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 92

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 92

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the little school house remains; and the village too has gone, and all the early inhabitants. And the scholars; where are they? When Lincoln called for aid to quell the rebellion, seventeen of those boys and the teacher responded to the call at different times:

Jacob S. Ripley, A. J. Ripley, Lewis Ripley, Henry Smith, A. J. Smith, Allen T. Hiserote, Wm. P. Hiserote, Joseph B. Hiserote, Wm. J. Bowers, I. H. Bowers, Geo. H. Speer, Harry ,S. Bradfield, Wm. McCall, Wilson Boyd, John S. Kersey, Gustavus H.Black and Moses Baumgardner.

Jacob S. Ripley is readily remembered as one of the oldest scholars of the school, a tall young man of noble bearing, a fine specimen of a true soldier. In Company A, 12th Iowa, he was the first of the school to give his life for his country; killed at the battle of Corinth. His young brother, Lewis, a mere stripling, stepped bravely into line, but his constitution gave way under the hard campaigns, and he too soon filled a soldier's grave.

Henry Smith was also one of the older scholars, and had taught the first school in the township, a young man of intelligence, very unpretending in manners, a brave soldier in Company A, 32d Iowa; he was taken prisoner at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864, and died in prison at Tyler, Texas, of rebel cruelty.

Gustavus Black was somewhat odd, but a good boy; made a good soldier; was mortally wounded, and died of his wounds at White river, Ark.

George H. Speers was a mere boy when he entered the let Cavalry, but full of energy and ambition. He was always ready for every scout and skirmish through

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

all the stagnant pools and miasmatic marshes of the White River Country. But the hardships of Steel's Little Rock cam- paign landed him with many others in a soldier's grave. He sleeps at Little Rock.

Wilson Boyd was the younger brother of the teacher. He was light built, but a bright active young man; went with his brother in Company F, 32d Iowa, and in the campaign of South East Missouri, among the swamps of that region. He was a brave soldier, was prompt and ready for his post, be that of danger or otherwise. But, in the campaign against Little Rock, when the four companies of Infantry marched 500 miles with the advance Cav- alry Division under the weltering sun of July and August, he sunk with many other brave boys, beneath the hardships, and at Bramsville, Ark., he with three others of the young men of this Company, were laid to rest the same week. He died August 14, 1863.

"We buried the youthful braves In their humble graves, 'Neath the dark Arkansas sod, Just as Autumn began to gather Her harvest of golden sheaves."

Among the brightest boys of that school was Allen F. Hiserote. He had the ele- ments, with application, to have made a fine scholar. At the breaking out of the war, he returned to the old home of his parents, in New York, and enlisted in Company F, 37th New York Infantry. He was severely wounded at the first battle of Bull Run, but, with that pluck character- istic of the boy, stuck to the service, per- forming his duties as a brave soldier to the close of his three years, when he returned

to his Iowa home, and now fills a soldier's grave in the Berlin Cemetery.

I. H. Bowers was wounded at Corinth while his schoolmate, J. S. Ripley, was shot dead.

A. J. Ripley was severely wounded at Pleasant Hill, and while life lasts must be a cripple and sufferer from his wounds.

William P. Hiserote was three times wounded at Pleasant Hill, La., but still he would not give up, and even would not down, when " Down ! down !" was the order. But at last over-powering numbers took him prisoner. But he wouldn't stay taken, for back he came to the Union lines, without any reverence or even re- spect for the rebel authorities. He still lives, and, as a delegate to the late Con- gressional Convention, he would vote, and did vote, for his brave Colonel, John Scott, for Congress.

We can recall the names of twelve mem- bers of that school who became teachers in our public schools. It furnished, in- cluding its teacher, two County Superin- tendents and two Clerks of the Courts of Hardin county, and one Sheriff, also at least one member of the Board of Super- visors, and a post master for the city of Ackley for ten years. Two of their num- ber are now practicing attorneys. The scholars still living are scattered. Some have gone East, some South and some further West, even to the Pacific Slope.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services in the town- ship, now remembered by citizens yet liv- ing in the township, was in the fall of 1855, in the log school house erected on section 11. The services were conducted by Rev.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

E. C. Crippin, a pioneer Methodist minister who located in the township some two years previous. The memory of the early settlers must surely be at fault in this matter, as it is hardly possible that a min- ister with the piety and zeal of Mr. Crippin would suffer two years to pass before call- ing his neighbors together and preaching unto them the gospel of Christ.

