History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 60

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 60
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 60

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Mrs. Angeline Jones, wife of Captain John R. Jones, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, on the 31st day of October, 1836. Her father, Egbert But- terfield, was born October 3, 1810, and her mother, Sally M., January 13, 1816. They moved from New York to Wilmington in 1845. They had three children-two sons -Levi, born January 14, 1839; William, boru May 10, 1841; and one daughter, Angeline, born October 31, 1836. She re- mained with her parents at Wilmington, receiving a common school education, un- til her marriage on the 1st of May, 1856, to Captain John R. Jones. Of the three children which have blessed this union two are living-Mary M., born March 12, 1857, and Carrie S., born September 6, 1861. Ida A., born June 24, 1859, died September 28, 1860. Carrie S. was mar- ried to John P. Reed, of Shell Rock, Sep- tember 30, 1880. Mary M. was married to George A. McIntyre, of Allison, No- vember 9, 1882.

Henry Atkinson settled at Clarksville in December, 1855. He entered the employ

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

of Daniel Mather, and remained with him for over two years. Subsequently he , worked for Robert T. Crowell. He finally rented a piece of land and commenced toiling for himself. In 1860 Mr. Atkin- son married Miss Sophia Cloukey, a native of Lower Canada, and in 1863 located on section 12, Butler township. He has been industrious, as well as economical, and now owns 240 acres of fine farming land and thirteen and one-half acres of timber. Mr. Atkinson is a native of England, born in Yorkshire, October 3, 1831. He emi- grated to the United States in 1851, and resided in New York and Canada until 1855. He is a republican, but in local poli- tics believes in voting for the best man, regardless of party principles. The children are Alice, Viola, Francis H., May, Samuel L., George A., Clara B. and I. O. W.

John Hickle purchased two hundred acres of land and settled where he now re- sides in May, 1856. He soon became highly respected among the settlers, as he was ever ready to stretch forth a helping hand to assist a new settler who was bat- tling with pioneer life. There are many of the settlers still in the county who speak in the highest terms of Mr. Hickle for favors shown them during the hard times of 1857-8-9. Mr. Hickle was born in Ross county, Ohio, August 24, 1812. In 1840 he married Miss Hester VanGundy, and in 1846 migrated to Illinois, residing there until his removal to Butler county, Iowa. He now owns 300 acres of land. Of their nine children seven are now liv- ing - Jacob, William, David, Warren, Charles, Eliza and Alfred. Mr. Hickle was for many years a trustee of the town. He has been a strong republican ever

since the party was organized. When he was nine years of age, his father dying, he was obliged to work his way up in life, and his education was therefore very lim- ited.

The first regular blacksmith shop in Clarksville was opened in the fall of 1855 by W. A. Riden, who continued the busi- ness until 1866. He then settled on his farm, 200 acres of which he purchased when he first came to the county, but he now owns 320 acres, all of which is well improved. Mr. Riden was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, in October, 1825. His early life was spent on the farm, but at the age of eighteen years he commenced work at his trade. In 1849 he married Miss Sarah Schnee, of Union county, Penn- sylvania. In the spring of 1855 he started westward, and after stopping a few months in Ogle county, Illinois, he came to Clarksville as already stated. Mr. and Mrs. Riden have four children-Mary B., now Mrs. Sutcliffe, and whose husband died in July, 1873; Harvey, Willis E. and Frank A. Mr. Riden is and always has been a democrat. , In religion his family were Lutherans.

James E. Burke arrived in Butler county on the 30th day of September, 1858. He lived on rented land on seetion 33 for one year. In December, 1859, he bought ninety-seven acres of land on section 29, but did not move on to it until March, 1860. In the spring of 1864 he sold out and departed. for Kansas, but returned in the fall and purchased the same farm, now having 168 acres of well improved land. Mr. Burke was born in the city of New York, February 12, 1831. His father, William Burke, was a native of Ireland,

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and his mother, Eliza, a native of England. They both came to this country with their parents when children. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Ohio on a farm, received but a limited education, and remained in Ohio until he came to Iowa. When he went to Kansas he ex- pected to stay, but not finding things satis- factory he returned. Mr. Burke tells of many hardships he had to endure the first year. He got only fifty cents in cash for labor, and was obliged to sell some of his clothes to get food. On the 3d day of February, 1853, he married Miss Mary J. Anderson, a native of Ohio. They have six children living-John, William, Sarah (now Mrs. William Betts), Clifton, and Allie and Alice, twins. In politics Mr. Burke is a strong republican; in religion he is a liberal.

