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 78
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
mistress. Mrs. Katsch resigned in August. 1882, in favor of W. A. Caraway.
A store was established at Cottage Post- office in 1870, by Andrew B. Bronson, in a log house on the northeast quarter of section 32. He remained in business in this building until 1873, when he removed into a more convenient frame house erected for the purpose. In 1876 he sold out to Fred. Katsch, who still carries on the busi- ness that will average $7,000 per year.
Ellis Postoffice was established, Decem- ber 26, 1873, on section 9, and Daniel White appointed Postmaster. Mr. White subsequently resigned the position, settled with the Government, and turned the office over to F. H. McMillen, who had received the appointment. Mr. McMillen removed the office to section 5. It is now kept by G. D. McMillen.
RELIGIOUS.
The first religious services in what is now Ellis township, were held at the house of Henry Cooper, in 1855, by a United Brethren Minister, whose name cannot be recalled. During the same summer a class of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the house of J. M. B. Oviatt, by Rev. Holcomb, with the following named members: J. M. B. Oviatt, Class Leader; Mrs. C. G. Oviatt, Sarah J. Cooper, Mar- garet Johnson, Mary S. Oviatt and L. Lu- cretia Oviatt.
During the same summer a Sabbath school was organized with Fabian Beard as Superintendent. There were about twenty scholars enrolled.
The class organized by Mr. Holcomb was sustained until 1874, when Rev. T. W. Anderson organized a new class in
Ellis School district, embracing some of the members from the old class. The fol- lowing named comprised the new class: Lewis Stuart, Class Leader; Cynthia Stuart, Martha Stuart, Ira B. Stuart and wife, Mr. Orr aud wife, Mrs Euphamie Chatfield, Joseph Barber, Mrs. Anna Man- ning, O. G. Oviatt and L. Lucretia White. A Sabbath school is usually maintained in the summer. During the summer of 1882, D. F. Orr was the Superintendent, and there were about fifty scholars enrolled.
Among those ministers who have held regular services at this point, were Rev. Thomas Hamilton, Rev. T. N. Anderson, Rev. Robinson, Rev. J. N. Blodgett, Rev. Thomas Hamilton, the second time; Rev. R. L. Henion, and Rev. J. D. Shafford, the present minister.
The present officers of the Society, are L. M. Stuart, Class Leader; Joseph Barber, Steward; Mrs. Joseph Barber, Assistant Steward. Of the Sabbath School, B. F. Orr, Superintendent; Mr. Johnson, As- sistant Superintendent; Mr. Hillhouse, Treasurer.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school was held in a log house built by R. and'D. C. Kennedy, in 1857. They received the contract from the district for building the house and whip- sawed all the logs by hand. It was com- pleted in September, and a six months school held therein commencing in October, and taught by G. L. Morrell. The teacher subsequently was married, purchased a farm in Buckeye township, where he still resides.
There are now eight good substantial frame school houses in the township valued
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
at $4,000. There are 226 persons between the ages of five and twenty-one. The average compensation of teachers for the year ending Oct., 1881, was $25 per month.
ELLIS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
A joint stock company was organized in 1877, for the purpose of purchasing and operating a library. The Association is composed principally of citizens of the township. T. I. McChesney was its first President, and Daniel White its first Li- brarian. The Association has now in its library 132 volumes of good books, and a fund of $50 on hand for the purchase of new ones. Mrs. C. E. Gilbert is the present Librarian, and H. H. Packard, Secretary. The library is kept at the house of C. E. Gilbert.
MANUFACTORIES.
While an exclusive agricultural town- ship, with no town within its borders, Ellis township has a few manufactories worthy of notice.
STACY'S DITCHER.
W. Stacy some few years ago invented a ditching machine, which has proven an unqualified success. Mr. Stacy has a man- ufactory located on section 26, where these machines are made, together with the Boss Washing Machine. The building is a frame structure, 22 x 30, with sheds on either side. It was erected in 1877. The machinery is run by engine and horse power. Mr. Stacy is now doing a business amounting to $10,000 per year. He has, up to the present time, manufactured and sent out twenty machines, and has orders for many more.