Ethan C. Crippin was a native of Canada, who came to Iowa at an early date and located in Hardin county, in Jackson town- ship, in 1853. While not a scholar, in its generally accepted sense, he was well read in the theological literature of the day, especially of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for which he had great veneration. While not regarded as a fine orator, he was an able and earnest defender of the gospel of Christ. He was a plain man in every sense of the word, and cared little for dress. He was always dressed in home- made, woolen clothes, made from the wool of sheep raised by himself, and spun and made into clothing by his wife. In the pulpit he spoke plainly and to the point, calling things by the right name. With. out deceit himself, he looked not for deceit in others. An invitation once given to one to partake of his hospitality, if not promptly accepted was never repeated. An instance of this kind is related by J. M. Boyd. While teaching school at Berlin, Mr. Bradfield and family, with Mr. Boyd, were invited to a supper at Mr. Crippin's. The ladies of the party preceded the gen- tlemen to the house of Mr. Crippin, with the understanding that they should arrive in good time for supper. Having some business to attend to after his school was dismissed, with regard to school matters,

Mr. Bradfield being Treasurer of the School Board, the two were detained much longer than anticipated, so they did not reach Mr. Crippin's until about ten o'clock. Just after school was dismissed the two took a lunch, which they thought would sustain them until they could get a good, warm supper. When they arrived they found supper had been delayed on their account, and, without further ado, Mr. Crippin invited them all out. · Mr. Brad- field, who considered it good policy, and quite the right thing to do, in answer to the invitation said: "Mr. Boyd and I have had one supperto-night." Withouta word, Mr. Crippin turned to the ladies and told them they would proceed to supper, and passed out to the dining-room, leaving two very hungry men, the one wishing that.he had said nothing, and the other heartily. re-echoing the wish, with a desire to inflict some punishment upon his companion. Mr. Crippin died in 1863.

A class was organized by Mr. Crippin in the school house where the first services were held, which at one time was a very large and flourishing society. He served as Pastor for a time, and was succeeded in turn by the following named: Rev. J. W. Stewart, Rev. Resher, Rev. John Carleton, For two years after Mr. Carleton's time there was no regular preaching, the class almost dying out. In 1867 Rev. Eugene Sherman was sent to the charge. Rev. Haymond was the next to supply the charge.

The Baptists effected an organization August 24, 1873, at a school house on sec- tion 10, Rev. C. Sprague organized the church and became its first pastor. Charles Wann and R. D. Simpson were the first

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Deacons, and J. B. Knight the first Clerk. Rev. C. Sprague was succeeded by Rev. Adna Orcutt, April 18, 1875, and he by Rev. Austin Carpenter, in 1877. Mr. Car- penter labored for the church until Feb- ruary, 1882, since which time they have been without a pastor. The church has now a membership of 20.

A Sunday School was organized at an early day, with Samuel Babcock as Super- intendent.

No church edifice has ever been erected in the township, services being held by the various denominations in the school houses.

ORGANIC.

Jackson township was organized in 1853, by Alexander Smith, County Judge. The records of the township have been lost or destroyed, so that a list of township officers cannot be given, save for the year 1858, until 1871. For 1858, the Clerk was in possession of the original minutes made by the Clerk at the election. The following are the officers:

1858-Trustees, Loyal Griffin, George Hayden, Philip Pence; Clerk, L. W. South- ard; Justice of the Peace, Jesse Griffin; Constables, S. A. Rice, M. Frisbie. There were 83 votes cast at this election. For county seat, Eldora had 17 votes and Point Pleasant, 66.

1871-Trustees, R. J. Heath, H. B. Mc- Cullough, M. Frisbie; Clerk, W. S. T. Doan; Assessor, B. F. Bear.

1872-Trustees, Henry Speere, A. Huff- man, B. F. Bear; Clerk, R. J. Heath.

1873-Trustees, William H. Hiserote, J. N. DeGroff, Barnett Starr; Clerk, R. J. Heath; Justices of the Peace, O. Frisbie, A. Huffman.

1874-Trustees, William H. Goldsbury, Henry Jackson, F. H. Simpson; Clerk, R. J. Heath; Assessor, B. F. Bear.

1875-Trustees, William H. Hiserote, Barnett Starr, Wallen Hayden ; Clerk, R. J. Heath; Assessor, Charles Corbett.

1776-Trustees, Wallen Hayden, J. N. DeGroff, F. H. Simpson; Clerk, A. Starr; Assessor, Charles Corbett.

1877-Trustees, William Shaver, F. H. Simpson, W. J. Bowers; Clerk, W. S. T. Doan; Assessor, R. J. Heath.

1878-Trustees, S. Syverson, Henry Bliss, A. Huffman; Clerk, W. S. T. Doan; Assessor, R. J. Heath.

