USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66
On the 16th of October, 1901, Mr. Dyer was married to Miss Minnie J. Derks, a daughter of Peter Derks. To this union three children were born, two of whom died unnamed and Robert J. died in infancy. The parents are members of the Christian Alliance church of Boone and are actively interested in its work. Mr. Dyer gives his political allegiance to the republican party, feeling that he can thus best promote the interests of good government. He has served for three years as secretary of the local school board, doing all in his power to advance the welfare of the public schools.
1
WILLIAM MYRTLE BOONE.
William Myrtle Boone, deceased, was a representative of a very old and prominent family of this county. He was born in Kentucky and was a great- grandson of Squire Boone, a brother of the noted hunter, Daniel Boone, of Kentucky fame. During his boyhood William M. Boone accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana, the family locating in Putnam county, but in May. 1852, they came to Boone county, Iowa, where the father, Squire Boone, spent the remainder of his life in Worth township. He donated the land for the Squire Boone cemetery on section 14, that township, and took a very active and promi- nent part in public affairs. He was a stanch abolitionist and later never wavered in his support of the republican party. He died in 1878 at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, honored and respected by all who knew him.
William M. Boone grew to manhood in Indiana and there married, in 1841. Miss Nancy Parker, also a native of Kentucky, who had accompanied her father
424
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
on his removal to Indiana during her girlhood. She died in Boone county, Iowa, January 1, 1896, at the age of seventy-two years, ten months and sixteen days. At one time she was a member of the Christian church. To Mr. and Mrs. Boone were born nine children : Mrs. Alice Page, a resident of Luther, lowa ; Edward, deceased ; Jesse P., of Luther; Squire, who died in infancy; Virgil, a farmer of Worth township ; Mrs. Matilda Page, of Luther : Laura, deceased; Oliver Perry : and one who died in infancy.
Throughout his active life Mr. Boone followed farming, and he became prominently identified with public affairs, serving in several local offices. His political support was given the republican party and in religious affairs he fav- ored the Universalist church. He died on the 10th of July, 1911, when over eighty-nine years of age. He was one of a large family of children, but only two are now living, these being: Tyler Boone, who resides with his daughter, Mrs. Hull of Douglas township ; and Betty, a resident of Madrid, Iowa.
PHILLIP GARTLAND.
Phillip Gartland now lives retired at No. 728 Burton street, Boone, after a life of arduous labor, which brought him a competency. He was born in Ireland, in what is called the "Gap of the North," in the town of Carrickmacross, where the five counties of Louth, Meath, Cavan, Armagh and Monaghan meet. His date of birth was January 6, 1835, and his birthplace was just over the line in Monaghan county. He is a son of Peter and Ann ( Corrigan) Gartland, natives of County Monaghan, and a grandson of Patrick Gartland, who was born and lived all his life in County Monaghan. Peter Gartland followed farming all his life. He removed from Monaghan to County Clare and died there about 1850 at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, Ann, was a daughter of John and Nancy ( Murphy) Corrigan, farming people. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gartland were the parents of the following children: John, who died in Ireland when young; Mary, who died in infancy; Phillip, of this review; Daniel, who emi- grated to America at the age of twenty; and George and Peter, who died in infancy.
Daniel Gartland, the aforementioned, was joined in this country by his brother Phillip after the latter had reached American shores. Both went through the Irish famine in the years 1847 and 1848, when the United States sent the first ship of corn to the suffering Erin, and it is a curious incident that this ship while making for Ireland met two vessels going to Liverpool, which were loaded with the best the island could produce, the goods being consigned to the absent land- lords. On June 1, 1861, Daniel Gartland enlisted in Jonesboro as a private in Company D, Third Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and served until November 24, 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability. He was captured in the seven days' battle of the Wilderness and was placed in the famous Ander- sonville prison, being paroled at the end of three months. He then went to Connecticut, where he worked in a hoe factory and later moved to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, where he again enlisted on August 1, 1864, as a private in Com-
٠٠٠
٦٠٠٤
PHILLIP GARTLAND AND FAMILY
427
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
pany F, Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was killed October 7, 1864, in front of Petersburg.
