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 62
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of the Baptist Church, and gives a liberal support to all enterprises tending to advance the educational and religions interests of the community. He adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He is honorable in all his dealings, and is one of the leading farmers of the township.
OHN FLETCHER, proprietor of Derby Manor. This substantial and thoroughly reliable farmer and stock-raiser is one of the self-made inen of Cherokee County. He was born at Buxton, England, May 12, 1838, and is the son of George and Anna (Walley) Fletcher. At the tender age of five years he was left an orphan, without brother, sister or other relatives to care for him; consequently he was reared in Belper Poor-House, Derby- shire, England, until he was nine years old, when he was bound out as parish apprentice to James Leland, who was an iron and coal contractor in Sontlı Staffordshire, England. Mr. Fletcher worked in the iron and coal mines until he was eighteen years old, at which time he was free to work for himself. He was married November 19, 1860, to Miss Harriet Shore, a native of England, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bailey) Shore. Her father died in England when she was about three years old, and the mother is residing in England now. In 1865 Mr. Fletcher sailed from Liverpool to New York, determined to make a home in the New World. He went directly to Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and worked for two years and three months in the mines. He thien concluded to push farther west, and re- moved to Boonesborough, Iowa, in which place he lived until 1868, when he became a resident of Cherokee County. He made the journey from Boonesborough with a team
40
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and wagon, and located in Pitcher Township, on a Government homestead of eighty acres. He lived upon this place twelve years, and then sold it and bought 280 acres, known as the Belden farm. This place has been bronght to an advanced state of cultivation, and has numerous excellent improvements; there is a good residence, one of the most cominodious barns in the county, and a six horse-power windmill for grinding grain and supplying water to the different sheds and yards. The barns and machinery cost $4,000, and are perfectly adapted to the fare of live-stock. Mr. Fletcher is one of the most extensive live-stock feeders in the county. In 1887 he wintered 200 head of cattle; in 1888, 400 head, and in 1889, 470 head. He buys an- nually from 10,000 to 20,000 bushels of corn, and feeds large numbers of swine besides the cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher are the parents of nine children: Lizzie, wife of J. E. Car- penter; Sarah, wife of William II. Sleezer; George, Harriet, Jennie M., James, Nellie, and Bertie J., who died at the age of ten inonths. Mr. Fletcher adheres to the princi- ples of the Republican party. Beginning at the bottom of the ladder, by his own unaided exertions he has risen to a position of afflu- ence, and well deserves the honor and respect in which he is held.
W. GIFFORD, a thrifty and enter- prising fariner of Cherokee Township, has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1875. His parents are T. C. and Lydia (Kenyon) Gifford, natives of the State of New York, and he was born July 18, 1847, in Rensselaer County, New York. There he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-one years he came West in
search of what fortune there was in store for him. He settled in Marshall County, Iowa, and engaged in farming until 1875. Mr. Gifford was united in marriage, February 13, 1869, to Miss Elvinna Farr, a daughter of L. B. and Clarissa (Goodrich) Farr, and a native of Addison County, Vermont. The Farr family came from Vermont to Powe- shiek County, and thence removed to Jones County, and then they removed to Marshall County, Iowa. In 1875 Mr. Gifford bought his present farm of J. M. Parshall, Esq., who had purchased the place of G. W. F. Sherwin, Esq., one of the prominent early pioneers, who surveyed and laid out the town of Chero- kee. On this farm was built the first frame house erected in the county; it was built in 1858, and is still standing, forming a portion of a barn. The farm has been improved until it is one of the best in the neighbor- hood. In 1887 a beautiful residence was erected, at a cost of $1,200, situated on an eminence from which a fine view of Cherokee is obtained. There are groves on the place, adding both to its beanty and value, and large barns, sheds and cribs. All the sur- roundings are indicative of economical man- agement and thrift. The farm contains 220 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford are the parents of four children: Clarence A., Lyle C., Pearl Agnes and Lester M. In political thought and action Mr. Gifford is Democratic. He is highly esteemned and respected by all who -know himn.
