USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 33
USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 33
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FFTHOMAS L. MAXWELL, of the firm of Maxwell & Leonard, attorneys at law, settled in Creston in September, 1883, and commenced the practice of his profession in that city. IIe was for a time a memberof the law firm of Ettien, Spurrier & Maxwell. Later the firm became Spurrier & Maxwell. His next partnership was the present on .-
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Maxwell & Leonard-which was established in 1875. The office is on Adams street in the Mallory Block. Mr. Maxwell was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in the year 185!, and when he became a lad his father, Thomas Maxwell, removed to MeDonough County, Illinois. Here Mr. Maxwell attained mature manhood. Ile began the study of law in the year 1870, at Rushville, that State, in a county adjoining McDonough. With his legal studies he alternated the teaching of school until 1874, when he was admitted to the bar at Afton, in Union County; but he began prac- tice at Corning, Adams County, Iowa, where he continued until he came to Creston. While a resident of Corning he represented Adams County in the Nineteenth General Assembly of Iowa, having been elected by the Greenback party. He is now (October, 1886,) the candidate of his party for district judge. Intellectually he possesses more than ordinary ability; as a lawyer he has attained a high reputation; as a speaker he is fluent and forci- ble, and as exponent of the principles of his party he is able and gives satisfaction to all his friends. After becoming a citizen of Union County Mr. Maxwell married Miss Lucy Fish, of Beardstown, Illinois. IIis present law partner, Mr. Leonard, is a young man of inch promise; was born in Johnson County, Iowa, in 1860; has had the advanta- ges of a liberal education, graduating at the lowa State University in the class of 'S1, and in the law department of that same institution in 1883.
D. BLOSSER, blacksmith and wagon and carriage maker at Cromwell, is ? commanding a large trade on account of his superior workinanship and honest deal- ing. He was born in Hocking County, Olio, in 1859. Ilis father, David Blosser, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Elizabeth MeBroom. of Ohio. They are now liv- ing in Kansas. He grew up to years of ma-
turity on the farm in his native county. In 1876 he came West and located upon a farm in this county, where for three years he pur- sned the vocation in which he was trained; then, in 1879, he hired to work at the black- smith's trade in Cromwell, for William L. Morford, and in 1885 bought ont Mr. Mor- ford's interest. Besides the shop, 24 x 70 feet, he owns a honse and four lots. lle is es- termed by the community as a first-class citi- zen. He was married in 1883, in this county, to Ella Peak, daughter of Mordecai Peak. She was born in Illinois, in October, 1860. By this marriage there are two children -- Ray and Harry. Mr. Blosser had seven brothers and sisters: two of the former were killed in the late war. His grandfather on his mother's side was a soldier in the war of 1812.
7. ILLIAM CHIPMAN, a prominent and influential citizen of Grant Town- ship, engaged in farming and stock- raising, on section 28, was born in Kentucky, November 9, 1849. his parents, William and R. Chipman, being natives of the same State. He was reared to the avocation of a farmer, remaining on the home farm in his native State till the year 1871, since which he has made his home in Union County, Iowa. IIc was married in 1871, to Miss Minnie Lucas, a daughter of R. and Annie E. Lucas, who were natives of Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Chipman have been born eight children- Eddie, Walter, William, Annie, Myrtle, Mary, Richard and one who died in early infancy. Mr. Chipman bought his present farm when he came to Union County. which at that time was entirely unimproved. It now contains 160 acres of well-improved land under good cultivation, with comfortable residence and faim buildings, noticeably good. Mr. Chip- man is one of the public spirited men of Grant Township, and during his residence here has filled acceptably varions township
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
and school offices. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal church since sixteen years of age, and are among its worthy and active members.
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ALLEN, of the firm of Allen & Bush, dealers in books, stationery, etc., came to Creston in 1879. He is a native of Vermont, and resided there until twenty years of age, when he came to lowa. His father, J. Haskell Allen, still resides in Verinont. Mr. Allen married Miss Florence Tollers, daughter of Colonel Enoch Tollers. The busi- ness house of Allen & Bush was established in 1879, by Fahnestock & Fuller, of Galesburg. Illinois, who were succeeded by the present firm, September 1, 1880. Their store is located on the corner of Maple and Montgomery streets. Their store-room is 64 x 30 feet, and complete in all its appointments. Mr. Allen has entire charge of the business, his partner, Mr. E. J. Bush, being vice-president of the First National Bank, and devoting his atten- tion to his. duties there. They keep a com- plete stock of books, stationery, wall paper, fancy goods, ete., everything usually kept in a first-classs store.
