USA > Iowa > Decatur County > History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 21
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On the 9th of November, 1874, Mr. Milligan married Miss Me- lissa F. Taylor, a daughter of Benjamin R. and Lucretia (Hostet- ter) Taylor, natives of North Carolina and Ohio respectively. In 1837 they removed to Iowa and located at Agency, Wapello county, where the father farmed until 1859, when he removed with his family to Decatur county and purchased land in Franklin and Woodland townships which he operated during his remaining years. He passed away in March, 1895, when seventy-nine years of age, as he was born in 1816. The demise of his wife occurred on the 28th of May, 1890, when she was seventy years old, as her natal year was 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Milligan have had two children. Bertha M. was married on the 9th of February, 1895, to R. O. Atherton, who passed away in 1909. She now resides with her parents and is a trained nurse by profession. Ada B. died on the 12th of Decem- ber, 1889, at the age of four and a half years.
Mr. Milligan is a democrat in his political belief and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He takes much interest in the meetings of the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Leon and derives much pleasure from association with his old comrades. He is entitled to great credit for what he has accomplished in life as he was compelled to earn his own living at an age when most children are in school and as at all times he has had to depend upon his own energy and ability without hope of outside aid. All who know him hold him in high esteem and he has many personal friends.
JAMES A. WILSON.
James A. Wilson, the leading contractor of Garden Grove, was born on the 28th of March, 1849, in Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, a son of Hugh J. and Permelia (Boyd) Wilson. The paternal grandfather, John Wilson, was born in that county in the. early days of its history, of Scotch-Irish parentage. He was typical of his race, possessing not only great physical strength but also unusual moral stamina and courage and was at all times ready to uphold that which he believed to be the right. There were many people of Scotch-Irish descent living in Washington county and they held the sincere respect of those who were associated with them. John Wilson, who was a farmer by occupation, passed away in his native county about 1853. He married a Miss Fisher and to them were born the following
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children, John, David, William, James, Esther, Hugh J. and Margaret. Hugh J. Wilson was born in Washington county, Penn- sylvania, on the 1st of March, 1816, and received his education in the district schools in the vicinity of the homestead. He was early trained to farm work and on reaching maturity continued to devote his time and attention to agriculture. He served in the state militia and for seven years was a drill master. During the Civil war he raised and drilled two companies of soldiers in Linn county, Iowa, and would have gone to the front himself had it not been that he was too old. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Per- melia Boyd, by whom he had five children: Mary A .; Adessa, who married J. W. Wadell; John W .; James A., of this review; and Fillmore Scott. For his second wife Mr. Wilson chose Hannah E. McClinnens and they became the parents of seven children, John, Charles F., Elmer E., Ellie, Samuel F., Jemima and Jessie. The father passed away in 1893, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member.
James A. Wilson attended the public schools of Ohio, western Pennsylvania and Linn county, Iowa, and upon putting aside his textbooks became an apprentice to the carpenter's trade. He fol- lowed that trade for several years and then became a contractor and builder. In 1876 he located at Garden Grove, Decatur county, Iowa, and for the last thirty-nine years has been prominently identified with business circles here. He is probably the best known builder in De- catur county and has not only erected the greater part of the build- ings put up in Garden Grove since he located here, but he has also supervised the construction of many of the best buildings in other sections of the county, including the new courthouse at Leon. He is himself an expert workman and demands excellent work from all who are in his employ and it is well known that he always lives up to his contracts.
In 1876 Mr. Wilson married Miss Estella Bowling, a daughter of Henry Bowling, of eastern Illinois and a direct descendant of the Indian princess Pocahontas. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have a son, Walter E., who after acquiring a good general education in the schools of Garden Grove took a course of instruction in painting and decorating in Chicago and is now also engaged in contracting and building. He married Miss Dorothy Robertson and they have one child.
Mr. Wilson of this review is a republican in his political belief and for ten years served as a member of the school board. He has been a representative of the Masonic order for about thirty years and holds membership in the lodge at Garden Grove. His probity and
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integrity are among his most salient traits and he is also characterized by public spirit and a willingness to help those who are less fortunate than he.
THEODORE ALBAUGH.
Theodore Albaugh, who died in the spring of 1915, was a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 14, Long Creek township. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, April 13, 1856, and was a son of Jesse Albaugh, who was born in Ohio, of German and Scotch ancestry. In the early '40s the father removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where he was residing at the time the country became engaged in civil war. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years in the Union army. He did not live to return home, as he was killed in action and two of his sons, Warner and John, also gave up their lives in defense of the old flag. By trade he was a brick molder but he also engaged in farming to some extent and was likewise a preacher of the Christian church. His wife, who was also of German and Scotch descent, was born in Licking county, Ohio, and in that state they were married. She continued to reside in Fulton county, Illinois, until after her husband's death but in 1865 removed to Hancock county, that state, where she continued to live until her demise, which occurred on the 2d of November, 1896, in La Harpe.
