History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 141

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316

USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 141
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 141

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possessed of a snug little property, all earned by the sweat of his own brow. In the spring of 1855, he came to Iowa and settled in Waverly, and commeneed a business career that has proved to be very successful. Mr. Mores was first engaged in the saw mill business, and in 1856, engaged in the cabinet business, his being the first business of the kind ever established in the county; this he continued to run, in connection with his saw mill, until 1863. In 1870, he bought and remodeled the steam saw mill, which he continued to run until 1879, when he sold out. Previous to this, or in 1863, he commeneed to buy land in Bremer eounty; his first purchase was 181 aeres adjoining the plat, to this he has added from time to time, until now, he, in connection with his brother,owns 1,500 acres in this county, much of which is under a good state of cultivation. Since he sold his business interest in Waverly, he has devoted much of his time to superintending his large farm; aside from his landed interests, he owns a large amount of valuable property in the city of Waverly, ineluding his pleasant home "on the hill." Truly it may be said of Mr. Mores, that he has been identified with the interest of Wavely, in Bremer county, from its infaney to the present time, and is considered as one of its most prosperous and trusted eitizens. In politics, Mr. Mores has always been a strong demoerat; lie has also always been a strong supporter of the temperance eause, having taken an active part in the prohibi- tory question during the campaign of 1882. In 1861, he was married to Miss Jane Crieghton, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1830. They have seven

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

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children-Effie, Rosa, Hattie, Alta, Dacy, Jason and Willie. Mr. and Mrs. Mores are both active members of the Baptist Church.

E. F. Taber, one of the pioneers of Bre- mer county, was born in Cayuga county, New York, June 16, 1822. His early life was passed on a farm; but, at the age of seventeen, he clerked for a short time in a store of general merchandise. In 1844, he removed to Jackson, Michigan, and thence, the following spring, to the town of Mar- shall. He was married, in Branch county, in 1847, to Lydia A. Jeffery, a native of Spencerport, New York. Shortly after, he emigrated to Port Washington, Wis- consin, where he engaged in hotel-keeping and farming. During his residence in Wisconsin, Mr. Taber was postmaster for cight years, receiving his appointment in 1848. In 1855, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, and entcred some land. Three years later-in 1858-he removed his family to this county. At the time of his settlement here, the country schools were so few in number, and situated so far from his resi- dence, that he finally traded his farm for town property, in order that his children might have better educational advantages. Mr. Taber was elected the first city treas- urer of Waverly. He is one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the northwest, having been a member for thirty-five years. He is a brewer, and has been in that business for the past sixteen years. His wife bore him six children, four of whom are now living -Albert W., George E., Frank S., and Mary. Mrs. Taber died, March 1, 1863.

Austin S. Lawrence, who ranks among the old settlers of Bremer county, is a na- tive of Onondago county, New York, born

March 16, 1814. He is a son of John and Lydia (Sweet) Lawrence, the former be- ing of English descent, and the latter, a native of New York. Austin S. was the fourth child of a family of eleven child- ren. His early life was passed on a farm, and his cducation was obtained in the pub- lic schools. When eighteen years of age, he learned the tailors' trade and continued to follow that occupation until his health failed to such an extent that he was ob- liged to abandon it for some branch of trade less confining. In January, of 1836, his marriage with Miss Betsy Hamilton occurred. She was born June 22, 1812. Five children were given them, threc of whom are now living. In 1842 the family emigrated to Boone county, Illinois, and there remained until 1856. During the spring of that year, they removed to Wav- erly, Bremer county, Iowa, which still con- tinues to be their home. Mr. Lawrence brought with him a sack of goods, which he placed in a store-room, and began sell- ing. In the spring of 1856, he, in com- pany with Giles Mabie, purchased a stock of goods of Harmon & Hamilton; continu- ing business under the firm name of Law- rence & Mabie, until the following win- ter. The subject of this sketch has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1831, nearly fifty-two ycars. Their young- est son, John H., was killed in Texas, in 1876, by a band of desperadoes, because of his northern birth and politics.

Daniel Dean, a liveryman of Waverly, was born in Otsego county, New York, July 7, 1836. He was reared, and also re- ceived his education in his native county. In 1852, he emigrated to McHenry county, Illinois. Four years later, he came to

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Waverly, but did not immediately locate; first, spending some time looking over the northwest. Subsequently, he engaged in speculating in land and horses. He brought the first plows to the county that were sold in this market. In 1875, he was married to Miss Lucretia D., daughter of Eli Eggleston, who bore him three chil- dren-Harry, William and Silas. Mr. Dean is at present engaged in the livery business, the firm being Dean & Jewell, and they keep a stable of twelve horses, with first class turn-outs. He takes an ac- tive part in the politics of his county, always supporting the best man. During the years of 1856-7-8, he was deputy sheriff under James Ellis.

