USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 35
USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 35
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M. McKEE, farmer and teacher, re- sides on section 23, Spaulding 2 Township, where he owns eighty acres of land under good cultivation. Ile was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1852. His father, John McKee, was born in Brown County, Ohio, of Scotch-Irish parents, in 1807, and his mother. Nancy (Demint) Me- Kee, was born in Adams County, Ohio, of French-Irish parents. in 1920. After attain- ing the age of sixteen on his native farm, he
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moved to Livingston County, Illinois, where he followed farming four years, attending school during the winters. Altogether he has tanght twelve terms, obtaining a good reputation as a teacher. Financially Mr. MeKce is a self-made man, as he landed in lowa in 1876 with less than $25, and at the time of buying his present home was able to make but 46 cents of a cash payment. He was married in Union County, in ISSO, to Miss Ella Mumford, who was also a teacher, having taught ten terms. She was born in Anderson County, Kansas, August 31, 1860, being the only daughter of James J. and Emmeline (Graham) Mumford. Mr. and Mrs. McKee have one child-Roscoe.
AMES MOONEY, farmer and stock- l'aiser New Hove Township residing on seetion 16, is a native of Ireland, born in Kings County, February 6, 1844, a son of Thomas Mooney, who is also an Irishman by birth. The family came to the United States in 1853. and settled in La Salle County, Illi- nois. In 1859 they removed to Hillsdale, Michigan, and in the fall of 1870 came to Un- ion County, the father being now a resident of Afton. James Mooney was about nine years of age when he was brought by his parents to La Salle County, Illinois, and there he spent his youth on the home farm. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Com- pany F, One Hundred and Fourth Illinois In- fantry to serve three years. He took part with his regiment in the battles of Hartsville, Tennessee, Stone River, Chickamauga, At- lanta and others of minor importance. He was wounded in the left hip near Atlanta August 7, 1863, and now draws a pension. Mr. Mooney came to Union County the same time as his father, and has since made his home in New Hope Township, where he has a good farm of 160 weres. Mr. Mooney was marriel December 12, 1872, to Miss Clarissa
Cosner, daughter of Henry Cosner, of Pleas- ant Township, Union County. Mr. Mooney is a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public. He never seeks official positions, pre- ferring to devote his entire attention to his farm, and by his industrious habits and genial disposition he has gained the respect of the entire community in which he resides.
AVID MUNCII, a prosperons farmer and stock-raiser, and a prominent citi- zen of Platte Township, was born in the State of Ohio, February 18, 1838, his parents, David and Bethnan (Coffman) Munch, being natives of the same State. He was reared to mercantile pursuits, and at the age of twenty- three years he obtained a position in Balti- more, Maryland, as clerk in a wholesale bont-und shoe store February 22, 1863, he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in Company G, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and was detailed as chief clerk in the Quar- termaster's department, which position he filled until receiving his discharge, August 24, 1865. By the explosion of gunpowder March 5, 1865, his eyesight was ruined, having al- most entirely lost the sight of both eyes. He has since received a liberal pension from the Government. After the war he returned to his home in Ohio, remaining there till the spring of 1876. IIe was married to Miss Margaret Tailor, a daughter of Peter and Janoah (Brothers) Tailor, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Munch was born May 10, 1841. They are the parents of seven children-Lucy M., born March 2, 1865; Anna B. and Cora E. (twins), born Angust 12, 1565; Lizzie II., born July 11, 1870; Tailor and Florence (twins), born February 22, 1872, and Isaac B., born March 23, 1874. Mr. Munch came to Union County, Iowa, in 1876, settling on his present farm ou section 20, Platte To n- ship, March 9, of that year, and by industry and perseverance he has accamulated & fine
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
property, owning at present 240 acres, and by his honorable and upright dealings has won the respect of all who know him. He has a good residence on his farm, and commodions farm buildings, and a good orchard, the en- tire surroundings of the place showing the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer.
