USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > Historical and biographical record of Black Hawk County, Iowa > Part 31
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J. B. Powers, which existed until January, 1873. Some time later he became associated with A. D. Polk and George H. Thorpe, and in 1884 he formed a partnership with Alfred Grundy, thus forming the present law firm of Hemenway & Grundy. Mr. Hemen- way was married in the year 1868 to Miss Lanie G. Schermerhorn, of Cedar Falls. He has served one term in the House, Iowa Assembly, and two terms, ten years, as Sen- ator, his nominations being accorded him by acclamation. While representing Black Hawk County in the Legislature he labored earnestly and conscientiously for the inter- ests of his constituency which he so ably rep- resented. Mr. Hemenway has also served as city attorney of Cedar Falls about ten years. He stands high in the legal profes- sion in Iowa, and is widely known as a counsellor of superior knowledge, and hav- ing a clear sense of truth and justice. He is a member of the library board of Cedar Falls. For years he has been a director of the public schools, and for the first year and a half of the Iowa State Normal School he served as a director of that institution. He is a member of the Masonic order.
MOS P. COLBURN, farmer, sec- tion 23, Lincoln Township, was born in Lewis County, New York, October 19, 1839. His parents, Orlin and Eliza Colburn, were born, reared and married in the State of New York. To them were born the following children-William R., a hardware merchant at Reinbeck, Grundy County, Iowa; Mrs. Laura Sarvay, of Jefferson County, New York; Mrs. Sarah Jane Sarvay, of Water- loo, this county; Mrs. Cornelia Penniman, of Jefferson County, New York; Mrs. Elizabeth Dodge, of the same county, and Amos P., our subject. The mother died in Jefferson County, New York, in July, 1879, and the father is now living in Iowa with his chil-
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
dren. Amos P. was reared on a farm in his native county. After reaching the age of sixteen years he engaged in the lumber trade which he followed a part of cach year for fifteen years, the last eight years of this time being engaged in the business on his own account, owning a saw-mill in Jefferson County, which he sold shortly be- fore coming West. He was married in his native county, January 1, 1860, to Miss Alt- zcra Sarvay, who was born in the same county as her husband, September 3, 1840, a daughter of Charles Sarvay. Mr. and Mrs. Colburn have five children- Charles, at present attending Tobins Col- lege at Waterloo; Orlin, Lena, William and Perley. August, 1862, Mr. Colburn enlisted in Company D, Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, and for the first eight months served on garrison duty on Staten Island, and the year following was in the defenses of Washington. He then went to the front with his regiment armed as infantry, and joined Grant's army at Cold Harbor, par- ticipating in that hard-fought battle. Hc then crossed the James River with the Eighteenth Corps and invested Peters- burg, and was wounded in the rifle pits in front of that city. He was then ap- pointed Third Sergeant, and afterward promoted to Orderly Sergcant and trans- ferred to the Invalid Corps. After recov- cring from his wound he was stationcd at Easton, Pennsylvania, and in May, 1865, at Chicago. He received an honorable dis- charge July 21, 1865, when he returned to his home in Jefferson County. In Novem- ber, 1868, he came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and in the spring of 1869, commenced improving his present farm of 320 acres which he has converted from the raw prai- rie to well cultivated fields. He is one of the enterprising citizens of Lincoln Town- ship, and is active in promoting every en- terprise which he deems is for the good of the same. He has held several offices in his
township, and is at present serving as trus- tee and secretary of the school board. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
EORGE RARICK, who was one of the first settlers of Black Hawk County, lowa, was born August 17, 1814, in Jefferson County, Ohio, a son of John and Mary A. Rarick. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and received his education in the district schools of that early day. He was married in Crawford County, Ohio, in the year 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Shaffer. a native of Pennsylvania, born March 23, 1821, com- ing to Crawford County, Ohio , with her parents, John and Margaret Shaffer, when nine years of age. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rarick only one is liv- ing-Mary M., wife of Willam J. Graham, residing west of Cedar Falls. Mr. Rarick came with his family to Black Hawk County in 1853, taking up Government land, which is now known as the Rarick homestead, and is at present occupicd by Mr. and Mrs. Graham. Mr. Rarick died after a lingering illness, February 17, 1886, and his remains were interred in the Rar- ick Cemetery, which was selected and laid out by himself and S. B. Humbert on his farm twenty-five years ago. When pros- trated by his final sickness he neither ex- pected nor desired to recover, but was anx- ious to depart and be at rest. He was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was known and es- teemed as a pure and devoted Christian and ever evinced a deep interest in the welfare of the church. On his death bed he spoke to his pastor and family of his faith and peace, and in great triumph awaited his sum- mons to his eternal homc. He was highly
Geo. Rarich®
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
respected by all who knew him, and in his old neighborhood where he had resided nearly thirty years his memory will be re- vered, while his virtues as a Christian and a citizen will be remembered as an exempli- fication of integrity and honor. He took an active interest in the affairs of his town- ship, and was one of the most liberal sup- porters of all enterprises which tended to make society better. His widow, a lady much respected by a large circle of friends, is at present residing at Cedar Falls.
