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 75
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 75
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near the bank of the Skunk River. Ile spent his summers in working on the farm, and his winters in attending the district school. Later he was sent to Howe's Academy at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he pursued his studies one year. In 1873 Mr. Mallory was married to Miss Ophelia Lane, of Henry County, a schoolmate, and a danghter of Abner and Barbara Lane. In 1877 they removed to Audubon County, living on a farm for one year. When the town of Andubon was started Mr. Mallory moved to the place and em- barked in the clothing business, which he carried on successfully for six years. In 1885 he was elected sheriff of Audubon County, and was re-elected in 1887, and is the present finembent of the office. Aside from the duties of his office, he devotes considerable time to anctioneering, his circuit extending over six counties. Mr. and Mrs. Mallory have two sons J. Howe and Ira Wade. Mr. Mallory is a Royal Arch Mason, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F., of which he is a charter member. He is an active and public-spirited man, deeply interested in the progress and welfare of the community.
- CHARLES BAGLEY, attorney at law, and dealer in real estate and loans, Audubon, Iowa, was born near West Liberty, Iowa, May 29, 1854. He is the fourth of ten children, allof whom are living and residents of the State of Iowa. Ilis father, William A. Bagley, was a native of Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation, and is now a resident of Cass County, Iowa, living on the farm to which he came in 1873. Ilis mother, Lucretia Burgan Bagley, was also a native of Ohio. After their marriage his parents settled on a farm in Muscatine County, Iowa; thence they removed to Cass
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County. Charles Bagley was a mere lad when his parents went to Muscatine County, where he grew to manhood. His primary education was received in the district school; he afterward attended a select school, and then entered the State University at Iowa City, where he pursned his studies for two years. He then entered the law department of the same school, from which he was grad- uated in 1881. In 1882 he came to Andu- bon, and opened a law office, devoting his time to his profession in connection with real estate, loans, collections and insurance. Mr. Bagley was united in marriage in Octo- ber, 1888, to Miss Amanda Williams, of Audubon, Iowa, a daughter of Sarah Will- iams. IIer father died when she was a little girl; she was born in the State of Indiana. Charles Bagley was elected mayor of Audu- bon, Iowa, in March, 1886, and re-elected in 1887, and has served two terms.
ILLIAM H. SCOTT is a member of the firm of Scott Brothers, under- takers, and dealers in furniture, Au- dubon, Iowa. This business was established by Horace Prentice, W. H. Scott becoming his agent for the first year. At the end of that time Mr. Scott bought a half-interest in the business, and the firm continued for sev- eral ycars. In 1884 Walter R. Scott, brother to William H. Scott, purchased the half- interest of Mr. Prentice, and the firm changed to Scott Brothers. The business was con- tinned at the old stand, Scott Brothers own- ing the building. They purchase their sup- plies directly from eastern factories, and are well known and established in the business. William HI. Scott was born in Warren County, New York, May 11, 1847. He is the oldest son of Robert and Eliza (Hodgin)
Scott. The father was a Highland Scotehman, and the mother was a native of Saint Law- rence County, New York, both her father and mother being of Scotch descent. They were the parents of six children, three of whom survive. The father died in 1874, in his fifty-eighth year; the mother is still living, and is a resident of Audubon, Iowa. The boyhood of William II. Scott was passed in his native State, where he grew to manhood. Ile began to learn the cabinet-maker's trade at the age of eigliteen, and served an appren- ticeship of two years, when the firm with which he was employed failed. He then went to Greenwich, Washington County, New York, where he worked at his trade, and afterward worked in Troy, New York. In May, 1876, he came to Mechanicsville, Cedar County, lowa, where he remained for two years. In the fall of 1878 he came to Au- dubon as agent for Mr. Prentice, as before stated. In October, 1868, Mr. Scott was married to Miss Miriam W. Tefft, of Saratoga County, New York, a daughter of John H. and Mary E. (Sherman) Tefft. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have one adopted daughter - Katie. Mr. Scott has been a member of the council since the incorporation of the town. He is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M .; Amity Chapter, No. 93, and Godfrey Commandery, No. 44. Ile has served as a delegate to the Grand Lodge.
