USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > Historical and biographical record of Black Hawk County, Iowa > Part 50
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and arrived at their destination, California, the following March. This expedition was sent out by the Government, the men being paid off at St. Louis. When they reached that city they were clothed in nothing but the skins of animals. The company lived on meat alone, no vegetables being obtain- able. After being twenty-two months with Fremont, Mr. Beebe returned to the mines at Dubuque, where he was employed till 1845, but his success in mining was poor. He then went to Black River, Wisconsin, and built two saw-mills, which were swept away by high water, leaving him $1,000 in debt. Only a few days previous to this disaster he had been offered $12,000 for his mills. He built another mill on credit on the same foundation, and began work again. He sold out his business in 1849 and built a mill on the Kickapoo River, remaining there till 1853, when he again sold out and went to Allamakee County, Iowa, and built a saw and flour mill on Paint Creek, and a tannery and blacksmith's shop. He also carried on a store there, and expected to build up a town, calling the place Waterville. He remained there till 1862, when he sold his interest in the place and bought 400 acres of land, the greater part of which was uncultivated. He farmed on this land till 1866 when he sold it and came to Waterloo, Iowa, living there till 1879, being engaged in the dry-goods trade, milling and foundry business. While a res- ident of Waterloo he lost several thousand dollars in his business. He sold his foundry and water-wheel to a Mr. Miller and re- moved to his farm where he has since made his home, where he has 160 acres of land. Healso owns land in Bremer and Ply- mouth counties, Iowa. Mr.' Beebe never learned a trade but is a natural mechanic. He has built seven mills and can make al- most anything out of wood or iron. Janu- ary 29, 1855, he was married to Mary A. Barnett, born January 20, 1830, in Brook-
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ville, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, living there till her parents, John and Eliza (Crad- dock) Barnett, moved to Grant County, Wisconsin, in 1844, where she lived till her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have two children, both born in Allamakee County- Herman A., born March 13, 1856, and Cora N., born August 7, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe are members of the Free-Will Bap- tist church. In politics he is a Republican. He has served as justice of the peace, re- ceiving his appointment from Governor Dodge when Wisconsin and Iowa were Ter- ritories, and is at present filling that posi- tion. He has also served as president of the School Board, and as township trustee. Mrs. Beebe's father was born in Pennsyl- vania, June 16, 1795, married February 17, 1825, and died in Grant County, Wisconsin, September 4, 1872. His wife was a native of England, born January 17, 1799, and died in Waterloo, Iowa, August 19, 1869.
UTHER S. HUNTER, son of Da- vid and Sarah (Chase) Hunter, was born February 7, 1825, in Onondaga County, New York. When an infant he was taken by his parents to Sandusky County, Ohio, where he was reared till ten years of age. He then accompanied his parents to Ogle County, Illinois, remaining in that county till man- hood. His educational advantages were somewhat limited, he having to assist his father with the duties of the farm from an early age. December 15, 1850, he was married to Miss Sarah F. Carpenter, a daughter of Samuel and Tillie Carpenter, of Massachusetts, and granddaughter of David Burt, a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. Hunter's paternal grandfather also served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have five children- Millens T., Mahlon E., Harriet A., Frank
W. and Clara E. During the spring of 1882 Mr. Hunter removed with his family to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he has since made his home, and is now living retired from the active duties of life, enjoying that rest which he has so well earned. He and his family are members of the United Brethren church. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party.
AVID WILER, Cedar Falls Township, is a native of Wur- wo temberg,Germany, born Novem- ber 10, 1821. When he was ten years of age his parents, Leonard and Barbara Wiler, immigrated with their family to America, they settling in Erie County, New York, where they made their home about eleven years. David Wiler subsequently went to Wisconsin where he resided many years, and was united in marriage in that State to Miss Anna Wolfe. To this union have been born eleven children-Daniel, born November 16, 1848; Noah, March 24, 1850; Henry J., December 24, 1851; Mary, November 10, 1853; Fletcher W., October 28, 1855; Sarah H., December 20, 1857; John D., October 16, 1859; Charles G., September 20, 1861; Annie B., October 22, 1863; Johanna H., November 8, 1865, and Ella R., May 8, 1868. The eldest son, Daniel Wiler, served as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion. He married Mary Rotherman, by whom he has had three children-Clara, born Febru- ary 21, 1873; Wesley D., September 10, 1876, and Jesse R., April, 1882. Mr. Wiler settled in Cedar Falls Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa, in 1865, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres un- der good cultivation, with a comfortable residence and good farm buildings. Mr. Wiler belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
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church, and is a member of the quarterly conference. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Wiler's parents had a family of eight children, of whom seven yet survive-Leonard, John, David, Margaret, Barbara, Catherine and George.
