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 40
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 40
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
A short time before the event took place, his brother went to Chicago to buy goods, and told William W. that he expected to be mar- ried before his return; so in due time wed- ding cards were sent on to Harlan, and as soon as they came, and thus fixed the exact date of the marriage, our subject took the cards to the home of Miss Griffith (to whom he was engaged), handing her the cards sent by his brother, and remarking, why can't we be married the same time here in Harlan? It was agreeable all round, and the ceremony was performed at the same hour in which his brother was being married at Morrison, Illi- nois. Ilis brother telegraphed him to meet them at the train in Harlan, and upon their arrival he introduced him to his bride, and in turn William W. surprised them both by introdueing them to his wife! Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are the parents of one child-Charles Lake. In polities Mr. Wheeler is a Repub- liean, but has never been an aspirant to public office, always deeming his own business of more consequence. At present he is a mem- ber of the school board of Harlan independent district, vice-president of the Ilarlan Business Association, and vice-president of the IIarlan Coal and Mining Company. He and his es- timable wife are both members of the Con- gregational church and consistent Christian workers, he having been church trustee for several years. Ile is also an acceptable mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mount Zion Commandery, No. 49. The reader must have been impressed with the thought, while tra- cing this most successful business man's career, from his start in the hardware store of George Spencer in Clinton to the statement of his fortune, that he is indeed an exceptional character, possessing in his make-up the finest elements which enter into the composition of
a grand and successful life. He has ever been a hard-worker, yet seldom tiring in his labors. Whether in his store midst iron, nails and stoves, whether assisting in the banking- house with which he is connected, whether attending to his lands, whether in publie or private life, this genial, whole-sonled, Chris- tian gentleman is the same earnest, faithful friend of whom the world has none too many.
- OHN POTTER was born in Yorkshire, England, March 2, 1835. He is the son of Thomas and Nancy (Thirsk) Potter, . and was reared in his native country. His edneation is purely practical, and was gained through his own efforts by diligent reading and close observation. In 1857 Mr. Potter came to America and resided in Illinois until 1861, when he made a trip to Canada, where he remained two years and then returned to England. Here he was united in marriage to Miss IIannah Pearcy, February 28, 1863; she is the danghter of Marmaduke and Anna (Greene) Pearey, and was born June 20, 1841, in Yorkshire, England. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Potter came to America and settled in Carroll County, Illi- nois, where they resided six years. They then removed to Montgomery County, Iowa, and lived there for six years; thence they removed to Shelby County, Iowa, in March, 1875, where they have since made their home. Mr. Potter bought eighty acres of land in Jeffer- son Township, which he has greatly im- proved. He has planted a grove, in the midst of whichhe has good a frame residence, and barns for stock and grain. He has added to his first purchase until he now owns 240 acres in one body of fine cultivated land. Politically he is a staunch Republican, and has done mneh toward the advancement of
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the country socially and morally, and advo- cates all measures tending to the progress of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are the parents of four children-Thomas H., born November 26, 1867, now attending the West- ern Normal at Shenandoalı, Iowa; Libbie A., born October 12, 1870; Jamies R., born Oeto- ber 4, 1872; and John A., born January 29, 1880. The family are worthy and respected citizens of the county.
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NDREW WILFONG, a native of Wa- bash County, Indiana, was born March 22, 1851, and is the son of Martin and Maria (IIarvey) Wilfong. When he was two and a half years old the family removed to Carroll County, Illinois, where they re- sided until he was fourteen years of age. They then came to Tama County, Iowa, where they made their home until 1872. An- drew Wilfong was reared on a farm, that most excellent nursery of our national independ- ence, and was educated in the public schools of Iowa and Illinois. When he had reached his majority he came to Shelby County and settled on a traet of 147 acres in Jefferson Township as a homestead. However, he was defeated in this by a scheme concocted by the railroad company to defrand settlers of their improvements. In order to retain the prop- erty upon which he had already expended much time and labor he purchased of the railroad company what he considered his own property by right of pre-emption, paying $18 per aere. Mr. Wilfong was married June 30, 1875, to Miss Parmelia Tibbott, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Horner) Tibbott, who was born in Ebensburglı, Cam- bria County, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1851. They are the parents of three children- Ethel, William, and an infant daughter (de-
ceased). When Mr. Wilfong came to this county he was seven miles from the nearest improved farm and three miles from the near- est neighbor, excepting one, James Lothrop, a brother-in-law, now deceased. Their whole possessions were a team of horses and $50 when they came to this new country, and they had many hardships to contend with, but they faced them bravely and are now reaping their reward. Mr. Wilfong has erected a good frame residence, and barns for stock and grain; lie has planted two and a half aeres of grove and made numerons improvements. Politically he is a staunch Republican, and has held many positions of trust and honor. He has served his town- ship as assessor, road supervisor and as a member of the board of education. Mrs. Wilfong is a worthy and consistent member of the Christian church. These people are a fair example of what can be accomplished by energy and industry, coupled with determi- nation to win. Mr. Wilfong occupies his time exclusively in farming and stock-raising and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance of Botna.
