USA > Iowa > Davis County > History of Davis County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. > Part 74
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SWINNEY, ISAAC, farmer and stock-dealer, section 28, postoffice Floris: was born May 21, 1824, in Summers county, West Virginia. When he was five years old, his parents moved to Decatur county, Indiana, and in the spring of 1844, he came to Davis county lowa. He was raised a farmer, and received a common school education. In the fall of 1844 he re- turned to Indiana, and in 1845 he came back and staid awhile, and again returned to Indiana, and May 27, 1847, was married to Miss Oleva Johnson, of Decatur county, Indiana, and soon after brought his wife to this county, to share the hardships and joys of pioncer life. With strong arms but limi- ted means, he went to work to improve his claim, and was very successful, for seven or eight years, then commenced shipping stock, which he has been engaged in since, in connection with his farm. Mr. S. is the oldest stock shipper in the county, being a careful buyer, and doing a safe business. Ile has a fine farm of 400 acres, 300 in cultivation, the balance in woodland pasture. There is a living spring on the farm, which has supplied his stock with water for over thirty years. He has just completed a new house, large and commodins, which adds greatly to the beauty of his farm. Mr. and Mrs. S. have had three children, Mary E., wife of O. F. Briggs, of Chicago; James R. and one. deceased. James R. is a partner with his father in the stock business, and was married September 20, 1881, to Miss Mattie La Ford, a native of this connty. The subject of this sketch and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and are highly esteemed by everyone. Mr .. S. is a republican in politics.
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MARION TOWNSHIP.
ADAMS, SAMUEL T., pioneer-farmer and stock-raiser, section 27; was born in Prince George county, Md., where he lived until he arrived at the age of manhood, receiving a limited education in the common schools and growing np on the farm. In 1837, he came to Bartholomew county, Ind., and in the spring of 1845, eame to this county, In the spring of 1864, he moved to Madison county, and two years latter came back, and in 1870, went back to Madison county but soon after returned to this county, where he has since resided. His farm contains 450 acres, of which 335 are under cultivation, the balance is woodland and pasture, which he devotes to stock. He was married December 26, 1836, to Miss Sarah Ann Bivin, a native of Maryland. They have had six children : Geo. H., Lewis F., Saml. T., Mary E., John Q. and Wm. N. (deceased). Geo. F. and Saml. T. are farmers living in the neighborhood. Mary E. is the wife of Jos. Williamson, living in Dal- las county, and Lewis F. is living with his parents to eomfort them in their old age.
AHEE, HENRY T .. dealer in general merchandise, postoffice Ash Grove; was born in Franklin county, Ind., December 3, 1859, and came to Davis county with his parents, in 1861, and has lived here ever since. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. During the last few years he has been disabled from working on the farm, and he purchased a stock of goods of G. W. Newton, and is doing a splendid business; being an honest, energetic young man, his prospects for the future are brilliant. What he ought to get now, is some good little woman to share his prosper- ity.
ANDERSON, JAS. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section 18; was born in Clark county, Ky., January 23, 1815, being reared a farmer and receiving a limited education in the subscription schools. In 1851, he emigrated to this county coming overland with six yoke of oxen and four horses, reach- ing his destination in thirty days, and purchased the farm where he now lives, containing 360 acres of well improved land. He was married at the age of twenty-three, to Miss Ann Tate, a native of Kentucky. They have had thirteen children: Jas. W., Sarah Ann, Pleasant. Martha, Harriett, Ruthy, Thomas, Ann Eliza, Hithe F., Drewzila, Wilford, Araminta and Amanda J. (deceased ).
BAILEY, ORANGE. farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, post-office Albany; one of the first settlers of Marion township, was born March 11, 1811, in Bradford county Pennsylvania. He was raised a farmer; when 10 years of age, came with his father, Smith Bailey, to Muskingum county, Ohio; and eight years later moved to Fraklin county where he lived seven years. Ile received his education in the subscription schools. He came to this county in 1845, built a log cabin and endured the many hardships a pioneer is subject to. When he arrived with a wife and four children, $1,50 was his entire eapital, and in less than a year his wife dicd, leaving him the care of four small children, and a new farm to attend too. His farm now contains 110 acres, all under cultivation. He is a member of the United Bretheren Church, and in poltics is a republican. He was first married to Miss Lydia Wagner of Franklin county, Ohio; and they had seven children: William S., David S., Rose Mantie, Ann, and three deceased, Warren, Charley S., and Mary O. Was married again in January
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3849, to Miss Naney Good, daughter of Isaac Good of Muskingum county, Ohio, and they have had thirteen children; Thomas J., Elizabeth, Rachel, James H., Frances M., IIiram, Emma J., Austin, and five deceased, Frank- lin, Ira, Peter J., and two in infancy.
