Biographical history of Cherokoe County, Iowa : Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each ; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state ; engravings of prominent citizens in Cherokee County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the county, the cities, and townships, Part 48

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : W.S. Dunbar
Number of Pages: 654

USA > Iowa > Cherokee County > Biographical history of Cherokoe County, Iowa : Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each ; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state ; engravings of prominent citizens in Cherokee County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the county, the cities, and townships > Part 48

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

454

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

dall, residents of Pitcher Township. The father was born March 8, 1824, in Monroe County, New York, and the mother in Or- leans County, New York, April 9, 1832. Mr .. and Mrs. Rutherford have an interesting family of four children: Grace Edith, born November 2, 1875; George W., born July 30, 1877; Louie R., born July 25, 1879, and Hettie, born November 13. 1881.

AMES BARNES, a native of the State of Kentucky, was born April 6, 1827, and is a son of John and Abarilla (Sutlı- erland) Barnes, also natives of Kentucky. The ancestors of the Barnes family came originally from Scotland and settled in New England. James is the eldest of a family of five children, and at the age of eight years was left an orphan in Indiana, whither his parents had removed when he was three years old. He and his brother Jolin were bound out to a man by the name of McBride, who came to lowa the following year, 1836, and located in Van Buren County, when there were only three other families within its bor- ders. The brothers were bound until they were sixteen years old, and when James's time had expired he continued his service for sev- eral mouthis to assist his brother in earning his freedom. In six months he went to Bu- chanan County, remaining there two years; thence he removed to Delaware County, Iowa, where he engaged in work by the month for a short time. He then took a claim of 160 aeres of land, on which he built a home, being at that time only nineteen years of age. He was married Marchi 25, 1846, to Miss Mar- garet M. Hutson, a daughter of Robert B. and Nancy (Elliot) Hutson, natives of Vir- ginia and Alabama respectively. Mrs. Barnes was born in Parke County, Indiana,

May 8, 1828. After their marriage they continued to reside on their new claim for two years, when Mr. Barnes sold it, and pur- chased an improved claim of 160 acres in the southeru part of the county; there he made his home until September, 1888, when lie came to Marcus, Cherokee Connty. He had increased liis original purchase to 195 acres, which he had brought to a higli state of cul- tivation; he had also made many excellent improvements, furnishing an example of what a man can accomplish with energy and per- severance. He was compelled to make many hard struggles in the beginning of his busi- ness career, and the life of a pioneer is not easy at the best. The nearest market place was fifty miles distant, and other conven- iences were in proportion. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes reared a family of eight children, one, Robert Heury, dying in infancy: Frank S .; John W. died in Colorado, December 18, 1885, in his thirty-fifth year; Edward F .; Alice F., wife of I. C. Thompson; James O., Byron A., Fred V. and Walter C. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are worthy and consistent meui- bers of the Freewill Baptist Church, and have always striven to inculcate in the minds of their children the principles of Christianity. Mr. Barnes has always been a stanch Re- publican, and is a strong advocate of Prohi- bition.

LEVE HARLES DAVIS, of Pilot Township, section 19, is an intelligent and enter- prising citizen, having settled in the county in 1871. He was born in Herkimer County, New York, December 18, 1852, and is a son of Silas and Catherine (Simmons) Davis, also natives of Herkimer County. Charles was two years old when his parents removed to Jefferson County, New York. Iu

455

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

1867 the family were caught in the tide of western emigration, and settled in Cedar County, Iowa. Mr. Davis was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and received a com- inon-school education. He was united in marriage in Cedar County, Iowa, Angust 6, 1871, to Miss Mary E. Lee, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Collins) Lee. She was born and reared in Cedar County, Iowa. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother was born in the South. A few weeks after his marriage Mr. Davis came to Chero- kee County, and took a homestead of Govern- ment land in Pilot Township, section 30, making his home there until 1885, when he came to his present farm. He still owns the eighty acres deeded him by the Government, and 120 acres in his home farm, which is in an advanced state of cultivation. He has a substantial two-story residence, a good barn, and a grove, one of the most ornamental and valuable improvements of the prairie farmer. He is engaged in general farming and stock- raising, and has been successful in his chosen occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had born to them two children: Frank and Bess. In political thought and action Mr. Davis is Republican. He has served as a member of the School Board, and has taken an interest in the advancement of educational facilities in his township.