LI K. BRENIZER was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 8, 1833, the seventh child of John and Catherine (Kneisley) Brenizer, who were both born, reared and mar- ried in Cumberland County, Pennsyl- vania, the father born January 5, 1797, and the mother August 27, 1801. Several years after their marriage they moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1849 they removed to Stephenson County, Illinois, where the father died in October, 1878. The mother died in Dakota, Stephenson County, in October, 1880. The Brenizer and Kneisley families are both of German descent. His Grandfather Brenizer died in Wayne County, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. Eli K. Brenizer came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, in August, 1866, when he bought 120 acres of his present farm, to which he has since added till he now owns 198 acres, on section 21, where he resides, and forty acres on section 23, making in all 238 acres. Most of his land is seeded with grass, and he devotes the greater part of his time to stock-raising. He has at present about forty head of cat- tle and eight horses, beside a number of hogs and sheep. Mr. Brenizer was married December 31, 1874, to Martha A. Fenti- man, born in Will County, Illinois, Octo- 30
ber 25, 1854, a daughter of John and Chris- tiana (Holderman) Fentiman. They have five children-John L., born January 16, 1876; Bert F., born February 20, 1877 ; Elery K., born January 24, 1879 ; Elsie M., born December 24. 1881, and Eli F., born November 25, 1884, all natives of Lester Township, this county. In politics Mr. Brenizer affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Brenizer is a member of the Baptist church. Her father was a native of Yorkshire, England, born September 23, 1822. He came to America when about twenty-one years of age and settled in Will County, Illinois, where he was married, liv- ing there till 1865. He then came to Wa- terloo, Iowa. Mrs. Brenizer's mother was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1833. Her Grandfather Holderman was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Will County, Illinois. His widow is still living in Will County, now in her eighty-seventh year.
ON. THADDEUS B. CARPEN- TER, a prominent citizen of Cedar Falls, is a native of Wind- ham County, Vermont, born January 14, 1822, his parents, Samuel and Olive Carpenter, being of English origin. At the age of eighteen years, on the death of his father, he took charge of the home farm, which he carried on till reaching his majority. He was then em- ployed on railroads in various States until 1855. He was united in marriage, September 8, 1854, to Miss Cordelia Fuqua, and of the five children born to this union three are living-William B., Samuel H., and Thaddeus B. In 1855 Mr. Carpenter came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he soon after formed a partnership with his brother, H. H. Carpenter, with whom he was asso- ciated in the mercantile trade nine years,
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
under the firm name of T. B. and H. H. Carpenter, after which he engaged in the lumber business, his brother continuing with him till his death in 1871. He was then engaged in the same business with A. Merrill till 1879, when he sold his interest to Edward Townsend. Mr. Carpenter is always active in every enterprise which tends to the advancement of his adopted county, and it was mainly through his in- strumentality that the canning factory was established at Cedar Falls, now one of its flourishing industries controlled by a stock company. Mr. Carpenter served for some time as its president, and also as general manager. In the fall of 1869 he was elected to the Legislature on the Republi- can ticket, and represented Black Hawk County for one term. He served some time on the Board of Supervisors, and for one term was mayor of Cedar Falls, serv- ing with credit to himself and to his constituents.
