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 55

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 55
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 55

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served as township trustee, and on the school board. Ile is a member of the Masonic or- der, Parian Lodge, No. 321; Lebanon Chap- ter No. 8, and Mount Zion Commandery, No. 49. Mr. Allen is yet in the prime of life, and by upright dealing has won for himself an enviable position in the county.

ALENTINE PLUMB, a highly es- teemed citizen of Lincoln Township, is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born December 5, 1843. He is the son of William and Sarah (Gray) Plumb, who reared six eltil- dren, of whom Valentine is the second born. Ile was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. Ile was united in marriage December 15, 1867, to Miss Charlotte Llewellyn, a native of Wales, born April 24, 1837; she is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Evans) Llewellyn. Valentine Plumb resided in England until April 11, 1870, when he sailed for America on board the ship Nebraska. He arrived in New York, April 26, 1870, and came from that point to Conneil Bluffs, Iowa; he went to Mills County, where he had relatives, and worked by the month for two years; he then rented land in Mills County until 1875, when he bought land, and in the spring of 1876 he settled on his present farm; this he has im- proved from year to year, until he now has as fine a farm as Shelby County affords. He has a good frame dwelling, surrounded with shade trees, a fine grove and orchard, a barn and windmill, and all improvements, showing the thrift and prosperity of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Plumb have one daughter-Mary HI., born September 26, 1872. They are both worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Plumb is a Republican, and is now serving his second term as trustee for the

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township. Mr. Plumb is an example of what a man can do, coming to Iowa without money. By industry and good management he has acquired a good property. Ile has always taken an active interest in religion and education, and is a liberal supporter of all movements tending to advance either.

AMUEL G. POOL was born in Dela- ware County, Ohio, May 29, 1841. He is a son of Peter and Frances (Wilson) Pool. He was but eighteen months old when his parents removed to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where they resided for a time; they then went to Allegheny County, Penn- sylvania, where Samuel G. grew to manhood. Ile was reared on a farm, and educated in the public schools. His father died when he was but a lad. At the age of seventeen years he came to Iowa, settling in Davenport, where he worked eighteen months at the carpenter's trade. HIe then went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained eighteen months, engaged in working at his trade. Ile next spent eight months at Alton, Illinois, and then went to New Orleans, where he spent one month, just before the war. Here he heard prominent rebels make speeches, encouraging their hearers to fight for the Confederacy, to go to Washington, take the city, and kill Lincoln. He returned to the north, being one of the last permitted to leave New Orleans for the north. He went to Salem, Ohio, where his mother resided, and August 13, 1861, he en- listed at the call for 300,000 men, in the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C. Ile was first under fire at Snell Mount- ain, Virginia; Gally Bridge, Virginia; the two battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Sonth Mountain, Nashville, Hooper's Gap, Chicka- manga, Missionary Ridge, Buzzard's Roost,

Dalton, and Resaca, Georgia. Mr. Pool was on active duty all the time with the exception of a very short time when he was in the hospi- tal. IIe was honorably discharged in 1864, at Chattanooga. In 1865 he returned to the United States Veteran Corps, known as General IIancock's Corps. Ile was again honorably discharged in March, 1865. He returned to Ohio and worked at the carpenter's trade for four years. Mr. Pool was married Inly 13, 1860, to Miss Mary C. Brown, a native of West Virginia, and a daughter of Shelton and .Juliann (Theker) Brown. Mrs. Pool's parents moved to Missouri when she was twelve years old, and both died while she was yet a child. In 1870 Mr. Pool came to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled on his pres- ent farm of 160 acres; he has a comfortable house, and a grove and orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Pool are the parents of seven children- Joseph R., William L., Nevada May, Rolla Adolphus, Ralph Edmond, Nellie lona, and Ivy Pearl. They lost one child by death, Mount Treveda, who died at the age of nine months. Mr. Pool is a member of the Re- publican party, and a strong supporter of its principles.

