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 92

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 92

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).

Business cares have not been allowed to shut ont all other interests, as Mrs. Hester

is an active member of the United Presbyte- rian Church, and has served two years as treasurer of the United Presbyterian Mission- ary Society and also of the home society.

Our subject is one of a family of nine children, three of whom reside in Page County : Benjamin, Elizabeth, wife of W. Bull; Mary M., W. J., J. N., deceased; Anna, wife of Dr. Pecard; Jennie, wife of L. F. Stitt; M. B., deceased; D. B. and Mrs. Hester.

The father, Captain J. A. Clark, was born in Pennsylvania, where he was reared and spent the greater portion of his life; he died in Page County in 1880. His wife is also a native of Pennsylvania, and still survives, residing at Coin.

OHN T. SNYDER, of section 21, Wash- ington Township, is one of the prosper- ous farmers of the community. He was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1851, and is a son of Barney and Matilda (Kuhns) Snyder, natives of the old " Key- stone " State and of German ancestry. John T. passed liis youth, in the county of his birth and in Maryland. He was reared to the occupation of a farmer and received an edu- cation at the cominon schools of that day. In the fall of 1867 he emigrated to the West and located in Cass County, Missouri, where he resided eight years; he was engaged in ag- ricnltural pursuits and improved a good farm. In 1876 he came to Page County and bonght eighty acres of land, which was entirely witlı- ont improvements; he at once set about the task of making a home, and has succeeded in converting the raw prairie into one of the best farms in the township; he has eighty acres, all of which is under cultivation, a nice, substantial residence, erected at a cost of $2,000 in 1883, and commodions barns and

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

sheds for the care of live-stock. A grove and an orchard add beanty to the scene and increase the value of the place.

In political thought and action our worthy subject is allied with the Democratic party. He is a man yet in the prime of life, with the prospect of many years of actual usefulness before him. He has assisted in the upbuild- ing of the community in which he resides, and has come to be reckoned as one of the solid men of the county of Page.

Mr. Snyder was married January 15, 1879, at Decatur, Iowa, to Miss Rebecca Bnmgard- ner, a danghter of John and Mary Bumgard- ner. Four chlidren have been born of this marriage: Bertie, Grace, Mamie and Bessie.

H. WHITNEY, who for many years has been an energetic and successful agriculturist of Page County, is deserv- ing of mention in this connection. In order to learn something of his earlier career we will take the reader back to Washington County, Ohio, where he first saw the light of day June 18, 1838. His father, John Whit- ney, was born in Westminster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, of English ancestry. When a young man he came with his brother to the West and settied in Washington County, Ohio, where he married Sarah Chap- man, a native of Long Meadow, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney lived in Washington County, Ohio, until death; they reared a fam- ily of eleven children, of whom H. H. was the eightlı. When he was eleven years old he went with a brother older than himself to De Kalb County, Illinois, and after a few months went on to Winnebago County, Illi- nois, where he resided two years; thence he removed to Boone County, Illinois, where he

lived until he was sixteen years old. He next went to Woodhull, Henry County, Illi- nois, and secured work on a farm. The lim- ited education he received in the schools of that day was supplemented by much reading during his leisure time, so that he acquired a fund of information enabling him to attend to any business that may devolve upon him.

Mr. Whitney was married, Jannary 21, 1860, to Elizabeth Anderson, who was born in Washington County, Ohio, a danghter of James and Catherine (Hoglin) Anderson. The father was a native of county Tyrone, Ireland, and emigrated to America when a young man. He died in Washington County, Ohio, but his wife is still living, at the age of eighty-three years. Mr. Whitney lived in Henry County, Illinois, until 1862, when he offered his services to his country in her hour of peril; he was not accepted, however, and returned to Ohio, where he learned the mold- er's trade, which he followed some time; he also acted as foreman in a molding establish- ment until the close of the war, when he went back to Illinois and settled in Knox County. About a year later he removed to Iowa, and first settled near Clarinda, Page County; he then moved to Harlan Township and resided near Page Center until 1872; in that year he located on his present farm, which was then wild, raw, prairie land. He was one of the early settlers in the neighborhood, and had to undergo many of the hardships, to which pioneers are subject in a new country. But by several years of patient toil and industry he has converted this land into one of the most fertile and productive farms in the county; it consists of 120 acres, and the im- provements are all first-class in every respect; the house is a comfortable, roomy building, and is situated in the midst of flowers, trees, and shrubs; a magnificent grove of Mr. Whit- ney's own planting adorns the landscape, and