Wellington Mitchell was born in Tomp- kins county, New York, March 15, 1830. He was bred to farm life, residing in his native State until 1854. He then emigrated to Iowa and settled in Linn county. In 1857 he married Miss Caroline M. Bruce. In 1861 they came to Clarksville, but in 1862 Mr. Mitchell felt it his duty to respond to the call of his country. As his most intimate friends lived in Linn county, he enlisted from there in Company H, of the Twenty- fourth Iowa Infantry, served bravely with his company, and at the battle of Cham- pion Hill, May 16, 1863, gaye his life for his country, and was buried on the battle field. His wife, Mrs. C. M. Mitchell, is still a resident of Clarksville, and since 1871 has been postmaster at that place. She is a native of Medina county, Ohio, her parents being Harvey and Mary Jane

(Sharp) Bruce. Her only son D. B., also resides at Clarksville.

F. W. Chapin, son of Joel and Lucy Chapin, was born in Jefferson county, New York, February 3, 1833. In 1850 the family emigrated to Illinois, and settled in LaSalle county. IIere F. W. learned the carpenter's trade; previous to this he had always worked on the farm, and had received but a common school education. In 1854 the family removed to Greene county, Wisconsin, where he continued his trade, also followed wagon-making and farming. He was married in 1859 to Miss Martha Kellogg, who died in 1861, leaving no children. In 1862 Mr. Chapin came to Butler county, Iowa. He now owns 216 acres of well improved land. In 1865 he married Miss Eliza A. Panley, daughter of Jonathan Panley, a native of Virginia. They have four children-Horace V., Byron E., Fred H. and Elvalette. Mr. Chapin has been justice of the peace in his town for four years, assessor for one year, and a member of the school board for eight or ten years. He is a republican to the back bone; in religion lie is a liberal. Joel Chapin (father of F. W.) and family came to Butler county in 1861. There were five children, four of whom are living- Juliaette, F. W., B. W. and Alvira E. Joel Chapin died in 1877, and his wife in 1871.

David Hostetler, a native of Holmes county, Ohio, was born February 4, 1817. His parents, Joseph and Susanna (Mast) Hostetler, were natives of Pennsyl- vania, but they settled in Ohio in 1807, being among the early settlers of Holmes county, where they both died in 1858 at an advanced age. David was brought up

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

on a farm, and received but a common school education. He is the fourth son of a family of eight, all of whom are living. He resided in Indiana and afterward in Wisconsin, where he married Miss Eliza- beth Shafer. In 1862 he came to Iowa and settled on section 36, Butler township. Mr. Hostetler has been identified with the school interests ever since he came to the county, and has been president of the school board for two terms. He has also been trustee of the town for two years. In politics he has been both democrat and republican, but now is an independent, voting for the best man. In religion he is a liberal. His wife died November 7, 1881, at the age of fifty-five years. He has three children-Eugene, Max and Bruno. His two oldest sons are now in the mercantile business in Nebraska, and the other in the State University.

. J. R. Hall resides on section 27, Butler township. He came to this county in 1862. His parents, Young and Rachel (Hay) Hall, were both natives of Kentucky, and he was born in that State on the 6th day of February, 1835. While he was yet an infant the family emigrated to Illinois, where the parents still reside, having cele- brated their golden wedding November 24, 1879, at which anniversary there were eight persons present who witnessed the marriage fifty years previously. J. R. re- sided with his parents until 1862, when he came to Iowa, and in partnership with James O. Barnard purchased about one hundred head of cattle, herded them dur- ing the summer, and in the fall drove them to Chicago, the trip occupying twenty-one days. In 1863 Mr. Hall married Miss Mary J. Barnard, daughter of William

Barnard, now of Butler county, and in 1865 settled where he now resides. He has made farming his business, and now owns about 400 acres of land. The chil- dren are G. F., Mittie P.,' Lida R. and Sylvia E.

Johnson Gates, Jr., settled on section 26, Butler township, in 1864. He was born in Saratoga county, New York, September 16, 1845. His father, Johnson Gates, was of Spanish parentage and a native of Sara- toga county, New York. His mother, Caroline Gates, was born in Washington county, New York, in 1818. The family emigrated to Wisconsin in 1850 and set- tled in Walworth county, where they re- sided until 1864, when they came to this county. The father died in 1873. His mother still lives and resides with John- son, Jr., who now owns the homestead. Mr. Gates received a liberal education, completing it at Bryant & Stratton's Con- mercial College, Milwaukee, in the winter of 1864. He was married December 10, 1873, to Miss Ida M. Gilbert. . They have one son-Loran J.