INCENT A. WALKUP, Superintend- ent of the Audubon County Poor Farm, took charge of this institution in 1888. The farm consists of 200 acres, formerly be- longing to Michael O'Donnell, and was pur- chased by Audubon County for $7,000. It is situated one and a half miles south of the county seat, on the Bluegrass Creek. There
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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
is a beautiful natural grove on the farm, west of the house and barn, which affords fine shade in the summer and serves as a wind- break in the winter, besides adding very ma- terially to the attractiveness of the place. Mr. Walkup was born in the State of Ken- tueky, Jannary 8, 1844. He is a son of John and Nancy (West) Walkup, natives of Scot- land. Ifis mother was well edneated and taught many terms of school in the South. She died in 1865. After the death of the mother, the father and family removed to Iowa and settled on a farm near Winterset, Madison County. Here the father passed the remainder of his days. He died in Feb- ruary, 1879. Ile was reared on a farm, and at the age of nineteen entered the Union army, Company L, Thirteenth Kentucky Cavalry, and went to the defense of his country. He took part in many skirmishes, and sconred a large territory. He was taken prisoner November 17, 1863, at Columbus, Kentucky, and was paroled several days after- ward. He never lost a day when in active service, and was honorably discharged Jan- mary 25, 1865. He removed to Madison County, Iowa, and settled on a farm near St. Charles, where he lived several years. In the spring of 1851 he came to Audubon and resided here six years. Ile built the first steam flour-mill in Audubon, which he kept running for some time, but it was not a pay- ing investment, and he retired from the business and took charge of the water-works. Ile was appointed eity marshal, in which capacity he served three years. Mr. Walkup was then appointed superintendent of the poor farin, a position he is well fitted to till. Mr. Walkup was married in 1865 to Miss Ann Kinnaird, of Kentucky, a daughter of Joseph Kinnaird, a prominent farmer of that State. They are the parents of six chil- dren-Robert A., Cornelia, wife of Samuel
Fisher; Alexander, Joseph, Maek and Sylves- ter. Mr. Walkup is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M., of the I. O. O. F., of the Knights of Pythias, and of the G. A. R., Allison Post.
ROF. CHARLES F. WILLCUTT, Super. intendent of the Andnbon County schools, was born in Franklin County, Massachu- setts, Angust 26, 1841. He is the oldest son of George and Martiaette (Stanley) Willentt, both natives of Massachusetts. George Will- cutt was a farmer by occupation, and when his son Charles was four years old he removed with his family to Portage County, Ohio, in the section which is now known as the West- ern Reserve. The father died in 1852, his wife and three children surviving himn. The mother of our snbjeet was the daughter of Phineas Stanley, of English descent, three generations having been born in America. The great-grandfather of Charles Willentt, Zebedee Willeutt, was a soldier in the Revo- Intionary war. The Willentts were of Eng- lish descent. Charles F. passed his boyhood in Portage County, Ohio, attending the dis- trict school until his thirteenth year, during that time losing only two days. The father dying abont that time, the mother removed to Hiram, Ohio. There Charles entered what was called then the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, which is now Hiram College. Here he pursued his studies four years, working on the farm during his vacations. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching school, boarding around among the pupils, thus earn- ing money in the winter to pay schooling during the spring and fall terms at the Ec- lectic Institute. Thus he passed four more years of life. At the age of twenty-three years he removed to Sangamon County, Illi-
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nois, and there engaged in teaching three years. Here he was married to Miss Amelia B. Mason, a native of New York, and a daughter of Dr. Milton Mason. In 1867 he was elected principal of the third ward school in Springfield, Illinois, a position which he held for a period of eight years. After leaving Springfield he taught six years in Illinois. In 1881 Mr. Willentt came to Exira and tanghit two terms of school. In 1883 he was elected to the office of county superintendent, a posi- tion he still holds, being re-elected on the Republican ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Willentt are the parents of four children-George B., Jessie L., wife of Julius IIerrick; Mand and Paul B. Mr. Willeutt has devoted the greater part of his active life to the profession of teach- ing, a profession than which there is none higher.
HIARLES H. WEEKS, deceased, was an old resident of Jones County, Iowa, who was born in the State of New York, November 22, 1833. His parents, Jacob R. and Hopey Weeks, removed to Iowa when he was a mere boy; here he grew to manhood, attending school in the winter, and working on his father's farm in the summer. He acquired a good knowledge of the branches taught in the district schools of that day; he remained with his parents until he reached his majority. He was married November 27, 1858, to Miss Martha J. Ferguson, the second daughter of Ilans and Margaret (Shields) Ferguson, who was born and reared in the State of Pennsylvania. After her mar- riage to Mr. Weeks they settled on a farm in Jones County, Iowa, where they lived until the death of Mr. Weeks, which occurred in 1874. Mrs. Weeks was thus left with four children, two sons and two daughters-Mary
E., wife of J. II. Jones, of Audubon County ; Fred R., who is at home and has the man- agement of the farm; Victor C., who assists on the farm, and Maggie May. After the death of her husband Mrs. Weeks removed with her family to the farm of her brother, David Ferguson, where she has since resided. The farmn contains 160 acres of well-im- proved land, and she with the help of her two sons, carries on the farm work snecessfully; they have the place stocked with high grade cattle, hogs and horses.
