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 86
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 86
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ANS PETER ILANSEN, a prosperous and intelligent Dane, residing in Gray, Towa, was born in the city of Copen- hagen, Denmark, November 25, 1857. Ile is the oldest of four children, two sons and two daughters, his parents being Christien and Anna C. (Anderson) Hansen, who are still living in Copenhagen, the father being a mechanic by trade. Hans Peter Hansen re- ceived a good common-school education in his native country, and then went to learn the trade of an engineer, serving two years. Desirons of seeing the new world he set sail in 1881, and after a voyage of thirty- two days he landed in the city of New York. He continued his journey to Minnesota, stopping at Albert Lea five months. On coming to Gray he entered the employ of Mr. George Gray as engineer in his, elevator, a position he still holds. In February, 1888, Mr. Han-
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ing among the scenes of his childhood four months. Returning to Gray he resumed his position as stationary engineer. In June, 1889, he was married to Miss Martha Jacobs, a native of Denmark, who came to America in 1888. Ile is now living in Gray in a comfortable home, which he owns. He also owns other property in the village, which he rents. Mr. Hansen is an industrious citizen, and by perseverance and economy lic has ac- eumnlated some property. He began with- out capital, except his pluck and energy and determination to succeed, and we anticipate for him a prosperous future.
EORGE J. McLACIILIN has been a resident of Audubon County, Iowa, sinee 1887. He was born in Caledonia County, Vermont, May 7, 1848, and is a son of James and Almira (Varunm) MeLachlin. The father, a son of John MeLaehlin, was born in Vermont in 1818; he is a farmer by oceupation, and still lives in Vermont. IIis father was born in Scotland. The mother of George J. was born in Vermont; she is living, and also her four children, named as follows -William V., George J., Charles F. and Merritt H. George J. was reared to the life of a farmer. He received his early edu- cation in the common sehool, and later he entered the Caledonia Academy, pursuing his studies there for three years. He remained with his parents until his twenty-first year, when, like so many other young men, he was caught in the tide of emigration, and drifted westward. In the spring of 1887 he removed to Andubon County, and spent the first summer working for Mr. George Gray on his " rm. He then rented a farm of W. G. Cameron for one year, and in the mean- time he bought eighty acres of wild land in
Lincoln Township, which he broke out and began to improve. Four years later he sold this farm, and removed to a farm of 160 aeres which he had purchased in partnership with his brother. They still own the place, which they have placed under good cultivation, and to which they have added many improve- ments. The residence, which is a neat two- story frame building, was erected in 1880, and is pleasantly situated on a high and sightly spot. Mr. MeLaehlin was married in 1871 to Miss Jane L. Dewey, of Caledonia County, Vermont. She is the oldest dangh- ter of Bela S. and Lavinia (Carter) Dewey, natives of the State of New Hampshire, now residing in Caledonia County, Vermont. Of their two children Mrs. MeLachlin is the only one surviving. Mr. and Mrs. MeLach- lin are the parents of three children-Glenn D., Harvey C. and Elsie J. Mr. McLaehlin has been engaged in stock-feeding and rais- ing, shipping from three to five car loads annually. IIc is enterprising, industrious, and honorable in all his dealings, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him.
- ILTON D. TAYLOR, breeder of Norman horses. Mr. Taylor's farm is located one and one-half miles west of the town of Gray, in Lincoln Township. He was reared npon a farm, and his long ex- perience in handling live-stoek has well fitted him for his present occupation. His parents were caught in an early tide of emigration, and did not settle until they reached Otto® County, Nebraska, where Milton D. was born in October, 1859. The country was new, and the privations endured so great that they packed their effects and went baek to Washı- ington County, Iowa. They are both natives of Venango County, Pennsylvania, and on
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their way west spent one year in Rock Island County, Illinois, resuming the journey to Nebraska the following spring. On their re- turn to Washington County, Iowa, Milton D. was a mere lad. The father occupied himself with farming and stock-raising, and is still engaged in this business. There onr subject grew to manhood, and received his education in the common schools; he had unusual opportunities of perfecting himself in his chosen calling, being under the tuition of his father. In the fall of 1879 Mr. Taylor came Audubon County, and bought eighty acres to of land in section 11, which he broke out and placed under cultivation. The following fall he added forty acres to the farm. He re- mained upon his farm for two years, and then returned to Washington County. In the fall of 1887 he came on his present farm, and be- gan placing upon it permanent improvements. In February, 1888, he brought to this eoun- try the celebrated Norman horse, Splendid, imported directly from France. In the French record book this horse is numbered 18,285, and in the American book it is num- bered 9,829, Vol. V. Splendid is a beauti- ful steel gray, four years old. Mr. Taylor is deserving of much eredit for the introduction of pure blooded horses into Audubon County. Enterprise of this kind advances the whole interests of the county, and is one of the strong factors of progress.
