History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 115

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 574

USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 115

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).

Robert Sampson was born in England, September 22, 1829, and emigrated to America in company with his parents, when about three years of age. They landed in Quebec, and went to Kingston, Ontario, where he re- sided until 1865. He attended school until he was fourteen, when he went to farming, and has since fol- lowed that business principally. He first settled in this State at Cedar Rapids, where he lived four years, engaged in farming two years and teaming two years. Then he came to this township, and purchased a farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres, partially improved. He built the house he now resides in four years ago. It is a pleasant place, well surrounded by shade trees. There is a thriv- ing young orchard of one hundred trees upon the farm. Mr. Sampson evidently does a good farming business. He married Miss Annie E. Grant, January 1, 1861. They have had six children, three of whom are living-Eliza- beth was born November 14, 1861; Agnes C. was born August 9, 1864; Robert A. was born October 12, 1867; Edith M. was born July 28, 1871; Frederick H. was born June 23, 1874; Albert G. was born October 8, 1878; Elizabeth, Edith and Robert are deceased. Mr. Samp- son and wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Sampson is a firm Greenbacker. He has been township assessor two times, and is held in high es- teem by his fellow-townsmen.

Hiram K. Stewart, one of the solid men of Buchanan county, was born October 20, 1830, in Amity, Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1866, when he came to Iowa and bought a farm of eighty acres in Cono township. He has since added twenty acres, mak- ing a very good farm. It was wild prairie when he

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

came here, but like all prairie farms was soon brought to its present condition. He built his house the second year after he came here. It is surrounded by a grove and an orchard which produces a variety of good fruit. Mr. Stewart was married July 4, 1860, to Miss Louisa Chaffee, of Erie county, Pennsylvania. They have had four children, three of whom are living. Mary L. was born January 26, 1867; Charles F., July 2, 1872 ; Edna L., November 30, 1875 ; Eugene I., June 15, 1861, died April 25, 1865. Mr. and Mrs Stewart are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Stewart is a staunch Greenbacker. He has been justice, also school director seven years, and has recently been elected for three years, thus showing the confidence his fellow citizens repose in him.

William W. Baker, one of the substantial farmers of Cono, was born in Groton, Tompkins county, New York, November 9, 1824. When he was very young his pa- rents moved to Steuben county, where they resided six or seven years, and then went to Allegany county, of the same State. Mr. Baker remained in the latter county until 1868, engaged in farming. Coming west he spent a few months in Du Page county, Illinois, then came to this county and located in Cono township, where he is pleasantly situated upon a farm of eighty acres of prairie and ten of timber. He lived in a log house ten years and then built a fine residence. There are fruit and shade trees about the house, all in a thrifty condition. Mr. Baker married Miss Eliza Brown, daughter of James Brown, of Courtland county, New York. They have one child, Addie A., born June 15, 1858. The family be- long to the Rowley Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Baker is a firm Republican; has no aspiration for the honors of office, though he has often been solicited by his townsmen to take positions of trust.

Warren L. Maxson was born May 18, 1834, at New- port, New York, where he resided till he was fifteen years of age, then moved to Oneida county, where he remained three years, and then to Madison county, where he lived till the breaking out of the Rebellion. Mr. Maxson en- listed in the Forty-fourth New York State volunteers September 21, 1861. While the regiment was at Hall's Hill, Virginia, Mr. Maxson was taken sick with a fever, and was sent to a hospital at Washington, where he re- mained a few weeks and then was sent to Philadelphia, staying till April, 1862, when he returned to his regiment, which was on the peninsula at this time. He was engaged in some of the severest battles of the Rebellion; was at Savage Station, Antietam, second Bull Run, Chantilla, Gettysburgh and Fredericksburgh, and in many others. Mr. Maxson was wounded at Fredericksburgh, in the left leg, below the knee, and was sent to the regiment hospital, where he remained a few weeks, then returned to his duties. He was mustered out of the service Au- gust 28, 1865, at Cincinnati, Ohio. After the war Mr. Maxson returned to New York. Stopping here a short time he then came west, first locating in Rockford, Illi- nois, where he resided three months. He then moved to Roscoe, Winnebago county, living there till 1878, when he came to Cono township, where he purchased a farm

