USA > Iowa > Page County > Biographical history of Page 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 of Page County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families; and a concise history of the county, the cities, and the townships > Part 56
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Mr. Crosby was united in marriage Janu- ary 23, 1859, to Fidelia P. Smith, a daughter of Ransle and Mary R. (Small) Smith, na- tives of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania re- spectively, and of English and Scotch-Welshı descent. The father was born September, 1806, and died in Bureau County, Illinois,
January 1, 1854; the mother was born in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, in 1814, and died in August, 1869. Fidelia P. was born in Venango County, Pennsylvania, June 19, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby are the parents of eight children: Charles E., a min- ister of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Emma, wife of Hiram P. Ashbaugh; John R., who died in infancy; Abbie F., William L., . deceased, Eugene A., and twin daughters, deceased. The parents are worthy and con- sistent members of the Congregational Church at Shenandoah, and have always taken an active interest in the support of the church and Sabbatlı school work.
ILLOUGHBY WOLFORD was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylva- nia, January 10, 1810, and was mar- ried to Levina Kohler, a native of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, born in the year 1815. Both are of German descent. Mr. Wolford is a carpenter by occupation, but when he came to Indiana he abandoned the trade for agricultural pursuits. They reared a family of nine children, four of whom survived: Joseph A., the subject of this biographical notice; Mary L., wife of N. B. Easton; Alfred A. and Frank A.
Joseph A. Wolford was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1840, and when he was but eight years old his parents removed to La Porte County, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He received more than a common-school education, and when he had attained his majority he started out in life for himself. He was engaged in various pursuits until 1868, when he removed to McDonough County, Illinois, and pur- chased eighty acres of land; there he resided fifteen years.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Mr. Wolford was united in marriage Jan- uary 26, 1871, to Miss Emaline S. George, a daughter of David and Lydia (Newhart) George, natives of Pennsylvania and of Ger- man origin. The father was born February 17, 1810, and the mother, May 26, 1817. They reared a family of twelve children, eight of whom survive: Francis H., William A., Sabina, Emaline S., Alfred M., Lydia C., Sarah C. and Monroe L. Mrs. Wolford was born in Pennsylvania, October 22, 1849. After their marriage our subject and his wife continned to live in McDonough County, Illinois, until 1883, when they came to Page County, Iowa. Mr. Wolford purchased the J. Walrod farm in Morton Township, consist- ing of 160 acres; it was partially improved at the time, but it has undergone a complete transformation nnder the management of the present owner. In 1887 he erected a fine frame barn, and in 1889, a handsome two- story residence. All the surroundings are most inviting, and thrift and prosperity are visible on every hand; 120 acres have been added to the first purchase, and the whole is well-stocked with the better grades of animals.
Mr. and Mrs. Wolford are the parents of four children: Frederick M., Lena M., Will- iam and Nettie G. Since their residence in the county they have striven to elevate the moral and religious sentiment of the com- munity, and are the center of a large circle of friends. . Mr. Wolford in politics is identi- fied with the Democratic party.
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EORGE STAMBAUGH was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Illinois in 1865, at the age of forty-eight years. His wife was Christina Wolf, also a native of Pennsylvania, and she died in Lee County, Illinois, at the age of fifty-five years. They
had a family of ten children: Amelia, wife of Samuel Lehman; Jacob, George, Elizabeth, widow of Henry Fiscle; Sarah, widow of John Allen; David, Rebecca, wife of Isaac Thomas; Jerry M., the subject of this sketch; Lydia, wife of L. Allen, and Catherine, wife of W. H. Henderson.
Jerry M. was born in York County, Penn- sylvania, October 3, 1853, and when he was eleven years of age his parents removed to Lee County, Illinois; there he lived seven years, and was trained to agricultural pursuits. When he was eighteen years of age, in com- pany with two of his brothers, he came to Page County, Iowa, where they purchased 320 acres of land on section 20, Morton Township. It was wild land, but the first year they broke out a good portion and erected a substantial residence, at a cost of $1,000; they also planted a grove and set out orna- mental trees; at the end of two years they disposed of the west quarter upon which the residence stood, and removed to the east quarter, where they built another good, frame dwelling, at a cost of $1,000. There they spent four months, and then divided their interests. J. M. purchased the farm, he now occupies; it was wild land, and in 1876 he broke it out for the first time. The next year he erected the present buildings, planted a grove and an orchard, and made other valu- able improvements. He has developed the place into a fine stock farm, and takes great pride in the pursuit of his chosen occupation. He is a live, energetic, young man, and stands in the front rank of Page County's well-to- do citizens. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.
