USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > Historical and biographical record of Black Hawk County, Iowa > Part 34
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
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1855, by his order, he received a present of twenty-five rubles. The occasion giving rise to this notoriety was about as follows: Upon arrival at headquarters in the Crimea he was given two weeks to prepare for duty. The Russian Latin Dispensatory was placed in his hands and he was ordered to accompany a German physician in his daily duties in the hospital, learn enough Russian to ask the necessary medical questions of the sick, and then to dictate in Latin all di- rections and prescriptions for the sick to the Russian steward or nurse. This, at first, appeared to him a large undertak- ing, but it was accomplished with but little effort. At the end of the two weeks it be- came his duty to lead in the work, followed by the German physician as his critic and judge. Soon Dr. Oren dictated a pill in which he ordered molasses to hold the in- gredients together. To this the German physician protested and substituted honey. Dr. Oren told him that molasses was equally authoritative. He offered to bet him a bottle of wine. Dr. Oren took the bet, but substituted for the wine a pair of boots, should he win. Within twenty-four hours he procured the necessary authority on the subject. Dr. Oren won. The Em- peror was in the south soon after, and coming to Backsiseria, when this occurred, the circumstance was mentioned to him by the General Staff doctor, who had full knowledge of the controversy between Dr. Oren and the German physician. This little circumstance proved of considerable pecuniary advantage to him as he was soon thereafter sent to Cherson to a more important charge, and was granted priv- ileges which amounted to a $1,000 in three months. The war being ended he returned to Philadelphia, and with- in ten days thereafter came West to Iowa. This occurred in September, 1856. His first purchase was a piece of land of Frank Bowman, eight miles northeast of
Iowa City, where he built a house, and through the influence of Governor Kirk- wood got a mail route established from Iowa City, via his house, and Western, to Cedar Rapids. A postoffice was estab- lished at his house and he was appointed postmaster. This formed the nucleus of what afterward became North Liberty. He remained here until the spring of 1858, when he sold out and moved to La Porte City and entered into partnership with Dr. Jesse Wasson in the practice of medicine. About this time he became much interested in the study of bees as a side business, spending all his leisure hours in study and observations among them. He purchased six colonies, giving $100 for them. In 1860 he received an Italian queen bee from J. P. Mahan, Philadelphia, paying $22.50 for her. This was the first queen of that breed which had been brought West of the Ohio River. In 1861 his apiary numbered 150 colonies, and at no time since then has he had less than a hundred colonies except in the spring of 1881, when the number was reduced to eighty-five. This was the sea- son of great mortality among bees through- out the entire country, many having hun- dreds losing all. He is a member of the North American Bee Association, now in its seventeenth year of existence, as also a member of the Iowa State Bee Society, and Cedar Valley Society.
In the spring of 1862 he moved to the farm where he now lives, some four and a half miles east of La Porte City. At that time it consisted of 120 acres, since then it has been increased to 1,000 acres; he owns besides, 213 acres in Bremen and Chickasaw counties, Iowa, as also some town property in La Porte City, and a winter home and orange grove of ninety- two trees and nursery in the city of Day- tona, Florida. Daytona is about sixty-five miles south of St. Augustine, on the East coast, and is considered the most important
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and thrifty place south of St. Augustine. It is called the " Capital of the East Coast" in a long letter by A. D. Harger, in the Chicago Times, dated March 20, 1886, and the name " Fountain City" was given to it on account of the large number of arte- sian wells in the city, there being not far from 200. This property, besides other per- sonal effects, has all been made through bees, short horns, horses, farming, energy and strict economy. He was one of those who aided in the organization of the Im- proved Stock-Breeders' Association, at Cedar Rapids, lowa, thirteen years ago and continues to be a member of the same. This society has just issued its twelfth volume of its transactions, and re- ceives an annual appropriation of $5,000 from the State to aid in printing and dis- tributing its doings. He has done much to introduce improved stock into his scc- tion of the State. Durham cattle and Clydesdale horses have been his favorites. He is one of the organizers of the Union State Bank of La Porte City, Iowa, and one of its directors now, and from the be- ginning.