BARE, W. R., farmer and raiser of fine stoek, section 2, post-office Ash Grove; was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, March 6, 1844. Coming with his parents to this county when one year old, settling on Soap Creek, being one of the first settlers. Here he grew to manhood helping his father elear the farm, and attending school in the winter. At the age of 18 he moved to Bloomfield, went to school two years, then returned to the farm. In the spring of 1864, he, in company with several others, went to California and returned in 1869. He was married January 23, 1873, to Miss Alice Wonn, daughter of Hon. H. A. Won of this connty, and moved on his present farm on Coon Creek, where he owns 127 acres of well improved land. Mr Bare has three children: Thomas H., Bernice W., and Ewell L.
BARTLETT, GEORGE C., farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, post- office Ash Grove; was born in Bloomington, Illinois, September 1, 1847. When two years old his parents came to this county. He was educated in common schools, and lived at home till he arrived at manhood. He now owns a farm of 120 acres, well improved. He was married December 25, 1870, to Miss Mary L. Cade, a native of Appanoose county, Iowa. They have four children: Lovey L., Laura A., Elmer A., and Olive M., all living at home. Mr. Bartlett and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
BOYER, M. M., county treasurer elect, farmer, section 33, was born in Coles county, Ills., March 25, 1829. In 1854, he came to Davis county, Iowa. He was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools, teaching part of the time. He lived on a farm till the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the Second Missouri Cavalry, and served a short time when he was discharged on account of his small stature, but enlisted again in company G., 39th Iowa Infantry, as a musician, and served till the close of the war. He was in the battles of Parker's Cross Roads, Town Creek, Ala., and Snake Creek Gap; was present at the burning of Columbia, and at the sur- render of Joe Johnston, and was discharged at Washington, June 13, 1865, when he returned home and spent most of his time farming and teaching until 1879. since which he has been preaching in the Christian Church. In 1881, he was elected county treasurer, on the greenback ticket, by a majority of seventeen votes. He was married August 24, 1854, to Miss Mary B. Moore, a native of Pulaski county, Ky. They have had ten child- ren, seven of whom are now living, viz: Amanda E., Madison S., Mary Dela, Annie M., Henton D., Lizzie B. and Minnie HI. Three died: John W., Herman G. and Samuel T.
BRYANT, BENJAMIN, farmer and stoek-raiser, section 1, post-master at Ash Grove; was born in Clay county, Ohio, May 27, 1829. At the age of nine, he moved with his parents to Boone county, Missouri, and four years later to Ripley county, where he grew to manhood. Hle was raised on a farm and obtained a common school education. In October, 1846, he came to this county. In 1863, he enlisted in company B., Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, and served till the spring of 1864, when he was honorably dis- charged on account of disability. Returning to this county where he has since lived, he was married August 3, 1846, to Miss Rachel Chilton of Ripley county, Missouri. They have had twelve children, nine now living,
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
some of whom are prominent men in Iowa. A. J., Sawyer, James C., at professor, Lucy J., wife of M. Ralston, of Wapello county. The rest are at home.
COHAGAN, JONATHAN, farmer and stock-raiser, section 13, post-office Ash Grove; is a native of Londen county, West Virginia, born Decem- ber 21, 1819. At an early age his parents moved to Morgan county, Ohio, where he lived till he was about twenty-eight years old. HIc was raised a farmer, and cdueated in common schools. In the fall of 1852, his parents came to this county and he has lived here ever since. His farm is located on Bear Creek and contains ninety acres, eighty under cultivation and the balance woodland and pasture. Ile has good buildings and a nice orchard. He was married November 30, 1843, to Miss Lydia Mitzel, a native of Pennsylvania. They have had five children; George, Nancy, Aquilla, Peter, and Elizabeth deceased. George is a farmer in Nebrsaka, Hamliton county, and Aquilla in Polk county, Nebraska; Nancy and Peter are at home.