County, same State; then he settled in Union County. It was in Galva that he was married, in ISGO, to Miss Orpha A., daughter of Daniel and Keturah (Burd) Carroll, who was born in 1844, in New Jersey. The children in Mr. Harrison's family are Willie II. (de- ceased), Elmer E., Isabel, Walter S., Mary E., Harry C., Pearlie, Chattie, Frances E. and Evalyn-ten in all. When Mr. Harrison came with his family to the place that is now his home it was only prairie sod, with no im- provement whatever, not so much as a hitch- ing-post. There was not a tree or shrub on the place; but by perseverance and hard labor he has, with the help of his family, turned it into a well-cultivated and productive farm and pleasant home.
OSEPII JAMES, farmer and stock-raiser, (2)
seetion 2, Highland Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Athens County, Decem- ber 30, 1835. His father, John James, was a native of Maine, and moved to Ohio when a young man. In 1847 he located in Morgan County, where he died, in 1873. Joseph James was reared a farmer, receiving a good education in the common schools. In 1855 he came to the State of Iowa, and lived two years in Jones County, and in 1857 removed to Appanoose County, where he was living on the breaking out of the war of the Re- II. HARRISON, farmer and stock raiser, resides on section 20, Doug & las Township, where he owns 160 acres of well-improved Jand. Ile was born in Peoria County, Illinois, in 1538. His parents, Isaac and Sarah (Nicholson) Harri- son, natives respectively of England and Virginia, came from the latter State to Illinois in a very carly day. The father is still living in Fulton County, that State, and the mother is deccased. Mr. Harrison of this sketch lived in Peoria until the year 1556; from that time bellion. He enlisted in the defense of his country, and was assigned to Company I, Third Jowa Cavalry, and served over three years. He participated in the battles at West Plains, Grand Glaze, Bayou Conch, Warm Fork of Spring River, Tupelo, Mississippi, the siege of Vicksburg and others of minor importance. He received a sunstroke near Jackson, Mississippi, which disabled him for active service for nearly a year. After his discharge from the army he returned to Ap- panoose County, where he lived until 1873, . to: 1875 he was a resident of Galva, Henry | when, in Jannary, he moved to Union County.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and settled in Pleasant Township. He moved to the farm where he now lives in 1885. It contains eighty acres of valuable land, and bis building improvements are commodious and comfortable. In addition to attending to his farin he is engaged in blacksmithing, which is a great convenience to the neighbor- ing farmers. Mr. James was married July 27, 1857, to Martha R., daughter of Augustus C. Boyer. To them have been born twelve children, but eight of whom are living-Ida E., Eddie N., Ethel L., Oviett B., Renna O., Olive E, Martha C. and Clemma B. Mr. James is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.
ICHARD II. JOHNSTON, physician and surgeon. and the present efficient postmaster of Cromwell, was born in Huron County, Ohio, May 20, 1836, a son of the late Dr. Thomas Johnston, who was a na- tive of Pennsylvania. The father settled in JIuron County, Ohio, in 1835. and for many years practiced medicine in New Haven, that connty. Our subject attended lectures in the medical college at Albany, New York, and at the Western Reserve College, at Cleveland, Ohio. He came to Iowa in 1857, and settled at Garden Grove, Decatur County, where he began the practice of medicine, in August, 1858, following it at that place until Angrit. 1861. He then helped to raise Company L; Third Iowa Cavalry, and enlisted as a private in the same company. He was appointed Surgeon at Rolla, Missouri, and was stationed at Salem, Missouri, about ten months. Ile then joined his regiment on their raid through Arkansas. He joined his company at Leba- non, Missouri, in the fill of 1862, and was engaged in doing guard and scout duty about a year. Hle then joined General Totten's command at Springfield, Missouri, but soon after returned to General Warren's command,
at Houston, Missouri. He then went to Po- tosi, Missouri, where he was on guard duty some time, and while there he helped to drive Marmaduke from that State. He was detailed as hospital steward at a small town about twenty-five miles east of Little Rock, and finally was left there as Surgeon, by the re- moval of the Surgeon over him. While there they had some trouble with bushwhackers, although none of the Union men were killed by them. Dr. Johnston subsequently went to Little Rock, thence to Benton, Arkansas, where he joined his regiment, and was soon after detailed Hospital Steward of the Thirty- second Iowa Infantry, and served in that capacity on the Red River expedition, after which he was ordered back to Memphis, aud was discharged at Keokuk, lowa, in October, 1864, when he returned to his home, broken down in health. He was married June 7, 1865. to Miss Frances Burns. daughter of William Burns. of Garden Grove, Jowa. They have five children - Edward, Thomas W .; Eliza G., Marjerie and Charles R. Dr. John- ston came to Union County in 1870, and set- tled at Cromwell, where he has since built up a lucrative practice, and has gained the re- spect and confidence of all who know him. Dr. Johnston was appointed postmaster July 1. 1885, on the resignation of Dr. Henderson. HIe is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