ETER HAMMER, of the firm of Son- neland, Hammer & Co., is one of the well-known business men of Harlan. He was born in Germany, October 4, 1864, and is the son of Otto P. and Christina (Stendrnp) Hammer. He was given the ad- vantage of a good education, attending school until he was fifteen years old. Like so many other Germans, although fond of the father- land, he desired to try hisfortunes in America; accordingly, he left family, home and friends, and came to America. After his arrival in this country he came to Iowa, and settled in Shelby County, working on a farm some time.
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
In 1883 Mr. Hammer obtained a sitnation with Eidamiller Brothers, as clerk in their dry-goods store; there he remained nntil Eidamniller Brothers sold ont, acquiring while in their service a thorough business training. He is now associated with Mr. Sonneland and Mr. Jorgenson in the general dry-goods trade, and they are doing a profitable business. Mr. Hammer was married October 25, 1886, to Miss Ida Nelson, of Harlan, a daughter of Peter Nelson. They have had born to them one child-Fred O. Politically Mr. Ham- mer affiliates with the Republican party. He was reared in the faith and teachings of the Lutheran church.
ILLIAM CONSTABLE, a native of Sussex County, England, was born October 8, 1827, and is a son of Henry and Urania (Wilson) Constable. When he was seven years of age his parents emi- grated to America, and settled in Cambria Connty, Pennsylvania; here he spent his early life, and his parents passed the remainder of their days. The mother died in February, 1856, but the father survived her many years, and passed away at the age of eighty-six years; they were members of the Church of England. William was the fourth child of fourteen children, and his father being a briek-maker by trade, the sons were naturally trained to the same avocation. He was thor- onghly instrneted and trained in the art of briek-making, near Johnstown, Pennsylva- nia. His education was acquired wholly out- side the school-room, in the evenings, and during leisure honrs, under his father's diree- tion, who likewise was a self-educated man, excepting two terms of night-school. By persistent effort he has gained an education which would be a credit to one having had
much superior advantages. Mr. Constable remained with his parents until he was twenty- seven years of age, when he engaged with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and re- mained in their employ for five years. After this he worked in the Jolinstown, Pennsyl- vania, Iron Works as puddler for five years. He was married August 21, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Horner, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Horner, natives of Cambria Connty, Pennsylvania. She was born February 13, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Constable are the par- ents of thirteen children-Le Roy A. J. (deceased); Sophia E., wife of Edwin Rich- ards: William D .; Mary E. (deceased); Le- ander C. (deceased); Anna M., Edward H., Oliver P., Melvin T. B., Franklin H., Clara L., and an infant daughter (deceased), and Nel- son J. After Mr. Constable completed his engagement with the iron works he removed his family to Shelby County, Iowa, and set- tled in Jefferson Township, where he has sinee made his home. His first purchase was 200 acres which was partially improved. The only neighbor was his brother-in-law, E. W. Irwin, who came with Mr. Constable and settled one mile sonthwest. The family had many hardships to endure during the early days of their residence in the county, but they had conrage to face them bravely, and sur- mount all obstacles, and to-day are reaping the benefits. When they came to Shelby Connty the nearest marketing place was Avoca, to which point they were obliged to haul their produce and grain, and make their purchases. They have seen the country de- velop from a wild, uninhabited prairie to a prosperons, enlightened, agrienltural district, and they have done mneh in bringing abont this change, and well deserve the honor and esteem in which they are held. Politically Mr. Constable is a Republican, but is deeid- edly liberal in his views. He has held many 1
Haughn
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
offices of trust and honor; he has been treas- urer of the township for fifteen years, and is at present a member of the boad of education. Mr. Constable now owns 460 acres of land in one body in Jefferson Township.