George W. LeVally, was born in Water- bury, Connecticut, in 1818. In 1822, he removed with his family to Lockport, New York, where he resided until 1850. At that date he removed to the state of Illi- nois, and three years later, went to Califor- nia, where he was engaged in the nursery business. In 1856, he returned to New York, and in the same year, settled in Wa- verly, Bremer county, Iowa, where he became one of the founders of the town. IIe visited California three times during his life, principally for the sake of his health. Mr. Le Vally was married in 1845, to Miss M. Norris, a daughter of Samuel Norris, of Connecticut. She was born in Steuben county, New York, during Octo- ber, of 1820. Four children were born to them-George W., Winfield Scott, Eva J., wife of S. F. Baker, of Waverly, and Va- cenia J., wife of Benjamin Chrisley, of Batavia, New York. He departed this life March 7, 1877.

James P. McCord, an early settler of Bremer county, is a native of Duchess county, New York, and was born October 25, 1812. He is a son of John I. and Maria (Voorhees) McCord, the latter be- ing a native of Duchess county, and of Scotch-Irish descent. James P. obtained his education in the common schools, fin- ishing it with a three years' course at the Whitesborough High school. In 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Woodworth, who was born in Rockland county, New York, on the 9th day of . April, 1816, and is a daughter of John and Elnore Woodworth. One child blessed the union-Dr. Eugene W. McCord, who is now practicing medicinc in Nebraska, and is also associated with the Jasper County News. In the spring of 1857, the subject of this sketch emigrated to Bremer county, Iowa, locating in Polk township, where he remained one year engaged in farming, and then settled in Waverly, where he has since resided. His life has been passed almost wholly in teaching and farming. Mr. McCord has written many articles for publication in various papers and magazines, and both his prose and poetry contain some very fine thoughts which are expressed in beautiful and graceful language.

E. A. Woodruff, an early settler of Bremer county, was born in Duchess county, New York, July 16, 1820. When he was five years old, the family removed to Bradford county, Pennsylvania. In 1845, his parents emigrated to Illinois, or rather they started, but his father died on the way, leaving his mother to enter that state alone. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the common

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schools, and when eighteen years old, re- moved to the State of Illinois. During the winters of 1839 and 1840, he formed one of a corps of engineers, who were survey- ing out railroads. In 1843 he was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia A. Ham- mond, a native of Jefferson county, New York. Nine children were born unto them, cight of whom lived to reach their ma- jority. In 1854, Mr. Woodruff came to Bremer county, Iowa, and after spending some time in looking up a good location, finally settled in Waverly, and in 1856, removed his family here. . During the same ycar, he opened a drug store, which was the first one in the place. In the fall of 1881, he made a trip to the Pacific coast, returning, the following spring.

William Smith, one of Bremer county's enterprising business men, was born in Oneida county, New York, April 18, 1809. IIis education was partially obtained in the common schools; but principally, hc owes the knowledge he possesses to his own efforts, during his leisure moments through life. When twenty-one years of age his health failed to such an extent that lie was obliged to give up occupations re- quiring hard manual labor. He therefore embarked in the mercantile trade, and at the same time operated an ashcry. At the end of three years, Mr. Smith sold out and became engaged in farming. In 1836, hc married Miss Rhoda Ward,a native of New York State, who borc him one child,-Wil- liam W., now located at Hartford, Butler county, Iowa,-and died in January, 1838. He again married, choosing as a helpmeet, Miss Eliza C. Frost. In 1853 the subject of this sketch came to Bremer county, Iowa, and purchased a large tract of land.

He, however, did not move his family here until the spring of 1860. At present he owns 1,522 acres of land in the counties of Butler and Bremer, besides his town prop- erty.

M. S. Spalding was born in Cayuga county, New York, October 30, 1832, and is a son of David and Harriet(Fuller) Spal- ding. He was reared on a farm, and rc- ceived an education in the public schools of his native State. In 1857 he removed his family to Bremer county, Iowa, settling in Waverly, where he has since resided. During 1860, lic was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Terry, a native of Wis- consin. She bore him three children- Florence, Farry and Mary-and died in 1869. Subsequently, Mr. Spalding mar- ricd Miss Lucia Rhodes, a native of New York. One child, a son, has been born to them. Mr. and Mrs. Spalding arc mem- bers of, and earnest workers in, the Con- gregational church.

