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 76

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 76
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 76

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ICHARD GAULT, a fariner and ex- tensive stoek-shipper, of Exira Town- ship, was born in the City of Brotherly Love, August 21, 1834. IIe is the fourth of a family of six children of Franeis and Deb- orah (Stewart) Gault, the father being from the north of Ireland, and the mother a native

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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.

of Aberdeen, Scotland. The parents of Rich- ard Gault removed from Philadelphia to Wis- consin, and remained there two years. In 1853 they settled in Appanoose County, and in 1854 they moved to Audubon County, Iowa, and settled on a farm near Exira; there the father died in 1871, and the mother in 1868. The subject of this notice passed his early boyhood in his native city, receiving the advantages of a city-school education. After leaving school he learned the cutlery trade, working at it three and a half years. When his parents removed to Wisconsin he necompanied them, but when they went to Iowa he remained behind until they were en- tirely settled in the new home. May 1, 1860, Mr. Gault married Mary L. Herrick, the daughter of Alvin and Pauline Herrick, who were early settlers of the county. She was born in the State of Massachusetts. By this union six children were born-Ilenry F., Augusta C., Mildred A., wife of John B. Hash, a merchant of Exira; Charles, Caroline and Anna B., the three latter being at home. Mr. Ganlt's present home farm, which he se- cured in 1858, contains 360 acres, near the waters of the Nishnabotna River; here he has erected a good residence, barns and sheds for the protection of cattle and live-stock. Ile also has another good farm in Greeley Town- ship, which is well stocked. Every winter he feeds abont two car-loads of cattle, and now -has 175 head on his two farms. Ile is a practical farmer, and is well known through- ont the county as a large dealer in live-stock. Hle has been politically identified with his connty; first, as deputy treasurer under Na- thaniel Hamlin; then as county clerk, a position he held four years, from 1858 to 1862. Mr. Gault commenced his career without any capital in gold or silver; but energy and diligence and devotion to one purpose are sometimes a better capital. With these he

has succeeded, and to-day is the owner of a valuable estate.

ORACE M. BARTLETT, operator and station agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, at Brayton, Iowa, is the youngest son of W. and Martha E. (Cuppy) Bartlett, who were early settlers of Audubon County, lowa. He was born at the old homestead, on the hill overlooking the villages of Brayton and Oakfield, Novem- ber 9. 1865. Ilis boyhood was passed on his father's farm, and his first lessons were learned in the district school. He was taught the details of farm work, but did not con- tinne the ocenpation. After spending three months in the Exira High School Mr. Bart- lett began the study of telegraphy. February 14, 1882, under the direction of J. M. Rey- nolds, then agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad at Brayton. He continued his studies for six weeks; at theex- piration of that time he was promoted to act- ing agent by Superintendent Royce, which position he held for two years, Mr. Reynolds desiring to retire. Mr. Bartlett was the young- est agent ever appointed on the Rock Island Railroad, he being but sixteen years old. Mr. Bartlett proving himself an efficient man, he has filled this position acceptably ever since, with the exception of a short time spent in the west. Ile took a trip to the mountains, through Colorado, and on his return assisted in different stations as extra agent, in which such help was required. After taking a see- ond trip through the west he returned to Brayton, and in 1886 he was made perma- nent agent, a position which he still fills with mneh eredit to himself and the entire satisfaction of the railroad company. March 31, 1887, Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.

to Jeanette Jenkins, daughter of John T. and Darthula Jenkins. They have had born to them one daughter-Mildred. Mr. Bartlett owns some farin land, which is well stocked with cattle and hogs. June 4, 1889, he re- ceived the appointment as postmaster at Brayton.

AMES WILLOX has been a resident of Audubon County since 1878. He was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Angust 22, 1852, and received his edneation in the common schools of his native country. Ile left school at the age of thirteen and entered a dry-goods store, in which he was employed as elerk for six years. He then emigrated to America, landing at Portland, Maine. Thence he proceeded at onee to Lake Forest, near Chieago, and elerked there for one year. He next went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he spent four months. The following four months were passed in Kansas City, Missouri. IIe went on to Georgetown, Colorado, and worked there in the mines two years. At the expira- tion of that time he returned to Lake Forest, and elerked there for two years. In the fall of 1878 he came to Audubon County, Iowa, as before stated. His first business was that of handling grain at the Exira station, which he continued until the spring of 1888. He then sold out and went on his farm, one and one-half miles west of Exira. This place contains 320 acres, eighty of which are tim- ber. The greater part of the balance is in pasture, which he uses for feeding cattle for his own market, having bought the meat market of I. Hunt in the spring of 1889. Mr. Willox has a good two-story residence on his farm, a wind pump and tanks, besides many other improvements. He was married in 1880 to Miss Nettie F. Cooper, a native

of the State of Maine, and a danghter of Andrew Cooper. Mr. and Mrs. Willox have four children -- Edna, Mand, Bessie and Mag- gie. Mr. Willox served one term as member of the city council of Exira. On his arrival in America he had but $50, which was dis- counted when exchanged. He has been sne- cessful in all his undertakings, and is one of the reliable men of Audubon County.

