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 84
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 84
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NDREW F. ARMSTRONG, of the firm of Freeman & Armstrong, bankers and dealers in real-estate and loans, is a native of Licking County, Ohio, born Oeto- ber 28, 1851. Ile is next to the youngest of eleven children, of whom six still survive. The father of A. F. Armstrong is William Armstrong, a farmer by occupation, and a native of Pennsylvania, now a resident of Muskingum County, Ohio. The mother, Jane E. Gibson, a native of Pennsylvania, died January 11, 1881. Andrew F. Arm- strong, the subject of this notice, passed his boyhood on a farm in his native county, and then moved with his parents to Norwich, Muskingum County, Ohio, where he spent three years; in the spring of 1864 he returned to Lieking County. He attended school, and in 1869 began teaching. On September 13, 1871, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan Univer-
sity at Delaware, where he pursued his studies and graduated in 1876. After gradu- ation he studied law at Zanesville, Ohio, with A. W. Train, a prominent attorney of that place. IIe was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1879. April 1, 1880, Mr. Armstrong came to Andubon, opening a law office in connection with real estate and loans. In September, 1882, he formed a co-partnership with E. J. Freeman, who is now cashier of the Citizens' Bank of Audubon. The firm does a general banking business, besides dealing extensively in real-estate. Mr. Armstrong was married October 18, 1883, to Miss Clara S. Townsend, of Zanesville, Ohio, a daughter of William Townsend, of that place. They have two daughters Lulu T. and Helen L. Mr. Armstrong was elected Mayor of Andubon in March, 1888; and re-elected in March, 1889. lle was treasurer of the school board from 1883 to 1888. He was a member of the board of supervisors, serving two years, and in the fall of 1888 was re-elected to serve three years from January 1. 1889. Ile is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M., and of Amity Chapter, No. 93, and Godfrey Commandery, No. 44; he is now Eminent Commander of the Commandery.
EORGE B. RUSSELL, a prominent business man of Audubon, of the firm of G. B. Russell & Sons, dealers in dry goods, boots and shoes, and gentlemen's furnishing goods, is a native of Scotland. IIe was born February 16, 1833, and when five years of age his parents emigrated to Amer- ica, landing in New York City, where they remained until George was twelve years old; they thien removed to Portland, Dodge County, Wisconsin. Charles Russell, the father, a farmer by occupation, has retired,
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and is now living in Stoughton, Wisconsin, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His mother, Ellen Crawford Russell, was a native of Scotland. Charles Russell and wife were the parents of three chil- dren -James Russell, of the State of Georgia, one son deceased, and George B. Russell, the subject of this notice. He re- ceived the greater part of his education in New York, for on going to Wisconsin his school days had ended in a measure. At that time Indians were numerous, and the sight of them was as common as the sight of the whites. Young Russell remained on the farm with his parents until reaching his nineteenth year, when he went to the State of Georgia, where he remained two years, en- gaged in the bricklayer's trade. On his re- turn to Wisconsin he was occupied with farm- ing, and then with elerking in a store. In 1872 he removed to Exira, where he opened a stock of general merchandise, at the same time continuing his farming interests. By honest dealing and close application to busi- ness he built up a large and prosperons mer- cantile trade. In the fall of 1879 Mr. Rus- sell started a store in Andubon, which was managed by his oldest son, Charles Russell, he himself continuing the management of the business in Exira. In 1880 Mr. Rus- sell's family removed to Audubon, and he afterward elosed the business at Exira, and concentrated all his capital in Andubon, where he has since resided. In 1888 he re- moved his old store building, a frame struct- ure, 24 x 86 feet, and erected a fine three- story brick on the same lot. The size of the present store is 30 x 100 feet. The first floor is ocenpied by a stock of goods, the second- story is fitted. up in offices, and the balance of the building is finished for an opera house, which is well supplied with attractive scen- ery and all the equipments of a first-class
opera house. It has a seating capacity of 600, and is an enterprise for which Mr. Russell deserves great eredit. In 1857 Mr. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hutchinson, of Lowell, Dodge County, Wis- consin, who is a native of the State of New York, and a daughter of Henry and Gertrude Hutchinson. The father died in New York, and after his death the mother and family removed to Wisconsin. Mrs. Russell is a person of unusual domestie qualities, and is perfectly at home amid her household duties. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have four children- Agnes R., Charles, a member of the firm of G. B. Russell & Son; Gertrude C., the wife of John A. Nash, and James F., also a mem- ber of the firm. Mr. Russell commenced at the bottom of the ladder, but has not re- mained there. He owns several good farms in Audubon County, which he rents, and he has a neat, substantial residence, tastefully finished and furnished. In polities he takes an active part, voting for the man whom he thinks best fitted for the office. While he is not a member of any church he is a strong advocate of temperanec in all things. He is publie spirited, and ever stands ready and willing to assist in any work tending to the good of the community.