F. CASEY, an enterprising farmer of Cherokee Township, has been a resident of the county since 1878. He was born in West Virginia, January 16, 1853, and is a son of John and Matilda (Stone) Casey. In his infancy his parents removed
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to the State of Ohio, and after a short resi- dence there they went to Illinois; thence they came to Iowa, and settled in Jones County, where they were pioneers. The father died in 1859, and the mother is still living, making her home in Cherokee County. W. F. Casey was brought up on a farm, receiving the training usually given a farmer's son; the pioneer schools to which he had access af- forded very limited advantages. As before stated, he came to Cherokee County in 1878; he first bought the Eagle farm, north of the town of Cherokee, and a year later exchanged it for a portion of his present farin. He afterward was enabled to make an addition to his farm, and now owns 160 acres in an ad- vanced state of cultivation. The residence was built at a cost of $1,200, and the barn is large and conveniently arranged. One hun- dred and thirty acres are under cultivation, and the remainder in pasture. Mr. Casey was married March 2, 1878, to Miss Lizzie B. Brookfield, a daughter of Mahlon and Saralı (Howard) Brookfield; the father was a native of Canada, and the mother, of one of the Eastern States. Mr. and Mrs. Casey have had born to them one child, Veda, born October 13, 1888. Mr. Casey affiliates with the Republican party, and is a strong advo- cate of the Prohibition movement. He is a worthy and consistent member of the Free Methodist Church, of the Le Mars and West- ern lowa Conference. He has served as class- leader of the church, and has ever done his duty in advancing Christianity.
HARLES K. DIXON, Superintendent of the Cherokee division of the Illinois Central Railroad, was born in Canada, in July, 1846. His father, John Dixon, died in 1849, and when he was twelve years
old he removed with his mother, Matilda (Savage) 'Dixon, to Forreston, Ogle County, Illinois. In 1861, when there was a call for men to defend this fair land, Charles K. Dixon enlisted in the first three years' regi- inent, which was formed of Company A and Company H, and joined the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry. He was sent to Alton, Illinois, and thence to Missouri, joining the Sixth Missouri, which with the Twenty-first Illi- nois was organized into the First Brigade, the first formed in the West, and commanded by General U. S. Grant. From Missouri he was ordered to Fort Donelson, and thence to Shiloh, where he took part in the battle and was wounded by a minie-ball; this was taken out near his hip joint, and lie still has it in his possession. He was taken to the hospital, where he was confined ninety days. Rejoin- ing his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee, lie was ordered to Vicksburg and took part in the siege and capture of that place. After the fall of Vicksburg he took part in one more campaign, and was then mustered out of the service by reason of the expiration of the term of his enlistment. He returned to Forreston, Illinois, and entered the employ of tlie Illinois Central Railroad in 1864, in the capacity of station agent. He steadily worked his way up to the position of train dispatchier, which he held for some time, when he was transferred to that of train mas- ter at Fort Dodge, Iowa; thence he was sent to Waterloo, Iowa, where he occupied the same position. When the construction com- nienced on the new line known as the Chero- kee & Dakota Branchi, Mr. Dixon was given the position of superintendent of transporta- tion, and on the completion of the new line he was made division superintendent, which responsible position he still holds. In No- vember, 1881, Mr. Dixon was united in marriage to Miss Kittie Beals, of Amboy,
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Illinois, a daughter of H. H. Beals, Esq., who for many years has been a passenger conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon have had born to them two children: John B. and Ruth R. Mr. Dixon is a member of Lodge No. 178, A. F. & A. M., at Amboy, Illinois; of Nathan Whitlesy Chapter, No. 176, R. A. M .; of Franklin Grove and Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K. T. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He owns one of the most attractive homes in the town of Cliero- kee, and is a man higlily esteemed by all who know him.
OHN McDONALD is sprung from that hardy and vigorous race, the Scoteli, and Scotland is his native land. He was born May 16, 1824, and is a son of James and Jenette (Hunter) McDonald. When he was seventeen years of age he came to this country but his parents did not come until after he settled in Clayton County, where they still reside. The father is nearly 100 years old, and the mother is ninety years of age. John McDonald was united in marriage in Clayton County, Iowa, March 6, 1854, to Elizabeth Davie, who was born in Scotland, and came to America with her mother at the age of eleven years; her father, Peter Davie, died in Scot- land; her mother's maiden name was Louisa Ferguson. In 1880 Mr. McDonald came to Cherokee County and bought his present farın. It was the old homestead of Dr. Butler, and contained 240 acres; he has added to his first purchase until now he owns 440 acres. The McDonald farm is one of the best in the neighborhood, and its broad fields of grain, meadow and pasture-land are evidences of the advanced civilization of the country. Mr. McDonald
is a thorough farmer, and has been very suc- cessful in raising cattle and swine. His resi- dence is a comfortable building, surrounded by a grove of nine acres; there is a good barn, and also buildings for stock and grain. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are the parents of eight children: Jeannett, James, Louisa, George, Jolın, Grant, Alexander and Lizzie. James owns 120 acres of land adjoining his father's farın. Mr. McDonald was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. He is a mem- ber of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A. F. & A. M., and of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R. A. M. He was made a Mason in Clay- ton County, lowa. He is a man firin in his convictions of right and wrong, and has the respect of all who know him.
