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 52

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 52
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 52

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Wilson KEarnis.

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BIOGRAPHIICAL SKETCHES.

arine (Christianson) Jacobson; he lived in Denmark until he was thirty years old. Ile attended school until he was sixteen years of age, and then worked on a farm. In the spring of 1867 he sailed for America, from Copenhagen, via Liverpool, England. He landed at Castle Garden, and first went to Little Washington, New Jersey, where he worked until he went to Davenport, Iowa; he then went to Jasper County, Iowa, and returned to Davenport where he spent the winter and spring of 1868; he again went to Jasper County, where he worked two years on the railroad. In the spring of 1870 he, in company with his brother, drove ont to Shelby County with an ox-team; he bonght eighty acres of wild land, and has since made a nice home for his family. Ile has a good frame honse, and a barn for stock and hay, an orchard and a grove; everything shows the owner to be thrifty and prosper- ous. Mr. Jacobson was married December 14, 1867, to Dorothea Kock, at Davenport, Iowa; she was born in Denmark and came to America when twenty-two years of age. They have seven children-Mary, Peter, Ida, Andrew, Bertha, Catharine and Clara. Mr. Jacobson is a Republican, and has served as director and road supervisor. Ile and his wife are Lutherans. He has always been in- terested in the educational affairs of the county. He is honest and upright in busi- ness, and is one of Shelby County's success- ful farmers and solid citizens.

ILLSON KEAIRNES has been a resident of Shelby County since 1851, and therefore can justly lay claim to being one of the pioneers of the county. He was born in Virginia, November 30, 1824, and is the son of Dunlap and Elizabeth

(Willson) Keairnes, natives of Virginia, of Irish and German ancestry. Willson was abont seven years of age when the family re- moved to Lawrence County, Ohio. There the father died, leaving a wife and five chil- dren-Robinson, Willson, Jane, Eleanor, and Sarah Ann (deceased). Willson was reared to farm life, and obtained his education in the common schools. About the year 1843 he went to Missouri and spent one year; thence he removed to Illinois and remained there five years, and in 1849 he came to Iowa and settled at Indian Mills, now known as Park's Mills, three miles from Council Bluff's. In the spring of 1851 he removed to Grove Township, Shelby County, and pre empted a tract of 160 acres in what is now section 28. There he has made numerous valuable in- provements, and has one of the finest farms in that part of the county. He has a beanti- ful residence, and substantial buildings for live-stock and grain. When he settled on this place it was in its primitive state. He chose his farm partly in the prairie and partly in the grove which is now known as Keairnes' Grove. When he came to the county there were only fifteen men living within its borders, so it can readily be seen that neighbors were few and far between. Nothing daunted Mr. Keairnes' determina- tion, and he went to work with a will to secure a home for himself. He was almost penniless and had the care of his aged mother and two sisters besides his wife. How.well he has succeeded can best be demonstrated by taking a look at his broad acres of finely improved land, well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs. His farm covers 360 acres of land. In the beginning of his residence in the county there were many hardships to endure. The nearest market place was Coun- cił Bluffs, fifty miles distant; and no differ- ence whether it was a pound of coffee or a

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

spool of thread, fifty miles must be traveled to obtain it. This journey was made by ox team or on horseback. Mr. Keairnes was officially identified with his township as trustee and school director. He affiliates with the Republican party. He was united in marriage, April 8, 1847, to Sarah Parks, daughter of Elisha Parks. She was a native of Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Keairnes are the parents of ten children-Elizabeth, wife of Amsey Beadle; Orpha J., wife of C. Sparks (both deceased); William II., Harvey R., Mindred W., Juliett, Edwin U., George, Jennetta, wife of Samuel Buekster; Martha, wife of William Hammer. They have also reared four orphan children - Ida Sparks, May Sparks, Sarah Keairnes, wife of George Rumels, and Mary Keairnes, wife of Thomas Warren. Mrs. Keairnes is a member of the Latter-Day Saints church.

