History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 105

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002

USA > Iowa > Hardin County > History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 105

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).

H. F. Carter was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, July 4, 1856, and when three months old his parents emigrated to Marshall county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and received his education. In 1880 he married Miss Lora French. She was born in August, 1853. They have one child-Grace. Mr. Carter is a member of the Society of Friends.

Lewis E. Rash, whose parents emigrated to East Tennessee, and thence to Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1847, was born in East Tennessee, April 24, 1834. In 1856 he married Rachel Hammer, who was born in the same State, May 23, 1836. There was a family of twelve children, ten of whom are living, viz .- Alvah C., Columbus E., Nancy E., Flora Ann, Bennie J., Emma R., Solon L., Henry T., Bertha J., and Andrew S. In 1857 Mr. Rash came to Hardin county, and located on the place where he now lives. Mr. Rash came to the county in limited circumstances; but has accumulated a fine property. He has 160 acres of land in Union township, which is valued at $35 per acre; 200 acres in Grant township, valued at $20 per acre, also 80 acres valued at $35 per acre.

O. J. Carter, one of the pioneers of Union township, was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, on the 31st day of January, 1825. He was one of eight chil- dren, seven of whom are living, viz .: John S., Oliver J., Jane, Paris C., Louisa, Elizabeth, William H. In 1838 his parents emigrated from North Carolina to Hen- dricks county, Indiana, and settled in a dense forest. They cleared up a farm and remained on it for nine years, when they sold out and came to Marshall county, Iowa, where his father died on the 1st of

936

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

June, 1865. The elder Carter left North Carolina for the reason that he did not de- sire to bring up his family in a slave State. His prayer was that he should live to see the negro free. His mother died in 1869. They were members of the Society of Friends. O. J. was schooled in the primitive log cabins of Indiana, under the tyrant rule of hickory. In 1853 he mar- ried Minerva Wick. She was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, on the 4th of April, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are the parents of four living children-Harvey F., Maggie J., Annie L., and Eva May. On the 8th day of December, 1867, Mrs. Carter died. She was a niece of Judge Wick, of Indiana, author of the code of that State. Mr. Carter again married in 1868, taking as a wife Rebecca A. Hinshaw, a daughter of John Hinshaw and Anna (Rauff) Hinshaw. She was born in Henry county, Indiana, March 8th 1841. There were three children by this union-Emily F., William H., and John B. In the fall of 1856 they came to Marshall county, locating in Bangor township, where he purchased a small farm, and lived there until the fall of 1865, when he removed to his present place. Mr. and Mrs. Car- ter commenced in the west poor, but they now have a comfortable home, with 80 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. They are members of the Society of Friends.

L. S. Frazer was born in Randolph county, Indiana, April 17, 1832. He is a son of Henry and Mary (Otwell) Frazer, natives of Guilford county, North Caro- lina, where they were married and three children were born-Ann, Jerusha and Fanny. In about 1821 the family emi-

grated to Randolph county, Indiana, and settled in the heavy timber, clearing up a farm, and where seven more children were born-Bronson, Matilda, Abe, L. S., Heber, Elzina and Curtis O. In 1855 L. S. Frazer came to Henry county, Iowa, bringing his parents with him, his mother dying on the road. He remained in Henry county one year, when he removed to Marshall county, Iowa. In 1853 he married Miss Phæbe Hixon, a daughter of John Hixon. She was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1834. In 1857 Mrs. Frazer died. She was a Christian, and respected by all who knew her. Mr. Frazer was married in 1860, to Miss Emma Bunch. She was born in Wayne county, Indiana, April 7, 1840. There were three children, two of whom are living-Arthur and Josie. Mr. Frazer, when he came to this country, had but $5 of ready money in his pocket. He has now a fine property and farm, with 70 acres of land under a high state of cultiva- tion, valued at $45 per acre. Mr. Frazer is a member of the Society of Friends.