Mr. Stambaugh was united in marriage December 25, 1876, to Miss Blanch Ely, a daughter of William and Pauline Ely. She was born in Clinton County, Iowa, April 16, 1858. Four children have been born of this
David Wingers
Elizabeth H Wingert
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
union: Mary Leta, infant twins, deceased, and Horace Dean.
William Ely, a native of Washington County, New York, was born February 5, 1834, and is the son of Herinan and Lois (Morehouse) Ely, natives of the State of New York. He is one of a family of ten children, and was reared to a farm life. Owing to defective vision he was denied the school privileges granted the other children, so his education is of a strictly practical character; he has accumulated a fund of information that enables him to attend to any business that may devolve upon him.
The spring that he was twenty-one years of age, in company with a brother, he left his old home and went to Iowa, locating in Clin- ton County. He purchased a tract of wild land, and engaged in breaking prairie in that locality for two or three years. In May, 1872, he came with his family to Page County, making the trip overland through mud and rain, and consuming twenty-five days in the journey. He bought a tract of forty acres of wild land in Morton Township, and erected a small house. The country was exceedingly new, withi scarcely a human habitation in sight to note the existence of civilization. In 1883 Mr. Ely disposed of this piece of land, and bought the farmn he now owns; it consists of eighty acres on sec- tion 28, Morton Township, and has been brought to an advanced state of cultivation. He has given his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, and has succeeded in accumulating a competence. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.
Mr. Ely was married July 4, 1856, to Paulina Simpson, a daughter of John and Mary (Walrod) Simpson, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Ely was born near El- bridge, New York, May 17, 1834, and died January 15, 1889. They had two children
born to them, Blanche, wife of J. M. Stam- baugh, and H. J., who married Inez Wag- goner.
When the family first came to the county, they had inany trials and privations to endure, but they are now reaping their reward. The Ely family dates back to 1634, when Nathan- iel Ely came from England to America, and settled in Massachusetts.
AVID WINGERT. - When Preble County, Ohio, was yet in its infancy, Henry Wingert located there on a farm four miles south of Eaton, and there David Wingert, his son, was born September 20, 1842. In 1851 the family removed to Lee County, Illinois, and the father purchased 160 acres of partially improved land; he still resides there, at the advanced age of eighty- six years. His wife, Anna (Pence) Wingert, passed away in January, 1878. He was a successful farmer and devoted himself to assisting his children to get a start in life. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Churchi, and sets an excellent ex- ample by lis upright and honorable life. Nine children live to bless his old age: Eliza- beth, Louisa, John W., Hannah, Jacob, David, Miriam, Harriet and Leona V.
David Wingert was brought up on a farm and received his education in the common schools. Just as he was passing into man- hood he entered the United States service in the late rebellion, enlisting in Company C, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, September 19, 1861. He was appointed Cor- poral May 1, 1862, and in June, 1864, was promoted to the position of Sergeant, and afterward to that of First Lieutenant. He was faithful to the very last, and participated
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
in many hard-fonght battles; among the more noted may be mentioned Stone River, Shiloh, Corinth, Rocky Face, Liberty Gap, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Rome, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach-tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta and Savannah; he also was in the campaign of the Carolinas and the famous march through Georgia. He was wounded in the battle of Stone River and was confined to the hospital three weeks. He was mustered out at the expiration of three years, the time of his en- listment, and re-enlisted December 23, 1863, serving until the close of the war. After re- ceiving his discharge he returned to his home in Lee County, Illinois, and remained with his father two years. He then bought a farm of 152 acres near Nelson, Illinois, where he spent three years.
Mr. Wingert was united in marriage Jan- uary 24, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Houser, a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Hoover) Honser. She was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 15, 1837, and is de- scended from German ancestors. Both ma- ternal and paternal grandfathers were minis- ters in the German Baptist Church.
In July, 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Wingert came to Page County, Iowa, and purchased 320 acres of land in Morton Township; it was raw and unimproved, but years of toil have brought it to an advanced state, and it is to- day one of the best farmns in the county. Eighty acres have been added to the first tract purchased, making 400 acres in all; a two- story residence, erected at a cost of $4,000, adorns the lawn, and all the surroundings are indicative of thrift and prosperity. The farın is well stocked with graded and thorough= bred cattle, and the large barns afford ample accommodation; five acres of grove and two and a half acres of orchard add much to the beauty of the place.