B ENJAMIN J. RODAMAR, sec- tion 26, Eagle Township, is a na- tive of Somerset County, Penn- sylvania, born March 6, 1845, a son of John and Minnie Rodamar, na- tives of Germany. His mother died when he was an infant, and he was rcared by friends, but from the age of twelve years depended on his own exertions for his maintenance. His early educational advantages were limited, but by steady ap- plication and close observance he became well informed, and when sixteen years of age began teaching school, a vocation he followed eight years. His first school books were bought with $5 earned by chopping cord wood at 20 cents a cord. March 8,
1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Fike, a native of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, born August, 1846, a daugh- ter of S. J. Fikc, now of Carroll County, Illinois. April 14, 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Rodamar moved to Black Hawk County, lowa. In 1870 they located on the farm which is now their home, but which at that time was a bare tract of prairie land. This land Mr. Rodamar has improved, and his fine farm of 320 acres is one of the best in the county. He has been one. of the prominent citizens of his township, and has held many official positions of trust, viz .: Supervisor, assessor, trustee and clerk. For ten years he has been school director, and for six years he was supervisor of the Fourth District. In politics he is a Rc- publican, casting his first presidential vote in 1868 for General Grant. Mr. and Mrs. Rodamar have seven children-Henry W., Ira, Albert, Emma, Grace, Lottie and Alta.
ARCUS BATEMAN, one of the representative agriculturists of Eagle Township, has been iden- tified with Black Hawk County since February, 1866. From that time till December, 1868, he lived in Black Hawk Township, and then removed to his present home. He owns one of the best farms in his township, containing 240 acres. A thoroughly systematic farmer, bred to the business, his farm shows care and atten- tion. His buildings, which were erected at a cost of over $4,000, are models of com- fort and convenience. Ncar his residence he has a fine grove of six acres, which he planted and is another evidence of his thrift and far-sightedness. Mr. Bateman was born in Rutland County, Vermont, Novem- ber 30, 1832, the eldest of three children of Orlando and Mary Ann (Ames) Bateman, natives of the same county. In 1848 his
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parents moved to Oswego County, New York, and there his mother died in 1854. His father came to Iowa in later life and died at the home of our subject in 1879. His brother Hiram lives in Palo Alto County, Iowa, and his sister, Mrs. Annice Newton, died in February, 1879. In 1855 Mr. Bateman came West and located in Kane County, Illinois, where, March 22, 1856, he married Hannah M. Ravlin, a na- tive of New York State, daughter of John Ravlin. Her mother died when she was five years of age, and her father in Septem- ber, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Bateman have three sons-George A., Hiram (). and William H. Three children are deceased -Nellie and Clark (twins) and Mary. Clark died in early infancy, Nellie aged five years, and Mary aged sixteen months. In politics Mr. Bateman casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He has held the offices of trustee, magistrate and assessor. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
HOMAS J. SHANE, farmer, sec- tion 27, Barclay Township, postof- fice Jesup, Buchanan County, is a native of Pennsylvania, born Febru- ary 18, 1841, a son of Michael and Sarah Shane, also natives of the Qua- ker State. He was reared in his native State and in 1867 came to Iowa and located in Black Hawk County. He has followed agricultural pursuits through life with the exception of two or three years, and has made a success of his vocation, having now a fine farm of 320 acres, under a good state of cultivation, all acquired by his own energy and industry as he had no means with which to begin life. He is an influ- ential citizen of the township, and is always ready to do all in his power to advance any enterprise of public benefit. He takes an interest in all questions pertaining to the
material welfare of the township, and has held several offices of trust, always per- forming his duties in an efficient and pains- taking manner. In 1861 he enlisted in the defense of his country in the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and served three years and ten days. He participated in the en- gagements at Vicksburg, Shiloh, Corinth, Hatchie, and many others of less note. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is a Republican. He was married in 1871, to Andora Trum- bauer, who was born in Pennsylvania, De- cember 16, 1851, a daughter of Peter and Mary (Boyer) Trumbauer, also natives of Pennsylvania, now of Buchanan County, Iowa. They have four children; but two are living-Neven V., born August 27, 1878 ; Charles N., born July 19, 1880 ; Cora Mary, born August 19, 1872, died September 23, 1876, and Mella Viola, born March 18, 1874, died September 1I, 1876.