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B ENJAMIN C. BROOKFIELD, a prom- inent farmer and dealer in real estate, of Lincoln Township, is a native of the State of Michigan, born in Berrien County, near Niles, July 19, 1842. He is the youngest of five children of Noah and Mary (Collins) Brookfield, natives of Canada. The father died when Benjamin C. was seven years old.
At the early age of fifteen years the tide of emigration carried him to Iowa. He settled in Jackson County and remained there until he enlisted in 1861 in the Second lowa Vol- unteer Infantry, Company L, giving his aid to perpetuate this nation. Ile was sent to St. Paul, Minnesota, and was mustered out of the service in 1862. Returning from the army, he engaged in the milling business in Jackson County, but as this proved unprofit- able he abandoned it and entered the employ of Henry & Company as a collector. After two years of service to this firm he secured a position on the Burlington & Missouri Rail- road, grading and preparing road bed through lowa and other States, his services being re- tained by the company for a period of nearly twenty years. After leaving the railroad company he came to Iowa, and soon after rented a farm in Audubon County which be- longed to George Gray. In later years he bought this land, and from time to time he has added to it, and now owns a fine tract of 280 aeres, which he has improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. He has erected a good, comfortable residence, barns and eribs for stoek and grain, and many other eon- veniences. The farm is well stocked with hogs and cattle, both of which he handles in considerable numbers. In connection with his farm and live-stock interests he buys and sells real estate for eastern parties, and loans money in different parts of the State. In 1870 Mr. Brookfield was married to Miss Rose Lowry, of Dowagiac, Michigan, in which State she was born and reared to womanhood. Her father, Thomas Lowry, was an old resi- dent of Michigan, and a citizen held in high esteem. Mr. and Mrs. Brookfield are the parents of four children-Mand, Flora, Ben- jamin M. and Lois. Mr. Brookfield has served his township as trustee with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his party.
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Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 166.
RANK R. MCLAUGHLIN, of Lincoln Township, is one of the successful farm- ers of Audubon County. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, August 27, 1853. His father, Charles MeLaughlin, a descend- ant of a Scotch family, was born and reared in the State of Ohio, and followed the occu- pation of a farmer the greater part of his life. Rachel A. (Covil) MeLaughliu, the mother of Frank R., was a daughter of Joseph Covil, Esq. Charles Mclaughlin and wife had born to them eight children, five of whom are living. The mother is deceased, but the father still survives. When Frank R. was about eight years of age his parents removed to Marshall County, Illinois. There he grew to manhood, receiving the advantages of a common-school education and a good training in agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty years he be- gan working on a farm by the month, follow- ing this for three years. Being convinced that he could make money more rapidly by farming on his own account, he rented land in Livingston County, Illinois, and the first year suffered the disaster of being drowned ont. He then returned to Marshall County, and worked on a farm one year. IIe then bought land in Marshall County, which ho cultivated five years. At the end of this time he sold out and entered a farming-implement store, where he clerked until 1885. Collect- ing his effects, he removed to Audubon County, lowa, and located on his present farm, which he bought after renting it for four years. The place was then known as the Whipple farm. It contains 240 acres, and is well stocked and well improved. Mr.
Mclaughlin was married in 1885 to Miss Cora Evans, of Knox County, Illinois, a danghter of Oliver Evans, who died when she was six years of age, near Oskaloosa, Ma- haska County, Iowa, in 1868. They are the parents of two children-Charles E. and Frank Ray. Mr. MeLaughlin is a member of Utopia Lodge, No. 161, I. O. O F., at Gray.