ERMAN SCHWANZ, one of the enter- prising young farmers, and a public- spirited citizen of New Hope Township, where he lives on section 26, is a native of Union County, Iowa, born in Afton, the date of his birth being March 9, 1859. His parents, Lewis and Hannah (Suer) Schwanz, are both deceased, the father having been killed in battle while fighting for the Union during the late war. Both parents were natives of Ger- many. Herman Schwanz, our subject, was brought up by his uncle, Fred Schwanz, of Union Township, this county, being reared to agrienltural pursuits, which he has always followed, and by his persevering industry and strict economy he is meeting with good suc- cess, having a good farm of 160 acres, where he makes his home. Mr. Schwanz was united in marriage April 10, 1884, to Miss Cora B. White, a daughter of Isaac White, a resident of Afton, this county. Both Mr. Schwanz and his wife are members of the Evangelical church, and are among the most respected citizens of New Hope Township.
perience, has enabled him to become a biisi- ness man second to none in Creston and vicinity. Ile is upright in all his dealings, judicions and energetic. The present busi- ness place he started in 1881, in partnership with M. Zimmerman, who retired July 18, 1881, and, Mr. C. E. Stewart buying his inter- est, the firm name became what it is at pres- ent. They have $11,000 worth of stock, their sales amounting to $18,000 annually. Mr. Eckerson also owns a handsome residence and several lots. Politically he is a Democrat, and socially a member of the Masonic order; is a good citizen, husband, father and friend. He was married in New York to Louisa A. Eastime, who was born in Rochester, that State, in 1848. They have one child-Myrta, who was born in Erie County, New York. Mr. Eckerson was a prominent school-teacher in his native county.
OSIAII ARMSTRONG, of Creston, engaged in the livery business on the corner of Adams street and New York avenue in the winter of 1872-'3, and built his present barn on Maple street, in company with A. N. Bradfield, and moved it to its present location in 1883. He is the oldest liveryman in the place, having been in the business here continuously since 1872, and he bad been engaged in the same occupation prior to that time, from 1862, in Marion County, Iowa. He keeps a complete ontfit in all the departments of his line. Mr. Armstrong was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in the year 1824, his father, John Armstrong, having settled in Ohio in 1800, while it was yet a Territory. The latter was born on the ocean, while his parents were on the way to this country from Ireland. Ile was married to Jane McCamon, and resided in Ohio during the remainder of his days. The subject of this sketch lived in Ohio until 1555, when he
ECKERSON, of the firm of Eckerson & Stewart, proprietors of the boot and shoe store, Pine Street, Creston, was born in 1839 in the State of New York, a son of John and Hannah Eekerson, natives of the same State, and of German ancestry. He received a good common-school education in his native State, which, strengthened by his growing natural abilities and ripened by ex- ' came West, and settleJ at what is now Monroe,
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in Jasper County, Iowa. There he kept a hotel for a number of years, and then went to Pella, where he opened a livery stable, since which time he has been a liveryman, as already mentioned. Ile was united in mar- riage with Miss Rebecca J. Scott, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of three sons --- Craig and Scott (twins), and IToratio S. . The first mentioned is a machinist in the round house at Creston; Scott is a clerk in the master mechanie's office, and the youngest is a conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. George B. Mcclellan, a twin of the youngest, died at the age of seven years.
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DWARD STALKER. residing on section 15, Douglas Township, is an agriculture- ist and live-stock raiser, having under improvements 240 acres of land, forty acres on the creek. Ile was born on the Isle of Man, in 1825, the son of Thomas and Cather- ine (Lord) Stalker, of Scotch and French an- cestry. (The people of that island are called " Manks.") Our subject grew up to years of manhood on his native island, where he worked as a farm hand. When twenty-five years of age he immigrated to America, and for fifteen years was a resident of Monroe Connty, New York, where he helped build a tannery, working as a common laborer for 75 cents a day. He then gerved at the trade five years. and then for ten years had charge of the yard, and received $30 a month. Ile then moved to Knox County, Illinois, where he lived nine years, farming, and finally, in 1875, he came to Union County, and purchased a quarter-section of land in a wild state; after- ward he bought eighty acres more. then forty inore, and pushed forward the all-engaging work of improvement. His honse be built in 1874, at a cost of $1, 100, and his barn at an expense of $2,300. He has forty to fifty head of cattle, besides hogs and horses. All he
early life he learned the tanner's trade, but he commenced life in America a poor man, having but 75 cents when he stopped in Roch- ester, New York, in 1951, and then working for 76 cents a day. In this country he has acted in the capacity of school director three years; in his polities he is a Republican. He was married on the Isle of Man, in 1849. to Miss Jane Kneale, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Quale) Kneale, natives also of the Isle of Man; she was born February 26, 1825. Of the twelve children of Mr. and Mrs. Stalker, eight are living-Henry R., on the Isle of Man; Katherine, wife of Thomas Wolkington; Edward, Ann Jane, Elizbeth E., Thomas. Isaac J. and Frances Elida. James, John and two infants are de- ceased; Thomas and Isaac are with their par- ents.