OIIN JACKSON, dealer in agricultural implements, came to Shelby County in the autumn of 1887. He is a native of Indiana, born in Montgomery County, June 8, 1848. Ile is a son of W. T. and Rachel (Miller) Jackson, natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Indiana. In 1852 the family emigrated to Iowa and settled in Guthrie County, where John was reared on a farmi and received his education in the public schools. He resided with his parents nntil he was twenty five years old. Mr. Jackson was married March 2, 1873, to Miss Susan Warren, a native of Ohio, a daughter of A. I. and Melissa (Ogle) Warren, an old family of Noble County, Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Jackson settled on a farm in Guthrie County, five miles north of Panora. Here he lived until the winter of 1875, when he purchased a hardware store in Panora, which

he managed until 1879. He then sold out and removed to Cloud County, Kansas, and opened up a farm, where he resided one year. IIe then went to Cawker City, and dealt in grain until 1881, then sold out and returned to Adair, Iowa, and engaged in the hardware and implement business. He sold the hard- ware department in 1883. In 1884 he met with a serious loss by fire, which could have been covered by $3,500. He immediately resnmed business, which he continued until 1888, when he sold ont. In 1887 he had established a hardware trade in Harlan, and is now doing a thriving business. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are the parents of six children, three of whom survive-Pearl E., George E. and Warren. The oldest died in infaney; Ollie died at the age of six months, and a second child named Ollie died at the age of one year. Mr. Jackson is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Eneampment. Ile easts his vote with the Republicans of this country.

LIVER McDOWELL, retired, was the pioneer blacksmith of Harlan. He opened a shop there in the year 1870, and continued in the business until 1883, when he retired. Mr. McDowell was born in Henry County, Indiana, at Newcastle, Feb- rnary 28, 1820. Ilis father, William Me- Dowell, was born in Vermont in 1800, and his mother, Hernida Bundy, was born in North Carolina, and reared in Wayne County, Indiana; she died when Oliver was a small boy, and her husband died in 1884. Our subject was reared to farm life, and at an early age learned the blacksmith's trade, in connection with earriage-making. In 1853 he came to l'ella, Marion County, Iowa, and

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there worked at his trade until 1870 when he sold out and came to Harlan. Ile owns a good farm near the town, and a comfortable dwelling in Harlan. Mr. McDowell was married in Henry County, Indiana, July 26, 1849, to Mary Frazer, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, and a daughter of S. H. and Rebecca (Valentine) Frazer. The father was a native of North Carolina and died in Harlan, in May, 1879; the mother was born in Kentucky, and died in Marion County, Iowa, September 12, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have two children living-Ar- minta Taylor, of Denver, Colorado, and Albert L. Fonr children are deceased-Re- becca J., William II., Charles, and Rufus K. The last named was a partner of his father. Mr. McDowell is an adherent to the principles of the Republican party, and has served on the town council. He is a con- sistent member of the Baptist church.

EORGE SWINEHART, a farmer of HIarlan Township, has been identified with the interests of the county since 1865. Ile was born in Stark County, Olio, September 8, 1830, and is a son of John A. and Elizabeth (Himebaugh) Swinehart, both natives of Pennsylvania. The family lived in Summit County, Ohio, for several years, and in 1847 removed to Elkhart County, In- diana. George was reared a farmer, and re- ceived his education in the subscription schools. He was married October 20, 1853, to Miss Eleanor Philson, a native of Penn- sylvania, and a daughter of James and Susan (Heffleg) Philson. In 1857 Mr. Swinehart came to Jasper County, Iowa, where he im- proved a farm, and in 1865 he came to Shelby County, where he bought ninety-five acres of land of Leonard Bowman; he now 35

owns 155 acres in the home farm and eighty acres in Jackson Township. His home place is well improved, having a good residence, a large barn, and a fine grove of timber, and an orchard. He is engaged in general farm - ing and stock-raising. By his first marriage he had eight children-Janes, Effie, Emma, Owen P., Lemnel E., George M., Susan B., Ed. D .; one child died, William Darbin, at the age of four years. Mrs. Swinehart died May 6, 1874; she was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, and was a kind wife and an affectionate mother. Mr. Swinehart was again married January 19, 1885, to Miss Elizabeth Culler, a native of Stark County, Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin and Cath- erine (Myers) Culler. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother was a native of France, who came to Ohio, when eight years of age. By this marriage Mr. Swine- hart lıas one child, Goldie Mildred. Our subject is a Republican, and has served several years as township trustee with credit to him- self. He has given his children a good edu- cation, and two of his danghters are successful teachers. Mr. Swinehart is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has always taken an active interest in the relig- ious and educational affairsof the community. Ile and his family are highly respected mem- bers of the community in which they live.

