USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 20
USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 20
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natives of New Hampshire, and of Scotch- sixteen months old, and her mother afterward married David Dickey (not a relative). Mrs. White was reared in Manchester, where her
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mother died in 1880, aged eighty years. She had eleven children by her first marriage; five of whom grew to maturity and three are now living. In the spring of 1856 Mr. White re- moved with his family to Iowa, having been here and made his location the previous autumn. He settled ou section 5 in Jones Township, although his farm was on sections 5, 8, 9 and G. lle first bought 320 acres, which he afterward increased to 900 acres. He still owns his original farm. But few families had settled in that township, when Mr. White made his home there, he,and his brother, Stephen, being among the carliest. He occupied the place until the spring of 1885, when he removed to Afton, where he has a pleasant home. Mr. and Mrs. White have had nine children-seven sons and two daughters. All are living except the oldest, William Edgar, who died at the age of seven months. The others are -- John F., Kendall D., Lewis C., Edward E., Jennie G., Cora B., Charles S. and Arthur L.
ENRY WICK, one of the pioneer settlers of Union County. engaged in farming on section 12, Sand Creek Township, where he has 142 acres of well-improved land, is a son of J. C. and Mary (Holly) Wick, his father a native of Germany and his mother of Tennessee. Ile was born in Gallatin County, Illinois, May 30, 1543, and when very young was taken by his parents to : Schuyler County, Missouri, and from there they went to Burlington, Iowa, when it was . his right leg by a gun-shot in the terrible years he accompanied his parents to Uuion ' hospital until the following November, and
bat a small town. At the age of twelve County, Iowa, they settling on section 2, . Sand Creek Township. At the age of cighteen years he volunteered in defense of his country, enlisting m Company HI, Twenty ninth Iowa Infantry, and after serving three years was honorably discharged at Divenport. Iowa.
When the Wick family first came to Union County Indians were numerous, and our sub. ject's early companions were the Indian chil- dren, with whom he used to run races and go fishing and hunting. He began life on his own account on section 12 of Sand Creek Township, where he has since made his home, and in his agricultural pursuits has met with snecess. Mr. Wick was married July 30, 1865, to Martha J. Brown, born November +, 1844. They have eleven children-John P., George II., Rosa J., Charles A., William S., Alma, David E., Frank W., James G., Bertha M., Herbert F. In his political views Mr. Wick is independent. He is a member of Henry Keating Post, of Afton.
RUMAN H. WHEELER, confectioner and proprietor of general restaurant, settled in Afton in 1872, and established his present business in 1878. He was born in Chantanqna County, New York, July 22, 1834. He was reared in his native county, to the occupation of a fariner. When twenty- one years of age he went to Toledo, Ohio, and engaged in the coopering business at East Toledo. April 16, 1861, immediately after the bombardment of Fort Sumter, he enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, and served three months. At the expiration of that time he re-enlisted in the First Michi- gan Cavalrs, a regiment that made a noble record, second to none. Mr. Wheeler followed the fortunes of this regiment until the battle of Cold Harbor, May 17, 1864, where he lost charge on the enemy's works. He was in the was then discharged. Ile participated in all the cavalry fights in which the regiment took part. In 1865 he came to Iowa, first settling in Mt. Pleasant, where he was for a time engaged in clerking. He was married to Amanda Johnson, at Osceola, Clarke County,
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Iowa, December 31, 1873. They have four daughters-Nettie, Grace, Edlith and Mabel- ranging in age from five to twelve years. Mr. Wheeler is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Afton, and politically affili- ates with the Republican party.
EREMIAH F. HURLEY has been a resident of Creston since 1881, and of Union County since 1875. IIe was born in Oneida County, New York, in 1855, and was reared in his native county. His father, Jeremiah Hurley, Sr., removed with his family to Illinois in 1867, and to Union County in 1875. He settled on a farm in Spaulding Township, which he sold in 1SS1, and then removed to Creston. Our subject was employed for some time as bookkeeper for Joseph Norton, grain dealer. In 1877 he was candidate for county superintendent of schools. There were three candidates in the field at that time, and the successful one was Miss J. E. Lester. In 1880 he was the Greenback candidate for county recorder, but his party was not strong enough to elect him. He served as justice of the peace in Spaulding Township, and is now serving his second term in Creston, his office being in the Eagle Block. IIe is a veteran of the fire department, having been a member of that organization five years. Politically he is a Greenbacker.