AMUEL F. HARVEY, section 17. Lin- coln Township, was born in Fayette County. Pennsylvania. June 26. 1485. a son of Alexander and Ann (Foreman) Har- vey, his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of West Virginia. In 1947 his parents moved to West Virginia, and in that State he lived until 1867, when he came to Iowa, and located in Mahaska County. In 1877 he moved to Union County, and settled
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in Lineoln Township, where he has since lived. He owns 210 acres of choice land, all well · cultivated, and his residence and farm build- ings are commodious and comfortable. His educational advantages were limited in his youth, but by making the best of his oppor- tunities he obtained a practical education and fitted himself for the activities of business life. Ile was married January 26, 1860, to Miss Jane Gibson, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, daughter of William Harvey. To them were born ten children-Margaret A., Eda E., Franklin W .. David G., William G., Alton A., decease l. Harry O., Thomas S., Rhoda B. and Bertha M. Mr. Harvey has been a prominent citizen of his township, al- ways taking an active interest in its public affairs, and has held different positions of trust, among others being road supervisor and school director. He and his wife are members of the Mothindict Briscopel church. Ile has been a member of the Masonic frater- nity a number of years.
Sioux City & Pacific Railroad Company, and in the autumn of that year engaged with the present company and came to Creston. Dur- ing his long experience his train has not met with an accident of any kind, which, consider- ing the length of time he has been on the road, speaks well for his caution and efficiency. He was married at Flint, Michigan, in 1873, to Miss Hattie M. Wing, who died in 1884, lear- ing three children-Charles P., Guy and G. Janie. In 1885 he married Miss Ella Glass, of Cedar Rapids, Lowa, and they have one child-lowa Vesta.
SAAC MANN, postoffice Kent, is one of the public-spirited citizens of Platte Town- ship, and an active and enterprising agri- culturist, living on section 16. IIe is a son of David and Sarah (Sickles) Mann, who were natives of the State of Pennsylvania, and subsequently came to Union County, where the father lived till his death, in 1886. The mother is still living, being now eighty- six years of age. The father being a farmer, J. JAMESON, conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road, has been a resident of Creston since the fall of 1870, when it was an initial point, at which time he became connected with the railroad company. He began his services as yard-master, and occupied that position until the fall of 1877, when he be- came conductor on a freight train between Creston and Council Bluffs. In 1883 he ! mary 20, 1839; a twin of Caroline died assumed the duties of conductor on a passen- ger train between the same points. Mr. Jame- son was born in New Brunswick, near the boundary line between that Province and the State of Maine, in 1847. JIis father, C. S. Jameson, is of Scotch origin, and still lives in New Brunswick, his grandfather also living in the same country. He began railroading in 1867, on the New Brunswick & Canada onr subject was reared to the same occupa- tion, and has made farming his life work. He was nnited in marriage to Miss Susan Deaver, who was born in 1835. a native of Ohio, her parents, John S. and Mary Deaver, being natives of Pennsylvania. To this union were born the following children -- John D., born February 4, 1836; Sarah, born April 2, 1837 ; Caroline, born Jan- June 31, 1859; Lavina J., born July 20, 1861; Mary, born Angust 13, 1865: Susannah Edith, born October 27, 1865; :Isaac, Jr., born December 16, 1570; Cora B., born September 5, 1872; Laura. born Jan- mary 1, 1575; Rollin, born September 13, 1876, and Bertha E., born Angust 10, 18:0. Mr. Mann served his country three years during the late war. being a member of Com- Railroad. In May, 1570, he engaged with the : pany D., Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry. He
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took part in a number of hard-fought battles including Fort Donelson, Franklin, Cross Keys. Sulphur Springs, and second battle of Bull Run. He was mustered out at Colum- bus, Ohio, receiving an honorable discharge December 14, 1864, when he returned to his home. In 1870 he came to Union County, Iowa, when he settled on the farm in Platte Town- ship which has been bis home. His farm contains eighty aeres of choice land, a good, substantial house, and farm buildings, a fine orchard, and about 125 grape vines. In poli- ties Mr. Mann is identified with the Republi- can party. He is a comrade of Post No. 316, G. A. R., of Lenox, Iowa. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.