OBERT WYATT was born in Devonshire, England, June 26, 1839. His parents, Samuel and Maria Wyatt, had a family of thir- teen children, of whom he is the tenth. Of this family but four are liv- ing-James and Mary Amy are in England, Samuel lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Robert is the subject of this sketch. In the spring of 1858 the father and Samuel left England for America and located in Canada, and the following fall the mother, with three sons, George, John and Robert, followed him. John went to California, and thence to British Columbia, where he died. George came to Iowa and bought eighty acres of land on section 16, Lincoln Township, Black Hawk County (now the home of our subject), where he died in November, 1869. In 1864 the parents re- turned to England and in 1865 Samuel and
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
Robert followed them, but in 1867 came again to the United States and located in Black Hawk County, lowa. February 9, 1871, Robert married Susan (Bishop) Wyatt, widow of his brother George. After his marriage he took charge of the farm which is still his home. His wife died March 2, 1873, aged thirty-three years and eight months. Their only child, George, was adopted by D. Freeman. Mrs. Wyatt had a family of six children by her first marriage-Mary Ann, Ella, Maria, Emma, John and Samuel. February 17, 1877, Mr. Wyatt married Alice Witt, a native of Hampshire, England, born July 16, 1854, daughter of George Witt, who came with his family to the United States in 1868 and settled in Waterloo, lowa. They have a family of three children-William, Charles and Raymond. In politics Mr. Wyatt is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church.
ILLIAM MILLER, residing on section 21, Orange Township, is one of the early settlers of this county, coming here in March, 1860. He was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1827, his parents, William and Mary (Walk- er) Miller, being reared and married in the same county. His father died there in June, 1850, and his mother is now making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Lichty, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, being now in her eighty-fifth year. Our subject spent his youth in assisting his fa- ther with the duties of the farm, remaining with his parents till twenty-one years of age. His education was obtained at the district schools which he attended during the winter months. January 7, 1849, he was married to Lydia Fike, who was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, May 9,
1829, and to this union were born five children, of whom the first-born died in infancy, and their second child, Elias, dicd at the age of six years. Those living arc- Sarah, wife of Ephraim Lichty ; Susan, wife of Eli Dietz, of Douglas County, Dakota, and John Wesley, of Brule County, Dakota. Mr. Miller was bereaved by the death of his wife March 13, 1862, and for his second wife he married Abigail Buechley, August 25, 1862, and of the ten children born to this union six survive-Lewis, Myra May, Alvin B., Ada Belle, Silas B., and Mabel Olive, all living at home. Byron and Ly- man died in infancy ; Eugene died aged four years, and Frank at the age of eleven months. Mrs. Miller was born in Somer- sct County, Pennsylvania, September 7, 1837, a daughter of Elias K. and Barbara (Good) Buechley. Her mother died in Pennsylvania, February 3, 1851, and her father and stepmother, Sally (Klingaman) Buechley, now make their home with her and our subject. Mr. Miller visited Black Hawk County in 1857, but the same year returned to his home in Pennsylvania. He settled here in March, 1860, as before stated, on eighty acres of land which his brother, Mathias, had bought for him a few years previous. He is now classed among the active, progressive citizens of Orange Township, and in the work of developing, improving and building up its interests he has always been in the front rank. The first year he camc here he added forty acres of land to his original purchase, and owing to his industrious habits and good business management he has met with excellent suc- cess, and now owns a homestead of 280 acres, with good building improvements. Mr. Miller has associated with him in busi- ness his son-in-law, Ephraim Lichty, under the firm name of Miller & Lichty, deeding to him one-half interest in the homestcad. They also own 160 acres on section 31, Orange Township, the home of Mr. Lichty,
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and 160 acres in Brule County, Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are active members of the German Baptist church. In politics Mr. Miller was reared a Whig, but has voted the Republican ticket since the or- ganization of that party.
