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 81
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 81
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IlILIP BICKELHAUPT, an act- ive farmer of Viola Township, was born in Germany, near Berlin, June 15, 1844. Ile is the fifth of a family of six children, five of whom lived to be grown. His parents were Jacob and Martha (Kereman) Bickel- haupt, who were born in Germany, and lived and died in their native country. Philip at- tended school until he was fourteen years old, and at that early age he was desirons of trying his fortunes in the new west. Ile embarked on a sailing vessel for the United States, and made the voyage in fifty-four days, the first part of the journey being attended with very severe storms. He landed in New Orleans, and from that eity went to St. Lonis by water; from St. Louis he went to Chicago, Illinois, and remained there one week; his finances were by this time quite reduced, so that he pawned his clothes for $5 in order to get
money to go to Fulton, Illinois. There he seeured work in a cigar factory, and afterward went to work on a farin where he staid two years. Ile then went to Morrison, Illinois, and worked on a farm until the breaking out of the late civil war. He enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, Company C, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, skir- inishing and scouting the greater part of Virginia. IIe participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, and also of Gettysburg, after which he was taken prisoner, held three days, and then paroled. Ile was wounded in the left knee, and so was disabled for four months, after which he joined his regiment in Mary- land, and was afterward sent to St. Louis, Missouri, thence to Chicago, where he was finally discharged. Ile then returned to Mor- rison, Illinois, and in 1865 he was married to Mary Tyson, a daughter of John Tyson, Esq., of Morrison, Illinois. The two years follow- ing he was engaged in farming in Whiteside County, Illinois, and in the fall of 1868 he removed to Jasper County, Iowa, locating in the town of Monroe, where he opened a ineat market; he remained there one year, and then moved back to Whiteside County, Illinois, and remained there three years. In 1872, Mr. Bickelhaupt removed to Andubon County and purchased eighty aeres of new land in section 6; this he broke out and im- proved, and two years later he bought eighty acres more, and he now has a half section of land in a high state of enltivation. Ile also has town property in Coon Rapids, Jowa. Ile is extensively engaged in the feeding, buying and shipping of live-stock. All of his own produec is consumed on his farm, and he buys largely of his neighbors. Mr. and Mre. Bick- elhaupt have had nine children born to them --- Margaret, Elizabeth, Peter, Mamie, Alice, George, Albert, Odessa and Rena. Eight of the children are living. The confidence reposed in
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Mr. Biekelhaupt by the people of the com- munity is shown by the fact that he has served as township trustee for thirteen years, and has been president of the school board for fourteen years. He was elected township treasurer in 1888, and is the present incum- bent of the office. He is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 197, A. F. & A. M., at Coon Rapids, Iowa. He strongly adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. Ile is a member of the G. A. R. post at Dedham.
OSEPHI CONRAD, an intelligent and successful farmer of Hamlin Township, was born in Germany, April, 1853. He is the youngest of three brothers. IIis parents, Joseph and Mary A. Conrad, re- mained in the old country. Joseph, Jr., entered school at the age of six years, and pursued his studies for eight years. On leav- ing school he engaged in farm work, which he continued for two years. At the age of sixteen he sailed for America, and landed at New York City; from the latter place he went immediately to Scott County, Iowa, where he secured employment on a farm, and continued there sixteen months. He then came to Atlantic, Iowa, and entered the employ of the Rock Island & Pacific Rail- way Company, working in different depart- ments and divisions until the last few years, when he was employed in the engine house. Ile remained with this company for fourteen years. By the practice of economy he was able to save from his wages enough money to buy eighty acres of land in Hamlin Town- ship; he has added to that purchase until he now owns 200 acres. In 1884 he removed to his farm and began to improve it. Mr. Conrad has been very prosperous in all his agricultural enterprises. Ilis notable suc-
cess has been in raising small grains and breeding high grades of live-stock. IIe has erected a comfortable residence, a substantial barn, and numerous buildings for the protec- tion of stock. In 1879 Mr. Conrad was married to Albertina Baller, of Atlantic, Iowa, who was a native of Germany, coming to this country when quite young. The re- sult of this union has been three children- Mary A., August and Frank. On his arrival in this country Mr. Conrad's means were almost exhausted; he was in a strange land, without friends or acquaintances, unfamiliar with the English language. Under these inauspicious circumstances he began his career. His success is evidence of his in- domitable conrage aud perseverance, and he richly deserves his prosperity.