EV. JOSEPHI PEERY, a farmer and stock-raiser, of Grant Township, resides on section 2, where he owns a good farm of eighty acres. He is a native of Illinois, born in Clark County, September 28, 1822, a son of John and Nancy (Long) Peery, who were natives of Tennessee. His father died June 19, 1877, and his mother is still living in Ringgold Connty, Iowa, in the eighty- fifth year of her age. His parents moved from Tennessee to Illinois and lived there until 1836, when they moved to Indiana. His grandfather Peery had seven workhorses stolen in one night by the rangers during the war of 1812. April 24, 1914, our subject was married to Miss Adaline Brown. He lived in Indiana six years after his marriage, and in 1850 moved to Muscatine County, Iowa, where they lived until April, 1853, when they started for Black Hawk County, but on ac- count of a severe snow storm they were obliged to stop in Cedar County, and rented a farm, on which they lived until the follow- ing February. They then went to Black Hawk County, and settled on Poyner Creek, in a little pole house. He took a claim which he afterward sold for $50, and entered forty
acres of land and built a house, which was the first house they owned. In September, 1865, they sold their property in Black Hawk County and moved to Union County, locating where they now live. Mr. Peery commeneed life a poor man, working at 25 cents a day, but by economy and good management he has been successful, and now has a good and comfortable home. In 1867 he was licensed a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is superintendent of the Sunday- school, a position he has held twelve years. In his polities he is independent, voting for men not party. To Mr. and Mrs. Peery were born the following children-John W., Louisa, Samuel Milton, Sarah E., George D., Jennie and James. John W. eulisted in the war of the Rebellion, in 1862, and was as- signed to Company D, Thirty-first Iowa In- fantry, and died at Vicksburg, Jannary 28, 1863.
DWARD HENDERSON, physician and surgeon at Cromwell, was born in Jef- ferson County, Iowa, in 1850. ITis father, H. M. Henderson, was a native of North Carolina, of Scotch descent, and his mother, Laodicea Baird, was born in Ohio, of German and Irish descent; they are still residents of that county, where they were pioneers, highly-respected citizens. In their family of seven children, Dr. Henderson, our subject, is the second in order of birth. He grew up to the years of manhood on the farm in his native county. At the age of eighteen years he went to Wisconsin, and engaged in clerking in a general store. After attending school two years he began the study of medi- cine under Dr. Newsome, of Batavia, Iowa. and after remaining with him a year he at- tended the medical college at Keokuk, Jowa, two years, graduating in 1873; commenced the practice of his chosen calling at Batavia, within four miles of where he was brought up, and during the five years of his practice
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
there he won a large patronage, although in competition with three old physicians. In 1879 he removed to his present place of resi- dence, where he has an extensive practice, and bids fair to rise much higher in his pro- fession. In Cromwell, besides his house and lot, the doctor owns two blocks except one lot; was postmaster from 1882 to 1885; is a member of the School Board, and in polities a Republican. He was married June 20, 1871, to Miss Alice, daughter of Archibald and Eliza Caldwell, natives of Vermont, where she was born in 1856. They have one child-Bertha E.