E. WHITNEY, one of the well-known and popular farmers of Silver Town- ship, has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1876. He was born in Chau- tanqua Conuty, New York, October 4, 1847, and is a son of Truman and Jane (Ransom) Whitney. They were the parents of five children, only two living: Mary J., wife of

Wallace Wilcox, of Chantauqua County, New York, and C. E. Whitney, the subject of this notice. The father was a shoemaker in early life, but in later years took a heavily timbered farm which his son assisted him in clearing. He died in December, 1887, and his wife died when C. E. was five years old. When Mr. Whitney was twenty years old he broke the ties of childhood and youth and went out into the world to make a career for himself. He came to Delaware County, Iowa, and having been trained to agricultural pursuits, he worked at farming by the month in Dela- ware, Fayette and Buchanan counties. He was married October 25, 1868, in Buchanan County, to Miss Sarah M. Warner, who was born in Tuscarawas Connty, Ohio, a daughter of George and Mary (Goodman) Warner. Farming through the wet year of 1869, in 1870 he obtained a position with Granger & Bradshaw, prominent stockmen of Marion Connty, Iowa, in whose employ he remained five years, running a threshing-machine every fall. In 1876 he removed to O'Brien County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. The grass- hoppers totally destroyed his crops that sea- son, and in the fall he came to Cherokee County, and located on his present farm the following April, 1877. He has a barn, gran- ary, cribs, and many conveniences for feeding stock, one of the best wells in the county, a fine grove of timber, and an orchard, with a great variety of small fruits. One hundred and forty acres of the land is in cultivation, and the balance is in pasture and meadow. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney are the parents of nine children: Rosa Bell, Martha Dell, Alice Nell, Mary Estell, Genie Ethell, Addie Louell, Nina Vell, Edna Aurell and Orrin Einmett. In politics Mr. Whitney is independent. He and his wife and four daughters are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are in the prime of life, cordial and

456

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

hospitable, and among the leading families of the township.

THE MERRY "LITTLE SIOUX."

In history of old I've often heard it told Of many things both old and new;

But never have I heard or written seen a word Of the banks of our merry Little Sioux.

The citizens are fair and deal upon the square, And to a friend in need are ever true ;

And the neighbors all are kind as any you can find, On the banks of our merry Little Sioux.

The country it is good for water and for wood, And many things I cannot mention, too;

And judging from the soil I'm sure there's coal and oil On the banks of the merry Little Sioux.

The country can't be beat for raising corn and wheat, Or any other grain that ever grew.

You need not work, you'll find, and then come out be- hind,

On the banks of our merry Little Sioux.

There's every kind of game that one would wish to name,

The elk and deer do roam the timber through ;

And there's many a royal dish of the finest kind of fish Sporting deep in our merry Little Sioux.

I would say to those who roam in search of a new home,

Take my advice, the best thing you can do

Is to bring along your wife and settle down for life On the banks of the merry Little Sioux.

And those who have no wife, the comfort of man's life, One who is faithful, kind and true,

I'm sure that you can find just the girl to suit your mind

On the banks of our merry Little Sioux. C. E. W.

OHN L. CHAPIN, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist of Sheridan Township, has been a resident of Chero. kee County since 1869. He was born in Madison County, Indiana, in 1847, and is a son of Oran Chapin, a native of Kentucky, who was born in 1816. Oran Chapin mar- ried Miss Martha White, who was born in

Indiana in 1824, and who died in 1853. In that same year John L. was bound out to Sims Garrison, who was living at that time in Indiana. At the early age of seventeen years our subject joined the defenders of the old flag, enlisting in the Fifty-fourth Indi- ana Volunteer Infantry, under command of J. F. Mansfield, son of General Mansfield. His first battle was fought on the Chickasaw Bluffs, and the next, January 11, 1863, at Arkansas Post; thence he went to Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Port Gibson and Raymond, Mississippi, at the latter place his regiment taking 500 Confederate prisoners. He went into camp at Black River Bridge, and after- ward went to Vicksburg, via Jackson, and thence to New Orleans; there Mr. Chapin's health failed and he was given a discharge; he remained in New Orleans eight weeks, and then returned to his home in Indiana. He remained there until 1868, his health getting no better, when he determined to go West to regain health; he went to Iowa, settling in Tamna County, but afterward removing to Cherokee County. He took a homestead of eiglity acres in Cherokee Township, which he improved and sold in 1886; he then bought forty acres in Sheridan Township, on which he makes his home. Mr. Chapin also owns 154 acres in O'Brien County, Iowa. Politi- cally he casts his vote with the Republican party; he was elected by the people of his township to fill the office of trustee, but he declined to serve the term out. He is a mem- ber of the General Custer Post, No. 25, G. A. R. Mr. Chapin was married in January, 1873, to Miss Zillah Tyner, a daughter of S. D. Tyner, Esq., a native of Wabash County, Indiana. Eight children have been born of this marriage: C. C .; Orville G., died March 7, 1877; Mary L., Ella J., Izora A., Cora D., Arthur C. and Edith E. Mr. and Mrs. Cha- pin are acceptable members of the Methodist

457

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

Episcopal Church and take an active interest in all movements tending to upbuild the community in which they live.

