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 84

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar
Number of Pages: 946


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 84


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).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102


The maternal ancestors of Mr. James were in every war from the Revolution to the Re- bellion. Jacob Johns, the grandfather, was in the war of 1812, and was a county judge


-


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


727


in Kentucky; he was a Democrat and the owner of slaves, but his wife, being a stanch Whig, said she would have no slaves on the place, and took out manumission papers and set thein frec.


Mrs. James's father removed to Page County in 1859, and is still living at College Springs, Amity Township. He is an indus- trious, upright citizen, and has the esteem of a wide circle of acquaintance. Mr. James's mother died November 3, 1882, at Clarinda, Iowa. The maternal ancestors of Mr. James were also loyal Americans, some member liav- ing been in all the wars since the Revolution.


A. C. JONASSON removed from Hen- ry County, Illinois, to Page County, Iowa, in March, 1875. He was born in Sweden, April 20, 1840, became a citizen of the United States March 2, 1880, conse- quently is an American citizen by adoption and and by law. He was reared in his native land, attending school until he was fifteen years of age. He served an apprenticeship at the car- penter's trade and also learned to operate a steam engine; he followed the business for a period of three years. In August, 1867, he bade farewell to his home and friends and native land and sailed away to the New World across the seas. After landing he proceeded to Illinois and secured work on a farm in Henry County; he had had some experience in agricultural pursuits in his earlier days in Sweden. In a short time he went to Fort Scott, Kansas, but in six months returned to Illinois.


Mr. Jonasson was married in Henry County, Illinois, December 31, 1871, to Ellen Anderson, a native of Sweden; in less than one year, October 29, 1872, Mrs. Jonasson passed from this life to her immortal rest. 5L


April 5, 1873, Mr. Jonasson married Nellie Jolinson, oneof his own country women. He remained in Henry County, Illinois, until 1875, as before stated; when lie first came to Page County he purchased 160 acres of land, the northwest quarter of section 13, Washington Township, at $9.12} an acre. He has improved this land, erecting buildings, planting a grove and an orchard, and bringing about him all the comforts and conveniences of a modern horne. He also owns eighty acres in section 12, and another eighty acres in Colfax Township, making in all 320 acres; this land is fertile, and has been accumulated through his own efforts and industry; it is indeed a grat- ifying result of the labor of many years.


Mr. and Mrs. Jonasson are the parents of six children: John Alfred, France Oscar, Clara Melinda, Stella Beatrice, Hannah Blanche, and Eva S., deceased. Politically our subject affiliates with the Republican party. He was reared in the Lutheran faitli and was a mem - ber of the church in Henry County, Illinois. Mrs. Jonasson and the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of North- boro, Iowa. They are an industrious, ener- getic family, and are numbered among the leading citizens of Washington Township.


JEORGE H. LOWREY, a progressive and successful farmer of Amity Town- ship, is the son of John Lowrey, who was born in Moy, Ireland, March 29, 1809; his father, a Scotchman, emigrated to Amer- ica in 1810, and was a merchant in Troy, New York. He afterward removed to Can- ada and settled on a farm near Huntington in the Province of Quebec, residing there until his death. His son John was sixteen years old when the family went to Canada; he was reared to the life of a farmer and ob-


728


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


tained his education in the common schools. He assisted his father at the liome farm until he was twenty-six years of age. September 18, 1837, he married Nancy Wilder, a daugh- ter of Peter Wilder, and of this union seven children were born: William L., John B., Robert O., Henry W., Sarah E., Evangeline and George H. Nancy Wilder was born May 23, 1816, in Windsor County, Vermont, and at the age of thirteen years she removed with her parents to Franklin County, New York. She and her husband were in early life connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Lowrey was ordained a min- ister in 1835. He was an abolitionist and did very effective work in the cause. In 1865 he came to Iowa and settled in College Springs, where he preached a year and a half. He died in 1874, at the age of sixty-five years, having lived a most useful life, and leaving an untarnished name to posterity.


George H. Lowrey, son of the above, was born September 10, 1856, near Saratoga Springs, New York, and at the age of nine years came to Iowa with his parents. He re- ceived a good education at Amity College, and when nineteen years of age began to teach school. He followed this profession for a period of nine years. He became almost the sole support of his mother's family atter the death of his father; while he was get- ting his education he also provided for his mother, and by industry and strict economy paid off' some old debts.