E. GRAVES, farmer, of Harlan Town- ship, has been identified with the connty since 1870. He was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, February 23, 1849, and is a son of Homer Graves, a promi- nent pioneer of Jo Daviess County, Illinois. C. E. grew to manhood in his native county, where he was trained to agricultural pursuits and educated in the public schools of the

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

county. In 1870 he came to Shelby County, and in 1872 he bought land on which he lived until 1875, when he purchased what is known as the old Castile farm; this place was first settled by a man named Lyon. In 1884 Mr. Graves built on this place. The farm contains 360 acres of land, well watered and well improved; besides his residence there are buildings for stock and grain. Mr. Graves was united in marriage in Stephen- son County, Illinois, February 25, 1872, to Miss Carrie Daws, a daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Neeves) Daws. She was born, reared and educated in Stephenson County. Mr. and Mrs. Graves are the parents of five children-Rodney E., Charlotte E., Clotilda, John and Azalia D. In political matters Mr. Graves affiliates with the Republican party. lle has served as a member of the school board. By energy, industry and up- right dealing Mr. Graves has gained an envi- able position in the county.

B ENJAMIN ROBERTS, of Harlan Town- ship, claims England by birth, but America by adoption. He was born in Yorkshire, England, February 7, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Hurst) Rob- erts, also natives of Yorkshire. Ile remained in his native land until he was twenty-eight years old, so that his coming to America was no flight of restless youth, but the determi- nation of sober, serious manhood. While yet a youth he went to work in a cotton fac- tory, where he was employed until 1870. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ann Smithers, who was born and reared n Yorkshire, England, and who was a daugh- iter of John and Adelaide Smithers. Mr. Roberts, with his family and brother Will- jam, sailed from Liverpool for New York in

1870, and thence came directly to Shelby County, Iowa. He bought forty-five acres of land where he now lives, and also owns eighty acres in section 20, Ilarlan Township. He has a comfortable home, and buildings for live-stock, to the raising and care of which he gives special attention. Mr. Roberts has two children-Sarah Ellen and Hannah. His great loss was the death of his beloved wife, which occurred in 1881. She was a good neighbor, a loving mother, and a devoted wife. Mr. Roberts lost one son, Joseph, at the age of seven years; he was drowned in the river. Mr. Roberts is not bound to any political party, but casts an independent snf- frage. He is yet in the prime of life, and is one of Shelby County's reliable and respected citizens.

ARTIN OBRECIIT is one of the pio- neers of Shelby County, having been identified with its interests since 1857. He was born in Strasburg, France, Novem- ber 17, 1835, and is the son of Martin and Catharine (Miller) Obrecht, natives of France. Ife was sent to school until he was fourteen years old, and then he worked on a farm for four years. At the age of eighteen years le came to America, and settled in Ashland County, Ohio, where he lived two years; he then removed to Elkhart County, Indiana, where he resided two years. In 1857 he came to Shelby County, and at the end of three years he returned to Elkhart County, Indiana, and was married February 5, 1860, to Miss Mary Bachman, a native of Germany, and daughter of George William and Anna Gertrude (Eckhart) Bachman, na- tives of Germany. The father died in Ger- many, and the widow emigrated to America with her children when Mary was' thirteen

Edmund Permiston

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BIOGRAPHIICAL SKETCHES.

years old. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Obrecht, with all their possessions, which consisted of a team of horses, a wagon, and a few dollars, returned to Shelby County, Iowa. They had brave hearts and willing hands, and were not afraid of work; they set- tled on fifty acres of land near Bowman's Grove, where they lived until 1871, when they came on their present farm; this was then wild land, and there was not another house between them and Harlan; the place contains 240 aeres under good cultivation ; there is a comfortable residence, surrounded with five aeres of grove, and a large barn, having a stone basement; there are buildings for stock and grain, and all the surroundings show the economy and wise management of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Obrecht are the parents of nine children-George W., Will- iam M., Aletta C., Charles O., Lillie May, John Albert, Rufus Chancer, Anna Gertrude, and Mary IIuldah. Politically Mr. Obrecht is a member of the Democratic party. He and his wife are worthy members of the Dunkard church. He is a deacon in the church, and gave two aeres for the elirch grounds. Mr. and Mrs. Obrecht have given their children a good education, and have in- stilled in their minds good principles. They are plain of manner and speech, firm in their convictions of right and wrong, and are among Shelby County's most respected eit- izens.

