally in stock-raising and feeding. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of eleven children - Mattie Showalter, Arskinc, Henry, Virginia B. Dugger, Nettie Rec- tor, Alice Bailey, Ella Showalter, Jacob, Paroda, Lulu and Hugh. Maggie Stevens and Herbert are deceased. Mr. Miller has served as township clerk, assessor, member of the School Board and county supervisor. He is a worthy member of the Advent Christian church, and politically is a Re- publican. He has given his children good educational advantages, and they are well fitted to take responsible positions in life. Postoffice, Ingart.
W. BROCKETT, of the firm of Brockett & Bevis, dealers in real estate, abstracts, municipal securities, etc., is a native of Connecticut, born in New Haven. October 2, 1843. When six years of age he was brought by his parents. E. E. and Jane (Bradley) Brockett, to Davenport, lowa. and there he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the public schools of that city. lle began teaching school at the age of eighteen years, a vocation he followed some six years, and in the meantime studied law with the firm 1 of McComas & McKighan, of Fort Scott, 1 Kansas. Completing his law studies he was admitted to the bar in 1873 and commenced the practice of law at Fort Scott, Kansas, ' where he remained till Is79, at the same time being connected with the mining in- terests of the place. Mr. Brockett was i was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania,
married in May, 1872, to Miss Catherine Vidal, of Fort Scott, a daughter of John L. Vidal, whose father was a Cuban tobacco merchant. John L. Vidal married the mother of our subject, and is now a resident of Mt. Avr. Mr. and Mrs. Brockett have five children-John, Frank, Cassie, Eleanor J. and Thomas. Mr. Brockett removed with his family to Mt. Ayr, Ringgold Coun- ty, lowa, in November, 1879, and immedi- ately opened a law office. In February, 1883, he formed a partnership with M. L. Bevis, thus forming the present reliable firm of Brockett & Bevis, Mr. Brockett be- ing the attorney for the firm, and by their honorable and upright dealings they have established a good business, and have gained the confidence and respect of all who know them.
MACK GORSUCH resides on .sec- tion 8, Riley Township, where he oc- cupies the finest farm residence in the county, which he built in 1884, at a cost of $2,Soo. His home farm contains 200 acres of as fine land as can be found in Ringgold County, all under a good state of cultiva- tion. He also owns a farm of 250 acres on sections 14 and 15 of the same township, where he first established his home in Ringgold County, in 1871. Eighty acres of that farm were entered by his father in 1853 and reserved for him, but no improve- ments had been made. Thus he com- menced life with a deed of the eighty acres and a span of horses, and what he has besides this he has made by his own indus- try and good management. He lived on section 14 from 1871 till 1884, and then moved to the farm where he now lives. lle is ranked among the solid agriculturists of Ringgold County, and is one of Riley Townships most influential citizens. He
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