W. Stacy was born January 11, 1841, in Parish of Cornwell, England. In 1851 his father died, and the next year he came, with his mother, to DuPage county, Ill., remaining there until 1854, when she came to Earlville, Delaware county, Iowa, where she remained until 1856, when she came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, locating on section 35, where she still lives. Since arriving at manhood, Mr. Stacy has been farming and selling machinery, and in 1868 commenced manufacturing ditching machines, which business he followed in a small way until 1870, when he received a patent on his ditcher. He then erected a building with necessary machinery, since which time he has been carrying on the business on a more extensive scale. He has held the office of Trustee of his town, one term, Justice of the peace six years, and Constable. He was married April 2d, 1868, to Harriet E. Bunce, born May 29, 1846, near Waterbury, Conn. She came with her parents to Winneshiek county, Iowa, when twelve years of age. She re- Inained there until the spring of 1867, when she came to the town of Ellis, Har- din county, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy are the parents of two children-Charles and Elmer, who are still living. In the fall of 1866 he visited England, remaining until the spring of 1867, when he returned to his home in Iowa, bringing his brother Edward with him. In 1876 he attended the Centennial, besides visiting different places of note in the Eastern States. In 1877 he went to California for his health, visiting Sacra- mento City, San Francisco and Los Ange- los, buying property at the last named place, which he still owns. In 1881 he
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went to Manitoba, and took a Govern- ment contract ditching, which business he is now following.
CARAWAY'S CHEESE FACTORY.
A cheese factory was established at Cot- tage Postoffice, in this township, in the spring of 1881, by W. A. Caraway. He erected a frame building, 24x30, two stories in height, at a cost of $1,000. During the season of 1881, he manufactured cheese to the amount of $3,000. Mr. Caraway also opened a general store at Cottage, com- mencing business May 4, 1882. He occu- pies a frame building, one and a half stories high, and carries stock amounting to $2,000. He is also the present post- master at Cottage.
M'MILLEN'S CHEESE FACTORY.
This factory is located on section 5, and is a frame building, 22x30, two stories in height, and erected in August, 1881, at a/ cost of $1,000. A business of from $5,000 to $7,000 per year is now being transacted here. Mr. McMillen also carries a stock of groceries.
BLACKSMITH.
A. P. Jensen built a shop at Cottage Postoffice, and commenced a general black- smithing business in 1874. He does work amounting to $1,200 per year. He is also a manufacturer of wagons.
Milton Kennedy was born March 6, 1829, in Sciota county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received a common school education. In May, 1850, he came to Hardin county, remaining until October, when he returned to Ohio, remaining until the spring of 1851, when he returned to
Hardin county, being one of the pioneers. of the county. He is now living on section 28. He was elected to the office of Asses- sor of Ellis township on its organization. Mr. Kenne ty was married March 18, 1857, to Margaret A. Caraway, who was born in Adams county, Ohio. They are the parents of seven children-Sarah Ellen, Roxy Belle, Marilla Jane, Lyman Finley, Edith, Willie Edgar, Nellie May.
R. Kennedy was born in Adams town- ship, Sciota county, Ohio, March 20, 1831. He grew to manhood in his native county, and in 1855 came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 19, on the farm now owned by T. I. Mc- Chesny, and now lives on section 30, where he has a nice farm, containing 300 acres. On the organization of his town, he was elected Town Trustee, and on the organi- zation of the School District, was elected School Director, which office he has held at different times since. He was married March 8, 1855, to Eliza White, who was born at Glasgow, Scotland. At the age of nine months she came with her parents to Allegheny City, Pa .; remained there until twenty-three years of age, when she went to Sciota county, Ohio, where she was mar- ried. They are the parents of five child- ren-Martha A., born January 16, 1856; Celia, born May 16, 1858; Nathaniel, born August 10, 1860; X. J., born May 12, 1862; Gratha Belle, born August 10, 1871.
Sylvester Axtell was born May 5, 1824, in Mercer county, Pa. When sixteen years of age his father moved, with his family, to Warren county, Ill., where his father died. He went with his mother to Knox county, where his mother died. He received a common school education. · In
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
1852 he came to Muscatine county, Iowa, locating on section 27, where he still lives. Since coming to the town be has held the office of Trustee, Road Supervisor and School Director. He was married October 15, 1850, to Miss C. C. Finch, who was born in Troy, N. Y. When eleven years of age her parents came with a colony that founded Knox College, at Galesburg, Ill., where she remained until she was married. Phœba Caroline, Cora Ermina, Mary Elizabeth, Willie Sylvester, Orin Lincoln, and Hattie Clarinda, are their children.
