USA > Iowa > Fremont County > History of Fremont County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., a biographical directory of many of its leading citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistic, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of Iowa and the Northwest, map of Fremont County, constitution of the state of Iowa, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 72
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
660
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
children, five now living: John M., Owen A., Eliza J., Mary M. and Will- iam. Mr. Edgerton is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and I. O. O. F. He has filled the office of justice of the peace in his township. He has been prominently connected with the politics of his county, and was a delegate to the state convention of 1880.
FISHER, J. L., farmer, section 2, P. O. Riverton; born April 21, 1836, in Portage county, Ohio, where he lived until nine years old, when he moved with his parents to Berrien county, Michigan, where he grew to manhood, engaged in farming. Was educated in private and public schools. When yet a young man he went to California. He made the trip by water via the Isthmus of Darien. He remained there eight years, and then bought a herd of horses and started east. He made the entire trip on horseback, and slept but one night in a house. He arrived at home in October, and returned in the following April, going by the same route as before. He then engaged in operating a stage line. He remained about a year and bought another herd of horses, and started east, but owing to the lateness of the season many perished. On his return he concluded that this was the county to live in, and accordingly located here. Was married in April, 1870, to Miss Emma W. Edwards, a native of Linn county, Missouri, by whom he has been the father of two children: Lucy C., living, and Joseph C., deceased. He has held many township offices, and at present is school director, constable and road supervisor. He came to this county with but few worldly effects, but now owns a fine farm of 120 acres He is a quiet, inoffensive man, and respected by the entire neighborhood. His father was a farmer in Michigan, and died in 1851, leaving a family of eight children.
FUGITT, TOWNSON F., farmer, P. O., Hamburg; born in How- ard county, Missouri, February 1, 1824. When three years of age he moved with his father's family to Clay county, Missouri, where he resided until 1845 and in the common schools of which county he was educated. He was married April 29, 1847, to Eliza A. McKissick. They were the parents of nine children, eight now living: Nancy C., William M., Edward H., Martha, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ethleen, and John. Mrs. Fugitt was born June 17, 1828, and died September 7, 1877. Mr. Fugitt has seen some very exciting times since his residence in this county, for an account of which the reader is referred to the chapter on incidents. He has held many township offices, and has been prominently connected with the history of the county. He is a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church, and of the A. F. and A. M. His identifica- tion with the educational interests of his county has been of long contin- uance and great advantage to their advancement.
661
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
GREENAMYER, JEHU, farmer, section 13, P. O. Hamburg; is a native of. Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was born May 8, 1829. He grew to man's estate on a farm, and received only a common school edu- cation. He has resided in Indiana, Ohio and California, where he resided until 1857. While there he made and lost a large amount of money. He came to this county in 1870. He was married February 3, 1859, to Miss Mary J. Concle. They are the parents of eleven children, ten now living: Arthur G., Hattie J., Nona V., Park C., Sallie F., Denver W., Franklin J., Dickie S., Kate N. and Bessie M. He is an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a trustee of the same. He has been twice a delegate from his presbytery to the assembly. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Inter-State Agricultural Society. He owns a farm of 240 acres, all well stocked and improved ..
GREGG, JOHN, farmer and surveyor, section 15, P. O., Riverton; born in Galesburg, Illinois, November 12, 1839. He was educated in the common school and Lombard University at Galesburg, where he lived until 1867. In the spring of that year he came to this county. He enlisted in company B., 102d Illinois infantry, as orderly sergeant, but after seven months service was discharged for disability. He is a practical surveyor, which business he has followed for many years. He was married to Miss Ruth Selby, March 4, 1867. They are the parents of four children: Albert S., Frank, Edwin and Arthur. Mr. Gregg is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He has held various township offices, among them assessor and clerk.
GRAY, JAMES, farmer, section 4, P. O. Riverton; is a native of county Irene, Ireland, born in August, 1846. There he grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools. His youth was passed in farming. He came to this country when about eighteen years of age, and first located in Ulster county, New York, where he was engaged in the quar- ries of that locality for about twelve years. In April, 1878, he came to Iowa and located in this county. Was married October 11, 1869, to Mis Ellen Hollis, a native of New York. They are the parents of five child- ren, four of whom are now living: Elizabeth J., Sarah M., Margaret E., and Edward. Since coming to this county he has been engaged exclu- sively in farming.
GREGG, JOHN, farmer, section 15, P. O. Riverton; born in East Ten- nessee, January 3, 1813. When eighteen months of age he went to Wash- ington county, Indiana. In 1833 he moved to Knox county, and in 1858, to Rock Island. In 1868 he came to this county where he has since resided. He was married January 3, 1839, to Miss Drucilla Bandy, who died in 1839, leaving one child, John.