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OHN F. CLOUGHILY, physician and surgeon, Audubon, Iowa, was born in Canada, in April, 1858. He is a son of John and Sarah (Kirkland) Clonghly, who came to the United States when our subject was nine years old. The father, when in business, was actively engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and is now residing in Bucklin, Missouri. The mother died soon after coming to the United States. Dr. Cloughly spent his boyhood at Mitchellville.
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Iowa; he was educated at Mitchellville Col- lege, and at the Central University at Pella, Iowa. He began the study of medicine at Mitchellville, Iowa, under Dr. T. Seemes. He then went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he entered the College of Physicians and Sur- geons, graduating from that institution in 1878. He practiced his profession for five years, and then entered the medical college at Louisville, Kentucky, graduating in 1883. In 1878 Dr. Cloughly came to Audubon, where he has built up a large practice. In 1884 he erected a business block, two stories high, with basement; the basement is occu- pied by the Advocate, the first floor by a drug store, and the second floor by offices and a photograph gallery. He was married in January, 1886, to Miss Minnie Shoesmith of North Branch, Guthrie County, Iowa, who was n daughter of Stephen Shocsmith. The Doctor is a prominent Mason, and is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392. Ile commeneed life without means, and by close application to his profession he has acquired a handsome property ; his drug store contains a large and well-selected stock of goods, and is complete in every department. He trans- aets a large and profitable business, and is a most genial and agreeable gentleman. Dr. John F. Cloughly departed this life in Janu- ary, 1889, after the notes of this brief biography had been given by him.
EORGE GRAY. There is no one among the business men of Audubon who has given the grain trade a greater impetus, who has added more to the com- mercial and financial standing of the town, who has pushed her interests farther, than George Gray. Ile started his business almost with the birth of the town, and no one has
stuek to his purpose more tenaciously than the subject of this brief biography. Mr. Gray was born on a farm in the State of Vermont, August 9, 1886. He is the young- est of a family of eleven children, and is a son of William and Isabel (Roben) Gray; the father was a native of Vermont, a sturdy farmer, and a man of great strength of pur- pose and force of character; after his marriage lie settled in Caledonia County, Vermont, where he lived the remainder of his days; he died at the age of seventy-two years. The mother was born in Scotland, and was of a strong mind, and of a vigorous constitution; she died at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. The grandfather of George Gray, William Gray, was a descendant from an old Scotch family. George Gray passed his youth in his native county, receiving his education in the common school and in a seminary. On reaching his twenty-first year he started in the battle of life on his own account. Drift- ing as far west as Stark County, Illinois, he was employed to work on a farm for $20 per month; as his means increased he invested in land, and was soon able to begin farming his own land; he devoted considerable time in stock-raising, and was very successful in this. Ile continued to invest in land. While yet living in Illinois he bought 1,160 acres of land in Andubon County, and 160 in Union County, Iowa. While residing in Illinois he improved over 1,000 aeres. Having disposed of his property in Illinois, he removed to Stuart, Iowa, where he engaged in the grain, lumber and stock business; he carried this on successfully for seven years, during which time lie purchased 4,000 acres of land in Audubon and Carroll counties, the whole of which he improved. In one season he sowed 3,000 aeres to wheat, and the season being favorable, he realized a handsome profit on it. In 1880 Mr. Gray began dealing in
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wheat in Audubon; this he shipped to Chicago and intermediate points. He has erected an elevator at the town of Gray on the North- western Railroad, at a cost of $10,000; be- sides his elevator, he has two large ware- houses at Audubon, and one at Ross, Iowa. Ile still carries on farming in connection with his grain dealing. He has also shipped stock, principally handling that of his own raising. In 1874 Mr. Gray was married to Miss Fannie A. Spencer, a woman of unusual purity and force of character. She was a native of Stark County, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are the parents of one son- George S. Gray. The mother died Novem- ber 9, 1888; the very large number attending the last rites of interment attested the love and honor in which she was held. Mr. Gray takes an active part in politics, affiliating with the Republican party; he has served as delegate to the congressional and judicial conventions. He is public-spirited, and liberal in contributing in any enterprise tending to benefit the community.