Phillip Gartland attended the schools of his native land until seventeen years of age, engaging at odd times in farm labor. In 1854, when nineteen years of age, he went to England, working in a blast furnace at Durham. Having heard of the advantageous conditions existing in America he on June 30, 1863, left Liverpool for New York, sailing on a steamship of the Cunard line. After arriving on American shores he made his way to Connecticut, where he found work in hoe factories at Naugatuck and Seymour, making bayonets for the sol- diers at the front. He removed to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the anthracite coal mines for a time but later returned to Connecticut. There on October 9. 1864, he was married to Miss Ann Hughes, of Seymour, Con- necticut, the ceremony taking place at Derby, that state. They subsequently re- moved to Hubbard, Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was engaged in coal mining until 1867. In May of that year he with his wife and one child came to Moingona, Boone county. He continued to mine coal there until 1893 and also took an active part in the public life of the municipality, serving for one term as township clerk. For eight years he was secretary of the school board and from 1877 until 1891 held the position of justice of the peace, discharging his duties fairly and impartially. He also served as treasurer and recorder several times. In 1892 Mr. Gartland went to Seymour, Wayne; county, Iowa, continuing in coal mining and then removed to Marceline, Missouri, where he mined until 1896. In that year he came to Boone, where he also followed mining but later was employed by the Northwestern Railroad Company in the round house. After many years' labor Mr. Gartland retired in 1909, having acquired a comfortable competency by thrift and industry.
At Derby, Connecticut, Mr. Gartland married on October 9, 1864, Miss Ann Hughes, of Seymour, Connecticut, a daughter of Edward and Ann ( Murphy) Hughes. Mr. and Mrs. Gartland were the parents of the following children : Ann, who was born in Hubbard, Ohio, married William Hughes, and they now live in Grinnell, Iowa. Daniel, who was born in Moingona, Iowa, died while young. Edward was born in Moingona, Boone county, March 13, 1870. He at- tended public school until eight and a half years of age, then went to work with his father in the mines, so continuing until twenty years of age. Part of the time he drove the mules but as the years passed became a full fledged miner. He spent much of his time in mining in Wyoming. Missouri and Illinois and took up his permanent residence in Boone in 1894, where he established himself as a wholesale and retail liquor dealer. He was at first located in the Wells house but afterward removed to 715 Allen street, where he remained fourteen years. He then changed his location to 281 Island street, buying the property and build- ing the structure which now stands there. His present place of business is 101 1/2 Story street and is known as the Bain block. Politically he is a democrat, taking an active part in the progress of his city, and fraternally is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mary Catherine was born in Moingona, Iowa, and married P. J. Moffett, and they now reside in Denver. Sarah, a native of Moingona, remains at home. Susie, who was also born in that city, mar- ried William Gartland and they make their home with our subject. Elizabeth Jane, who was born in Moingona, graduated with the class of 1901 and is now
428
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
teaching in the public schools of Chicago, after having taught in Boone county for four years. Agnes Frances, the next in order of birth, was born in Moingona and is a graduate of the Boone parochial school. Phillip B., born in Moingona, also graduated from the Boone parochial school and then joined a surveying party of the Northwestern railroad, being now engaged in that work in the west. Mrs. Gartland died in Boone, April 1, 1911, and is buried in this city. She was a devout member of the Sacred Heart church and generous in her contributions to that institution.
Mr. Gartland is a stanch democrat and thoroughly devoted to the interests of his party. He is a member of the Sacred Heart church, the services of which he regularly attends. He enjoys in large measure the esteem and respect of his fellowmen and can look back upon his life record with pride, for all that he has achieved he has secured through his own efforts. He is now in his eightieth year and yet takes an active interest in life's affairs.
JOHN A. HULL.
The name of Hull has figured conspicuously in connection with the history of the bar of Boone county for many years, and the record of him whose name introduces this review adds new luister thereto. He began practice in 1894 and has advanced gradually as he has given proof of his ability to cope with the intricate and complex problems of law.
