USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 28
USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 28
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to Dodge Township Mr. Hart has served ac- coptably as trustee, beside holding other local offices. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
LEWELLYN RAGUET was born in Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio, July 20, 1829. His father, James Ragnet, was a native of New Jersey, and a son of Francis Raguet, who was born in France, and came to America during the Revolutionary war, serving as a Surgeon in the American army, and settled in New Jersey. James Raguet settled in Ohio carly in life, remain- ing there until his decease. The mother of onr subject was born in Virginia. He was the fourth of a family of five children. IIe was reared in his native village, and received as good an education as the select schools of the town afforded, the public school system not having been established. Early in life he conceived the idea of obtaining a military education, and at the age of sixteen years an application was made through Senator Vance, of Ohio, for his admission to the military school at West Point as a eadet; but before the time necessary to accomplish this result had expired, the war with Mexico broke ont, and, through the influence of Senator Vance, he was appointed by President Polk to a Lieutenaney in a regiment of Mounted Rifles. He was probably the youngest commissioned officer in the United States Army. Ile pro- ceeded to Mexico with his regiment, and par- ticipated in the bombardment of Vera Cruz and in the battle of Cerro Gordo. About this time, for reasons sufficient to justify his canse, he tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and he returned home. But his aspirations had not yet been fully realized. March 17, 1845, he again entered the army as Orderly-Sergeant of the Fifth United States Infantry, and proceeded with his regiment to Vera Craz; but there he learned of the capt- ure of the City of Mexico by the army under.
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General Scott. The close of the war imme- diately followed that event, and Mr. Raguet again returned to his home in Ohio. Ile now turned his attention to the printing and pub- lishing business, and assisted in establishing The National, a weekly publication, at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Ile continued to reside in Ohio until 1858, when he came to Iowa and established a paper, known as the Corning Sentinel, at Corning, Adams County. The history of the Afton Reveille, established by Mr. Ragnet, which was devoted to the up- building of the material interests of Union . County, will be found elsewhere in this work. Hle established the Boone County Democrat, which he published three years, then returned , to Afton and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in which he still continues. Of him it may be said, that, as a newspaper man, he was a foreible, able and independent writer, and his paper, the Reveille, did much toward promoting the interests of his county. As a citizen, he is wide-awake and publie-spirited, and prompt to endorse any enterprise he be- lieves is for the best interests of the people. In politics he is a Democrat of the Jacksonian type; religiously his church would include all who strive to do their duty as they see it, in- dependent of creeds and doctrines. In natural ability he is much beyond the average. Mrs. Raguet was formerly Miss Carrie Hadley, a native of Ohio. They have three children -- Ella, Mrs. Carrie Vicks and Sadie May Glass. Two sons died in infancy.
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OSES F. HAYNES, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Lincoln Township, living on section 3, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, May 9, 1835, his father being a native of Washing- ton County, Maryland. The father of our subject was a mechanic, and he learned the cooper's trade when a young man, which he followed till thirty years of age. He was
reared to manhood in his native State, and was there married, in April, 1857, to Miss Sarah Westler, a daughter of Joseph Westler, who is now.living in Cass County, Indiana. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haynes, six still living. named Alice M .. Ida E., Mary V .. Walter E., Nellie F. and Daisy M. Mr. Haynes settled in Preble County, Ohio, in 1861, remaining there till 1868, when he removed to Peoria County, Illinois. lle came to Union County, Iowa, in 1876, and has since made his home in Lincoln Township, where he owns a fine farm, which contains 160 acres of land under cul- tivation. Mr. Haynes is one of the active and public-spirited citizens of his township, and takes an interest in every enterprise which he deems of public benefit. Ile has served as justice of the peace one term, to the satisfae- tion of his constituents.