EORGE McCAIN, one of the well-to-do farmers of Melville Township, located on section 16, in the month of Septem- ber, 1870. At first he purchased eighty acres of land, one-half of his present farm, which is all well improved. Mr. McCain was born in the village of St. Omner, Indiana, December 30, 1839. Ile is the youngest of a family of ten children. Ilis parents were William and Mary (McCarty) McCain, who lived for a time in Wayne County, Indiana, near the village of Centerville, at that time the county seat. Later on they removed to St. Omer, Decatur County, Indiana, where the father engaged in farming and mercantile business. He died in 1845, and the mother,
May 8, 1873, at the age of seventy-three years. Of the ten children only five are liv- ing; a brother of our subject in Indiana, one in I'ansas, one sister in Colorado, and one in Iowa. Mr. McCain, like most men of his age, received his education under many dis- advantages, within a rude log school-house, provided with slab seats. The teacher was paid by private subscription. The youthful days of our subject were spent for the most part upon his father's farm. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted as a member of Company K, Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He saw much hard service during his army life. His first engagement was at Edwards' Ferry, at the time of the Balls Bluff disaster. In the fall of 1861 his com- mand went into winter quarters, and in the spring crossed over into Virginia, going over the Blue Ridge Mountains. He received his discharge in May, 1862, at the city of Wash- ington, D. C., after which he returned to his home, and enlisted in the thirty days' regi- ment, formed to protect the country against the Morgan raiders. In December, 1863, he enlisted in the three years' service at Greens- burg, Indiana, as a private soldier; but he soon after became Sergeant-Major, and An- gust 9, 1864, he was commissioned as First Lieutenant of Company G. They were sent to Nashville, Tennessee, and became part of General Hovey's Hoosier troops, and then went South with General Sherman, prepara- tory to entering the Atlanta campaign. Mr. MeCain was in the fall of Atlanta, and tells many thrilling scenes in connection with this great event. From Atlanta, under the com- mand of General Thomas, he marched to the north into Tennessee, where his regiment did various duties; he finally took a steamer, via Ohio River for Cincinnati, and went thenee by rail to Washington, D. C. He was then ordered to Anderson, going down
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the Potomac River into Chesapeake Bay, and to Cape Fear River, North Carolina; he then crossed the country to Moorehead City, en- gaging in a three days' figlit at Wieser Forks, and defeating General Hooks. The company then marched to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where they made junetion with Sherman's army; there they remained until the sur- render of General Johnston's army took place. The rest of the season, up to Angust, 1865, was put in at guard duty; but on the 25th of that month Mr. MeCain received his final discharge, and returned to Decatur County, Indiana. Ilaving thus faithfully served both as a private and an officer, in an army which had finally restored peace and liberty to a great nation, he then began to lay plans for his own future welfare. For a year and more he was engaged in the bridge- building department of a railroad company in Indiana. In March, 1867, he came to Iowa, and stopped in Jasper County, near Newton. Here he engaged with the Rock Island Company in the same branch of work he had been following in Indiana. This work took him along the main line, and all the branches of the great Rock Island Ronte, both in lowa and Nebraska. He continued in this position until May, 1870, when he was married to Miss Ada A. Potter, of Marengo, Iowa, a native of New York. In September, 1870, Mr. and Mrs. MeCain removed to Audubon County, and bought ! land as above noted, where they have not only built for themselves a good home, but have established a character in the com- munity which is beyond reproach. Having been among the first to locate in the north- ern part of the county, Mr. MeCain has helped to foster the public schools and estab- lish the publie roads, and advance the wel- fare of the county in many directions, Mr. and Mrs. McCain are the parents of five
children-R. E., Mona E., Guy F., Mary A. and John Mayo. In politics Mr. MeCain is a staunch Republican, and has been honored by various local offices ; he has served as town- ship elerk for two terms, trustee one terin, as- sessor three terms, and was elected supervisor soon after the establishment of the county seat at Andubon. Under President Hayes's administration he was appointed postmaster of Melville Center, holding this position from February 19, 1878, until February 19, 1880.
