History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 78

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 78

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But within two years after this he had in its place one of the finest residences in the county, with shade and fruit trees. Soon after Mr. Cobb built his house people commenced to insist on stopping with him; he was compelled to enlarge his house, and built a stable for the accommodation of the public. This soon grew to be a good business, and he pursued it in connection with the stock business until the Central railroad went through the city. When the travelling public could be accomo- dated elsewhere, he cut down his sign and let them pass by. Since that time he has been overseeing his farm, but has turned his attention principally to the stock busi- ness. His experience taught him it was more profitable to buy, feed and sell instead of raising the stock. This business he continues still, and very successfully. Ships principally to Chicago, but sells a great many at home. During the years intervening between 1865 and 1878, he frequently had on hand five hundred head ; averag- ing through the summer on the prairies three hundred head, and handling some years as high as eighty thou-

sand dollars worth of cattle and hogs. He at present is not dealing as extensively as in the past on account of the scarcity of cattle and pasturage-Uncle Sam's being no longer available. Mr. Cobb owns one of the most valuable farms in the county, situated, as it is, adjacent to the city, and naturally rolling and of fine soil. He owns in timber and cultivated land two hundred and forty acres. When he was twenty-one years of age his only wealth was ninety-four cents, but he now ranks among the wealthy men of the west. Mr. Cobb was married in Cook county, Illinois, in 1852, to Miss Phinanda Butterfield, who was born in Niagara county, New York, in 1825, and died in Independence, Febru- ary 20, 1872 ; leaving a family of five children, all sons. The oldest, Franklin, now twenty-five years of age, single, and engaged with his father in the cattle business ; Edwin, jr., is twenty-two years of age, married, and farms in the vicinity ; Albert, eighteen ; George, fifteen ; Harry, eleven. The three youngest children are at home, and attending school.

ENSMINGER BROTHERS.

This enterprising firm engaged in photography in the city of Independence, consisting of J. C. and J. M. Ensminger, was organized in the year 1870.

The senior partner, Mr. J. C. Ensminger, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1843. His father being a photog- rapher, he commenced, when only a boy, to make him- self well acquainted with the business. When he became a man his design to become proficient as an artist led him to Cleveland, Newark, and Columbus, Ohio. Also to New York city and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was connected with some of the finest art galleries in the country. Sparing neither time nor money to make himself master of the photographer's art, in all its branches. In the year 1868 he came to Indepen- dence, where he has since been engaged in the business. Mr. Ensminger was married in Waterford, Vermont, in 1872, to Miss Amanda Brown. They have a family of two children, Freddie and Mary, aged three and five, respectively.

Mr. J. M. Ensminger was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1845. He associated himself with his father in the photograph business in Ashland, Ohio, principally prior to coming to Independence, which was in the year 1870, at which time he and his brother engaged as partners. Mr. J. M. Ensminger was married in this county, in 1877, to Miss Alice Anderson, a resident of this county. These young men are sons of Mr. E. M. Ensminger, a photographer of considerable renown in the east, and from whom they received much valuable knowledge in the art.

This firm has associated itself with the business interests of this community for the past several years, and are among those men who, by their honorable deal- ing and complete understanding and knowledge of their business and the never-wavering determination to give perfect satisfaction, have won for themselves a favor with the people that is not only creditable, but assures a bus-

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iness career that will be both satisfactory to themselves and the community at large.

Their spirit of enterprise has not been confined within the walls of their studio, but objects of interest every- where in the city have been visited and a negative taken. They have on file an illustrated history of Independence, consisting of steroscopic views of the city in its infancy, and when it lay in ruins, made waste by the fire in 1874.

C. F. HERRICK.

C. F. Herrick, jeweler, has been in business in this place since November, 1856. He was born in Lima, Livingston county, New York, in 1835. When about fourteen years old he commenced learning his trade. In 1856, he came to Independence and has resided here ever since, working at his trade all of the time, with the exception of about fourteen months in the army. He does an immense business and has the best fitted jewelry store in the city. Mr. Herrick enlisted in September, 1861, in the Eleventh Illinois regiment, and served about a year as a private. In 1864 he went with company D, Forty-sixth Iowa infantry, as captain. He was out only a few months when he was obliged to resign, on account of the effects of the southern climate upon his health.