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

a fine bearing orchard adds to the plenty abounding on the Whitney homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Whitney are the parents of four children: Ella, wife of D. W. Flickinger, of whom we make further mention on another page; James W., Sarah Florence, a success- ful music teacher, and Harrison H. The parents and three children are active mem- bers of the Christian Church, and are zealous and active workers in the canse of Christian- ity. Mr. Whitney also serves as an elder in the church. For several years he has been afflicted with paralysis, and with all the money he has spent he has not been able to regain his health. He keeps up his spirits, how- ever, and is very cheerful and patient nuder his suffering. He is well posted on all the leading questions of the day, is a man of a genial, cordial disposition, and has a host of friends in Page County.

C. CHAPMAN is one of the well- known stockmen of Washington Township, where he has been success- fully engaged in business for the past twenty years, enjoying the confidence and respect of all who know him. He was born near Toronto, Canada, June 12, 1845, and is a son of Robert and Ann (Wolf) Chapman, natives of England. When the mother was four years old her parents emigrated to Canada, where she grew to womanhood. She reared a family of eight children, six sons and two daughters. The father lived until death in Canada, and the mother is stil lresiding there, at the age of seventy years.

Young Chapman was not allowed to pass his time in idleness, but was early trained to the details of agriculture; during his youth lie attended the common schools, receiving a somewhat limited education compared with

that bestowed by the State npon the children of the present day. In 1870 he came to Page County and settled in the northwest part of Washington Township, where he began to improve a farm of 160 acres; he sold this place and purchased eighty agres on section 2, which he sold after a time; he then bought his present farm consisting of 160 acres. He has a good residence, a grove, orchard, and all the conveniences for stock-raising, to which branch of farming he gives special attention; the farm is well adapted to this business, and he has been very successful in its pursuit. In addition to his home farm he owns forty acres in Morton Township.

Mr. Chapman was united in marriage, in Canada, Marchi 2, 1882, to Ellen Lester, a native of Canada, and a daughter of Thomas Lester, a native of Yorkshire, England. Five children have been born of this union: James, William, Eva May, Francis, and Ora. The mother was brought up in the Church of England (Episcopal). Mr. Chapman was reared a Baptist. In his political belief he is not allied with any party, but is independ- ent, voting for the men and measures which his judgment approves.

OBERT MARTIN is one of the early pioneers of Page County, having settled here in May, 1857. He was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1825, and is a son of William Martin, also a native of Butler County, Pennsylvania. John Martin, the grandfather of Robert, was born in England, but was reared in Ireland. He belonged to a secret band of men opposed to the English Government, and King George ordered these men sought out and hung. Mr. Martin stole away and hid himself in a vessel bound for America; after three days lie was

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

found by an officer of the ship, and being short of sailors the officer took him into the service. He was landed in Philadelphia a short time before the Revolutionary war; he fought all through this struggle and was with General Washington at Valley Forge; he was at the battle of Brandywine Creek, and as- sisted in carrying General Gibson off the field and nursed him back to life. He himself was wounded nine times by English bullets. He was one of the first settlers west of the Alle- ghanies in Pennsylvania. He died at the age of one hundred and one years, having led a long, eventful and useful life.

William Martin married Maria E. Evans, who belonged to a Quaker family of Welsh descent. Six children were born of this nnion, of whom Robert is the third. The father died in Pennsylvania in 1845; the inother removed to Page County, Iowa, and died at the age of seventy-two years.

Robert Martin grew to manhood in his native county. When he was twenty-four years of age he married Margaret Munn, a native of the State of Ohio, and a daughter of David and Miriam (Van Anhaltenberg) Munn. By this union seven children have been born who are now living: Adelia, William A., Robert, Myra, Naomi Belle, Winifred S. and Maggie. Mrs. Martin died August 25, 1877. Mr. Martin married for his second wife Miss M. Bentley, a native of the State of New York; three children are the result of this marriage: Myrtle, Lester and Nellie.