T. I. McChesney was born May 25, 1828, in Warren county, Ohio. When ten years of age, he went with his parents to Preble county, where he received a common school education. He remained in this county until 1844, when he went into the employ of the Western Stage Company, traveling through the States of Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. He remained with this company until 1854, when he came to Iowa, and en- gaged in the staging business until 1868, when he came to the town of Ellis, Har- din county, and bought a farm on section 19, where he still lives. Mr. McChesney has held the office of School Director ever since he has been a resident of the town. He has also held the offices of Town Clerk and Town Trustee. He was married, De- cember 18, 1861, to Maria F. Martin, born at Enfield, New Hampshire, where she grew to womanhood, and received her ed- ucation. After teaching school a number of terms, she left her native State, arriving at DesMoines in the fall of 1855, where she again turned her attention to school teaching. She remained there until 1857, when she came to Iowa Falls, where she
was married. They have three children- Mary, Edah and Mable.
Daniel White was born December 8, 1827, in the town of Webster, Androscoggin county, Maine, where he grew to manhood and received a common school education. In 1846 he went to Boston, Massachusetts, serving an apprenticeship at bricklaying, worked at this trade in Boston and vicinity until 1852, taking passage on a vessel from New York, via the Isthmus of Panama, for California, arriving at San Francisco after a voyage of 75 days. He went immediately to the mines, remaining until February of 1855, when he returned to Boston, and in 1856 came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 9 where he still lives. Since living here he has held the office of Town Trustee and Justice of the Peace. He was married March 13, 1857, to L. Lucretia Oviatt, born in Trum- bell county, Ohio. When five years of age, she went with her parents to Green county, Wisconsin, where she received a common school education. In 1856 she came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, where she was married. They have eight chil- dren-Clara E., Mary E., Bethia E., Ellis F., George H., Clarence L., Laura L. and Islethera L.
W. H. Oviatt, Farmer, born April 17, 1842, in Trumbell county, Ohio. When a child he went with his parents to Green connty Wisconsin, remaining until 1856, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, where he still lives. He has held the offices of Clerk, Trustee and As- sessor, and at the present time is Justice of the Peace. July 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company "C" 6th Iowa Infantry, serving until December 31, 1863, when he was
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
discharged by reason of re-enlistment as a Veteran Volunteer in Company "C", same company and regiment, January 1, 1864. He was promoted to Ist Sergeant, No- vember 1, 1864, and March 29, 1865, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in Com- pany "H," same Regiment, which position he held until the close of the war. He was with General Grant until he took command of the Army of the Potomac. He was under Sherman in his march to the sea, and most of the battles of that campaign. He was also at Washington, at the Grand Review. He received a wound in the shoulder, while on a charge before Jackson, Mississippi, and one in the face from a musket ball at the siege of Atlanta, Ga, where he had command of a portion of the skirmish line. He was married October 6, 1864, to Augusta Murphy, born in Albany county, New York. When 12 years of age she came to Iowa Falls, Har- din county, Iowa, where she was married. They have five children-Frank E., Edna E., James M., Edith C. and Gertie L.
Jonas W. Simpson was born July 13, 1851, in Illinois. When five years of age, his parents moved to Hardin township, Hardin county, Iowa, where they pur- chased a farm. After living here a short time, bought a farm in Jackson township, where they now live, on section 4. While a resident of Jackson township, he held the office of Road Supervisor. In 1879 he came to the town ef Ellis, section 1, where he now lives. Mr. Simpson was married August 15, 1875, to Miss Martha A. Fiddler, born in Richland county, Ohio. When an infant, her parents came to Hardin town- ship, Hardin county, locating on section 29, where they still live.
W. A. Caraway was born September 26, 1840, in Adams county, Ohio. When fifteen years of age, he came with his parents to Cedar county, Iowa. After remaining here about six months, he went in the fall to Linn county, remaining through the winter. In the spring of 1856, he came to the town of Sherman, Hardin county, locating on section 1, where his father built a small log house, being the first house in the town. He remained here until 1860, when he came to the town of Ellis, locating on section 28, where he still lives. On the outbreak of the rebel- lion, he took up arms in defense of his country, enlisting in Company C, 6th Iowa . Cavalry, serving until November, 1866. He was with General Sully through the Sioux campaign in Northern Dakota. The last year of his service was in the Quarter- master's department six months, when he was transferred to the Commissary depart- ment, which position he held until his dis- charge. In the fall of 1880; he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he still holds. He received a com- mon school education. He was married April 18, 1871, to Julia A. Mires, born in Hardin county, Iowa, where she received a common school education, and where she was married. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are living-Mabel, Gorden, Harry and Katie.