L. COBB, a retired representative farmer of Marcus Township, was born in New Jersey, Jume 2, 1832, and is the son of Stephen B. and Elizabeth (Con- over) Cobb, natives of the States of New York and New Jersey respectively. He is an only child and was reared in the county in which he was born, acquiring his education in the common schools. When he had attained his twentieth year he made a trip to the West, and located in Jones Connty, Iowa, remain- ing there for a period of four years, when he removed to Benton County, Iowa; during all this time he had been engaged in farming, and in the spring of 1885 he came to Marcus with the intention of leading a retired life. He owns 400 acres of land in Plymouth County, near the Cherokee County, line in the township of Remson, which is under his supervision, although he does not undertake to farm it himself. Since his residence in Marcus Mr. Cobb has taken a lively interest in the affairs of the town; lie was elected mayor of the village in the spring of 1889, and was appointed justice of the peace to fill a vacancy. He is a zealous worker in the Sabbath-school, and is now filling the office of superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sabbath-school; he is one of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a staneh supporter of the issues of the Republican party. Mr. Cobb was married in November, 1855, to Miss Augusta Potter, a daughter of I. N. and Mary (Ayres) Pot- ter. Mrs. Cobb was born in New Jersey in August, 1834. Eight children have been born of this union: George W., of Sioux County,

Nebraska; Mary E., wife of J. L. Kroesn; S. E., principal of the Kansas City public schools; J. P., of Cedar Falls, Iowa; C. W., a graduate of Iowa State Normal School and minister in Northwestern Iowa Conference; Benjamin L., of Pawnee City, Nebraska; Anna A. and B. M. While a resident of Benton County, Mr. Cobb was prominently identified with his political party, and to day he occupies a place among the representative men of Cherokee County.

F. QUINN, the leading druggist of Meriden, is one of Sheridan Township's representative men. He was born in Richland County, Wisconsin, July 15, 1859, and is a son of John Fuller. When he was three years old his parents left Richland County, and went to California, making the trip overland in an emigrant train of 1,500 families; they disbanded at Chinese Camp, Tuolumne County, California. In two years Mr. Fuller died of plenrisy, and soon after the family went to New York, making the journey by steamer. After remaining in New York for six months they returned to Richland County, Wisconsin. Mrs. Fuller, mother of Mr. Quinn, was a native of the State of Pennsylvania; she was born in 1834, and died in Chicago, Illinois, November 25, 1888. When C. F. Quin was nine years old he was adopted by Hollis Quinn, Esq., of Cherokee County, Iowa, with whom he lived until he was in his twenty-first year; during these twelve years his time was spent in farm work, and in attending the public schools. Soon after leaving the home of his adoption he bought eighty acres of land in Cherokee Township, but on account of sickness he was compelled to sell it and seek an oceupation in which so much manual labor was not re-

458

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

quired. He took up the 'study of pharmacy under the instruction of J. B. Ingels, M. D., pursuing this course for two and a half years. In 1885 he began work in the drug store of Dr. Ingels, continuing there one year. He then went to Cherokee, and entered the employ of W. G. Sylvester, druggist. At the end of a year he returned to Meriden and purchased the drug stock of Dr. Ingels, since which time he has done a fairly prosperous business of abont $8,000 per year. Mr. Quinn is a man who may well be called self made, and he is fully deserving of the good will and es- teem of his fellow. townsmen. He was mar- ried in 1886 to Miss Ella E. Earl, daughter of H. W. Earl, Esq. Mrs. Quinn is a native of Iowa. One child has been born of this union, Charles A., born March 7, 1887. Po- litically Mr. Quinn gives his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of Specu- lative Lodge, No. 307, A. F. & A. M.