Mr. Lowrey was united in marriage Sep- tember 3, 1879, to Jessie Stanton, daughter of I. N. and Elizabeth (Elliott) Stanton, born May 29, 1859, in Appanoose County, Iowa. Mr. Stanton is an old resident of College Springs, having settled there in 1869. Miss Stanton was at the time of her marriage a teacher in the public schools in College Springs. She began teaching at the age of


fifteen and taught thirteen terms in Page County. Mr. and Mrs. Lowrey are the par- ents of four children: Edna, Irving H., Guy E. and Vida M. For two years after his mar- riage Mr. Lowrey lived in College Springs, and three years he was in Essex, acting as principal of schools in both places. In 1884 he settled on his farm, which consists of 200 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, and well improved. In his teaching and his farming he has been very successful, having accumulated all the property which he now owns. He has been a liberal supporter and stanch friend of education. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, of which he is trustee. While residing in Essex they were members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Lowrey acting as elder and treasurer of the church and super- intendent of the Sabbath-school.


Mr. Lowrey is still a young man, of a strong and vigorous constitution, and is an honor to the community.


AMES HENRY BEACH, one of the leading farmers of Page County, is de- scended from an old family, who were patriots in the war which gave our country its independence. Martin Beach, the grand- father of James H., was a native of Connecti- cut and served in the war of the Revolution. The maternal grandfather, General William A. Mills, also served in the Revolution. He was a warm friend to the Indians, who had great respect for him; he was known among them by an Indian name which signifies " Big Kettle." He was the father of nine children, and lived to be eighty years of age. Martin Beach married Mary MeNeal, and to them were born nine children: Levi, Abigal, Hannah Clarissa, Lucia, Harvey, Caroline,


729


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


Elizabeth, Emily and Edward. Mr. Beach was an early settler of Knox County, Ohio, where he took a heavily timbered piece of land, which he improved and made into a dairy farm. His wife was very skillful in the manufacture of cheese and butter. He was a popular man among his acquaintances; for many years lie was a deacon in the Presby- terian Church; he lived to the age of seventy- eight years. Levi Beach, his son, was born in Connecticut, and was reared to the occupa- tion of a farmer, which lie followed all his days. He married Martha Mills, daughter of General William A. Mills, and of this union seven children were born: Ann Eliza, Mary E., Clarissa H., James H., Francis G., Will- iam A. and Myron N. F. G. Beach served four years in a Knox County, Ohio, regiment of the Union army in the late civil war, was in several hard battles, was wounded four times, is still living, drawing a small pension. Levi Beach settled in Knox County, Ohio, and was always in prosperous circumstances. He and his wife were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and he was one of the stewards. He was an Abolitionist. He died in December, 1888, at the age of eighty- five years.


James Henry Beach, the subject of this biographical sketch, was born December 9, 1829, at Mount Morris, Livingston County, New York. When he was ten years old his father removed to Ohio, and he was educated at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and at Oberlin College. He engaged in teaching and followed the pro- fession in six different States,-Ohio, Ken- tucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana and Iowa, -covering a period of twenty years. He taught at College Springs, Iowa, and at an early day he was one of three teachers, only, in Page County, who could obtain first-class professional certificates. In 1860 he came to Iowa, and the next year he was married to


Mary A. Cross, daughter of the Rev. John Cross, a descendant of an old Revolutionary soldier bearing the same name; and he was one of Arnold's men, whom he sold out to the British. Mrs. Beach's mother was Lu- cinda Hulbert. This Hulbert family were all good musicians. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Beach are the parents of two children, Charles L and Emma L. Charles married Lura Alverson, and resides in Dakota.


Besides being a teacher Mr. Beaclı has paid some attention to farming since 1860. In 1877 he abandoned the profession of teach- ing. He was in the mercantile trade in Col- lege Springs three years, and built the brick store now occupied by the McLean Brothers. The first year he was a partner with his wife's brother, J. Newton Cross. He owns a good farm, and is in comfortable circumstances. He and his wife and daugliter are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church; for- merly they belonged to the Congregational Church and Mr. Beach was chorister in that church for twelve years, and was also record- ing secretary for several years. He is now a local elder in the Adventist Church.