Mr. Herrick was married in September, 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Sauerbier, of this town. They have six chil- dren: Ellen A., William S., Alice E., Mary P., Sarah E., and Charley G. Mr. Herrick is a member of the Episcopal church; also of the Masons and United Workmen. In politics he is a thorough Republican. He occupies a high social position, and is one of our best citizens. He has twice held the office of mayor, and has also been councilman.

WILLIAM FEW

was born in Cambridgeshire, England, August 22, 1825. At the age of eleven, in company with his parents, two brothers, and two sisters, came to America. The trip required seven weeks and four days, a very tedious jour- ney as compared with the time required to make the trip at present on one of our beautiful steamers. What is now considered quite a pleasure trip was then a dreaded voyage. On arriving in America they located at Lock- port, New York. Mr. Few learned the merchant tailor- ing business at Lockport, which business he has followed ever since. He remained about seventeen years in Lockport, when he removed to Albion, New York, where he spent about the same number of years, when he emi- grated westward, locating in Independence, Iowa, where we find him industriously engaged at his business, com- manding a generous patronage, which he well deserves, and has earned by strict attention to business and com- petent workmanship. Mr. Few is a man of exemplary habits, trustworthy, both in his business and social con- nections, liberal in matters of a local nature, always willing and ready to do his part in matters that tend to elevate and impove his town, and place its citizens in

the front rank with those of other counties. March 7, 1847, Mr. Few was married to Miss Frances Harriet Phillips, of Albion, New York. They have had eight children, six living and two deceased. Allen died at the age of one year, and Alfred at the age of seven.

In politics Mr. Few is a staunch Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Few are members of the Baptist church in Independence.

SAMUEL NAYLOR

was born in Wayne county, Ohio, August 15, 1834. Mr. Naylor's boyhood days were spent on the farm, where he learned industry and economy. Mr. Naylor came to lowa in 1854. September 24, 1856, he was married to Miss Nancy Agnes Meyers, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Jane Myers, who came to Buchanan county from Marshall county, Illinois, in the fall of 1854, and at once entered the hotel business at Fairbank, in this county, where they still continue the same business, Mr. Myers at the advanced age of eighty years, and Mrs. Myers about seventy-two years. The Naylor and Myers families are among the earliest in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Naylor have had but one child, a daugh- ter, Alice Ellen, born December 18, 1858. Mrs. Nay- lor, after a very painful suffering of six months, died February 15, 1880.

Miss Alice remains with her father, looking after the hotel and her father's interests, and striving as best she can, to take her mother's place. This family enjoy a large acquaintance, having been constantly for a period of sixteen years in the hotel they now occupy, and which Mr. Naylor has owned for many years. Mr. Naylor is a sociable and entertaining landlord, a genial companion and a very kind and indulgent father. His father and mother are still living in Yates Centre, Woodson county, Kansas, his father aged seventy-six, and his mother sev- enty-four years old. They have lived together over half a century.

VALENTINE CATES

was born in the State of New York in 1832, where he lived till seven years of age, when his father, Samuel Cates, moved to Belvidere, Boon county, Illinois, where he lived till his death, which was in April, 1877. Mr. Valentine Cates made his home in that vicinity about twenty-three years. On or about the year 1852, he went to Lake Superior, where he engaged in mining copper about two years. In the spring of 1854 he came to Iowa, locating first at Waverly, where he entered some land and made his home about four years. At the same time he was engaged in teaming from Dubuque west. Many amusing incidents occurred during this time, and a mi- nute story of his life would here portray the west in its cradle of civilization. At that time a single log house marked the future of Waverly. It was built by William Hammond. Mr. Cates erected there a house, sixteen by twenty-four, and rented the lower story for a store room, and occupied the second story as a dwelling. This house

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

was the first constructed of pine lumber ever built in Waverly. Mr. Cates hauled it himself from Dubuque, the distance being over one hundred miles. The road was without bridges, and wound around in every direc- tion to avoid sloughs.