ILLIAM E. HENSLEY, farmer and stock-raiser, of Greeley Township, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, July 27, 1848. He is the son of J. J. and Martha J. (Popejay) Hensley, who removed to Iowa when William E. was eight years of age. They first located in the northern part of the State, and after making several changes they settled in Audubon County, in the fall of 1870. In the spring of 1871 William E. Hensley, in partnership with his brother, L. M. Hensley, purchased 160 acres in Greeley Township. They continued to buy land until at one time they owned 680 acres in one body. They afterward sold forty acres, re- taining just one section, which they divided equally in 1884. They were the first settlers in this part of the county, and the land was wild and unimproved. When Mr. Hensley came to the county he was unmarried, and made his home with his brother. June 27, 1875, he was wedded to Miss Lanra Ander-
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son, daughter of David L. and Mary L. Anderson; she was born in Audubon, County, April 27, 1856, and died March 3, 1985. Five children were born of this marriage --- Clyde, Vernie, Mary E., Clarence Edward and Flora Ina. Mr. Hensley was again mar- ried February 20, 1887, to Miss Minnie Dettmann, who was born in Germany, and came to America with her parents in 1881. This union has resulted in one child-IIazel M. Mr. Hensley makes a specialty of stock- raising, and also buys and ships live-stock ex- tensively. He also owns a livery barn in Exira, but has recently disposed of the stock. Ilis farm is under good cultivation, and is well improved in the way of buildings. Po- litically he is a staunch Democrat. IIe has served two terms as county supervisor with eredit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. Ile has also represented his township in most of the different offices. Mr. Ilensley is a self-made man, and has arrived at his present position through his own efforts. Hle occupies an enviable place in the county, socially and financially-a just reward of in- dustry and perseverauce.
EROY M. HENSLEY, the oldest child of J. J. and Martha (Popejay) Hensley, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, De- cember 28, 1845. lle was reared in his native county until his tenth year, when his parents removed to Iowa, and settled in the northern part of the State. In the year 1870 they went to Audubon County, and settled on the farm of J. J. Hensley. Leroy M. re- mained with his parents until 1872; Feb. ruary 14 of that year he was married to Miss Elizabeth Pilier, danghter of Philip and Aliee (Sherriff) Pilmer, who was born in England, of Scotch ancestry, November 30,
1847; she came to America in 1850. They are the parents of six children-Philip (de- eeased), Martha Alice (deceased), Charles B., Walter A., Elmer L. (deceased), and James L. Soon after their marriage they removed to their new home, a tract of 120 acres which Mr. Hensley had previously purchased. A frame building 14 x 16 feet was erected, in which they took up their abode before it was completed. They were anxious to establish themselves, and unhesitatingly faced all the hardships encountered by settlers in a new country. The success they have had is fully demonstrated by taking a look at their finely improved farm. There is a fine two-story frame residence, and also buildings for stock and grain. Mr. Hensley has been an active, enterprising citizen, always aiding and encour- aging every enterprise tending to advance the interests of the community in which he lives. Politically he is a staunch Democrat, and has represented his township as clerk and as a member of the school board. Mrs. Hensley is a member of the Presbyterian church, while her husband was reared in the Meth- odist Episcopal church. The family are among the most worthy and respected citizens of the county.
DGAR YOUNG, a native of Will County, Illinois, has been a resident of Audubon County since the year 1871. Ile was born August 19, 1854, and is a son of Henry and Charlotte (Mudge) Young, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respect- ively. Ile was but six years old when his parents emigrated to Iowa and settled in Boone County, where they lived eleven years. They then removed to Audubon County, and located on a farin in Greeley Township. There our subjeet made his home until 1881.
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May 22 of that year he was united in mar- riage to Miss Clara A. Beers, a danghter of Bradley and Hannah G. (Eels) Beers. She was born in Audubon County, lowa, March 4, 1863. In 1882 Mr. Young removed to his present farm. Ile then owned eighty acres, which was raw prairie land. He has placed this under cultivation, and has added eighty-two acres, making 162 acres in all. Ile has built a fine frame residence, a barn, and buildings for the eare and protection of stock and grain. He is a live, energetic man, and stands in the front ranks of Andubon County's reliable farmers. When Mr. Young began life for himself his capital consisted of plnek and energy. The result of his labor has been very satisfactory, as will be seen on taking a look at his farm and its many val- uable improvements. Politically Mr. Young is identified with the Republican party. Ile has held the office of justice of the peace. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Young -Alvie Judson, Bonnie May, Arlow Floyd and Bertha Ora.