The influence and services of Mr. Beach as a professional teacher for twenty years are not to be estimated in their value to the rising generation. He has been instrumental in the education of a large number of youths in this county as well as a multitude in five other States. His record in this, one of the most noble callings of life, is an honorable legacy of which his descendants may well be proud.


OHN M. EBBERSOLL, one of the intelligent and enterprising members of the farming community of Washington Township, came to Page County twenty years


730


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


ago. He is a native of the old " Keystone " State, born near Harrisburgh, July 27, 1835. His father, John B. Ebbersoll, was a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and a son of John Ebbersoll, who was descended from French ancestors. The mother of John M. was Mary Weaver, a daughter of Adam Weaver and a native of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Our subject is the second of a family of five children, four sons and one daughter. He passed his youth in Pennsyl- vania. attending the common schools and working on the farm during the summer seasons. When he was nineteen years old he emigrated to Clarke County, Ohio, where he studied medicine for one year under a noted preceptor; he undoubtedly bad talent in this direction, but at the end of the year aban- doned all thought of continuing the profes- sion. In 1855 he came to Iowa, and located in Linn County, where he engaged in the lumber business, operating a saw-mill, in which he owned an interest. In 1862 he re- turned to Pennsylvania, and was near Gettys- burg at the time of that noted battle. Eighteen months later he came back to Iowa, living for a time in Linn, Cedar, and Jones counties, engaged in various speculations. Not yet thoroughly satisfied with the West he again in 1869 returned to the State, in which he was born. Previous to this, how- 'ever, he had purchased land in Page County, Iowa, and a year later he came back and located on his farm; he has 160 acres, which he has subdued from the wild prairie to a rich, fertile farm; he has mnade all the im- provements necessary to a modern farming establishment, and devoted his time to the raising of live-stock ; he has taken an interest in improving the grades of horses, and has been successful.


Mr. Ebbersoll has been twice married. First, in 1857, he was united to Elmira


Miller, and by this marriage one child was born, Mary C., a resident of Colorado; the mother died in 1864, and Mr. Ebbersoll was married in 1870 to Lizzie Castle, a native of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania; by this union one daughter was born, Lydia Ann. Politi- cally Mr. Ebbersoll adheres to the principles of the Republican party ; he is well posted on the current events of the day, and has decided opinions on the political issues of the time. He is a successful business man, and is one of the reliable farmers of the county.


AVID R. LEWIS, one of the substan- tial and successful fariners of Pierce Township, was born in Mason County, Illinois, August, 1835. His father was a farmer, but died when David was an infant of eighteen months; the mother too was soon called from earth, and he was left an orphan before he could realize the extent of his loss. There were no other children in the family, and he was adopted by Charles D. Howell, with whom he lived until he was eighteen years old. He was trained in all the details of agriculture, but his education was neg- lected. At the age of twenty-one years, when there was a call for men to leave home and friends for the sake of their country, he en- listed in Company I, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly five years. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, Pittsburgh Landing, and Corinth, and several skirmishes. He was severely wounded at Vicksburg, and was confined to the hospital for some time. He was mustered out and honorably discharged in 1865, when he returned to Mason County, Illinois.


Mr. Lewis was married in 1873 to Miss Louisa A. Burr, a daughter of Job Burr and


731


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


Wilhelmina (Gilmore) Burr. Of this union nine children have been born, seven of whom are living: Emma, Freddie, Frank, Amos, Flora, Alice, and an infant unnamed. After his marriage, which occurred at Red Oak, Iowa, Mr. Lewis settled in Page County, lowa, on hiis present farm; it thien consisted of eighty acres, to which lie has since added another hundred. The land is well situated, and has many valuable improvements.


Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are worthy and con- sistent members of the Christian Church. The patriotism and loyalty of our honored subject were attested by his long and faithful service throughout the civil war, and may prosperity be the lot of those courageons souls to whom we owe the present prosperity of our beloved nation.


OHN WILLIAMS, one of the extensive land owners of Page County, will form the subject of the next biographical sketch. He was born in Cornwall, England, November 16, 1828, and is a son of James and Millicent (Oats) Williams, an earnest, religious pair, who led an honorable, upright life. At the age of twenty-five years he mar- ried a young maiden, born and reared in his own parisli, Emma Courtney Rogers, a daugh- ter of James and Jane (Row) Rogers.


