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 93
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Mr. Allsup in 1845 led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth M. Burge, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, in April, 1825. But one child was born to them, Rachel Eliz- abeth, the wife of John B. Noble. The mother was called to hier final home when her daughter was a babe of a few weeks old.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
In 1847 Mr. Allsup married Mrs. Elizabeth Sharp, widow of David Sharp and daughter of Edward and Hannah Forbes. Mr. and Mrs. Allsup were the parents of six children, five of whom are living: Ellen, the widow of Francis M. Pickett; Jennie, the wife of Charles Richardson; Levi L., Harrison, and Jessie, the wife of Hiram Allen. In 1865 Mr. Allsup came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he has since resided. When he first came to Iowa the settlers were few and lo- cated at great distances from each other; he will long be held in grateful remembrance for his efforts in behalf of Henry County, Iowa. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, although he voted the Greenback ticket whose party was made up of men of more than " one idea," and who regarded principle above partisanship; though evoking the ridicule and often the hatred of opposite parties, such men have ever been in the van of progress, and have swelled the ranks of every reform since the birth of the Republic.
JACOB BURGE, deceased, was an honored pioneer of Henry County, Iowa. He settled there in 1835, when the present State of Iowa was included in the Territory of Mich- igan. He was born in Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 13, 1804, and was the son of John and Margaret Bnrge. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania but removed to Licking County, Ohio, in 1812. Jacob was raised on his father's farm, and when twenty years of age, July 29, 1824, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Rachel Neil, daughter of James and Catherine Neil, and who was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 13, 1808. In 1833 Mr. Burge emigrated to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he lived two years engaged in farming; but in 1835 he came to Henry County, and when the land was opened. to settlers he entered an entire
section, 640 acres, which he improved and retained, with the exception of eighty-seven acres, until his death, which occurred August 24, 1870.
Mr. and Mrs. Burge liad eight children, five daughters and three sons, but four of whom are now living: Elizabeth M., born May 15, 1825, was the wife of John Allsup, and died February 9, 1846; she left one child, a daughter; John W, was born February 19, 1827, and died at the age of seven years; Louisa J. was born March 30, 1829, and be- came the wife of Samuel Lee; she died Jan- uary 20, 1859, leaving one child, a son; Jeremiah J. was born April 11, 1831, and married Mary Lawrence; he resides in Butler County, Nebraska; Nancy C., born Marcli 28, 1836, is the wife of John Pickett, and lives in New London Township; Rachel J., born June 14, 1838, is the widow of Whitfield Kirkpatrick, and lives in Jefferson County, Iowa; Jacob Morrison, born Septem- ber 21, 1847, wedded Essie Cone, and died December 24, 1870, leaving one child, a son; Susan Emeline, born March 26, 1852, is the wife of Wells Blackman, and lives on the old homestead.
Mr. Burge was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is an avowed Democrat, and a stanch Union man. He was upright and honorable in all his life, and industrious and temperate in his habits, and highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen. He came to this region in ad- vance of civilization, when his neighbors were few and far distant, and his family were subjected to all the discomforts and priva- tions of pioneer life. But by keen foresight Mr. Burge selected a homestead in one of tlie most eligible sections of this fertile re- gion, and left to his heirs a large and valu- able property. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Burge are to be found in the " Bio-
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graphical Album " of Henry County, Iowa, from which this sketch was taken. They were among the first pioneers of the State of Iowa, and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew them, many of whom their hospitable roof had sheltered in early days,
DWARD MONZINGO is a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Page County, and is numbered among thie pioneers of Colfax Township, having settled there in April, 1857. He was born in Clark County, Indiana, July 22, 1825, and is a son of Thomas Monzingo, a native of Virginia and a wheelwright by trade. The mother's maiden name was Mary Gray and she was born in South Carolina. The parents of Ed- ward Monzingo came to Clark County, Indi- ana, in their youth, and were married there about 1820. They reared a family of eight children. Edward was brought np on a farm, assisting his father in the various branches of agriculture and attending the common schools. In September, 1847, he was married to Miss Jenette Johnson. She was a native of South Carolina, and in her childhood she was brought to Ohio, where she grew to womanliood; she was the daughter of James and Sarah Johnson.