Simeon Downing resides on section 13, and his post office is Shell Rock. He was born in Adams county, Ohio, February 17, 1828, and when ten years of age removed with his parents, William and Susannah (Newman) Downing, to Sciota county, where he helped till the soil until 1844. The family then migrated to Iroquois county, Illinois. Here, in 1850, Mr. Down- ing married Miss Susannah Williams, also a native of Adams county, Ohio. In 1864 they emigrated to Iowa, lived in Bremer county two years, then came to Butler county and located where they now reside. Mr. Downing has been successful as a

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

farmer, and now owns 180 acres of fine land. In politics he was a democrat up to 1864, since which time he has voted the republican ticket. His religions connec- tions are with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children are Mattie, now wife of George Sewell, of Dakota; Arthur, Dennis, residing in Dakota, and Flora B. Mr. Downing received but a common school education. His father died in Kan- sas and his mother in Illinois. The fam- ily were of English descent.

James Neal, the sixth of ten children of William and Rebecca (Murray) Neal, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1844. He removed with his family to Wisconsin, and helped till the soil until 1863, then went to Montana Territory and followed mining until the fall of 1865, then returned to Wisconsin, and soon afterward came to Butler county, Iowa. When Mr. Neal first came to this county he worked at the carpenter's trade, and, in 1871, in partnership with Wm. Morrison, purchased the old saw mill in the south part of town, running the same until 1879; also continuing his trade. Mr. Morrison then withdrew, and J. E. Gilbert became a partner. In 1881 Mr. Gilbert sold to W. H. Bettenger, and the firm then fitted the mill for grinding feed. In 1882 Mr. Neal became sole proprietor, but soon associated his brother, E. L. Neal, as a partner, and the firm, as Neal Brothers, fitted up the present steam feed mill in Clarksville, which they now operate, and also carry on an extensive flour and feed business. Mr. Neal, in 1870, married Miss Cakturia Taylor, and they now have one son-Albert. In politics Mr. Neal is a

democrat, and always has been. He was assessor of the city for one year.

H. M. Swan was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, on the 7th day of June, 1820. He was a resident of western New York until 1856, when he emigrated to Iowa, first locating at Monona, Clayton county, Iowa; subsequently resided two years at Waukon, Allamakee county, from which place he came to Bremer county, 'and eighteen months later, (in 1867), to this county. He located on section 16, Butler township, where he now owns eighty acres of land. Mr. Swan has taught abont forty terms of school. He attended the scientific course at the West- ern Reserve College, at Oberlin, Ohio, and spent two years at a theological seminary; he graduated from the scientific depart- ment in 1853. At about seventeen years of age he commenced to teachı. . He has taught some in this town, and has been a member of the school board. In politics he is a democrat. His religious connec- tions are with the Congregationalists. On the 25th day of April, 1850, Mr. Swan married Miss Elizabeth Allen, and they now have five children-Chester M., Julius A., Eva M., Jane, and Bertha.

C. G. Schellenger came to Clarksville in 1868, and at once purchased a small stock of hardware, which was being closed out at that time; enlarged the same, and associated George Eck as partner. Geo. Eck & Co. carried on business about one year ; the business then changed to Schel- lenger & Hesse, and continued with marked success until December 14, 1879, when their stock was destroyed by fire. Mr. Schellenger then settled up the busi- ness of the firm, and in the fall of 1880

Met. Riden.

Daran. Sarah. G. Riolen .

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

engaged in the grocery business: To this he has since added boots and shoes, and now enjoys a good trade. Mr. Sehellen- ger is a native of Lafayette county, Wis- consin ; born December 18, 1832. His father, George Schellenger, was a native of New York, and his mother, Beulah (Lamb) Schellenger, of Indiana. He was reared on a farm, but at the age of twenty- one, engaged in general merchandise at Wiota, Wisconsin. Two years subse- quently, he came to Iowa, a pioneer of Howard county, being engaged in trade at Oregon until he came to Clarksville in 1868. Mr. Schellenger was married in 1857 to Miss Lauraine McColum, a na- tive of Massachusetts. They have had three children, one son now living- "Charles L. Mr. Schellenger is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Clarks- ville, and Commandery at Cedar Falls. He was Master of the Blue Lodge one year, and High Priest of the Chapter three years. He was one of the charter members of the Chapter and its first secre- tary. In politics Mr. Schellenger is a re- publican. His father died in Wisconsin some three years ago, but his mother is still living on the old homestead.