BERNARD CUNNINGHAM, an active farmer of Leroy Township, Audubon County, was born in Ireland in the County of Donegal. When he was eighteen years of age he emigrated to America, land- ing in New York City. He worked at various trades in New York and New Jersey until 1861. In April of that year he drifted west- ward to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1869, when he re- moved to Jasper County, Iowa. Here he settled on a farm of 160 acres in Synngrove Township. He paid $8 per acre, and during his residence made so many valuable improve- ments that he sold the place for $27 per acre. In October, 1882, Mr. Cunningham came to Audubon County and purchased 200 acres of improved land in Lincoln Township. In 1882 he bought his present home place in Leroy Township, containing 165 acres of well-improved land. He has erected a good residence on this place. IIe has followed general farming, making a specialty of high grades of stock. Mr. Cunningham has been particularly successful as a corn grower. He owns some town lots in Manilla. Mr. Cun- ningham was united in marriage in 1868, to Miss Anna English, of Newark, New Jersey.
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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
She is a native of Ireland and came to this country when she was eleven years old. She is a daughter of Michael and Mary (Brady) English, who died in New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have five children-James, Mary A., John B., Frank L. and William. Our subject had but §5 when he came to this country; but he had, what is sometimes bet- ter than money, pluck and energy. Hle votes the Democratic ticket, having become natu- ralized in 1861. Ilis parents, Timothy and Ilannah (MeLaughlan) Cunningham, died in Ireland.
M ICHAEL K. GIFFORD, a retired farmer of Audubon County, Iowa, was born in Morgan County, Ohio, near Pennsville, a small Quaker village, October 1, 1824. Ilis grandfather, Abraham Gifford, was born in the State of Maine, and removed to Ohio in 1816, and settled near Marietta, Ohio. Ile was of English ancestry, and for many years was a sailor on a whaling vessel. The father of our subjeet was Alex- ander M. Gifford, also a native of Maine, born March 13, 1800. Ile was a farmer by occupation, and died November 16, 1884. IIe was married to Miss Isabel King, who died June 19, 1842, a daughter of Michael King, of English ancestry and Quaker stock. Mr. King was among the early settlers of Guern- sey County, Ohio, and built the first grist- mill in that part of the country. Isabel King Gifford was born July 28, 1802, in Guernsey County, Ohio. Michael K. passed his early boyhood in Morgan County, Ohio. When he was twelve years of age his parents re- moved to Noble Connty, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. The family continued their residence in Noble County until 1854, when they all removed to Cedar County,
Iowa. There the parents settled permanently and passed the remainder of their days. Mr. Gifford was married May 7, 1848, to Miss Mary Ann Carman, of Allen County, Indiana. After his marriage Mr. Gifford settled in Noble County, but in 1854 removed with the family to Iowa, where he engaged in farming in Cedar County until October, 1873. Ile then moved to Jasper County, remaining five years; thence to Pottawattamie County, remaining one year. In April, 1880, he moved to Audubon County and settled on 160 acres of land, for which he paid $13 per acte. Ile lived on this place and improved it until 1886, when he sold the farm for $25 per acre, cash in hand, since which time he has not been actively engaged in business. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford are the parents of seven children, six of whom lived to maturity- Alınira was born October 27, 1849, wife of Samuel T. Lambert; John W., born July 21, 1851; Charles C., born July 16, 1854; Mary, born October 27, 1557, wife of Wesley Imes; Martha, born May 6, 1860, wife of Joseph Bottenfield; Jason A., born August 9, 1862 and one child that died in infancy. When living in Cedar County, Iowa, Mr. Gifford held the office of justice of the peace for two terms. Ile is a member of the Wesleyan M. church, and was ordained in 1859, Junius A. Preston officiating. Mrs. Gifford was born in Steuben County, New York, May 6, 1829. She was the daughter of Charles C. and Eliza Ann Carman.
