USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > Historical and biographical record of Black Hawk County, Iowa > Part 37
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OBERT H. McNALLY was born in County Mayo, Ireland, Jan- uary 4, 1849. In 1865 his parents, John and Eliza McNally, left their old home in Ireland, and with their four children embarked for America, landing at Quebec. They at once pro- ceeded to Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Iowa, where they had relatives, and there made their home for a short time. The father bought land in Union Township, where he settled, but he did not live to en- joy his home, his death occurring in 1866, at the age of sixty-two years. His widow survived till March 5, 1883, dying at the home of her son John, in Black Hawk County, aged seventy-four years. Of their children, John lives in Palo Alto County, Iowa; Peter resides in Lincoln Township; a daughter, Mrs. Maria Fuller, resides in Clay County, Iowa, and our subject. Their daughter, Mrs. Lizzie Coughlin, remained in Ireland, where she still lives. Our sub-
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ject commenced life for himself at the age of sixteen years, and for three years worked as a farm hand. He then farmed for him- self on rented land for a few years, and in 1875 he purchased his present farm of 160 acres on section 10, Lincoln Township, where he is devoting his attention to stock and dairy farming. October 4, 1882, he was married to Miss Ida J. Thompson, who was born in McDonough County, Illinois, November 8, 1862, a daughter of W. P. Thompson, of Lincoln Township. This union has been blessed with one daughter -Dora Irene. Mr. McNally is one of the active and enterprising citizens of Lincoln Township, and during his residence here has won the respect and confidence of all who come in contact with him. He has filled most of the offices of trust and re- sponsibility in his township, serving in all with satisfaction to his constituents. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
AVID FORD, one of the old set- tlers of Black Hawk County, Iowa, came here in September, 1852. He first settled on a farm ly- ing west of his present land, of which thirty acres had been broken and partly fenced, and a small log house had been built. Mr. Ford was born near Chili- cothe, Ross County, Ohio, April 7, 1807, where he was reared to manhood on a farm, and at the age of twenty moved with his father to Wyandot County, Ohio. He first settled on eighty acres of heavily tim- bered land when he built a log house 16 x 25 feet in dimensions. He was married July 24, 1833, to Catherine Van Gundy, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 25, 1812, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Snyder) Van Gundy, who are of German
descent. This union was blessed with ten children --- Matilda,married Jacob Leep- er ; Sarah A , wife of James P. Coy ; Mary A., wife of Warren Sherman; Ellen, mar- ried William Deeming; Curlis, living at Cedar Falls; Nirum, a farmer and stock. buyer, living with his father; Eliza, now Mrs. Abram Sprague; Lydia, married George Cochonour; Nancy, deceased, and Reuben, living in Washington Township. Mrs. Ford died February 11, 1879. Mr. Ford cast his first presidential vote for General Jackson, but has voted the Repub- lican ticket since the organization of that party. Mr. Ford is a son of David and Sarah (McCabe) Ford, natives of New Jer- sey. His parents both died in Wyandot County, Ohio, the father at the age of sev- enty-four years.
OSEPH W. PIERPONT, farmer, of East Waterloo Township, was born December 26, 1839, a native of Massachusetts. His parents, Chauncey and Sarah (Burton) Pier- pont, were born and married in the same State as our subject, and to them were born five children, two sons and three daughters, Joseph W. being the eldest son. At the age of ten years his parents removed to Chautauqua County, New York, where they have since made their home. Joseph remained at home till reaching manhood, and received a common-school education. He was married in Massachusetts in 1865, to Ellen M., eldest daughter of Arad and Charlotte Hall, and in March, 1867, he re- moved with his family to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and settled on the farm where he has since resided, which contains 130 acres of choice land. Mr. Pierpont has erected his present good residence and also his barns and out buildings. He has been engaged in general farming and stock-
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raising, and later has turned his attention to the dairy business. He has at present twenty-one cows, the milk of which he sells to the cheese factory. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierpont have been born four children- Mary E., Grace H., Arthur W. and Geor- giana L.
