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 63
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
Gleason enlisted in Company C, Twenty- sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he was First Corporal, G. W. Johnson, Captain, and Milo P. Sinithi, Colonel. He was honor- ably discharged after four months' service. July 15, 1869, he located on a farm near Comanche, where he lived four years. The season of 1873 was spent in Rochester, New York. In the spring of 1874 he returned to Iowa, and settled on his present farm, which was wild land. He now owns 320 acres of well-improved land, which he has reduced from its wildness to an advanced state of cultivation. He has a good residence, build- ings for the care and protection of live-stock and grain, and five acres of fine grove. There is a beautiful stream of living water which furnishes an abundant supply to the stock. Mr. Gleason devotes himself to general farm- ing, and lias been very prosperous, all his surroundings showing him to be an adınira- ble agriculturist. He was married Novem- ber 6, 1855, at Comanche, Iowa, to Miss Annette Jones, a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Hinman) Jones, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Gleason was born at Patterson, Putnamn County, New York. Three children were born of this marriage: Carrie, wife of J. G. Biller, M. D., of Correction- ville, Iowa; they have two children, Howard and Nettie; Irving W. Gleason, of Armour, Douglas County, Dakota; he married Fannie Mattoon, and they have two children, Nellie and Julia; Annie Mattie, wife of W. L. Ly- man, of Silver Township; they have two children, Harry and Lulu. Mr. Gleason is Republican in his politics, and has served as justice of the peace. He has always taken a deep interest in educational and religions matters, and in all enterprises tending to ad- vance the best interests of the community. On first coming to Iowa lie engaged in teach- ing several years, and was also employed in
that profession in Illinois. Mr. Gleason was in the great tornado of Comanche, Iowa, June 3, 1860, in which terrific storm 200 persons lost their lives; but, fortunately for them, no one of his family sustained any personal injury, yet he lost a large part of his property.
J. GLEASON, dealer and manufac- turer of harness, collars, whips, combs, brushes, etc. All kinds of harness made to order at Holstein, Iowa. He is the son of E. H. Gleason, deceased, whose sketch and portrait appear elsewhere in this work (one of the well-known prominent pioneers of Cherokee County). A. J. was born in La Salle County, Illinois, on the 28th of April, 1854. He was fifteen years of age when his father removed to Jones County, Iowa, later to Clinton County, and thence to Silver Township, Cherokee County, where A. J. . grew to manhood. He was reared a farmer and received his education in a common school. After finishing his education he taught school one term in Ida County. In the fall of 1880 he engaged in his trade at Cherokee, Iowa. He worked there one year, and then went to Ida Grove, where he worked eiglit months. He started in business at Aurelia, May 4, 1882, and worked there until June 11, 1883, when he commenced business in Holstein. His extensive acquaintance, fair dealing and good workmanship have been such as to give him a successful business. Mr. Gleason was united in marriage, Febru- ary 5, 1882, to Miss Bessie McCarthy, of Cherokee, Iowa. They had one child, I. D., who was born November 1, 1882, and died April 15, 1883. Mrs. Gleason died March 20, 1888. She was a woman of many vir- tnes, and her deathi was regretted by all. Mr.
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
Gleason is a Republican, and he served as constable one year. He is in the prime of life, intelligent, cordial and honorable. He is one of the successful and enterprising business men of Holstein.
OHN T. SANGER is a well-known citizen of Silver Township, an ex-soldier of the late Civil War. He was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, June 22, 1842, and is a son of Appleton and Belinda (Austin) Sanger, natives of the State of Vermont, who located in St. Lawrence County, and remained there until death. They were the parents of four children : John T., Ira A., Edwin and Sarah E. John T. was reared in his native county, attending the common schools during the winter season, and devoting himself to farm work the re- inainder of the year. Not behind any of his countrymen, he enlisted December 1, 1863, in Battery M, Sixth New York Heavy Artil- lery; he was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Laurel Hill, North Ann, Beaver Dam, Bethsaida Church, Cold flarbor; at the last-named place he was wounded in the right shoulder by a gun shot, on account of which he was confined in the Mt. Pleasant Hospital for six months; he then rejoined his regiment, but being unable to endure active service he was sent back to the hospital. He was in the city of Washington the night of the assassination of Lincoln. He was honorably discharged June 25, 1865, and returned to St. Lawrence County, where he remained eighteen months. He then re- moved to Detroit, Michigan, where lie spent three years in the employ of a lumber coll- pany, measuring lumber. He then removed to Dakota County, Minnesota, and engaged in farming nntil 1875, at which time he
came to Cherokee County and located on his present farm in Silver Township. The Sanger farm contains 240 acres of good land, which has been brought to a high state of cultiva- tion. There are numerous improvements in the way of buildings, and eight acres of grove have been planted. Mr. Sanger was married in Cherokee, March 16, 1881, to Miss Emiline Bennett, a daughter of Philander and Millie (Neese) Bennett, now residents of Cherokee. Mr. and Mrs. Sanger are the parents of four children: James Edwin, Minnie Ellen, Millie, Mary E. Mr. Sanger affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of General Custer Post, No. 25, G. A. R., and of the A. F. & A. M., at Waddington, New York.