His birth occurred in Boonesboro, lowa, on the 26th of March, 1871, and he is descended from Scotch, Welsh and German ancestry. The first of the family, of whom there is accurate record, was Uriah, and his wife's name was Isabelle. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war from Virginia, and his state afterward gave him a land warrant in payment for his services and he located in Rockingham county, Virginia, on a high plateau. He owned the largest of three small prairies there, which the mountaineers called respectively, bull pasture, cow pasture and calf pasture, but about 1808 or 1809 he found settlers crowding him and sold his farm and moved further west, settling on the present site of Newark, Ohio, where his sons cut.the first trees. The journey to Ohio from Virginia, was made without wagon or cart and without either path or guide. The grandfather of our subject, the Rev. Samuel Hull, was a son of this pioneer settler in the mountains of Virginia and of Licking county. Ohio. Two brothers of Rev. Samuel Hull, Dr. James and George Hull. the latter born in 1779, came to Boone county, Iowa, in 1849, and another brother, Uriah, born in 1800, came in 1851. Numerous descendants of these brothers are still residents of this section. John A. Hull, father of John A. Hull, Jr., was born in Terre Haute, Vigo county, Indiana, in the year 1831 and pursued his education in the public schools and in Asbury University at Greencastle, Indiana. Taking up the study of law, he was admitted to the bar and engaged in the practice of his profession at Madison, Tennessee. He had read law for four months at Terre Haute with Colonel R. N. Thompson. His uncles, above mentioned, having ventured into Boone county a few years before, John A. Hull, Sr., joined them in 1854 and established a law office in Boonesboro. He
429
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
rose to prominence as a representative of the bar and for many years ranked with the distinguished lawyers of his section of the state. His death occurred June 12, 1888. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Emeline Wear, was born in Madisonville, Tennessee, and died on the 15th of August. 1907, surviving her husband for almost twenty years. They were the parents of eight children: Alice, now the widow of Henry H. Leib of Boone ; Mary E., the widow of R. M. Hughes, also of Boone; Mrs. Lillian C. Hostetter, deceased ; Nannie M., the wife of Charles W. Barnes of Boone; Thirza, who became the wife of C. H. Bowen and has passed away ; John A., of this review ; and Samuel and Frank, who died in infancy.
John A. Hull has spent his entire life in Boone county, save for the period when he was pursuing his education elsewhere. At seventeen years of age he entered Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, and his literary training served as an excellent foundation upon which to build the superstructure of his pro- fessional knowledge. After four years devoted to classical work lie entered the law department of the University of Iowa and was graduated with the class of 1894. He then began practice in Boone, where he has now remained for twenty years, and throughout this period he has been accorded a liberal practice which has grown both in volume and importance as time has passed on. It is well known that he prepares his cases with thoroughness and care and that he manifests the most conscientious zeal in protecting the interests of his clients. yet he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.
On the 7th of September, 1904, Mr. Hull was united in marriage to Miss Gladys Sigworth, a daughter of Dr. H. W. Sigworth, of Anamosa, Iowa. They have become parents of three children: Thirza, born October 9, 1905; John A., born April 18, 1907; and Dwight Sigworth, born August 15, 1912. In his political views Mr. Hull is a democrat, always stanchly supporting the principles of the party, yet never active in seeking office for himself. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is well known in Boone county, and the fact that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his life has been well spent. He has made good use of his talents and oppor- tunities and is today one of the prominent lawyers and highly respected citizens of his native county ..
JOHN CHARLES POHL.
John Charles Pohl is the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Dodge township but leases most of his land. He is well known throughout Boone county, where he has made his home continuously since 1872. He was not yet four years of age when brought to this county by his parents, his birth having occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 6th of November, 1868. His parents were Fred and Wilhelmina (Motts) Pohl, the former a native of Berlin. Germany, and the latter of Steifelbaden, of the same country. In their family were nine children, four sons and five daugliters. Leaving their native land the
430
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
parents sailed for America with their family and established their home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they remained for a brief period and then came to lowa, settling in Boone county in 1872, the father securing an eighty-acre tract of land in Jackson township.