Francis Smilie, a respected citizen of Waverly, was born in Cambridge, Lamoillc county, Vermont, on the 20th day of No- vember, 1817. He received an excellent education in the different institutions of learning in that section of the country, and was married June 1, 1845; to Miss Mary A. Perry, a daughter of Uri and Aroxa (Reynolds) Perry. Eight children were born to them, four of whom arc now liv- ing-Fannic A., wife of II. S. Burr of Waverly, Clara L., Annie Laurie and Earl M. In the fall of 1868, the family re- moved from their home in Vermont, to Waverly, Iowa, where they at present re- side. Mr. Smilie's father, the Honorable Nathan Smilie, was born in Harrisville, Massachusetts, January 29, 1787. He re-

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ceived an academic education at Atkinson Academy, and when twenty-five years of age, removed to Galaway, in Northern New York, and thence, the following year to Cambridge Vermont. October 31, 1815, he was joined in the holy bonds of matri- mony with Miss Esther Green, of Cam- bridge. After his marriage Mr. Smilic turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, following that branch of business for many years with good success. Later in life he devoted his time to agriculture, having be- come, during his business career, an exten- sive land owner. In 1825 he was elected to the State legislature, and for fourteen years, with the, exception of two, contin- ued a member of that body, being nine years in the House and three years in the Senate. It was there that he distin- guished himself as an able debater, as a clear, original and profound thinker, and, as a statesman of incorruptible integrity. The claims of education always engaged his most earnest attention and he never failed in using his power to promote its advancement. In 1839 hc was the demo- cratic candidate for governor of Vermont, and was again nominated the following. year. In 1840 there was no election of the people, consequently Mr. Smilie was defeated in the legislature. He died in Cambridge, Vermont, August 12, 1862.

William H. Mores was born in Oneida · county, New York, on the 8th day of April, 1824. His parents being poor, he was bound out to a man by the name of Hale, who nearly starved him. When ten years old, he went to Oraskiny, New York, where he was employed in a woolen mill, receiving twelve shillings per week, the first year, and in the meantime worked

over time to earn his clothing. The second year he went into the weave room, where he received three dollars per week, and was afterwards promoted to superintend- ent of the weave room, having charge of 800 employes. His health failing, he left the mill and went into a grist mill, re- maining one year. About this time he commenced to learn the carpenter trade. He continued in this business about one year and a half, when he went to Cleve- land, Ohio. He then went to work for John Remington, and afterwards formed a partnership with him and built the large railroad shops at Rome. After finishing the shop he went to Williamsburg, New York, where he had charge of a gang of men for F. B. Furguson, where he re- mained two years. In 1853, he went to Indiana, to erect some buildings for Alex- ander Kent, who there owned a large tract of land. The men under his charge took the fever so that he was compelled to re- turn to Rome. In the spring of 1855, he came to Waverly, where he followed his trade a short time, and soon after em- barked in the manufacture of furniture, which business he followed for nine years. In the meantime, in company with his brother, he purchased the saw mill. He sold his furniture business and purchased a large tract of land near Waverly. He and his brother have 1,840 acres of land. In 1875, he married Miss S. S. Couch, the widow of Henry Curtis, of Waverly.

Allen Sewell, an early settler of Bremer county, is a native of Pike county, Ohio, and was born May 9, 1830. His early ed- ucation was obtained in a log school house, and to reach it, he was obliged to travel three miles through the forest. At a later

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period he attended the Asbury University, and gained while there, an excellent edu- cation. March 18, 1852, he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Lydia E Mullens, a daughter of John H. Mullens, of Indiana. They have one son, R. H. During the summer of 1852, Mr. Sewell came to Bremer county, Iowa, loca- ting in Jackson township. After remain- ing here some little time, he returned to his home in the State of Indiana, and the following year, removed his family here. The subject of this sketch, came to Jack- son township in limited circumstances, but instead of sitting down to build air castles, he went to work, and is now the possessor of a fine property, and is looked upon as onc of Bremer county's good business men. For the past twenty-two years he has bought and shipped stock, in connection with farming. Himself and wife are mem- bers of the Methodist church of Waverly.