RTHUR POLKINGHORN is a mem- ber of the firm of C. H. Stevens & Co., dealers in farm machinery, buggies, carriages and wagons. The firm was founded in 1886, and everything belonging to a first- class establishment can be found in their stock. Mr. Polkinghorn was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin, September 13, 1857, and is the fourth of a family of eight children. His parents, Stephen and Eliza J. (Arthur) Polkinghorn, were born in England, and im- mediately after their marriage emigrated to America, landing in the city of New York; thence they continned their journey to Wis- consin, where they have since made their home; the father is a farmer by occupation. Arthur spent his boyhood in the State in which he was born, dividing his time between the commnon schools and the duties that usu- ally devolve upon a farmer's son. He re- mained under the parental roof until he was twenty years old; lie then went to work in a carriage and plow factory, working for two
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months in the blacksmith department. In the winter of 1879 he came to Ida County, Iowa, and the following fall he removed to Cherokee County. He bought eighty acres of land in Sheridan Township which he im- proved and made his home for four years. He then sold it, and purchased a tract of 120 acres in Sioux County, Iowa. The two years following he rented a farın in Sheridan Town- ship, and in the winter of 1886 he moved to Cherokee and formed the partnership before described. Mr. Polkinghorn was married in December, 1881, to Miss Minerva Walters, a daughter of Christopher and Mary Walters, and a native of Johnson County, Iowa. Three children have been been born of this union: Elmer A., Miron S. and Carl W. Our sub- ject was appointed censor enumerator in 1884-'85, and served as assessor at the same time. He is a member of Cherokee Lodge, No. 188, I. O. O. F. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.
HOMAS GREER, proprietor of the Merchants' Hotel, Cherokee, Iowa, has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since 1869. He was born in the County of Cork, Ireland, February 2, 1835, and is the youngest of a family of seven children of William and Elizabeth (Smith) Greer, both of whom died in their native land. The father worked in the cop- per mines, and died when Thomas was but six years' old. Onr subject received a limited education, and started out in life for himself at an early age. He worked in the mines, and also on the farm; when engaged in the mines he was gravel sifter, separating the copper ore from the gravel. Becoming dis- couraged with the heavy burdens he was called upon to bear, he determined to bid
adieu to his native land, and seek a country where he would have a better chance in the struggle for existence. And naturally enough he turned to America, "the land of the free, the home of the brave." At the age of six- teen years he set sail, and landed in the city of Boston; thence he went to Haverhill, Massachusetts. He afterward went to New Boston, New Hampshire, and then drifted out of New England into New York; he spent a short time at Youngstown, and then went still farther west. During his stay in Massachusetts he had learned the shoemakers' trade, and he afterward traveled as a journey- man, visiting many different cities. Finally he came to Cherokee, Iowa, and opened a shoe-shop, continuing the business for a num- ber of years. On account of ill health he was
compelled to abandon the business. We next find him the genial host of a boarding- house, and in this enterprise he was very successful. He bought a farm and a house and lot in the Township of Kilkenny, Le Seuer County, Minnesota, of which he afterward disposed to a good advantage. From there went to Monona, Clayton County, Iowa. In 1876 Mr. Greer erected what is known as the Merchants' Hotel, which was at that time the leading hotel of the place; it was the first brick hotel built in the place, and is 40 x 40 feet, two stories high. In 1867 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Anna O'Brien, a native of Ireland, and a daughter of John and Kate O'Brien. Four children have been born of this union: Daniel, George, Thomas and Eliza Ann. Mr. Greer owns a farm of 320 acres, moderately improved; this he runs in connection with his hotel; he also owns some houses and lots in Cherokee. When he began his business career in Haver . hill, Massachusetts, he had not a dollar, but by energy, industry, and judicious invest- ments he has accumulated a good property.