ENRY H. MARKLEY, a promi- nent citizen of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 7, 1841, a son of James and Catherine (Ankeny) Markley. James Markley was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and of Holland descent. His father, Henry Markley, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his grandfather took part in the war of the Revolution. When he was five years of age, he was taken by his par- ents to Knox County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, and married Catherine Ankeny, and of the eleven children born to this union, eight are still living-Samantha J., Henry H., Mary L., Lucy M., Ida L., John R., James E. and Nellie. James, George and Nora, are deceased. The father purchased about 400 acres of Government land in Cedar County. Iowa, in 1848, at about $1.25 per acre, and in 1854 he bought about 720 acres in Butler County, this State. He died in June, 1871, after having spent a life of usefulness, always ready to take an active part in every enterprise which tended to advance the interests of his county. His widow still survives, a part of her time being spent with her son Henry H. Henry H. Markley, our subject, was reared in his native county, receiving his primary education in the public schools of that county. He subsequently attended the Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor, graduating from the law department in 1862. Shortly afterward he went to the Pacific coast, and early in 1864 enlisted in the Second California Infantry, and was soon promoted to Commissary Sergeant, in
which position he served till his discharge in the spring of 1866. He then went to British Columbia, and for some time was engaged in mining on the Frazier and Co- lumbia rivers. He was engaged for one year clerking in a dry-goods store at Walla Walla, Washington Territory. In the fall of 1869 he came to Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage, October 11, 1870, to Miss Mary A. Schenck, a daughter of John and Hannah Schenck, her father de- ceased,and her mother a resident of Oswego County, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Markley have had three children born to them, of whom two are living-Kittie S. and Fred. A. Mr. Markley has been uniformly suc- cessful through life, and at present is the owner of 565 acres of valuable land in But- ler County. He takes an active interest in the affairs of both town and county, and has served very efficiently as mayor of Cedar Falls, giving entire satisfaction to his constituents. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.
m HOMAS BUNTON, a farmer of Big Creek Township, Black Hawk County, is a native of Wayne County, New York, and was born February II, 1826, a son of Lewis and Sarah Bunton. He was reared and educated in the common schools of his native State, and after reaching manhood, he went to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming and saw-milling for several years. He was married in Oc- tober, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Carey, of Binghamton, New York, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza Carey. They have an adopted daughter-Emma, who is now the wife of Charles P. Herring. Mr. Bunton came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, with his family in 1861, and has since made his
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home here, with the exception of the time spent in the service of his country. In Sep- tember, 1861, he enlisted in the Third Iowa Light Artillery, under Captain M. M. Hay- den, of Dubuque. He participated in the battles of Sugar Creek and Pea Ridge, and in the latter engagement was wounded in the right leg below the knee, on account of which he was discharged in August, 1862. Mr. Bunton has made farming the princi- pal avocation of his life, and at present is the owner of sixty-five acres of choice land in Big Creek Township. He has served as township trustee, and takes an active in- terest in the affairs of his county, giving liberally of his means to all good enterprises.