When Mr. Martin first came to Page County in 1857, he settled in Lincoln Town- ship, where he remained until 1872; he then came to Washington Township, where he now owns 520 acres of land, as rich and fertile as lies within the borders of Page County. His residence is the best in the township; it is of a modern plan and style, and was erected at a cost of $3,200; the grove and orchard

cover five acres, and are of a healthy, thrifty growth; the barn, built in 1877, is large and convenient, well suited to the purposes of cat- tle raising and feeding. Mr. Martin also owns the Martin grist-mill on Tarkio Creek, which is valued at $7,000.

In politics Mr. Martin adheres to the prin- ciples of the Republican party. He is a mem- ber of Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M., at Clarinda. Although he is sixty-five years of age, he is hale and hearty; kind and hospitable of disposition, he is honored and respected by the entire community.

AVID SHERMAN was born in Brad- ford County, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1846. His father, Samuel Sherman, was a native of Connecticut, but at the age of three years was brought by his parents to the State of Pennsylvania, where he grew to man- hood; he married Miss R. E. Palmer, who was born in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. When David was sixteen years of age his parents removed to Carroll County, Illinois, and there he was trained to the occupation of a farmer. In the autumn of 1865 the family came to Iowa and settled in Jasper County, but after a short time they went to Fremont County, locating in Locust Grove Township. In 1876 our worthy subject started out in life for himself, and came to Page County, where he purchased forty acres of wild land; later, as he prospered in liis business, he made an ad- dition of eighty acres to the original purchase, and now owns one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He has a good, comfortable residence, surrounded by a beautiful grove and a bearing orchard; the barns and sheds are ample and well arranged, and he has been very successful in raising and feeding stock,

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

to which branch of farming he has given special attention.

Mr. Sherman was united in marriage De- cember 6, 1876, to Miss Eliza Ann Freeman, daughter of B. C. Freeman, whose biography is published in this history. Mrs. Sherman was born, reared and educated in Page Connty, Iowa. Their five children are: Ivy Augusta, Eva Adelaide, Lessie Edna, Eleanora Jose- phine and Ella Eddie.

Our subject affiliates with the Republican party. He is a man of good business quali- fications, just and upright in his judgment, and deserving of the respect of all who know him.

AMUEL BLACK came to Page County, Iowa, in the Centennial Year of our Independence, 1876. He was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, July 14, 1814, and is a son of James Black, a native of Ire- land, who emigrated to America at the age of twenty-two years and settled in Pennsylvania; there he married Nancy Clark, a native of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Sain- uel was the eighth of a family of nine children, five sons and four danghters. When he was a lad the family removed to Floyd County, Indiana, and there he assisted in clearing a farm in one of the heavily timbered sections of the " Hoosier" State. During the winter season he attended the pioneer schools and spent his leisure time at home with his books, the best society he could possibly have chosen. When he was sixteen years of age his father died, and he went to learn the cooper's trade; he served his apprenticeship and then went to work as a journeyman for some time; after- ward he had a shop which he operated sev- eral years. In 1851 Mr. Black removed to Warren County, Illinois, where he pursued

his trade two years; he then returned to the occupation of his earlier days, farming, which he followed until he came to Page County. He then bought the S. D. Blanchard farın, which had been improved in a good style; it is three-quarters of a mile from Northboro, and has inany of the most modern conven- iences. It is altogether one of the most de- sirable homes in Washiington Township.

Mr. Black has been twice married: in June, 1844, in Floyd County, Indiana, he was united to Saralı J. Dunn, a native of Maryland; ten children were born of this union: Sarah, wife of Henry Lydon, Patrick, William, George Robert F., who married Pearl Safford, and resides ou the home farm; Rosa, wife of W. S. Hooker, a sketch of whom is found else- where in this volume. Robert F. Black and wife have one child, Edith. Mrs. Sarah Black died December 19, 1869, and Mr. Black was united in marriage in December, 1870, to Sarah Miller, who was born in the State of Tennessee.

Politically Mr. Black is an adherent to the principles of the Republican party. He has been a zealous member of the United Breth- ren Church since 1844. Although he is seventy-six years of age lie is well preserved in mind and body; has traveled much, and is well informed on the topics of the day. He is a man honored and respected by all with whom he comes in contact.