HARLES SMITH, a thriving agricult- nrist of Hamlin Township, was born in Hesse-Darinstadt, Germany, July 10, 1851, and is the oldest living son of Adam and Frederika Smith, who emigrated to Amer. iea when Charles was five years of age. They landed in the city of New York, and after stopping there a short time they proceeded to Carroll County, Illinois, and there settled on a farin, where the father died March 26, 1882. His wife, who survives him, is living on the old homestead in Carroll County, Illi- nois. Of her eight children four are living. Charles Smith spent his youth in Carroll County, Illinois, attending the district school during the winters, and assisting his father on the farm during the summers. He re- mained under the parental roof until his twenty-third year, when he began farming on his own account, in which he was fairly sneeessful. Ile remained in Carroll County until 1882, when he came to Andubon County and invested in 120 acres of land, upon which he has made many valuable improvements. Formerly Mr. Smith followed general farın- ing, but of late years he has turned his atten- tion to stoek-raising and feeding, and has been very prosperons in this department of agriculture. Charles Smith was united in marriage to Dora Dahler, of Carroll County, Illinois, a daughter of Henry and Lizzie

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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.

Dahler, both natives of Germany. Five chil- dren have been born of this union-Lewis, Adamı, Louisa, Clara and Lena. Mr. Smith has served as township trustee, and takes an active interest in the success of the Demo- cratie party. He began his career on the bottom round of the ladder, and while he has had his ups and downs, he has succeeded well, and to-day holds an enviable position among Audubon County farmers.

IRAM W. VAN GORDER, proprietor of the Andubon Marble Works, estah- lished this business in 1882. He was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. April 6, 1853, and is the youngest of nine children of Simon and Jane ( Fisk) Van Gorder. The mother was born in Delaware County, New York, and the father is a native of Ulster County, New York. In early life they re- moved to Bradford County, Pennsylvania, where the mother died, and the father is still living on the old homestead, in his ninetieth year, having been born July 21, 1799. Iliram W. passed his youth on the farm, receiving a common-school education. At the age of eighteen years he went to Elmira, New York, to learn the marble-cutter's trade, working there three years as an apprentice, and two years as a journeyman. Ile drifted west in 1878, stopping at Audubon. There he was employed by his brother, Charles Van Gorder, as assistant in the bank for two years. At the expiration of this period he returned to Elmira, New York, and was engaged as a

letter-carrier in the United States mail service. Returning to Andubon in 1882, he opened the marble business, his shop being the first in the town. The trade is active during the summer months, but is more or less quiet in the winter season. Mr. Van

Gorder is a practical cutter and a fine work- man, doing all kinds of marble-cutting. His sales reach over this and into adjoining connties. On November 15, 1882, occurred the marriage of Hiram W. Van Gorder and Miss Elizabeth Denniston, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph L. Denniston, Esq. They are the parents of one child - Helen Irene. Mr. Van Gorder is a member of Ver- itas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M., and of Amity Chapter, No. 93. Ile is also a mnein- ber of St. Omar Commandery, No. 19, at Elmira, New York.

ELSON L. MOREY, a farmer of Leroy Township, was born in North Adams, 12. Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Feb- rnary 16, 1836. Ilis father was Samuel Morey, a native of Rhode Island. Ile was a shoemaker in early life, but later emigrated to Ashtabula County, Ohio, and engaged in farming. The mother was Orvilla IIok- ridge, a native of the State of Massachusetts,

and the mother of twelve children, ten of whom lived to maturity. Milton L. was a child when his parents removed to Ohio. The trip was made via the lakes and canal, the country being then a dense forest. The new home was a truly pioneer one, having no conveniences and seareely the necessities. The school-honse in which our subjeet re- ceived his first lessons was the typical log house of that day. He passed his youth on the farin with his parents, assisting in clear- ing out the farm. At the age of twenty-one years he came to lowa and settled in Clinton County, where he worked on a farm by the month for three years. He then returned to his old home in Ohio, where he engaged in farming for some years, In 1868 Mr. Morey was married to Julia A., daughter of Martin

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BIOGRAPHICAL, SKETCHES.