AMES T. McCANN, residing on section 30, Lincoln Township, was born in Morris- town, New Jersey, October 1, 1853, a son of Jolin and Margaret E. (Burke) McCann, who were natives of Ireland, the father born in County West Meath. He immigrated to the United States in 1846, when he settled in New Jersey, remaining in that State till 1854. when he removed to Hancock County, Illinois. In
October, 1874, he came to Union County, Iowa, where he lived till his death, which occurred March 17, 1877. His widow is still living, and makes her home with her son, James T. They were the parents of six chil- dren, of whom five are yet living, our subject being the eldest. Their names are-James T., Engene, Mary J., Rachel E. and Josephine R. James T. McCann was reared and edneated in Hancock County, Illinois, remaining there till he ained his majority, when he came to Union County, Iowa, in 1874. He was reared a farmer, and has always followed that avoca- tion. He was united in marriage June 22, 1882, to Miss Anna Mullen, a daughter of the late Edward Mullen, and to them have been born two children-Margaret O. and Rose M. Since coming to Union County Mr. McCann has served as township clerk for five years. IIe has also been president of the School board, on winch he is at present holding the position of secretary. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, his wife also belong- ing to the same church.
T. McKEE, section 8, Douglas Town- ship, is a farmer, horticulturist, apiar- ist and teacher. He was born in Adams County, Ohio, February 22, 1847. ITis par- ents. John and Naney (Demint) McKee, are natives of Ohio, of French and Irish descent, and reside in Highland Township, Union County. Mr. McKee was brought up on a farm and in the occupation of milling. He was sixteen years of age when he immigrated to Illinois, living in Henry and Livingston counties three years; then was in Ohio again until 1872, when he came to Afton, Union Connty, resided there five years teaching; and he finally settled on his present farin of fifty- five acres in March, 1875, where he is culti- vating nearly all kinds of fruits, and has an apiary of thirty-five stands of hybrid bees. In his social relations he is a member of the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
order of Old Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs, taking all the degrees. In his political views he sympathizes with the Re- publieans. 'lle was first married in Afton, Union County, to Gertie Painter, who was born in Illinois in 1852, and died in 1880, leaving one child, James P. McKee. For his second wife Mr. McKee married, July 28, 1881, Rillie Yowell, widow of the late John Yowell. Iler maiden name was Beckelhymer, and her parents reside in Douglas Township. By the latter marriage one child was born, named Blaine, who is now dead. Postoffice, Cromwell.
RANZ W. BROCKMAN has been a resident of Afton since 1S58. At that time he was in the employ of William Williams, with whom he catre to Afton from Winterset, as a shoemaker. In the spring of 1859 Mr. Williams removed to Bethany, Missouri, and afterward died in the insane asylum. Mr. Brockman contemplated leav- ing with Mr. Williams, but was prevailed upon by the citizens to remain and open a shoe shop himself, as there was a vacancy made by the removal of Williams. Afton had no railroads then, and goods were hauled in wagons from Keokuk. Mr. J. S. Elliott, then a merchant of Afton, sent his teainster to Keokuk for a load of goods. The wagon was drawn by several oxen. Mr. Brockman improved this opportunity to send for his first stock of leather. His wealth consisted of about $150. all of which was required to purchase the lasts and leather necessary to open up business. This was his beginning. HIe soon established a large patronage and his business increased rapidly. After a time he began keeping a ready-made stock. Ile was engaged in the boot-and-shoe business, inelnd- ing the year he worked for Williams, sixteen years. Ile gradually went into the mer- cantile trade in connection with his other
"business, and has been engaged in general merchandising since 1874. Mr. Brockman was born in Westphalia, Germany, in 1833. When nineteen years of age he became apprenticed , to the shoemaker's trade for a period of three years. While still serving his apprenticeship. in 1853, his father, Franz Joseph Brockman, immigrated with his family to America. : Franz W. remained to finish his apprentice- ship. The family settled in Iowa City, where the father died, in December, 1SS1. Ile was a farmer by occupation. Having served his time at his trade, Franz W. sailed from the port of Bremen in May, 1855, and was seven weeks making the voyage to New York City. Ilere he, with others of his party who came with him, was induced to purchase tickets to Rock Island from a brother countryman who promised to provide dinner for them free, and to see that they were started all right on their woutward journey. IIc did not fulfill bis promise, and charged the emigrants an exor- bitant price for their dinner. Their troubles did not end here. The baggageman, to whom their tickets and baggage were entrusted, dis- appeared with the tickets, and they were com- pelled to purchase others before resuming their journey. Fortunately arrangements are now made to prevent such frauds being prac- tieed on the emigrants. From New York they went to Albany by steamer, thence to Buffalo by railroad. thence to Detroit by steamer, thence to Chicago and Rock Isl- and by railroad, by river to Muscatine, and then on foot to Iowa City. His parents brought with them to this country six chil- dren, and one son was born in this country. Three of the sons, all of whom had grown to manhood, died in the carly winter of 1877 of typhoid fever. One daughter died in Ger- many. Five children are still living. Mrs. Brockman was formerly Christiana Bernhart, a native of Pennsylvania. They have ten chil- dren-seven sons and three daughters. They have lost three children by death. Mr. Brock- man has been quite successful in business.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
His little fortune of $150 that he expended in 1859 for lasts and leather has increased to a fine property. He owns a good store, well stocked, and has an excellent farm on section 25, in Sand Creek Township. In 1SS6 he visited his native land, and spent several weeks amid the scenes of his early life.