J. W. Lawrence, one of the enterprising business men of Union, Iowa, was born in Hart county, Kentucky, on the 10th day of November, 1842. He is a son of Wil- liam W. Lawrence, a native of Virginia, and Jane Johnson of Kentucky. There were nine children, four of whom are liv- ing, viz .- Martha J. W. Harlington of Cloud county, Kansas; J. W., Nancy, wife of Andrew Tyser of Union, and William H. In 1857 his parents emigrated to Har- din county, Iowa, and lived here until 1875, when they removed to Kansas, where his father died in 1878. His mother died in Union in 1879. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and lived as she died

937

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

a Christian. The subject of this memoir received but a limited education in early life, and is principally a self-made man; coming to Hardin county he worked on a farm until nineteen years of age, when he went to the southern part of the State, where he dealt in wood and timber. In 1862 he enlisted in the 2d Iowa Cavalry, Company A., and participated in several engage ments-Water Valley, Mississippi; Coffeeville, Holly Springs, Ripley, Jack- son, Tennessee; Tupelo, West Point. He was recommended by the Colonel of his regiment to raise a company of negroes, which he did, and had them under drill for two months, but there being some mis- understanding in reference to the commanding officers, got disgusted and returned to his old command. · Soon after returning, he was detailed to the quartermas- ter's department, where he remained a short time, when the command was sent to the army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battle of Nashville. He was soon after made Orderly Sergeant. He was mustered out at East Port, Mississippi, August 2, 1865. After retiring from the army he was employed at various occupations until 1873, when he embarked in the implement trade as salesman. In October of the same year, he purchased the business which he run for two years, when he formed a part- nership with Cady Sawin, adding Hard- ware; two years later he took in H. T. Benson, and opened up a branch at Eldora, remaining one year, when the business was divided up, Mr. Lawrence taking the hard- ware. In 1881 he took in as a partner, H. C. Chapin; they carry a stock of $7,000 to $8,000. In 1867, Mr. Lawrence married Miss Julia E. Shephard. She was born in

Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1847. By this union there are six children, five liv- ing, viz .- Callie T., Charles E., Herbert S., Cora L. and Cady O. In politics he is a Republican, and has held several local offices of trust; is at present'a Justice of the Peace. Is a member of the I. O. O. F. Industry Lodge No. 225.

John Rogers, one of the early settlers of Hardin county, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 13, 1828, and is a son of Warner and Elizabeth (McGregory) Rogers, natives of Maryland, who were married in Holmes county, Ohio, about 1816, and were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, viz: Jane, Wil- liam, John, Joseph, Warner, Elijah B., Hester A. and Wesley B. Mr. Rogers' father left Maryland in 1810, and located in Harrison county, Ohio, where he learned the trade of miller, which occupation he followed in connection with his farm. He remained in the same county until his death, which occurred in 1851. His mother died in 1877. The subject of this memoir was raised and educated in his native State. In October, 1854, he married Miss Kate M. George, a daughter of Wm. George, of Maryland, where she was born in 1833. Six children blessed this union-Adrienne N., Lillie V., Rowland S., Carl L., Halleck E. and Everman S. In the fall of 1857 the family left Ohio with teams and emi- grated to Hardin county. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers came to the county poor, commenc- ing at the lower round of the ladder, but by hard work have accumulated a fine property and have a pleasant home. They. have 460 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre.

938

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Geo. Lepley, a farmer and stock grower, and one of the early settlers of Hardin county, was born in Knox county, Ohio, January 26, 1831, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Hoyman) Lepley, natives of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. On February 19, 1874, he was married to Miss Catherine Kemmer, who was born in Knox county, November 4, 1838. By this union there were two children born-Samuel and Oscar. Mr. Lepley has a beautiful home, and a farm of 116 acres in Union town- ship, under a high state of cultivation, valued at $40 per acre; also 80 acres in Concord township, valued at $15 per acre. Mrs. Lepley is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Lepley enlisted in the 32d Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

William Nicholson, one of the pioneers of Hardin county, Iowa, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1804. In 1826 he married Nancy Graham, by whom he had eight children, five of whom are living-Mary J., Margaret, James, Elizabeth and Artmusa E. Mrs. Nicholson died in 1867. Mr. Nicholson again married, taking as a wife Susan Jones, the widow of Joel Jones, in 1870. They have three living children-Oliver, Lillie Ann and Melinda. Mr. Nicholson came to Marshall county, Iowa, in 1858, where he remained a short time, when he came to Eldora township, Hardin county, where he took up 300 acres of land. In 1869 he sold his place near Eldora, and came to this township. Mr. Nicholson ·has 509 acres of land in Hardin county, valued at $25 per acre. He worked on the first canal that ever floated a boat in Ohio.