Upon the homestead farm in this county John C. Pohl was reared with the usual experiences that fall to the farm lad, his time being divided between the work of the school-room, the pleasures of the playground and the duties assigned him in connection with the cultivation of the fields.
On the 25th of July, 1900, Mr. Pohl was united in marriage to Miss Julia Tatman, a native of Pocahontas county, Iowa, and they have five children: Grant, Frances, Fern, Marion and Ethel.
The family home is situated on section 34, Dodge township, where Mr. Pohl owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, but he does not farm at all owing to ill health and rents most of the place. However, he raises both shorthorn cattle and Belgian horses, and his live-stock interests are an important source of revenue to him. He drives an automobile and has many substantial improve- ments upon his place, which indicates his prosperity and the success which he has made in managing his business affairs. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His long residence in the county has made him widely known, for he has lived in this section of the state for forty-two years and has therefore been a witness of many of the changes which have occurred and of the growth and develop- ment which have brought the county to its present advanced state of progress.
HON. JUSTIN R. DORAN.
Hon. Justin R. Doran is not only one of the foremost, if not the foremost, representative of agricultural interests in Beaver township, but was also for many years in the state legislature and in that connection did valuable work in promoting constructive measures which were of great benefit to the state in general and his constituency in particular. There is great credit due Mr. Doran for what he has achieved, as he has attained the substantial position which he now occupies entirely through his own efforts.
He was born in Niagara county, New York, August 8, 1850, and is a son of Patrick and Catherine ( Keeley ) Doran, both natives of County Carlow, Ireland. The father in early life operated a flour mill in the Emerald isle. He and his wife came to America on board the ship Richard Cobden, and they experienced the most perilous passage, the boat almost being wrecked. They landed in New York, February 1. 1849, and thence went by packet boat by way of the Erie canal to Reynolds Basin, in Niagara county, New York, where they made their home for four years. Being attracted by the promising west. they then removed to Ottawa, Illinois, where the father worked as a farm hand for a few years. Their next change of residence brought them to Livingston county, in the same state, and there Mr. Doran bought a farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself until his death, which occurred on November 25, 1865. His wife passed away in La Salle county, Illinois, about ten years previously, August
431
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
25, 1855. They were the parents of eight children: Edward, a well-to-do farmer of Polk county, Iowa; Ellen, the widow of C. Harvey, residing in Grand Junc- tion, Iowa; Miss Mary, also of that city ; Thomas H., a lumber dealer and stock- raiser of Burwell, Nebraska; Justin R .; John, who farms near Bradshaw, Nebraska ; and two who died in infancy.
Justin R. Doran was left an orphan when fifteen years of age and at that period embarked upon an independent career, earning his living by doing chores while attending school in Livingston county. Having completed his education, he hired out as a farm hand for some time and after having gained valuable experience operated the old homestead in partnership with his brothers until 1874. In 1872, however, he and a brother purchased a corn threshing outfit, and they operated the same in Benton county, Iowa, until July of the same year, when they returned to Illinois. At the end of that time Mr. Doran sold the home place and then removed to Boone county, Iowa, where he acquired three hundred and seventy acres of his present farm, situated on section 5, Beaver township. He was the first settler on the four sections which formed the school district No. 3 and has added to his holdings from time to time until he now holds title to three thousand acres of the best improved land to be found in the neigh- borhood. Nearly all of the farm is located in Beaver township. Judicious management, incessant labor and modern and up-to-date methods have been the means by which Mr. Doran has attained prosperity. His place is in a most excellent condition, and his buildings are substantial and modernly equipped. Mr. Doran has always been a leader in agricultural affairs and has greatly con- tributed toward raising the farming standards of his section. He has been one of those men who have been successfully copied by others and who have been the backbone of the agricultural prosperity of the state.
Mr. Doran married Miss Olive F. Blanshan, a daughter of Jacob and Maria Blanshan, natives of Auburn, New York. The parents removed to Wisconsin in 1848 and resided in that state until 1874, when they came to lowa. In Wisconsin and this state the father followed agricultural labors throughout his life. He was prominent politically, serving in the Wisconsin state legislature, and was also a member of the board of county supervisors for a number of years. He died in 1800, and his wife passed away in February, 1902. To Mr. and Mrs. Doran thirteen children were born: Lester G .; Alfred T., who lied at the age of one year ; Alexander R .; Eugene B. : Benjamin B. ; Oliver E .; Lucia S .; Mand H. : Laut H. ; Mamie C. ; Milo T .; Daisy E. ; and John Keeley, who died at the age of two and one-half years.