AMES WILSON, deceased, was born in Jefferson County, Indi- ana, July 4, 1816. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but subsequently lived in Kentucky, from which State they came to Indiana, where they lived till their death. James Wilson was reared on a farm, his father being a farmer by occupation, and in his youth he learned the carpenter's trade. He was twice married, taking for his first wife Miss Lovina Lawhorn, by whom he had one daughter-Sarah Ann. For his second wife he married Nancy E. Hayden, Sep- tember 28, 1851, and to this union were born ten children-Florence, died aged thirteen months ; James N., died aged two and a half years; Kate, married G. B. Dickey, living on the homestead with her mother; Hampton T., married Elizabeth Philp, living in Hamilton County, Iowa ; George W., living with his mother, married Lillie Hoag ; Grace, wife of Horace Kline- felter; Carrie, Willis W. and Richard L., at home; Maud, died aged two years. Mrs. Wilson was born November 22, 1831, a na- tive of Mercer County, Kentucky, a daugh- ter of James and Ellen (Wright) Hayden, the father born in Connecticut, and the mother a native of England. The parents were married in the State of Kentucky,and with their family moved to Johnson Coun- ty, Indiana, in 1837, where the father died. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson lived at Franklin, Johnson County, Indi- ana, till they removed to Wayne County, Illinois, in March, 1870, living in the latter 33
county three and a half years. In October, 1873, Mr. Wilson brought his family to Black Hawk County, Iowa, locating on section 31, Lincoln Township, where his energy and taste enabled him to make very fine improvement. He erected a very handsome residence, and farm buildings to correspond, and his farm, which contained 560 acres, was one of the best improved in the township. But he did not live to enjoy his beautiful home more than a few years, his death occurring February 26, 1876. He was a member of the Universalist church, believing in its doctrines till his death. He was a man of strict integrity and irre- proachable character, and was highly es- teemed by all who knew him. He was possessed of a fair share of this world's goods, bringing with him to this county a cash capital of $2,000. In politics Mr. Wil- son was in early days an old-line Whig. He served as a member of the City Coun- cil for seven years while living in Franklin, Indiana. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His widow still resides on the old homestead in Lincoln township.
ENRY STEARS has been a resi- dent of this county since October, 1864, when he settled on the farm where he has since made his home. He has made all the improvements on his place, erected a good frame house and barn, and has his farm, which contains eighty acres, all under cultivation. Mr. Stears was born in -Kilnsea, a small hamlet on the sea-coast, several miles north of the mouth of the river Humber, in York- shire, England, February 1, 1827, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Harrison) Stears, who immigrated with their family to Amer- ica in 1835 and settled at St. Joseph County, Michigan, on Government land, which they converted into an excellent farm, living
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
there until their death, the father dying in 1862 at the age of eighty-five years, and the mother dying in 1871, aged eighty-five years. They were the parents of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, our subject being the tenth child. Their eldest son, William, was drowned in 1847 at the age of thirty-six years. Henry Stears, our subject, was married September 30, 1855, to Hannah M. Thurston. They have two children-Charles H., born July 1, 1856, and Amanda G., born August 16, 1858, both natives of Bremer County, Iowa. Mrs. Stears was born July 16, 1835, in St. Joseph County, Michigan, where she lived till nine- teen years of age, when her parents re- moved to Bremer County, Iowa, where she lived till her marriage. She is a daughter of Ira and Amanda (Fletcher) Thurston, who are now living in Bremer County, Iowa. Her father was born in Lisle, Broome County, New York, February 24, 1810, and at the age of seven he went with his parents to Detroit, Michigan, where he was reared to manhood. He was married in St. Joseph County, Michigan, and of the six children born to him Mrs. Stears is the eldest. Mr. Stears has held the office of township trus- tec three terms and has served several terms as school director. In politics he is a Democrat and more recently he has affil- iated with the Greenback party.
PHRAIM LICHTY, the youngest son of Abram and Elizabeth (My- ers) Lichty, is a native of Somer- set County, Pennsylvania, born March 20, 1846. His parents were also born in Pennsylvania, and lived to rear a large family, they being the par- ents of ten sons and six daughters. Ephraim Lichty came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, in the spring of 1865, and immediately be- gan working a farm. Shortly after he
bought a farm in Black Hawk Township, Grundy County, on which he resided till the fall of 1879. December 3, 1874, he was married to Miss Sarah Miller, who was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1853, a daughter of William and Lydia Miller, of Orange Township. To them have been born one child-Lydia Elsie, born January 25, 1876. They also have an adopt- cd child, Glenn Lichty, born January 20, 1884, a son of their cousin, Charles Lichty. In October, 1879, Mr. Lichty moved to the home of his father-in-law, on section 21, Orange Township, and later settled on scc- tion 31, where they own conjointly 160 acres of choice land. He owns in connection with his father-in-law two farms in this township, besides onc in Dakota. Both Mr. Lichty and his wife are members of the German Baptist church. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.