J. D. Roberts resides on section 29, But- ler township. He now owns 200 acres of land. He is a native of Ross county, Ohio; born September 10, 1833. His parents, Elijah and Mary ( Hickle ) Roberts, were both natives, of Virginia. In 1847 the family emigrated to Illinois, and engaged in farming. In 1862, J. D. enlisted in Company B, Ninety-fourth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, and served three years, par- ticipating in the battles of Prairie Grove,

siege of Vicksburg, Brownsville, sicge of Fort Morgan, Spanish Fort, etc. He was in six battles, in all, serving as a private; was not wounded, although he saw many of his comrades fall by his side. He then returned to Illinois, and in September, 1868, came to Iowa. In 1864 Mr. Roberts married Miss Maria Oliver. They have six children-William, Oliver, John, Grant, Ida, and Edward. Mr. Roberts cast his first ballot for John C. Fremont, and has been a republican since. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His religious connections are with the Baptists. He has been one of the trustees of the town for a good many years.

W. C. Wamsley, son of Allen and Emily Wamsley, was born in Adams county, Ohio, November 6, 1857. He was left fatherless when two years of age; his mother subsequently married W. T. Smith, and in 1869 the family moved to Iowa and settled in Clarksville. Mr. Wamsley's younger days were spent on a farm, but, having a desire to lead a mer- cantile life, at the age of sixteen he com- menced clerking in Clarksville, where he continued for six years. In the year 1877 he graduated at Bailey's Commercial Col- lege, of Keokuk, Iowa. He embarked in the mercantile business with Mr. Horton, under the firm name of Wamsley & Hor- ton. Here he continued until 1881, when he disposed of his interest, and has been clerking in the same store for A. C. Smith. He was married December 21, 1881 to Miss Kittic Eichar, daughter of J. J. Eichar, of Clarksville.

E. B. Blaisdell resides on section 13 ; owns 223 acres of land and is a well-to-do farmer. He is a native of New Hamp-

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shire; born March 2, 1822. He remained on a farm until he was nineteen years of age, receiving a common school education. In 1841 he learned the trade of a machin- ist, and followed the same in New Hamp- shire and Massachusetts for about ten years. In 1850 he migrated to Wisconsin where he was engaged in mill-wrighting for four years. He then returned to his na- tive State; helped his parents dispose of their property, after which they also mi- grated to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where they still reside. After returning from the east Mr. Blaisdell followed farm- ing for one year, and then engaged in the stock buying and shipping business, also milling business, in which he contin- ued six years. While in Wisconsin he was justice of the peace for twelve years, and a member of the county board of supervisors for twelve years, also, clerk of the school board during the time of his residence there. At the age of twenty he was married to Miss Olive Wylie. She died at Wyocena, Wisconsin, leaving three children, two of whom are now liv- ing-Frances, now Mrs. A. Calvert, and John E. Mr. Blaisdell subsequently mar- ried Miss Charlotte Smoke, and in 1869 came to Iowa, and purchased his present farm, and has since been a resident of Butler township. In politics he is a strong republican. He has been secretary of the school board in this township for six years. James Walrath was born in Madison county, New York, September 3, 1847. His . parents, Henry and Elizabeth Walrath, were also natives of said State. In 1849 the family emigrated to Illinois, and in 1863 to Monroe county, Wisconsin; thence in 1871 to Iowa. In 1876 James married

Miss Margaret Dixson, of Will county, Illinois. They have three children- Willie J., Mary E. and Carrie Belle. Mr. Walrath is a republican in politics, and at present is assessor of Butler township.

A. C. Barrett, an early pioneer of Bremer county, is a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, born July 1, 1827, his parents being Caleb and Rachel (Coo- per) Barrett, both natives of said State. Mr. Barrett's school days were few. He helped till the soil, and in 1847 married Miss Sabulia Bonestein, a native of North- ampton county. In 1856 he emigrated to Iowa and settled at Waverly. Mr. Barrett worked at various employments until 1869, when he came to Butler county, and pur- chased his present farm of 120 acres (the same being raw prairie), and he now has it all well improved; its value is about $35 per acre. The children are Oliver, Alvin, Francis, Richard and Mandus.

Thomas Hunt came to this county in 1854. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 2, 1832. His father, Samuel Hunt, was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother, Sarah (Faulkner) Hunt, in Ohio. He resided in his native State until he came to Iowa. In 1857 he mar- ried Miss Nancy Farlow, and in 1860 settled where he now resides. Mr. Hunt owns 212 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation, and his dwelling erected 1882, is one of the best in the county. He also owns 480 acres in Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have seven children-Sarah E., U. F., Charles A., Mary M., Samuel, Lillie B. and Thomas A. Mr. Hunt has been treasurer of the school board for a good many years. He is a republican. In religion a liberal. He was one of the

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

charter members of the Odd Fellows Lodge, is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and has held offices in the same.