While in Ohio he worked as a laborer splitting many thousand rails, and made several trips to New Orleans on flat-boats. At one time he walked from McLean county, Illinois, to his home in Pennsyl- vania, 1,0523 miles, making an average of 45 miles per day.

O. B. Chapin, one of the prominent farmers and business men of Union, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, November 23, 1830. He is the son of Paul and Beulah (Barker) Chapin, who were the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter. Mr. Paul Chapin was a farmer by occupation. In 1856 he emigrated to Marshall county, Iowa, where he remained until his death, which oc- curred October 3, 1875, his consort dying in the same year. They lived together as husband and wife for fifty-seven years. Mr. Chapin was a deacon in the Congrega- tional Church for many years, always giving liberally of his means in building up the church. O. B. was raised on a farm, and received his education in his native State. In 1858 he married Ellen Hunsdon. She was born in 1836. By this union there were two children-Henry C., and Jennie A. In 1859 they came to Har- din county, and lived in a log cabin of the rudest kind. In the fall of 1876 they came to their present place. Mr. Chapin came to the county in limited circum- stances, but by judicious management has accumulated a fine property and pleasant home, and to-day is one of the staunch farmers of the county. He has 500 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre and 160 in Marshall county, valued at $40 per acre. In politics he is a Republican, and was supervisor for six years. In 1874 he was

939

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

elected to the State Legislature from his district. Mr. Chapin is a member of the I. O. O. F., Industry Lodge No. 225.

B. S. Parish was born in Vermilion county, Indiana, December 18, 1831. He is a son of Meredith and Lucinda (Smith) Parish, natives of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm, and received his educa- tion in the log cabin, going through the timbers for two and a half miles. In 1856 he came to Iowa, spending one year near DesMoines, where he made shingles, which to-day cover some of the old residences of that place. In the spring of 1859 he pur- chased the place where he now resides. August 12, 1860, he married Miss Martha J. Martin, a daughter of Wm. Martin of Danville, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Parish are the parents of three children-Laura M., wife of A. W. Allen; Wm. M. and Ethel R. Coming to the county poor, they moved into a cabin 15x15, which is still standing as one of the old land marks; but a large and commodious residence has been erected in which the family now reside. Mr. Parish has a beautiful farm near Whitten of 160 acres, valued at $50 per acre, 35 acres of timber worth $15 per acre.

EDUCATIONAL.

In the winter of 1853-4 a select school was held at the house of James A. Dawdy, and taught by a Mr. Whitehead. This was the beginning of the educational work in Union township, which now boasts of thirteen school houses, valued at $800, each.

The first school house was erected in 1854, on section 14. It was a rude, log affair, 18x18 feet in size, with its usual accompaniments of puncheon floor, slab

seats, and low ceiling. - In this educational temple, Ezra Abbott yielded the first fer- rule and birch rod, and taught the mysteries contained in Webster's Elementary Spell- ing Book, McGuffey's Readers, Ray's and Pike's Arithmetics, and, possibly, Kirk- ham's Grammar.

The second teacher in Union township was a man by the name of Fisher, or better known as "Old Greasy Breeches, " or "Montezuma," and under his supervision the school became reduced to one scholar, E. J. Hauser, now one of the enterprising business men of Eldora, who was elected as County Treasurer in 1875. It was said he would hear him recite a lesson, and then lay down and go to sleep until he was compelled to hear the next lesson.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services were held in private houses by Rev. E. C. Crippin, a Methodist Episcopal preacher, and like- wise an early settler of the county. Few of the early settlers of the county but remember this zealous, God-fearing man, who was ever ready to answer any minis- terial calls, whether it be at the bedside of the sick or dying, or to unite in the holy bonds of wedlock such as desired to be- come one.

The first place designed especially for religious worship was a hall, over a store, erected in 1871, which was fitted up by the Methodist Episcopal brethren. Here they assembled for several years, and worshiped God after the mani.er of the early Metho- dists, who cared more for the God they worshiped, than the fashions and follies of the world.

940

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

The first regular church edifice was erected by the Congregationalists in the town of Union. Other edifices have since been erected, an account of which will be found in this chapter.

MILLS.

The early settlers of Union township were dependent upon a mill on Timber creek, in Marshall county, known as the Timber Creek Mill. It was a small affair, and often caused the people considerable inconvenience in waiting their turn for grist. When their wants could not be sup- plied here, they were compelled to go to Iowa City or other places almost equally distant.