URTIS G. ROBERTS, section 3, Union Township, came to Union County, lowa, March 1, 1859, and settled on section 9, Lincoln Township, where he bought an unimproved farm. Ho fenced 100 acres, built a frame residence, and improved eighty acres, making it his home about six years, when he moved to seetion 30, Dodge Township. He subsequently lived two years in Afton, and in 1869 bought a farm on section 10, Union Township. In 1871 he went to Page County, returning to Union County, in 1878. Hle was born in Meigs County, Ohio, in 1825. His father, Solomon Roberts, was a native of Washington County. Pennsylvania, and his grandfather, Nathan Roberts, was born in Wales. Solomon Roberts married Polly Coleman, in Pennsyl- vania, and afterward moved to Ohio, where he passed the rest of his life. Curtis G. was the fifth of their nine children. lIe was married in Ohio to Catharine A. Beebe, sister of Dr. J. T. Beebe, of Atton. They have had a family of twelve children, nine of whom are living.
OIIN GIBSON, attorney at law, Creston, - lowa, became identified with the bar of Union County in May, 1877. HIc is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio. Ile was reared and educated in Illinois. He chose as his life work the profession of law, and after being admitted to the bar, in 1972. went to Pueblo, Colorado, where he engaged in prac- tice, and at the same time devoted sme , vania, in ]>43. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer have
attention to mining. In 1877 he came to Iowa, and located in Creston, where he became asso- ciated with John A. Patterson, Esq., in the practice of law. This partnership was con- tinued four years, and in ISS1 Mr. Gibsou withdrew in order to devote his entire atten- tion to his manufacturing interests. In 1883 he was elected president of the Iron Mountain Company of New York, that company own- ing the celebrated Iron Mountain at Durango, Mexico, the largest in the world. During the presidency of Mr. Gibson over 8400,000 have been invested in establishing a plant at this mountain. Mr. Gibson's residence on Syca- more street, Creston, is one of the most beauti- ful in the city, and was erected in 1879. Ilc is absent from home much of the time in the discharge of his official duties, and has practi- cally abandoned his profession, although he is still numbered among the attorneys of the county.
HAIRISTIAN N. MAYER, engaged in agriculture and stock-raising, has 280 acres of well-improved land, where he resides, on section 35, Donglas Township. He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, his parents being Jacob M. and Fanny (Barr) Mayer, natives of the same State. At the age of sixteen years he came to Muscatine County, Iowa, continuing in the vocation of agriculture, in which he was trained from his youth. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Thirty-fifth Jowa Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service of his country a little more than three years, participating in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson, Red River, Nashville, Mobile, etc. He was ordered from Mobile to Davenport, this State, where he was honor- ably discharged, in 1865. Ile was married in Muscatine County, in 1567, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Juda Hartman, who was born in Montour County, Pennsyl-
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seven children-Hattie E., Mary E., John II., Anna E., Elmer C., Roy B. and Ray II. (twins). Mr. Mayer built his residence in 1875, at a cost of about 8700, and his barn in 1876, costing $2,500. On his place is a very fine maple and cottonwood grove. The fine specimen of a cottonwood growing near the house is a spontaneous tree. Mr. Mayer stands high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, having held the varions township offices, be- sides the city treasurership of Wilton June- tion, .Muscatine County; has also been supervisor and school director. Ile is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Creston. llis start in the world was 8500, left him by his mother.