Quakenbush, a Canadian by birth. Mrs. Morey was born in the State of New York, near Troy. After his marriage Mr. Morey remained in Ohio for seven years, and then returned to Iowa, renting a farm in Clin- ton County; here he remained until 1878, when he eame to Audubon County, and bought 160 acres of raw prairie in Leroy Township. Mr. Morey has made many val- uable improvements, and is a successful farmer-paying special attention to the rais- ing of live-stock. Samuel Morey, the father of our subject, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a fifer in the battle of Sackett's Harbor. He dropped dead of heart disease. Mrs. Morey's mother was Lucy Leed; her father died in the war of the Revolution.

WEN F. IDE, Postmaster at Brayton, Iowa, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, May 7, 1864. He is the son of Ebenezer and Emeline (MeKenna) Ide. Ilis father was born in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, in 1794, and during the war of 1812 he was the Captain of a Massachusetts company. He emigrated to Ohio and settled in Cam- bridge, in which place he was a Baptist min- ister for many years. He died at Fairview, Ohio, in 1864. His wife survived him four years. After ber death Owen F. made his home with his aunt, Mrs. Harriet Fowler. In October, 1874, he removed with his anut to Audubon County, Iowa, and then went to live with Oliver Smith, with whom he made his home for fourteen years. During this time he took a course at the Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa, being a member of the class of 1885. On leaving college le re- turned to Mr. Smith's, and engaged in farm- ing for three years. In July, 1886, he formed a partnership with J. M. Reynolds in the

general dry-goods business, under the firm- name of Reynolds & Ide. In October of the same year Mr. Ide was appointed postmaster at Brayton under Grover Cleveland's admin- istration. Ile is an efficient and faithful officer, and in connection with the office is doing a profitable business. Mr. Ide was married December 24, 1885, to Miss Eliza- betli Cotton, the oldest daughter of George and Mary Cotton, of Brayton, Iowa. They have one daughter-Bessie. A nephew of Mr. Ide's was educated at Heidelberg, Ger- many, and is now Professor of Languages at Cornell University, New York. Mr. Ide taught two terms of school after coming to the county. Ile began his career without means, but a well disciplined mind has done him good service, and to-day he is one of the reliable and highly respected citizens of the county.

ILLIAM E. DAVIS, of Exira Township, was born in Wales, in the village of Merther, May 28, 1839. When he was five years old his parents emi- grated to the United States, and settled in Minersville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylva- nia. Ilis father, David Davis, was a ininer by occupation, and followed this calling the greater part of the time after he came to America. Later in life, however, he removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, and there died in 1861. His wife, Lucy (Todd) Davis, died in Minersville in 1852; she was the mother of nine children, only three of whom survive. William E. was the second child, and he attended the winter schools of Minersville until he was fourteen years old. At the age of ten years he began working in the mines, and when he had reached his sixteenth year he made a regular hand. He continued this

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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.

occupation until he was forty years of age. Mr. Davis was first united in marriage to Martha, daughter of John James, of Trum- bull County, Ohio. Two children were the result of this union, one of whom is living- David. In 1864 Mr. Davis entered the Union army, enlisting in Company D, One Ilundred and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was sent to guard Johnson's Island, and later was taken prisoner at Cyn- thiana, Kentucky. Ile was held for thirty-six hours, when he was paroled and ordered to Camp Denison, near Cincinnati, Ohio, and was there exchanged and ordered back to Johnson's Island. Ile served the full term of his enlistment, and was mustered out of the service in August, 1864. He then re- turned to Trumbull County, and thence went to Rock Island County, Illinois, and engaged in coal-mining for two years. He then went to Henry County, Illinois, and worked in the mines at Green River. In the spring of 1879 removed his family to Andubon County, lowa, having purchased eighty acres of wild land in 1972. Since then he has added to his first purchase until he owns 240 acres, which he has developed into a tine stock farm. Ile has been very successful in the feeding of cattle, and occasionally ships a car-load to eastern markets. Mr. Davis's second mar- riage ocenrred in 1864 to Mrs. Martha Evans, widow of Edward Evans, and daughter of Daniel Davis. Five children were the result of this union -- Lucy, the wife of T. Thomas; William, Benjamin and Leona, at home; one died in infancy. By her first marriage Mrs. Davis had seven children, only one of whom is living-Elizabeth, wife of II. Hill. Mr. Davis has served a number of years as school director. In political matters he is rather conservative, but in State and National elce- tions he votes the Republican ticket. IIe began life without any capital, but by dili-

genee, hard work and economy he has accu- mulated a comfortable fortune.

