Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships, Part 36

Author: W.S. Dunbar and Co.. pbl
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, W.S. Dunbar & co.
Number of Pages: 852

USA > Iowa > Shelby County > Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships > Part 36
USA > Iowa > Audubon County > Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships > Part 36

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Hunt for two years. When J. W. Harrod was elected auditor Mr. Mills was appointed his deputy, and held this office for one year. In December, -1884, he became associated with S. H. Waters in the drug business. The firm purchased a stock of books and sta- tionery from C. L. Drake, and combined the two branches of business under the firm name of Waters & Mills. They continued for one year, when the firm name was changed to Mills & Peyton. They carry a large stock of drugs, books and stationery. Mr. Mills was married July 12, 1880, to Miss Vania Cole, a native of Rock Island County, Illinois, and a daughter of George and Anne (Martin) Cole. The father was a native of Pennsyl- vania and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents of three children, two of whom survive-Lilalı and Albert, and Gra- cie (deceased). They are both members of the Congregational church. Mr. Mills is a Democrat; he has served as city recorder for two terms. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Carthage Lodge, No. 65, Iowa Legion of Honor.

YRUS BEARD, attorney at law, Har- lan, Iowa, has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1878. He was born in Venango County, Pennsyl- vania, August 13, 1850, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Mckinley) Beard, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject lived on a farm in Pennsylvania until 1865, when lie with his parents came to Iowa, settling in Washington County. Here the father engaged in farming, Cyrus assisting until he reached his majority. His early education was ob- tained in the district school, and was com- pleted in what is now known as the Wash- ington Academy, at Washington, Iowa. After

this he took a commercial course at Buff's College, Pittsburg, Pa. He then engaged in teaching in the winter season, and entered the law office of G. G. Bennett, where he re- mained two years. He was graduated from the law department of the State University, Iowa City, in 1874, and began the practice of his profession in Washington, where he re- mained until he came to Harlan in October, 1878. Ile then formed a partnership with E. Y. Greenleaf, the firmn name being Beard & Greenleaf, which continued until Septem- ber, 1882. At this time he formed a part- nership with J. I. Myerly, and has since conducted a very successful business under the firm name of Beard & Myerly. This partnership was dissolved November 14, 1888, he remaining in the practice at Ilar- Jan. Ile was married September 28, 1875, to Miss Nora E. Wilson, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Captain A. Wilson. By this union five children were born-Mary O., Lawrence L., Clarence C. (died at the age of twenty months), Clara E. and Arthur A. Mr. Beard has held the office of city recorder and city attorney; he is also a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the Congregational charch. He is a Re- publican. Mr. Beard is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M .; Olivet Chap- ter, No. 107, and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49.

W. FRENCHI, Anditor of Shelby County, was born in Jasper County, Iowa, December 3, 1859. He is a son of T. A. French. When he was six years old he came to Shelby County with his father's family, locating in Jackson Township, where they resided for a time, and then moving into Douglas Township. There the father pur-

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chased a farm, on which the village of Kirk- man now stands. Here our subject grew to manhood. His youth was passed in assisting his father on the farm and in attending the common schools. In 1881 he made his first business venture. Ile opened a drug store in Kirkman, and carried on a successful busi- ness until he was elected to the office of county auditor. He took charge of the office January, 1888. On May 25, 1884, Mr. French met with a serious loss by fire, in which his building and stoek were entirely consumed. The loss was abont $2,500. 1Ie was appointed postmaster of Kirkman under President Garfield's administration, and held the office until his resignation, upon being elected to that of auditor. He was married November 22, 1882, to Miss Nettie Wood, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of the late George B. and Mary Wood, of Col- fax, Iowa. By this union one child was born -- Gertrude. By close attention to business Mr. French has been highly successful, and by his honorable and upright dealings has won the confidence and esteem of the entire community. He easts his suffrage with the Democratie party.