E. WIDGER, a farmer and stock-raiser of Douglas Township, resides on see- P tion 17, where he owns 120 acres of land, all under cultivation. IIe was born in Ohio, in 1833, the son of Charles B. and Sarah (Jennings) Widger. of Scotch and English ancestry. He was eight years of age when his parents immigrated with him to this country, first residing in Fulton County, Illi- nois, for five years, and then removed to Van Buren County, Iowa. Mr. Widger, who was brought up to the vocation of agriculture, lived in Illinois twenty years, and then, in 1875, came to Union County, settling upon bis present place, which was known as the "Old Lytle Farm." Here he has made all he possesses by his own efforts. Ile was a member of the Free-Will Baptist church for thirty years, and for a portion of the time a "local minister " of the same; but he is now a minister in the Congregational church, to which denomination Mrs. Widger also be- longs. Mr. Widger is considered a consistent
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man, practicing what he preaches. As to local offices, he has served as school director. He was married in Fulton County, Illinois, in 1857, to Phebe Morris, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1830, the daughter of Mordecai and Susanna Morris, natives of New Jersey and Maryland respectively. They have seven children-William Il .; Susan, wife of Edward Stalker, has three chil- dren-Charles E., Jennie M. and James II .; Clara, now the wife of William Kinkade, has three children - Amanda A., Elmer E. and Harvey W .; the other children of Mr. and Mrs. Widger are-Charles M., Alice, Eva and Asa C. Postoffice, Cromwell.
AVID WOOLEY is one of the pioneers of Creston, having settled here January 15, 1870. He purchased lots and erected bercial buildings, which he still owns and rents. He has not been engaged in any gen- eral business, preferring to lend his money rather than engage in more active business. Mr. Wooley was born in Ripley County, In- diana, in 1824. His father, James Wooley, moved to Jefferson County when David was eight years old. In 1860 he came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, thence to Creston. William Wooley, au elder brother, came to Iowa in 1843, and settled in Washington County, where he died July 3, 1885. Our subject is now the only representative of his father's family residing in Iowa. IIe is unmarried.
R. JOSEPH T. BEEBE, of Afton, was born in Knox County, Ohio, June 37, 1821, son of John and Elizabeth (Tal- mage) Beebe. Ilis carly life was passed in working upon his father's farm during the summer and in attending school during the winter. When seventeen years of age he be- came a student of De Witt Academy, where
he remained about seven months, and from that time he turned his attention to farming during the summer and teaching in winter, beginning, also, a preparatory course in the study of medicine. He subsequently read medicine in the office with Dr. Page, of Del- aware County, lowa, with whom he remained until 1843, when he went to Cincinnati as a student at the Ohio Medical College of that city. Upon completing his course at the col- lege, he removed to Columbia City, Indiana, where he entered upon the practice of his profession. When he left Cincinnati he owed $50 tuition fee. He traveled to St. Mary's by stage, from which place, with less than $3 in his pocket, he began his walk to Columbia City. When he reached his destination, a distance of sixty miles, his finances had be- come reduced to 31 cents, and he was a total stranger to all. He stopped at a hotel, and the next day he made the acquaintance of one or two brother Methodists, to whom he expressed the desire to settle in the place and practice his profession, but said nothing of his financial embarrassment. Receiving en- couragement from them he returned to the hotel and then started for the home of a consin by marriage, living about twenty-five miles distant. He spent 25 cents of his capi- tal for food, and begged his last meal at a farm house. IIe finally reached the home of his cousin, to whom he related his story. The consin kindly furnished him with a horse and $10 in money, and after resting a day or two, he rode back to the hotel. Ile continued to board at the hotel, and at once commenced a merative practice. This was in March, 1845. The following November he returned to Knox County, Ohio, where he remained four weeks, and in the meantime married Miss Philena Helt, of Sparta. Her father removed then to Columbia City, and the young couple imme- diately began housekeeping. They remained here until 1847, when Mrs. Beebe's health failed and they decided to remove to Mt. Gilead, where the doctor bought property and
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commeneed practice. Ile remained at this ! salesmen for the II. P. Clark Drug Company, place seventeen years, during which time they i of Omaha. J. Wilbur owns the city bakery at North Platte, Nebraska. The ellest. Li- vonia, is the wife of I. N. Rice, a dealer in musical instruments at Des Moines. Dr. Beebe's father, John Beche, was born in New London, Connecticut, and removed from Ohio to the State of New York in 1817. He lived in Ohio until his death, which occurred in 1857. Ilis wife died at Afton in 1867. There were five children in the family, three sons and two daughters, of whom the doctor was the eldest. John Helt. the father of Mrs. Beebe, was one of the first settlers of Bloomfield Township, Knox County, Ohio. After the death of his first wife he re-married, and the lady whom he married became the mother of Mrs. Beebe. He lived in Knox County at the time of his death, although he