GREENLEAF, DR. STEPHEN, postoffice Ash Grove; is a native of this county, a son of Dr. D. C. Greenleaf, of Bloomfield, was born March 24, 1853, and attended school in Bloomfield, then entered the Iowa Wesleyan. University at Mount Pleasant. He studied medicine with his father, attend- ing two courses of lectures in Chicago, graduating at the medical college at Louisville, Kentucky, taking the prize in a class of 82 students, and in ex- amination, June 29, 1876, he came away with the honorary diploma. Re- turning te Bloomfield he entered the practice July 5, 1877, and was very successful, and in October, 1879, he moved to Unionville, Appanoose coun- ty, entering into partnership with his father-in-law, Dr. S. H. Sawyer, until July 1, 1881, when he came to this township, being the first regnlar phys- ician in the township. He was married September 28, 1877, to Miss M. L. Sawyer, a native of Unionville, Iowa. They have three children : Thayne L., Larue Lillian, and Harrold. Mr. Greenleaf is a member of the Blue lodge, No. 119, at Unionville, and chapter 143, at Centerville, and St. Johns Commandery, No. 21, at Centerville. In politics he is republican, being the township committeeman. The doctor is building up a very successful practice.
HANNAH, DAVID L., farmer, section 15, postoffice Oak Springs; was born in Franklin county, Indiana, February 24, 1822. Here he lived until 1856, a cooper by trade, working with his father until he was seventeen, his mother dying when he was twelve. In the fall of 1856 he came to this county, settling on his present home, having entered the land. Ile went to. California in 1850, and stayed two years. In 1861 he enlisted in company D, Third Iowa Cavalry, and was teamster of the company until he got dis- abled, when he was discharged and returned home, where he has lived ever since, except two years in Hamburg, Iowa. His farin contains 146 acres, located on Lick Creek. Ilis orchard yields some of the best fruit in the county. Ile has served as Justice nearly all the time he has been here. When he was twenty-one, he married Miss Dosia Ann Lansey, a native of New Jersey, and they have had four children: Alonzo, Sarah, and two de- ceased.
HENDRICKSON, HENRY, farmer, section 2, postoffice Ash Grove; was born in Adair county, Ky., in February, 1815; was reared on a farm and received a common school education. At an early age he moved with his parents to Shelby county, Ind., where he grew to manhood, his mother
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
dying when he was but seven years old. In 1854, he came to this county, and settled on the farm he now owns. It is located north of Bear Creek, and contains 127 acres, well improved, ninety acres being under cultivation, with nice buildings and good young orehard. Mr. II. was married June 25, 1836, to Miss R. Dawson, a native of Kentucky. They had three children, Jessie H., Win. J. and Ehjah D. (deceased). Mrs. II. died August 23, 1867. Mr. H. married again in February, 1869, to Miss Susan M. Maguire, a native of Johnson county, Ind. They have had two children, John and Clifton, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. H. are both members of the Baptist Church.
HUDGENS, H. H., farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, postoffice Union- ville; was born October 16, 1811, in Cumberland county, Virginia, and emi- grated to Williamson county, Illinois, in 1853, where he lived till 1847, when he came to Davis county, arriving in Bloomfield in Jnne, where he lived until 1848, when he moved to his present farm. Mr. Hudgens was a member of the first board of supervisors in Davis county, elected by the democratie party. He has been a prosperous farmer and an honored citizen, a member of the Protestant Methodist Church for a good many years. His farm is located on North Soap Creek, and contains 120 acres of land, well improved, watered and feneed. He was married November1 7, 1836, to Miss Susan Harrison, a native of Tennessee. They have eight children, William C., Thomas J., Lneian B., Mary J. (wife of Hiram Clark, of Appa- noose county), James M., George W. and John M. (living at home), and Re- becca, (wife of H. II. Wheeler, of Fremont county).
HUDGENS, WILLIAM C., farmer, and stock-raiser, section 18, postoffice Unionville; was born in Williamson county, Illinois, January 15, 1838, where he lived until he was ten years old, when his parents moved to Davis county, lowa. He was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. His farm is located on Soap Creek, and contains 240 aeres, of which 180 is under cultivation. He was married October 31, 1861, to Miss Angeline Nolan, a native of Kentucky, and they have nine children, all living at home: Frank, John H., Thomas, Sussn M., Samuel, Eliza, Eldora, Bertha L., and Edith.
HUNTER, JONATIIAN, farmer and stock-raiser, postoffice Ash Grove; was born in Wood county, Virginia, December 26, 1844. Raised on a farm and educated in common schools, at an early age he moved with his parents to Morgan county, Ohio, where he lived about ten years, then moved to Van Buren county, Iowa, where his father died, in August, 1852; he then went to Wapello county, and lived with his uncle until he was married, Septem- ber, 1863, to Miss Sarah E. Schofield, a native of Indiana. They have had eight children : Rosa E., William F., John II .. Lilly D., Larriee L., and three deceased, James, Charley and Sylvanus. Mr. Hunter's farm is located on the bluff's north of Bear Creek, containing 160 aeres, half in cultivation, balance pasture, with good buildings and fine young orchard, Mr. IFunter and wife are members of the Christian Church.