USTIN L. POMEROY, farmer and stock-raiser, Cedar Falls Township, residing on section 27, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, August 3, 1838, a son of Alveston and Abigail Pomeroy. He was reared to manhood on a farm in his native county, and in youth attended the common schools. He was united in marriage September 12, 1861, to Miss Jane M. Smith, who was born January 7, 1843, a daughter of Abram and Caroline Smith, residents of Geauga County. This union has been blessed with one daughter, named Mildred L. Mr. Pomeroy came with his family to Black Hawk County, Iowa, in 1869, accompanied by his brother, James T., and his brother-in- law, and in 1875 settled on his present farm. He began life with but a few hundred dol- lars, and by his industry and excellent
management has acquired his pleasant home. His fine farm contains 120 acres of well-cultivated land, and his residence and farm buildings are among the best in his neighborhood. He is now classed among the substantial farmers of his township, where he is held in high esteem as a citizen and neighbor. He takes an active interest in matters pertaining to education, and has served six years as school director of Inde- pendent District No. 9, three years of the time being president of the School Board. He is at present serving his second term as road supervisor, which office he fills with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.
IRAM WAGAR was born in Washington County, New York, November 14, 1829, a son of Hec- tor and Sally Wagar, who were born, reared and married in the same State. Of their ten children our sub- ject was the third son and fifth child. He was reared to a farm life, his youth being spent in assisting his father with the work of the farm, and in attending the district schools during the winter terms. In 1835 he went with his parents to Michigan, they locating in Kalamazoo County, where they spent the rest of their lives, the father dying there at the age of eighty-two years, and the mother at the age of seventy-six. Hi- ram Wagar remained with his parents un- til twenty-three years of age when visions of golden wealth led him, in 1852, to try his fortunes in California. He reached the American Valley July 3 of that year, and concluding not to follow mining, he engaged in stock-raising on his own ac- count, soon becoming the owner of a ranch. At the end of eleven years he closed out his business there successfully,
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when he went to Grant County, Oregon, and there followed the same life until 1872. He then returned to the East, and in the fall of the same year came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, settling on his present farm on section 34, Eagle Township, which he immediately began to improve, and from the naked prairie has converted his farm into one of the finest in this part of the county, containing 400 acres of land, with large and substantial residence and farm buildings. November 12, 1873, he was mar- ried to Miss Winnefred Humphrey, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 10, 1849, a daughter of Thomas J. and Mary (Williams) Humphrey. This union has been blessed with two children-Lottie and Clar- ence. Mr. Wagar is a liberal-minded, intel- ligent and public-spirited citizen, and takes an active interest in all enterprises which he deems for the good of his township. In politics he is a staunch Republican.
EORGE I. WILSON was born in Ontario, Canada, July 30, 1840, his parents, Ira P. and Henrietta Wilson, being natives of New York State. He received a good educa- tion in his youth, and from an early age has followed agricultural pursuits, his father having been a farmer by occupation. December 6, 1866, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Leach, daughter of Thomas A. and Abbott Leach, residents of the prov- ince of Ontario. Of the three children born to this union only one survives-Arthur H., who was born August 11, 1875. In the fall of 1874 Mr. Wilson left Ontario, com- ing to the State of Iowa, and locating in Grundy County, where he spent several years. He settled on his present farm in Cedar Falls Township, Black Hawk County, in the spring of 1882, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming,
his home farm containing 120 acres of well- cultivated land. Both he and his wife are highly respected citizens of the township, and both are prominently identified with the Episcopal church. Mr. Wilson has served very acceptably as school director of his district. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.
ACHARY TAYLOR MESSIN- GER, section 17, East Waterloo Township, is the third of a family of nine children of Elias J. and Catherine (Perkins) Messinger. His father was a native of Marion County, Indiana, and his mother of Kentucky. They were married in Marion County, Indiana, and in 1845 moved to Linn County, Iowa, and in 1846 settled in Bremer County, Iowa, where our subject was born January 15, 1848, he being the first white male child born in that county. At the time of their settlement there were only three families living in Bremer County. There the par- ents of our subject resided many years, when they removed to Waterloo, this county, where they still reside. Zachary Taylor Messinger was reared on the home farm in his native county till seventeen years of age, and there received a common- school education. He then came with his parents to Waterloo, and also attended the schools of that city for a time. He was married in April, 1869, to Mary I. Gordon, of Bremer County, the eldest daughter of William Gordon, who died when she was but a year old. They have five children- Maud G., Olie V., Arthur O., Mabel G. and Walter Gordon. After his marriage Mr. Messinger settled on a farm in Bremer County, where he remained four years. He then resided in Grundy County two years when he came to Black Hawk County, where he has since made his home.
HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
He has a fine farm of 160 acres of choice land. He is engaged in general farming and dairying, and also devotes considerable time to the cultivation of small fruits.
ENRY L. HAZEL, section 33, Bennington Township, was born in Jefferson County, New York, July 31, 1843, a son of Richard and Elizabeth A. (Parhan) Hazel, natives of Wiltshire, England, where they were reared and married. The father is now living in Adams, New York, the mother dying in 1878. Henry L. Hazel remained with his parents till nineteen years of age, when, September 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, and served till July 5, 1865. The first nine months after his cn- listment the regiment was stationed at the forts around New York, and the next nine months were around Washington. They were then assigned to the army of the Po- tomac, and served with that department till after the surrender of Lee. After his discharge he attended school two years, leaving when within one term of gradua- tion. In the fall of 1866 he came to Iowa, and the following winter taught school. In the spring of 1867 he bought the farm of 160 acres, which he now owns. About fifty acres were under cultivation, and there was a good frame house, at that time one of the best in the township. In May, 1868, his house was totally destroyed by fire, with no insurance. His neighbors assisted him with both labor and money, and the same summer he built the upright part of his present residence, completing it in the summer of 1885. He now has his land under cultivation, and his farm buildings are comfortable and in good repair. Mr. Hazel was married September 11, 1869, to Mary C. Follett, a native of Skaneateles,
New York, born November 25, 1848, a daughter of George L. and Sally A. (Sec- comb) Follett. To them have been born six children-Henry O., born July 28, 1870 ; Richard A., April 26, 1872 ; Jessie A., May 23, 1877; Maud E., June 21, 1880; Albert C., November 5, 1881 ; Louis E., February 18, 1884. In politics Mr. Hazcl is a Re- publican. He has served his township three terms as trustec, and two terms as road supervisor and school director. Mrs. Hazel is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, of which he is an attendant and a liberal supporter. Mrs. Hazel's father was born in Onondaga County, New York, August 17, 1820. In 1858 hc brought his family West and settled in Winnebago County, Illinois, near Rock- ford, and in 1868 came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and in 1881 moved to Bu- chanan County, where he now lives. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, en- listing in 1861 in the Forty-fifth Illinois. Infantry, and served three years. A son, John, was a member of Company K. Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry, and served nine months, when he was discharged on ac- count of disability, and died about nine months after his return home. Mr. Hazel's brother John was also a member of Com- pany A, Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, and died at Fort Washington, suddenly, of typhoid fever. He left a wife and son, Lemuel, now living in Lincoln County, Kansas.
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8 ENJAMIN BAHR, retired farm- er, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, December 31, 1814, his parents, John and Magdelena Bahr, being natives of the same State. Of a large family born to his parents, the following children survive- Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, Solomon, Will- iam, Daniel, Jacob and Benjamin. Benjamin
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Bahr was reared to manhood in his native State, and was there united in marriage, in April, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Barge, who was born in Pennsylvania, in November, 1820, a daughter of Frederick and Mary Barge. This union has been blessed with seven children, of whom six are still living -Mary, Levi, Hannah, Elizabeth, Benja- min and Jacob. Mr. Bahr left Pennsylva- nia in 1855, and settled with his family in Wisconsin, making his home in that State about twenty years. He then came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and has since been a resident of La Porte City, where he is living somewhat retired from the active duties of life, enjoying that rest which he has so well earned by a life of toil and in- dustry. He began life without capital, and by his own untiring efforts has accumu- lated a fair competence for his declining years. Both he and his wife have been identified with the German Evangelical Association for nearly half a century, he having served as class-leader for many years. In politics he affiliates with the Re- publican party.