Theodore Albaugh acquired his early education in the public schools and for two years was subsequently a student at Oberlin Col- lege in Oberlin, Ohio. He remained at home and assisted in the work of the farm until after his mother's death with the exception of two years which he spent as telegraph operator. In 1900 he sold his inter- est in the home place and went to California but later removed to Canada, locating in the vicinity of Winnipeg, where he farmed for one year. He then resided in Winnipeg until 1906 and while there was en- gaged in the real-estate business. It was in 1908 that he came to Iowa and purchased five hundred and sixty acres of land near Kellerton, which he operated for two years. At the expiration of that period he traded his property for a livery stable in Chicago, which he conducted for only three months, however. He next came to Decatur county, Iowa, and took possession of two hundred and sixty acres of land which he had purchased a short time previously. He continued to own and operate one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land on section
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14, Long Creek township, until his death and was successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was progressive as well as energetic and in the management of his affairs met with most excellent success, being a man of good business ability and sound judgment.
On the 1st of January, 1900, Mr. Albaugh was married to Miss Clara C. Cochran, a daughter of Sanford Cochran, who was born in Ohio but for many years carried on agricultural pursuits in Mahaska county, Iowa, where he passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Albaugh was born a son, Theodore, who is now nine years of age and is attend- ing school in Oskaloosa.
For many years Mr. Albaugh supported the republican party but later voted independent of party ties. For some time he served as a member of the board of supervisors of Hancock county, Illinois, and also filled a number of township offices, including that of school director. Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at La Harpe, Illinois. He met with success in business affairs and his life was such as to command the respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact.
ELBERT YOUNGS.
Elbert Youngs, a well known farmer residing on section 20, Hamilton township, was born in Will county, Illinois, on the 27th of September, 1864. His parents, Leonard and Philena (Scheffler) Youngs, were natives respectively of New York and of Ohio. On the paternal side the family is of English and Irish descent and in the maternal line it is of German extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Youngs were married in Kankakee county, Illinois, where he followed mechanical pursuits until the time of his demise. His widow removed with her children to Decatur county, Iowa, in March, 1899, and her son Elbert purchased two hundred acres of partially improved land in Hamilton township, on which he still lives. The mother has now reached the advanced age of seventy-two years, as her birth occurred September 28, 1842, and she makes her home with our subject.
Elbert Youngs attended the district schools of Illinois and during his boyhood and youth also learned much concerning practical farm- ing. Following the arrival of the family in Decatur county he as- sumed charge of the work of the farm and has proved an efficient
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agriculturist. He carries on general farming and stock-raising. The farm, which is situated on the road from Pleasanton to Davis City, is well improved and everything about the place is kept in excellent con- dition. In December, 1913, his new residence was completed and it is one of the most modern and attractive homes in his township.
Mr. Youngs was married February 5, 1892, to Miss Lora May Guilford, a daughter of George N. and Ellen (Gay) Guilford. Her father was born in Michigan of English ancestry and in his early manhood followed the profession of teaching, although he later be- came a farmer. His wife was born in Cook county, Illinois, of Ger- man stock and their marriage was celebrated in Kankakee county, that state, where he farmed until 1892, when he and his wife removed to Kankakee, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Youngs have three children, namely: George Adelbert, born December 12, 1893, who will graduate from the Leon high school with the class of 1916 and who is his father's right hand man on the farm; Gladys, born August 28, 1896, a student in the Pleasanton high school; and Leon- ard Guilford, born August 19, 1902, who is attending the Pleasanton public schools.
Mr. Youngs is a democrat and for five years served as trustee of Hamilton township, while for three terms he has been a member of the district school board. He and his son belong to the Masonic blue lodge at Pleasanton and his wife and elder daughter belong to the chapter of the Eastern Star at that place. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Pleasanton. No measure seek- ing the advancement of his community lacks his hearty cooperation and he is one of the valued citizens of Hamilton township.
JAMES C. CAMPBELL.
Two hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Eden township pays tribute to its owner, James C. Campbell, and the excellent con- dition of everything upon the farm testifies to his industry and good management. He is a native son of this county, born in Center town- ship August 12, 1862. His parents, Closson and Marietta (Coover) Campbell, were both natives of Ohio, where the father farmed until 1862, when he removed to Decatur county, Iowa, and rented a farm in Center township, which he operated for eight years. At the end of that time he purchased forty acres of land in Eden township, which he cultivated until the fall of 1914, when he retired from active life.