LAUS ALBERS, dealer in general mer- chandise, came to Corley in April, 1882, buying the stock of goods owned by Thomas McDonald. Ile is a native of Ger- many, born in June, 1855. Ile was ten years of age when his parents came to America, and settled in Davenport, Iowa, where he grew to manhood; he received his education in his native land, and in Davenport. At the age of fifteen years he went to work at the eigar trade, and followed it for several years at Davenport. In 1875 he went to Avoca, Iowa, and engaged in the manufacture

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of cigars, and also in the saloon business for a time. Mr. Albers had resided in Corley four years when he bought the store building which he now occupies, and which is the best in Corley; he has a good cellar, and every- thing well arranged for the large stock of goods which he carries; he does an annual business of $15,000. Mr. Albers keeps one good clerk to assist him; his fair and honor- able dealing has scenred him a large and profit- able trade. IIc was appointed postmaster in January, 1884. He was married in Septem- ber, 1880, to Miss Anna Snyder; one child is the result of their union-Mata. Onr subject is a Democrat, and a member of the I. O. O. F., Delta Lodge, No. 377, Avoca. He is numbered among the representative business men of Shelby Connty.

C. WILCOX, residing in Lincoln Town- ship, Shelby County, is a native of New York, born in Oncida County, April 2, 1833. Ile is a son of Chester and Aurelia (Dunbar) Wilcox, both natives of Connecti- cut. The Dunbar family werc early settlers in Oneida County, New York. A. C. Wilcox was reared on a farm and received his educa- tion in the public schools. In 1855 he took Horace Greeley's advice and came west, set- tling in Winona County, Minnesota, where he remained only a few months. He then went to Waukesha County, Wisconsin, and spent the winter. In 1856 he came to Tama County, Iowa, and lived there two years. In the autumn of 1858 he went back to New York and spent the winter in Cattaraugus Connty, and in 1859 he went to Oneida County. In the spring of 1862 he went to Atkinson, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where he worked at the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1863 he went to Green Bay,

Wisconsin, and worked at his trade. In 1864 he went to Dane County, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1865 he came to Iowa and settled in Mar- shall County, where he engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in connection with his trade. In 1873 he came to Avoca, where he worked at his trade, and in 1874 he bought the land on which he now lives. He was one of the first settlers in the township. Here he has sinec lived and improved his farm from year to year, until he has one of the best farms in the county. He lias a comfortable house, buildings for stock and grain, a windmill, and one of the best maple groves in the township. Ilis farin contains 160 acres. Mr. Wilcox was married in Mar- shall County, Iowa, March 5, 1868, to Miss Clarinda Richart, a native of Stephenson County, Illinois, and a daughter of Aaron and Eliza (Williams) Richart. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox are the parents of eleven children, eight of whom survive-Herbert J., Chester A. and Lester A. (twins), Joe C., Roy S., Fred L., Lewis A. and Della M. Anrelia E., Rosa and Amy died before maturity. Mr. Wilcox is a Republican, and has served as justice of the peace for five years, with credit to himself. He has also served on the school board. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Wilcox is a steward of the same. Mr. Wil- cox is a man who has traveled extensively in his younger days, and is well informed on general topics.

ABRIEL BROWN is a well-known resi- dent of Lincoln Township. He was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, June 22, 1817. He is a son of Abraham Brown, a native of New Jersey, of an old family in

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

that State. Ilis father served three months in the war of 1812. Ilis mother was Charity Soper, and her family were old settlers in New Jersey. Gabriel Brown was reared a farmer and received his education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen hie weut to sea, first as a cabin boy and cook, and afterward as an able seainan before the mast. At the age of twenty-two he removed to Clermont County, Ohio, where he lived for eight years. He was married June 16, 1841, to Miss Eliza Hadley, a native of New York, born August 4, 1817, in Tompkins County. She is a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Potile) Iladley, natives of New York. Mr. Brown lived in Clermont County, Ohio, until 1845, when he went to Kane County, Illinois, where he remained two years. In 1847 he went to Livingston County, Illinois, where he was one of the first settlers. Here he made his home until 1874, when he came to Shelby County and bought the land on which he now lives. He has a farin of 320 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Brown and wife have four children-William Albert, James A., John M. and Eliza. In politics Mr. Brown is iudependent. His son Albert served in the late civil war, in the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, for three years. Mr. Brown is now past his three-score and ten years, but is still hale and hearty. Ile especially enjoys hunting and fishing, and passes many happy days in these sports. Ile is cordial in his disposition, plain of speech and manner, and firm in his convictions of right and wrong.