1879-Trustees, S. Syverson, A. Huff- man, N. M. Simpson; Clerk, W. S. T. Doan; Assessor, R. J. Heath.

1880-Trustees, N. M. Simpson, S. Syverson, A. Huffman; Clerk, W. S. T. Doan; Assessor, F. H. Simpson.

1881-Trustees, S. Syverson, A. Huff- man, I. Doud; Clerk, W. S. T. Doan; As- sessor, R. J. Heath.

1882-Trustees, W. Hiserote, I. Doud, S. Syverson; Clerk, W. S. T. Doan; Asses- sor, R. J. Heath.

WELL-KNOWN CITIZENS.

John S. Quiggle, a farmer on section 33, is a native of Clinton county, Pa., born in 1838. His parents being William and Ann Quiggle. In 1850 the family mi- grated to Stevenson county, Ill., and in 1861 John S. Quiggle came to Hardin county, Iowa. Here, in July of the fol- lowing year, he enlisted in Company A, 32d Iowa, and served until the close of the conflict. He took part in six hard-fought battles, besides numerous skirmishes; was twice wounded; once in the right hand,

John Devine.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

losing two fingers, and once in the abdo- men. After being mustered out of service he returned to Hardin county, and has since followed farming. He was married in 1866, to Miss Jennie Millslagle. They have had five children, three of whom are now living-Jacob H., Annie E. and Ella M. Mr. Quiggle is a Republican, and is at present a Justice of the Peace.

W. S. T. Doan, a son of Henry and Hannah Doan, was born in Clinton county, Pa., on the 7th day of June, 1844, and came with his parents to Hardin county in April, 1861. Here he helped till the soil, and in 1857 married Miss Luella D. Steele, daughter of Edwin Steele. He now owns 80 acres on section 27, 40 acres of which formed a part of the old homestead. Mr. Doan is a well informed and enterprising farmer, a Republican in politics, and at present holds the office of Town Clerk. Of the four children born, three are now living-Henry E., Etta L. and Nellie G.

Jacob Lambright came to Hardin county with his parents in 1863, and settled on section 2, Jackson township, where he now resides, His father, Henry Lambright, died in 1869, leaving a wife and seven children. Jacob Lambright was born in Jefferson county, Va., February 4, 1841, and when thirteen years of age he migrated with his parents to Henry county, Iowa, and one year later to Adair county, Mo., from which place he came to Hardin county. He was married in 1864 to Miss Mary Kidwiler. She died in 1866. In 1869 he married Miss Sarah Ball, and they now have three children-Bertie, Paulinda and Stella. Mr. Lambright owns 324 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. He is a

Democrat in politics, but takes no further interest than to cast his ballot.

John B. Starr, one of the best and most successful farmers in the township, resides on section 26. He is a son of Barnett Starr, and was born in Vermilion county, Ill., on the 23d day of March, 1839. John B. Starr, when six years of age, migrated with the family to Green county, where he helped till the soil, received a common school education, and in February, 1861, married Miss Christina Huffman, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Jones) Huffman. He then followed farming in said county until 1864, when he sold out and came to Hardin county. Here he followed farm- ing until 1872, when he concluded to go to a better climate. He therefore sold out and removed to Missouri, where he was well pleased with the climate; but, as the crops proved a failure for three consecu- tive years, he returned to Hardin county. In 1874 corn was so scarce in Missouri that Mr. Starr was obliged to ship his hogs to Oskaloosa, Iowa, to have them fattened, as there was no rain in that State for five months subsequent to June 15. Mr. Starr now owns 160 acres of the best improved land in the township, and no man in Jack- son township can boast of a better farm house. The children are Emma E., James, Addie M., Charles E., George A. and Susie.

H. P. Hughes, one of Jackson's well-to-do farmers, is a son of Allen P. and Elizabeth (Tilton) Hughes, and was born in Morgan county, Ill., in the year 1826. Mr. Hughes was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and in 1854 married Miss Henrietta Stewart. In 1864 he came to lowa and located where he now resides.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

He owns 200 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Mr. Hughes has been in poor health for years, and has therefore traveled some. He made one trip to California, and was gone seven months. He now rents his farm, while he is enjoying the fruits of his past labors. Mr. Hughes is a Republican, but takes little interest in politics more than to perform his duty as a citizen. He is highly respected by his fellow men.