THOMAS DELANEY was born in County Kildare, Ireland, August 1, 1833, and is the son of Patrick and Catharine (Norman) Delaney. He was but nine years of age when his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Western New York; there they remained until 1856, when they removed to Michigan and located at Saranac. In 1869 they pushed on further west, and settled in Iowa County, Iowa, where they remained until 1882, at which time they came to Cherokee County. Patrick Delaney died in Iowa County in 1875, and his wife in Cherokee County in 1885. There was a family of five children; one sister, Theresa, came with her husband, Francis Cauley, to the county in 1881; she died February 17, 1885, and he died March 13, 1885, leaving a family of six children; these orphans have found a shelter and loving care with Mr. and Mrs. Delaney. Thomas Delaney, the subject of this sketch, has had a varied career ; for three years he was employed in a glass fac-
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
tory, and then he engaged in the lumber busi- ness in the pineries of Michigan for thirteen years, with the exception of a two years' ab- sence. On coming to lowa he engaged in agricultural pursuits which he has followed ever since. He has a fine farmi of 240 acres in Marcus Township, with a nice dwelling, and barns for stock and grain ; he has planted four acres of grove, and all the indications are that prosperity has attended his every effort. The people of the township have at- tested the confidence which they entertain for Mr. Delaney by calling him to fill the offices of school treasurer, trustee and as- sessor. He is a stanch Democrat and is dnly appreciated by his neighbors and friends. Mr. Delaney was married August 1, 1866, to Bridget Foley, who was born in Tipperary County, Ireland, May 4, 1840. She is a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Payne) Foley, and when three years old her parents emigrated to this country. Mr. and Mrs. Delaney have had born to them eight chil- dren: Catharine, Thomas, Agnes, John, Ed- ward, Benjamin, Francis and William. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Name, at Marcus. Mr. Delaney's life is a fair example of what can be accomplished with willing hands, pluck and perseverance.
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H. WEINTZ, harness-maker, Meriden, Iowa, has been identified with the his-
O tory of Cherokee County since 1869. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, March 31, 1837, and is a son of Christian and Christina (Burmette) Weintz, natives of Hesse Darmstadt. The father was a farmer by occupation. At the age of fourteen years P. H. Weintz was apprenticed to a harness- maker at Kircheimbolanden, with whom he
worked eight years. In 1859 he left his native land to seek his fortune in the United States. He landed at New York City, and went directly to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, re- inaining there one year. He went to Chicago and staid there abont one year, and then went to Appleton, where he made his home for nine years; during this time he worked at his trade. In 1871 he resolved to abandon his trade and follow the pursuit of farming; he bought eighty acres of land in Cedar Township, on which he lived for eleven years; he now owns 120 acres, having purchased forty acres from the railroad company. In 1882 Mr. Weintz came to Meriden, and again began working at his trade; he owns his shop and is doing a profitable business of $2,500 per year. His experience in the trade, both in this country and in the old country, have made him a skillful workman. Mr. Weintz was married April 9, 1863, to Miss Bertha Morris, a daughter of George and Ann (Henne) Morris. Mrs. Weintz was born in Germany, August 26, 1840, and at the age of eight years came to America with her par- ents, who settled near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Weintz have had born to them seven children: George D., who is at Storm Lake, in the employ of a loan and trust company; Anna J., a teacher; Henry C .; Emma, Hulda, Clara and Carrie (twins). Mr. Weintz is a strong advocate of the principles of the Democratic party. He was a member of the Board of Education in Cedar Town- ship, and was president of the School Board at Meriden in 1884. He was a member of the Town Council two terms, and was mayor of the town in 1888, serving in these vari- ous positions with credit to himself and the best interests of the public. He is a men- ber of the Reformed Lutheran Church, and his wife is a member of the Roman Catholic Church; they are both conscientions in their
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
belief, and are among the representative people of Sheridan Township.