of eighty acres, also twenty-seven acres of timber. Mr. Maxson has here a pleasant home, being made attractive internally by the presence of books, papers and pictures, and other evidences of refinement. He was married October 16, 1853, to Miss Azuba W. Shepardson, of New York. This marriage was blessed with one child, Stuart D., boin May 15, 1856, now residing in Rochelle, Iilinois. He was married the second time to Miss Sarah Plumb, of Louis county, New York. The names of their children are : E. Varnum, born November 18, 1867 ; Edith, born September 10, 1868; Blanche, born May 11, 1871, W. Larmard, born July 26, 1873; Clarence G., born Oc- tober 25, 1875. Edith and Clarence died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Maxson are members of the Methodist church. He is a firm Greenbacker, and is a most worthy citizen.

Andrew J. Timson was born August 19, 1829, at New Fane, Vermont, where he lived until he was eighteen years old, when he came west and settled in Ogle coun- ty, Illinois, where he worked and rented a farm for seven years. Mr. Timson then emigrated to Jackson county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, but the hard times of 1857 came on and he left the farm, losing everything he had laid out in the way of improvements. He then moved to Middlefield township, Buchanan county, where he rented a farm two years, and then went to Fremont township living here one year, when he enlisted in the Sixth Iowa cavalry, September 25, 1862, and was sent against the Indians in Dakota. His regiment was very useful in restoring confidence in that part of the north- west; was at White Stone Hill, Takaokeety, Mamaise. Zenes, and Fort Rives. He narrowly escaped with his life at Fort Rives, where ten or fifteen cavalry men were surrounded by three hundred of four hundred Indians, though they finally escaped with the assistance of in- fantry, and left twelve Indians dead on the field. Mr. Timson was mustered out in Sioux City, October 17, 1865, and returned to Buchanan county, and lived in Quasqueton three years, then moved to Cono township, where he bought a farm of forty-five acres, residing here five years, then moved upon the farm which is his present home. His farm contains one hundred and twenty acres of good land. Mr. Timson has a pleasant place, and is intending to build the coming summer. He mar- ried Miss Elmira Wood, daughter of Wesley Wood, one of the oldest settlers of lowa, June 9, 1857. They have had six children, four of whom are living: Mary A., born January 24, 1859; Ora L., born September 18, 1861; Fred E., born November 21, 1866; Elce L., born October 28, 1869; Lottie, born May 30, 1872; John, born July 6, 1878. Mary and Ora are deceased. Mr. Timson is a Greenbacker, and is at present school di- rector, serving on his second term, and is regarded by all as a worthy man.

Rev. Albert Manson, one of the oldest and most prominent men of Buchanan county, was born Novem- ber 25, 1803, in Canada East, where he resided until he was twenty-two years of age, assisting his father on a farm. He then went to Vermont in search of labor, re- maining there until 1839, being engaged in various oc-