EORGE C. HEGLIN, a native of Stav- enger, Norway, was born October 17, 1849. He is a son of Chris and Julia Heglin, and spent his early life on a farm in Norway, and received his education in the common schools. When but seventeen years of age he eame to America, and settled in Iowa County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. He continued his residenee in Iowa County until 1881, when he came to Shelby County and located on a farm of 160 aeres of wild land in Polk Township. This he has placed under good enltivation, and has planted

a grove of two aeres and 250 apple-trees. IIe has also erected a pleasant frame residence, and barns for stoek and grain. All the sur- roundings indicate the energy and econom- ieal management of the owner, who is a live, go-ahead farmer. He has held the office of township trustee for four years, and affiliates with the Republican party, taking an active interest in the political affairs of his eonnty. Mr. Heglin was married February 28, 1872, to Miss Malinda Knudson, a daughter of Knute and Martha Knudson. She was born in Norway, January 18, 1852, and came to America in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Heglin are the parents of six children-Julia M. and Caroline C. (both deceased), Julia, Garfield, Mina E. and Charles C. They are active and consistent members of the Lutheran church, and are among Shelby County's most worthy and respected citizens. In the sum- mer of 1871 Mr. Heglin went to Idaho, pros- pecting, and engaged in mining in company with Anson & Co.

HOMAS BARRETT, a native of Lin- colnshire, England, born March 6, 1844, is a son of Matthew and Hannalı (Naylor) Barrett. IIe was reared in his na- tive country, spending his time on a farm, and in attending the common schools. In 1875 he came to America and settled in Clinton County, Iowa, where he resided for five years. The first three years he worked as a farm hand, and at the end of that time he, in company with Henry Richardson, rented a farm, which they cultivated for two years. Mr. Barrett then left Clinton County and came to Shelby County, and settled on a farm of 100 aeres, partially improved, in Polk Township. Here he has since made his home, making many improvements; he has planted

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

about three acres of grove, erected a comfort- able frame residence, and barns for stock and grain. He devotes himself to agricultural pursuits exclusively. By this industry he has increased the small capital which he brought from Europe until he is to-day one of Shelby County's well-to-do citizens. Politically he is liberal in his views. Mr. Barrett was united in marriage October 11, 1878, to Miss Catharine Seymore, a daughter of Charles and Magdaline Seymore, born in Sleswick-Hol- stein, Germany, July 25, 1855; she came to America with her parents when she was ten years old. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett are the parents of five children living, and two de- ccased-Florence, George H., Frank, Bruce B. and Thomas W. Mrs. Barrett is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church.

W. IRWIN, a native of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, was born April 7, 1820. Hle is a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Decker) Irwin, natives of West- moreland County, Pennsylvania. Ile was reared in his native county, near Johnstown, on a farm, and received a limited education in the subscription schools, in the old log school-honse. Not satisfied with such meagre knowledge, he devoted his leisure hours and evenings after his day's work was done to his books, and in this way acquired an edu- cation cqual, if not superior, to many college educations at the present day; he is a close observer, and is endowed with an unusually retentive memory, both of which have been of great assistance to him in his self-education. HIe is the second in a family of five children; his father died when he was seven years of age, leaving the mother with a family of small children to support; so, as soon as he was able it fell upon him to assist in their main-

tenance. When only nine years old, a mere child, yet a veritable man in conrage and determination, he made his first business venture; he was hired as driver on the tow- path of the Pennsylvania Canal, receiving $8 per month and board for his services. He kept this position for three years-his wages being increased after the first year. At the end of this time he was much gratified at being promoted to the position of steersman, receiving as wages $15 per month. He was held in the employ of the canal and railroad companies until 1849, when the Pennsylvania Central Railroad was being constructed, and he secnred work with this company. He re- mained with thein as a laborer and contractor until 1865; the last three years and a-half he served as night police, being sworn into the service by the government; in this as well as all other positions he was faithful in the discharge of his duties. In April, 1865, Mr. Irwin started to lowa, and arriving there, settled in Washington County, on a farın, where he remained until March, 1870. He bronght his family, consisting of his wife and seven children, with him. When he came to Shelby County in 1870 he located on the land which is now section 31, Jefferson Township. The fall previous he had purchased 200 acres of wild land here, and he began the improve- ment of this. Mr. Irwin's brother-in-law, William Constable, came with him to this wild, new country, and their families were the only ones in what is now Jefferson Town- ship; their nearest neighbor was four miles distant. When moving to the new country, they came to Avoca by rail, and there hired teams to convey them and their effects to their destination; this was not casily donc, as teams were scarce and roads were bad in those days. They finally succeeded, and all went well until they reached Harlan, late in the evening. There was bnt one small hotel,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