C. H. Warn stands conspicuous among the citizens of Hardin county as an enter- prising and well-to-do farmer. His parents, John and Sarah Jane (Wyman) Warn, were both natives of the State of New York, and it was in Livingston county, of that old Empire State, that, on the 7th day of January, 1838, the subject of this sketch was born. At the tender age of twelve years he left the parental roof, and for six years he followed the life of a sailor on the great lakes. He then located at Chi- cago, Ill., and commenced work at the car- penter's trade, and pursued the same in said city about four years; he then removed to Henry, Ill., where he remained until 1862. The next two years we find Mr. Warn engaged in farming in Bureau county, Ill., from which place, in 1864, he emigrated to Iowa, and first stopped in Etna township, Hardin county. He, how- ever, remained here only about eight months, then removed to Grundy county, purchased land and cultivated the same until June, 1873, at which time he sold out and returned to Hardin county, and located where he now resides. Mr. Warn's farm, which contains 200 acres, is located on section 1, Jackson township, and that portion of section 31 separated

from Etna township by the Iowa river. On the portion last named, in 1882, he erected his present residence-a two-story building, costing nearly or quite $2,000, being one of the best farm houses in the township. Mr. Warn is one of those straight-forward men who do just as they agree. He is a Republican in politics, and, while a resident of Grundy, served as Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace. His religious connections are with the Baptist Church. He has been twice married. His first marriage occurred Jan- uary 1, 1862, to Miss Sarah Jane Cole, a native of Bureau county, Ill., who died on the 18th day of September, 1880, leaving six children-John, Ada, Eva, Almeda, Elizabeth and Ida. In September, 1881, he married Mrs. Etta (Thomas) Johnson, . widow of Benj. Johnson. She had eleven children by her first marriage, ten of whom are now living.

Oscar F. Loomis lives on section 35, and his postoffice is Eldora. He was born in Chenango county, N. Y., on the 3d day of November, 1839. His school days were in winter, as during the summer he worked on the farm. In 1864 he came to Hardin county, and in 1867 married Mary A. Vannote, born May 7, 1847, in Stark county, Ind. In 1869 he removed to Rich- land Center, Richland county, Wis., but the country did not suit him, and he there- fore returned to Hardin county, and, in 1877, purchased his present farm, which contains 80 acres. The children living are, Clara M. and William F. Mr. Loomis is a Democrat in politics.

B. F. Bear is one of the most enterpris- ing and wide awake men in the township. He came to Hardin county in the fall of

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

1864, and settled on section 13, Jackson township, where he now resides. As a farmer, Mr. Bear has been a success, as he now owns 270 acres of well improved land. His political relations are with the Denio cratic party, and he has held local offices. Mr. Bear is possessed of more than ordin- ary intelligence, public spirited and highly - respected wherever known. He was born in Seneca connty, N. Y., on the 13th day of February, 1832, his parents being Sam'l and Sarah Bear; and he resided in his na- tive State until 1854, when he started west- ward, stopping about eighteen months in Carroll county, Ill. He then came to Iowa, entered 200 acres of land in Buchanan county, and cultivated the same until he came to Hardin county. He was married in 1855 to Miss Sarah Stewart, a native of Steuben county, N. Y. They have had six children, four of whom are now living- Francis E., Andrew J., James E. and Sarah H.

Solomon Huffman was always respected, and was a strictly honest and conscientious Christian. His, religious relations were with the M. E. Church, and he has served that society as a local preacher for about eleven years. He was a, Democrat, but took little interest in politics. Mr. Huff- man was a native of Coshocton county, Ohio, where he was born on the 28th day of January, 1836. In 1846 the family mi- grated to Green county, Wis., and came here on the 20th day of August, 1854. Mr. Huffman married Miss Sarah Baugh- man, daughter of George and Ruhamah (Park) Baughman. In 1860 he went to California, across the plains, and there fol- lowed the trade of shingle-making about four years. He then returned home by

way of the Isthmus. In February, 1864, he removed his family to Hardin county, Iowa, and, with the money he had ravel while in California, he purchased a home. In 1867 he went to Montana Territory, and remained there about eighteen months. In 1876 he went to the Black Hills, wbere he remained about three months. The re- mainder of his life Mr. Huffman spent at his home and with his family. His death took place May 19, 1882, after a lingering illness of several months. Of the seven children, four are now living-Mary E., now Mrs. Frank Kessler; George, Absalom and Frank.