RANK P. WISEMAN, one of the early settlers of Lincoln Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 22, 1853. He is a son of William and Mary (Shilling) Wiseman, natives of the State of Ohio. The father followed the trade of a blacksmith for twenty-five years, and died in his native State. The mother removed to Iowa and died in Crawford County. She was the daugh- ter of James Shilling, and the mother of nine children, three sons and six daughters. The grandfather of Frank P. was George Wise- man, of German descent, a native of Mary- land, and a soldier in the war of 1812. Frank P. Wiseman resided in his native county until his twenty-third year, when he left the farm which had been a home to him in his childhood and early manhood. Ile first worked at the carpenter's trade, and afterward learned the milling business. In January, 1876, caught in the tide of western emigration, he came to Iowa and stopped in Crawford County. He remained there four years, and at the end of that time he removed to Audubon County and settled on his present farmn. The place contains 120 acres, which is well improved, with good buildings, and in a high state of cultivation. In 1878 Mr. Wiseman was mar- ried to Susie Halford, of Crawford County, a daughter of James and Mary C. Halford. One son has been born of this marriage --- Frederick P. Mr. Wiseman is a member of
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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
the lodge, No. 450, A. F. & A. M., at Man- ning, Iowa. Ile is also a member of the A. O. U. W. In polities he gives his undivided and hearty support to the Republican party. He and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Wiseman's father served as a soldier in the late war, and one of her brothers was a member of the One Ilundred and Seventh Ohio regiment.
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IRAM Z. WEBSTER, an early settler and most worthy resident of Douglas Township, was born in Madison County, Illinois, near Alton, March 1, 1828. Zenas Webster, his father, was a well-to-do farmer, and a native of Woodstock County, Vermont. Ile married Tarnel l'ahner, a native of Ver- mont, and at an early day removed to Illinois, settling in Madison County, where he opened and improved a farm. He died about the year 1840, when Hiram was a lad of twelve years. After the death of his father our sub- jeet remained with his mother until he was twenty-three years of age. Ile was then married to Mary A. McGuire, of Warren County, Illinois. Soon after his inarriage Mr. Webster removed to Ogle County, Illi- nois, and there resided eight years, following the occupation of a farmer. From Ogle County he went to Wood County, Illinois, and there made his home for several years. Ile then removed with his family to Marion County, and bought a farm seven miles north of Pella; there he carried on farming and stock-raising on a large scale, residing there twenty years. Disposing of his farm in 1870, he came to Audubon County, purchasing a new farm in section 3, Douglas Township; it contains 320 acres, drained by the middle branch of the Nislmabotna River, and is ad- mirably adapted to the raising of grains or
for grazing purposes. When Mr. Webster settled there his nearest postoffice was Exira, where mail was received once a week. The products of the farmn were hauled to Atlantic, oats selling for 9 cents per bushel, and corn for 14 cents; coal sold for $6.50 per ton, a disproportion so great, that it is difficult to see how farmers managed to keep warm during the long, cold winters. Not finding a ready sale for his grain, Mr. Webster turned his attention to feeding stock, thus consuming all of his produce upon his farm. This he found much more profitable; of late years he has directed his attention to breed- ing draft horses, of the Clydesdale stock; he has formed a partnership with John Cameron, and they also breed fine grades of mules. This Mr. Webster does in connection with his farming and feeding. He ships annually from one to three car-loads of stock. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are the parents of seven children-Hamilton C., Elizabeth A., wife of Monroe Johnston; William D., Edith, wife of Albert Green; Harry, Carrie and Edna. For several years Mr. Webster has served as road supervisor; he has been an active Re- publican since the organization of the party. Ile commenced his career without means, but by honesty and industry he accumulated a good property for his declining years. Ile and his wife endured many hardships and privations incident to the settling of a new country, and are to-day enjoying their reward in peace and plenty, and the comforts of a modern civilization.