AMES GIBBONS, farmer, section 33, Barclay Township, is a native of Ireland, born August 14, 1826, a son of Patrick and Sarah Gibbons. His parents died in their native coun- try, the father aged seventy-five years and the mother at the age of seventy. He was reared in Ireland and in 1846 came to America, and lived the first seven months in Rhode Island, working on the railroad. He then went to New York and worked twenty-two months and thence to the Penn- sylvania Central, and twenty-one months later to Connecticut, where he lived a year. He came to Iowa in 1867, and located on the southeast quarter of section 29, Barclay Township, Black Hawk County, where he lived ten years, and in 1879 located on his present farm, which contains 160 acres of land. At that time his land was uncultivat- ed and unimproved, but by perseverance and hard work he has made it one of the finest farms in the township, his residence
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and farm buildings being large and conven- ient and in good repair. Thus he has im- proved two Iowa farms, and has by his en- ergy and industry made for himself a good property and placed himself and his family above the fears of want and penury. Mr. Gibbons has been in his political affiliations a Democrat, and has voted with his party in all national elections with the exception of the last and when Lincoln and Grant were the Presidential candidates. He has served his township as school trustee, tak- ing a special interest in the cause of educa- tion and the public-school system. He was married October 11, 1851, in Norwich, Con- necticut, to Ann Wade, a native of County Longford, Ireland, born in 1831. They have had fourteen children, eleven of whom are living-James, a priest of the Catholic church, at Kankakee, Illinois ; Mary, a sister of charity; Michael, Sarah, Ella, Susan, John, Omer, Henry and Josephine (twins), Lizzie and Ree (twins), Annie and Edward. Annie, Lizzie and Edward are deceased. Mr. Gibbons and his family are members of the Catholic church.
L. SHAW was born in Wyo- ming County, New York, March 28, 1836, a son of Harvey and Eunice (Byam) Shaw, the father born in Castleton, Vermont, February 12, 1795, and the mother a native of Otsego County, New York, born January 8, I799. The father commenced farming in Genesee County, New York, and was there married. He left that county in 1855, bringing his family to De Kalb County, Illi- nois, where he bought a farm and resided there till his death, which occurred August 19, 1860, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother came to live with her son, C. L., in 1876, with whom she resided till her death, February 3, 1882. C. L., our subject, enlisted
in the late war August 9, 1862, in Company A, One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Infan- try. He was with Sherman in the princi- pal battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and from Atlanta to the sea, being in the Army of the Cumberland. He was at the grand review at Washington, and from there went to Chicago, where he was mus- tered out June 7, 1865. In the fall of 1865 he came to Iowa, locating the first year at Cedar Falls, where he engaged in teaming. He then bought 160 acres of unimproved land on section 18, Fox Township, this county, and after living on this land nine years he sold it and bought his present farm, where he has since made his home. He now owns in all 200 acres of valuable land, located on sections 10, II and 35, Poyner Township. December 23, 1857, he was married to Jenette M. Culver, who was born February 1, 1835, in Cattaraugus County, New York, a daughter of Noah and Almira (Brown) Culver, natives of New England. Her parents came to De Kalb County, Illinois, in 1852 where she lived till her marriage. The father died in 1864, aged eighty-five years, and his widow now lives in Waterloo, this county, with a daughter. Mrs. Shaw died August 21, 1885. She was a member of the Advent church, her husband being a member of the same denomination. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaw were born four children-Elmer F., born September 29, 1859, married Anna Chamberlain and is living on the home farm ; Carrie D., born March 31, 1862, wife of William Wheeler, of Fox Township; Lotta D., born April 25, 1869, in Black Hawk County, Iowa, and Robert J., born July 23, 1879, in Black Hawk County. In politics Mr. Shaw is a Republican. He has served one term as assessor of Poyner Township, and while living in Fox Town- ship he served as township clerk. Our subject's paternal grandfather, John Shaw, was an Englishman by birth. He followed
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
the sea the greater part of his life, and for many years was captain of a vessel. He finally settled in Rutland County, Ver- mont, being one of the first settlers of that State, and there took up a large farm. His son John, grandfather of our subject, mar- ried Kesiah Chamberlain and had a fam- ily of four children, his youngest son, John, being our subject's father. He married Eunice Byam, and to them were born twelve children, their names given in order of their birth being as follows: Sarah B., Mary A., Lydia, Clarissa, Eunice, Trypho- sa, Roxy B., Mary A., Harvey W., John D .. C. L. and Franklin U.
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