ILLIAM M. SPARR, hardware and lamber merchant, Cromwell, was born in Blair County, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1843. His parents, John and Sarah (Hall) Sparr, were natives of that State also, and of German ancestry. After remain- ing on the home farm until he was twenty- five years of age, and attaining a good edneation, he came West, stopped one year (1868) in Mercer County, Illinois, and finally came to Cromwell, where he first began work in a lumber yard. He soon purchased an interest in the hardware store, and shortly afterward bought the remaining interest, so that he now carries on the sale of his well- selected stock: alone. In both departments -- hardware and Inmber-he keeps on hand a full assortment, the total stock being about $10,- 000, and the annual aggregate of sales to about $30,000. Besides, he owns 160 acres of well-enItivated land in Ringgold County, and a pleasant home in Cromwell, all the proceeds of his own honest efforts, as he had nothing when he started out in life for himself. By his reasonable prices and fair dealing he is commanding a large trade. lie is a member of Cromwell Lodge, No. 324, A. |
F. & A. M., has been a member of the School Board and Township Board for several years, and in politics is a Republican. In 1867, in Pennsylvania, Mr. Sparr married Rebecca Snively, a native of that State, and they are now the parents of four children-Frank V., Fred G., Fanny Bell and Fairy Dell.
L. HAVERICK, real-estate dealer and insurance agent at Creston, has been engaged in his present business in this city since 1SS1. He was first associated with S. G. Lee, and later with A. J. Bivens. He has been alone since July 1, 1885. His loca- tion is No. 1, Eagle Block. Mr. Haverick came to Creston in 1872. He was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in October, 1849, where he was reared and educated. His father, Vincent İlaverick, is still a resident of that county. When our subject first came to Creston he was employed by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, and afterward clerked for several dry-goods firms for several years. He had but a few dollars when he came, and has worked his own way to his present position. IIe has a younger brother in Creston, employed by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. Mrs. Haverick was formerly Miss Lina Cournelis, daughter of Roland Cournelis of Dallas, Texas. They have one son-Willie Vincent.
RUMAN SWAINE, one of the princi- pal merchants of Afton, has been con- neeted with the mercantile business at this place since September 12, 1874. At that tiene he engaged as clerk for W. K. Syp & Co. In the fall of 1878 he became a partner, and the firm name was Syp & Swaine. Several changes have been made in this firm. The first change was made by the withdrawal of
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
Mr. Syp, and the firm became Swaine Brothers, and later, Swaine Brothers & Syp. In Janu- ary, 1886, Mr. Swaine became sole proprietor. Ile was born in Erie County, New York, in 1857. Ile resided in Buffalo until he came to Afton. An elder brother, George Swaine, came here several years previous, and is now at Tingley, Ringgold County. Mr. Swaine's father, James Swaine, is still a resident of Buffalo, New York. Mr. Swaine married Miss Augusta B. Ralph, a native of Buffalo. They have three children-Olive, Edna and Alviu Ralph. Mr. Swaine is a successful merchant, and his store is well stocked. The main room is 20 x 120 feet; second floor 80 x 20 feet, and cellar of the same dimensions as the main room. His stock includes dry-goods, boots and shoes, clothing, groceries, cte. lle is genial, courteous and accommodating, and deserves the large patronage he gets.
S. CLARKE, President of the First National Bank, of Creston, is a gentle- man of long experience in his special calling, beginning, in 1855, as bookkeeper for the banking house of W. P. Brazleton & Co., at Mt. Pleasant, lowa. November 1. 1857, he became the senior partner of the banking firm of Clarke & Whiting, in that city, he being then but nineteen years of age .. In the fall of 1858 the firm started in that place a branch of the State Bank of lowa; and in 1862 Mr. Clarke withdrew from the State bank, and, with others, established the banking firm of Saunders, Kibbon & Co. This institution was succeeded in 1861 by the First National Bank of Mt. Pleasant, of which Mr. Clarke was cashier. In 1868 he ! was appointed cashier of the First National Bank of Washington, Iowa. Continuing in this position until 1873, he returned to the First National Bank of Mt. Pleasant, where he was cashier for ten years; then came to Creston. Mr. Clarke is a native of the
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Keystone State, having been born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, in 1838. His wife, nee Docela Weaver, is also a native of that State. They have six children, two sons and four danghters.