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

cupations. He was employed in the manufacture of marble several years, also taught school a few winters. He entered the law office of Warner Hoxie, esq., of Mil- ton, Vermont, in which he remained from 1828 to 1832, and was admitted to the bar and practiced about four years in Vermont. He then abandoned this profession and went to the Theological seminary, at Gilmanton, New Hampshire, where he completed a full three years' course in two years. Mr. Manson, immediately after graduating, went to Bennington, where he had had a call, though he was not ordained until November 2, 1841. He remained there till 1850, then went to Rochester, Vermont, where he spent four years, when he moved west and took charge of a church in Marion, Iowa, in May, 1854. In 1858 he was chosen first superintendent of schools, which office he filled one and one-half years. From 1859 to 1864, he acted as an itinerating missionary in Linn county. In the spring of 1864 he came to Cono township, and preached at Quasqueton eight years. Mr. Manson was married, April 27, 1834, to Miss Rebecca Farr, of Vermont. They have two children, both of whom are now living with their parents; Eliza J., born May 1, 1835; and Dwight, born October 17, 1842. Mr. Manson has a very pleasant home, beauti- fully surrounded with shade trees, and having internally many evidences of refinement. His farm contains two hundred and eighty acres of excellent land, and is one of the best in the vicinity. Mr. Manson is, as his name indicates, of Scotch parentage, and is an intelligent and enterprising man, having done much towards laying a foundation for a successful history of Buchanan county. He has held many important places of trust; has been supervisor four years, also overseer of the poor four years in Linn county, and has held the same offices the same length of time in Buchanan county; has been justice of the peace and township clerk. Few more interesting subjects for biography are presented in Buchanan, than he whose long and eventful life is outlined in this short sketch. Now about to complete his eighth decade, he is one among the oldest residents of Cono, and yet remains in surprising vigor of mind and body, with the full promise of rounding out a hundred years. For over a quarter of a century he has walked, talked, lived, and labored among the people of Iowa, and his upright char- acter and useful life will long be an inspiration wherever known, to better living and more hopeful dying. .

W. E. Butterfield was born August 2, 1843, in Kalama- zoo county, Michigan. Assisted his father on a farm till he was sixteen years old, then came west, and, after stop- ping six months in Newton township, went to Manches- ter, and worked at the blacksmith's trade eight months. At this place he enlisted in the Thirteenth United States regulars. His regiment was in the following battles: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Rolling Fork, Haines' Bluff, Champion Hills, through the siege of Vicksburgh, Mission Ridge, and Jackson. He was mustered out of the service March 12, 1865, and returned at once to Bu- chanan county. He came to Cono township in 1869, and located upon a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. This was wild land when Mr. Butterfield pur-

chased it, but the same courage and energy which had car- ried him through the four years' struggle for his country, enabled him to overcome all difficulties. He was mar- ried April 26, 1866, to Miss Mary L. Ham, of Newton township. They have had eight children, six of whom are living-Alice C., born July 19, 1866; Reuben J., De- cember 18, 1868; Charlie E., December 10, 1870; Elsie, October 16, 1872; Chester, October 21, 1874; Jacob R., January 24, 1878; Nettie J., September 17, 1880. Elsie died when about four years of age. They also lost a lit- tle girl in infancy. Mr. Butterfield is a sound Republi- can, and is regarded hy all as a most worthy citizen.

Jacob Arnold was born January 14, 1835, in Germany, and emigrated to America in 1855. Before leaving home he learned the shoemaker's trade. His voyage lasted four weeks, the first two being quite pleasant, but the last two Mr. Arnold knows little about, as he was in his berth on account of sickness. He landed in New York and was taken to the hospital on Staten Island, where he re- mained five weeks, then went to Westchester county, where he worked for his board one season, being able to do but little labor. Mr. Arnold then came west, stop- ping for a short time in Chicago, and then going out of the city about thirty miles, where he worked on a farm for eleven years. He then emigrated to Buchanan county, locating in Cono township, where he now resides, pleas- antly situated on a farm of two hundred and sixty-five acres, and this was wild prairie at the time of his coming but it is now in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Arnold married Miss Catharine Kautz, of Buchan- an county, in 1862. They have had seven children, six of whom are now living-Jacob, Frederick, Em- elina, William, Daniel, Charles, and Caroline. Caroline died when about two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are members of the Lutheran church. He has been school director six or seven years, and is held in high es- teem by all who know him.