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He has since made his home with his children. He is now eighty-three years old and the period of leisure which he is enjoying is well deserved. His wife died May 9, 1915, at the age of seventy-eight years. To them were born five children, namely: Sarah, Mary, Samuel, James C. and William C.
James C. Campbell was reared and educated in Center and Eden townships, this county, and continued to reside at home, assisting his father with the farm work, until he was thirty-two years of age. He then began his independent business career and for five years farmed rented land. At the end of that time he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase one hundred and twenty acres in Center township. However, after operating that place for two years he sold it and bought one hundred and thirty acres in Decatur township, which he operated for a similar period of time. He then sold that property also and bought two hundred and sixty acres on sections 16 and 21, Eden township, which he still owns. He at once began improving his place and has brought it to a high state of development. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and finds both branches of his business profitable.
On the 3d of March, 1895, Mr. Campbell married Miss Cora Paris, a daughter of William H. and Maria (Beavers) Paris. Her paternal grandfather, James Paris, was one of the earliest settlers of High Point township and entered land there from the government. Subsequently he operated a general store in the town of Paris, which was so named in his honor but which is now known as High Point. He was also for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. William H. Paris were both natives of Ohio, but in the late 40s or early '50s he came to Decatur county, Iowa, with his parents. He was educated in this county and remained at home until the out- break of the Civil war, when he went to Illinois and enlisted in Com- pany L, Second Illinois Cavalry, with which he served for four years, making a record of which he had every reason to be proud. When peace was restored he returned to Decatur county, Iowa, and pur- chased land in High Point township, which he operated until called by death in April, 1897, when fifty-six years old. His wife died in May, 1907, when sixty-one years of age. They were the parents of five children: Mrs. Campbell, Etta, Mamie, Lydia and William R. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have three children, as follows: Grace, Marie and Jennie.
Mr. Campbell is a republican and keeps well informed on all issues before the public. He is especially interested in the welfare of the public schools and has served for several years as school direc-
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tor. Fraternally he belongs to the Homestead Lodge and his religious faith is that of the Church of Christ. His progressiveness, enterprise and integrity have gained him the unqualified respect of all who have been brought in contact with him and there are many who value high- ly his friendship.
W. A. ALEXANDER.
W. A. Alexander, who is one of the successful business men of Leon, where he owns a drug store, was born in High Point township, this county, November 22, 1857, a son of Captain Eli H. and Sallie E. (Flinn) Alexander, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Our subject is the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine chil- dren and was reared in this county. He attended the Garden Grove Seminary under Professor Harkness and after attaining his ma- jority engaged in teaching school for about two years. He then came to Leon and became a partner of Dr. H. R. Layton, the firm conducting a drug business for about four years, after which our sub- ject purchased the interest of Dr. Layton, becoming the sole pro- prietor of the establishment. In 1883 he added a line of musical instruments and furniture and has since built up a large business in that connection, operating over a radius of about one hundred miles. Since the wonderful development of phonographs of various kinds he has also become agent for the Edison talking machines. He sells musical instruments, talking machines and furniture at both whole- sale and retail. He still gives much attention to his drug business, has maintained a high standard of accuracy in his prescription depart- ment and handles only drugs of known strength and purity. He also carries a well selected stock of druggists' sundries. His business occupies a two-story building, including the upper floor and also a large warehouse and he employs on an average ten people, all of which indicates that his is one of the most prosperous establishments in the county. He also towns twenty residences at Leon and else- where, frequently buying and selling city property. He is character- ized by insight, sound judgment and energy, qualities which go far toward securing success in any line of business.
In 1884 Mr. Alexander was united in marriage to Miss Ida Yan- ney, of Elyria, Ohio, and she passed away in 1894, leaving three chil- dren. Lucile, who is teaching music, studied for three years at Drake Vol. II-14
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University and for one year at Chicago. Clive M., of New York, an expert chemist, is a graduate of the State University of Iowa, where he was instructor for a time, and also has the degree of Ph. D. from Columbia University. Enid, who is also a resident of New York City, is a graduate of the West high school of Des Moines and the Ran- dolph-Macon Woman's College of Lynchburg, Virginia. She is a violinist of unusual talent. Mr. Alexander was again married on the 7th of October, 1902, Miss Adella L. Merwin, of Leon, becoming his wife. She was born at Spencer, Iowa, but for some time resided at Cresco, whence she removed to Leon.
Mr. Alexander is a republican but his extensive business interests require his undivided time and attention, leaving him no opportunity to take a very active part in political affairs. Fraternally he belongs to the lodge of the Knights of Pythias and also to the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. He is likewise identified with the Yeomen and his wife is a member of the Pythian Sisters. His re- ligious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he belongs, and he guides his life by its teachings. He has a high stand- ing in business circles and is personally esteemed and respected as his dominant traits of character are such as invariably command regard.