OBERT W. MUCK is an early settler of Shelby County ; he was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1842, and is a son of Henry and Maria (Harrison) Muck, natives of Virginia. Ile was but eight years old

when his mother died. When he was four- teen years of age he came to Jones County, Iowa, with an older brother; here he grew to manhood, passing his youth in farm work and in attending the common school. Mr. Mnek was married December 23, 1869, to Miss Su- san Kohle, a native of Berks County, Pent- sylvania. and a daughter of William Kolle. Mr. Muck resided in Jones County until 1876, when he came to Shelby County. He bought eighty aeres of wild land, entirely improved; here he has since lived, and made improve- ments from year to year, until he has one of the best farms in the neighborhood. Ile has a dwelling built on the cottage plan, comfort- able and convenient, a barn, eribs for corn, and a fine grove of three acres. All the sur- roundings indicate thrift and wise manage- inent. Mr. and Mrs. Muek have no children. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. Ile is a man yet in the prime of life, of unusual physical force, and of a genial dis- position that attracts friends and keeps them.

HIOMAS A. LONG is one of the best- known early settlers in Lincoln Town- ship, having come to Shelby County in 1866. Ile was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, June 7, 1846. He is a son of Ju- gurtha Long, a native of Indiana. His mother was a Miss Hendricks, whose family were early settlers of Hendricks County. She died when our subject was a baby. In 1847 the father came to Iowa, and the next year he died. Thomas was then taken back to Indi- ana by his paternal grandsire, and was reared on a farm in Montgomery County. Ile re- ceived his education in the public schools. Mr. Long served his country in the late civil war, enlisting in October, 1863, in the Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company HI, and

alexander Mc Cord.

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serving until the close of the war. He par- tieipated in the battles of Nashville, Peach- Tree Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, New Hope Church, in all the battles in and around Atlanta, Franklin, and Dalton, Georgia, besides one or two others. He re- ceived aslight wound in the head at Kennesaw Mountain, but was in the hospital only a few days. He was one of the old soldiers that made a figliting record. After his discharge he returned to Indiana and remained there a short time. He then came to Shelby County, where he owned some land. Mr. Long was married July 4, 1868, to Miss Samantha Me- Keig, a daughter of Wesley MeKeig, of Fair- view Township, who is a prominent pioneer, specially mentioned on another page in this volume. After his marriage Mr. Long set- tled on section 24, Lincoln Township, where he had built a log cabin that has stood the storms, and to-day is a land-mark of early days. In 1877 he came on his present farm, which was then wild prairie land. Here he has since lived, making all modern improve- inents and placing the farm in a high state of enltivation. Ile owns 240 acres of land in a body, two and a half miles from Harlan. Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of six children -Jugurtha, John W., Anna L., Charles, James Garfield and Mand. Harry died in infaney. Mr. Long is a strong Re- publiean, dyed in the wool. He has served as township trustee and on the school board. He is one of Shelby County's solid citizens.

LEXANDER McCORD, a native of New York, born January 11, 1810, was left an orphan at a very early age, and was placed in an orphan asylum, where he remained until he was fourteen years old. He received his education in this institution,

and when he reached the age of fourteen was apprentieed to learn the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a number of years prior to his eoming west. He went to Can- ada, and afterward removed to Randolph County, Missouri, where he remained one year, engaged in farming. He then spent one summer in Illinois, working on the first railroad entering Quiney, for which he re- ceived nothing. In the spring of 1846 he removed to the place where Council Bluff's now stands, then known as Traders' Point, which contained but three houses. Ile lived in a tent for almost one year. When he had been there about a month Mr. McCord en- tered the Mexican war, Company A, under Captain Hunt. Allen was First Lieutenant, and died shortly after, when Cook took com- mand. The company was known as the Mor- mon Battalion. A part of this same company were the first to strike gold in California while digging a well raee. Mr. MeCord served two years, returning in the winter of 1848. He suffered death many times from hunger and thirst while in the service, and many other hardships incident to war in those days. After his return to Iowa he purchased some claims near Council Bluffs and engaged in farming. Ilere he remained until about 1849 or 1850, and then came to Shelby County, locating at Galland's Grove, Grove Township. He purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he improved and placed under good cultivation, remaining on it until 1882. In the meantime he had purchased 240 aeres in Douglas Township, and added to it until he owns in one body 560 acres. It was all unimproved land, and by the united efforts of the family it has been placed under its present advanced state of enltiva- tion. It is one of the finest farms in the county. The first residence erected is now used as a granary. In 1881 the present