OSEPH W. JONES, one of Meriden's enterprising and progressive citizens, came to Cherokee Connty in 1882. He was born in Shullsburgh, Wisconsin, Sep- tember 16, 1857. His parents, Paul and Sarah (Lawton) Jones, natives of England, were brought to America in their childhood, and were reared in the State of Pennsylvania; they are both living at the present day. Our subject was reared and educated in his native town; at the age of seventeen years he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and for four years continued in this occupation. At the age of twenty-one years he left Shullsburgh, and for the next four years worked on a farm near Mineral Point, Wisconsin. In 1882 Mr. Jones came to Iowa and stopped at New- ell; thence he went to Meriden, and again began working at his trade; in 1886 he began handling agricultural implements, in which business he is still engaged; he has received a liberal share of patronage, and has been prosperous in this enterprise. Indns- trions habits and strictly honest dealing have won for Mr. Jones a large circle of sincere friends. He has now closed out the black- smith and implement business, and devotes his whole time to the postoffice. January 24, 1884, occurred the marriage of Joseph W. Jones and Josie N. Allbee, a danghter of E. H. and Sarah (Severenger) Allbee. The father is a native of the State of Maine, and the mother was born in Missouri; both are still living. In politics Mr. Jones affiliates with the Republican party; he has served his town as councilman for two years, and in 1885 he was elected town treasurer, and is the present incumbent of the office. He was
recommended as postmaster under President Harrison's administration, and on September 16, 1889, he received his commission which makes him postmaster of Meriden. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are worthy members and active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Jones is superintendent of the Sabbath- school. He is a member of the order of Iowa Good Templars.
D. KENNEDY, one of the most ex- tensive stock-growers in Cherokee 0 County, was born in Otsego County, New York, May 30, 1830. His father, An- drew T. Kennedy, was born in the State of New York, Angust 28, 1808, and died Octo- ber 8, 1885; his mother was a native of New York, born September 5, 1808; she died May 25, 1886. When T. D. Kennedy was one and a half years old his parents removed to Knox County, Illinois, where they lived the re- mainder of their days. He was reared in that county, and received his education at Knox College, Illinois. He remained under the parental roof until his twenty-fifth year, when he left his father's farm and bought land in Knox County, on which helived until 1872. Resolving to test the qualities of the land still farther west, he sold his farm and removed to Grundy County, Iowa; there he bought 360 acres, on which he made his home for ten years. He then came to Chero- kee County and purchased 160 acres of land in Sheridan Township; soon after he added 280 acres to his first purchase, and later, 320 acres, making a total of 760 acres. Mr. Ken- nedy has made many valuable improvements on this farm; he has a nice residence in the midst of a tasty lawn, a commodious barn with sheds adjoining, and numerous other conveniences. Mr. Kennedy gives especial
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
attention to the raising of high grades of cat- tle and horses; he lias more pedigreed short- horn cattle than any other dealer in the township, and forty head of horses; he has one thorough bred Percheron horse of excellent pedigree. Mr. Kennedy was married April 28, 1852, to Miss Mary J. Arnold, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Reed) Arnold. She was born April 29, 1835, in Cattaraugus Connty, New York, and was seven years old when her parents removed to Knox County, Illinois. There she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have had born to them five children: Maria J., wife of J. E. Strain; Mary E., wife of J. W. Dailey; Theodore I., deceased; he was born Septem- ber 10, 1857, and died October 8, 1879; P. J. and Grace, at home. In political matters Mr. Kennedy affiliates with the Republican party. During his residence in the county he has done inch to advance its interests, and is highly honored and esteemed by all who know him.