had passed one year at Afton and vicinity with his children; but he returned to his old home in Ohio to die. had born to them two sons and a daughter. Though enjoying a good practice at Mt. Gilead, the doctor decided to sitnate himself so as to advance the interests of his children, and with this end in view, he, with seven other families, determined to go to Iowa. They were thirty-two days on the road, camp- ing ont at night. Afton was then 100 miles from any railroad. The doctor purchased 200 acres of land near Afton, which he commenced at once to improve. In January, 1865, he bought a half interest in the drug store of Dr. Roberts at Afton, and later he purchased the remaining interest of Dr. Roberts. In the spring of 1866 he had built and occupied his new home on the farm, intending to retire from medical practice. having sold the drug store the preceding winter. In the following October he had an opportunity to sell his farm advantageously. lie improved the opportunity and removed to Brookfield, a divi- sion station on the Hannibal & St. Joe Rail- road. Then he engaged in the drug business again with his former partner, Dr. Roberts, ERRY W. MILLER, section 35, Grant Township, was born in Muscatine, Iowa, December 23, 1854, a son of John H. Miller. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and in 1836 immigrated to Muscatine. Iowa, being one of the pioneers of the State. Ilis daughter Mary (now Mrs. Cross) was the first white child born in Muscatine. Perry W. was reared and educated in his native town. and after leaving school taught cight years. four years being in Harrison County, Missouri, and four years in Union County. Iowa. Ile came to Union Connty in 1576, and settled on scetion 27, Grant Township, where he improved a farm of 160 acres. In 1SS1 he located on the farm where he now lives, which at that time was wild land. He has improved his land, and now has a fine farm of 160 acres, and his farm buildings are among the best in the township. For the past six years he has run a threshing machine, and and also resumed his practice. In 1868 he returned to Afton, bought out a drug store, built a residence, and erected a business block. At the breaking out of the civil war Dr. Beebe was among the first to enlist as a private; but he was soon detached from the ranks and placed on the medical staff. In May, 1875, it was largely through his efforts that the First National Bank of Afton was organized, and in January. 1876, he was made its president, and was re-elected the following year. He has several times been elected to the city council, and has always taken a deep interest in the cause of popular education. Ile is an active member of the Methodist church. Ilimself and wife have been mero- bers forty years. Dr. Beebe is the present mayor of Afton, and has held that position several years. Dr. and Mrs. Beebe have three children-Lyman C. is a traveling
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
has assisted many of the neighboring farmers. Ile was married in April, 1877. to della Simpson, daughter of Henry Simpson, of Muscatine, Iowa. They have four children- Nellie, Frank, Arthur and Roy. Mr. Miller and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
H. LICHTY, dealer in groceries and provisions, located on the corner of Montgomery and Walnut streets, Cres- ton, Iowa, is a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, born November 29, 1829, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Hunter) Lichty, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and the latter of Maryland, of Scotch descent. The mother died in 1858, aged fifty- seven years, and the father in 1863, aged sixty-five years. They had a family of eight children-Edward is a physician, a graduate of the Philadelphia Medical College; Lewis is an attorney, and ex-mayor of Waterloo, Iowa; J. H. is our subject; Ezra is a machin- ist and is employed at the round-house in Creston; Silas is an agriculturist of Somerset County, Pennsylvania; Joseph lives in Lin- coln, Nebraska; Mary, the eldest daughter, is the wife of F. B. Countryman, of Somer- set County, Pennsylvania, and Louisa is the wife of S. A. Benford, of Page County, Jowa. J. II. Lichty was reared a farmer, a vocation he followed in his native State until 1868, when he came to Iowa, and first located in Waterloo. IIe also worked at the carpenter's trade several years, and by economy saved $1,500, which he put in the bank. The bank suspended payment, and he got only 28 cents on the dollar of his money. In 1876 he moved to Creston and embarked in business. Although his capital was limited he went bravely to work, and by good management and honorable dealing he has been successful. In all his ups and downs he has been assisted
by his most estimable wife, who has been a true helpmeet in every hour of trial, taking her full share of the business. Together they have acquired a competency and a good home for their declining years. Mr. Lichty was married in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to Mary A. Felick, a native of that county, born in 1832. She died in 1867, leaving four children -George E. F., of Waterloo, married Anna Derrick; Benjamin, married Josie Burr; Anna, wife of Johnson Vivian, of Michigan; Lottie, who makes her home with George. One child, Lizzie, is deceased. In 1870 Mr. Lichty married Clara E. Countryman, also a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, born in 1842. To them have been born four children-Franklin B., Elvira, Edward and Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Lichty are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In poli- tics he is a Republican.