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II. DWIGHT, dental surgeon, came to Creston in May, 1885, and is located in Merchants' Block, North Maple Street; has been engaged in this business since 1876. Ile was born near Rockford, Illinois, in 1855. He began the study of his profession at the age of nineteen years, at Danville, Illinois, and commenced his practice at Buslmell. Later he practiced five years in Tamna City, Iowa, and in the spring of 1883 went to Min- neapolis, Minnesota, and opened an office at. . Lake Minnetonka, a noted summer resort near that city. This location brought him in contact with people who demanded the high- est grade of work kuown to the profession. In order to attain greater proficiency, he en- tered the Minnesota College Hospital, where he graduated as Doctor of Dental Surgery, in March. 1885. At the college he learned the system of " Golden Crown and Bridge Work," which is a comparatively new system, and is the highest point yet attained for inserting artificial teeth. Dr. Dwight makes it a rule to keep well informed of all advanced moth- has he has earned by his own efforts. In ! ods in his profession, and his office is well
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
furnished with all modern instruments per- taining to his business, ineluding a Bonwell electro-magnetic mallet, etc. IIe has a fine practice, which is constantly increasing. Mrs. Dwight was formerly Miss Carrie Bonner. They have one ehild-Clyde.
R. PETERSON, engaged in stock-rais- ing and in farming on section 34, Spaulding Township, was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, in 1843, his parents, Amos and Lydia (Ridle) Peterson, being of Scotch-Irish and German descent. His mother is still living in Henry County, Illinois. Having been brought up on the farm, he has all his life been engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. He came West in 1875, locating in this county; he now has 120 acres vi quoù lami, in un cacellom state of cultiva- tion, with residence, barn, etc. Having ob- tained a good common-school education, he has been a useful citizen, a good neighbor and an excellent officer in his township. He has been elected to the office of township treasurer five terms, and that of township clerk two terms. Ilis political views coincide with those of the Republican party. He was married in Fulton County, Illinois, in 1864, to Miss Arabella, daughter of John and Rachel (Smith) Hobbs, natives of Pennsyl- vania and of Welsh ancestry. She was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have two children-Ross W. and A. R. Postoffice, Creston.
C. FERGUSON, dealer in fruit trees. making his headquarters at the office of E. C. Lueas, Creston, has been a partner of the latter, and now has a business requiring the services of from ten to fifteen men. Ife was born in Springfield, Pennsyl- vania, in 1553, his parents P. C. and Melissa
(Mershon) Ferguson, being natives of Penn- sylvania, and of Scotch descent. Ile was reared on a farm, and at the age of thirty years left his native State, and came to Cres- ton, Towa. He learned the fruit business about seventeen years ago at Rochester, New York, and he has sold trees in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illi- nois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. lle had nothing to start with, and after working on salary for two years he com- menced business for himself, and he has pros- pered till his business has the above extent. He owns a section of land in Hamilton County, Kansas, and property in Springfield, Pennsylvania, besides one of the best resi- dences in Creston, and the implement house, blacksmith shop and feed store occupied by E. C. Lucas. He is a member of Evergreen Lodge, No. 222, A. F. & A. M., at Conneaut, Ohio, is a Republican, and in religion liberal. He was married in 1881 in Girard, Pennsyl- vania, to Miss Grace Greenwood, who was born in that city, in 1855.
- OSHUA F. BISHOP, of Afton, was born in Washington County, New York, Octo- ber 15, 1531. His paternal grandfather, a Scotehman, came to America before the Revolution and settled in Washington County, New York, with many others of his nation- ality. Ile was a commissioned officer in the patriot army, and witnessed the surrender of Burgoyne. The parents of the subject of this sketch were Archibald and Sarah (Fisher, formerly spelled Visher) Bishop. They fol- lowed farming. In 1835 they removed to Morrow (then Richland) County, Ohio, where they lived twenty years. Here Joshua F. received his education. He visited Iowa in 1853, and in 1555 the whole family removed to Union County. Archibald Bishop died of heart disease on a small farm in Jones Town- ship in 1801. His wife is now living with a
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BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES.