Mr. Cates' next move was to a farm near Quasqueton, where he lived about two years, when he enlisted in com- pany C, Ninth Iowa volunteer infantry, and served his country in all four years. He was at the taking of Vicks- burgh, and with Sherman on his march to the sea, and participated in many events of interest that a brief sketch will not admit notice of. But suffice it to say, he was one of the Government's profitable soldiers, was never in the hospital an hour, nor ever wounded, nor taken prisoner. Since his return from the army he made his home in In- dependence, engaging in different avocations till the year 1873, when he was appointed by the councilmen of In- dependence as the night watchman. This position he occupied for three years, when the mining interests of Colorado attracted his attention. He spent about a year in the mountains, but finding society and life generally very disagreeable, he returned home, when he was at once reappointed to the position of night watchman.

Mr. Cates was married November 25, 1855, to Miss Mary Sparling, who was born in Crawford county, Penn- sylvania, in 1840. They have four children: Carrie, born in May, 1857, married John Parker in August, 1878, and resides in Independence; Charles, born in October, 1861; Arthur, born in December, 1868; Lillie, born in October, 1874. The three younger children live at home and attend school. Mrs. Cates is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Cates is a Baptist.

JAMES FORRESTER

was born in county Wexford, Ireland, June 15, 1814. His father died when he was about two years old. When he was five years of age he left his native home, in com- pany with his mother and a sister, and landed in Can- ada, where he remained until he was twelve years of age. His mother having married again, he, in company with his uncle, Mr. John Forrester, came to the United States and settled in Niagara county, New York. Here he re- mained and assisted his uncle on the farm until he was about seventeen years of age. He then returned to Montreal, Canada, where he apprenticed himself to a stone-cutter, where he remained and worked at his chosen trade until 1831, when he again returned to the United States.

In 1845, December 29th, he was married to Miss Lu- cinda A. Lovejoy, of Michigan, daughter of Palmer and Dolly Lovejoy, her father having died in Michigan about five years previous. Mr. Forrester, having purchased a farm of two hundred acres three miles from the place where his wife's mother lived, the next day after the mar- riage they, with an ox team, started on their wedding trip, which consisted of the distance from Mrs. Lovejoy's to his farm, where they at once commenced life for them- selves in earnest, and were doubtless as well content with

this three miles tour as many of our young people now- a-days would be with a trip of hundreds of miles and an expense of several hundred dollars.

In February, 1852, Mr. Forrester landed in Buchanan county, lowa, having determined to make this place his home. He bought some property in Independence, and in May of the same year brought his family to Indepen- dence. Mr. Forrester opened a general store, which contained such articles as early settlers desire. Mr. For- rester is one of the early settlers of Buchanan county, and is one of a very few indeed of those who came at the time he did who still survive. He has been an active man, and by industry and economy he is now in circum- stances to pass his declining years as he desires. He owns a farm of two hundred and fifty acres adjoining the city of Independence, and some considerable town property besides.

They have had seven children-four sons and three daughters. James P., the oldest, was born in Wisconsin May 30, 1848, and is living in single blessedness, making his home with his aged parents. He is engaged in the produce business in Independence, with Mr. Henry R. Hunter, the firm being Hunter & Forrester. They do a good business, and enjoy the confidence of the commu- nity. Mary Adelia, the second child, was born February 6, 1850, and died November 4, 1852. Harvey Uri, born December 19, 1850, died September 14, 1852. Mary Lucinda, born July 14, 1853, died February 8, 1854. Walter Edwin, born October 5, 1854, died the same day. Alice D., born June 5, 1856, is the wife of Mr. Byron Tabor, of the firm of Tabor & Tabor, druggists. Edwin V., born February 14, 1858, is engaged in sheep raising at Le Mars. Plymouth county, Iowa.

Mr. Forrester is not connected with any church. Mrs. Forrester is a member of the Methodist church in Inde- pendence, and has been for a period of thirty years.

Mr. Forrester is a staunch Republican, and his son James is strongly imbued with the same political faith.

SAMUEL C. LUCKEY.