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ILMOT L. BAUGHN .- Some char- acters are slow of development, and turn out much better than was ex- pected from the promise of their childhood; and some show their metal from the very first, and are full-grown men and women while yet children in years and physical growth. Wilmot L. Baughn, whose history has suggested the preceding paragraph, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, November 1, 1850, and is a son of Charles and Pencela (Blue) Baughn. When he was six years old his parents removed to Harrison County, Iowa, where he was reared on a frontier farm and educated in the common schools, which were also, doubtless, frontier in character. During his boyhood days, when he was eleven or twelve years of age, he and his oldest brother, Harman, broke a tract of land in Harlan Township, Shelby County, which was afterward their home. In 1866 the family removed to Shelby County and settled on a farm just north of Simoda. When William was fifteen years old, he and one of his brothers freighted to Denver with ox teams, carrying corn for 11 eents per pound. They left August 27, and returned on Thanksgiving Day. William L. drove two yoke of oxen and cooked for seven men on the trip. When eighteen years old he began the task of im- proving a farm of eighty acres, which he afterward purchased, with the assistance of his father. Soon after he bought forty aeres more, adjoining the corporation line of Har- lan. This he has improved and made addi-
tions to it, until he has in one body 540 acres. Mr. Banghn also owns a farm of 240 acres in Jefferson Township, and one of 120 acres in Washington Township. In 1870 he shipped his first stock, driving it to Avoca for load- ing. In 1879 he began to ship extensively, and in the spring of 1885 made his largest shipment, consisting of eighteen cars, the proceeds amounting to $18,000. He fre- quently uses special trains for his shipments, and has always taken the lead in this branch of business in the county. Mr. Baughn was married September 29, 1874, to Miss Urania Adams, a daughter of J. H. Adams, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Baughn is a native of Pottawattamie County. After their marriage they resided on their farin for one year, and then moved to Harlan, where Mr. Baughn opened a livery stable, which he managed one year. At the end of this time he traded the livery stable for a farm of 280 aeres in Douglas Township, which he has since disposed of, and returned to his farm. In the fall of 1878 he himself husked the first 1,000 bushels of corn that were contracted for in Harlan. He remained on the farm for nearly two years, and then returned to Harlan. In the summer of 1882 he erected his residence, one of the finest in the town, finished with all the modern im- provements. Mr. and Mrs. Baughn are the parents of two children-Wilmot L., Jr., and Herbert A. Politically Mr. Banghn affili- ates with the Democratie party.
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JOHN W. SMITH, a native of the Buck- eye State, was born near Cincinnati, November 29, 1851. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Smith, and one of a family of seven children. When he was two years of age his parents removed
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
to Jasper County, Iowa, where he passed his early life. He was trained in agricultural pursuits, and received a limited education in the common seliools, but is qualified to trans- act any business that may devolve upon him. Mr. Smith was united in marriage, October 21, 1874, to Miss Esther Wollard, daughter of James and Amanda Wollard. She was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September 17, 1856, and was eight years old when her parents came to Iowa and settled in Jasper County on a farin, where they still reside. After his marriage Mr. Smith continued farm- ing, and in 1878 he came to Shelby County and settled on a farin of eighty acres of par- tially improved land. Here he built a small frame house, which he has since replaced by a fine, large residence. He has erected build- ings for stock and grain, and planted a grove of one acre. Ilis farm is situated in section 2, Jefferson Township, and is a eredit to the surrounding country, as everything looks thrifty and prosperous. Mr. Smith is oecn- pied exelusively with agriculture and stock- raising, and stands in the front ranks of Shelby County's well-to-do citizens. Polit- ically he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children- Frederick, Riley (deceased), Oliver and Will- iam. They are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
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M ILES REYNOLDS has been identi- fied with the interests of Shelby County, Iowa, since 1874, when he removed to Douglas Township. He was born in Wyoming County, New York, Angust 26, 1817, and is the son of Nyrum and Sarah (Veiley) Reynolds, both natives of New York State. He passed his youth in his native State on a farm, and was educated in the
common schools. He is one of a family of eleven children, nine of whom survive. In the year 1868 he left New York and went to Illinois, spending six years in Livingston and Iroquois counties. He then came to Douglas Township, Shelby County, and lived for one year on a farm east of the place on which Kirkman now stands. He then re- moved to Greeley Township, where he had purchased eighty aeres of partially improved land. Here he made many improvements and placed the farm under good cultivation. He made additions to the farm until he owned 170 acres, on which he lived for eight years. In 1885 he made an exchange of property, by which he came into possession of thirty-five aeres in Jefferson Township. He added ten aeres to this traet, whichi lies in the independent district of Irwin. He lias a beautiful home. He was formerly ocenpied in buying and selling live-stock, and at present does some farming. Polit- ically he affiliates with the Democratic party. Ile has done much toward the improvement and advancement of the community, and is held in high esteem by all who know him. Ile is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 444. Hle was married February, 1854, to Miss Jane Bennett. She was a native of New York, and died in 1857. Mr. Reynolds was married again to Miss Eva, daughter of E. W. and Mary Irwin. She was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1851. They are numbered with the reliable people of Shelby County.