AVID FERGUSON, deceased, was a cit. izen of Leroy Township, one of its early settlers, highly esteemed, and widely and favorably known, not only in Audubon County but in adjoining counties. Mr. Fer- guson was born in the State of Pennsylvania,
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Indiana County, January 26, 1832. His par- ents were Ilans and Margaret (Shields) Fer- guson, both natives of Pennsylvania. IIans Ferguson, the father of our subject, was a fariner by occupation; he followed this pur- suit until his death, which occurred in early life. Ilis wife, Margaret Ferguson, who survives him still, resides in Cedar County, Iowa, to which place she moved with her family in 1857; she is the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are living; she is now in her eighty-third year, and in reason- ably good health. David Ferguson moved to Cedar County with his mother, and in 1876 came to Audubon County, and purchased the farin now occupied by his sister, Mrs. Charles II. Weeks. The farm at the time of pur- chase contained 120 acres without improve- ments. Ile broke the land, built a good residence, barn and other buildings necessary to carry on successful farming. The place is situated on the east bank of the Nishnabotna River. Mr. Ferguson planted numerous trees which serve not only as a wind-break, but add very much to the appearance of the place. After a successful career, David Ferguson died, August 7, 1885; and thus passed away one of Audubon's honored and beloved citizens. His funeral was the largest ever occurring in the county. Ile had never married and Mrs. Weeks had been his housekeeper for many years before his death; he had deeded his farm to her before his death. He had not only been an honored citizen, but he had as- sisted in the defense of his country, serving her faithfully for three years. IIc was a member of Company H, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the western army. He took part in the Red River campaign under Banks's command; in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, under General Thomas; and was wounded in a bat- tle in Mississippi; he also took part in the
battle of Pleasant Ilill, the siege of Vicks- burg, and other important engagements. In July, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Muscatine, Iowa. He was a member of Al- lison l'ost, No. 34, G. A. R.
AMUEL JORDAN, an enterprising farmer of Viola Township, was born in Fermanagh, Ireland, October 13, 1831, Ile is the twelfth of a family of fourteen children of John and Elizabeth Jordan. Ilis father was a modest farmer in his native land, in which country both his parents died. Samuel was reared to the life of a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. Arriving at the age of twenty years, he made a voyage to Australia, and there worked in the gold fields, being quite suc- cessful. He remained there nine years, dur- ing the time making one visit to Ireland. In the fall of 1863 Mr. Jordan came to the United States, landing in the city of New York; thence he went to Nova Scotia, and visited a brother living there. He returned to New York, and thence proceeded to Rock Island County, Illinois. He remained there, engaged in farming until 1868; in November of that year he removed to Poweshiek County, Iowa, and settled on a farm which he im- proved. In the fall of 1880 he sold this place, and in March, 1881, he came to Audu- bon County and settled on his present farm; there were then only eighty acres in the place, but Mr. Jordan has added to it, until there are now 200 acres. He devotes him- self to farming and stock-raising. In No- vember, 1853, occurred the marriage of Mr. Jordan and Miss Alice Worrel, a native of Ireland, and a daughter of William Worrel, Esq. By this marriage eight children were born, seven of whom are living-Joshua;
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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Johnson; Ann J., ! Clark, who was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, wife of Robert Smith; William J., Thomas C., Samnel R. and Alice Beatrice. In Na- tional and State matters Mr. Jordan votes the Republican ticket; in local affairs he votes for the best man for the place. IIe has a good, comfortable home, barns and cribs, and is well fixed in this world's goods. Ile is energetic, honorable in his dealing, and is numbered among the best of Viola Town- ship's farmers.