Mr. Monzingo remained in Clark County, Indiana, until 1857, when he emigrated to Page County, Iowa, and took hip Government land far from civilization; markets, churches, and schools were at great distance, but he is now in the heart of one of the most highly" cultivated portions of Iowa, with four towns and three railroads in sight of his own home; lie has a neat, frame dwelling, a good, bear- ing orchard, and excellent improvements throughout. By his first marriage five chil- dren were born, three of whom still survive: May Adaline, wife of Solomon McCulley;
John Thomas, and Sarah D., wife of Sylves- ter Rodgers; Maggie, wife of James MeKee, died September 10, 1878, leaving an infant son.
Mrs. Jenette Johnson Monzingo died Janu- ary 24, 1859. She was a faithful Christian and was an active member of the Reformned Presbyterian Church. December 11, 1860, Mr. Monzingo married Elizabeth Drace, of Lincoln Township, a daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Fedler) Drace, natives of Germany. By this union ten children have been born: Rhoda Ann, Lincoln Henry, Emma Cathe- rine, Alice Cora, James Frank, Fred Ells- worth, Edward, Olive May, and Almeda and Ellen, deceased in infancy.
Politically our subject is a Republican as far as general principles are concerned, but of late he has voted the Prohibition ticket. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. The children have all received a good education; two danghters, Rhoda A. and Emma C., are teachers.
Mr. Monzingo is the only one of eleven original members of the United Presbyterian Church in Page County which was organized at an early day. He is a man frank and can- did of manner, and lias lived a life of such strict integrity that he has won a large circle of friends.
OHN IKER is among the earliest pio_ neers of Colfax Township, settling there in 1854. He was born in Cape Girar- deau County, Missouri, September 1, 1825, and is a son of Philip Iker, a native of North Carolina and a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother's maiden name was Betsey Cra- der, and she was also a native of North Caro- lina; when she was a child her parents removed to Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, and
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after a residence there of twelve years they went to Wright County, Missouri. Philip Iker and wife reared a large family of chil- dreu, six sons and six danghters. Being a inan of limited means lie was unable to give his children the educational advantages he wished to bestow upon them. John was the tenth child, and he was obliged to assist in making the living by working on the farm.
Mr. Iker was nnited in marriage Septem- ber 11, 1845, to Miss Rilla Eustace, a native of Missouri, born December 28, 1828. Her parents were Joseph and Katie (Miller) Eus- tace, natives of Tennessee. They reared a family of ten children, and lived until death on the farm on which Mrs. Iker was born. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Churchi and were numbered among the leading families of their county. Mr. and Mrs. Iker lived three years in Cape Gir- ardeau County, Missouri; then removed to Wright County, thence to Buchanan Connty both in the saine State, and in 1854 they, came to Page County, Iowa, and located in Colfax Township when all was new and wild; game was plenty and settlers were few and far between. Mr. Iker bonght land, which he improved, and at one time he owned 600 acres; he has sold and divided among his children until his home farm now contains but 170 acres. The Iker family consists of five children, seven being deceased: those living are Cordelia, wife of Oscar McCord; Matilda, wife of D. Murdock; Eliza, wife of George Whittaker; John, Ollie, wife of James Robinson; Francis Marion died in the serv- ice of his country; James C. died at the age of nineteen years while in the Union army; George W. died in Colfax Township; four children died in childhood,-Betsey at the age of four years, Mary Ann aged four years, Angeline aged three years, and Wilsie aged seven years.
Politically Mr. Iker is a Republican. In his religions belief he takes the laws of honesty and moralty for a guide. He and his estimable wife were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church at an early day, and still lean towards the faith, although they are not able to attend worship at the present time. They have given their children a liberal education, and have started them out in life well provided with financial means; they have niade inost of their opportunities, and have done much towards advancing the in- terests of Colfax Townsliip. No man stands higher in point of honor than Mr. Iker, who has always been a hard-working, industrious, aud good citizen of Page County.