ILLIAM L. SWANEY has been identified with the interests of All- dubon County since 1873. Unlike many of the residents of the Hawkeye State, he has the honor to have been born within
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hier borders, and February 21, 1947, is the date of his birth, and Jackson County, near Preston, is the place. He is the son of Da- vid and Sidney ( Latta) Swaney, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They were married in Ohio, and soon after removed to Michigan and settled in Ann Arbor; thence they went to Jackson County, Iowa, in May, 1839, being among the pioneers of the county. David Swancy was a son of James Swancy, a native of Ireland, who was a soldier in the British army. David died in Jackson County, lowa, in 1883, in his seventy-fifth year. The mother of our sub- ject was born in 1818, and reared eight children, four sons and four danghters -. Nancy J., wife of D. Baldwin; James, All- geline, wife of George Lucas; Mary A., wife of William Mills; William L., the subject of .this sketeli; "Medora, wife of William Rut- ledge; Milton L. and Alonzo. William L. passed his boyhood in his native county, re- ceiving a common-school education; he re- mained with his parents until his twenty-first year, when he took up the responsibilities of life and began to carve out his own fortune. In the summer of 1873 he came to Andubon County and purchased eiglity acres of wild prairie land. The following spring he moved his family to the new home, where they bravely faced many of the privations incident to pioneer life. Mr. Swancy has put all the improvements upon the place, and has added from time to time to his first purchase, until he now owns 400 acres in one body. A part of the farm is sceded down to pasture and the balance is under cultivation. Mr. Swa. ney pays special attention to feeding live- stock, shipping large numbers annually; he has been quite successful in this department of agriculture. In 1873, February 12, oc- curred the marriage of William L. Swancy and Arminda Wilson, a native of the State
of New York, and a daughter of A. Wilson, Esq., who died in this county. Her mother's maiden name was Bacon; she is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Swaney have had boru to them six children-David L., Ada M., Wil- son Bacon, Milton, Minerva G. and Albert J. Mr. Swancy has served as justice of the peace since coming to the county, except one year; he has also represented his township as trustee and as a member of the school board and as assessor, to the entire satis- faction of the public. Ile is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason in Jackson County, Iowa. In State and National affairs he supports the issues of the Democratic party, but in local matters he votes for the man best fitted for the office in his estima- tion. IIe commenced life with no capital excepting that with which nature endowed him, pluck, energy and a determination to succeed; that he lias succeeded is demon- strated when one takes a look at his broad acres in a high state of cultivation, and all the modern improvements upon his farm. Everything is arranged for comfort aud con- venience, and the air of thrift and prosperity about Mr. Swaney's farm places him in the front ranks of Audubon County's agricult- urists.
ILLIAM G. CAMERON, who was one of the first settlers in Cameron Township, has become a leading agri- culturist and stock-raiser in that part of the county. He settled upon his home farm in 1878, removing from the State of Vermont, in which he was born in September, 1836. Ilis father, a most thorough business man, and the owner of a large property, was John Cameron, a descendant of Puritan stock. His
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HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
mother was Jane Gray, a native of Vermont, | partment of the farm has the direct and care- and a most estimable woman, the mother of , fail supervision of Mr. Cameron. In 1976 several children, of whom Willian G. is the , Mr. Cameron was united in marriage to Miss oldest. Ilis early childhood and school days Eliza Crief, of Burean County, Illinois, a most excellent person, and the possessor of many womanly qualities; she was born in Pennsylvania, and removed to Illinois with her parents in her girlhood. Politieally Mr. Cameron is a man of pronounced views, and were passed in his native county. Ilis edn- cation was received in the common schools, and his father being an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, he had nnusual facilities for ac- quiring a knowledge of the management and handling of stock. In 1863 William G. 'in matters pertaining to the State and Na- Cameron took a trip to California, and while tional affairs he affiliates with the Republican party. there engaged in various pursuits, prospecting some for gold. Returning to Bureau County. Illinois, he carried on farming, and traded in - live-stock for a time. He then returned to his native State, Vermont, but as the tide of ICHARD SIBSON. an agriculturist of Viola Township, was born in Cumber- land, England, May 31, 1840. He is a son of William and Sarah (Brown) Sibson, who remained in their native land: Ile was the fourth of a family of six children, and was reared in England. As soon as he was large enough he was, like all boys in mining towns, pnt to work in the mines at the age of eight years, and passed from one position to another as he increased in size, and knew no other life than this drudging one