Cyrus E. Hopkins, one of the well known residents of Cono township, was born October 11, 1837, in Clarence, Erie county, New York. When he was very young his parents moved to De Kalb county, Illinois. Here Cyrus remained until 1864, then emigrated to Iowa, settling in Cono township, Buchanan county, where he purchased a farm of two hundred acres, it being but partially in- proved. Mr. Hopkins resided upon this place fourteen years, then moved upon the farm where he now lives, though he is intending to go back to his old place before long .. He is engaged in farming-keeps quite a large stock of cattle, horses, and hogs, etc .- and is regarded as one of Cono's successful farmers. He was married in 1863 to Miss Jane A. Wallace, of Illinois. This union has been blessed with six children, five of whom are living-Lula M., born January 19, 1864; Horace E., July 24, 1867; Maude B., February 29, 1869; Cyrus B., January 7, 1874; Vivian D., November 11, 1877; Lottie A., October 3, 1879. Vivian died when two years of age. Mr. Hop- kins is a Republican, has held several offices, having been assessor, trustee, and school director, and is highly esteemed as a good citizen.

John Zimpler, one of the oldest and best known of

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

the citizens of Cono, was born in Baden on the Rhine, Germany, September 3, 1829, and emigrated to Amer- ica in 1851. He was engaged in farming until he came to this country. His voyage was a most perilous one, and attended with severe storms. It was fifty-three days before he landed. He first settled in Illinois, where he lived three years, then came to this county and settled in Cono, where he now owns a farm of three hundred and sixty acres of excellent land, though it was all wild prairie at the time of his coming. Wolves were a very common sight at first, and often came near the house. Mr. Zimpler is now engaged in miscellaneous farming, keeps quite a large stock of cattle, hogs, etc., and is con- sidered one of our best farmers. He was married in 1850 to Miss Michalena Highland, who died in 1876, after having borne seven children: Charles, John, Adam, Jacob, Michalena, Sophia and Sarah. Mr. Zimpler is a member of the Lutheran church, a sound Greenbacker, and a most worthy man.

M. C. Wells, one of our substantial citizens, was born October 17, 1836, in Clinton, Maine, where he remained until 1855 assisting his father in farming. At that date, he went to Bureau county, Illinois, where he resided six years. He then came to lowa and was engaged in farm- ing and lumbering at Burlington for two years, after which he went to Sioux City, and there, in 1861, enlisted in the Sixth Iowa cavalry, and was sent out against the Indians in the northwest territories. He shared in many severe engagements with the red men, who at that time were giving the country much trouble. He was mus- tered out October 17, 1865, and at once went to Iowa county, where he purchased a wild lot, and in a short time made a good farm and a pleasant home, where he resided seven years. He then sold out and came to Cono township, where he now lives. Mr. Wells has one hundred and eighty-two acres of good land. It was but little improved when he bought it, but it is now a fine farm. He has a beautifully situated place, with shade trees surrounding it, and also an orchard. His house is well furnished with books, papers and other evidences of refinement. Mr. Wells is engaged in mixed farming, but intends soon to go into dairying. He married Miss Jane Cunningham, of Utica, New York, in October, 1857. They have five children, with names and dates of birth as follows: Alice A., December 16, 1859; George H., October 26, 1862; Richard M. and Willie G., March 20, 1867; Ray, October 28, 1876. Relig- iously, Mr. Wells endeavors to keep peace with all men. Politically, he is a Greenbacker, and is active in local affairs. He has held the office of township trustee, as well as several other offices. He is earnestly interested in education, and everything else which tends towards the advancement and development of the county. He is a man respected in the highest degree by his fellow townsmen.