J. MAWHINNEY, whose farm is situ- ate on section 27, Washington Town- ship, claims our attention in this connection, having been a resident of Page County since 1858. He is a native of Wash- ington County, Pennsylvania, born October 22, 1829. His father, Adam Mawhinney, was born in Ireland and came to America when a young man; lie married Margaret Sloss in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; she was also a native of the "Emerald Isle." The father was a weaver by trade and followed the occupation many years. When A. J. was a lad twelve years of age the family re- moved to Guernsey County, Ohio; there he remained until he was seventeen years of age. At the age of sixteen he had begun to serve an apprenticeship as a carpenter. In 1856 he removed to Washington County, Iowa, where he spent two years working at this trade, and iu 1858 he located on his present farın. He is one of the old pioneers who has seen the vast prairie wilderness developed into a garden spot of beauty and wealth.
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His farm contains 104 acres of choice, well cultivated land on the Middle Tarkio River, which renders it especially valuable as a stock farm.
Mr. Mawhinney was married October 17, 1851, to Miss Mary Hull, a native of the " Buckeye " State. She is a daughter of James and Betsey (Wilkin) Hull, natives of Ohio. Seven children have been born of this union: James Albert, A. S., Frank, Clemmie Jane, wife of E. J. Bruce; David W., Mar- garet Belle, wife of S. N. J. Black, and W. S. The family were greatly bereaved in the death of Mrs. Mawhinney, which occurred September 6, 1870. She was a worthy mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church and was a devoted Christian.
Politically Mr. Mawhinney is a Republi- can, strong and radical. He has represented the people of his township in various local offices, filling the same with credit to him- self and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a strong minded man, loyal and true, who believes in the "Golden Rule " as the gnide of life.
HILIP HENN .- This substantial and reliable agriculturist, like many another farmer of the West, is an American by adoption, his native country being the Rhine Province of Germany, where he was born February 13, 1844. His parents were Philip and --- Henn, natives of the same country. When he was a lad thirteen years old his parents sailed from France to the United States, landing at Castle Garden, New York. The father had a brother residing at Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin, and he settled on a small tract of land one and a half miles from Monroe; there he died in 1887, aged sixty- seven years; the mother still resides in
Monroe. They reared a family of seven children of whom Philip was the oldest. He was trained to the occupation of a farmer and received his earlier education in the "Father. land," and after coming to this country at- tended the common schools of Monroe, Wis- consin.
Mr. Henn was united in marriage Decem- ber 17, 1864, to Miss Anna E. Roub, a na- tive of Center County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Acker) Roub, natives of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. When she was a babe her parents removed to Green County, Wisconsin, where they passed the remainder of their days.
Mr. and Mrs. Henn are the parents of ten children: Samuel C., a successful teacher; Charles, Matilda Catharine, Charlotte Belle, Jennie Penilla, Minnie Elizabetlı, Lillie. Nellie, John E., deceased, and Frank, deceased, In State and national affairs Mr. Henn votes the Democratic ticket, but in local elections he votes independently. He and his worthy wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church at Northboro, Iowa. They have brought up their children in paths of recti- tude and right to be an ornament to any community, and they are esteemed one of the leading families in the township.
In 1873 Philip Henn and family emigrated to Page County and first settled near Brad- dyville, Buchanan Township, but in March, 1874, they located in Washington Township on a partially improved farm of 120 acres; he added to this land and afterward sold the whole and purchased the T. K. Bloom farm, which consists of 285 acres, including five acres of timber land in Missouri. It is one of the finest places in all the township; there are a good dwelling, barns, sheds and cribs and every modern convenience for carrying on farming; one of the cattle sheds is 104 feet long and another is 100 feet in length.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Mr. Henn devotes himself principally to tlie breeding and raising of live-stock, to which his farm is especially adapted, and in which he has been very successful.