SAVID M. MOLER, of Afton, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, March 30, 1841. Ilis father, John Moler, was a native of Virginia. When a young man he removed, to Ohio, and settled upon the land where the city of Columbus was located, and Jater he settled thirteen miles west of that place, where he passed the remainder of his days. He died about 1850. The mother has been dead many years. David M. was reared on his father's farm. IIe enlisted June 22, 1861, in Company K. Twenty-sixth Ohio In- fantry. His first service was in West Vir- ginia. From there he went to Kentucky, and on to Nashville, and with Buell took part in the second day's battle of Shiloh. He was at the siege of Corinth in 1862, and soon after returned to Louisville, Kentucky, in pursuit of General Bragg. He participated in the battle of Stone River, thence to Chattanooga under General Crittenden. He was engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, where he was taken prisoner and confined first at Belle Island, then at other prisons at) and near Richmond. He suffered all the horrors that characterized rebel prisons. After eight months of this suffering he was paroled and sent to the Union lines, and was mustered out at Huntsville, Alabama, January 16, 1865. Only those who have had experience in rebel prisons can realize the terrible suffering and torment he underwent during his eight months of prison life. He has never fully recovered from that bitter experience. IIe was a gallant soldier, and his record is with- out a stain. Ile returned to Georgeville, Ohio, where his relatives were living, where he remained until 1866, then came to Union
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County, and settled one mile east of Afton. In | with success. In politics Mr. Scherer casts his suffrage with the Republican party. Since coming to Union County he has served as school treasurer, pathmaster and school direct- or. Both Mr. and Mrs. Scherer are members of the Evangelical association.
1867 he returned to Ohio, and was married to Cynthia A. Killgore, born and reared in Fayette County, Ohio, and removed with her parents to Madison County, where she was married. Mr. Moler returned to Union County in 1868. He still owns his original eighty acres and also other land, 400 acres altogether. Ile removed to Afton Angust 6, 1883, where he has a pleasant home. Mr. nd Mrs. Moler have two children-Hutson E. and Minnie Evangeline.
ILLIAM SCHERER, one of the pio- neer settlers of Union County, and a prosperous and well-known citizen of Sand Creek Township, is a native of Ger- many, where he grew to manhood, and being a poor boy his educational advantages were very limited, he being obliged carly in life to help in the maintenance of his father's family. At the age of twenty-five years he sailed for America, landing at New York, May 1, 1854. He at once proceeded to Burlington, Iowa, which at that time was but a small place. He was married in February, 1856, to Miss Frederica Abel, and to this union have been born five children-Sophia, Charles, William and Frank are living, and Willie is deceased. Mr. Scherer is at present engaged in farming, on section 15, Sand Creek Township, where he has 480 acres under a fine state of cultiva- tion. He began life in very limited cireum- stances, and for some time worked as a day laborer on railroads. By hard work, strict economy combined with good management, he has prospered beyond his expectations, and on his farm he has a comfortable residence, and a commodious barn, and other farm buildings, which are among the best in his neighborhood. Ile is devoting considerable attention to stock-raising in connection with his farming pursuits, in which he is meeting
S. VAN PATTEN, dealer in grain and live-stock at Afton, is located on the northeast corner of the square. He has been engaged in his present business at this point since 1878, although he came here two years previous to that time. He is a native of the Empire State, born in Jefferson County, in 1837. ITis father, Simon Van Patten, immi- grated to Rock County, Wisconsin, in 1849, where he still resides, at the advanced age of nearly eighty years. Mr. Van Patten was repred a farmer, an occupation he followed many years. He was engaged in buying and shipping stock five years previous to coming to Afton. He understands his business thor- onghly, and has the confidence of the public, being recognized as an upright, conscientious business man. Mrs. Van Patten was formerly Miss Kate Guthridge, a daughter of D. J. Guthridge, deceased. She was born in Union County. They have one child, born in Afton, in 1882.
FILMER J. EMMONS, of the hardware firm of Syp & Einmons, has been a resi- dent of Union County since 1867, and of Afton since 1873. He was born in Cort- land County, New York, in 1842, and when a child removed to Onondaga County with his parents, Ilis father, W. A. Emmons, was also a native of New York, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1852. His mother is still living, and resides with a dangliter, at Syracuse. Mr. Emmons' grand- father, Jonathan Ennnons, settled early in the
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