and when the emigrating party arrived, con- sisting of twenty-three persons in all, there was much wonderment as to how and where they were to be stowed away for the night. Mr. John B. Swain, one of the oldest settlers of the county, was the landlord, and he was equal to the occasion, and soon had everything in ship-shape for his guests. His family, however, were compelled to stay up all night, but that was a small affair in those pioneer days. The next day the travelers continued their journey, and landed safely at their re- speetive places of abode. It was spring time, and the waters were soon so high that the families living on opposite sides of the creek were cut off from all communication with cach other for three weeks. But Mr. Irwin de- cided to put a stop to this isolation, and im- provised a ferry out of a wagon bed, and by means of a rope thrown across the stream, attached to some bushes, he succeeded in drawing himself across. This is but one of many incidents which might be recounted of the adventures and hardships undergone by the pioneers of the State of Iowa. In 1881 the town of Irwin was laid out, and derived its name from the worthy subject of this sketch, Ebenezer W. Irwin, through whose efforts the town was founded. It is built upon land owned by Mr. Irwin, who gave a good portion of land as an inducement to settlers. Mr. Irwin has served his township in an official capacity since its organization. From the very beginning he has filled the office of trustee and school director with- ont a break. He is a staunch Republican, and has always taken an active interest in the political affairs of the country. Mr. Irwin was married August 25, 1844, to Miss Mary A. Horner, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Beam) Horner, natives of Penn- sylvania. Mrs. Irwin was born in Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, October 23,

1824. They are the parents of eleven children -John (deceased), Sarah, wife of L. W. Wil- son; David S., Ruth (deceased), Clarinda, wife of William Kimble; Evalina, wife of Miles Reynolds; Julia (deceased), Lucretia, (deccased), Ellen, wife of Chauncey Randall; Priscilla (deceased), and Etta, wife of W. J. Wicks. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin are worthy members of the Christian church.

N. HARFORD was born in Washı- ington County, Pennsylvania, Marchi 19, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and Jemima (Leonard) Harford, natives of l'enn- sylvania. Until he was thirteen years old his parents resided in their native State, and then removed to Livingston County, Illinois. His boyhood was spent on a farm and in attending school. At the age of thirteen years he was compelled to abandon school and devote himself to farm duties. He was thus deprived of extensive advantages in ac- quiring an education, but has made up this loss in the cultivation of his unusually keen faculties of observation. When nineteen years of age he commenced life on his own responsibility, having nothing but a team of horses to begin his fortune with. He con- tinued agricultural pursuits in Livingston County and remained there five years. De- eember 19, 1869, he was nnited in marriage to Miss Eliza Gibson, a daughter of James and Mary (Anthony) Gibson, natives of Ohio, who was born in Ohio, March 3, 1851. In 1873 Mr. Harford entered the employ of William Streight, of Cornell, Livingston County, Illinois, as clerk, in a stock of gen- eral merchandise. He served in this capac- ity four years and a half, and in the summer of 1879 he came to Harlan and engaged in the mercantile business, where he continued

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

until 1881; he then came to Irwin, or the spot where Irwin now stands, as his was the first family in Irwin proper. Here he opened a stock of general merchandise, in company with Gibson Brothers-the firm-name being Gibson & Harford. After two years Mr. Harford disposed of his interest in the stock, and entered into partnership with E. J. Trowbridge, in the general merchandise busi- ness. This firm continued three years, and then Mr. Ilarford sold out to his partner, and bought the stock and location of A. C. Allen, where he has since done an extensive business. Ile is to-day one of Shelby County's most prosperous merchants. He carries a stock of $4,000, and owns two good pieces of property in Irwin. Politically Mr. Harford is an active Republican, taking an active part in the politics of the county. He and his wife are the parents of three children -- Malı- lon C., in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad; James B. and Mand. The family are among Shelby County's most respected citizens.