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AMUEL HAYS was born in Westmore- land County, Pennsylvania, November 28, 1844, and is the son of Fred and Mary (Robins) Hays, natives of the State of Pennsylvania. When Samuel was eighteen months old his parents removed to Rock Island County, Illinois. There he passed his early youth, being reared to the occupation of a farmer. He obtained his edneation in the district schools and the graded schools of Cordova. Ile was entering his second termn in the latter place when he enlisted in the United States service in the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D. After six months he was honorably discharged, and re- turned to Rock Island County, and remained there until 1867, engaged in farming during the summer season and in teaching school in the winter. In the fall of 1867 Mr. Hays came to lowa, and for several years he was occupied in teaching in the winter season, und working at the carpenter's trade and at the shoemaker's trade during the rest of the year. For three years after coming to the State he made his home in Henry County, after which he removed to Marshall County, remaining there four years. He was married September 6, 1872, to Miss Ellen L. Clark, danghter of G. C. and Phobe A. (Rodgers)
July 17, 1854. They are the parents of nine children-Frew L., Mand A., Willie A., Gabriel C., Samnel E., Miles F., James A., Mary M. and Alice L., all at home. In 1875 Mr. Ilays removed his family to Audubon County, and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Greeley Township, which was then wild prairie land. He has added eighty acres to his first purchase, and has made many valna- ble improvements, erecting a good frame residence, and barns for stoek and grain. Ile affiliates with the Democratic party, but votes for the man that he judges best qualified to fill the position. He takes an active interest in the political affairs of the county, and has filled most of the township offices. He is a member of the K. of L.
RANK M. HENSLEY, an enterprising farmer of Greeley Township, Audubon County, is the seventh child of J. J. and Martha J. (Popejay) Hensley. He was born in Polk County. August 31, 1858, and passed his early childhood in his native place. When lie was ten years of age his parents removed to Jasper County, where they resided three years. In 1871 they came to Andubon County and settled in Exira Township; there he was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and attended the common sehools. In the year 1887 he took a trip through the west to California, and remained one year. He re- turned to his old home in Jannary. 1888, and entered into the mercantile business, follow- ing the same for one year, but finding in-door life did not agree with his health retired to his farm in Jannary, 1889. April 11, 1885, he was united in marriage to Ella, daughter of Perry and Barbara Parrott; she was born in Dubnque County, Iowa, April 19, 1866.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mr. and Mrs. Hensley are the parents of one child-Jolin J., born February 25, 1889. In January, 1889, Mr. Hensley moved to his present home, a farm of eighty acres, in section 19, Greeley Township, which he has owned since 1882; the land was raw prairie when it came into his possession, but has been con- verted into one of the finest farins in that part of the county. He also owns eighty acres in section 20, Greeley Township. He has a fine frame residence on his home farm, and has made numerous other valuable improvements. Mr. Hensley devotes himself to farming and stock-raising exelusively ; he is one of the live, energetie farmers in the county, and enjoys the esteem and respect of a wide eirele of friends. Politically he is a stanneh supporter of the issues of the Democratie party. Ile has served as township assessor.
UDGE ARTHUR L. SANBORN is a native of the State of New Hampshire, born in the town of New Hampton, No- vember 7, 1842. His father, Caleb M. San- born, was of the thirteenth generation of an English family who were among the first English settlers of New Hampshire. The mother of Arthur L. was a Miss Nancy Quinly, daughter of James Quinly, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and held a Captain's commission. Arthur L. Sanborn is the youngest of sixteen children, ten of whom lived to maturity. He remained in his native county until he was fifteen years old, when he went to Massachusetts, and went to work in a sash, door and blind factory, in which employment he continued until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he en- listed, August 14, 1861, in the First New Hampshire Cavalry; he served his country faithfully until July 19, 1865, when he was |
mustered out of the service as Quartermaster- Sergeant. He returned to New Hampshire, and soon after went to Chicago, and worked there one year with J. H. Reed &. Co., whole- sale druggists. Ile then went to Carroll County, Illinois, and in 1868 he came to Audubon County, stopping in Viola Town- ship and opening up a new farmn; he remained there eight years, and his daughter Viola was the first child born in the township. He left the farm and spent six months in Exira, and then went to Washington County, Iowa, re- turning to Andubon Coanty in 1878. He was appointed postmaster of Audubon, re- eeiving a commission from 1879 to 1883; at the expiration of his commission he was sne- ceeded by E. H. Kimball. On retiring from the postoffice he went to Manning, Iowa, and there engaged in the drug trade with Cloughly Brothers. In 1888 he returned to Andubon, still in the employ of the Cloughly Brothers, as elerk, a position he now holds. Mr. San- born was united in marriage December 24, 1867, to Mary Cameron, a daughter of Allen and Catherine Cameron, and a sister of John Cameron. Seven children have been born to this union-Arthur C., Donald O., Herbert, Viola E., the wife of E. R. Dutt, and Mabel; two died in infancy. Mr. Sanborn is a mein- ber of Veritas Lodge, No. 392. A. F. & A. M., being first junior warden of the same. He is a member of Allison Post, No. 134, G. A. R. Politically he is a stauneb Republican.
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