The first mill erected in the township was for sawing lumber. It was built by L. F. Sanders, in 1854. It was run by water-power. The dam soon gave out and the mill has long since disappeared.

The first grist mill was erected on sec- tion 22, about one mile from the present village of Union, by the Benson heirs.

ORGANIZATION.

The township of Union was organized by Alexander Smith, County Judge, in 1853. The first election for township offi- cers was held at the house of Cyrus Rowen, about one-half mile north of the present village of Union. Thomas N. Hauser was elected Justice of the Peace, and was the first in the township. There had been an election in the township prior to this-the first in the county, which was held in March, 1853, at the residence of Henry Abrams, for county officers.

POSTOFFICES.

The first postoffice was established in 1855, with Thos. N. Hauser as Postmaster. The office was held at his house, and was known as the Union Postoffice. Mr. Hauser held the office some five years and then resigned. Several parties held the office after the resignation of Mr. Hauser, and it was removed to different parts of the township, having no regular abiding place until 1869, when it was moved to the village of Union. There are now three postoffices in the township-Union, Whit- ten and Gifford.

TOPOGRAPHICAL.

Union township is a rich rolling prairie, except along the banks of the Iowa river, which is quite heavily timbered; the young timber being very thick, and if not cut away, will in time afford a great deal of valuable fire wood and lumber for building purposes. The Iowa river enters the town- ship on section 4, and flows through sec- tions 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 26, 27 and 35, emerging from the latter and flowing into Marshall county. Several small streams flow into the river in different parts of the township, three affording living water for stock purposes. Honey creek, in the south- east corner, derives its name from the number of Bee trees that was found on its banks in an early day.

REPRESENTATIVE MEN.

In addition to those already given, sketches of many of Union township's best citizens, who came in at a late date, are here given:

J. F. Sloan was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th day of

941

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

March, 1808. He is the son of James and Mary (Hughes) Sloan. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan were the parents of twelve children, 'seven sons and five daughters. The sub- ject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in a log cabin with slab seats, and a log cut out and greased paper pasted over for lights. October 1, 1835, he married Miss Elizabeth Law. She was born in Ireland, her parents emigrating to this country in 1812, when she was an infant. Mrs. Sloan was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died a true Christian. In 1845 Mr. Sloan emigrated to Rock Island county, Illinois, where he purchased land and embarked in farming, and where Mrs. Sloan died in 1849. In 1860 he sold out in Illinois and came to Hardin county, where he is at present residing. Mr. Sloan is at present leading a retired life. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

William A. Sloan was born in Derry township, Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania, September 22, 1798, and was the first son of James and Mary (Hughes) Sloan, both of whom were natives of Westmore- land county, in the same State. They were born near Hannastown, which was the first county seat of the first county organized in Western Pennsylvania. They both died in Armstrong county. Derry township was named by William's grandfather in honor of his native county in Ireland. William remained with his parents until of age, helping bis father upon the farm and occa- sionally attending the common schools of the neighborhood in winter. When he reached manhood, he began working at the cabinet-maker and joiner's trade, in Brock- field, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, fol-

lowing the same for about ten years. He was Treasurer of Jefferson county for six years, after which he went to Newbury, Ohio, where he engaged in the mercantile business for one year. He then removed his stock of goods to Rochester, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, remaining there one year, and then moving back to his native county, where he continued in the mer- cantile trade three years longer. In 1856 he sold out his stock of goods and came to Iowa, entering a large quantity of land in Grundy county, and returning to Pennsyl- vania, where he spent the following win- ter. In the spring of 1857 he returned to Iowa, accompanied by his brother, James F. Sloan. Together they commenced the improvement of the land they had entered the previous year. The winter of 1857-8 the brothers spent in Illinois City, Rock Island county, Illinois. The subject of this sketch spent his summers in Grundy county and winters in Rock Island county, Illinois, and in Pennsylvania until 1860, when he located in Hardin county, about six miles south of Eldora, where he con- tinued to reside till his death, which oc- curred September 22, 1881, on his eighty- third birth-day. He was twice married- first, to Mary Hunter, who was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and who died in Brookfield, the same State. His second wife was Charlotte Clark. He was never blessed with children. William A. Sloan was a man of sterling integrity of character, and was respected by all who knew him. He held the office of Justice of the Peace in this county for many years. He was, and had been for many years, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was a consistent Christian. On the organ-

942

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

ization of that body in Eldora, he was one of the organizing members and one of its first. Elders. He was a very liberal sup- porter of the Church.