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In politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. Two sisters and a brother of Mr. Greer have also found their way to America, and are living in Kilkenny, Le Seuer County, Minnesota.
ANIEL UNGER, present sheriff of Cherokee County, was born in Lyco- ming County, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1843, and is the youngest of a family of six children of John and Mary (Fortes) Un- ger, natives of tlie State of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Daniel passed his early life in his native county, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools. In December, 1861, he enlisted in the defense of his coun- try's flag, becoming a member of Company B, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the fol- lowing engagements: Winchester, General Sheridan commanding; Port Republic, the Wilderness, all the battles leading to Gettys- burg, and on the day of that memorable fight he was detailed to guard the wagon trains. Ile had belonged to the first, second and third army corps, and was finally assigned to the second under General Hancock. On December 9, 1864, he was mustered out, after which he was employed as wagon mas- ter, and was finally discharged and paid off at Washington, District of Columbia. He then returned to his own county and engaged in the lumber business. Afterward he drifted westward as did so many who wore the loyal blue during the Civil War. He stopped for a time in Cook County, Illinois, and in 1869 he came to Cherokee County, Iowa; he home- steaded eighty acres of land on which he lived two years, selling it at the end of that time. Ile then rented a half section upon which he
farmed for three years, and again purchased a farın of his own, being very successful in its cultivation. In 1885 he removed to Cherokee, and in 1886 he was elected to the office of the county, which he still holds; he accepted the office at the hands of the Repub- lican party, and assumed his official duties January 1, 1887. Mr. Unger was married in 1866, to Miss R. E. Sones, a native of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Six chil- dren have been born of this union: Mary A., Elmer M., William C., Ollie May, Burt E. and Nina J. Mr. Unger has held many local offices, including that of county supervisor. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' frater- nity, the- Knights of Pythias, and Custer Post, No. 25, G. A. R. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is one of the trustees. He has been a successful man in business, and now owns a half section of land in - Town- ship, which he rents out,
D. GLEASON, son of Elisha Gleason, is one of the enterprising and pro- gressive farmers of Silver Township. He was born March 22, 1857, in La Salle County, Illinois. He was twelve years of age when his father came to Cherokee County, and was reared to the occupation of a farmer, receiving his education in the public schools. He was married October 11, 1879, to Miss Sadie Pennington, a daughter of Jesse and Harriet Pennington. Six children have been born of this union: Sadie Belle, Agnes Irene, Nathan Colby, Norman Boardman, Noel Ed- win and Lester Huff. Mr. Gleason owns 320 acres of land, a portion of which is the old homestead which his fatlier entered on first coming to Cherokee County. The old house, which was built of hewn logs in 1869, still
Elisha Gleason
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stands, a relic of pioneer days, too substantial to yield soon to the inroads of time and the elements. The present residence was erected in 1882 at a cost of $1,500, and is one of the best dwellings in the township; there are many other improvements on the Gleason farm, among which is noted a good barn, also stock scales, seven miles of fence, ten acres of fine grove, and a good tenant house. In politics Mr. Gleason is Republican. He is a member of Finvoy Lodge, No. 490, I. O. O. F., of Holstein, Iowa. His long residence in this county, his honorable dealings, and his industrions and npright habits, have won for liin a wide circle of friends.