Mr. Williams resided in his native land until 1866, when lie determined to try his fortunes in the New World. After landing in this country he continued his journey to Wisconsin, and settled in Racine County, where he engaged in farming for a few years. He then pushed on toward the " setting sun," desiring to secure a home in the most desir- able locality. He tlien came to lowa, and, passing through Page Connty, determined that it was indeed the place he was seeking.


He bought 160 acres of wild land and inade a settlement when the neighbors were few and the country was in a wild, uncultivated state. He liad a will and an earnest desire to make a home of which he need never be ashamed, and as lie prospered he invested in more land until he now owns 720 acres of rich farming land, and thirty-one acres of timber land. He lias good buildings, stock scales, a modern windmill, and all the con- veniences for extensive farming. The farm is well stocked with all the higher grades of cattle, liogs and horses; the land lies just one mile from Hepburn.


Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of eight children: William Jolin, James Court- ney; Mary Anne married James Foster Dyke, and lives in Cowley County, Kansas; Emma Jane, wife of Ezra Fleenor; Caroline Anna, wife of Ed Bolen; Charles Augustus; Ernest Rogers and Millicent Grace. The parents and two daughters are members of the United Brethren Church, of which Mr. Williams has served as trustee and treasurer. He and his wife were reared in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Politically he affiliates with the Greenback party, and is a strong advocate of Prohibition. He has represented the people of his township as a member of the school board, discharging his duties with entire sat- isfaction to the public. He has assisted in the upbuilding of the community, has been a great success in his business, and is a thor- ough, reliable farmer.


EORGE B. WARNER, one of the pro- gressive and successful farmers of Pierce Township, traces his ancestry to sturdy Welslı stock. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his father, Walter Warner, was a farmer in Weth-


732


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


ersfield, Connecticut. He married a Miss Cheeney, and to them were born five chil- dren: Frederick W., Lucy, Mary, Elizabeth and Josephine. The mother of these children died, and Mr. Warner married Sarah Tucker, and five children were born of this union: George W., Martha, Wilbur, Olin and one child who died in infancy. In 1836 Mr. Warner removed to Winnebago Connty, Illi- nois, and bought a section of land; lie be- came independently wealthy. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was always interested in religious move. inents; he also held the varions local offices and was a prominent man in the community. He died at the age of seventy years. His son Frederick was born at Wethersfield, Connecti- cnt, and received his education in the com- mon schools of that day. He was but a lad when his father removed to Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He married Permelia Birdsall, daughter of Benjamin and Abbie (Ackley) Birdsall, and of this union eight children have been born: George B., Ella A .. Emma, Frederick W., Abbie M., Mary P., Harriet J. and Alfred C. After his marriage Mr. Warner settled near the old homestead in Illinois, and there he is still living. He owns 800 acres of land in Winnebago County, and about 7,000 acres of rancli land in Texas; 2,400 acres of this is fenced and stocked with cattle, and the rest is stocked with sheep. Mr. Warner and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years he has held the offices of trustee and stew- ard. He has represented the people of his township in many of the local offices and ranks with the first citizens of his county.


George B. Warner, son of Frederick and Perinelia (Birdsall) Warner, was born in Winnebago County, Illinois, where he re- ceived a common-school education; when he was old enough to work on the farm he was


trained to the details of agriculture. In 1872 he married Ada Blair, a daughter of Alva and Mary (Winnegar) Blair. To them have been born three children: Clemie B., Bertha B. and A. DeLos. In 1875 Mr. Warner re- moved to Page County, Iowa, and purchased 160 acres of land; he has been prosperons in all his enterprises and has added to his first purchase until he now owns 320 acres in Pierce Township, one of the most fer.ile sec- tions of Page County. The farm is well im- proved with excellent buildings and is a desirable home. Both Mr. Warner and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a inan of an active, energetic temperament, and of unusual business quali- fications. Although his father is a wealthy man lie has by his own efforts accumulated his present property. The Warner family trace their origin directly to the Pilgrim Fathers, and they easily rank among the leading families of Page County.