Mr. Doran has always given his allegiance to the republican party and has been a most prominent factor in its affairs in the state. He is not only a leader in agricultural matters, but deeply interested in other fields of progress. He was a state legislator for four long sessions and two short ones and during this time was one of the foremost men in the assembly in committee rooms as well as upon the floor. His views of life are those of a broad-minded man, who has delved deep into the questions of vital importance and who has proven himself a master of those affairs which make up life's experiences. For many years he has served as trustee of Beaver township and in this capacity has exerted an influence as important to his township as his services were to the state. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Grand Junction and belongs to the lodge of
432
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Ogden. He has been adjuster of the Boone County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company for six years, acting in that capacity for all the territory west of the Des Moines river in Boone and adjoining counties. Mr. Doran is a courteous, affable and approachable gentleman, ever ready to do a kindness to those who need his services. He has many friends in Boone county in business, social and political circles. He is con- versant with the leading issues and questions of the day and all affairs which particularly affect his locality. As a citizen he stands high, as an agriculturist he is a leader and as a man he is respected highly for what he has achieved and the principles which have guided his conduct.
J. W. BRITTAIN.
Beautiful "Fairview" is the home of J. W. Brittain. The place is situated in Dodge township, and the home stands upon a knoll, commanding a splendid view of the surrounding country. In fact, one can look for miles over the district and take in the details of the farm of two hundred and sixty acres, which, devoted to the raising of crops and stock. is one of the best improved properties of Boone county. Here Mr. Brittain resides, carefully controlling his business interests, and his success is the result of close application, sound judgment and unfalter- ing enterprise.
A native of Pennsylvania, J. W. Brittain was born in Lucerne county, De- cember 29, 1848, a son of Jacob and Cassandra ( Myers) Brittain. The father was of English descent and was a son of Joseph Brittain, who was reared upon Long Island, where his father had settled on coming from England to the new world. Jacob Brittain, who was born December 27. 1813. passed away on the 3d of January, 1871. His wife, who was born in 1818, survived him for over twenty-two years, dying in March. 1893.
J. W. Brittain was reared in the Keystone state and when a young man of twenty-five years came, in 1873. to Boone county upon a visit to his uncle. He did not remain at that time but after two years returned and for ten years was a member of his uncle's family. Upon the death of his uncle he purchased the farm and has since made his home thereon. He is now the owner of two hun- dred and sixty acres of rich and valuable land that responds readily to the care and labor he bestows upon it. He is regarded as a successful agriculturist and stock-raiser. His methods of tilling the soil.and caring for the crops are pro- gressive, and he keeps on hand high grades of stock, for which he finds a ready sale upon the market. His farm is one of the most pleasing and attractive feat- ures in the landscape. and his home is one of the most beautiful in his section of the county. It is large and commodious, built in modern style of architecture, is tastefully furnished and, moreover, is a most hospitable one, so that it is a favorite resort with the many friends of the family.
In 1882 Mr. Brittain was united in marriage to Miss Elnora A. Gibbons, who was born in Boone county in 1859. Her parents were John H. and Sarah A. ( Moore) Gibbons, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They removed westward to Boone county in 1855, and four years later their
--
---
---
MR. AND MRS. J. W. BRITTAIN
435
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
daughter Elnora was born. Two children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Brit- tain, but both died in early childhood during an epidemic of diphtheria. Mr. and Mrs. Brittain are widely and favorably known and have a large circle of warm friends. For fifteen years Mr. Brittain filled the office of township trustee, his long continuance in that position indicating his capabilty and fidelity. For about forty-one years he has lived in this county and has a wide acquaintance. He is accounted a worthy representative of the best class of citizens and is a recognized leader in agricultural progress.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.