Solomon C. Cross was born in Monroe county, New York, in 1819. His parents, Asa and Abigail Cross, were both natives of New Hampshire. In abont 1828 the family removed to Cattaraugus county, New York, where Solomon C. helped till the soil until 1855. He then emigrated to Wisconsin, and there married Miss Helen A. Whelan. In 1856 he came to Iowa, and first settled in Bremer county. Here, November 6, 1861, his wife died, and he subsequently married Miss Phœbe A. Whelan. In April, 1870, he came to Butler county, and now owns 235 acres of fine land. Their children are Elida, Edwin, Abbie and Sydna.

A. Best came to the county in 1862, and first lived with his brother, Jesse Best, who came here in 1854, and now resides in Kansas. In June, 1864 he married Miss Catherine McCrery, daughter of Samuel McCrery, of Indiana, and in 1865 settled on section 31, Butler township. He owns 300 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Best was born in New Jersey, July 10, 1836, his parents being Peter and Mary (Trim- mer) Best. In about 1839 the family migrated to Knox county, Ohio. Here Mr. Best learned the wagonmaker's trade, and followed the same for three years after coming to Butler county. The children are Jacob S. and John W. The family are all members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a strong republican.

Ruluff Root is a native of Herkimer county, New York, being born at West Schuyler on the 10th day of September, 1827. His father, Ruluff Root, was a na-

tive, of Kenyon, Connecticut, and his mother, Fannie. (Kent) Root, of Rhode Island. They were married in Herkimer county, New York, and reared a family of seven children, four of whom are now liv- ing-Sallie, now Mrs. Horace Richardson, of Oneida county, New York; Mary Ann, now Mrs. E. M. Day, of West Schuyler, New York; George, of Fairport, New York, and Ruluff-the subject of this sketch-who was bred to farm life. In 1859 he came to Iowa and entered one thou- sand acres of the best land situated in Dayton township, Butler county, then re- turned to his native state. In 1864 Mr. Root brought his family to Butler county, living on his farm until 1868. The farm where he now lives adjoins the town plat of Clarksville and contains 247 acres. Mr. Root still owns all the land he entered in 1854, and his is the finest stock farm in the county. His real estate amounts to thirteen hundred and forty-seven acres. In 1855 Mr. Root was married to Miss Rula Budlong, a native of Freeport, Mon- roe county, New York. Her father, Mil- ton Budlong, was also born in the Empire State, and shipped the first carload of cat- tle over the N. Y. C. & H. R. Railroad. Her mother, Clarissa (Shumway) Budlong, was a native of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Root have four children-Milton R .; Clara F., now Mrs. Lewis Slimmer; Lida E., now Mrs. William Ladd, and Rula M. Mr. Root is a republican, but takes no more interest in politics than to perform his duty as a citizen.

Byron L. Poisal, only son of William Poisal, was born in Clarksville, August 5, 1859. He was educated in the public schools of that city. He learned the shoe-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

maker's trade at the age of fifteen years, and followed the same until May, 1881. He then entered the employ of H. F. L. Burton, as clerk, and in September, 1882, becaine a partner in the business, the firm now being Burton & Poisal.

W. H. Moore, a farmer on section 16, was born in Schoharie county, New York, ou the 14th day of March, 1841. He spent the days of his youth attending school and helping his parents till the soil. Subse" quently he taught school; residing in his native State until 1861. He then emigrated to Wisconsin, continued teaching, and in 1865 enlisted in the Forty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry, and served eight months as a private. In 1866 Mr. Moore came to Iowa, and purchased property in Butler town- ship. He taught school the following winter, and in 1867 married Miss Mary A. Perrin, daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Woods) Perrin. Mr. Moore now owns 240 acres of land, and is considered a prosperous farmer. He is a republican in politics, and has held local offices. The children are-Ellena, Delmar J., Lizzie, Annie P., and Arthur G.

J. R. Taylor purchased his present farm on the 11th day of October, 1852, and then returned to Indiana. Two years subse- quently he returned to Butler township. In 1855 he was married, in Indiana, to Miss Hester Cook. They have four children- Morrison A., John M., Percill A. C., and Rose E. Mr. Taylor is a son of John and Rachel (Robey) Taylor. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1829. He re- moved with the family to Park county, Indiana. After the death of his father he returned with his mother to Ohio, and lived with her in that State until her marriage

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 60

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