William G. Anson, well known as an old resident of this county, was born in Staffordshire, England, October 15, 1835. He came to America with his father, George Anson, in 1845. They were six weeks on their way to New York, and had a most tempestuous voyage. Several

on board the ship lost their lives. Mr. Anson served as cabin boy. After landing, he worked a short time in New Jersey and then eight months in the coal mines of Maryland. He then went to Medina, Ohio, and after working at various occupations for about three years, engaged in cabinet-making which he followed until 1853, when he came to this county. He lived in Quas- queton four years, working in a mill. Then he began work for himself, and was engaged in breaking prairie land in all parts of the county. He broke at least one thousand three hundred aeres. In 1856 he went to Kansas, having secured a Government contraet to break land for the Indians. He returned to Buchanan county, farmed three years, then went back to Kansas, where he made but a short stay, and then turned his steps again toward Buchanan. He remained here only a year, and then crossed the plains to Oregon, and was one of the first settlers in the wonderful country known as the Grand Round Valley. Mr. Anson resided about six and a half years in Oregon, and meantime opened a ranche. He has travelled extensively in the far west, freighting, etc. In 1868 he came back to Iowa and bought a farm in Cono. He has one hundred and sixty acres pleasantly situated. He has fine buildings built by himself, sur- rounded by a beautiful grove,-also an orchard of two hundred and eighteen thriving trees. Mr. Anson is a successful farmer. He was married in April, 1860, to Miss Harriet Blair of Quasqueton. They have eight children, born as follows : Albert G., January 18, 1861; Charles T., February 8, 1864; Willie, November 10, 1866 ; Willard, July 27, 1869; Samuel, August 20, 1872; Benjamin R., May, 17, 1874; Addie, March 17, 1879; Hattie E., November 17, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Anson are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Anson is one of the oldest Greenbackers in the county, He has held many local offices. He is an intelligent and active man, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

George Anson, an old and highly respected citizen was born in Staffordshire, England, March 13, 1813, and emigrated to this country in 1848. He worked as a gunsmith until he came to the United States. The passage over was difficult and dangerous; and lasted six weeks. He immediately went to Mount Sarayo, Mary- land, where he worked as a blacksmith a short time; but when his skill as a workman became known he was em- ployed as a machinist in the works of Mr. Graham. Here Mr. Anson remained about four months, and then went to Medina, Medina county, Ohio, where he worked as a gunsmith about six years. At the end of this time he came to Buchanan county and settled in Cono, where he still resides. "He has a farm of one hundred and twenty- five acres, well improved, and a good home to enjoy in his declining years. His house is surrounded by a fine grove and an orchard. Mr. Anson was married June 29, 1833, to Miss Margaret D -- , of Bristol, England. They have had eighteen children: William G., Joseph, George (deceased), Henry, Granville (deceased), Jane, George, Eliza, Catharine, Granville, Samuel (deceased), John, James, Edward, Walter, Samuel and two who died

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in infancy. Edward and Walter are now living with their parents to comfort them in their old age. Mr. and Mrs. Anson are devoted members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Anson is a Greenbacker, and is one of our most worthy citizens.

J. H. Stoneman, one of the carliest settlers in the county, was born in Carroll county, Wisconsin, in 1829, and remained there until the spring of 1853, when he came to this county, settling in Liberty township. In his early life Mr. Stoneman was engaged in farming and harness-making. After coming west he devoted his at- tention to carpentering for several years. In 1860 he went to Pike's Peak, where he worked at his trade, build- ing quartz mills, etc. He made the first panel door and sash in Central City. After remaining there thirteen summers, with the exception of the time lost in going back and forth to Iowa, he worked at mining two sea- sons, and then returned to Buchanan county and bought the farm on which he now lives. It contains one hun- dred and thirteen acres, including a good orchard, a grove of maples, making altogether a pleasant home. Mr. Stoneman is engaged in mixed farming, and appears to be highly successful. He was married in January, 1873, to Miss Laura Tift, of Liberty township. Mr. Stoneman is a thorough Republican from principal, and, though not an active politician, he has been with the Re- publican party in belief since its organization. He is considered a most worthy citizen, and enjoys the confi- dence and esteem of the community in which he lives.