NOS WOOD has been a resident of Black Hawk County, Iowa, since the fall of 1854, when he set- tled about eighty rods east of his present house. He lived in a sod house till the following spring when he built a log house, in which he made his home till 1879. He then erected his present house at a cost of $2,500 which is one of the best residences in this township. It is a seven-room house, 18x31 feet in dimension, with a wing 16x22 fect. The foundation is of stone, and an excellent cel- lar, seven feet four inches in height, is under the whole house. The house is built of the best material, and stands on a high ele- vation commanding a fine view of the sur- rounding country. Mr. Wood is a practi- cal farmer and stock-raiser, and in his chosen avocation has met with success, and now owns nearly 400 acres of land located on sections 4 and 5, his residence being on section 5, and his farm buildings are first- class, his barn costing $4,000. The size of his barn is 40 x 70 feet, and his shed adjoin- ing the barn 32 x 100 feet, the former holding about 200 tons and the latter 100 tons of hay. The cost of the latter was$2,300. Mr. Wood has seeded his farm and is devoting his time to raising stock, and has on hand at present about 150 head of cattle. During the last year he raised 300 tons of hay. Mr. Wood is a native of Cattaraugus County, New York, born July 8, 1823, a son of Isaac P. and Louisa (Chaffee) Wood, natives of Onondaga County, New York. At the age of eighteen years he left his native
county and went to Michigan where he re- mained six months helping to build the Michigan Central Railroad, working for $20 per month, receiving his pay in State war- rants. He then worked on a farm in Me- dina County, Ohio, for two summers, after which he returned to Onondaga County, New York, where he remained seven years, coming to Iowa in 1854 as before stated. He was married January 1, 1844, to Morilla Nodine, who was born ncar Danbury, Con- necticut, December 13, 1822. At the age of four years she went to Onondaga County with her parents, Jeremiah W. and Maria (Strope) Nodine, and there received a com- mon-school education, living there till her marriage. Her father was born near Dan- bury, September 25, 1800. He was married in Onondaga County, New York, and is still a resident of that county, now living at Spafford. He was reared a farmer and has made that the principal avocation of his life. Her great-grandfather, Frederick Whiting, was a native of London, England, and while attending school he, with several other students, took an oath against the king and all were banished. He came to America, and died in Connecticut at the advanced age of 104 years. Mrs. Wood's Grandfather Nodine was a native of France. He came to America and settled in Con- necticut in an early day, and is supposed to be dead, nothing having been heard of him for many years. Her mother, Mrs. Nodine, was a native of Hamburg, Ger- many, born in 1795. Her father, Peter Strope, came with his family to America when she was a child, locating in Onondaga County, where she died in 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been born six chil- dren of whom four are living-Harriet, born March 31, 1847, wife of Samuel Canfield, of Lester Township; Louisa M., born Feb- ruary 8, 1857, wife of Jacob Tisinger, of Bennington Township, this county; Fin- netta, born February 6, 1859, wife of Henry
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Hotendorf, of Lester Township, and Lilla, born May 18, 1861, wife of Otto Wildha- gen, of Lester Township. Frank, the eldest child, died in Onondaga County, aged near- ly nine months, and Emerald, born January 20, 1849, died August 27, 1870. Mr. Wood is liberal in his religious views. In poli- tics he affiliates with the Republican party. He has been justice of the peace two years, and has served two terms as road super- visor. He has also served as school direc- tor. When the Chicago, Iowa & Northern Pacific Railroad was being built Mr. Wood gave $500 cash, and the right of way through his farm, which took away about twelve acres, and also the ground for a de- pot. Isaac P. Wood, father of our subject, spent his life in Onondaga County, with the exception of a few years' residence in Cattaraugus County, New York. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died about the year 1844. His widow is still living in Onondaga County, where she was born in August, 1800, and is now drawing a pension from the Government on account of her husband's services during the war of 1812.
AMES MILLER was born in Oc- tober, 1831, a native of Rensse- laer County, New York, a son of Garrett I. and Eve Miller, his pater- nal ancestors being of Holland ori- gin. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and there received his education. In the fall of 1854 he came West, locating in Ogle County, Illinois, where he taught in a public school for a time. In the spring of 1857 he came to Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Iowa, where he has since made his home, and for many years was the senior member of the formerly well- known mercantile firm of Miller, Wilson & Co. He has met with success in all his undertakings, and at present is the owner
of a splendid farm containing 220 acres, located in Grundy County. For his wife he married Julia L. Abbott, of Clarksville, Butler County, Iowa, who was formerly a resident of this county. This union has been blessed with three children-Martha H., Mary E. and Julia. Mr. Miller is an active member of the Congregational church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He has served as a member of the city council, and in all mat- ters pertaining to the good of his township or county he takes an active interest.