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daughter in Lucas County, at the advanced age of ninety years. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living. Of these Joshua is next to the youngest. Ile entered the land on which Thayer now stands -120 acres-in 1855, and being a natural trader, he at different times increased his holding until he found himself the owner of 400 acres of land at the opening of the war. IIe enlisted in July, 1861, in Company II. Fourth Iowa, in which he served as Commis- sary-Sergeant for one year. He was then made Second Lieutenant, and afterward acted as Adjutant of the regiment. In 1864 he was made Captain of his company. July 22, 1864, when acting as Adjutant, he was wounded at Atlanta. Ile was in hospital at Marietta for three weeks and then returned home on sick leave. When he went to the field again, he reached Chattanooga two or three days too late to go with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. IIe was de- tailed to Charleston, East Tennessee, where he passed the winter, first as Provost-Marshal and then as Commissary of supplies. In April. 1565, he was ordered to rejoin his regiment, but the latter was moving so rapidly he did not overtake it until it reached Peters- burg, Virginia, on its way to participate in the grand review at Washington, May 24, 1865. Captain Bishop was mustered out with his regiment at Davenport, lowa, in August, 1865. Without his knowledge or consent, his friends in Union County secured his nomination for county judge and re- corder. He served three years in that capacity, and then, the office of auditor hav- ing been created, he was ex-oficio auditor during 1869. Soon after he embarked in journalism, to which he has sinee devoted more or less of his time, and is now editor and proprietor of the Tribune- News, though real estate dealing has been his favorite and chief occupation. HIe is a public-spirited, active man, and devoted to the interest of Afton, of which he is now one of the oldest
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and most popular residents. Judge Bishop was married November 18, 1856, in Clarke County, to Miss Susan Lindsley, who became the mother of seven children, one dying in infancy. She died July 14, 1876. He was again married September 18, 1877, to Mrs. Lottie (Cherry) Stevenson. By this marriage he has one son. All the children are resi- dents of Union County except the chest, who is the pioneer newspaper man of Meade County, Kansas. Judge Bishop is a Repub- lican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a Free Mason.
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RICHARDS, physician and surgeon, Creston, was born in Preble County, Ohio, in April, 1844. His parents, William and Rachel (Williams) Richards, were natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee, of Scotch-Irish descent, both now deceased. Until he was nineteen years of age young Richards was employed in agricult- ural pursuits; then clerked in a drug store two years, and then began the study of medi- cine under Dr. W. E. Brown, of Missouri, which he continued for two years, and then practiced his profession until 1869, in Mary- ville, Missouri. Next he attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in 1871; entered again upon the practice of medicine in Buchanan County, Iowa, one year, thon ten years in Fort Wayne; Indian :. where he enjoyed a successful basi- . nese. He located in Creston in 1853, where he has established a large and lucrative prac- tice. Ile has a well-selected library, and practices according to what is known as the "Electrical System." which consists in apply- ing electricity by large batteries and machines inade for the express purpose, to all parts of the body. Ile can also apply the wonder- ful agent to any part of the system by means of the electric bath, his apparatus costing over $1,000. His wife administers the treat-
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ment to ladies. The doctor was married in Whitley County, Indiana, in 1864, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Edward and Mary Beel:ley, of Irish and German ancestry. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1843. The two children in the family now are-Ida J. and Warren E. The doctor is a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic orders, and in polities a Republiem. Himself and wife are members of the Christian church. As an in- teresting relie the doctor has a horse pistol which was carried by his grandfather in the Revolutionary war.
ILLIAM II. CHILDS, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Lincoln Township, residing on section 18, was born in Medina County. Ohio, September 13, 1816, a son of Charles and Sallie Childs, the father a native of Vermont, and of welch descent, and the mother born in the State of New York, in 1813, of English ancestry. They immigrated to Ohio in an early day, where the father lived till his death, which occurred in 1872, at the age of seventy years. The mother still makes her home in that State. They had a family of eight children, of whom five are yet living. The father held the office of justice of the peace for a pe- riod of thirty-three years, and was a much- respected man. William HI. Childs, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native county, where he was rearel to agrienlt- ural pursuits, which he has always followed. He came to Jowa in 1867. and after living in Polk County for six years he came to Union County, Iowa, and purchased his present farm of 180 acres, where he has followed farming and stock-raising. He was married August 1, 1877, to Miss Viletta Foster, who was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, in 1853, a dangh- ter of Matthew and Abigail Foster, who lived in Wisconsin till their death. Mr. and Mrs. Childs have five children --- Frederick, Abigail,
William, Myra and Charles M. Mr. Childs began life & poor man, but persevering euergy and habits of industry have enabled him to succeed, and he is now one of the well-to-do farmers of Lincoln Township. Since coming to this county he has held several local offices of trust, including road supervisor and school director. In his political views he is a Re- publican.