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HARLES H. HITE, a prosperous agri- culturist of Colfax Township, has been a resident of Page County since 1871. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 25, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Woodruff) Hite, natives of the Sate of Penn sylvania and of German extraction. The parents were married in the old " Keystone " State, and some time later they removed to Knox County, Ohio. When Charles H. was five years old they determined to seek a home in the far West, as Illinois was then considered; accordingly, they emigrated to Henry County of that State, where our sub- ject passed his youth; he acquired liis educa- tion in the common schools of that county, and early became accustomed to farın labor. Years later his parents removed to Marshall County, Iowa, where they still reside. As before stated, Mr. Hite came to Iowa in 1871, and has since made Page County his home. He first bought forty acres of land on section 19, which was partially improved; two years after he sold this land but did not purchase his present farm until 1879; in that season he broke it out, and one year later he settled there with his family. He has made many valnable improvements and has brought the land to such an advanced state of cultivation that the Hite farm is considered one of the most desirable in the township. The buildings are of a most sub- stantial character, the residence being situated on a beautiful site overlooking the Tarkio valley, and the village of Blanchard being seen in the distance two and three-quarters
miles away. A fine orchard adds beanty as well as utility to the place, and all the mnod- ern conveniences for the care of live-stock are to be found. Mr. Hite feeds large num- bers of cattle and hogs, and is an excellent judge of live-stock. His success in this in- dustry is very gratifying.
Mr. Hite was married December 28, 1873, to Miss Sarah M. Gillihan, danghter of J. H. Gillihan, a prominent pioneer of Colfax Township. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has been called to represent the people of his township as trus- tee, and as a member of the school board; he has also served as road supervisor for ten years. He is a man of a cordial and frank disposition and is one of the solid men of the county.
AMES H. PORTER was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1839, and is a son of William and Saralı (Hez- lep) Porter, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch and Scotchi=Irish ancestry. When James H. was six years of age his parents removed to Fulton County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He was reared to the occupation of a farmer and attended the com- mon schools of that day. Arriving at the age of manhood, he was married to Miss Ellen Burlingame, May 24, 1866. She was born in Washington County, Ohio, and when she was ten years old her parents removed to Fulton County, Illinois, where she was edu- cated at Monticello Seminary. Prior to her marriageshe was engaged in the profession of teaching. Her parents, John B. and Charlotte (Gurley) Burlingame, were natives of Ohio and Maine respectively. The season of 1869 Mr. Porter and his family spent on liis wild land in Washington Township, and in the fall
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
they returned to Illinois, where they remained nutil the spring of 1871; during this year a comfortable residence was erected, which is now surrounded by a beautiful grove and a thrifty orchard.
Mr. and Mrs. Porter have two children, J. Royal and Carrie P. The parents are mem- bers of church, the mother belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Northboro, Iowa, and the father being a Presbyterian. Politically he is identified with the Republi- can party; he has served as assessor and clerk of his township and as a member of the school board. He is a man yet in the prime of life, and by reason of his fair dealing and npright living he has won the esteem and respect of the community in which he re- sides.
J. RUSSELL, a truly representative man of Colfax Township, is justly en- titled to biographical space in a work of this character. He came to Page County in 1875 and purchased a quarter section of wild land, to which he has made additions until he now owns 240 acres in an advanced state of cultivation. The farm lies two miles northeast of Blanchard and his residence is on a commanding site overlooking the sur- rounding country.
Mr. Russell is a native of the State of New York, born in Monroe County, July 21, 1831. His parents, William H. and Elsie (Howell) Russell, were also born in New York; the father was of Irish descent and the inother was of Welsh extraction. There were nine children in the family, of whom N. J. is the third. He was reared in his native State, but later his parents removed to Muskegon County, Michigan. Thence our subject went to La Salle County, Illinois, and was engaged
in farming until 1875. He was united in marriage April 8, 1852, to Miss Sarah R. Millikin, a native of La Salle County, and a daughter of Samnel Millikin, one of the pioneer settlers of that section. In 1875 Mr. Russell removed to Page County, Iowa, and opened up his farm. In 1879 he erected the first business house at Blanchard and engaged in general merchandising at that point, con- tinuing for six years, at the end of which time he sold out to Thompson Brothers.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell are the parents of nine children : Ellen M., wife of O. Killgore; M. F., Elsie R., wife of J. M. K --; R. E., Lucy, wife of Frank Dennis; George, Geraldine, wife of J. L. Zanoier; Seth C. and Ada at home.
Politically Mr. Russell is allied with the Democratic party. He has held numerous local offices and has been Mayor of Blanclı- ard; he has also served on the school board. He is an honored member of the A. O. U. W., Rising Star Lodge, No. 130. He lias succeeded well as a farmer and as a business man, and withal he has won the esteem and regard of all his neighbors.