- OSS J. CREVELING, contractor and builder, Andubon, Iowa, was born in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, No- vember 13, 1842. Ile is a son of Andrew S. and Theresa (Allegar) Creveling, both of whom were born and reared in Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation and lived in Columbia County until his death, which occurred in 1884. The mother has also passed into the other life. Ross J. spent his youth in his native county, being reared on a farm and receiving a common school education. During the late civil war, in August, 1862, he enlisted in the One IIun- dred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the engagements of Chancelorsville, Get- tysburg, and the Wilderness; in the last- named battle he was wounded in the foot, and was so disabled that he was discharged in 1564, having served faithfully for two years. He then returned to his old home in Pennsylvania and went to work at the car- penter's trade. Mr. Creveling was married in September, 1866, to Miss Rebecca E. Brown, a native of Columbia County, Penn- sylvania, and a danghter of Matthew Brown, Esq. Four children were born to this mar- riage -- Verge M., teacher; Theron B., grocery clerk; Ira M. and Lulu Grace. In 1872 Mr. Creveling went west with his family and settled in Clayton County, Iowa, remaining there one year. Hle then removed to Noble County, Minnesota, and took up a homestead there. lle was eaten out by the grasshoppers for two seasons, so he returned to Iowa and settled in Waterloo, Black Hawk County,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

where he worked at his trade four years. In June, 1879, he removed to Audubon, which he has sinee made his home. He has en- gaged in contraeting and building, and has done a profitable business. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Creveling being a trustee of the same.

EORIA I. WIIITTED, ex-County Sur- veyor, Exira, Iowa, was born in Maury County, Tennessee, in the town of Will- iamsport, February 29, 1832. William Whit- ted, the father of P'. J. Whitted, removed from Virginia to North Carolina, and was there married to Miss Arrena Iloward, a native of Orange County, North Carolina, and a daughi- ter of John Howard; she was born in 1796, and was the mother of thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to maturity. William Whit- ted and wife removed from North Carolina to Tennessee, and settled in Maury County, re- siding there until 1833, when they moved to Vigo County, Indiana; thence they went to l'arke County, Indiana, and in 1838 they went to Vermillion County, Indiana. At this place the father engaged in packing pork; when going down the river he was taken with yel- low fever and died; his wife late in life eame to Cass Connty, Iowa, and resided there until her death, which oeeurred June 5, 1862. Peoria, the subjeet, passed his youth in Indi- ana, and attended the district sehool. In 1845 the family removed to Keokuk County, Iowa, and here he grew to manhood. Ile entered the Methodist College at Mnseatine, Iowa, and here pursued his studies for two years. In 1850 he went to Ottumwa, Iowa, and after- ward entered the printing office of the Des Moines Courier; here he spent one year, then went on a government surveying expedition

to Santa Fe, New Mexico. After an absence of six months he returned to Iowa City, and then engaged in the survey of the railroad from Davenport to Iowa City; this is now the Rock Island Railroad. In 1853 Mr. Whitted eame to Audubon County, stopping at Ham- lin's Grove; at this time there were only six houses in the county. Mr. Whitted acted as land agent, and assisted in the laying out of Omaha, Nebraska. Ile was appointed organ- izing sheriff, and ealled the first election held in the county; this was in April, 1855, and the eabin of John S. Jenkins was the voting plaee. On the first Monday of the following August a general election was held; Mr. Whit- ted was a candidate for eounty surveyor, and was elected; he soon after took elarge of the offiee, and has held it for twenty-two years. After retiring from public office he continued the survey of private lands and roads. In the spring of 1857 he removed to Exira, and has since there made his home. Mr. Whitted was married February 28, 1860, to Miss Lonisa C. Montgomery, of Exira, a daughter of L. B. and Fannie (Boyls) Montgomery; Mrs. Whitted was born in Haneoek County, Illi- nois, and at the age of fifteen years came with her parents to Exira. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother was born in the State of New York; both are dead, and lie buried in the cemetery at Exira, Mr. Whit- ted and wife have had seven children born to them-Clinton J., Mary, the wife of Albert Sewell; Minnie, wife of J. M. Barber; Forest, Elbridge, Carl C. and Clara B. Mr. Whitted is a member of the I. O. O. F .; he is present assessor of Exira. In national matters he votes the Demoeratie ticket. He owns two good farms, one in Exira Township and one in Hamlin Township, and five acres in his home place. Mrs. Whitted is a member of the Christian church, and is one of its most active members, as well as one of its liberal

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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.

contributors. Mrs. Whitted's father, L. B. Montgomery, was one of the first settlers of Audubon County. He held the office of county superintendent of schools for two terms. Hle had a wide circle of friends and was greatly beloved by all who knew him.