J. M. Bryant resides on section 17, and his postoffice address is Iowa Falls. He is a native of Coshocton county, Ohio; born March 15, 1824. His father, Nathaniel Bryant, was a native of Massachusetts; and his mother, Mary (Clark) Bryant, a native of Virginia. Mr. Bryant was left fatherless when twelve years of age, but he continued to reside with his mother until he reached his majority. He then went to Green county, Wis., where, in 1846, he married Miss Margaret Baugh- man, daughter of George and Ruhamah (Park) Baughman. In 1864 he came to Iowa, and located where he now resides. His wife died January 19, 1879. She had had thirteen children, six of whom are now living-Jefferson, Orren, Frank, Alonzo, Ada, now the wife of John R. Rinehart; and Ida, now the wife of J. E. McFarlin.

George Robertson, a farmer on section 6, is a native of Scotland, born in 1822. His parents, James and Isabelle Robertson, still reside in their native country, and have reached the advanced age of ninety- five and eighty-five years, respectively.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

His grandmother lived to be over one hundred years of age. Mr. Robertson, in 1843, married Miss Mary Mercer, and was subsequently engaged in contracting and building railroads, improving rivers, etc. In 1865 he came to the United States, and after traveling over considerable of the Northwest, he located where he now re- sides; and he now owns about 400 acres of land. The children are-Agnes, Anna, James, Elizabeth, George, Kate, Jane, John and Maud.

R. J. Darling is a farmer on section 36, where he located in 1865, now owning 160 acres of land. Mr. Darling is a native of Knox county, Ohio, born in 1828. He resided in his native State until twenty-one years of age; then went to Brown county, Ind., where, in 1850, he married Miss Mary Jane Young, born in Knox county, Ohio, December 7, 1830. In 1851 he removed to Illinois, and remained a resident of that State until 1860. He then removed to Bourbon county, Kan. ; but in the fall of the same year returned to Fulton county, Ill., where he resided until 1865, in which year he migrated to Iowa, and located where he now resides. They have four children- Alwilda, Elhannan W., Montroville and Martha Gertrude.

H. B. Shattuck, superintendent of the County Poor Farm, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, born October 10, 1835. In 1854 he came to Iowa, and first stopped in Frank- lin county, where he followed farming, and also spent one year as the first engi- neer in the first steam saw-mill in said county. In 1859 he married Miss Martha M. Butterfield, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Butterfield. He then removed to Illinois, but in 1865 returned to Iowa,

since which time he has at inter- vals, resided in several different localities; but most of the time he has been a resi- dent of Hardin county. He took charge of the County Poor Farm in October, 1879. The children are Alice and Chauncey.

Oliver Cessna, a prominent farmer of Jackson township, residing on section 17, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1820. In 1824 the family removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, and, in 1845, Oli- ver Cessna, with his mother, migrated to Green county, Wisconsin. Here, in De- cember, 1847, he married Miss Martha Ann Baughman, daughter of George and Ru- hemah (Park) Baughman, and, in 1865, he came to Iowa, and settled where he now resides. He now owns 240 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre, and well improved. Mr. Cessna is a Democrat, and cast his first ballot for James K. Polk. Of the twelve children, ten are now living-William, Mary, now Mrs. E. Sanders, George, Ru- hemah, now Mrs. Joel Sanders, Eliza E., now Mrs. Wm. R. McFarland, John, Oli- ver M., Jewett, Charles, and Annie May.

A. Starr, a son of Barnett Starr, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, July 23, 1832. He removed with the family to Green county, Wisconsin, in 1844, and, February 22, 1855, married Miss Mary D. Peregoy. She died December 15, 1863, leaving four children-Melissa C., Emma J., Clarissa E., and John B. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Starr returned to his native county, and, October 13th, married Miss Hannah C. Swank, born in Vermilion county, Illinois, December 30, 1846. In June, 1865, he came to Hardin county, and, in 1875, lo- cated on section 20, where he now resides. He owns 200 acres of land, well improved,

a. Barhite.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

valued at about $25 per acre. By the sec- ond marriage, there are five children- Anna E., Mary F., Ora P., Absolom, and Nina R. Mr. and Mrs. Starr received a good common school education. In poli- tics, Mr. Starr is a staunch Republican.

Barnett Starr was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1812. His father, Absolom Starr, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, Hannah (Harris) Starr, was a native of Kentucky. In 1822 the family removed to Vermilion county, Illinois. Here in 1830, Barnett Starr married Miss Rosaman Kidd, born in Winchester coun'y, Virginia, in 1811. In 1844 he removed to Green county, Wis., and in 1865 came to Hardin county, Iowa. He located on sec- tion 15, where he now resides, in 1869. There have been ten children in the family, eight of whom are now living-Hannah, Absolom, Mary A., John, Martha J., Nancy, Rosamond and Susan. Their family is quite numerous, having forty-one grand- children, and ten great-grand-children.

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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 92

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