ILS BEASON, one of Melville Town- ship's prominent farmers and stock- raisers, was a native of the State of Ohio, having been born in Greene County, near Xenia, January 28, 1836. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Beason, the father being one of Greene County's most prosper- ons farmers, of English aneestry. The early boyhood of Silas Beason was passed on the farm near Xenia, Ohio, and his first lessons were learned in the distriet schools. When a mere lad Mr. Beason moved with his parents to a farm near Atlanta, Logan County, Illinois, where he continued to assist on the farm until about nineteen years of age. IIe then attended Wesleyan University, at Dela- ware, Ohio, a few months, and returning to Illinois he began the study of law at Lincoln, Illinois, under Judge Laey. In the mean- time Mr. Beason was married October 9, 1856, to Miss Olive Ash, daughter of James and Ruth Ash, of Scotch ancestry. Mrs. Beason was born in Indiana, and was brought with her parents to Illinois when a child. Mr. Beason moved to Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois, in 1860, and continned the study of law under difficulties. Ile was admitted to the bar at Springfield, Illinois, before the
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Supreme Court of the State, in March, 1859. Ile was elected mayor of Lincoln, and served five consceutive terms; after an interval of two years he was again elected mayor, and served two terms. IIe was elected a member of the Legislature in 1868, serving one term, and taking part in the introduction and pass- age of several important bills. Having re- tired from his legislative honors, Mr. Beason resumed the work of his profession, in which he had built up a large and laerative prac- tice. Ile held many offices but was not an office secker, his disposition being retiring and modest. Ile took a lively interest in politics, affiliating with the Democratie party. Ile was a candidate for circuit judge in 1877 on the Democratic ticket; the circuit was composed of eight counties, and notwithstand- ing it was strongly Republican he was defeated by a small majority. Mr. Beason was a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of Honor, of Lincoln, Illinois. The pressure of business drew too heavily upon his physical strength and he was at last com- pelled to go in search of health. Having previously purchased many valuable acres of land in Audubon County, fowa, in 1882 he retired from the practice of law, and removed with his family to the farm in Iowa, hoping to receive benefit in health by the change. Ile engaged in general farming and the breeding of fine live-stock, including short- horn cattle, horses, and hogs. Under his management these industries were a success, and his health was greatly improved. The farm is traversed by the east fork of the Nishnabotna River, and the land is of supe- rior quality, well adapted to the growth of grain and the raising of live-stock. Mr. Beason planted many trecs on his place, which serve as a protection from the heat and winds, and also add greatly to the beauty of the place. Ile displayed much judgment in
the management of his farm, as well as great ability when acting as legal counsellor. IIe was cut off in the prime of life, in the midst of his daily pursuits, by accidentally falling from a loaded wagon which passed over his body and inflicted injuries from which he died in a few hours, November 9, 1884. Ile was a devoted husband, a kind father, always generous toward publie enterprises, and his untimely death was deplored by all who knew him. Ile left a large estate to his wife and children. Mr. and Mrs. Beason are the parents of the following named children- Omar, a graduate of Lincoln University, died December 12, 1881, much lamented, at the age of twenty-four years; Ida, a graduate of Monticello Seminary, is the wife of William S. Blair, of Aurora, Illinois; Ella, a graduate of Monticello Seminary, Godfrey, Illinois, is at home; John, who accidentally shot him- self in crossing a barbed wire fence Septem- ber 26, 1886, was a promising youth of many excellent qualities of head and heart; Lewis assists his mother on the farm; Rose and Olive are at home. Mrs. Beason, with the assistance of her son, is managing the farm of 1,700 acres, which is well stocked. She has shown much ability and skill in the care of the farm, which is one of the best im- proved in Melville Township, being furnished with all the modern conveniences and having most attractive surroundings.