662
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
GANDY, WILLIAM H., farmer, section 16, P. O. Hamburg; born in Preston county, West Virginia, January 6, 1829. In 1831, he became a resident of Ohio, and in 1832, of Whitley county, Indiana. In 1851 he came to Iowa, locating in Davis county, working at his trade-the carpen- ter's-which he had learned in Illinois. He then located in Decatur county, and in the spring of 1868, came to this county. He was married in Feb- ruary 1, 1860, to Miss Francis Rank. They are the parents of three children: Emma R., born September 4, 1860; Mara I., born October 18, 1864, and Roy O., born May 3, 1878. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gandy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held numerous township officers, and is a worthy man.
HAMILTON, CARLISTA, farmer, section 1, P. O., Hamburg; she was born in Ohio in 1835. Her parents moved to this state when Mrs. H. was only a small child, and located in Louisa county, where she grew to maturity, and there received her education in the subscription schools- She was married July 17, 1853, to Mr. Joseph Hamilton. They are the parents of five children: Catharine, Lydia, Elias S., Julia A. and Rosanna. Mr. Hamilton .was born February 21, 1825, in the province of Canada. Came with his parents, when young, to Michigan, where he grew to manhood, and then came to Iowa. He was a farmer by occupa- tion. He was married previous to the time mentioned above, to Lydia Fuller, and as a result of the union, they had two sons: John and Loren. He came to this county in 1860 and located at Plum Hollow, and engaged in farming. He removed to Hamburg in 1865, and commenced farming and continued that occupation until his death, which occurred January 25, 1880, of catarrhal fever. Mr. Hamilton was a man respected and beloved by all who knew him, and had the confidence of all. In 1872 he united with the Adventists and became a minister in that denomination. He had been in poor health for many months.
HARRIS, JOHN N., farmer, P. O., Hamburg; born in Belmont county, Ohio, August 27, 1831. When eighteen months old moved to Monroe county, Ohio, and lived there until 1854, when he came to Iowa, locating at Fairfield. In 1856 came to Sidney, Iowa, and after engaging in the clothing business a year, purchased, in 1857, an interest in the old Cromwell House. In 1858 he moved to Plum Hollow and resided there until 1862. Came to Hamburg, after a residence both in Nebraska and Missouri, in 1866. In 1876 moved on the farm he now occupies. He was married November 15, 1857, to Miss Julia. A. Lucas, by whom he had four children: Lula, Eva and Wilbur R., living, and Mansell E., died February 28, 1876. He is a P. G. of the I. O. O. F. He was the first school treasurer of the independent district of Hamburg, and has held
663
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
other offices of trust and responsibility. The grandfather of Mrs. Harris was the first territorial governor of Iowa.
JARMAN, W. E., farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Percival; born May 24, 1838, in Pike county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was educated principally in the subscription schools, and passed the greater part of his youth working on a farm, which is his occupation at the present time. In 1857 he moved to Iowa and located in Marion county, where he remained until the spring of 1862, when he went west to the mining regions of Colorado, where he was engaged in mining and farming for two years. He then accepted the position of wagonmaster, and followed freighting for two years. In the fall of 1868 he returned to Iowa, and located near this place, and resumed his former occupation. While in the west he enlisted in company D, third Colorado cavalry, and participated in the Indian warfare that was prevalent at that time. He served 100 days, and during that time was in the battle of Sand Creek and other skirmishes. Was married to Miss Sivelda Cowles, a native of Gallia county, Ohio. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Cameron C., James C., Wm. F. and Mary M., all at home. Edward E., (deceased). Jarman has held all the offices in the gift of the township from time to time, and at present is supervisor of highways.
LIGGETT, MANLEY, farmer, section 1, P. O. Riverton; a native of Shelby county, Indiana, where he was born April 22, 1842. He received but a common school education, and such training as could be had from life on a farm. He came to Iowa, Fremont county, in 1864, and has since resided here. He was married December 23, 1869, to Miss Lena A. Sligar. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are now living: Josie M., Maud, Emma and an infant son. He enlisted in the spring of 1864 in company A., 132d Indiana volunteers, and was mus- tered out after a service of four months. He has been a member of the school board, and is now its secretary.