E. H. Little was born May 28, 1821, in Crawford county, Pa., where he grew to manhood, and received a common school education. In 1846 he went to Buffalo, N. Y., remaining until 1856, when he came to DeKalb county, Ill. In 1857 he came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, remaining until 1859, when he came to the town of Etna, Har-
HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
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din county, remaining until September 2, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, 32d Iowa Infantry . Volunteers, serving until March 4, 1863, when he was discharged by reason of chronic bronchitis, contracted in the army. He returned to Hardin county, and is now living on section 18, in Ellis township. He has held the office of School Director in Franklin county. He was married November 10, 1842, to Helen Church, born in New York, where she grew to womahood and received a common school education. When fifteen years of age, she went to Pennsylvania, where she was married.
William W. Rickel was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1843. When a child, his parents went to Henry county, Ill. When fourteen years of age, he came to the town of Hardin, Hardin county,Ill. He received a common school education. In the spring of 1861, he went to Colorado. August 12, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 1st Colo- rado Infantry Volunteers. He went with his regiment to New Mexico, and took part in the battle of Pigeon's Ranch, in March, 1862, against rebel troops commanded by General Sibley. In the summer of 1862, his regiment was transferred to cavalry. He served in this regiment until Decem- ber, 1863, when he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer, in the same company and regi- ment, serving until December, 1865. To- wards the latter part of his service, he was detailed on detached duty .as messenger to General Connor, commanding the De- partment of the Plains. He returned to Hardin county, where he has since lived. Mr. R. was married December 24, 1874, to Gertrude Courtney, who was born in Mus-
catine, Iowa. Maudie and Clayton Court- ney are their children.
James Hartinger was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 12, 1844. When fifteen years of age, he came with his parents to Union township, Hardin county, Iowa. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, 32d Iowa Infantry, and was with his company on an expedition up the Red river, in Louisiana, under General A. J. Smith; was also at Tupelo, Miss., and Montgomery, Ala. He was discharged August 22, 1865, when he returned to Union township; and in 1867, he came to Ellis township, buying the farm where he now lives. Mr. H. has held the office of Constable nine years, Road Supervisor two years and School Director and Treas- urer two years. He was married in No- vember, 1866, to Mary Ann Shephard, who was born in Illinois, and came to the town of Ellis, where she was married. Charles Luther and Clarence R. are their children.
C. T. McMillen, a farmer, was born July 10, 1845, in the town of Collins, Erie county, N. Y. When fourteen years of age, he came with his parents to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa. He resides on section 4, and has 125 acres of land, valued at $20 per acre. He received a common school education. Mr. McMillen was married October 25, 1870; to Loie Abby Oviatt, born in Green county, Wis., and who came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, in 1856, where she was mar- ried. Norris Leonard, Lottie Lucretia and Estelle Emerett are their children.
G. D. McMillen was born September 23, 1851, in Gowanda, town of Collins, Erie county, N. Y. His parents moved to Iowa in June, 1859, settling on section 5, Ellis
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
township, Hardin county, where he has made his home ever since. In the spring of 1872, he went into the sewing-machine business, with headquarters at Eldora, and remained in this business untill the fall of 1873, when he went to manufacturing cheese, which business he has followed ever since. He was married May 10, 1876, to Viola Young, born in Marshall county, Iowa. When a child, her parents came to the town of Tipton, Hardin county, where she was married. Eleanor and Eliza J. are their children.
F. Lake, farmer, was born February 28, 1832, in Keshockton county, Ohio. When eleven years of age he went with his parents to Kosciusko county, Indiana. He received a common school education. In 1853 he came to Linn county, Iowa, and remained until the spring of 1860, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, and now lives on section 20. He was married April 10, 1856, to Adelia Scott, born in Indiana. She came, when an in- fant, with her parents, to Linn county, Iowa. She received a common school edu- cation. They had nine children. The living ones are: Mary F., Harrison N., John W., James S., William T., Corne- lius A. and Nell S.