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.

beautiful residence was built, being one of the finest in the county. The family also own 500 acres of improved land in Grove Town- ship, 120 acres being timber land. The land in Douglas Township reverted by will to Bradley, the third son, who now ocenpies the same. Mr. McCord was always a true and public-spirited man, aiding in anything for the welfare of the county. He was generous, kind and good. IIe always followed agricult- ural pursuits. IIe was married November 25, 1834, to Sybel Bradenburgh, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Williams) Braden- burgh. She was born in the State of New York, February 27, 1817. They are the par- ents of seven children-Elizabeth, wife of Milton Lynch, of Grove Township; Eunice (deceased); William, of Union Township; Iliram (deceased); Luthier, residing in Grove Township; Bradley, residing in Douglas Township; and Ichabod, residing in Union Township. Mr. McCord was treasurer of Grove Township for a number of years. He died July 15, 1887. Bradley, the sixth child, was born in Grove Township December 27, 1852. Ile was reared in his native place, and received his education in the common schools. He owns 560 acres of as fine land as Shelby County affords, lying in sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, of Douglas Township. He set- tled on this farin in 1874, and has since made it his home, devoting himself to farming and stock-raising. He deals quite extensively, always shipping his own stock. He is an active worker in the Republican party. Ile was married November 27, 1873, to Mary E., daughter of Jasper and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Scott. She was born in Columbia County, Indiana, September 7, 1849. They are the parents of seven children-Pearlie, at home; Almud (deceased); Clara, Arthur, Bradley, Daisy and Gracie, all at home. The family are active members of the Latter-Day Saints

church. Alexander McCord was a minister in the church of the Latter-Day Saints, sent on two different times to preach to the citi- zens of Salt Lake City against polygamy. HIe held the office of elder, and was of the seventies, being ordained as such.

W. SALTER is one of the enterprising citizens of Lincoln Township. Ile was

6 born in Greene County, New York, Jan- uary 14, 1837, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Green) Salter. IIe was reared on a farm in his native State, and received his edn- cation in the common schools. At the age of twenty he started out in the world on his own responsibility, and came to Illinois in 1857; he settled ou a farm in Marshall County, and spent his first season in breaking prairie. During the late civil war he went to the de- fense of his country, enlisting in the Eighty- sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company II, in Angust, 1862. IIe served until Janu- ary, 1864, taking an active part in the battles of l'erryville, Crab Orchard, Murfreesborough and Nashville. He was ill at Old Asylum Hospital for a time, and was honorably dis- charged February 2, 1864. Ile returned to Bureau County, Illinois. Mr. Salter was mar- ried August 23, 1862, to Miss Anna M. Boyd, a native of Canada, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Jamison) Boyd, also natives of Canada. Mr. Salter remained in Bureau County, Illinois, until 1866, when he returned to La Salle County, Illinois, where he resided two years; he then removed to Livingston County, Illinois, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Shelby County. He now owns 200 acres of as fine land as can be found in the county, all under fine cultivation and well improved. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, feeding high grade

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cattle and hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Salter are the parents of nine children-J. Frank, Mary Lizzie, wife of John Mann; Ida May, wife of Charles Middleton; Cora B., Adelaide, Charles W., Lillie Belle, Morris S. and Ladusky. Po- litically Mr. Salter affiliates with the Demo- cratie party; he has served on the school board, and was elected justice of the peace in 1888. He is a member of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, and of the I. O. O. F., Harlan Lodge. He is a member of the Latter-Day Saints. He has always taken an active interest in re- ligious and educational affairs, and all worthy enterprises have found in Mr. Salter a hearty support.