James W. Wood was born in Athol, Warren county, New York, August 29, 1824. When a young man he emigrated west, and while on his way, fell in com- pany with Joseph W. Willis and family, who were on their way to Iowa. He con- tinucd with the family, and upon reaching Delaware county was married, July 4, 1851, to Miss Alma Willis, the daughter of his fellow traveler. Shortly after, he with his bride, located in Janesville, Bre- mer county. One day while working on a building in that town, he fell, breaking his ankle, which afterwards necessitated the amputation of his foot. In 1854, he settled in Waverly and began manufactur- ing shingles. Later, he engaged in various pursuits. Mr. Wood was one of the first county commissioners of Bremer

county, serving with Judge Russell and W. P. Harmon. He died at his residence, in Waverly, September 26, 1862, and was missed and mourned by a large circle of friends. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wood, but one-Theon W .- is now living.

Austin Runyard, one of the early settlers of Bremer county, was born in Dorsetshire, England, July 4, 1831. He emigrated to the United States, and soon after landing upon this soil, located in Rockford, Win- nebago county, Illinois, and began work- ing at his trade -- wagon-making. He. afterward came to Bremer county, Iowa, and settled in Waverly, opening the second wagon shop in the town. In 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Sim- mondson, who bore him eight children, seven of whom are now living-Edwin J., Clement, Austin, Elizabeth, Emily, Alice, and Mary. Mr. Runyard has been identi- fied with the county for a number of years, and has taken a great interest in its settle- ment, and the building up of its towns and villages.

J. F. Brown was born in Nicholas, Tioga county, New York, December 20, 1830. He was united in marriage with Miss Eliz- abeth A. Goodyear, of Cayuga county, New York, August 23, 1855, and the same ycar, removed to the State of Illinois. During the spring of 1861, he came, with his family, to Waverly, Iowa, and con- tinucd to reside here, with the exception of seven years spent in Huntsville, Ala- bama, until his death. He ercctcd, on what is known as "cheap corner," one of the first brick buildings of Waverly, and, at its completion, opened a grocery store in it. In 1863 he was superintendent of

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the erection of the brick school house in the Second ward. In the spring of 1866,. he removed to Huntsville, Alabama, where he dealt in cotton, as a broker, until his return to. Waverly, in 1872. Mr. Brown then engaged in various branchies of trade until the time of his death, which occurred July 1, 1882. The funeral took place at the family residence, the Rev. A. M. Case, of the Congregational church, officiating, assisted by Rev. H. H. Burrington. By his death, Waverly lost onc of her most respected citizens, and one, whose genial disposition won the admiration and love of all who came in contact with him, either socially or in a business way. Charles W., the only surviving child of J. F. and Eliz- abeth Brown, was born in Cayuga county, New York, July 15, 1859. He received a liberal education, completing the same at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Chicago, in 1877. Immediately upon leav- ing school, he entered his father's store as book-keeper, and, in 1879, embarked in the wood and coal business for himself. Dur- ing the fall of 1879, he was joined in wed- lock with Miss Lilla B. Clark, who was born in 'Racine, Wisconsin, April 6, 1861, and is a daughter of Hon. R. B. Clarke, (deccased) of Waverly. One child-Lu- ella Dixie-brightens their home.

William Hurley, is a native of Miami county, Ohio, and was born September 10, 1810. Hc is a son of Zachariah and Mary (Manning) Hurley. The father was a native of Virginia, and through life, followed the occupation of " a tiller of the soil." He emigrated to the State of Ohio in 1808, being one of its pioneers. In 1831 he re- moved to Grant county, Indiana. William was reared on his father's farm, in the wilds

of a new country, and consequently his education was sadly neglected. In 1847 he was married to Miss Mary Boots, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, November 29, 1817. Ten children blessed the union, six of whom are now living: Francis M., Lydia A., wife of Charles Parminter, Jas- per., Mary, wife of Homer Daily, William N. and George. April 26, 1853, Mr. Hurly took up his line of march for the far west, locating in Bradford, Chickasaw county, Iowa. In 1858 lie removed to Pearl Rock, and two years later came to his present. home, in Waverly. He now owns 111 acres of land, under good cultivation, and valued at $45.00 per acre. He has been identified with the State for twenty-nine years, and many and rapid have been the changes he has witnessed. The family are members of the Baptist church.

John Voight, one of the oldest meat- markct men of Waverly, was born in Sondershousen, Germany, March 14, 1829. He left his native country for America in 1850, landing in the city of New York, on the 4th day of July. Shortly after, he re- moved to Syracuse, New York, engaging in the butcher business. He was married in that city, in 1856, to Miss Emma Wusthoff, a native of Germany, and born May 11, 1834. Five children have been born to them, four of whom are now liv- ing-Mary, born June 7, 1857; John, born January 1, 1859; Charlie, born March 2, 1867, and Emma, whose birth occurred. September 8, 1874. During 1854, he re- moved to Waterloo, New York, and there resided twelve years. In 1867, they set- tled in Waverly, Bremer county, Iowa, and Mr. Voight immediately launched in his former business. To-day, he has an

F. 7. Gibson.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

excellent trade, doing from $8,000 to $10,- 000 worth of business per year. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and also of the I. O. O. F. The family belong to the Congregational church.