AMES L. HALL is a native of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, born July 26, 1837. Ile is the son of Alvin and Philantha (Yales) Hall, both natives of Mas- sachusetts, who afterward moved to Wiscon-
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.
sin where they died rather early in life. When James L. was thirce years old his parents went to Walworth County, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. Ile was reared to farm life, and received a limited education in the common schools; although his opportunities have been few he has made the most of them, and has qualified himself to transact any business that may fall to him. At the age of fourteen he was thrown upon his own re- sources, and since that time he has made his own way in life. Mr. IIall was united in marriage August 16, 1868, to Miss Emeline Williams, daughter of Spofford C. and Mary (Hastings) Williams, natives of Vermont; she was born in Rutland County, May 29, 1845. They have three children-Hattie, Azubah and Ida. In June, 1875, Mr. Hall came to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled on an eighty-acre tract of wild prairie in Jeff- erson Township. Here he has established a comfortable home, and has one of the best farms in this part of the county. He has suitable buildings for stoek, and has planted a three-acre grove. He devotes himself to agricultural pursuits, and deals extensively in live-stock. He has added 160 acres to his first purchase, and now owns 240 acres in a body. Mr. Hall has done much toward the up-building of Shelby County, and is deserv- ing the esteem and regard in which he is held. The first wages he received were $10 a month, and from this small start he has risen to a position of financial independence. Politi- cally he affiliates with the Republican party; he has served faithfully in the various offices in his township from the beginning of his residence in the county until the present time. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 444, and of the Farmers' Alli- ance. He enlisted October 1, 1861, at the call for men to defend this nation's flag, in Company F, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. Ife was honorably discharged No- vember 18, 1864, having served his country for three years. IIe entered the service as a private, but was soon promoted to Sergeant, in which capacity he served most of the time. The most noted battles in which he partici- pated are Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Cor- inth, Lay's Ferry, Resaca, Inka, Altoona, Snake Creek Gap, and Atlanta. He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and saw all there was to sec, but did not feel all there was to feel, as he escaped without a single wound, and without being taken pris- oner. However, he endured all the privations incident to a soldier's life, and these are not few. He is a member of the G. A. R., Slacker Post, No. 139.
J. SMITH was born in Canada, June 19, 1864, and is the son of George and Jane (Wadsworth) Smith, na- tives of Ireland. When he was two years old his parents removed to Mercer County, Illinois, where he was reared and spent his early life. IIe was trained to agricultural pursuits and educated in the common schools. When he was in his twentieth year he be- gan life upon his own responsibility; he came to Shelby County and purchased a farm of eighty acres of improved land in Jefferson Township; here he remained and cultivated his farm until three years had passed away. He then traded his farm for another place in the same township, where he lived until 1889. He then exchanged his land for property, and established mercantile trade in partnership with D. W. Clarke, in Botna. They carry a stock of general merchandise worth $7,000. They are live, energetic young men, and are destined to make their mark in the business circles of Shelby County, and the county is
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
to be congratulated upon the acquisition of this firm. Mr. Smith was united in marriage March 5, 1884, to Miss Alice R., daughter of David and Alice (Blakely) Clarke; she was born in Rock Island County, Illinois, Octo- ber 18, 1865. They are the parents of two children-Alice M. and Florence M. Politi- cally Mr. Smith is an active Republican. D. W. Clarke was born in Rock Island County, Illinois, June 2, 1868, and is the son of David and Alice (Blakely) Clarke, natives of Ireland. Ile was reared in his native county on a farm, and was educated in the publie schools of his own connty and Cornell Col- lege, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. After leaving col- lege he went to Botna and engaged as elerk for S. B. Fritz, with whom he remained three months, and then entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, W. J. Sinith, they buying the stock of Mr. Clarke's employer. Messrs. Smith & Clarke are dealers in coal, grain and live-stock.