ILLIAM HELM, deceased, was born May 4, 1815, in Frederick County, Virginia, a son of Ben- . jamin and Lavina Helm, both na- tives of Virginia. When quite young he was taken by his parents to Ohio, and there he was reared to manhood. He received a good education at Antrim, and for many years was a suc- cessful teacher in the public schools of Ohio. He was married in Ohio in July, 184I, to Mandana Gillett, daughter of Jedediah and Martha Gillett, of Guernsey County, that State, her parents being na- tives of Vermont. Of nine children born to this union eight are living-Emmeroy, wife of R. V. S. Caley ; Martha L., wife of Calvin Jones; Maria J., wife of Stephen
Johnson ; William O .; Erasmus C .; Ophe- lia M., wife of J. V. Hummel ; Oliver P., and Eva, wife of O. H. Kelley. Mr. Helm came with his family to Iowa in 1854, and located in Benton County, living near Vin- ton until 1861 when he came to Black Hawk County, and for a time resided on a farm. He subsequently removed to La Porte City, living there until his death, which occurred October 30, 1885, leaving his widow and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. He was a justice of the peace for many years, and in the discharge of his duties showed much wisdom, render- ing to everyone his due, serving in this ca- pacity in Ohio, and Benton and Black Hawk Counties, Iowa. In his political views he affiliated with the Republican party. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Helm is still a resident of La Porte City, and is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church.
AMES B. GARDNER, butter man- ufacturer at Raymond, Iowa, was born in Danville, Vermont, Jan- uary 5, 1854, a son of James K. and Abigail ( Robbins) Gardner. The father was born in New Hampshire, Sept. 22, 1826, where he grew to manhood. A year after his marriage he removed to Danville, Vermont, and in the spring of 188I he came with his family to Iowa, liv- ing at Jesup till 1883. He then lived a year at Waterloo, since which he has been a resident of Raymond. He is a shoemaker by trade, but has also followed the avoca- tion of a farmer. He is the father of four daughters and one son-Octavia married W. J. Hutchins, of Royalton, Minn. ; Abbie E., wife of M. H. Gray, of Burlingham, New York; Mary E., at home; Katie C., wife of Edwin Follett, living at Salix, Iowa, and James B., our subject. James B. received
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
a common-school education in his native State, and there learned the shoemaker's trade from his father, which he followed seven years. He was married July 3, 1881, to Carrie E. Sleeper, born in Eden, Ver- mont, in May, 1863, daughter of D. D. Slep- er, a farmer o! Wolcott, Vermont, he being also a native of that State. Her mother died there in 1874. Mr. Gardner and his wife have known each other from child- hood, having been reared in the same neighborhood, their homes being only half a mile apart. They have a family of two children-Cora E., born April 1, 1884, in Quasqueton, Iowa, and Ernest D., born August 10, 1885, in Raymond, Iowa. Mr. Gardner is now in the employ of Harris & Co., of Jesup, Iowa, he having charge of their establishment at Raymond. The busi- ness was established here in ISSo, which in 1883 was changed into a cheese factory. In the spring of 1885 two separators were added, for the purpose of separating the cream from the milk, and since Mr. Gard- ner has taken charge the factory has proved a great success. It turned out the past year on an average, about 4,000 pounds of butter per month. Mr. Gardner learned his trade with A. F. Bingham, of Jesup, with whom he remained four years, be- coming an adept at it. In his political views Mr. Gardner affiliates with the Dem- ocratic party.
LIAS J. MESSINGER, of Water- loo, was born in Dearborn Coun- ty, Indiana, February 7, 1820, the eldest son of John H. and Mary (Mil- ler) Messinger. His parents were both born and reared in the State of Penn- sylvania. They removed to Indiana in an early day, and in 1845 settled in Bremer County, Iowa, where both died in Jefferson Township. The father was a farmer by occupation, but also followed the mill-
wright's trade. Elias J. was reared in his native State, and was there married, Sep- tember 1, 1842, to Catherine Perkins. They reared nine children to maturity, of whom seven still survive. One son, John F., died of the measles while in the army. In 1845 Mr. Messinger moved to Iowa, and after spending a year in Linn County, in the spring of 1846 he settled in Bremer County, where he followed farming till the fall of 1867. Hc then removed with his family to Waterloo, Black Hawk County, where he has since resided with the excep- tion of a few months. Soon after coming to Waterloo he became connected with the milling interests of the place, and at pres- ent he is one of the principal stockholders, and a director of the Union Mill Company, which has become one of the largest enter- prises of the place. He has also an interest in the Waterloo Agricultural Manufactory. He is at present the president of the Board of Trustees of East Waterloo Township. Mr. Messinger began life in Bremer County with a very limited capital, but has met with good success, which is due to his persevering industry, and excellent busi- ness qualifications.
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