Mr. Wingert affiliates with the Republican
party, and is a lover of law and order, wheth- er in Republican or Democratic hands.
Two daughters bless the Wingert home: Jessie M. and Mary Effie; one son died in infancy and Berton B. died at the age of nine years.
Mrs. Wingert is a worthy and consistent member of the Congregational Church.
RANKLIN A. WOLFORD has been identified with the interests of Page County, Iowa, since 1873. He is a native of La Porte County, Indiana, born Jannary 14, 1853. His parents, Willoughby and Lavina (Kohler) Wolford, were born in Pennsylvania, and are now residents of La Porte County, Indiana; the father is eighty years of age and the mother seventy-six. The liad born to them eight children, of whom four are deceased: John, James, Lewis and Henry; Joseph, Alfred A. and Franklin are residents of Page County; Mary Louisa, the wife of N. B. Easton, lives in Oklahoma.
Our subject was reared to farm life, and obtained his education in the common schools. At the age of nineteen years he was seized with the spirit of western emigration, and wended his way to McDonough County, Il- linois, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years. On coming to Page County, in 1873, he located on a farm of 160 acres which he had purchased the year pre- vions; this land lay in Morton Township, and there was nothing to be seen but wild prairie grass, there being scarcely a human habitation in sight. Here he set to work, and he had no small task before hin; he built a small house and made other necessary improvements and began the cultivation of the land. To-day one can scarcely realize the transformation that has taken place, but push energy, and a pride in the comforts of life are
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
leading traits of Mr. Wolford's character, and these have accomplished wonders. He has a roomy and convenient house, and large barns for stock and grain, the whole being a inodel of neatness and order. He has pur- chased eighty acres of land which lie in Fre- mont County, making 240 acres in all that he owns. He has gained his possessions through his own efforts, which have been ably seconded by his estimable wife. Politically he affiliates with the Greenback party. He has done his share in the upbuilding of the connty, and by his unwavering integrity and honesty has won a large circle of friends.
Mr. Wolford was united in marriage De- cember 25, 1876, to Miss Emma Cronch, a daughter of L. P. and Esther (Turbush) Crouch, natives of the state of New York. She was born in La Salle County, Illinois, May 31, 1859. They are the parents of three children: Mabel, Eddie G., Bertie C.
Mr. Wolford is a member of the Presby- terian Church.
OHN S. ROSS, one of the leading stock. growers of Page County, was born in Pntnam County, Illinois, March 27, 1832, and is the son of James and Phœbe (Snedeker) Ross. The father was reared in Ross County, which was then a new country, amid the wild scenes of frontier life. It was probably the experience of his youth that gave him courage to share in the settlement of a new country. He was the third to settle in Putuam Connty, Illinois, and located in the midst of the Indian camps of the Black Hawk tribe. He became a leading citizen of that county and was prominently identified with all public works. During the late civil war he was Provost- Marshal, and previous
to that time he was a zealons worker in the "Underground Railway." He died in 1870; his wife had passed away in 1855. They had born to them eight children: William, John S., the subject of this biographical sketch, Angus M., deceased, George, deceased, Grant J., Emaline, deceased, Orrin, deceased, and Hester, deceased.
John S. Ross and his brothers, Williamn and Angus, started in business in 1854 by erect- ing a steam saw-mill, which they operated until 1857, when it was destroyed by fire; they rebuilt, and it was again swept away by fire in 1859. In the meantime they had se- enred a quarter section of wild land in La Salle County, Illinois; after the destruction of the mill one brother removed to this land, and John S. began work by the month.
June 13, 1860, Mr. Ross was nnited in marriage to Miss Charlotte A. Wallace, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Steven- son) Wallace. She was born in the State of Ohio, April 25, 1840. After their marriage they located on a farm in La Salle County, Illinois, where they resided three years; they then disposed of this place and removed to Putnam County, which they made their home until March, 1875. At this time they came to Page County, Iowa, and settled on a quar- ter section of land which Mr. Ross had pur- chased in the fall of 1874. This farm lies in Morton Township, and has undergone a com- plete transformation. In 1876 a residence was erected which was destroyed by fire in 1889; this has been replaced by a handsome dwelling situated in the midst of beautiful gronnds adorned by many varieties of ever- green trees and shrubs. Mr. Ross has also planted two acres of box-elder, one acre of cottonwood, and 100 fruit trees, besides sınall fruits in abundance. His farm is stocked with the finest grades of Merino sheep, Ches- ter White hogs, and Short-horn cattle. The
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
place is known as " Pine Hill Stock Farm, and it justly has a high reputation.