OHN II. BROWN, farmer and stock- raiser, has a whole section (No. 9, Doug- las Township) of good and well-improved land, where he resides. Ile was born in Scot- land, in 1834, his parents being Robert and Jennett (Hamilton) Brown, both natives of the "Land 'o Cakes." He was about eighteen years of age when he came with his parents to America. They settled in Stark County, Ohio, and followed farming there several years, removing to Henry County, Illinois, and thence to Rock Island County. He came to Iowa and settled on his present place in Donglas Township, in 1869. Here he had first bought a quarter-section of wild land, and proceeded to improve it. His fine dwelling- louise he ereeted in 1883 at an expense of 83,000, and his barn, built in 1872, cost $2,- 000. On the place, too, he has a fine grove of trees and an orchard of three acres, and 200 acres in pasture or grass. Mr. Brown has held the offices of supervisor and school di- rector. The habits of honest industry, which 1
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have brought him up to his present ligh posi- tion in the community, were formed in his vonth, when he mined coal and iron ore, which he did until he was twenty-six years of age. Neither himself nor his wife inherited any property with which to launch out in the sea of life. He is a member of Cromwell Lodge, No. 354, A. F. & A. M. Both himself and wife are members of the Congregational church. He was married in Stark County, Ohio, in 1856, to Mary A. Murphy, who was born in Ireland, in 1837. The following of their children are living-James, Maria, Minnie, Thomas, Jennett, Jeremiah, Mary A., Richard, Henry, Olga and Howard. The deceased were Robert and Anna. Post-office, Cromwell.
EV. WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS is a native of Ohio, boin where the city of Urbana now stands, in Champaign County, November 24, 1824, a son of William Williams, who was one of the carly settlers of Ohio, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. William C. Williams grew to manhood in his native State, being reared on a farin and edu- cated in the common schools. IIe came to Jowa in 1845, locating in Marion County, where he lived several years. He was mar- ried in the fall of 1847, to Jemima Camplin, a daughter of John Camplin, deceased. To this union were born eight children-Sarah, John, Henry, Benjamin F., Simon, Cora. Newton anl Anna. Mr. Williams came to Union County in June, 1855, where he has since made his home, and is now the owner of 120 acres located on section 7, New Hope Township, where be settled in 1861. Ile was . licensed as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church in 1853, and the following four years traveled as an itherant through Marion, Ringgoldl ard Union counties. He was ordained a regular minister in 1557, and two years later again began traveling through the country. He is now devoting his atten-
tion to farming and stock- raising. yet at times fills the pulpit as a local preacher. He is one of the old pioneers of Southern Iowa. and at one time mowed grass where Knoxville now stands. He was engaged in selling goods in Marion County for four years, and intended to follow the same business at Afton, Union County, but through the pertidy of his partner he became bankrupt; but through his perscvering industry and strict economy he has mastered his difficulties, and is to-day in comfortable circumstances. Besides his home farm he owned other property, but has given to his children 160 acres. He has been an active worker in church affairs for many years, and built the church of his denomina- tion at Afton. He has held several local offices of trust in the township, including justice of the peace, trustee, supervisor, and, while living in Afton, was a member of the School Board.
IRAM HALL, of Creston, keeps a fuli stock of paints, wall-paper, window.glass and painters' supplies; also makes a specialty of decorating churches and other public buildings. Ile is located at 210 North Maple Street. Mr. IFall is the oldest resident painter in Union County, settling in Afton as carly as 1858. He was born in Genesee County, New York, in July, 1536. In 1812 his parents removed to Genesee County, Michi- gan, where he lived until eighteen years of age. lle learned the painter's trade at East Saginaw, Michigan, and has been engaged in that business thirty-four years. In 1853 his father, Hiram Hall, ronoved with his family to Scott County, lowa. and later to Louisa County, where he died in February, 1861. The mother is still living in Louisa County. There were twelve children in the family who grew to maturity, eight sons and four daugh- lers. Hiram went to Divenport in 185-1, where he worked at his trade for a time, then
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
went to Washington. Iowa, and worked three years, coming to Afton in 1838. In August. 1862, he enlisted at Afton in the Twenty- ninth Iowa Infantry, and served three years, his regiment being attached to the Western Army. In 1872 he went to Decatur, Indiana, and remained there and at Fort Wayne for five years, then located at Mt. Ayr one year, coming to Creston in 1878. and at present he is living on his farm, four miles west of Crestou, running a milk dairy. Hle mar- ried Harriet Harper, a native of Indiana, and they have six children -- Fred S., Hiram A. and Mary A. (twins), Charles R., James A. and Addie. Hiram and Mary were born in May, 1863, while Mr. Hall lay sick in the hospital in Helena, Arkansas, and he did not sce them until they were two years and a half old.