Samuel C. Luckey was born in Albany county, New York, December 16, 1811. He was brought up a farmer, and followed that occupation until 1874. He went with his parents, at the age of three years, to Cayuga county, New York, and lived there until he was eighteen. From there the family moved to Allegheny county, where he lived until 1844, with the exception of four years in Wy- oming county, New York. He went to Boone county, Illinois, in 1844, where he lived four years, then went to Marquette county, Wisconsin; he was there four years, while the country was wild and new, and Wisconsin yet a territory. From Marquette county he moved to the In- dian lands in Waushara county, before the land had been surveyed by the government. Mr. Luckey built two houses there and improved two farms. He experienced much of the rough life of a pioneer. He lived there un- til the spring of 1861, and then came to Buchanan county and settled at Independence. Mr. Luckey followed va-

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rious kinds of work, until the fall of 1877, when he opened a restaurant on Chatham street, near Main street. He did a large business there for three years. In September, 1880, he bought the property formerly known as the "Rising Sun," and now keeps hotel. The Luckey House is very popular. Mr. Luckey is one of the most agreeable landlords of our acquaintance. He and his wife make their customers feel at home, and give them their money's worth every time. Their house is a favorite stopping place for farmers who come into the city to trade.

Mr. Luckey was married January 4, 1837, to Miss Caroline M. Blakeley, who was born in Green county, New York, September 19, 1816.

They have had five children, none of whom are living at present. Their names were: Oscar G., Ovando F., Elvira, Romanzo, and Cleantha G. All except Elvira, who died when one year old, lived to grow up. Oscar G. was married.

Mr. and Mrs. Luckey are members of the Methodist church. They are highly esteemed and have hosts of friends.

A. LITTLEJOHN

was born in Columbus, Ohio, August 20, 1833. He learned the boot and shoe-making trade, and worked in the city of Columbus for a period of about three years.

Mr. Littlejohn was married September 20, 1855, to Miss Ellen Cain, of Columbus, Ohio. In 1856 they immigrated to Iowa, and located in Independence, Buchanan county, where Mr. Littlejohn engaged in business with a Mr. Loomis, but only remained one year, when he went to work for Mr. John Wiley, remaining in Mr. Wiley's em- ployment until August 11, 1862, when he enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Iowa, where he served a term of three years, doing a soldier's duty, enduring the hardships and privation, and engaging in the memorable battles of Pleasant Hill, Nashville, Fort Blakely, and many others. Mr. Littlejohn's soldier experience, though it required nerve and endurance, is cherished by himself, as by many other of our soldier boys, with considerable pride, as well it may be. At the close of his term of enlistment, Mr. Littlejohn returned to Independence, and again en- gaged in the boot and shoe business with Mr. Wylie, where he remained as foreman in that store until No- vember, 1878, when he engaged in the boot and shoe business for himself, the firm being A. Littlejohn & Son. They have a nice store, and its appearance, upon entering, speaks favorably for its management. The writer has been told by a number of the business men of the town that the best custom-work was done at this establishment, which is saying considerable, as the competition in this branch of business is quite sharp.

Mr. Littlejohn has a family of six children, four sons and two daughters-James Otis, Harriet, Ida May, Frank Edgar, William Charles, and Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Littlejohn is one of the staunch Republicans of In- dependence, a good business man, and enjoys a large ac- quaintance in Buchanan county, as he is one of the oldest business men in Independence.

JOHN WILEY

was born in York, England, September 22, 1832. When he was five years and a half old, in company with his father, two brothers and two sisters-his mother having died when he was two and a half years old-he emigrat- ed to America, and settled in Lockport, Niagara county, New York. He remained with his parents until he was about twenty-three years of age, when, contrary to the wishes of his parents, he determined to emigrate for the west. His father was anxious to have him educate him- self preparatory to fitting himself for a professional po- sition, but John was averse to that kind of life and car- ried out his determination by leaving home and its natural attractions, and after visiting some few western towns, in 1856, May 12th, he came to Independence and began the boot and shoe business. September 9, 1867, he was married to Miss Amelia A. Parker, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Parker, who came to this county from the State of New York as early as 1857. Her father was a man admired by all who came in contact with him. In the fall of 1879 he met his death by fall- ing from a load of bran. Her mother is still living in Independence.

Mr. and Mrs. Wiley have been blessed with one child Albert Eugene, born January 30, 1873-a bright little boy, the pride of fond and indulgent parents. Mr. Wiley's father is still living in Richland county, Wiscon- sin, at the advanced age of eighty years.