LFRED J. NORRIS was born in Chemung County, New York, March 24, 1853, a son of , Alonzo and Rosanna Norris, the father being a native of New York State and of English origin, and the mother born in the State of Vermont. When he was two years old his parents settled in North- ern Illinois, and when four years of age he removed with them to Iowa, the father having purchased about 3,000 acres of land in the State. After residing a short time in Cedar Falls the father removed with his family to Washington Township, this coun- ty, making his home there for many years. He was largely interested in saw and grist milling for many years, owning mills about three miles north of Cedar Falls, and sub- sequently had large milling interests in Kansas. He served for several terms as Supervisor of Washington Township where he lived till his death, which occurred De- cember 25, 1876. His remains were buried with Masonic rites, he having belonged to Black Hawk Lodge, No. 65, A. F. & A. M., at Cedar Falls. He had a family of six chil- dren, five still living-Harriet L., Prescott
M., Phœbe, Elizabeth and Alfred J. He was prosperous through life in all his under- takings, and at his death left ample means to give each of his children a fair start in life. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a man of uncompromising honor and sterling in- tegrity. Alfred J. Norris has been a resi dent of Black Hawk County since 1857, when he came here with his parents and received good educational advantages in the schools of this county. He was mar- ried here to Miss Jennie Alexander, a daughter of J. W. Alexander, who settled at Cedar Falls in 1858. Mr. Norris is classed among the well-to-do citizens of Black Hawk County where he has large real-estate interests. He was actively en- gaged in the culture of bees for many years, and is at present secretary of the Iowa State Bee-Keeping Association. Like his father he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity. He is a Republican in his political views.
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OHN KEHE, son of Frederick and Charlotte Kehe, is a native of Germany, where he was born June 4, 1833. At the age of seven- teen years he left his native country, and immigrated to the United States, landing at New York in May, 1851, from which city he went to Chicago, Illinois. He remained in Cook County, Illinois, four years, working by the month for various farmers, and during the winter attended school. He came to Iowa and settled in Bremer County in 1855, where he entered 240 acres of land from the Government. He then bought an ox-team and commenced breaking up the prairie, then began raising all his grain, and later hogs and cattle. He improved his_farm, built a fine residence,
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barns and out-buildings, residing there till 1882. In the winter of that year he removed to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and settled on his farm, which contains 240 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is classed among the prominent and success- ful farmers of his township, and has one of the most desirable farms in his part of the county. Since coming here he has built his large and substantial residence, and his barns and out-buildings are in fine condi- tion. He is also engaged in the dairy business, and has at present twenty cows. He was married in 1856 to Elizabeth Kasei- meier, a native of Germany. They have six children-John, Ernest, Henry, Harry, Huldah, and Emma. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church of Waterloo. While living in Bremer County, Mr. Kehe held the office of town clerk. He was justice of the peace about eight years, and also served about the same length of time as township trustee.
EORGE PHILPOT, Sr., one of the representative pioneers of Black Hawk County, Iowa, was born June 7, 1817, in Belmont Coun- ty, Ohio, his parents, William and Ruth Philpot, being among the early settlers of Ohio, in which State he was reared to manhood and for some time was engaged in the mercantile trade. He was married to Miss Charlotte Morrison, and this union was blessed with thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living- William S., John, James, George, Sheppard, Samuel and Margaret. One son, Charles P., served as a soldier in the late war, en- listing in Company B, Third Iowa Infantry. He served his country faithfully for two years, participating in many inportant bat- tles, when he was captured by the Confed-
erates at Claysville, Alabama, and confined in Andersonville Prison, where, like many brave Union boys, it is supposed he met his death. Mr. Philpot came to Iowa in the year 1850, buying a quarter-section of land in Cedar Falls Township, where he made a comfortable home for his family. Since becoming a resident of this place he has served for many years as constable, and has also held the office of justice of the peace, and in all enterprises for the good of his township he has been a liberal sup- porter. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.
ETER MCNALLY, residing on sec- tion 1, Lincoln Township, where he has made his home for over twenty years, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, August 27, 1838, a son of John and Eliza (Dennis) McNally, the father being of Scotch descent. His boyhood days were spent on a farm in his native country and after reaching manhood he engaged in business on his own account. July 1, 1863, he was married to Miss Sarah Burke, a native of the same county as her husband, born in April, 1840. Ten chil- dren have been born to them, of whom seven are yet living-Joseph, George, John, Lizzie, Hervia, Freddie and Mabel. Thom- as, Albert and Maria are deceased. Mr. McNally left Ireland with his family in January, 1865, and toward the close of the same month landed in New York City. He came at once to Black Hawk County, Iowa, and for two years farmed on rented lands in Union Township. In 1867 he bought eighty acres of his present farm on section I, Lincoln Township, which he immediately began to improve. He is a prosperous and energetic farmer, being ranked among the best in his neighborhood. . He began life in Black Hawk County with only a few dol-
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lars, but by his untiring industry and fru- gality, together with his good management, he has acquired a fine property, his farm containing 200 acres which is mostly de- voted to stock-raising and dairying. Mr. and Mrs. McNally and their eldest son are members of the Baptist church. In poli- tics Mr. McNally affiliates with the Repub- lican party. He is possessed of a wonder- fully retentive mind and in Biblical knowl- edge he perhaps excels any man in the community in which he resides. He takes an active interest in educational matters and is giving his children the best of school advantages. His eldest son, Joseph, is at present attending the State Normal School at Cedar Falls.