John B. Miller, farmer, was born in 1832, in Sciota county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and received a common school education. In 1856 he came to Cedar county, Iowa, remaining there until 1861, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, where he now lives and has a farm containing 80 acres, which is valued at $18 per acre. Since coming to the town he has held the office of Road Supervisor. He was married in 1855 to Sarah Caraway,
born in Sciota county, Ohio, where she was married. They have six children: Thomas, James, Mary, Agnes, Louisa and Hattie.
L. T. Eaton was born in 1818, in Ashta- bula county, Ohio. When fifteen years of ·age, he went to Geauga county; remained there until 1841, when he went to Iowa county, Wis .; remained there until 1863, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, and now lives on section 22. At the age of eighteen, Mr. E. experienced religion and joined the M. E. Church, of which he is still a inember. After being a member forty-six years, he finds religion to be no fable. He has held the office of steward and class-leader of the church a great share of the time since he became a Christian, and has held the office of Trus- tee of his town, He was married in the spring of 1841, to Samantha Sweat, who was born in Vermont. When a child her parents went to Geauga county, Ohio, where she was married. They are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living- Almira, Alonzo, Caroline, James Milton, Adelade and Euphemia.
John Riley, farmer, was born in 1826, in Pennsylvania. He received a common school education. In 1847 he went to La- fayette county, Wis., remaining until 1864, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, where he now lives. Since living in this town, he has held the office of Trustee two terms. He was married in 1849, to Miss Phrectima Rawdon, who was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio. When she was fifteen years of age, she went to Lafayette county, Wis., where she was married. They are the parents of eight children-Henry, Albert, Ezra J., Preston, Eda, Frank, Martha and Minnie.
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
L. J. Shephard was born January 3, 1818, in Pittsburg, Pa., where he grew to manhood and received a common school education. He followed the profession of school teaching one year. In 1839 he went to sea in the fishing business on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. He was in San Francisco Harbor in 1839. He re- mained in this business until 1842, when he came to Jersey and Montgomery counties, Ill., remaining until 1864, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 29, where he still lives, being one of the pioneers of the county. Since the organization of his town, he has held the offices of Trus- tee and Justice of the Peace. While Mr. Shephard was a resident of Illinois, Gover- nor Yates gave him a commission to deliver vegetables to invalid soldiers at Vicksburg, and while living in Montgomery county, Illinois, was elected to the office of Sheriff of that county, which office he held six years. He was married April 7, 1844, to Eleanor A. N. Cain, born in Mercer county, Ky., where she received a common school education. She went to Jersey county, Ill., where she was married. They have had six children; the oldest was killed in the army, and the youngest shot himself accidentally. Julia Ann, Nancy Caroline, Mary Ann and Levi James are still living.
Charles H. Packard was born January 31, 1836, in Franklin county, Mass., where he grew to manhood and received a com- mon school education. In 1856 he went to Walworth county, Wis., remaining until the fall of 1864, when he came to Iowa Falls, Hardin county, Iowa, where he remained until 1875, when he came to
the town of Ellis, locating on section 6, where he now lives. While living in Wisconsin, he was School Superintendent one year. Since coming to the town of Ellis, he has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Town Trustee. He was married March 25, 1858, to Lovina Lyon, born in Genessee county, N. Y. When a child, she went with her parents to Wal- worth county, where she received a com- mon school education and was married. She is the mother of five children, four living-Elsie, Annie, Walter and Judson. Mr. Packard has taught school constantly for twenty-four years. He has always taken a great interest in schools, and is connected with all the temperance move- ments.
Lyman Bunce was born in 1811, in Litchfield, Conn., where he grew to man- hood and received a common school edu- cation. He worked in the iron works nine seasons at Canaan, also in the charcoal business and farming. In 1856 he came to Winnesheik county, Iowa, where he re- mained until 1865, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, and settled on section 34, where he still lives. He was married in 1833 to Miss Lucy M. Boardman, born in Litchfield county, Conn. In 1843 his wife died, leaving him two children-Helen and Charles. Charles died when twenty-one years of age. In 1853 Mr. Bunce married Miss Lucy Kent, born in Canaan, Litchfield county, Conn. They have had four children, two of whom are living-Frank E., William, Harriet and Alice. William enlisted and went South, and died at Memphis, Tenn., in 1864, and Alice died when six years of age.
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