SWALD J. HOUSTON was born in Waynesboro, Wayne County, Tennessee, February 13, 1855. When he was three years old his parents removed to Iowa, settling at Hamlin's Grove, being among the earliest settlers in the county. He is the fourth of a family of ten children, and is a son of A. B. and Nancy (Bridges) Houston,
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both natives of the State of Georgia, who now reside in Exira, Audubon County, Iowa. O. J. grew to manhood in Audubon County, and attended the schools of Exira. Ile began his mercantile career at the age of eighteen, entering a dry-goods store in Atlantic, Iowa, and remaining there nearly five years. Having returned to Exira, he purchased the drug stock of John Hunter, with a view of study- ing medicine; this plan was not carried out, but he took up the study of pharmacy, and continued the drug trade until 1880, when he sold the business and went to Fort Collins, intending to engage in business in that place. Not liking Colorado as well as lowa, he re- turned to Audubon County, and formed a partnership with M. N. Graves, of Atlantic, Iowa. In 1881 the firm built a business house in Audubon, and put in a stock of drugs; this partnership continued until 1885, when Mr. Houston bought the interest of his partner, and has since controlled the business alone. Mr. Ilouston was married May 24, 1877, to Miss Mary Dissmore, of Oakfield; she is the second daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Dissmore. Mr. and Mrs. Ilouston have one daughter-Lulu May. Mr. Hous- ton is a member of Exodus Lodge, No. 342, at Exira, and of Amity Chapter, No. 93, and Godfrey Commandery, No. 44. In politics he is conservative.
RANK P. BRADLEY, dealer in live- stock, Audubon, Iowa, was born in the State of Illinois, in Caldwell County, in the town of Oswego, October 3, 1862. His father, E. D. Bradley, was a prominent mer- chant and speculator, who was born in the State of New York; he was reared in his native State, and there married Miss Julia llallock, who was born and brought up in
the same State; soon after their marriage they removed to Caldwell County, Illinois. When Frank P. was seven years old his par- ents removed to Aurora, Illinois, where he was educated in the public schools; after leaving school he taught for one term. The tide of emigration being westward, young Bradley drifted in the same direction, and in 1874 came to Audubon County, stopping at the county seat, which was then Exira. In 18- lie was elected clerk of the court of Audubon County, being nominated on the Democratic ticket; he held this office for three consecutive terms, six years. During his term of office the connty seat was moved from Exira to Audubon; the details of this exciting contest will be found in the general history of Andubon County. When the court was moved Mr. Bradley moved also. On retiring from office he at once engaged in the live-stock and real-estate business. He purchased a large traet of land in Guthrie County, Iowa, where he has established a cattle ranch, associating himself with A. L. Campbell, the former clerk of the court, and eashier of the Citizens' Bank of An- dubon. Mr. Bradley was one of the orig- inators and stockholders of this bank, but sold his interest in the business some time ago. Ile now devotes considerable time to buying stock which he sells to parties for feeding, both in this county and adjoining counties. Mr. Bradley was married in 1878 to Miss Fannie Atkinson, of Exira, a daugh- ter of George Atkinson, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are the parents of two children. Mr. Bradley began at the bottom of the lad- der, but he has not remained there, having by his own exertions acquired a large prop- erty. E. D. Bradley died in October, 18SS; he opened the first store at Oakfield, Andu- bon County, one of the old landmarks of the county; he had purchased land in the county
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as early as 1854. The mother of our subject is still living, making her home with him. Isaac P. Hallock, Sr., the grandfather of Frank P. Bradley, was among the first set- tlers at Oakfield, and served many years as postmaster of the place. Mr. I. P. Hallock's biography appears upon another page of this volume.
OSEPH M. REYNOLDS is the senior member of the firmn of Reynolds & Ide, merchants at Brayton, Iowa. Messrs. Reynolds & Ide carry a general stock, and both being active business men they do a large and prosperous trade. Both gentlemen are well and favorably known. Mr. Rey- nolds was born in Orange County, New York, in the heart of the great cheese and butter region, January 4, 1852. He is the third of a family of six children of Patrick and Mary (Muden) Reynolds, who were born and reared in Ireland. The father was born in the county of Longford, and the mother in the county of Leitrem, near the Shannon River. In the fall of 1839 the parents emi- grated to America, landed in the city of New York, and at once proceeded to Orange Connty. Patrick Reynolds at once identi- fied himself with the old Whig party, and became a warm supporter of the same. On the organization of the Republican party his sympathies were with it, and he fought in the war of the Rebellion. From Orange County the family removed to Muscatine County, Iowa, in January, 1854. For many years the father was employed by the C., R. I. & P. Railroad, and was a valued and trusty inan. Ile died at West Liberty, Iowa, hon- ored by all who knew him. His wife is still living, and is now a resident of Des Moines. The boyhood days of Joseph M. Reynolds
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