OHN W. GIBSON, one of the intelligent and enterprising farmers of Colfax Township, has been a resident of Page County since 1865. He was born in Putnam County, Indiana, December 11, 1852, and is a son of James and Emily (Moss) Gibson. His father, one of the honored citizens of Page County, is now deceased; the mother still survives and resides in Blanchard. When John W. was two years old his parents re- moved to Appanoose County, Iowa, where he spent his early yonth; in 1865 the family came to Page Connty, and settled in Harlan Township, five miles southwest of Clarinda; there John was trained to the occupation of farming; he is the ninth of a family of ten children. March 14, 1876, he was united in marriage at College Springs, Iowa, to Miss


734


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


Anna M. Elgin, a daughter of James and Eliza (Calhoon) Elgin. Mrs. Gibson was educated at College Springs, although her birth-place was Indiana County, Pennsyl- vania. After she had left school she engaged in the profession of teaching and was very successful.


In 1878 Mr. Gibson located on his present farm of eighty acres, within a mile and a half of Blanchard. The view of the village from his residence is beautiful, and his dwell- ing, surrounded by an orchard and a luxuri- ant grove, presents a delightful scene. All the improvements are of a modern type, and thrift and prosperity are visible on every hand. A specialty of the dairy business is made on the Gibson farm, and has been very successfully conducted. The family consists of four children: Delbert Clare, Ola E., J. C. and Rena A.


Politically Mr. Gibson is identified with the Prohibition branch of the Republican party. He is an active member of the Uni- ted Presbyterian Church of Blanchard, as is also his wife; he has served as an elder, and as treasurer, secretary and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He has been a faithful worker in the cause of his Master, and will certainly reap his reward. He has won many warin friends since his residence in Page County.


OBERT A. TURNBULL, who lives on section 12, Washington Township, has been a resident of Page County since 1870. His grandfather, Alexander Turnbull, was a native of Scotland, and his father, Robert Turnbull, was born in the same country. His mother's maiden name was Margaret Graham, and she was born in the same country as her husband. After their


marriage the parents removed to Canada, but in 1838 they came to the United States and settled in Stark County, Illinois, where they were among the pioneers. Chicago was their nearest wheat market, and Mr. Turnbull hauled his crop to that point, 150 miles dis- tant, with an ox teamn. They reared a family of eight children, of whom Robert A. is the sixth. They were worthy members of the United Presbyterian Church, and lived to the end of their days in Stark County.


Robert A. Turnbull, their son, was born November 22, 1841, in Stark County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He was reared to farm life and received his education in the pioneer schools of his native State. He en- listed June 12, 1861, in Company B, Nine- teenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into the service June 17, 1861, and was first under fire at Pilot Knob, Missouri. The mnost noted battles, in which he partici- pated were Stone River, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge; he received a gun-shot wound, by which he was confined in the field hospital some time. He enlisted as a private, but was discharged as Orderly Sergeant July 9, 1864. He returned to his home in Stark County, Illinois, and September 1, 1864, he was united in marriage to Rebecca Montooth, a daughter of Samuel Montooth, who was a native of Ireland. Mrs. Turnbull was born, reared, and educated in Philadelphia. Her father removed to Illinois and lived the re- inainder of his days in Stark County; the mother is still living, a resident of Bradford, Illinois.


Mr. Turnbull, as before stated, removed from Stark County, Illinois, to Page County, Iowa, in 1870. He first purchased 160 acres of land, to which he has since added eighty more; the land is rich and fertile, and is well improved with good, substantial build- ings. He gives special attention to the care


734


HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.


of live-stock; he owns a thoroughbred Nor- man horse, cattle of good grades, and a valu- able flock of sheep. One of the best groves in the township adorns the Turnbull tarm; it consists of two and a half acres of black walnut trees and two and a half acres of cottonwood and maple trees.


Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull are the parents of eight children: Samuel .J., Eliza A., wife of John Gibb; Henry R., Ida R., Birdie D., Victoria N., George H., and Margaret Jane. Politically Mr. Turnbull is identified with the Republican party. He has filled the office of assessor, and has been a member of the school board, discharging the duties of both positions with credit to himself. He is a member of Page Post, No. 65, G. A. R., at Coin, Iowa. He is a man yet in the prime of life, and is numbered among the success- ful and progressive farmers of the county.




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.