ENRY KING was born in Bir- minghamshire, England, December 12, 1815, a son of James and Mary (New) King. His parents lived to an advanced age, dying over forty years ago. They had a family of seven sons, all dying in England except our subject. The latter was married in Buck- inghamshire, England, in 1837, to Elizabeth Harris, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Lon- don) Harris. Of the ten children born to this union six are living-Ann, wife of William Tompkins, of Jetmore, Kansas ; Alfred, married Elva Jolls, and is living in Cleveland, Ohio; Dan, married Clara Hicks, and lives on section 36, Mt. Ver- non Township; Edwin, married Ruth Miller, and is living in Barclay Township, Mary, wife of Daniel Hewitt, of Waterloo Township, and Adelaide, living at home. George died at the age of fourteen months; Charles, aged three years; Marion, at the age of seventeen months, and Ida, aged three years and six months. In March, 1849, Mr. King immigrated with his family to America, landing at New York. He first settled in Medina County, Ohio, and began clearing land, and also worked at the black- smith's trade which he followed several years, having a blacksmith's shop on his
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land. Before leaving Medina County he owned a farm of forty acres, and after sell- ing his land he came to Iowa. He first lo- cated in Delaware County, remaining there three months working at his trade. He then, in March, 1864, came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and after living in Waterloo Township two years became a resident of Mt. Vernon Township, where he has a farm containing about 160 acres of land. Mr. King is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he votes the Republi- can ticket. He has held the office of road supervisor, and has also served as school director. His father, and also his grand- father, followed the blacksmith's trade,and he had a brother, John King, who carried on the same trade in London, England, whose son, John Thomas King, is now car- rying on the same business. Mrs. King's parents both died the same week, in Sep- tember, 1847. They had a family of five children, all of whom died young except Mrs. King, and their son John, who came to America, but is now dead.
S IMON A. WAGONER, editor and senior member of the firm of S. A. Wagoner & Co., publishers of the La Porte City Review, is a son of Alexander and Hannah (Bahr) Wagoner, natives, respectively, of New York and Pennsylvania. They were married in Wisconsin, and came in 1877 to La Porte City, where they now. reside. Mr. Wagoner is a member of the firm of Kline, Wagoner & Susong. Simon A. was born March 25, 1863, in Vernon County, Wisconsin, and received a public-school education. At fifteen years of age he com- menced to learn the printer's trade. He worked at Anita, Iowa, and at Lawrence, Kansas, and in the fall of 1878 came to La Porte City. He was employed in the
Progress office until the following June, when he started the Review in company with W. E. Throne. Mr. Wagoner was united in marriage November 24, 1885, with Emma R. Fisher, of Cedar Rapids. Both attend the English Evangelical church. Mr. Wagoner is a Republican, and was elected city recorder in March, 1885.
ILLIAM H. THOMPSON, one of the early settlers of Eagle Township, residing on section 7, was born in McMinn County, Ten- nessee, December 26, 1830, a son of Isham and Rebecca (Holstein) Thomp- son, who were both born, reared and mar- ried in that State. Our subject was reared in Rhone County, Tennessee, to which county his parents removed in 1835. He went with his parents to McDonough Coun- ty, Illinois, in 1851, locating near McComb, and there he was married January 15, 1857, to Miss Nancy A. Thompson, who was born in McMinn County, Tennessee, Septem- ber 27, 1832, a daughter of John and Martha (Chapman) Thompson. Four children have been born to this union-Mary Louisa, liv- ing with her parents; Sterling, at present in the Black Hills; Iva Elizabeth, married James H. Cannell, October 15, 1884, and died March 17, 1885, aged twenty-two years, and William Melvin. Mr. Thompson vis- ited Black Hawk County with several par- ties in 1866, and selected lands, our subject buying 180 acres of his present farm on which he settled in 1867, and a few years later added eighty-five acres to his original purchase. He brought with him to this county six yoke of oxen and immediately . commenced improving hi: land as well as helping others. Prior to his settlement in Eagle Township he had spent a few years farming in Hancock County, Illinois, where he settled in the year 1860. In politics Mr.