S. BRANSON, M. D., a native of Fulton County, Illinois, was -born March 1, 1854. He is a son of D. W. and Caroline (Young) Branson, natives of Ohio and New York respectively. His boyhood was spent in attending the gra- ded schools of his native town, Morrison. When he was fourteen years old his parents removed to Marshall County, Iowa, to the town of Lamoille. Ilere he was occupied with farm work in the summer season, and in the winter he attended school. This he continued for three years, when he entered Ames (Iowa) State Agricultural College for two years; he then tanght for seven years in the Iowa schools, at the end of which time he

commenced the study of medicine with Dr. L. L. Bond, at West Side, Crawford County, Iowa. He afterward entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, and graduated from that in- stitution in February, 1882. Immediately after his graduation he came to Irwin, where he lias since been engaged in the practice of his profession, which has grown to very com- fortable proportions. In June, 1883, Dr. Branson entered into partnership with W. Granger in the drug business, and the firm is doing business at the present time. He was married June 23, 1881, to Miss Nora Harris, a daughter of Benton and Amelia (Scoville) Harris, born in Black Hawk County, Iowa, June 22, 1858. Dr. and Mrs. Branson are the parents of one child-Earl S., born August 21, 1882. The Doctor is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, being appointed as chairman of the township committee. He is a member of the State Medical Association, the Missouri Valley Association, and is acting vice-presi- dent of the Shelby County Medical Associ- ation. He is a live, energetic physician, and we bespeak for him a prosperous and useful future. Dr. Branson owns 160 acres of land in the county, which is under good cultiva- tion. Ile and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are among Shelby County's most respected citi- zens. Ile is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and of the Legion of Honor.

OIIN R. STEPHENS, a native of Parke County, Indiana, was born October 31, 1845, and is the son of Edward and Ilettie (Richey) Stephens. The father was a native of England, and the mother of Ohio. When he was abont two years old his mother died. When our subject was ten years old

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his father came to Iowa and settled in War- ren County, abont ten miles southwest of Des Moines. He was reared to farin life and educated in the common schools. Mr. Ste- phens was united in marriage, October 21, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Ham, a daughter of J. E. and Lavina (Stanford) Ham, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. She was born in Indiana, February 1, 1848, and was eight years of age when her parents removed to Iowa and settled in Greene County. After his marriage Mr. Stephens engaged in farm- ing in Warren County for two years, and then removed to Pottawattamie County, where he continned his agricultural pursuits until 1880. He then removed to Gray's Postoffice, Audubon County, and engaged in the grocery business for two years. After this he was employed by Dierks Bros. & Lampson, Inm- ber merchants, as manager of their business at Gray's, where he remained but a short time, and was then sent to Irwin by the same company. He took charge of the business here until the company sold out, and was em- ployed by their successors, the S. H. Baldwin Lumber Company, who sold out to the Green Bay Lumber Company, of Des Moines. Mr. Stephens was retained by this company, and now has control of their business at Irwin. Ife is well calculated to fill this position, as is demonstrated by his retention by each of the firms in succession. Mr. Stephens is an active Republican, and has been identified with the township officially as clerk for four years. He is a member of the board of edu- cation, now serving his second term, and is director in the independent district of Irwin. He was appointed one of three, as a soldiers' relief committee, in September, 1888. HIe is a member of the I. O. O. F., having passed all the chairs, and is a member of the Iowa Legion of IIonor and the Grand Army of the Republic, J. R. Slaek Post, No. 136. Mr.

Stepliens went to the defense of his country in the late eivil war, enlisting in May, 1864, in the Forty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company A, and serving until October 22, 1864. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are the parents of three chil- dren-E. F. A., Edward E. and Lewis Manly. They are numbered with Shelby County's solid and reliable citizens.

ETER WILL emigrated from Germany to America in 1879. IIe was born Feb- ruary 1, 1855, and is a son of Henry and Lucy Will. He grew to maturity in his native country, spending his early life in at- tending school and in farm work. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to a cabi- net-maker and served two years and a half, when he began work as a journeyman, and continned in this trade until he was twenty- four years old. He then emigrated to Amer- ica. The first stop he made was in Atlantic, where he remained a few days, and then came to Shelby County, stopping in Harlan for four weeks. IIe then engaged to work on a farm in Jackson Township for five months for Lewis Buck. After his time with Mr. Buck had expired, he was employed by a neighbor to assist in the corn gathering, and remained there all the winter. In the spring he went to work for Charles Gish in Douglas Township, where he remained for nine months. He then purchased a team of Mr. Gish, and during the following winter hauled corn for the farmers to Harlan. In the spring he traded his team for two ponies, and engaged in herding cattle. He followed this occupa- tion for five months, and on Christmas came to Irwin, where he and Peter Graves had purchased two lots. These they divided, and

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

Mr. Will built a stable and purchased a team of horses and started in the livery and feed business. In July, 1885, he purchased of S. Kimball the present location of his barn, and now has a well-planned building and two good teams, and is able to accommodate the public with first-class livery. When Mr. Will came to Shelby County he was in debt, but by hard work and close application to his business he has accumulated a good property. IIe is a live, energetie man, and is among the solid citizens of Shelby County. He affiliates with the Democratic party. Mr. Will was married October 11, 1885, to Miss Maggie Pepper, a native of Germany. They are the parents of two children-Henry and Peter. They are members of the Lutheran church.