F. MILLER, a citizen of Lincoln Township, is a native of the Buck- eye State, Ohio. He was born in Shelby County, Ohio, January 8, 1854, and is a son of Alfred and Anna (Stone) Miller. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Iowa, and settled in Jackson County. The mother died in March, 1884, and the father still lives in Jackson County. W. F. Miller was reared to farm life, and was educated in the Jackson County schools. For two or three years he was employed in oper- ating a well drill. He resided in Jackson County until 1877, when he came to Shelby County and bought his present farm, which was then wild prairie land; he was one of the early settlers in the western part of the county. II e has made many improvements on his farm, and put it under a fair state of cultivation; he is engaged in general farming, and stock- raising and feeding. Mr. Miller was united in marriage March 5, 1878, to Miss Mary Mann, a native of Canada, reared in Jackson County, and a daughter of John and Mary (Kennedy) Mann. By this union two chil- /

dren were born-Bert and Daisy Belle. Mrs. Mary Miller died November 2, 1882. Mr. Miller married his present wife March 20, 1884; she was Miss Lon Mann, a sister of his first wife. They are the parents of three chil- dren-Roy, Frances and Edith. Mr. Miller is a Democrat. Ile is yet in the prime of life, and has every prospect of a prosperous future.

ANIEL MUSSELMAN, a representa- tive citizen of Lincoln Township, came to Shelby County in 1878. Hle first lived in Monroe Township, near Walnut, and in 1870 came on his present farm. IIc is a native of Bucks County, born December 25, 1833. He is a son of Jacob and . Mary Musselman, natives of Pennsylvania. Three brothers named Musselman came from Ger- many to America about 150 years ago, and bought 1,500 acres of land, much of which is still in possession of the Musselman fam- ily. Daniel Musselinan was reared in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on a farm, and received his education in the public schools. At the age of nineteen years he was married to Miss Sarah Roth, a native of Bucks County, Penn- sylvania. By this union three children were born-Jacob, Henry and Mary. His wife died in 1865, and in 1866 he came to Ogle County, Illinois. He was married to his present wife in January, 1869, to Miss Sarah Wallace, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of George and Mary (Rodearmel) Wallace. Mrs. Musselman's parents came to Illinois when she was fifteen years old, and settled in Ogle County. After his marriage Mr. Musselman resided in Ogle County until 1872 when he came to Cass County, Iowa, and settled be- tween Lewis and Atlantic. Here he lived on a farm until 1878, and then came to Shelby County. He bought land of Rev. E. D. Werts,

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which he has greatly improved. He has a comfortable residence, buildings for stock and grain, a windmill, which furnishes water to the dwelling and stock-yards, and many other comforts and conveniencies. The farm con- tains 160 acres, located three miles northwest from Harlan. He devotes his time to farm- ing and stock-raising. By his last marriage seven children were born-Lanra Jane, Ro- setta Mary, Gilbert Grant, Clarissa Charlotte, Ada Ora, Sarah Elizabeth and Arthur Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman are members of the Evangelical church.

OIIN BARE has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since the spring of 1880. He was born in Somer- set County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Christian Bare, a native of Switzerland, who came to America at the age of twenty-one years and settled in Pennsylvania; here he married Elizabeth Miller, a native of Penn- sylvania, whose parents were also Pennsyl- vanians. Christian and Elizabeth Bare were the parents of eight children. John was the second child, and was reared and educated in his native State. At the age of twenty-two years he removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm for eighteen months. He then went to La Grange County, Indiana, where he remained six months; thence he went to Linn County, Iowa, where he lived for seven years. During the late civil war he went to the defense of his coun- try's flag. Ile enlisted August 7, 1862, in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Champion Hills, Vicksburg, l'ort Gibson, Fisher's IIill, Cedar Creek, Winchester, and the Red River campaign under General Banks. lle re-

ceived a gun-shot wound at Champion Hills, and was honorably discharged at Savannah, Georgia, in 1865. He returned to Pennsyl- vania, and in the spring of 1866 he removed to Woodford County, Illinois. Here he was married to Miss Rachel Blough October 28, 1866; she is a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth (Bowman) Blough, natives of Penn- sylvania. Mr. Bare resided in Woodford County, Illinois, until 1880, when he came to Lincoln Township, Shelby County, Iowa, and bonght his farm of Edgar Constock; there was a small frame house which has since been torn down, and replaced by a frame house bnilt in modern style; this is surrounded by shade trees, and has a pleasant situation. There are also good buildings for stock and grain, and all the surroundings show the thrift and industry of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Bare have three children-Elizabeth, Ida and John W., who were born in Woodford County, Illinois. Mr. Bare is a member of the Re- publican party, and of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, No. 197. IIe carries his age well, and is a man respected by all who know him.

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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