AMES ANDERSON is one of America's adopted citizens of whom his country- men may well be proud. He was born in heather-clad Ayrshire, Scotland, March 23, 1843, and is a son of James and Mary (Borland) Anderson. When he was seven- teen years of age the family emigrated to America, believing it to be a land of peace

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

and plenty. After landing they at once pro- ceeded to Knox County, Illinois, where the parents passed the remainder of their days. The father was a skilled veterinary surgeon, receiving his education in that profession at a celebrated veterinary college in Edinburgh, Scotland. Young Anderson resided in Knox County, Illinois, until he had attained man's estate. September 7, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Leighton, of Knox County, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Jessie (Russell) Leighton, natives of Scotland. In 1871 Mr. Anderson pushed still farther out into the great West, and located in Page County, Iowa, on eighty acres of wild land which he at once set out to place under cul- tivation. By prudence and industry he has been enabled to make further investments in land, and now owns an additional 120 acres on section 17, Washington Township. He makes a specialty of breeding fine road and draft horses; his " Careless Sprague " is one of the finest horses in Page County, having an excellent pedigree. He has also studied the science of veterinary surgery and has been very successful in his treatment of all the diseases to which horseflesh is heir.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of six children: Thomas, William, Jessie, Kit- tie, Arthur, and Emma. In political thought and action our esteemed subject is an avowed Democrat. He is a member of Emanuel Lodge, No. 405, A. F. & A. M., at Blanchard. He is candid and cordial of manner, and is one of the most popular and respected citi- zens of Washington Township.

OHN MILLER has been identified with the agricultural interests of Page County since 1874. Five years previous to tliat time, he purchased a tract of raw prairie,

which he has since converted into one of the most desirable farms in Washington Town- ship. He was born across the sea on the lovely "Emerald Isle," in county Tyrone, February 17, 1816, and is a son of James and Elizabeth Miller. He served an appren- ticeship at the weaver's trade, and when he was past twenty years of age he determined to emigrate to the New World and seek the fortune he believed might be in store for him. He remained for a time in the State of New York engaged in farming; lie also worked in a tannery, and later on he went to Philadelphia and worked at his trade. He was married in that city November 3, 1845, to Miss Mary Stuart, a native of county Down, Ireland, and a daughter of William and Isabelle (Hammell) Stuart, of Scotch- Irish descent. In 1848 Mr. Miller removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he re- sided sixteen years. In October, 1864, he went as far east as Henry County, Illinois, where for eleven years he was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road Company. In 1874 he determined to abandon railroad life and settle down to the quiet life of a farmer. Accordingly he came to the land he owned in Page County, as be- fore stated.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of eight children: Mary is the wife of E. A. Strong, of Washington Township; Sarah is the wife of De Witt Wilson, of Aurora, Illi- nois; Isabelle married Dan Gaff, of the Omaha Herald office; William is a carpenter and contractor of Sioux City, Iowa; Wash- ington is a resident of Shenandoah; Eliza- beth is deceased; she passed away at the age of fifteen years; James died at the age of twelve years, and John died at the age of six years.

Politically Mr. Miller affiliates with the Republican party. He is yet hale and hearty,

J. B. Noble

Mrs Rachel & Noble

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

although he is past three-score years and ten, and in the enjoyment of the respect of all who know him.

ETER STANDAGE, whom we will next consider in this biographic record of the leading men of Page County, furnishes a striking example of what a man can accomplish without capital save will and determination to succeed. He was born near Lake Champlain, at Plattsburg, Clinton Connty, New York, October 8, 1841, and is a son of William Standage, a native of Fenns, Lincolnshire, England. His mother was Polly Lezott, who was born in the State of New York, of French ancestry. The fam- ily consisted of six children, of whom Peter was the oldest. When lie was seventeen years old the father removed to Illinois and settled near Woodstock, in McHenry County; there he grew to manhood and was trained to the details of agriculture. He was united in marriage January 3, 1861, to Miss Julia Holdeman, a daughter of John and Cathe- rine (Leighty) Holdeman, who were of Dutch origin. Mrs. Standage was born in Virginia but reared in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Her parents removed to Illinois in 1859. Mr. Standage removed in 1868 to Mitchell County, Iowa, and located near Osage; from that place he came to Page County in 1870, and bought 120 acres of land. The country was new and wild and he was obliged to un- dergo many of the privations of pioneer life; the first few months he lived in a dug-out and for a time had a bitter struggle. But times have changed; he is now the happy owner of 280 acres of as fine land as lies within the borders of Shelby County, and it is well im- proved with many modern conveniences for systematic farming. It is well stocked with 55

cattle, horses, and hogs, and is in every way a model farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Standage have had three children: Catherine, wife of Wallis Pike; Elizabeth, wife of D. Knight, and Peter J., who resides on the home farm; he married Ella Knittle. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of North- boro. Mr. Standage is a stanch Republican, and a highly esteemed citizen.