LYTLE, JAMES, farmer and minister, P. O. Hamburg; born in Ran- dolph county, North Carolina, July 19, 1818, where he resided until 1833. He then moved to Grant county, Indiana, of which he was a resident until 1863, when he came to this county. He was married to Miss Esther Buller, April 26, 1837. They are the parents of eleven children: Mary J., Job, Sarah A., Charles N. F., Elizabeth, Sampson R. and Alfred W., living, and John (died September 1, 1870), George (died September 20, 1858), Thomas (died March 10, 1870), Simon L. (died February 8, 1878). Mr. Lytle and his wife have been members of the Wesleyan Methodist church for over thirty years. In 1860 Mr. Lytle was ordained a minister
664
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
in the same, and has seen years of service as a pioneer preacher, encoun- tering all the vexations and trials to which the early preacher is subjected.
McKISSICK, JACOB, P. O. Long Valley, California; born March 17, 1811, in North Carolina. When quite small he moved to Tennessee, where he remained until 1817, when he moved to Saline county, Missouri, remaining until 1830. He then went to Clinton county and then to Platt county, but came to this county in 1840. In the spring of 1854 he went to California. He was the first justice of the peace in Fremont county, having been elected in 1841. He owns a large amount of land here and in Missouri, and is a heavy dealer in cattle on the Pacific coast.
MEWHOR, JOSEPH, farmer and stock raiser, section 4, P. O. River- ton; born August 14, 1814, in county Tipperary, Ireland, where he grew to manhood, and was educated in the common schools. Came to America in 1864 and engaged in farming. He was married when 25 years of age to Miss Ellen Daily, by whom he is the father of seven children: Ellen, Catharine, Mary, Joseph, James, Annie and William. He learned the trade of a weaver when quite young and followed that business for several years. They have been members of the Presbyterian church from infancy. When he first came to this country he located at Philadel- phia, and remained there until 1870, when he came to this county. He is a quiet, unpretentious man, respected by all who know him.
McKISSICK, JOHN P., farmer, section 4, P. O. Hamburg; he was born September 15, 1845, in this township, where he grew to manhood and was educated in the subscription schools until free schools were intro- duced. His youth was passed in working on a farm until 1875, when the grasshopper plague prevailed. Prior to this time he invested in a milling property at Hamburg, which proved his financial ruin, and left his pecu- niary affairs in a bad condition, but with his judgment much improved. Soon after this disaster he went to Missouri and rented a farm and began life anew. He then returned to Iowa and located on their present place of residence. Was married in April, 1864, to Miss Eliza Utterback, a native of Fayette county, Illinois. They are the parents of four children: Ida E., Fannie, Sarah H. and Tacie F. Enlisted in the federal army in March, 1862, in company D, Fifth Missouri cavalry volunteers, at Rock- port, Missouri, and participated in the guerilla warfare that prevailed in that locality. He is one of the very first persons born in this county. He is universally respected and honored by his neighbors.
MILLER, JAMES, farmer and minister, P. O. Riverton; born in Sangamon county, Illinois, July 30, 1830. When two years of age he
665
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
moved to Brown county, same state, and in 1848 to the mines in Califor- nia. In 1864 came from Illinois, whither he had returned, to this county and has since resided here. He was married September 25, 1852, to Miss Melvina Scott, who died August 16, 18-, leaving one child, Har- riet C. He was married again April 5, 1860, to Miss Hannah J. Beaston. They are the parents of five children, three now living: Wallace B., born April 3, 1861; Mary C., born April 29, 1864, and Martha W., born March 27, 1871. Mr. Miller has been an elder of the Christian Church since 1859, and he and his wife are still honored members of the same denomi- nation. Since twenty-two years of age he has been a minister of the gos- pel. He is a Master Mason. He has been prominently identified with the educational and material interests of the county from the date of his first coming.
MORGAN, THOMAS O., farmer, section 8, P. O. Hamburg; born near Springfield, Illinois, December 16, 1833. In 1846 he went to Atchin- son county, Missouri, and in 1848 came to this county. He was married March 17, 1857, to Miss Eliza Simmons. They are the parents of nine children, all living: Sarah E., Mattie, Paulina E., John C., Thomas A., Marsena, Edward, Earnest, and Fannie A. He has held numerous town- ship offices, and filled them all to the entire satisfaction of his constituents
MORGAN, MARSENA, farmer, section 18, P. O. Hamburg; born in Sangamon county, Illinois, March 3, 1825, where he grew to manhood and was educated. . He there resided until 1872, when he became a resident of this county and located on the Hawley-English farm, in McĶissick grove. He was married June 18, 1855, to Miss Paulina Austin, who died February 19, 1869. They had three children born to them: Thomas E., and Marsena, now living. He was married again February 14, 1871, to Mrs. Emily H. Allen, whose maiden name was Dennison. This wife bore him three children: Mollie M., Gertrude and Lula. She is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Morgan is a member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity, and is universally esteemed and respected.