ERBERT R. BROWN, farmer and stock-raiser, Cedar Falls Town- ship, residing on section 7, was born in Elgin, Illinois, July 23, 1854. His parents, James and Hannah Brown, were both natives of Canada, and to them were born five children, of whom four yet survive-Hiram J., William' A., Eva A., and Herbert R., our subject. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and received his primary education in a district school. He subsequently at- tended Elgin Academy for two terms, com- pleting his education at Wheaton College, which he attended two terms. He was married February 5, 1879, to Miss Villa A. Webster, of Butler County, Iowa. They have three children-Lewis D., born Sep- tember 15, 1880; Gertrude M., born June 23, 1883, and Roy S., born November 5, 1885. For three years after his marriage Mr. Brown resided in Kane County, Illi- nois, after which he came to Iowa, locating for a short time in Butler County. He settled on his present farm in Black Hawk County, in 1883, where he has since been
successfully engaged in agricultural pur- suits, and by his untiring industry and per- severing energy he has brought his fine farm of 164 acres under a high state of culti- vation. Politically Mr. Brown is a Repub- lican.
ONAS D. SWITZER, one of the leading agriculturists of Orange Township, residing on section 31, is a native of Somerset County, Penn- sylvania. He was reared a farmer, his father being a farmer by occupa- tion, and has always followed that avoca- tion. He became a resident of Black Hawk County, Iowa, in 1865, and is one of the most practical farmers in the county. He commenced improving his farm in 1872 which at that time was raw prairie land. The farm contains 455 acres of well-culti- vated land, and shows the thorough prac- tical qualities of the owner. His fine farm residence is nicely situated, and his farm buildings, in regard to comfort and conven- ience, are not surpassed in the township. He was married about four years after com- ing here, the date of his marriage being January 1, 1869, taking for his wife Miss Lydia Lichty. She was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, coming with her father, Abraham Lichty, to this county in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer have four children - Clara, Emma, Berenice and Charlie. Mr. Switzer is an active, public- spirited citizen, and is well and favorably known throughout the county. In politics he votes the Republican ticket. He and his wife are members of the German Bap- tist church. Mr. Switzer's parents, David and Barbara Switzer, were born, reared and married in Somerset County, Pennsyl- vania, the father remaining in his native State till his death. The mother is now making her home with her son William in
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Lincoln Township, this county. She has six sons and one daughter living in this county-Jonas D., our subject; Amos D., William, John, Peter and Mrs. Lydia Speicher. One daughter, Mrs. Joanna Baxter, lives in Tama County, lowa.
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ACOB MEYER was born in Wur- temberg, Germany September 23, 1843, a son o. Jacob and Bar- bara Meyer, of whom the father is now deceased. The parents had a family of four children whose names are as follows-Carrie, Jacob, Gottleib and Catherine. Jacob Meyer was reared and ed ucated in the schools of his native country, and when a young man was engaged some time as a mechanic. During the war between Germany and Austria, in 1866, Mr. Meyer served as a soldier in the Austrian army. In 1868 he immigrated to America, and im- mediately settled in the State of Iowa, and for a time after coming here worked as a farm hand. He subsequently rented land on which he farmed for several years, and in the fall of 1878 he bought the farm on section 24, Cedar Falls Township, where he has since been engaged in farming, having his land under excellent cultivation. He was married January 28, 1871, to Miss Catherine Shnabel, who is also a native of Germany. He and his wife are members of the German Evangelical Association. In his political views Mr. Meyer affiliates with the Republican party.