DMUND PENNISTON, a native of Leicestershire, England, was born De- cember 15, 1845, and is the son of George and Caroline (Thanp) Penniston, who emigrated to America when our subjeet was six years old. They settled in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, where Edmund was reared

and where the parents resided until death. The father passed away in 1883, and the mother had gone before, in 1867. Mr. Penn- iston was one of a family of twelve children, and was trained to the occupation of a farmer. He assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-four years old, when he started in business for himself, renting a farm in company with his father for one year. Ile was married July 2, 1870, to Miss Mary J. Theobald, daughter of Robert and Isabella (Bernard) Theobald. The father is a native of England, and is still living. The mother was born on Prince Edward's Island, and died in 1886. Mrs. Penniston was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin, April 2, 1853. Mr. Penniston and wife are the parents of four children -Carrie B. (deceased), Robert G., Ross E. and Ed Leroy. They have become mneh attached to a bright little girl of four- teen years, Lulu Cynthia Pratt, who has lived with them since her mother's death, five years since. After their marriage they continued their residenee in La Fayette County, Wis- consin, for fifteen months, and then went to Crawford County, Iowa, where they remained one year. In 1873 they came to Shelby County and settled on 160 aeres of wild prairie in section 7, Greeley Township, which they have since made their home. Here Mr. Penniston has erected a comfortable frame residence, and barns for stock and grain, all bespeaking the energy and enterprise of the owner. He has added to his first purchase of land until he owns 400 acres of as fine land as Shelby County affords, all lying on the gentle slopes of the West Nishnabotna Creek, two miles north of Defiance. He de- votes himself to farming and stock-raising, and has been very successful in these avoca- tions. Mr. Penniston is identified with the Republican party, and has held many posi- tions of honor and trust in his township,

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

serving eight years as trustee, and eight con- secutive years as treasurer of the school board. Starting in life with very little of this world's goods, Mr. Penniston has just cause for pride in the position which he occupies in the county, financially, polit- ically and socially.

11. GUTHRIE, a native of Jones County, Iowa, born July 10, 1865, is a son of Clement and Agnes (Brown) Guthrie, natives of Scotland, who came to America about 1841; they located first at Salem, Mas- sachusetts, where Mr. Guthrie acted as fore- man in a factory; he afterward came to Iowa, settling in Jones County, where they still reside. There is a family of ten children, five boys and five girls, of whom our subject is the youngest; he was brought up to farmn life and received his earlier education in the common schools. When at the age of four- teen lie attended High School, and commenced teaching when but sixteen years old. Ile taught and attended school alternately for some time, teaching to provide means with which to continue his education. He took a course at Bushnell, Illinois, Business College, graduating from this school in art and. pen- manship. Afterward he attended the Iowa State Medical University, Iowa City; then he taught for a time, and afterward entered Rush Medical College for one term; he then went to Louisville, Kentucky, and attended the Louisville Medical College; he graduated from this institution in 1887, when he came to Shelby County, Iowa, loeating at Kirkman in August, 1887. Ilere he has established him- self in his profession and has a good practice. Doctor Guthrie was married April 12, 1888, to Miss Hattie Pank, a daughter of Jonathan and Anna (Watson) Pank, natives of I'enn-

sylvania; she was born in Illinois, May 16, 1868. The Doctor possesses eight diplomas: One of general practice, chemistry, surgery, penmanship, literature and art, and some minor ones. As a penman lie has few equals; he defeated Prof. Hoff in an exhibition of penmanship at the Cass County Fair, and has many fine specimens of his skill, which deco- rate his home. When he undertakes a thing it is with a determination to excel, and well does he execute his desires. He is a live, energetie man, and we anticipate for him a brilliant career. He is courteous and affable and at once wins the respeet and esteem of those with whom he comes in contaet.

IERSON FOUNTAIN, a native of Mead Connty, Kentucky, was born March 5, 1838, and is the son of William and Maria Fountain. He was reared in his native State, and it was not until he had attained his twenty-third year that he removed to Noblesville, Indiana. IIe made this his home until 1862, when he went to Boston, Massa- chusetts, and enlisted in Company D, Fifty- fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. IIe served three years, and was twice wounded during the battle of Honey Ilill. He par- tieipated in a number of hard-fonght battles, and after the war returned to Boston, going thence to Hamilton County, Indiana. There he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth O. Roberts, a native of Hamilton County, Indiana. They are the parents of four chil- dren-Augustus, Edward, Ida and Harrison. In 1867 Mr. Fountain came to Shelby County and located on a farm of 160 aeres in Doug- las Township. IIe has made many improve- ments upon this land and has placed it under enltivation. Politically he is a staunch Re- publican. He has held the office of road