M RS. MARILLA M. DOTY is a na- tive of Evans, New York, a daughter of IIarmon and Lois Barber, natives of England, and descendants of the roval family. Her paternal grandmother was a : Gould, and her maternal grandmother was a member of the royal family. ller father was M. BOTLEMAN, a pioneer of Union Connty, and among the thorough, prac- tical farmers of Grant Township, where he resides, on section 30, was born February 4, 1834, a son of Christian and Doreas (Alex- ander) Botleman, the father a native of Penn- sylvania, and the mother born in the State of Virginia, both now deceased. Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in his leaving school taught for several terms. IIe remained in his native State till attaining his majority, when he immigrated to Union County. Iowa, and settled on the farm where he has since made his home, improving it from a wild state. Ile was married Deeem- ber 10, 1857, to Miss Minerva Swearngen, who was born November 5, 1934, a daughter of J. and M. Swearngen who were both born in the State of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and a sca captain. He was born in 1812, and was just two weeks old when the war of 1812-'15 broke out, his parents at that time living in Canada. Ile was the first wool grower in Wyoming County, New York, and was also an extensive manufacturer of cheese. He made two of the largest cheeses ever ex- hibited, one weighing 1,500 and the other 1,000 pounds. After taking a number of youth received a fair education, and after premiums at fairs the largest one was shipped to Liverpool, and was sold at $1 per pound. Our subject was married October 3, 184:, to Philander Doty, a native of New York, born in 1821. To them have been born four chil- dren-Franklin J., Ella F., William E., and Lois. Franklin married Ella M. Miller and has one child, Eddie P. Lois is the wife of Ellis Shaw, a sou of Judge Henry Shaw of Eaton County, Michigan, and a graduate from the medical department of the Ann Ar- | Mrs. Botleman have been born five children -- bor University. For a number of years he , Matilda J., born November 13, 1858, married was a conductor on the Michigan Central . Frank Banning, and has one child, Bertie,
Railroad, and at present, in partnership with Mrs. Doty, is running the Metropolitan ros- tanrant. Mrs. Doty came to Iowa and lo- cated in Creston, in 1877, and in 1879 built the first good hotel in the place, on the south side of Pine Street, at a cost of 87.000, which she still owns, and also owns a dry-goods and grocery store which is in charge of her son. Mrs. Doty is an educated, refined lady, a graduate of a college in her native State. She is a kind, indulgent mother, and a thought- ful, loving wife, a good neighbor and friend, generous, giving freely of her time and means to promote the best interests of the commu- nity. She is an untiring worker, and her efforts have been crowned with success. In her business transactions she is strictly hon- orable, and has many friends. Mr. Doty has been a fireman on the railroad twenty-nine years. In politics he and his sons are Re- publicans.
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who was born May 6, 1879; Lizzie E., born ' the spring of 1862. where he remained till August 28, 1860, is the wife of Herman Tall- 1857. In the fall of that year he came to Un- man; E. S., born April 28, 1862; John W., . ion County, lowa, and settled in Ilighland born March 21, 1867. died August 30, 1869, and Arthur N., born March 13, 1869. Mr. Botleman has now one of the best farms in Grant Township, containing 160 acres of well- improved land, under a high state of cultiva- tion. Ile has about three acres of land devoted to his orchard, and a fine maple grove, the seed of which was planted by himself. His residence is comfortable and commodious, and his farm buildings are noticeably good. Township, which has since been his home. John B. Wray, whose name heads this sketeh was but nine years of age when he accom- panied his parents to this county, and here he grew to manhood, being reared on the home farm, and receiving his education in the com- mon schools of the county, and while living in Ilighland Township served two terms as assessor with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on his fine farm in - Lincoln Township, where he has 320 acres. Ile is also meeting with good sneeess in deal- ing in stock, which he ships to Chicago, Illinois, and Ottumwa, lowa. Ile is one of the publie-spirited citizens of his township, and is always interested in the advancenient of any enterprise for the good of the com- munity.
M MARTENS, dealer in groceries, queensware, flour, feed, cigars and @ tobacco, 216 Union street, Creston, opened there in 1576, where he carries about $1,500 worth of stock, and sells annually about $15,000 worth, employing one clerk and the boys. He was born in Holland, in 1830, the son of Martin and Gertie Martens, natives also of that country. HIe immigrated to America in 1849, first settling in Wisconsin, where he remained eight years. Ile has generally followed house-painting, employing elerks to run his grocery previous to entering it himself. Ile owns the business block and four houses and lots. He was married in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1862, to Johanna Van Beak, who also was born in Holland, and they have five children living-Theodore, Frank, Kittie, Henry and John. Mr. Mar- tens is a member of the Catholic church.
OIIN BENJAMIN WRAY. residing on section 31 of Lincoln Township, is au Englishman by birth, being born in Lin- colnshire, August 1. 1$18. In 1851 his father, Benjamin Wray, who is also a native of Lin- colnshire, England, came to America with his family, and fr t settled in the State of Ohio, removing to St. Joseph County. Indiana, in
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