Martin A. Glass, one of the oldest residents of this county, was born July 28, 1809, in Harrison county, Ohio. When he was two years old, his father, Jacob Glass, moved to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and there the subject of this sketch lived forty years. He came to this county in 1849, and soon bought a farm in Newton township, which he sold out after three years, and came to Cono township. He has now two hundred acres, well improved, after having disposed of one hundred and twenty acres. This was wild prairie, but energy and in- dustry have made it a beautiful home. His house is pleasantly situated, surrounded by shade trees, orchard, etc. Mr. Glass is well situated to enjoy life. He was married in 1831 to Miss Nancy. Belch, of Ohio. Fol- lowing are the names and dates of birth of their chil- dren: Jacob, January 18, 1833, deceased; Sarah, No- vember 13, 1834; Elizabeth, June 28, 1837, deceased ; Mary, May 4, 1839; John, July 18, 1841; Joseph, July 26, 1843, deceased; James, June 6, 1846, deceased; Reason, April 26, 1847; Isabel, August 2, 1849; Susan, April 23, 1852; Martin L., February 16, 1855; Martha J., July 9, 1857. He was married a second time, No- vember 7, 1872, to Mrs. Elmira L. Powles, of Cono. Mr. Glass is a staunch Republican, has been justice two terms, and school director for many years.

James A. Crego .- The subject of this sketch was born January 10, 1840, in Syracuse, New York. When three years of age, his parents came west, and settled in Mc-

Henry county, where he resided till 1868, engaged with his father in farming. In that year he went to Delaware county, Iowa, where he worked two years in an auditor's office and was afterwards a deputy sheriff for two years. Mr. Crego then moved to Cono township, to the farm where he now lives. It contains one hundred and sixty acres of prairie and twenty of timber. This was wild land when Mr. Crego came here, but by hard work he has succeeded in building up a pleasant home. He is engaged in mixed farming, keeps a large stock of cattle and hogs, and is considered one of Cono's prosperous farmers. Mr. Crego was married in 1869 to Miss Julia Shapley, of Illinois. They have three children: Agnes A., born December 4, 1870; Lila E., born January 5, 1874; Clyde B., born July 14, 1878. Mr. Crego is a firm Republican, has held several offices, has been trus- tee and clerk, and is regarded by his fellow townsmen as a man worthy of the confidence and esteem which he enjoys.

Benjamin P. Wade, one of the oldest and best known residents of Buchanan county, was born January 29, 1829, in Allegany county, New York. Mr. Wade spent his early years in farming and lumbering, and was after- wards a sailor on the great lakes and salt water. He has been in all quarters of the globe, has experienced many a narrow escape, and has probably seen as much of the world as any man in Iowa. After quitting the sea, he went to Rockford, Illinois, and was engaged in farming for seven years in Winnebago and Ogle counties. He then emigrated to Iowa, first settling in Newton township, where he bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres. He resided here fourteen years, then sold out and came to Cono township, where he now resides, most pleasantly situated on a farm of one thousand acres, the largest, and as good as any in the county. This was wild prairie, but by untiring energy he has succeeded in making it one of the best homes we have seen. He has a fine residence, beautifully surrounded with shade trees, and also an orchard of two thousand trees, supplying him with plenty of fruit of all varieties. Mr. Wade is engaged in mixed farming, and keeps a large stock of cattle, horses, and hogs. He married Miss Martha John, of Pennsylvania, July 4, 1853. They have four children : Benjamin H., horn October 20, 1857; Martha E., born July 24, 1862; Edward I., born December 9, 1865; Laura M., born October 4, 1871. Mrs. Wade is a mem- ber of the Free Methodist church, and Mr. Wade is a member of the Free Baptist. Politically, he is a sound Republican. He has held several offices, though he has never been an office-seeker, as his own business has re- quired his whole attention. Mr. Wade may well be termed a self-made man, having been thrown upon the world when ten years of age, without education, proper- ty, or influential friends. He has by his energy and per- severance succeeded in acquiring a competency, which he is now enjoying.

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History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 115

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers Number of Pages: 574

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 574