ENRY ASMAN, who has been a resi- dent of Cherokee County for about eighteen years, is a native of Prussia, Germany, born September 22, 1840. When he was nine years of age his parents, Henry and Dorothea Asman, emigrated to America, being fully convinced that this country af- forded a better opportunity for people to en- joy " life, liberty and the pursuit of happi- ness " than had been offered them in their inother country. Accordingly, in 1849, they sailed over the great ocean to this continent, landing in New York City; from that place they went at once to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and located permanently near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where the parents spent the re- mainder of their lives. Henry, of whom
this notice is written, is the fourth of a family of five children, three daughters and two sons. He remained in Milwaukee, and at the age of thirteen years he went to learn the baker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years; he then worked at his trade in Mil- waukee until 1861, when he enlisted in the defense of his country, or the country which he had made his by adoption. He became a member of Company I, Twenty-fourth Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry, and was sent South, being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, in General Sheridan's Division. He took part in the memorable battles of Perryville and Stone River, where he was capt- ured as a prisoner of war; after several un successful attempts to get through the Union lines he was paroled; three days later he was sent to Gallatin, Tennessee, from which point he was exchanged. He was detailed to post duty under Generals Grant and Sherman, and was mustered out in June, 1865. He came back to Milwaukee, and again went into the bakery business, which he continued until 1872, when he came to Cherokee County. The first eight years of his residence there he engaged in farming, but becoming tired of that, and thinking he could better his cir- cumstances, he removed to the town of Chero- kee, and embarked in the grocery trade, forn- ing a partnership with Major Robert M. Smith that continued three years. Mr. Sinith then sold his interest in the business to J. H. Umhoefer. That firin operated one year when Mr. Asman sold to E. W. Eimers. Mr. Asman remained out of business about eight- een months, and then started in the grocery business on his own account, at his present stand. His store-room proper is 22 x 60 feet, with a wareroom 18 x 24 feet. He car- ries a complete stock of groceries, crockery, queen's-ware and wooden ware, and has a large and profitable trade. Mr. Asman was mar-
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
ried in 1865 to Miss Louisa Buttner, of Gallatin, Tennessee, in which place he had a store for two years. Mrs. Asman is a na- tive of North Carolina, and is the daughter of Abraham Buttner. Mr. Asman and wife have no children. Our subject has served as one of the trustees of the Citizens' Life As- sociation at Cherokee, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 158. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and belongs to the G. A. R., Custer Post, No. 25. Success has seemed to crown his efforts; commencing away down at the bottom of the hill, he has kept steadily pushing onward and upward, achieving a little now and then; while other mnen were grasp- ing for higher "stakes," he has humbly taken up with smaller things, and to-day has a handsome competency. He owns a good farın, a fine grocery business, and a comfort- able home in Cherokee.
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ILLIAM F. NEWCOMB, a leading jeweler of Cherokee, Iowa, has been a resident of the place since May, 1885. He was born in Canada, in the Prov- ince of Quebec, in June, 1857, and is a son of I -- and Mary (Kenney) Newcomb. The father is living in Manchester, Iowa, but the mother died when William F. was four years of age. He is the youngest of a family of five children, and received his earlier edu- cation in Canada. When he was about twelve years old he came with his father to the United States, and located in Manchester, Iowa, where he learned the jeweler's trade. When he had completed his study of the trade in all its details he embarked in the business on his own account at Delhi, the county seat of Delaware County, Iowa; there he remained two years, when he removed to
Fayette County, Iowa, in which place he was engaged in the jewelry business for nine years; during this time he was very prosper- ons, and his earnest efforts were crowned with success. Thinking that Cherokee pre- sented better conditions for his business Mr. Newcomb removed to this place, and added to his stock of jewelry, clocks and watches, a fine line of musical goods, including pianos and organs. In the summer of 1889 he made an extended trip through the Western States and Territories, and made collections of many rare and beautiful specimens, which he has exhibited with his stock of goods. Mr. New- comb was united in marriage September 18, 1879, to Miss Emma A. Osborn, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of O. H. Osborn, editor and publisher of the Brush Creek News. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb: Lola M., Mabel L. and Hazel D. Mr. Newcomb is an honored mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is rather conservative, casting his vote with the Republican party.