IRELAN, WM., farmer, bridge builder, and lumber manufacturer, post- office Oak Springs; was born May 31, 1840 in Guernsey county, O. He was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools, and at an early age came with his parents to Appanoose county, Iowa. In the spring of 1859, his father died, leaving him to suppport his mother and sister; being in reduced circumstances he had a hard time, but being energetic. He suc- ceeded. He was married December 24, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth J. Fuller-
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
ton, of Muskingum county, O. At that time his capital consisted of one horse, one cow, two sheep and one pig. Not getting along very well on the farm and being a natural mechanic, he built a shop and did jobbing of all kinds, and in the winter of 1868, he bought a half interest in a saw mill which he ran with success for one year, when he sold out and bought a mill of his own, which he run for seven years, doing nothing else, still owning a farm of eighty acres. In 1877, he invented and patented what is known as the A. A. Truss Bridge, which has been used extensively in Davis and Ap- panoose counties. In 1878, he patented, what is known as the Combina- tion Section Truss Bridge, which is also used by Davis and Appanoose counties, and by the Wabash Railway Co. In 1879, he made an improve- ment on the latter bridge, which he patented. In September of that year, he purchased a farm of 349 acres, of the best improved land in the town- ship, with good buildings, where he now lives. Ile is now running a 25 horse power saw mill, in connection with his farm. He has sold a half in- terest in his bridge business for $3,000, to Chas. Baum of Centerville. He has not been out of a bridge contract since his first bridge was built, seven years ago, and he has $14,000 worth of work engaged. Mr. I. is the father of nine children, Thomas W., Geo. W., Sarah A., Frances M., Henry, Net- tie, Charley B., Jennie and an infant (deceased). Mr. I. is one of the wealthiest men in Davis county, honored and respected by all who know him.
KERSHNER, ISAAC W., blacksmith, postoffice Ash Grove; was born in Dark county, Ohio, March 13, 1847, and was educated in the common schools. He learned his trade with his father, beginning when quite a small boy, and at an early age, they emigrated to Wapello county, Iowa. In 1876, he came to this county, where he has since lived. He started in busi- ness for himself about nine years ago in Wapello county, and was very suc- cessful, and since coming to this county, he has continued doing well. He was married May 9, 1871, to Miss Lidia Campbell, a native of Schuyler county, Mo. They have three children, Julia A., Mary M. and Lorandy M.
LOWE, DANIEL, stock-raiser, section 26, postoffice Drakeville; was born in Vermillion county, Ind., in May, 1838, where he lived till 1841, when his father Obediah Lowe, moved to Scotland county, Mo., to wait for the treaty to be made with the Indians, which took about a year and a half, he then moved into this county when the Indians gave possession, and staked out his claim on the section where the subject of this sketch now lives. Mr. L. was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools, and lived with his parents till he reached manhood. He now owns 650 acres of improved land on Soap Creek, all in cultivation, with good buildings and orchard. Mr. L. has more stock than any one else in the township. He was married in December, 1863, to Miss Sarah A. Mounts, a native of Ross county, O. They have had three children, John D., living at home, Jas. O. and Lillie B., deceased .. Mr. L. is held in high esteem by his neighbors.
MARTIN, ABRAHAM, farmer and stock-raiser, postoffice Oak Springs; was born in Logan county, Ohio, September 12, 1835, growing to manhood and getting his education there. In 1859 he came to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he lived till the war broke out, then came to this county, where he has since lived. He was married, December 24, 1862, to Miss L. Wheeler, a native of Union county, Ohio. They have had seven children, Sylvester R., David O., Benjamin F., Charles E., Elbert O., and two de- ceased, Irwin and Mary M. Mr. M's farm is located on Soap Creck, and
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contains 320 acres of well improved land, and has all the conveniences of farm life around him.
MERRITT, WILLIAM, farmer, postoffice Unionville, was born in Han- cock connty, Indiana, July 18, 1837, and emigrated to Sullivan county, Mo., in 1839, and five years later came to Davis county. Hle was raised a farmer, and at eighteen his father gave him his time as a legacy, when he embarked in the merchandise business on Fox River, in this county. Ifis farm is located on Soap Creek, and contains 40 acres, well improved. He was married, July 17, 1872, to Miss C. Rice, a native of Randolph county, Indiana, and their union has been blessed with three children, Sally, John and Nancy.