EORGE W. HARTLEY was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 26, 1831, and is the son of George and Rebecca (Paul) Hartley, natives of the city of Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. When he was two years old his parents removed to Jersey County, Illi- nois, where he spent his early life; he re- ceived a limited education in the subscription schools, but by close observation he has ac- quired a fund of practical information, and is equal to all the demands of business life. His youth being spent on a farm he was naturally instructed in the details of agriculture, and at the age of twenty years he began farming on his own responsibility. He rented land in La Salle County, Illinois, and after he had one crop fairly started he claimed his prom- ised bride, and was united in marriage Jnly 6, 1852, to Miss Mary Ann Hankinson, at her

father's residence in Jersey County, Illinois. She was born in Butler County, Ohio, Feb- ruary 8, 1830, and is one of a family of twelve children of Lewis F. and Eleanor (Forman) Hankinson, natives of the State of New Jersey. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hartley remained in Illinois for two years, and then removed to Johnson County, Iowa, where Mr. Hartley purchased 180 acres of land, a portion of which was in timber and the remainder raw prairie land. He im- proved this land and established a home in which they lived twenty-four years. They had every convenience and comfort, and were surrounded with plenty; the only drawback was the distance from a market place; at one time they were obliged to go eighteen miles, and later, fourteen miles. They decided to make a change in their location, and removed to Johnson County, Iowa; there they were again pioneers. Although they were pros- perous and successful in raising their crops they seldom liad ready money, because, when they took their prodnee to market they wonld receive only money sufficient to pay their taxes, and were compelled to take the balance in trade. This state of affairs continued three years, when the coming of railroads wronght a change for the better. Being born of pioneer parents they were themselves in- deed born to clear the way for others. The deprivations and hardships of their life in Johnson County did not deter them from nu- dertaking the settlement of a new place. Accordingly, March 1, 1878, they landed in Marcus Township, Cherokee County, where they have since made their home. They dis- posed of their home in Johnson County in this wise: They traded their old home for the new, receiving two acres for one, and $30 per acre for the surplus acreage; they had 320 acres of land, and $600 in cash when they settled in the county. There was only a small

459

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

house for a dwelling, and two small farm was born March 5, 1864, and is the wife of S. E. Henley; Sylvania R. was born July 11, 1866; Ambrose B., July 14, 1869, and Minerva F., January 13, 1874. buildings; 200 acres had been broken and one crop taken, and this was the amount of the improvements. Mr. Hartley lias lost no time in producing a change in his farm; he has built a large two-story frame residence, and lias erected substantial barns for stock and grain; lie has planted nine and a half acres of grove, consisting of oak, hickory, elm, locust, walnut, catalpa, maple, box-elder, cot- tonwood and willow; his lawn is ornamented with shrubs and flowers of many kinds, and is a most attractive place; his orchard is com- posed of choice varieties, just beginning to bear. Mr. Hartley farms quite extensively, being well prepared to follow this occupation in all its branchies in a thorough and system- atic manner. He is a man that has a wide circle of friends, and is widely and favorably known in the county. Politically he is iden- tified with the Republican party, and takes an active interest in its work and welfare. He was appointed justice of the peace the first year he came to the county, and has hield it from that time to the present, excepting one year; he has served as school director, secretary of the Schoo! Board, and has held the office of township trustee. He was elected to the presidency of the Western Cherokee Mutual Insurance Company, and has held this position for four years. He and his wife and children are consistent members of the Christian Church, and are numbered with the most respected and highly esteemed peo- ple in Cherokee County. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartley: Rebecca E. (deceased), wife of J. F. Pfaff, was born June 4, 1853, and died September 22, 1888; Henry C. was born December 22, 1854, and died February 2, 1855; Mary A. G. was born December 11, 1855, and died January 9, 1866; Jane C. was born April 24, 1861, and is the wife of William C. Bruce; Laura M. | N. T. and Ann (Proctor) Parkinson, who was

AMES E. JONES, an enterprising wagon- maker and dealer in agricultural ma- chinery at Meriden, Iowa, was born in Shullsburgh, Wisconsin, June 11, 1859, and is a son of Paul and Sarah (Lawton) Jones. Paul Jones was born in Lancastershire, Eng- land, in March, 1832; he came when very young with his parents to Pennsylvania and remained there until his eighteenth year, when he determined to seek his fortune in the West; accordingly he went to Wisconsin, and there engaged in mining, which he con- tinned until 1877, when he abandoned that business and began farming. Sarah (Lawton) Jones was born in Lancastershire, England, in 1834. James E. grew to manhood in his native town, receiving his education in the public schools of that place. After leaving the High School he worked for two years in the wagon shop, spending all his leisure time in hard study, preparatory to entering college. But his health failing this ambition was re- linquished. The following nine years Mr. Jones was occupied with agricultural pur- suits, and in September, 1886. he removed to Cherokee County, Iowa, and located at Mer- iden; he entered into partnership with his brother Joseph in the business of wagon- making; they also handled farm machinery in connection with the other trade. They lrave been successful in this enterprise, and have won a large patronage by their strict business habits, and cordial, courteous man- ners. Mr. Jones was married April 18, 1888, to Miss Allie Parkinson, daughter of Colonel

460

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

born March 14, 1863, in La Fayette County, Wisconsin. Her mother was a native of England, and her father was born in the State of Kentucky. The Parkinson family were among the first settlers in Wisconsin. Mr. Jones gives his political support to tlie Re- publican party. He is District Chief Temp- lar of the I. O. G. T., embracing Chero- kee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas and Calhonn connties. He is a member of the Town Coun- cil, and has ever taken an active interest in all enterprises tending to advance the public good.