RADLEY BEERS and his worthy wife were among the early pioneers of An- dubon County. Mr. Beers eame to the county in 1857, and in 1859 he purchased a traet of 320 aeres of land in Hamlin Town- ship. The land was wild, unbroken prairie, and there was no human habitation in sight. The country teemed with wild animals, sneh as the wolf, deer and elk. Mr. Bradley erected a house composed of black walnut lumber, and made other necessary improvements. He also planted a grove of walnut trees covering ten aeres, which is now one of the prettiest groves in the county. He placed the farm under good enltivation and continued to reside there for eleven years, when he sold the place 49
and removed to Exira. In six months he re- moved to his home on David's Creek, Greeley Township, where he had purchased 120 aeres of land, and where Mrs. Beers now resides. In 1880 he erected a large frame residenee, which is one of the finest homes in that part of the county. Mr. Beers was a staunch Democrat, always taking an active part in political affairs, and at one time held the office of justice of the peace. Ile was born in Walton, Delaware County, New York, and was there reared to the occupation of a farmer, which he followed through life. Ile died March 12, 1879, aged about fifty-eight years. He was married February 17, 1857, to Han- nah G. Eells, daughter of Samuel and Clarina (Gray) Eells, who was born in Walton, Dela- ware County, New York, January 11, 1832. They were the parents of four children- Frank, residing in Greeley Township; Samnel, at home; Clara A., wife of Edgar Young, and Charles, deceased. Samuel, the second child, was born March 24, 1860, and was married September 11, 1880, to Miss Ora Herriek, daughter of Urbane and Charlotte (Spirling) Herrick. Mrs. Beers was born in Exira, October 28, 1862. They are the parents of one ehild-Homer L., born October 4, 1884. Mr. Beers affiliates with the Demo- cratie party. During his earlier life he fol- lowed cattle-herding for eight years, but is now engaged in farming. IIe is an enter- prising young man, and enjoys the esteem of a wide cirele of friends.
OSEPH CURTIS was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, November 26, 1811, and is the son of Charles and Bettie (Brown) Curtis. He is the oldest of a family of five children, and grew to maturity in his native country, his twenty-first birthday being
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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
passed on the ocean during the voyage to America. On arriving in this country he settled in Oneida County, New York. IIe had learned the tailor's trade, which he fol- lowed until his fifty-second year, when he seenred a position in a foundry in Hampton village. For seven years he continued this work, and then came to Iowa, locating in Johnson County. In 1882 he came to An- dubon County and settled on a farm of eighty acres of improved land in section 29, which he still makes his home. He was married about the year 1845, in the month of Febru- ary, to Mary Dickson, daughter of John and Dallie Dickson, who was born in England in May, 1819. Seven children were born of this marriage l'almer, Mark, Julia, William, Ellen, Hannah and John. Joseph Curtis is a strong adherent to the principles of the Democratic party. Palmer Curtis, a son of Joseph and Mary (Diekson) Curtis, was born in Oneida County, New York, November 13, 1848. At the age of eleven years he went to work in a foundry in Westmoreland, New York, and remained in this employment for six years. He then came west and settled near Iowa City. He was employed for a year and a half by a Mr. Seymore on his farmn. During the next five years he worked for a Mr. Abraham on a cheese farm, and then re- turned to his former employer, Mr. Seymore, for one year. At the end of the year he went to his father's home, fifteen miles west of Iowa City, and assisted him until the spring of 1878, when he came to Audubon County, and settled on a farm of 160 acres of wild land in section 34, Greeley Township. Mr. Curtis has placed this under good cultivation, and has erected a residence and barns for stock and grain. Ile has done much toward the development of this part of the county, and thereby has won the regard and esteem of a wide cirele of friends. After spending
nine years in improving and cultivating his farm, Mr. Curtis concluded to embark in the butcher's trade, and so removed to Exira and followed that business for two years, after which he returned to his farm. Politically he advocates the principles of the Union Labor party. October 18, 1881, he was mar- ried to Lauretta Patterson, daughter of Eli and Rebecca J. (Basem) Patterson, who was born November 8, 1851. They are the parents of two children-Jesse and Glen. Mrs. Cur- tis is a member of the Baptist church.