OIIN K. EWING, farmer and stock- raiser, section 14, Grant Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Perry County, October 30, 1543, a son of Clark G. Ewing. In 1846 his parents moved to La Salle County, Illinois, where the mother died in 1847, and the father in 1850. Thus, when but seven years of age, he was left an orphan RUE W. GILMAN, an industrious farmer, and a respected citizen of High- land Township, living on section 18, is a native of the State of New York, born in Oneida County. April 20, 1828. a son of Charles and Eunice (Markham) Gilman, both of whom died before our subject was eight years old. He was a native of New Hamp- shire. Our subject grew to manhood in his native county, being reared on a farm and edneated in the common schools. Ile was married to Miss Rosetta C. Tennant, Angust 17. 1854, she being a daughter of Hiram and Emily (Main) Tennant, both of whom are de- with three sisters and one brother, and was obliged to work for his own maintenance. After the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, in the spring of 1801, he enlisted in Company A, First Illinois Cavalry, and served until the following fall. when his regi- ment was re-organized, but disbanded in July. 1862. Ile was then at home a month, when he again enlistedl and was assigned to Com- pany F, One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Infantry, and served until June, 1565. He par- ticipated in the battles at Lexington, Tomp- kinsville, Hartsville. Gallatin, Brentwood, Elk River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chatta- - ceased. Three children have been born to nooga, Ringgold, Tummel Ilill, Buzzard's Roost Mr. and Mrs. Gilmen, two still living, whose names are Charles and Dora, the former living Gap, Resaca and others of minor importance.
At Lexington he received a flesh wound, and at Chickamauga he was severely wounded in the hip. At Buzzard's Roost he was one of a company to cross the gap and open an attack on the enemy's battery. From Ken- esaw Mountain he was sent to the rear, and was detailed receiving clerk in the ordnance department of Gen. Thomas's headquarters. In the spring of 1865 he returned to his regiment, but was subsequently detailed clerk in the Assistant Adjutant-General's office, where he remained until the close of the war. After his discharge he returned to Illinois, and in 1879 came to Iowa, and located on section 10, Grant Township, Union County, where he lived until the spring of 1885, when he moved to the farm where he now lives, which contains 160 acres of valuable land, well stocked with a fine grade of short- horn eattle and Poland-China hoge. Mr. Ewing was married February 17, 1862, to Amelia E., daughter of Hugh Alexander. They have six children-Mabel, Herbert, Milo, Rose, Arthur and an infant daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing are members of the Methodist Episcopal crhuch.
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in Colorado, and the latter engaged in teach- ing school in Union County, where she is fast becoming a popular teacher. Mr. Gilman left his native county in 1850, going with his family to Knox County, Illinois. He went to California, where he remained till 1862, then he located in Warren County, Illinois, where he lived till 1872. In that year he came to Union County, Iowa, and has since resided on his present farm, which contains 1GS acres of choice land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising.
OLONEL S. D. SWAN, proprietor of the Summit Honse at Creston, is one of the earliest settlers of the town. Janu- ary 15, 1870, he opened the Creston House, the first hotel of the city, and he was ticket agent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad four or five years. Later he was en- gaged in the building of the Santa Fe Rail- road in Mexico. Upon completion of the Summit House in 1880, Colonel Swan and his son-in-law, John Becker, became the pro- prictors, and they still condnet this deserv. edly popular hotel. Colonel Swan was born in Virginia in 1832, and was reared in Union- town, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He has been a resident of lowa many years. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he was a resident of Mt. Pleasant. In May, 1861, he raised a company for service in the army. Of this company, which became a part of the First Iowa Cavalry, he was made Captain, but before the regiment was ready to take the field Colonel A. B. Potter. who had participated in the battle of Wilson's Creek, where the gallant Lyon fell, had received or- ders to raise a regiment, and he indneed Colonel Swan to assist him, who at once en- gaged in raising men for a new organization. Ile met with ench success that in ten days he had raised a full company. The regiment was organized as the Fourth Jowa Cavalry,
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