OHN B. NOBLE, a prominent fariner of Page County, is descended from the early settlers of this country. His grand- father came from Ireland and settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania, about the beginning of this century. He was the father of ten children: Richard, John, William, David, James, Robert, Thomas, Mary, Anu and Kittie. He died before his children had attained maturity; he was a Protestant in his religious belief. His son James, the father of our subject, was born in 1812, and was reared to the life of a farmer; he also served an apprenticeship at the stone mason's trade. He married Catherine Yerty in Pennsylvania, by whom he had two children; William and Ann. His first wife died, and November 20, 1833, he married Nancy Daugherty; she was the mother of two children who grew to ina- turity: Eliza W. and John B., the subject of this biographical notice. About the year 1830 Mr. Noble removed to Jefferson Coun- ty, Ohio, and settled on a farm, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was in very comfortable circumstances.

John B., son of James and Nancy (Dauglı- erty) Noble, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, August 24, 1837. He received a com- inon-school education and was trained to the occupation of a farmer; he also learned the

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

carpenter's trade but he did not follow it as a business. He was under the parental roof until he was twenty- four years of age, assist- ing his father in making a home and snp- porting the family. In 1863, when he was twenty-six years of age, he removed to Henry County, Iowa, and went to work on a farm. September 4, 1864, he was united in marriage to Rachel Elizabeth Allsnp, dangliter of John and Mary Elizabeth (Burge) Allsup. Four children were born of this union: Ida N., Frankie, deceased in infancy; William, de- ceased at the age of two and a half years, and Albert. After Mr. Noble was married he lived on a farm in Henry County, Illinois, seven years, and in the fall of 1871 lie camne to Page Connty; in 1875 he removed to his present farm of 311 acres, which is highly cultivated and well improved. He has al- ways been an industrious, frugal man, and as- sisted by his faithful wife he has accumulated a handsome competency. Mr. and Mrs. Noble are members of the Christian Church and he is an elder of the congregation. He has given liberally to the support of the church and in the erection of the edifice. He takes an interest in every cause which has for its object the upbuilding of the commn- nity. He has served his township as school director and has aided in the elevation of the educational standard. He has the undivided respect of his fellow-citizens, and as one of the pioneers of Iowa is deserving of a space in this record of her early settlers.

Mr. Noble's son Albert is attending col- lege at Mt. Pleasant, and it is the desire of his parents to give him a liberal education. Ida N. is the wife of John S. Woodburn, and they have one child, a danghter, Mabel.

It is a well established fact that the early settlers of Iowa, and especially of Page Conn- ty, have given a high tone to the morals of her citizens. They were and are among the

most intelligent and honorable pioneers of the West; and the State of Iowa owes them to- day a debt of gratitude for the prominent and superior place accorded her in the Union. It gives us real pleasure to record the history of snch men and families.

J. C. ALLSUP was born in Jackson County, Indiana, February 3, 1823, and is a son of John and Nancy (Shoemaker) Allsup, natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. In 1816 the parents emigrated to Indiana and settled in Jackson County, where the father felled the trees, and in the midst of the for- est developed a fine farm and established a comfortable home. There were eight chil- dren in the family who grew to maturity, but only two of them are now living, Richard H. of Jackson County, Indiana, and J. C. Jolin Allsup was reared in the Dunkard Church, and his wife was a member of the Christian Church. She was a true motlier, a sincere Christian, and a noble woman whose memory is revered by her surviving sons. J. C. All- sup is a pioneer of two States, Indiana and Iowa. His early days were spent in the " Hoosier " State under the shade of the forest trees and by the clear, running streams, and his education was more a study of nature than of books, but such advantages as primi- tive schools afforded he enjoyed. At the age of fifteen years he went to learn the carpen- ter's trade, receiving his board and a suit of clothes as compensation for two years' service. In the fail of 1841, when he was eighteen years old, he came to Henry County, Iowa, and remained one winter on Skunk River.

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

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