JOHN STOLBERG.
John Stolberg, who is residing in Lamoni, is still operating his farm, which comprises six hundred and sixty acres of excellent land, three hundred and twenty in Fayette township, Decatur county, and three hundred and forty in Ringgold county. His birth occurred in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 23d of December, 1852, and his parents were John P. and Mary (Hanson) Stolberg, the former of whom died when his son was but an infant. In 1856 the mother re- moved to Will county, Illinois, but our subject did not emigrate to the United States until 1865. She was married in Illinois to Henry Peters and they subsequently went to Grinnell, Iowa, where she died at the age of seventy-seven years. She was a Lutheran in her religious faith. The subject of this review was the only child born to her first union but by her second marriage she had a number of children. Our subject, however, is the only one who resides in Decatur county.
John Stolberg received a little schooling in Germany and attended school for a short time after removing to this country but was early obliged to earn his own support and it took him two years to repay
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his passage money to America, which had been lent him by an uncle. He remained in Will county, Illinois, until April, 1877, when he came to Decatur county, Iowa, where he worked for a year in the employ of the late David Dancer. He then rented land from Mr. Dancer for three years, at the end of which time he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to buy two hundred and forty acres. Subse- quently he added an eighty acre tract adjoining and still later in- vested in farming land in Ringgold county. His land was partly improved when it came into his possession but he has brought it to a higher state of cultivation and has erected a number of good build- ings. He has two large farms besides twenty acres of timber land and has taken his son, Roy H., into partnership with him in the con- duct of his farming and stock-raising interests. They give employ- ment to a number of men and are known as alert, progressive and suc- cessful agriculturists. They receive a handsome financial return from their land and are substantial and representative citizens of Decatur county.
On the 5th of June, 1879, in Will county, Illinois, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stolberg and Miss Louisa Hansen, who was born in Will county, Illinois, on the 2d of March, 1860, of the marriage of Peter and Anna (Wilkins) Hansen, both natives of Schleswig-Hol- stein, Germany. They were married in that province and remained there until 1857, when they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and located in Will county, Illinois. Both have passed away, the father dying on the 31st of August, 1888, when fifty-eight years of age, and the mother in 1895, when seventy-two years old. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters and the two sons are still liv- ing in Will county. They were Lutherans in religious faith and the father served the required time in the German army. Mr. and Mrs. Stolberg have five living children: Albert Peter, who is farming in Decatur county; Emma Amelia, who became the wife of Martin Noftsger, of Faulk county, South Dakota, by whom she has a daugh- ter, Margaret Louise; Jessie Belle, who gave her hand in marriage to Samuel P. Young, of Missouri, by whom she has two children, Cecil J. D. and Alberta Marie; Roy Hansen, who is in partnership with his father; and John Burton, at home. A daughter, Minnie May, died when five months old.
The republican party receives the support of Mr. Stolberg, who is convinced of the soundness of its principles. He is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his wife is affiliated with the Daughters of Rebekah. Both hold membership in the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints and
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take an active part in the work of that organization, especially in the Sunday school. Since 1906 Mr. Stolberg has resided in a fine resi- dence in Lamoni but still gives much time to the supervision of his extensive farming and stock-raising interests. He feeds many head of fine stock each year and finds that a very profitable business. He takes the greater pride in his success because it has been gained with- out the aid of influential friends, as he began his independent career with no capital but his strength, energy and determination to win prosperity. There has never been any doubt as to his integrity and honesty and those who know him most intimately are his sincerest friends.
JOHN F. CREES.
John F. Crees, who has lived retired at Grand River for nine years, is one of the wealthiest men of Decatur county, owning one thousand acres of excellent land which is operated by his sons. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 12, 1840, of the marriage of Joseph and Catherine Ann (Coppersmith) Crees, both natives of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. They grew to maturity in their native county and there their marriage occurred. In the fall of 1839 they removed to Wayne county, Ohio, but in the following spring returned to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1848 or 1849, when they removed to Jefferson county, Iowa. In the fall of 1854 they came to Decatur county and located in the northwestern part of Decatur township. Mr. Crees purchased land from the Hungarian colony but as they were unable to give a clear title he lost the thousand dollars which he had paid upon the land. Subsequently he entered land from the government, securing seven thousand acres which he cultivated and improved. At the time there were many Indians living here and our subject and his brothers and sisters had more Indian playmates than white. The father broke land with a team composed of eight yoke of oxen and the plow which he used had a fourteen foot beam and would cut and turn a furrow of thirty-six inches. He was a democrat and served as supervisor of Decatur township, proving a very efficient officer. He passed away when eighty-three years of age, in the faith of the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belonged. She died when about fifty- five years old. To their union were born eleven children, of whom our subject is the third, and of whom three sons and four daughters
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