YRUS HI. SAMPSON, a thorough-going agrieulturist of Viola Township, Audu- bon County, was born in fowa County, Wiseonsin, near Mineral Point, May 1, 1850. He is next to the oldest of four children of Henry and Elizabeth (Baker) Sampson, who are natives of England. They married and settled in Iowa County, Wisconsin, in which place the mother died in 1864. The father, who survives her, is still living on the old homestead. Cyrus II. passed his youth in his native county, receiving in addition to a common school education a course in a busi- ness college. In 1873 he came to Audubon County, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of prairie land and rented land for two years. In 1875 he settled on the farm he now owns and went to work in good earnest. He has been prosperous, and has added to the small beginning until he has a farm covering 390 acres, all well feneed and stoeked with cattle, hogs, and a few horses. He has erected a large, substantial residence, which is sur- rounded by a beautiful grove and lawn. Mr. Sampson devotes special attention to feeding cattle, shipping from one to two car-loads of cattle annually, besides large numbers of hogs. In 1877 Mr. Sampson was united in marriage to Miss Martha Ellis, of Audubon County, lowa. She was born in the State of New York, and removed with her parents to Grinnell, Iowa, when a child. Three chil- dren have been born of this marriage-Henry E., Cyrus F, and Cora May. Mr. Sampson

has served as supervisor of roads several terms. In polities he is conservative. He takes an active part in endeavors to elevate the morals of the community ; is a prominent inember of the Methodist Episcopal church, using his money and influence in the support of the same. By his honorable and upright living he has won the confidence and respect of all who know him, and is considered one of the reliable farmers of Viola Township.

OBERT MILLER, deceased, was born in Allegheny County, near Pittsburg,

- Pennsylvania, June 9, 1807. Ile de- parted this life at his home in Leroy Town- ship, Andubon County, Iowa, July 28, 1886. Ile grew to maturity in his native State. He attended the common schools, and early in life learned the miller's trade, but afterward became a farmer. On April 2, 1834, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wood. burn, who was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and was the oldest daughter of William and Elizabeth (Veasy) Woodburn. Her parents settled in Allegheny County in the day when Indians were numerous. They were of Irish descent, two generations having been born in America. After his marriage Mr. Miller settled in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and in the fall of 1856 he re- moved to Mercer County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. Ile remained in this county ten years. In the fall of 1866 Mr. Miller removed with his family to Audubon County, Iowa, settling on a farm three miles south of Exira, which is now known as the Gault farm. There he resided two years, and then removed to his present farm, sit- uated on the Nishnabotna River, section 1, Leroy Township, and containing 133 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Miller was engaged

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.

in general farming, but especially delighted in the care of fine live-stock. His horses, cattle and hogs were usually of high grades. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had born to them ten children, eight of whom lived to maturity- William, died at the age of eight years; Martha W., wife of Perry Roberts; Benjamin F., died in November, 1886; Elizabeth, died at the age of eleven years; James, died in January, 1884; Thomas, a prosperous fariner; Samuel, residing with his mother on the hoine farın; John A., a successful clothing merchant of Superior, Nebraska; Mary J., died February 3, 1874, and Sarah A., died December 5, 1879. Mr. Miller was appointed postmaster during President Hayes's adminis- tration, the office being kept in his dwelling. He also served as road supervisor. Ile was an old-fashioned Democrat, and was an ad- mirer of President Cleveland's administra- tion. lle did not chew tobacco, but enjoyed a good smoke. Mrs. Miller is now in her seventy-seventh year, and is in possession of all her mental faculties, and assists and directs in the management of the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had lived together for fifty- two years. Benjamin F. and James Miller served in the late Rebellion. B. F. was a member of the Thirtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and was Orderly Ser- geant of his company. James Miller was a member of the Ninth Illinois Mounted In- fantry, Company E, and served four years. He was among those who re-enlisted.

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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