MCKEAN, LEVI, farmer, section 13, P. O. Hamburg; born in Gallia county, Ohio, November 25, 1818, where he resided until 1851, when he came to Fremont county, Iowa. He was married October 18, 1845, to Miss Emily Cowles, who died March 19, 1880. They were the parents of eight children, six now living: Thomas B., Nancy R., George C., Cyrus W., Ann E., and Robert H. He has held several township offices of importance.
McKISSICK, JAMES F., mechanic, P. O. Hamburg; born in Fre-
666
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
mont county, Iowa, August 25, 1852, which has always been his home, and in the common schools of which he was educated. He was married to Miss Thermantia Van Fleet, November 25, 1876. They have one child, Myrtie, born July 25, 1878. Mr. McKissick is the inventor of the famous McKissick Plow, and is naturally an inventive genius. He is the proprietor of the McKissick Plow Manufactory, and his labor and gen- ius are meeting with deserved success.
McKISSICK, WILLIAM A., farmer, P. O. Hamburg; a native of Fre- mont county, where he was born June 11, 1844, thus being one of the oldest persons living that was born in the county. He was here grown to manhood and educated. When nineteen years of age he went to Cali- fornia where he remained six years. He was married March 19, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth McMillen, who died March 4, 1873. He was again mar- ried, January 17, 1876, to Mrs. Ruth Coles, widow of Ruel Coles, and whose maiden name was Utterbach. By her former husband she had three children: James, Mary J. and Leslie. By her marriage with Mr. McKissick she has three children: John W., C. E. and Martha A. Mr. McKissiek has filled nearly all the offices in the gift of his fellow citi- zens, and has won the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
McKISSICK, C. W., farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Bedford county, Tennessee, April 19, 1816. When eighteen months of age he moved, with his father's family, to Saline county, Missouri, remaining five and a half years, when he moved to Clay county, Missouri, remaining until 1840. He then came to Fremont county, Iowa. For an account of the coming of Mr. McKissick the reader is referred to the chapter on " Old Settlers and Settlements." He was married August 28, 1842, to Miss Hannah Cheeney, by whom he had ten children, nine now living: Martha, John P., Elizabeth, Joseph, Howard, William A., James F., Susan, and Richard. Mr. McKissick has held numerous township offices, and has been intimately identified with the history of the county from the very earliest days.
NOTSON, R. P. S., farmer and miller, section 23, P. O. Hamburg; born in Marion county, Tennessee, April 24, 1829. When one year old he went with his father's family to Boone county, Missouri, and thence after two years to Adams county, Illinois. In 1840 he came to Iowa and located in Jefferson county, thence to Wapello county, remaining four years, then to Decatur, and in 1874 to Fremont county. Until he came to this county he has been in the saw-mill business. He was married in 1849 to Miss Libbie Rowell, who died in 1862, leaving four children: Henry C., Safford S., Hester A., and Calahan. He married Miss Louisa
-
1
667
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
Edmonston in June, 1863, by whom he has ten children: Garry T., Edward, Henrietta, Charles, Lillie, Effie, Ruth, Robert Lee, Jennie, and Louisa. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. While a resident of Decatur county he was sheriff in 1854, and in 1865 and 1866 was a member of the county board of supervisors. He was a justice of the peace for ten years in the same county, and is now justice of the peace elect. He has never had a decision reversed by a higher court.
NELSON, WILLIAM A., farmer, section 17, P. O Hamburg; born in Jackson county, Ohio, January 28, 1835. When a few months old he went to Mason county, Kentucky, where he resided seventeen years. In 1852 he came to this county, and has since resided here. He was mar- ried January 8, 1867, to Miss Nancy C. Fugitt. They are the parents of nine children, of whom the following are living: Minnie F., Eliza F., Mattie C., Amanda C., and Sarah. Mr. Nelson is a Master Mason, and with his wife a member of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon and Sunday school superintendent.