Mr. Wiley is a man of exemplary business habits, and occupies a front rank among the business men of Inde- pendence. Mr. Wiley is a man who always pays one hundred cents on the dollar, and his strong sense of right has given him a position among the people of In- dependence that any man may be proud of, and none get unless deserved.

C. R. WALLACE

was born in Oswego, New York, September 25, 1837. In 1855, in company with his parents, one brother, and three sisters, he emigrated to Iowa. His father, Mr. Horace Wallace, engaged in the business of joiner and builder and farming. He died in April, 1865, and his mother died March, 1880. C. R. Wallace, having had some experience in school-teaching in New York, en- gaged in the same work soon after reaching Iowa. He taught two years at Mechanicsville, Cedar county, with the exception of a few months during the hot summer weather, when he assisted his father on the farm, where his services were doubtless appreciated, especially on a rainy day.

While teaching school Mr. Wallace gave the study of medicine as much time as possible, as he wished to pre- pare for the drug business. In 1857 he engaged as clerk in the drug store of his brother-in-law, J. W. Plummer, at Vinton, Iowa, where he remained one year and a half, when he came to Independence, and, in company with his father, engaged in the grocer business, but at the end of six months they sold out. He then purchased a stock

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of drugs of the widow of Dr. Butler, and from that time to the present, with perhaps a few months spent in se- lecting locations, Mr. Wallace has been constantly in the drug business, in which we find him one of the oldest and, doubtless, best druggist in Independence. The very appearance of the store speaks favorably of the man and his business qualifications. Mr. Wallace sold out his business in Independence in 1868 and started east to look up a location, and brought up in the town of Wooster, Ohio, where he bought an interest in the wholesale and retail drug and grocer business with a Mr. Eckles, the firm being Eckles & Wallace. Mr. Wal- lace took charge of the drug department. At the end of four years Mr. Wallace sold his interest in the busi- ness to Mr. Eckles, and returned to Independence more than ever in love with the western people. October 23, 1863, he was married to Miss Hellen H. Judd, in Chit- tenanga, New York, by the Rev. James Talmage, brother of De Witt Talmage. Mrs. Wallace is the daughter of Harley and Hannah H. Judd, of Chittenanga, New York. They have one child-Arthur H., born August 9, 1865. Mr. Wallace is a staunch Republican and a man worthy the respect of all who come in contact with him, either in a business or social way. Mrs. Wallace is distinguished for her skill in vocal music.

THOMAS F. CURTIS

was born in Yates county, New York, in 1841, where his parents still reside, his father at the age of about seven- ty-one and his mother sixty-nine.

Since 1858 Mr. Curtis has been actively engaged in business, having a livery stable, and is also engaged in buying and selling horses. By strict attention to business, combined with a large amount of good judg- ment, Mr. Curtis has gained a place among the business men of Independence that he richly deserves. He is generous, but shrewd and energetic, just the characteris- tics sure to place any man high in the estimation of as- sociates and business men generally. The writer is free to say that in all his wanderings the past ten years, in many different States, he has not been better, if ever so well, accommodated by a livery man. Mr. Curtis has nothing but first-class driving teams, and the young folks of Independence and vicinity enjoy many pleasant drives from this well known barn.

Mr. Curtis yet enjoys single blessedness. Neverthe- less, time don't seem to set hard upon his shoulders.

W. H. STEWART & CO.

This firm, consisting of W. H. Stewart and J. A. Aiman, engaged in the dry goods and millinery busi- ness in Independence, was organized in August, 1880. It was formerly under the management of W. H. Stew- art as sole proprietor, whose first connection with the business was in November, 1879. He is a son of Rob- ert Stewart, a highly respected citizen of Independence. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1856;

came to this county with his parents in 1860. His ear- ly years were spent on the farm and in school; was en- gaged in the creamery business one year in Westburgh township. The years 1877 and 1878 he spent in the Upper Iowa university, where he received a practical business education.

Mr. Aiman was born in the State of Pennsylvania in 1857. Most of his time previous to engaging in this business was spent in acquiring an education. He grad- uated in La Fayette college in 1878. The time inter- vening between this date and his connection with Mr. Stewart was spent in teaching in Fremont seminary. The members of this enterprising firm are known throughout the county as thorough-going, straightfor- ward, honorable business young men.

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History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 78

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