ILLIAM POLK MILLER was born at Edenburglı, Shenandoalı County, Virginia, November 27, 1844. His father was Richard Miller, a native of Vir- ginia, whose ancestors came from England. His mother was Artemisia Grandstaff, whose family were prominent in the history of Penn- sylvania. Richard Miller died in 1871, and his wife is still living at the old Virginia home. She was Mr. Miller's third wife, and bore him six children, four of whom are re- siding in Iowa. In April, 1862, Polk, as he is familiarly known, joined Rice's Battery, and was attached to Stonewall Jackson's com- mand, and was with him nntil he was killed May 2, 1863. He was afterward under A. P. Hill's command, the battery being known as Wooding's. He served three years, sur- rendering at Appomattox, April 9. 1865. He received a shell wound in his left leg when the command was trying to get in Meade's rear at Catlett's Station. He missed but one engagement in which his command took part, that at Gettysburg. being ill at the time. After the return of peace he remained in Virginia until 1867, when he came West and for four and a half years was farming in

Clarke County, Missouri. In 1871 he re- turned to Virginia, but after two years spent among the scenes of his boyhood he again went West, and remained for a few montlis with his half-brother, B. F. Miller, who was then engaged in banking and shipping grain in Webster City, Iowa. The following spring he went to Aurelia, bonght an elevator, and embarked in the grain and lumber business, in which he continued until 1881. In 1882 he removed to Alta, and did a general lum- ber business until 1885, when he went to Webster City and became interested with his brother, B. F., in the Farmers' National Bank, being one of the incorporators and vice presi- dents ; lie was elected cashier, a position which he held until September, 1887, when he re- signed and went Sonth, passing the winter in Florida. The next spring he returned to Aurelia; finding it a plea-ant place to live he erected a handsome residence at a cost of $3.000; it stands npon a slight eminence, is well planned, tastefully finished, and affords a most attractive home for Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Mr. Miller is engaged in no active business at the present time, but retains his financial interest in the bank at Webster City, and also has a large interest in the First National Bank at Eagle Grove, Iowa, of which his nephew, H. A. Miller, is president. Mr. Miller was united in marriage at New Carlisle, Indiana. September 22, 1875, to Mrs. Elizabeth Denio, widow of C. C. Denio. She was born in St. Joseph County, Indiana, August 26, 1843, and is a daughter of A. A. and Marietta (Hubbard) Whitlock, natives of the State of New York, and early settlers in Indiana. Mrs. Miller had two children by her former marriage: Virginia, wife of W. HI. Reynolds, and Arthur Denio, who is en- gaged in the lumber business at Anselmos, Nebraska. Mr. Miller takes no active part in politics. He finds great enjoyment in his

461

HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.

domestic surroundings. He was made a Ma- son at Cherokee, and is a member of Specn- lative Lodge, No. 307, A. F. & A. M., and Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R. A. M., and Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K. T.

P. NEWHART has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since 1882. He was born October 27, 1854 and is a son of M. W. and Sarah A. (Roe) Newhart. The father is a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a miller by trade; the mother is a native of the State of New York. In 1864 tlie parents removed to Ford County, Illinois; there the subject of this biography grew to inanhood, receiving the training usually be- stowed upon a farmer's son, and the some- what limited advantages afforded by the public schools. He lived upon his father's farm until he came to Cherokee Connty, and bought a farm of eighty acres in section 27, Liberty Township. There he has since resided; mak- ing good improvements, and placing the land under cultivation. He has erected a com- fortable dwelling, and has three acres of fine grove; all the surroundings show signs of prosperity and judicions management on the part of the owner. Mr. Newhart was mar- ried September 6, 1882, to Miss Mattie Zinn, daughter of William Zinn, Esq. She was born in the State of New Jersey, but was reared in the State of New York. Three children have been born to Mr. Newhart and wife: Bessie M., Claire and Wilbert. Mr. Newhart adheres to the principles of the Democratie party. He has served as town- ship trustee, and as justice of the peace; lie is a member of the School Board, has served two terms as assessor, being the present in- cumbent of the office, and has acquitted him- self with mnuch credit and to the satisfaction

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago : W.S. Dunbar Number of Pages: 654

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : W.S. Dunbar
Number of Pages: 654