LISHA GLEASON, deceased, was one of the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of Cherokee County, in which he had long resided. He was born in Mid- dlebury, Wyoming County, New York, Feb- ruary 2, 1819, and was a son of Abel and Anna (Hogle) Gleason. When sixteen years of age his parents removed to Washtenaw County, Michigan, remaining there two years; they then removed to La Salle County, Illi- nois, where Elisha grew to manhood; his youth was spent in attending the common schools, and in performing the duties that fall to the lot of a farmer's son; in later years he learned the carpenter's trade, and became an expert mechanic. He was married in La Salle County, Illinois, in May, 1845, to Miss Abbie Huff, who was born in the State of New York, and reared in Illinois. She was the daughter of John and Laura Huff. In the fall of 1859 Mr. Gleason removed to Jones County, Iowa, and lived there until 1864, when he went to Clinton County, Iowa. At the end of four years he came to Cherokee County and took a homestead in Silver Town-
ship, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred June 4, 1889. Mr. Gleason and wife reared four children: Judson, of Holstein, Ida County, Iowa; N. D .; Orpha, wife of Frank Stiles, of Silver Township, and Belle, deceased, the oldest child, the wife of G. D. Dudley. She died in 1879, . leaving one daughter, Mabel, who has a good home with her uncle, N. D. Greason. Mrs. Abbie Gleason died in September, 1874. Mr. Gleason was again married in the fall of 1885. to Mrs. Julia Mattoon, who is now living in Ida County. Mr. Gleason adhered to the principles of the Republican party; he was formerly an Abolitionist, and in Illinois was known as a conductor in the underground service. For many years he served as justice of the peace. He was a member of the Bap- tist Church for forty years, and was a liberal contributor to all religious movements. Shortly after his arrival in Cherokee County, before he had made any preparations for building his new house, his temporary dwell- ing canglit fire, and his entire possessions were destroyed; he was not at home at the time, and when he returned in the evening he found himself and family homeless, without a mouthful of food or a change of clothing. There was not a dwelling in sight, and the broad, rolling prairie stretched unbroken be- fore their view. But to one of Mr. Gleason's elastic temperament, such things were of only passing annoyance, for as he many times re- marked, " Time will bring a change." And he also said in speaking of the trials which had fallen to his lot, " I have never seen a homesick day since I set iny chair on my own homestead in Silver Township." He was noted for his generosity, and as one of his friends once remarked, " If Elisha had been a millionaire he would have been one of the jolliest fellows in existence." He was a kind and indulgent father, giving his children
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every educational advantage in his power. During the first year of his residence in Sil- ver Township he devoted his evenings to teaching his boys, as there was no school in the township. The next spring his daughter Belle arrived from Clinton County, Iowa, and taught the first school in the township.
T. STILES has been engaged in farm- ing and stock raising in Silver Town- ship since 1876. He was born in McGregor, Iowa, October 6, 1860, and is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Stennett) Stiles, who were born, reared and married in England. Soon after their marriage Thomas Stiles and wife crossed the sea, and settled in Canada, afterward moving to lowa. He fought in defense of the flag of his adopted country, being a member of the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, Company F. His wife died when the subject of this notice, F. T. Stiles, was but two years of age; he was then taken to the Soldiers' Orphans Home at Davenport, Iowa, where he was reared and educated. At the age of sixteen years he came to Cherokee Connty, and worked by the montli for several years; he saved from his wages sufficient funds to purchase forty acres of land, and being successful in the cultivation of this he bought another forty acres, and later still another forty acres; this he had partly im- proved when he traded with N. D. Gleason, Esq., for his present farm of 160 acres, which is in a high state of cultivation. There is a good story-and-a-half house on an attractive site, substantial barns and buildings for stock and grain, and many modern conveniences. Mr. Stiles has made provision for future lux- uries by planting three acres in small fruits and fruit trees. He was married December 19, 1883, to Miss Orpha Gleason, a native of
Clinton County, Iowa. She was reared and educated in Cherokee County, and was a suc- cessful teacher before her marriage and since. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stiles-Jason Philip; he was born December 25, 1884. Mr. Stiles affiliates with the Re- publican party. He is a member of Finvoy Lodge, No. 490, I. O. O. F., of Holstein, Iowa. He is a man in the prime of life, cordial in manner, strictly upright in busi- ness, and is numbered with the reliable citi- zens of Cherokee County.
B. GLEASON is one of the leading men of Silver Township. He was born in Wyoming County, New York, October 27, 1825. His father, Abel Gleason, was born near Rome, Schoharie County, New York, Jnne 4, 1795. He was a Freewill Baptist minister for fifty years of his life, and did faithful service in the cause of his Mas- ter. He departed this life January 3, 1874, at Clinton, Iowa. The mother of our subject was Anna Hogle, a daughter of Elisha and Susan (Little) Hogle. The Hogle family settled at Middlebury, New York, in 1807. The Gleason family is of Welsh origin, and traces its descent to two brothers of that name who came to this country and settled in Massachusetts about 200 years ago. Anna (Hogle) Gleason died November 4, 1836, at Wethersfield, Wyoming County, New York, leaving eight children. A. B. Gleason bade adieu to his native county, and October 12, 1837, removed to Washtenaw County, Michi- gan, where he resided two years. He then went to La Salle County, Illinois, and re- mained there until September 22, 1853, when he came to Iowa, settling in Clinton County, at Comanche. In 1861 he removed to Lyons, Clinton County. On August 5, 1862, Mr.
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