J. MILLER has been a resident of Shelby County since 1879. Ile is a native of Indiana, born in Putnam County, June 14, 1843. He is a son of Rob- ert and Ann (Hillis) Miller, both natives of Kentucky. The parents were married in Kentucky, and located in Putnam County, Indiana. In 1845 they removed to Illinois, where they remained eighteen months and then came to Jones County, Iowa, where they were early settlers; here they entered government land. Robert Miller died in 1866, and his widow resides in Harlan. T. J. Miller was reared a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. He was married November 3, 1872, to Miss Samantha Taylor, a native of Warren County, Indiana, whose parents, James and Minerva (Lindley) Tay-
lor, were natives of Kentucky and Ohio re- speetively. Miss Taylor had taught school for ten years in Iowa. In 1879 T. J. Miller purchased 160 acres of land, partially in- proved, in Shelby County. He has since added to it until he now owns 240 acres in a fine state of cultivation. He has a comfort- able residence, a good barn, a fine grove and orchard, and a windmill, all indicating the energy and thrift of the proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of five children- Oral, Lois, Myrta R., Ray R., IIugh II. and Agnes J. They are members of the Christian church in Harlan. Mr. Miller is a member of the Democratic party. Ile is frank in manner, upright in business, and one of Lin- coln Township's best citizens.
ILLIAM THOMAS is one of the enterprising and successful residents of Lincoln Township. Ile was born in Germany in May, 1852, and is a son of Peter and Eva (Bukqnalı) Thomas, of French origin. William was four years old when his parents emigrated to America and settled in Marshall Connty, Illinois, where they lived until death. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Illinois. He was married in October, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Roth, daughter of Joseph and Eve (Fries) Roth. Joseph Roth was a native of France. William Thomas lived in Marshall County, Illinois, until 1877, when he came to Shelby County and bought 160 acres of wild land. Ile now has a comfortable dwelling-house, a grove and an orchard, and all the equipments of cattle-rais- ing and feeding, to which he gives special attention. Ile is also agent for the Erie windmill, one of the most popular and one of the best makes, and is a very successful
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
salesman. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of six children-William, Henry, Frank, Leo, Tillie and Joseph; they are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Thomas is in sympathy with the Democratie party. He is genial in temperament, honor- able in business, and altogether one of Shelby County's solid citizens.
RANCIS PLUMB, a leading eitizen of Lincoln Township, is a native of Eng- land, born in Lincolnshire, February 6, 1846. He is a son of William and Mary (Gray) Plumb, natives of England, who had five sons and one daughter. The father died in England, and the mother, with three chil- dren, still reside there, and three of the chil- dren emigrated to America. Franeis was reared on a farm and was edueated in his native land. For three years he worked in a government ship-yard. He was married March 17, 1868, to Miss Grace MeKinnon, a native of England, and a daughter of Peter and Grace (MeClellan) Mckinnon. Mr. Plumb and wife sailed from Liver- pool for New York, April 28, 1868. They went directly to Council Bluffs after landing, and from Council Bluffs to Mills County, where Mr. Plumb had relatives. He worked by the month for three years and then rented for four years; he then came to Shelby County and bought 120 acres of wild land. In 1875 he settled on this land and has sinee made it his home. Mr. Plumb has invested his surplus in land, and now owns 360 acres. He has a good comfortable dwelling-house, surrounded with a fine grove, and a barn and yards for cattle. The farm is well watered, and he makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle, in whichi he has been very sueeessful. Mr. and Mrs. Plumb
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