PAULY, JACOB, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. Hamburg; born in Brevier, Germany, June 3, 1815, where he was educated in the common school, and grew to man's estate on a 'farm. Learned the blacksmith's trade, commencing when a youth of sixteen. In 1837 came to America, and went to Fort Plain, Montgomery county, New York. From this time until 1843 he located at various places and was engaged in various business enterprises. In that year moved to this county, and has since resided here. He was married November 8, 1842, to Miss Mary E. Tinker. This was one of the earliest marriages in the county, and hap- pening before Fremont county became a political entity, there is no record of it in the county books. They are the parents of eleven children, six of whom are living: Oliver B., Mary L., Amanda M., Christian, Fred- erick and Frantz S. Mr. Pauly enlisted August, 1863, in company A., eighth Iowa cavalry as blacksmith. He was in the battles of Franklin ind Nashville, was discharged August 24, 1865.
PARMAN, NANCY, farmer, section 30, P. O. Hamburg; born in Knox county, Kentucky, April 30, 1809. In 1832 she moved to Davis county, Missouri, where she remained until the spring of 1845, when she came to Fremont county. She was married August 2, 1832, to James W. Parman, who was born April 30, 1815, in Knox county, Kentucky. He died Sep- ember 25, 1847, leaving five children, four of whom are now living: Phebe E., Mary A., Giles G. and James W. For thirty years she has een an honored member of the Baptist church. She is an old settler this county, and has known all that the word "pioneer" implies.
668
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
RAY, JAMES H., farmer and harness maker, P. O., Riverton; born , in Kentucky, October 2, 1846. He received a common school education merely. He came to Fremont county in 1854, and located near Riverton. In 1861 removed to Illinois, and two years later went to Monroe county, Missouri, but remained a short time, when he again came to this county. He learned his trade when sixteen years of age, but has not followed it. He was married February 7, 1868, to Miss Ella Richards. They have one child, Ida J., born September 8, 1870. He is an extensive dealer in stock, which business he follows in connection with his brother, Isaac P.
ROBERTS, H. B., farmer, Island township, Nemaha county, Nebraska, P. O. Hamburg; born in Henry county, Kentucky, October 18, 1810, where he resided until 1823. He then became a resident of Bond county, Illinois, and in 1825 moved to Montgomery county, same state. In 1828 went to Fayette county, Illinois. In 1832 he volunteered in Whiteside's brigade in the Blackhawk war. He was made third lieutenant in the U. S. rangers by President Jackson. He has traveled extensively, having been in every part of the United States. From 1850 to 1855 he was min- ing for gold in California, in which occupation he made a million dollars and then lost it. He was married January 8, 1846, to Miss Mary King, by whom he had eleven children, of whom the following are still living: Elizabeth A., Nancy R., Benonia, George and William T. Mr. Roberts is a man who has had a most varied experience, and had many ups and downs. He is well respected, and being active and persevering his reverses have only made him more determined to succeed.
SCOLES, OLIVER B., farmer, section 24, P. O. Hamburg; born in Knox county, Ohio, April 28, 1836. At the age of nine years he moved, with his father to Missouri, and resided in Clay and Platte counties about four years. He then returned to Ohio, and after a two years residence in that state moved to Illinois. In the autumn of 1860, after various changes of residence, he became a resident of this county and has since remained here. He was married November 26, 1857, to Miss Ann E Smith. They are the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom are now living: Martin K., Oliver P., Rosezella, William A., Minnie O. Nellie, James H., Charles S., Mina I., David C., and Frank. He wa orderly sergeant in the state militia. Was a member of the school board for eighteen years, and has been its president and treasurer.
SAMUELS, MOSES, banker, farmer and stockfeeder, section 5; bor January 15, 1828, in Loraines, France, and with his parents emigrated t America when he was eight years old, and first located at New Orleans, i 1836. He there grew to manhood and was educated in the public schools (
-
669
HISTORY OF FREMONT COUNTY.
that city. He commenced when eleven years old working in a cigar fac- tory, and there remained until fifteen years of age, when he obtained a position as inspector of pork and beef exported from that city, and held the position about three years. He enlisted in the Mexican war in June, 1846, in a battalion known as the New Orleans light artillery. He was sent to Mexico and remained about three months, and was afterward dis- charged at the place of enlistment. In August, 1848, he went to Pike county, Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1850. He then made the trip across the plains to the mining regions of California, mak- ing the trip as an ox driver. He returned to Illinois and commenced farming in 1851; was married April 22, 1852, to Miss Malinda Jackson, a native of Pike county, Illinois. They are the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters: John B., Jennie E., Joseph, Mattie and - - He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Knights Templar. Mr. S. has been honored by being elected county supervisor. He came to Iowa and located on his present farm in 1856. He owns six farms aggregating over 1000 acres. He deals largely in live stock, and is also doing a general banking business, being connected with the First National bank of Hamburg. He came to this country a poor boy, but by his indomita- ble energy and good management, amassed a fortune.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.