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SAAC N. BROWN has been a resident of Audubon County since the year 1876. Hle was born in Morgan County, Ohio, September 7, 1834, and is the son of Samuel and Margaret (Brannon) Brown, natives of Ohio, who removed to Union County, Ohio, when Isaac N. was a small child. There he was reared to the life of a farmer, and re- ceived his education in the common schools. When he had attained his eighteenth year he went to Washington County, Iowa, and there remained until 1858, when he took a trip to Kansas and took up his residence there. In 1860 he returned to Washington County, and August 8, 1861, he was married to Miss Isabelle C. MeNulty, daughter of William and Amadella (Adams) MeNulty. She was born in Boone County, Indiana, July 29, 1840. Nine children have been born of this marriage-Isaae N., residing in Audubon County; Amadella (deceased), Lenetta 11., wife of Henry Engleking, of Audubon County; Maryetta E., Willie and Wilber, twins (de- ceased); Carrie II., Lee (deceased) and Charlie A. Mr. Brown enlisted August 9, 1862, in the State's service, and August 22, 1862, he was mustered into the United States' service, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Com-
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pany C. He participated in many hard- fought battles; among them are Prairie Grove, Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and Mobile. He was honorably discharged July 26, 1865, and returned to Washington County. After two years he took his family to Coffee County, Kansas, and they resided there seven years. They then came back to Washington County, and at the end of two years they came to An- dubon County and settled on the George B. Russell farm, north of Exira, remaining there one year. They rented another farm the next year, and in 1872 Mr. Brown purchased eighty acres of wild land, which he has im- proved and increased until he has a farm of 200 acres, as fine as there is in the county. He has a good residence, buiklings for stock and grain, three and a half acres of grove, and an equal tract planted to fruit-trees. He devotes himself to farming and stock-raising, and has been very snecessful in his chosen calling. He started with nothing but strength of purpose, and has acquired his property through his own efforts. Ile affiliates with the Republican party, and has represented his township in its varions offices. Mrs. Brown and two eldest daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ACOB II. IIILL has been identified with the interests of Audubon County since the year 1872. Unlike many of the pioneers, he was born in the State of Iowa, Cedar County. His parents are John F. and Eliza (May) Hill, natives of the State of Pennsylvania. Jacob H. was two years of age when his parents removed to Johnson County, Iowa, where they remained until he was fifteen years old. On coming to the county the family first settled in Exira Town- ship, and later in Greeley Township, while
the parents now reside in Audubon Town- ship. Mr. IIill was reared to the life of a farmer, and obtained his education in the common schools. In the year 1882 he bought an eighty-acre tract of wild land in seetion 28, Greeley Township, which he has improved and placed under good cultivation. He has a comfortable frame residence and the necessary buildings for stock and grain. HIe has done much toward the upbuilding of that part of the county, and well deserves the esteem in which he is held. The marriage of Jacob HI. Hill to Miss Evaline Young occurred September 29, 1882. She is a daughter of Henry and Charlotte Young, and was born in Illinois in June, 1860. They are the parents of one child-Flossie. In political thought and action Mr. IIill is Republican. By upright and honorable deal- ings, by industry and perseverance, he has won a reputation, and has acquired a property of which any inan might well be proud.
AVID A. McANULTY, of Audubon Township, has been identified with the history of Audubon County since 1876. He was born in Boone County, Indiana, May 7, 1845, and is a son of William and Ama- della (Adams) McAnulty. IIe is the fourth child of a family of seven children, and when he was six years old his parents removed to Iowa and settled in Washington County, where he was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and educated in the common schools. When there was a call for men to defend the flag of this nation, he enlisted in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, Company D, and served until 1865, when he was discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas. IIe then returned to Washington County, Iowa. September 17, 1868, he was married to Miss Leah Richardson, daughter
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HISTORY OF AUDU BON COUNTY.