John Galoway, a pioneer of Hardin county, Iowa, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 11th day of December, 1832; son of Jacob and Sarah (Brosier) Galoway. There was a family of nine children, five of whom are living. His father is still living in Ohio. John, when at the age of seventeen, learned the trade of a cooper, which he followed a few years. In 1856 he married Miss Lydia Haas, a daughter of John Haas. Mr. Galoway left Ohio in 1857, and came to Hardin county, locating on the place where he now lives. In 1860 he removed to Grundy county, where B. S. Parish now lives. He experienced the effects of the cyclone, which is so well remembered by the old settlers. His house was blown away with everything in it. There were fourteen persons in the house, and four in the cellar. Not a person was killed, but several were badly hurt, Mrs. Galoway being blown out on the prairie some thirty rods, receiving a severe scalp wound. Her child was also blown some distance from the site of the house, but was finally found in a slough. The build- ing was a frame structure, and when the storm was over there was not two boards found nailed together. It seemed a mira- cle how so many of them could go through such a storm without losing their lives. In 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Galoway came to the county poor, and at a time when if a man had a dollar in his pocket he was not sure it would be good for anything in the morn- ing. The county was then thinly settled. By hard work and good management they

have accumulated a fine property. They have 200 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mrs. Galoway and son are members of the Christian Church.

J. A. Wilson, one of the early settlers of Hardin county, was born in Logan county, Ohio, May 1, 1832. He is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Holt) Wilson, natives of Pennsylvania, but who were reared in Kentucky, where they were married. Nine children blessed their union, seven sons and two daughters. In about 1818 Mr. Wilson's parents emigrated to Ohio, where they took up a claim, and, afterward, made a farm. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Both parents died in Ohio. Mr. Wilson was reared on a farm, and was educated in the common schools. In 1855 he married Anzoletta Sayer, a daughter of Milton V. and Jane Sayer. She was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 17, 1839. By this union there were eleven children, seven of whom are living-Mary E., Wil- liam P., Elizabeth J., Deborah L., John A., Alma G., and Cora E. In September, 1854, he left Ohio, and moved to Rock Island county, Illinois, where he remained until September, 1860, when he came to Hardin county, Iowa, where he has since resided. His first market was at Waterloo, where he hauled wheat, which he sold for

forty cents per bushel. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson came to the county in limited cir- cumstances. They have now 250 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. In 1862 Mr. Wilson enlisted in the 32d Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and served with honor.

Captain John Devine, one of the pioneers of Union township, was born in Ireland, December 24, 1824. When four years old

J. J. Sloan

945

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

he was sent to live with an uncle, Wm. J. Burns of Union county, Ohio, but before arriving at his destination his uncle died. He then went to live with an aunt, but not finding it agreeable, left, and then lived with Martin Roseman, in Guernsey county where he remained until he was fifteen years old. In company with a young Doctor he sub- sequently started for Texas. The Mexican trouble had then commenced. Arriving at Louisville, Kentucky, he enlisted under General Chambers, and was sent with other recruits to Galveston, Texas. While enroute there was an election of officers, and he was made Orderly Sergeant. Arriving at Labacca General Huston took charge of the recruits' train, then went to Montery via Matamoras and Rio Grande, where they were engaged with the Mexi- cans. After the expedition of Monterey he was elected Captain of a Militia Company; was sent against the Indians to protect the frontiersmen. He remained in that capa- city for two years, when the company was disbanded. He then joined the Texas Rangers under Colonel Jack Hayes, and was used as a scout. He held a commission as 2d Lieutenant. He remained in this service but a short time, when he resigned his commisson and returned to Ohio, where he married Mary L. George of Maryland. By this union there was a family of eight children-Aderesta J., John C., Agatha E., Winfield S., Randolph A., Edwin, Florence, Frank and Sigle. Mrs. Devine died in 1861. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Devine enlisted in the 32d Regiment Infantry, Company F, and was elected 1st Lieu- tenant. He was mustered in at Dubuque. The first engagement was at Cape Girar- deau, Missouri; then at Pleasant Hill, where

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.

History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 105

Author: Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1002

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002