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

supervisor, and has done much toward the advancement and progress of Shelby County. Mr. Fountain is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

A. NIEMAN, a native of Hanover, Germany, born Angust 24, 1831, is a son of Christopher and Dora Nieman. His early life was spent in Germany on a farm. He took the regular course in the common schools, which covers a period of eight years, and after that he studied for over a year. In 1854 he came to America and located in Wisconsin, remaining over two years; he then took a trip down the Missis- sippi River, stopping at all the principal towns, making the longest stays in Daven- port, Burlington and Saint Louis; at the lat- ter place he remained abont two years; he continued his trip as far south as Memphis, Tennessee, intending to visit New Orleans, but the yellow fever was infesting the city at that time and he decided not to venture any farther. He then returned to St. Louis and spent two summers in Illinois, about seventy- five iniles from St. Louis; after that he re- turned to Wisconsin, where he farmed one year and then sold out, going to Madison, Wisconsin, where he remained one year or more. In 1875 he moved to Avoca, Iowa, where he worked for Caldwell in his elevator for over two years; from there he went to Walnnt, where he engaged in the farming- implement business, in company with his son-in-law, H. C. Hanson, for one year; he then sold out his interest and came to Shelby County, and purchased a farm in Douglas Township, of 100 acres, which was but par- tially improved. Here he went to work to inake himself a farm and a home, whichi he has done by hones ttoil; he has placed the

soil under good cultivation and improved the place till there is none better in the county; he has increased the farm to 240 acres. He has built a beautiful frame residence, with barns for stock and grain, and has planted about one and a half acres of grove, all of which bespeak the wise management and spirit of the owner; he employs his time ex- clusively in farming and stock-raising. Polit- ically Mr. Nieman is liberal in his views, casting his vote for the man he considers best qualified for the office. He was married December 21, 1861, to Dora, daughter of Christ and Kate Meyer; she was born in Han- over, Germany, September 24, 1839, and came to America in 1861. They are the parents of six children-Emma, wife of H. C. Hanson, resides in Nebraska; Augusta H., wife of P. F. Cold, resides in Irwin; Henry W., Lewis F., Julia E., and Willie J. C. are at home.

W. CROFT was a native of Pennsyl- vania and married Mary M. Saner, also of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and passed their early life. After their marriage, at a very early day, they moved to Ohio and located in Coshocton County. Mr. Croft was a man devoted to agricultural pur- snits, and is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. They had a family of eleven children-Catharine (deceased), Lydia A., wife of Thomas Mulford, resides in Frank- lin Connty, Iowa; John, who also resides in Franklin County, Iowa; Betsey (deceased); Joseph resides in Page County, Iowa; Mary A., wife of Samuel Dick, resides in Kansas; Hannah, wife of William Hawlin, resides in Nebraska; N. C., the subject of this sketch; George S. resides in Douglas Township; two children died in infancy. N. C. Croft was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, October 1,

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

1844, where he was reared to farm life. In August, 1875, he landed in Shelby County, locating on section 23, Douglas Township, on a farnı of 120 acres of improved land. When he landed here he had only twelve head of cattle, five horses, and less than $5 in money. Here he went to work on the raw prairie to carve ont a home for himself and family, and by dint of hard and honest toil he has sue- ceeded in securing what he has labored for, having to-day one of the best farms in Dong- las Township. He has erected good buildings, planted groves and made other improvements. Ile devotes himself to farming and stock- raising, and is a member of the Farmers' Al- lianee. He was married April 5, 1867, to Minerva Allen, daughter of Elizabeth Allen; she was born in May, 1851. They are the par- ents of six children-Nellie, Maud, Cland II., Fred, Pearl and Nettie.

M. ROBERTSON is a native of Brown County, Indiana, born March 29, 1852, a son of W. R. and Elizabeth J. (Baily) Robertson, natives of Tennessee and Kentneky. In the fall of 1855 he came to Iowa with his parents, loeating in Poweshiek County, on a farm where he was reared and where he re- ceived his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. Ile was brought up on a farm and spent his life in this eapaeity until February, 1888, when he came to Kirkman. Ile figured quite prominently in the local politieal field in Poweshiek County, holding the office of justice of the peace and several minor offices, an evidence that he had the confidence of the people, especially in the good old Democratie party, which he represented. Ile is a lover of good horses, and is working to improve the quality by introducing a couple of standard stallions, a Norman and a Clydes-

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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