F. H. Schlutsmeyer was born in the Principality of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, on the 26th day of May, 1853. He is a son of F. and Mina (Thoren) Schlutsmeyer. His parents had nine children born to them --- four sons, and five daughters-of whom three sons and one daughter are now liv- ing. The subject of this sketch was edu- cated in the Gymnasium of Lemgo, Ger- many. At the age of seventeen he entered the counting room of F. W. Wippermann, of Lemgo, remaining an apprentice two and one-half years. In 1872, he came to -this country, and, shortly after landing on American soil, settled in Waverly, Iowa, finding employment in the dry goods estab- lishment of Bringmann & Schmidt-after- ward F. W. Schmidt-where he remained three and one-half years At the expira- tion of that time, Mr Schlutsmeyer was employed by J. F. Brown, and took charge of the dry goods department of said house. Three years later he was appointed deputy clerk of courts, which position he filled for over a year, and was then engaged by H. L. Ware, as salesman in his dry goods es- tablishment. During the year 1876 he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia S. Klages, daughter of Fred Klages, of War- ren township, Bremer county. She was born on the 12th day of July, 1855, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They are blessed with two children-Carl W, a boy of five years, and Minnie A., four months of age.

Harvey Sullivan was born in Otsego county, New York, September 6, 1837.

When a boy of fifteen years, he left his home to battle for himself. He has spent more or less of his life on the race track, first riding running horses and afterwards driving and selling horses. He was mar- ried in 1860, to Miss Lucinda Wright, a daughter of Wise Wright, a native of New York State. Three children- Carrie, Charlie and Wilbur-have been born to them. Mr. Sullivan enlisted in Company "G," Twenty-second Ohio In- fantry, and participated in the following engagements: First, in the Battle of Williamsburg, Seven Pines; second, Bat- tle of Bull Run and Gettysburg, thence to the Shenandoah Valley, where he engaged in the battles of Lynchburg, Walnut Hill, Cedar Creek, and others. He was mus- tered out at the close of the war. In the fall of 1865, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, locating at Waverly, where he has since been engaged in buying and selling horses. Among the horses owned and handled by Mr. Sullivan are, Hate Lake- away, whose record is 2:38; Wahoo, with a record of 2:45, and New Hampton Girl, whose record is 2:233; St. Louis, for which he paid $500, has made his mile in 2:22, and was sold for the neat little sum of $2,300. He also owns other good horses, which are now in training.

B. M. Reeves was born in Cayuga county, New York, February 21, 1825. He is a son of Manassah and Estherl (Perry) Reeves, who were married in Cayuga county, New York, March 27, 1817, and were the parents of eight chil- dren, seven of whom are living. His parents were poor, and his father had to work by the month to support a large family. For six years he worked for $13

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

per month, and in that time, with the help of his wife and older children, had ac- cumulated $600. When B. M. was thirteen years of age, his father purchased a tract of land in the wilderness, which B. M. was active in helping to clear. When twenty-two years of age he left home without a cent in his pocket, having given his last penny to his father. In the fall of 1848, he came west, locating in Boone county, Illinois, where he was soon after employed in a mill, where he re- mained for six years. He again started west, stopping at Manchester until the fall of the same year, when he came to Waverly, where he soon after embarked in the milling business. September 30, 1856, he married Miss Eliza H. Sellens. She was born November 25, 1834, in Oneida county, New York. Three chil- dren blessed this union-Kittie E., Hubert H. and Edward M. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have a beautiful farm in the limits of Waverly, on which he has one of the finest orchards with the choicest fruit in the county. Mr. Reeves has taken an active interest in the county, holding several important offices. He has also always taken an active part in educational matters, his own opportunities being very limited, he saw the necessity of giving his children a good education. : During the war for the Union, Mr. Reeves was a member of the board of supervisors, and it is doubtful if any man in Bremer county, did more towards raising soldiers to fill the quota of this county ; and cer- tainly none did more towards looking after the families of the soldiers, and alleviating their sufferings. During the entire war he had charge of all the soldiers' families

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 141

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1316

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316