until he had arrived at man's estate. At the age of twenty-five years, in the year 1865. he emi- grated to the United States, landing in the city of New York. He proceeded at once to the coal mines of Pennsylvania, and resumed work in the mines of Mereer County. One year afterward he went to Allegheny County, and worked in the mines for three years. Wishing to seeure himself a home he came west, traveling through Illinois, and finally, in 1871, he settled in Polk County, Iowa, and began farming, meeting with success in his new enterprise. Ile was also engaged in coal mining at Mitchellville, lowa. After- ward he came to Andubon County, and pur- chased a tract of new land, which he at once emigration drifted westward he made up his mind to return, and as several of his friends had settled in Audubon County, Iowa, he settled there also. Ilis first purchase was 640 acres of land on scetion 21, Cameron Township, which was at that time open prai- rie. lle began the task of breaking ont the new farm, fencing it, and stocking it with eattle and hogs. In this enterprise he has been very successful, and as his means in- ereased he hns added to his first purchase of land until he now owns 1,440 aeres; the land is not hilly, but is undulating, with an occa- sional gentle roll. All is enclosed with a good substantial fence, 200 acres being de- voted to raising eorn, and the balance boing seeded down to grass. In 1886 Mr. Cameron erected his large barn ; when the framework was up ready to be enclosed it was struck by a cyclone and blown to the ground. The wreck was cleared away, and it was immedi- ately rebuilt. It is one of the largest barns in the western part of the State, and every- thing is arranged with an eye to convenience, as well as for the protection and comfort of the live-stock. The farm is well stocked with isch-grade cattle, hogy and horses; every do-
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began to improve; he has sinee made addi- tions to this purchase until he now owns 370 aeres. It is a beautiful farm, near the north- ern borders of the county, adjacent to the Carroll County line. The residenee is a fine commodious house, standing on an eminence that commands a view of the surrounding country. The owner's good taste is shown in the ornamental trees and large lawn, and the entire farm is well arranged, and is kept in first-elass order. Mr. Sibson has been a successful breeder and grower of high-bred stoek, and has given this branch of farming special attention. Ile has fed as many as 300 head of hogs annually, and raises large numbers of cattle, and Norman and Clydes- dale horses. Mr. Sibson was married in his twenty-eighth year to Miss Elizabeth Robert- son, her parents being of Seotch ancestry. They have a family of four children -- Walter W., William, Isabel and Richard. Though Mr. Sibson is a Republican he is considered a liberal, conservative citizen. He is a good business man, and stands high in the estima- tion of all who know him.
ILLIAM J. LANCELOT, of the firm of Lancelot & Rees, merchants, Gray, Iowa, is a native of England, born in the county of Cornwall, December 4, 1849. Hle is the second of a family of six children of William H. and Isabelle Il. (Trucott) Lancelot, who still reside in the old country, well preserved in mind and body. The father was for many years a sea captain on the waters of the Atlantie. He is now employed in the government service at Falmonth, England. William J. was edneated in his native country in a seleet school. At the early age of eighteen years the borders of his native country had grown too narrow for his
youthful and sanguine spirits, so he emi- grated to America, landing in the city of New York. Thenee he continued his jour- ney to Clayton County, lowa, and there en- gaged in farming. Before leaving England he had served an apprenticeship as a butcher, and followed the business in America. In 1876 Mr. Lancelot removed to Cameron Cen- ter, Andubon County, and engaged in farm- ing until 1885, when he moved to Ross, Iowa, and there associated himself in the grocery business with Frank Gleason, of An- dubon. Hle afterward sold out at Ross and purchased a stock of goods of W. P. Johnson & Company, of Gray, taking F. P. Rees into partnership. The firm of Lancelot & Rees was established in 1987, and by striet atten- tion to business and fair dealing they have won a large share of patronage. Mr. Lance- lot was instrumental in establishing the post- office at Thompson, a place well known by all the old settlers, which was discontinued when the town of Audubon was started. While in Ross he sneceeded L. D. Thomas as post- master, and held the office until his removal to Gray. April 10, 1889, Mr. Lancelot re- ceived his appointment as postmaster of Gray, under President Harrison. Mr. Lance- lot is correspondent for the Daily Register, Des Moines, and also for the eonnty papers. He has held several of the township offices, acquitting himself with great eredit. IIe takes an active interest in the welfare of the Republican party, acting as a delegate to State, congressional and judicial conventions. Mr. Lancelot was united in marriage in 1873 to Miss Phœbe A. Crow, of Fayette County, Iowa, a daughter of Milton Crow, Esq. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lancelot-William H., Isabelle B., K. Grant, Milton J. and Grace. Mrs. Lancelot is a native of the State of Indiana. She was a successful instructor, having tanght sixteen
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