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Thompson is a staunch Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. In early days Mr. Thompson de- lighted in the chase, and was long noted as one of the best shots in the county. His parents settled in Barclay Township in the year 1858. They were the parents of a large family, fifteen children having been born to them-Nathaniel G. served in the war of the rebellion for three years, is now living with our subject; Mrs. Elizabeth Lowrie, of Dakota; William H., the fifth child ; Mrs. Mary Scarborough, deceased ; John A., in Missouri ; Mrs. Minerva Stubbs, of Barclay Township ; Mrs. Mahala Miller, of Illinois; Mrs. Olivia Bailey, of Black Hawk County ; Mrs. Rebecca Campbell, of Storm Lake, Iowa ; Judson, at the home- stead in Barclay Township; James, at Storm Lake; Robert, at the homestead in Barclay Township ; Mrs. Amanda Johnson, in Dakota ; Mrs. Sarah Thompson, of Oak- land, Iowa, and one who died in infancy. The Holstein River, in Tennessee, was named in honor of the maternal grandfa- ther of Mr. Thompson, he having been a pioneer settler of its valley.
AMES D. DEWEY was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, November 1, 1823, a son of David and Rebecca (Dickson) Dewey, the latter dying in Minnesota. He lived in his native county till he attained the age of twenty-three years, and there followed farming, which avocation he has made the principal occupation of his life. He worked for a time in different woolen- mills and also in a grist-mill. He was mar- ried in 1847 to Mary E. Wikoff, of Craw- ford County, who died in 1875. To this union were born seven children-Earl, Walter, Mary A. (wife of George Hollway, of Washington Territory), Lewis, Henri-
etta, Horace and George. After his marriage Mr. Dewey lived three years in Wisconsin when he removed to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and was the first settler on section 8, East Waterloo Township, making his home there in April, 1852. His first residence here was a small log house 16x 16 feet in dimension, where he resided two years. He has converted his 250 acres of raw prai- rie land into a well-cultivated farm, and has now a good home on the east bank of the Cedar River. He has always been an in- dustrious citizen, and has done his part toward the development of Black Hawk County. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party.
AMUEL L. WILSON, postmaster at Hudson, Iowa, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1834, a son of Thomas and Lydia Wilson, who were born, reared and married in that State. In the spring of 1837 his father moved to Knox County, Ohio, and bought a farm two miles west of Gambier, where he was reared, remaining with his parents until twenty-three years of age. His youth was spent in assisting in the work on the farm and in attending the district schools. He was married December 4, 1856, to Lavinia Fer- ree. In the spring of 1865 he came to Iowa and in May of that year located in Black Hawk County, on the farm on section 36, Black Hawk Township, where he has since lived, a period of twenty-one years. His farm contains eighty acres of valuable land. . Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had a family of six children, but three of whom are living-Lewis A., Ellis L. and Ira C., all at home. Amanda L. and two infants are deceased. Mrs. Wilson and their sons Ellis and Ira are members of the Progres- sive Brethren church. In politics Mr.
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Wilson is identified with the Democratic party, and is prominent in its councils, be- ing one of the leading men of the party in Black Hawk County. In 1879 he was the party's candidate for a seat in the Iowa As- sembly. In January, 1886, he was com- missioned postmaster at Hudson, assuming the duties of his office February I.
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B YRON SERGEANT, one of the pioneers of Black Hawk County, is a native of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, born December 25, I829, a son of Charles and Polly Sergeant, his father a native of Massa- chusetts, and his mother of Vermont. They were married in Massachusetts, removing soon after to the State of New York. Of their fourteen children our subject was the ninth child. They reared twelve children to maturity, of whom six still survive, four living in Iowa-Asaph, of Scott County ; Morrison, of Sioux County ; Byron, of Blackhawk, and a daughter, Mrs. Nancy Pingrey, lives in Grundy County. A son, Albert, who came with our subject's fam- ily to this county, died in Black Hawk Township. The parents came to Black Hawk County in 1855, making their home on section 26, Black Hawk Township, where both died a few years later. Byron Sergeant has been a resident of Black Hawk County since 1853, John Ferris, who came the year previous, being at that time the only man in the township. He was united in marriage in 1856 to Miss Maria Crane, a native of New York State. They have a family of four children-Eva H., wife of George Mastain, of Lincoln Town- ship; Marilla H., George C. and Alma B., living at home. Since his marriage Mr. Sergeant has lived on section 24, where he owns a fine farm of 200 acres of improved land, and in addition to attending to the duties of his farm he has charge of a grain
warehouse and office at Hudson. Although liberal in his political views he is always in national elections identified with the Rc- publican party. He has filled many posi- tions of trust in the township with credit both to himself and to his constituents.