W. DAILEY, an enterprising and pro- gressive farmer of Sheridan Township, was born December 2, 1853, in Knox County, Illinois. His father, William M. Dailey, was born in Ohio, October 24, 1818; his mother, Ennice (Woodman) Dailey, was born in the State of New York, December 9, 1824. In 1849 they removed to Illinois, and located there on a farin which was their home for twenty years; they then removed to Mis- souri, where the father still lives. The mother is deceased. J. W. Dailey lived in Knox County, Illinois, until he was fifteen years old, when he went to Wayne County, Iowa; there he remained three years, engaged in farın work, to which he had been trained from
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
boyhood. In 1872 he left Iowa and went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in which place he en- gaged in bridge building for three years. Thence he returned to Iowa and stopped in Grundy County. In 1881 he came to Chero- kee County and bought 120 acres of land in Sheridan Township, on which he is still liv- ing. Mr. Dailey was married January 21, 1876, to Miss Mary E. Kennedy, a daughter of T. D. and M. J. (Arnold) Kennedy, whose biography appears in this history. Mrs. Dailey was born in Galva, Illinois, Septem- ber 12, 1855. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dailey: Carl Edward and Phillip A. Mr. Dailey is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He served as road supervisor in 1883, and in 1884 he was elected township trustee, and is now serving a second term. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and takes an active interest in all local enterprises. He is a man of the highest integrity of character, and is well worthy of the confidence reposed in him by the citizens of Cherokee County.
RANCIS H. MOLYNEUX, contractor and builder, Cherokee, Iowa, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Sullivan County, August 1, 1852, and is the oldest son living of a family of five children. His father, Henry Molyneux, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a millwright and miller by trade; in later years he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and is still living on a farm in Pilot Township, Cherokee County. He married Ellen Warburton, a native of England, and a daughter of John Warburton. Francis H. passed his youth in his native county, receiving a common-school education. Ile remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years of age, following the
occupation of farming. In 1867 the family removed to Cherokee County, and it was not until he had reached man's estate that he began to learn the carpenter's trade. He worked at the business in Wisconsin, and after his return to Cherokee County was en- gaged in erecting buildings in the country. He has pushed his way slowly but surely to the top, and to-day stands second to no builder in the county. Ilis reputation for careful, honest work, has been justly earned, and the confidence reposed in him is shown by the class of work which he is constantly engaged in. Mr. Molyneux was united in marriage in 1880 to Miss S. A. Keturah Van Horn, a daughter of John H. and Sarah A. B. Van Horn, natives of Canada. Mrs. Molyneux was also born in Canada. After his marriage Mr. Molyneux settled in Cher- okee, where he lias since lived. He owns a comfortable residence built after a modern style of architecture, and a good farm of eighty acres in Silver Township, fairly well improved. Politically he adheres to the principles of the Republican party. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Molyneux: Bertha Gertrude and Francis Har- rison.
AVID W. WHITE was born in Wash- ington County, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1838, and is a son of David and Mary (Ross) White, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. He was reared in Jefferson County, Ohio, from his seventh year, at which time his parents removed from Pennsylvania. His early life was spent in attending the public schools, and in assisting his father on the farm, where he remained until 1862. In October of that year he en- listed in defense of his country, entering
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav- alry, Company H. In 1864 he was com- missioned Quartermaster-Sergeant; he was taken prisoner at New Market, Virginia, by Mosby's guerrillas, but was alınost immedi- ately paroled. He participated in a number of battles and experienced many of the hard- ships and privations of a soldier's life. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Ohio, where he spent one year. In June, 1866, he came to lowa, and settled in Waslı- ington County, spending three years there engaged in farming. In 1869 he came to Cherokee County and located on a farm in Rock Township; there he resided four years and then went back to Washington County, remaining one year. He then made a trip to the home of his childhood, and did not return to Iowa for four years; at the end of this period he came back to the farm in Rock Township, on which he lived until 1887. When he first settled on the farm in Rock Township there were no improvements what- ever; he planted a grove of five acres, and placed the land under good cultivation; there are 200 acres in the place, which under Mr. White's management have been developed into a fine farming tract. In the fall of 1887 he purchased his present home in the town of Cherokee, on the corner of Second and Wil- low streets, where he has since resided. Mr. White is identified with the Republican party, and is a stanch adherent to its princi- ples. He is a lover of law and order and an advocate of any measure tending to advance the standing of the community. He was married February 15, 1872, to Miss Anna Achison, a daughter of James E. and Mary Achison, and a native of Morgan County, Ohio. She lived only four years after her marriage, lier death occurring June 5, 1876. Two children were born of this union: Will- iam Ross (deceased) and Mary E. Mr. White
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