of Aaron and Anna (Cline) Richardson. She was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, January 20, 1848. After his marriage Mr. McAnulty resided in Washington County for eight years. Ile then came to Audubon County and settled on a farm of 166 acres of raw prairie land. There he has since made his home, making many valuable improvements in the way of erecting buildings and placing the soil under cultivation. He has also planted about one aere of grove. The farm is considered one of the most desirable in that part of the county. Mr. McAnulty, by honesty and upright dealing, has won the confidence of the community in which he lives. lle takes an active interest in all enterprises tending to the advancement of the people. Ile is a staunch member of the Re- publiean party. He is chairman of the Re- publican township committee, and in 1887 he was sent as a delegate to the State Con- vention. Mr. and Mrs. McAnnIty are the parents of one child-Arthur, born July 31, 1869. Ile was married December 9, 1888, to Miss Emma F. Benton, a daughter of Isaiah and Tranquilla (May) Benton. She was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, Jan- uary, 1868.
OSEPII NEWELL, deceased, was a man whom Lincoln Township could not well afford to lose. Ile was a native of the Emerald Isle, born near the city of Belfast, in 1836. When a mere lad his parents, Will- iam and Agnes Newell, emigrated from Ire- land to America, settling in Canada, near Hamilton. There he grew to manhood, re- ceiving his education in the common schools, and being trained to the duties of a farmer. In 1872 he was married to Miss Isabella E. Tansley, a resident of his neighborhood.
Soon after this union they removed to the United States and settled on a farm in Ben- ton County, near Blairstown, Iowa. Mr. Newell opened up a tract of 160 acres of wild land, erected necessary buildings, planted a grove, and put the farm in good shape. Ile made this his home until 1881, when he re- moved to Audubon County, having sold out his possessions in Benton County. His first purchase in Audubon County was 320 acres, and later he bought 120 acres, which he afterward sold. It was new land, without improvements, but at the time of Mr. Newell's death, which ocenrred October 12, 1887, the farm had been developed into one of the most desirable in the community. Ile was a good judge of live-stock, and took an active interest in the improvement of the breeds. Mr. Newell left a wife and five children to mourn his death. The children are- Samnel J., Josephine, Charles S., Thomas and Henry. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Newell las superintended the farm, and has been very successful in her management of the estate. Mrs. Newell was born in Canada, and is the oldest daughter of Samnel and Annie (Bonsfield) Tansley, natives of Eng- land. She was educated in her native country, and is a most thorough-going woman. For many years she has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ENRY CONKLIN, of the firm of Conklin & Son, Exira, was born in the State of Indiana, near Connersville, Fayette County, June 10, 1836. Ilis grand- father, Henry Conklin, emigrated from Ger- many to Pennsylvania at the early day when knee-breeches were in vogne. For many years after coming to this country he kept a tavern. Josiah Conklin, father of the subject
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of this notice, was born in New Jersey, April 6, 1804. He was married to Sarah Putnam, a distant relative of General Putnam, who was born in the South, and whose father was a planter. After their marriage they settled in Fayette County, and thence removed to Hamilton County, Indiana, in which place they resided eleven years. In the fall of 1850 they removed to Keokuk County, Iowa, settling on a farm, and there leading a very active life. Mr. Conklin died May 4, 1880, and his wife died in 1854; she was the mother of eleven children, nine of whom lived to maturity. Henry Conklin, Jr., passed his boyhood in Indiana, and there attended the common schools. At the age of fourteen years his parents took him to Iowa, and the following four years he attended the short winter terms of school. His father being a farmer by occupation, lie also received some training in agricultural pursuits, and he also had some experience in clerking in a store. In his nineteenth year he was married to Miss Catherine Waltz, of Keokuk County, Iowa, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, and a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Waltz, of German descent. After his marriage Mr. Conklin settled on a farm in Keokuk County, and resided there until the fall of 1877, when he removed with his family to Audubon County, Iowa. He and his wife are the parents of seven children, five of whom still survive-Mary E., wife of John C. Persing; George W., Sarah R., wife of W. H. Brigg- man; Henrietta (deceased), Eliza J. (deceased), Lucy C. and Mark Pomeroy. In 1880 Mr. Conklin bought a store in Exira, and started in the grocery business, in which he con- tinued until May 10, 1887, when his build- ing and entire stock were consumed by fire. Ile had a small insurance of $1,000, which he collected, and immediately engaged lumber to ereet a new business house. During the
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