OHN S. HALLEY, one of Lin- coln Township's prominent citi- zens, resides on section 13. He commenced improving a tract of wild prairie land in 1868, and now owns one of the finest farms in the county, containing 320 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, and his building im- provements are among the best in the town- ship. Mr. Halley was born in Fifeshirc, Scotland, March 16, 1837. In his childhood his parents, John and Janet Halley, came to America. His mother died at Montreal, Canada, on the way. His father located in Orange County, Vermont, and there died in 1850. John S. was reared by Jeremiah Boynton, of Newbury, Vermont, making his home with him after his mother's death. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Vermont Infantry, and served three years, participating in the battles of the Peninsular campaign and with General McClellan at Antietam, where he was wounded in the right shoulder. . He also served under General Grant, and was with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Val- ley. In politics Mr. Halley is a Republi- can Prohibitionist. He has held many official trusts in his township, viz .: Magis- trate, trustee, assessor, secretary and treas- urer. In 1885 he was elected supervisor of the Fourth District, comprising Orange, Black Hawk, Eagle and Lincoln townships. He has always taken an active interest in politics, both local and national, working earnestly for the men of his party. He was married in Orange County, Vermont, in March, 1861, to Miss Eveline Richard-
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son, who died in April, 1873, leaving four children-Ethel, Philip, Paul and Mabel. December II, 1875, he married Delia Turner, a native of Oswego County, New York, daughter of George Turner. They have four children-Fred, George, Hugh and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Halley are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they are active workers, Mr. Halley being superintendent of the Sunday-school and a member of the board of stewards.
MITH C. BOWEN, residing on section II, Lincoln Township, is a son of Thomas S. and Louisa Bowen, who were pioneers of Green County, Wisconsin. He began life for himself at the age of eighteen years, he and his brother, Farmer Bowen, working the homestead farm till his bro- ther's death. He bought his present prop- erty in 1879, his original purchase being 160 acres. To this he has since added eighty acres, making a farm of 240 acres, all of which is under excellent cultivation, being one of the best farms in this part of the county. He is an active energetic farmer, and by his own industry and good manage- ment has acquired his present property. He began his residence here in 1880, rebuilding his house in 1885. He has also remodeled his farm buildings which he has partially rebuilt. Besides his own farm he operates a rented farm of 160 acres. February 2, 1870, he was married to Miss Amelia Shu- maker, who was born at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, February 2, 1852. They have four children-Cameron S., Frank, Farmer J. and Perry J. In politics Mr. Bowen has inherited from his father Democratic prin- ciples. He is a member of Waterloo Lodge, No. 105, A. F. & A. M. Thomas S. Bowen, father of our subject, was born in Bennington County, Vermont, May I, 36
1808. He removed to Clarno, Green County, Wisconsin, in the "year 1836, be- coming one of the leading men of that county, and there held many important of- ficial trusts. In 1852-'53 he was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate. By his first wife, who died in 1854, he had eight children -Mrs. Ann Howe, of Stephenson County, Illinois; Mrs. Avis McElhiney, of Livingston County, Illinois; Mrs. Celestia Staver, of Stephenson County, Illinois; Mrs. Phœbe Sigworth, of Jones County, Iowa; Farmer, died on the homestead in Green County, Wisconsin; Mrs. Remember Thorp, living at Munroe, Wisconsin; Smith C., our subject, and Daniel D., the youngest, who now owns and occupies the old homestead in Green County. Mr. Bowen married for his second wife Miss Maggie Gibler, in 1860. Two children were born to this union-Lou- isa, now Mrs. Gray, and Thomas S., now of David City, Nebraska, with whom his widowed mother now lives, his father hav- ing died October 20, 1883.
H. THOMAS, a prominent stock- raiser and dairyman, of Cedar Falls Township, Black Hawk County, is a native of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, where he was born August 5, 1832, a son of Dubre and Mary Thomas, the former being of Welsh descent. Of his father's family only one daughter and three sons survive, their names being Margaret, Jesse, Lewis and our subject. The latter was reared and educated in his native State, and in his youth learned the carpenter's trade. He spent a short time in Missouri and in 1855 went to Minnesota, and there followed his trade for some time. He remained in Min- nesota in the mercantile business till 1866, in which year he came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, settling in Cedar Falls
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