OHN W. HOLLIDAY, physician and surgeon, Blanchard, Iowa, is a member of the firm of Holliday & Chambers, and has been a resident of the place since June, 1880 He is a native of Monroe Connty, Iowa, born near Albia, May 20, 1848. His parents were Samuel and Mary Jane (South) Holliday, and they were among the early pioneers of Monroe Connty, emigrating from Olay County, Missouri. John W. received his education in the common schools of Monroe and Wayne counties, Iowa. In 1869 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Blakey of Corydon, Iowa, with whom he
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
remained five years; he taught an occasional term of school in order to be able to go on with the study of his chosen profession. In 1873 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and entered the college there from which he was graduated in 1879. He first began practice in Sullivan County, Missouri. In June, 1880. he located at Blanchard, Iowa, where he now enjoys a large and profitable patronage. He has also attended lectures at the Northwestern Med- ical College at St. Joe, Missouri, and has ever been a thorough student of the science he has 80 successfully pursued. Dr. Chambers, with whom Dr. Holliday is associated, is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Missouri. He was engaged in tlie practice of his profession at College Springs, Iowa. for four years. In connection with his practice Dr. Holliday manages his drug store at Blanchard, in which he carries a well selected stock of all lines of goods usually handled by the drug trade.
Dr. Holliday was united in marriage to Miss T. C. Chambers, of Wayne County, Iowa, October 31, 1875. Two children have been born of this union: Ora May and John Wesley. The parents are worthy and con- sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Blanchard. Politically the Doctor is a strong adherent of the Republican party.
S. LOUDON, proprietor of " Willow Brook" farm, section 33, Tarkio Town- ship, is among the most successful agriculturists of his community. He is a native of Juniata County Pennsylvania, born June 3, 1840, and is a son of Solomon and Eliza (Barton) Loudon. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent, and the mother was a native of Pennsylvania. They reared a family of five sons and six daughters. The
parents both died in Juniata County, Penn- sylvania.
During the civil war Mr. London enlisted, in August, 1862, as a member of Company I, Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry. At Antietam he partially lost his hearing on account of the heavy cannonading and exposure. He participated in the eu- gagements at Fredericksburg, Rappahannock Station, where a large body of prisoners was taken, Gettysburg, and Lee's surrender; he was with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley campaign, and was also at Petersburg; lie was never confined to the hospital during luis term of service; he enlisted as a private and was discharged a Corporal, June, 1865. He then returned to his old home, and in 1868 he came to Lee County, Iowa; one year later he came to Page County, where he lias since resided. . In 1871 he erected a neat frame residence, which is situated on a charm- ing building site, and in 1884 a commodious well planned barn was built, at a cost of $1,200. The place is further made attractive and valuable by a four-acre orchard and a fine grove. Mr. Loudon is largely engaged in stock-growing; since 1885 he has kept a herd of short-horn cattle as good as any that can be found in Page County. He is a man plain of manner and speech, and of excellent, prac- tical habits.
Mr. Loudon was united in marriage Oc- tober 4, 1871, to Miss Mary C. Elder, a native of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of M. and Mary (Steele) Elder. Three children have been born of this union: Guy Elder, Josephine Belle and Harry Mahlon.
Politically our subject affiliates with the Democratic party, although in 1860 he voted for Abraham Lincoln. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, first uniting with that society at Waterford, Penn-
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sylvania, when eighteen years of age. He is now a member of the Norwich church, which he helped to organize, and of which he is a trustee. In the Sabbath-school he is an act- ive and zealous worker.
SAAC DUKE was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, January 2, 1844, and is a son of John and Nancy (Burnham) Duke. The father is a native of Scotland, and the inother was born in Whitingham, Vermont; they were married in the state of Ohio, and had a family of six children. John Duke died when Isaac was seven years old and his mother survived four years longer. Thus at the age of eleven years he was bereft of a fond parent's care; the oldest child, a dangh- ter seventeen years of age, made every effort to keep the children together, and as all were willing and anxious to keep the home, they succeeded in remaining together until they were grown. Isaac was trained to the oc- cupation of a farmer, and received a common- school education.
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