HI. LOTSPEICHI, one of the most prominent and successful agrienltur- ists of Platte Township, and among the self-made men of Union County, is a native of Tennessee, born October 3, 1842, a son of William and Rebecca Lotspeich, who were born in the same State. In 1854 they re- moved with their family to Wapello County, Iowa, they being among the pioneers of that county. G. II. Lotspeich, our subject, was reared a farmer, which avocation he has fol- lowed through life. At the age of nine- teen years he enlisted in the late war, in Company D, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, be- ing mustered in at Keokuk, Iowa. He par- tieipated in many important engagements, including the siege of Corinth, battle of Iuka, first battle at Jackson, Champion Hill and siege of Vicksburg. October 13, 1864, his regiment surrendered to General Hood, at Tilton, Georgia, when they were taken pris- oners and sent to Andersonville prison, where they remained till April 28, 1865, their ra- tions during their imprisonment being a pint of corn meal per day. They were subse- quently sent to Jackson, Florida, thence to Maryland, and from there by rail to Daven- port, Iowa, where they received their dis- charge. After his discharge Mr. Lotspeich returned to his home, in Wapello County, and commenced working on a farm, which he continued two years. IIe then went to the Rocky Mountains, but nine months later re- turned to Wapello County, and worked on a farm a year. IIe then came to Union County,
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where he lived two years, in the meantime improving his farm. He then went to Fre- mont, Nebraska, bat subsequently returned to Iowa, and has since lived in Union County. He has by bis industry and persevering en- ergy succeeded in accumulating a good prop- erty, and by his upright and honorable dealing has gained the confidence and respect of the entire community. Before commene- ing life for himself his father gave him a small piece of land, and from this small be- ginning he has acquired a competency. IIe takes an active interest in the advancement of the cause of education, and since becoming a resident of Platte Township has filled vari- ons offices connected with the schools of the township. In politics Mr. Lotspeich affili- ates with the Greenback party.
AMUEL RIGGS, Retired funer, resid- ing in Kent, Union County, was born in Dodd County, Kentucky, in 1806, and is a son of Daniel and Nancy Riggs. In 1817 the family settled in Missouri, remain- ing in that State twenty-five years. Samuel Riggs then lived in Davis County, Iowa, for thirteen years, when in 1853 he settled in what is known as Riggs' Grove, in Douglas Township, where he entered and bought 400 acres of land, and remained a resident there till 1876. Ile was the third settler in the western half of Union County, and experi- enced many of the hardships and privations of pioncer life. He was married in Howard County, Missouri, in 1825, to Rhoda Belch, by whom he had four children -- James D., Eli H., Nancy and I. P. Mrs. Riggs died in 1836, and Mr. Riggs was again married the same year, in Kentucky, to Mariada Piper, who was born in Sinith County, Tennessee, in 1806. To this union were born five chil- dren-Mary, S. M., Rebecca, Joseph and Daniel. Since his residence in Iowa, Mr. Riggs has represented the people of Davis |
County in the State Legislature for one term. Ile was also sheriff four years, and held the office of deputy sheriff' the same length of time. Ile has voted the Democratie ticket the past fifty years, missing but one election. IIe is classed among the influential citizens of Douglas Township, where he has made his home so many years.
R. REESE, one of the old and honored pioneers who has assisted materially in developing the interests of Union County, is a native of Pennsylvania, born December 1, 1824, a son of IIenry and Cath- crine (Beard) Reese, who were natives of the same State. J. R. was reared in Virginia, about fifteen miles from his birthplace. He fol- lowed agricultural pursuits till 1846, when he enlisted in the Mexican war. He was mus- tered into the service February 23, 1847, and participated in the battle of Buena Vista, and several others of minor importance. IIe was honorably discharged in 1848, when he re- turned to his home. The following July he engaged in the milling business, which he followed for several years. He subsequently went to Ohio, and was there married to Miss Roxanna Morman, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Morman, natives of Virginia, and to this nnion were born two children-Rebecca Catherine, born in 1855, and David II., born in 1875. Mr. Reese settled in Union County in 1857, buying his land second hand, on which he erected a rude log house, and many were the hardships and privations he en- dured in his pioncer home; but by industry and perseveranec he has become one of the successful farmers of Platte Township, being the owner of his fine farm on sections 11 and 14, which contains 160 acres of well-culti- vated land. He also owns fourteen acres on scetion 16, making in all 174 acres. Polit- ically Mr. Reese is a Democrat. He takes an active interest in the cause of educa-
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