Politically our subject is a strong adher- ent to the principles of the Republican party.
Mr. and Mrs. Ross are the parents of five children: Wallace G., a resident of Shenall- doah, engaged in the agricultural implement business; Emina, a teacher of music; Orrin, Howard and Angus J.
SCAR BORTHWICK has been a resi- dent of Page County since 1866, and claims our attention as the subject of this brief biographical notice. He was born in the State of New York, March 2, 1833, and is the son of James and Delinda (Dickin- son) Borthwick, both natives of New York. The paternal ancestors came of Scotch stock. He is the youngest son in a family of twelve children, there being two sisters younger than himself. He grew to man's estate in his na- tive county and obtained liis education in the district school.
In the autumn of 1855, when he was in his twenty-third year, he removed to the West and settled in Knox County, Illinois, where he spent one winter; he then went to Henry County, Illinois, and made his home there until 1866, engaged in the meantime in agricultural pursuits. It was while re- siding in this county, October 22, 1857, that he was united in marriage to Maria Theresa Bean. She is a daughter of James and Jane Bean, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America in their young days; she was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, September 17, 1834, and is one of a family of nine children. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Borthwick continued to reside in Henry County until 1866, when, as before stated, they came to Page County. They landed
May 6, and the first summer they spent in Amity Township near College Springs. Mr. Borthwick had purchased eighty acres of land and as soon as possible erected a dwelling, hauling the lumber a distance of thirty-six miles. There was innch to contend with in those early days, but stout hearts and willing hands made light work, and to-day they are reaping their reward. They have generously supported the causes of Christianity and edu- cation, and have been of great assistance to many enterprises having for their object the upbuilding of the community.
Mr. Borthwick's farm is one of the finest in the county; it consists of 200 acres under cultivation, with a handsome frame residence and substantial barns for stock and grain; a grove of five acres and an orchard add not only to the value of the farm bnt also to the beauty of the landscape.
Mr. Borthwick and wife have liad born to thein seven children: Ernest B., deceased; Annice L., deceased; James L., Inez Idella, wife of David D. Stitt; Elsie M., Emily Ro- saltha and Florence Blanche. Two daugh- ters, Mrs. Stitt and Elsie M., have been en- gaged in the profession of teaching, with marked success. The family are members of the Yorktown Presbyterian church, Mr. Bortlıwick serving as one of the elders.
B V. DRAPER was born in Saint Joseph County, Michigan, February 26, 1840, and is the son of Hiram and Lydia A. (Weaver) Draper. The father still lives on the old home farm in Michigan, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-two years; the mother died February 26, 1840. Our subject is one of a family of five children and was reared to the life of a farmer. When only fourteen years of age he started out to face the prob-
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
lem of life, and from that time he has been master of his own time and free to follow his own inclinations. During the summer sea- son he worked on a farm, and in the winter he attended school, working nights and morn ings for his board. Devoting all his spare time to study and reading he acquired a fair education. His chief ambition was to own a home, so he toiled faithfully and by the time he was twenty years old lie was able to pur- chase eighty acres of timber land, for which he paid $10 per acre. He made some im- provements on this land and sold it for $20 per acre.
Believing that the West was the place for young men, as it presented so many more op- portunities for securing a home, Mr. Draper emigrated in 1867 to Page County, Iowa. The fall of that year he was employed in gathering corn, and during the winter he was prevailed upon to teach school in Douglas Township. In the spring of 1868, in part- nership with B. Ragan, he purchased a tract of eighty-five acres, and the summer was de- voted to its cultivation. Before the year was ended he had bought out his partner's interest, and in the spring of 1869 he purchased 160 acres on section 18, Lincoln Township, and then disposed of his first purchase on section 14. He began to break out and improve his new place, and made an addition of forty acres to that bought in the first place. Since that time this land has undergone a complete change, and the efforts of Mr. Draper have been eminently successful. His landed estate now covers 367 acres, all of which he has placed under excellent cultivation. He has planted ten acres of grove and two acres of orchard, which add mnuch to the beauty of the farın as well as to its valne and comfort. He has erected a fine, frame residence and sub- stantial barns for stock and grain. He has done mnuch towards the growth, development,
and improvement of the county, and through a character whose leading traits are honesty and uprightness he has won a large circle of friends. Politically he has always supported the Republican party until 1889, when he voted the Prohibition ticket. He has repre- sented his township officially as Justice of the Peace and as trustee.