MILLER, FRANCIS P., farmer and stock-raiser, sections 29 and 30, was born in Marshall county, Tenn., March 29, 1826, and educated in the subscription schools. At the age of twenty-one he left bome to battle with the world, and in 1852 came to Appanoose county, Iowa, and four years later came to his present home. He has built a saw and grist mill which he has been running in connection with his farm, which contains 840 acres, of which 190 are under cultivation, the balance in wood land and pasture, on which he raises large quantities of stock. He was married to Miss J. C. Irwin, of Marshall county, Tenn., and they had ten children, John E., Mary C., Henry O., Amanda O., Ellen G., Cora May, Emma T., and three de- ceased, Dovie Jane, Francis J. and an infant.
MILLER, JOHN E., farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, January 12, 1853. At the age of four years his parents moved to Davis county, where he has since lived. Ile was raised a farmer and helped his father in the saw-mill until he was twenty-four years old. He was educated in the common schools, and was married Angust 31, 1876, to Miss M. J. Robb, a native of this county; they have two children, Roy R. and Dovie L. Mr. Miller's farm contains 60 acres of well improved land, located on Soap Creek. He is one of the rising men of this township.
MOOTS, GEORGE, farmer and stock-raiser, postoffice Oak Springs; is a native of Logan county, Ohio, born December 13, 1808. He was raised a farmer and educated in the subscription schools. At an early age he went to learn the harness and saddler trade with John Hooper of Clark connty, Ohio, and at the end of two years embarked in business for himself in Logan county. Five years later he came to Scotland county, Mo , and five years later, to Davis county, Iowa, where he has since lived. He staked ont the first claim in Marion township, on what is now section 24, before the Indians gave possession. He has been a very successful farmer, although once he had his house burned down, and once had a large security debt to pay. His farm is located on Soap Creek, and contains 120 acres, brick honse, good barns and orchard. He has held a good many publie offices, and was postmaster sixteen years. He was married in June, 1833, to Miss Mary Moots, a native of Ross county, Ohio; they have had eight children; Amy Z , Susan A., Emeline. John S., Conrad D. and three deceased.
MOOTS, JOHN S., farmer and stock-raiser, postoffice Oak Springs; is a native of this county, born October 9. 1850; lived at home with his father, George M. until he was twenty-seven, getting his edneation in common schools. Ile now owns a farm of 50 acres of well improved land on Soap creek. Ile was married, February 10, 1878, to Miss Ruthanda Mounts, a native of this connty, and they have one child, Evans. Mr. M. is a mem- ber of Jefferson lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. M. at Drakeville.
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
MOUNTS, REBECCA, section 22, postoffice Oak Springs; is a native of Ross county ; born May 17, 1822; was educated in subscription schools, and reared on a farm, living with her parents, until she married John Mounts, who was a native of Ross county, Ohio, where he lived until grown, then he moved to Pekin, Illinois, and two years later returning to Ross county. Six years later they came to this county where she has lived ever since. Mr. Mounts died July 5, 1874, since which time, she has, with the help of an agent, managed her large farm of 400 acres. It is well improved, under good cultivation, with good orehard and buildings. She has been the mother of nine children, seven now living: Sarah A., Francis M., James A., Casanda, Cynthy E., Ruthanda and Esther. Mrs. M. is highly thought of by every one within the range of her acquaintance.
PROCTOR, MRS. HANNAH, section 15, postoffice Ash Grove, is a native of Yorkshire, England, born in 1825; at an early age her parents came to America, going to Ohio, where she lived until married to James Proctor in the spring of 1842, when they emigrated to Van Buren county, Iowa, where they lived one year. Mr. Proctor was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. They came to this county in 1844. They raised a family of thirteen children, William R., John W., Joseph, Ester Ann, Alice, Mary, James, Joshua, Clary, Tommie, Lovey, and Francis and Mary Bell, deceased. Mr. Proctor died in 1875. Mrs. Proctor has a nice farm containig 167 acres, well improved.
REMY, LEWIS, farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, postoffice Ash Grove: was born in Vinton county, Ohio, June 18, 1830, and when two years old came to Fulton county, Illinois, and six years later to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he lived till the breaking out of the war. Missouri being too hot for him. he went back to Ohio, and in the fall of 1865 came to this county, where he has since lived. Ile was raised a farmer and re- ceived his education in the old subscription schools. He was married An- gust 27, 1852, to Miss Hester Ann Davis, of Vinton county, Ohio. They have had two children, both deceased. His mother is still living in Vinton county, Ohio, at the ripe old age of ninety-three. His farm is located on Bear Creek, and contains eighty acres of well improved land. llis family consists of himself, wife and grandchild.
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