M ARTIN POLING, SR., is the son of Samuel, Jr., and Elizabeth (Porks) Poling, and grandson of Samuel, Sr., and Sarah Poling, of Pennsylvania. His mother's parents were Jolm and Sarah Porks. Martin was born and reared in Barbour County, West Virginia, his birth ocenrring Jannary 29, 1819. He was educated in the subserip- tion schools of that day, and was trained to a farmer's life. In the fall of 1836 he, with his parents, two brothers and three sisters, eame to Ohio and settled in Union County, where he met and married Peree Carpenter, August 4, 1839; she was the daughter of Solomon and Catharine (Hill) Carpenter, and was born in Virginia, August 13, 1819, and died October 7, 1888. Martin and Peree Poling were the parents of ten children- Silas, Cyrena, wife of William Gagle; Totten, Jane, wife of L. C. Westfall; Mary Ett, wife of Elijah Gish; Peree, wife of Jacob Tagne; Josephine, wife of J. R. McConnell; George,

Arthur and Martin H. After his marriage Mr. Poling remained in Union County three years, and then removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he resided eight years. He then lived in Mahaska County, Iowa, for seven years, then in Jasper County for eight years, and in 1865 he removed his family to Shelby County, settling five miles east of Harlan. In 1867 he took np a claim of forty acres, which had been abandoned, and afterward purchased an adjoining forty acres, all of which was wild land; here he continued to make his home, making necessary improve- ments. Ile ereeted a good frame residence, barns for stock and grain, built fences, and planted three acres of grove. He and his family had many hardships to undergo, but they now have one of the pleasantest homes in the county, and enjoy the pleasures of those who have a consciousness of duty performned, and work well done. Mr. Poling responded to the call for men to defend the flag of this country, and enlisted in Company B, Thir- teenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; he served eleven months and was discharged on account of failing health. He has always supported the issues of the Republican party, and has held many positions of trust and honor; he has filled the offices of justice of the peace, township trustee and assessor. His first vote was cast for William IIenry Harrison in 1840, and he has voted at every presidential election since but one. He joined the church in 1858, and since that time has lived the life of a true, consistent Christian. His worthy wife fol- lowed his example, and they made the journey through life with interests undivided. When Mrs. Poling died, a faithful wife and loving mother passed to her eternal rest. Mr. Poling now makes his home among his children; he has thirty grandchildren and one great- grandchild. Although he has reached his allotted threescore and ten years, Mr. Poling

Omar Onlyland

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

is bale and hearty, and carries his age like a man of sixty years. Martin H. Poling, the tenth child of Martin, Sr., and P'eree Poling, was born in Jasper County, Iowa, March 27, 1859, and has lived in Shelby County since 1865. His youth was passed on a farm and in attending school. At the age of seventeen years he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade with his brother George at Bowman's Grove; he worked with him for three winters, and then began farming for himself in Jack- son Township; here he remained for three years, and then removed to Jefferson Town- ship, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres of unimproved land; here he made many improvements in the way of erecting build- ings and planting trees. Ile resided on this place for four years, and then came to Irwin, where he has since made his home. He en- tered into partnership with Charles McCon- nell in the blacksmith and repair business. They are energetic business men, and have built up an extensive trade in their line. Po- litically Mr. Poling is a Republican. He was married February 4, 1880, to Miss Minerva J., daughter of Ephraim and Phœbe J. (Ward) Tague, who was born in Shelby County, Sep- tember 1, 1862. Mr. Poling and wife are the parents of three children-Vinnie May, Gracie Edna and Guy Hamilton. They are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are among the respected and hon- ored citizens of the county.

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Author: W.S. Dunbar and Co.. pbl Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, W.S. Dunbar & co. Number of Pages: 852

Author: W.S. Dunbar and Co.. pbl
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, W.S. Dunbar & co.
Number of Pages: 852