Mr. Draper was married September 6, 1869, to Mrs. Nancy A. Motane, a daughter of William R. and Lydia L. (Lea) Liasure. She was born in Crawford County, Ohio, August 31, 1842. They are the parents of two children: Carrol R. and Wilbur H. They are members of the Free Methodist Church, Mr. Draper being one of the trustees.
D. CUTTER has been a resident of Page Connty since 1865, and has witnessed many changes in the southwestern part of Iowa in the past quarter of a century. He was born in Madison County, Illinois, June 1, 1839, and is the son of A. F. and Mahala (Hill) Cutter, natives of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He is one of a family of eight children, and in his childhood the par- ents removed with their children to Rock Island County, Illinois, where they remained the balance of their days. Our subject at- tended the public schools of Rock Island County until he was sixteen years of age, when he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He followed this occupation, except two years in a family grocery store in Rock Island County, until he was twenty-one years old, and then he determined to see something more of the world and seek the fortune it might hold in store for him. Accordingly he made a trip to Pike's Peak and remained there two or three years.
In 1862 he returned to Atchison County,
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Missouri, and there, November 27, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet A. Gunn, a daughter of William and Harriet (Richard- son) Gunn, natives of Connecticut. She was born in Davenport, Iowa, Jannary 28, 1842. After their marriage they remained in Atch. ison Connty three years, and in 1865 they came to Page County, Iowa. Mr. Cutter purchased a tract of raw prairie on section 17, Lincoln Township; there were forty acres in the piece, and the first year lie erected a small frame house and pushed his improve- ments as rapidly as possible. From the little beginning of forty acres he has increased his possessions to 570 acres, all of which is in an advanced state of cultivation; 200 acres he took in a wild state, but it has since under- gone a complete transformation. He lias planted a grove of three acres, and five acres in a fine assortment of fruit trees.
In 1880 Mr. Cutter erected a handsome two-story frame dwelling, which has added much to the value of his land. He has de- voted his entire time and attention to tlie cultivation of his land and has been univers- ally successful in all liis undertakings. He and his estimable wife began life with com- paratively nothing, but by energy and eco- nomical management they have amassed a competence. Their lives furnish an example of what people can accomplish when they set out with a will and a determination to make the most of every opportunity.
Politically Mr. Cntter affiliates with the Republican party. He has served his town- ship as clerk and for ten years he has held the office of trustee; he has been a Justice of the Peace and a member of the school board · for a number of terms. He has taken an act- ive interest in the promotion of educational advantages and is a lover of law and order. He is a member of the Church of God, although he was reared in the Baptist faith.
Mr and Mrs. Cutter are the parents of nine children: Harriet M., deceased; Phœbe A., wife of Ross R. Crow; Mary I., wife of O. E. Bnrsh; Cora A., wife of J. C. Gilmer; Amos F., William M., Charles D., Francis A. and John S.
HOMAS G. TURNBULL came to Page County as early as 1865, and since that time has been identified with its history. He is a native of Scotland, born in Fifeshire in 1843. His parents, Andrew and Agnes (Swan) Turnbull, are also natives of Scotland and now reside in the Dominion of Canada. When Thomas G. was one year old they crossed the Atlantic in a small sailing vessel and set- tled in Canada near Hamilton; there he was brought up on a farm and during the winter months succeeded in acquiring a sufficient education to enable him to begin teaching at the age of nineteen years. The charmns of this profession did not, however, bind him closely to it, for in Jannary of 1865 we find him in Iowa prospecting in this part of the State; from this portion he wended his way to Page County, which was at that time very thinly settled. He had been bronght up in a new country, his father having settled in the heavy timber district, so the prospect of lo- cating in another new field of labor had no terrors for him. He purchased a team of horses and the first year rented a farm and kept " bachelor's hall." The next year he worked by the month, and in the winter of 1866-'67, in company with three other men, he engaged in cntting cordwood, which skirt- ed the river fromn Council Bluffs to Omaha. He then came back to Page County and bought eighty acres on section 25, Lincoln Township.
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