OSEPH HUSMAN, farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, Big Creek Township, is a native of Ger-
many. His parents, Henry and Jeannette Husman, came to the United States, May 25, 1843, and in 1855 located in Black Hawk County, Iowa,
thus being among the early settlers of the county. The father was killed nine months later, by being thrown from a horse. The family consisted of six children, of whom but three are living-John, Jane and Joseph. One son, Hiram, died while in the service of his country in the war of the Rebellion. Joseph Husman has been an industrious, hard-working man, and has ac- cumulated a good property. He owns a valuable farm of 679 acres, all under a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are among the best in the township. He takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his township, and has served as trustee nine years and also as a member of the School Board. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, and participated in many hard- fought campaigns ; was with Sherman on his march to the sea. Fourteen months of his term of service he was in the hospital. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was married in 1866 to Jane Hackett, who was born in April, 1849, a daughter of George Hackett. They have four children-George H., William, Dalla and Eva O.
O. ROBERTS, farmer and stock- raiser, section 5, Spring Creek Township, was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, February 22, 1821, a son of Joel F. and Addah Roberts, of Welsh descent. He came to Iowa in 1854, and entered 120 acres of wild land, on which he built a small log house, and then began to make a farm out of his land. How well he suc- ceeded is shown by his fine crops and bountiful harvests, and his pleasant home and comfortable buildings are all testi- monials to his industry and good manage- ment. In his labors and privations he was
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assisted and encouraged by a noble, self- sacrificing wife, who for forty-three years has shared his joys and sorrows. He was married in Hendricks County, Indiana, in 1843, to Arena McBee, a native of Tennes- see, born in 1825. To them have been born thirteen children, of whom ten sons are living-John M., Jonathan J., James H., Joel C., Franklin P., Jesse D., Lemuel M., Hiram H., Elisha T., and Thomas O. In politics Mr. Roberts is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for several years has been a local preacher. His early educational ad- vantages were limited, but he has by read- ing and observation become well informed on all general topics. When he came to Iowa his trading point was Cedar Rapids, and he has witnessed Black Hawk County change from a wild, uncultivated tract to a county of flourishing towns and thrifty farms, and has assisted materially in pro- ducing this change.
AREY BRADFIELD, retired farmer, lives on section 16, Spring Creek Township, where he owns 240 acres of valuable land. When he located on this land, in 1855, there were but three acres broken, but he was industrious and possessed of indomitable will and energy, and soon brought his land under a good state of cultivation, and erected pleasant and comfortable buildings. Mr. Bradfield was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 14, 1814, a son of Joseph and Cynthia Bradfield. He has been married three times. First in Ran- dolph County, Indiana, to Atlantic O. Bailes, daughter of Curtis H. and Hannah Bailes, who died in 1855. To them were born seven children, of whom six are living -Cynthia, of Winchester, Indiana; Will- iam R., a clergyman of the Free Methodist 48
church; Mary, of Richmond, Indiana; Phœbe, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Hannah and Elizabeth E., of Sioux County, Iowa; John, died while in the army, of smallpox, at the hospital at Shiloh. In 1856 Mr. Bradfield married Anna M. Stifer, who was born in 1818, and died in 1879, leaving three chil- dren-Anna, of Buchanan County, Iowa; Frances A., of Dakota, and Ellsworth. In 1881 he married Mrs. Mary Little, widow of John Little, by whom he had two chil- dren-Margaret and Esther J.
OHN M. GRANT, one of the en- terprising farmers of East Water- loo Township, was born near the old French Fort in Ticonderoga, Essex County, New York, March 20, 1831. He is the second son of eleven children of George and Phœbe (Mil- ler) Grant, seven of whom are still living. The father, George Grant, lived in New York State till his death. He was the owner of 500 acres of land, and in connec- tion with his farming pursuits he carried on the mercantile business. John M., our subject, received a fair common-school ed- ucation. His youth was passed on his father's farm, and assisting his father in the store. He remained at home till the spring of 1854, when he came to Black Hawk County, Iowa, where he followed the paint- er's trade in the summer, and during the winters taught schools. He was married in 1859 to Gertrude A. Pendleton, daughter of Ezra Pendleton, who was one of the first settlers of this county. Soon after his marriage Mr. Grant returned with his wife to New York State, and remained at his father's home till March, 1870, when he came again to Black Hawk County with his family, and purchased his present farm, where he engaged in farming and stock- raising, and at the same time carried on
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