USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 3
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY
fered his services to the nation. On the 2d of September, 1861, he enlisted at Jacksonville as a private in Company K, Twenty-Seventh Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, joining his regiment at Cairo, Illinois. During the three years he spent at the front he took part in the following engagements: Bel- mont, Union City, Lavergne, Stone River, Chickamauga, Rocky Face, Re- saca, Mud Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and the sieges of Island Number Ten, Corinth, Nashville, Atlanta and many minor en- counters. During the Battle of Chickamauga under General Pope, Mr. Davidson was severely wounded in the right thigh and left on the field. For six months thereafter he was unable to leave the hospital, but upon his recovery rejoined his regiment on the march from Chattanooga to At- lanta. The tenacity of purpose and determination that distinguished him as a soldier has characterized his entire life. Upon receiving his discharge he returned to Jacksonville, resuming the duties of civil life as a farm hand. His industry and thrift ultimately enabled him to begin an independent career, and for five years he farmed as a renter in Illinois, whence he came to Iowa. He located in Wapello county, buying a farm that he operated for thirty-five years, acquiring during that period a competency, on which to retire. In 1905 he sold his farm and removed to Batavia, where he and his wife are now residing. He has withdrawn from all active work, save that now and then he assists his son Marion in the store, and is enjoying the ease and comfort so justly earned by his long years of toil.
Mr. Davidson celebrated Christmas, 1865, by his marriage to Miss Mary Louisa DeSollar, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. W. H. Jordan in the vicinity of Jacksonville, Illinois. Mrs. Davidson, who was born in Akron, Ohio, is the eldest of nine children born to Henry Brown and Christiana (Clemmons) DeSollar. The father was born in London, England, whence he emigrated as a lad of ten years to Bethel, Illinois, where he learned the wagon maker's trade. The mother was a native of Canada but in her early youth she removed to Ohio and there she met and was subsequently married to Mr. DeSollar. She passed away at Bethel sixty-four years ago, and he subsequently located at Beardstown, Illinois, where he followed his trade until his death in 1891. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Davidson: Frank, who is an architect in Chicago, married Mrs. Emily Hardy. Charles, a stenographer in the government service in Colorado, married Miss Emma May Sears of Nebraska, and they have one child, Edith Alberta. John is living in New York city, where he is employed by a large publishing house. George, a manufacturer of the acetylene light plants of Ottumwa, Iowa, married Jennie Kraemer of Lo- cust Grove township, Jefferson county, and they have four children: Verna Maxwell; Letha Mildred, Edith Eleanor and Donavan Dail. Arthur, who is a bookkeeper in Chicago, married Fern Murray, of Oxford, Ohio, and
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has one son, Murray. Henry Edwin, a farmer of southern Missouri, mar- ried Estelle Milligan of Des Moines, Iowa, and had four children: Edna May; Gerald Edwin; and Robert Willard and Raymond William, twins. The last three are deceased. Thomas William, a photographer of Chicago, married Mabel Almeda Mussenden, of that city. Leroy, the man- ager of the United States Express Company at Freeport, Illinois, married Mabel Marie Holmes of that city and has one child, Gordon Leroy. Marion Albert, a furniture dealer and undertaker of Batavia, married Nellie Ray Shaw of Ottumwa and has one daughter, Mary Marguerite.
The family always attended the services of the Methodist Episcopal church of which Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are devoted members. He is a republican in his political views and while a resident of Wapello county served for many years as a member of the district school board. Despite his lack of educational advantages, Mr. Davidson has always been a close observer and thinker, his undertakings ever having been distinguished by intelligent judgment and practical ideas.
WILLIAM P. CAMPBELL.
William P. Campbell, who has made his home in the village of Brook- ville for more than three decades, has lived retired since 1901, but for a number of years was actively engaged in business as the proprietor of a sawmill. His birth occurred in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of February, 1842, his parents being Thomas C. and Susan (Evans) Camp- bell, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father came of Scotch ancestry ; the mother was of German lineage. They came to Iowa in 1857, locating in Fairfield, Jefferson county, where Mr. Campbell worked at the cabinet-maker's trade for several years. Subsequently, he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm near Perlee, eight miles east of Brookville. After the death of his wife, he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Brighton, Washington county, Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement.
William P. Campbell remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age, attending the district schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion. He first worked as a farm hand by the month, but, later, purchased an interest in a sawmill, operating the same prior to his marriage. Locating in Brookville, he there conducted a sawmill until 1901, when he retired from active business life. He sold his farm of forty-eight acres, in Black Hawk township, and purchased his present homestead of six acres in the village of
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Brookville, Locust Grove township. At the time of the Civil war, he en- listed in the Union army as a member of Company B, Nineteenth Iowa Vol- unteer Infantry, serving with distinction for twenty-three months. He par- ticipated in several important engagements, and was discharged because of impaired eyesight. Today, he is almost totally blind.
On the 27th of February, 1876, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Anna Troette, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Elizabeth (Fil- son) Troette ; the former a native of France and the latter of Ohio. They were married in Pennsylvania and came west in 1855, when their daughter Anna was a child, locating in Birmingham, Van Buren county, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Benjamin Troette, who was a brick mason by trade, passed away thirty-two years ago. He had long sur- vived his wife, whose demise occurred fifty-three years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born eight children. Walter, an agricultur- ist of Crawford county, Iowa, wedded Miss Lettie Gunn of that county, by whom he has four children: Geraldine, Anna, Willie and Crawford. Jes- sie, who gave her hand in marriage to Enos Lewman, a farmer of Jefferson county, passed away on the 18th of July, 1910. Clarence E. devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits in Crawford county, Iowa. Myrtle is the wife of James W. Grimes, a farmer living west of Libertyville, by whom she had three children: Cecil; Clive; and Intha, who is deceased. William passed away when a youth of eighteen. George, a well known land agent of Packwood, Iowa, handles western and northwestern farm lands and local real estate. Charles and Fred are both at home with their parents.
In politics, Mr. Campbell is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil. war. He was a member of Abingdon post of the Grand Army of the Re- public, until it was disbanded. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episco- pal church of Brookville, Iowa. Mr. Campbell has many friends in Jeffer- son county, among whom he is most highly esteemed and respected.
ELLIOTT P. TAYLOR.
The life record of Elliott P. Taylor is an interesting and varied one, telling the story of a man who is versatile in his achievements, faithful in the pursuit of his calling and prudent in the choices which he has made. His most conspicuous efforts have been devoted to his country in the days of war by his loyal service in the army, in the days of peace by the faith- ful performance of his duties as postmaster of Glasgow during an unbroken period of eighteen years. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, in December,
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1845, his parents being Dr. Samuel W. and Jane (Tanner) Taylor, who came of Irish ancestry, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of Illinois. Dr. Taylor obtained his education at Hughes Medical College of Keokuk, Iowa, and upon receiving his degree entered upon the practice of his profession in Illinois and Keokuk, Iowa. In 1853 he became a resident of Jefferson county, locating at Glasgow, where he established a flourish- ing practice, and continued his ministrations of the sick for the rest of his life. During the war he gave his services to the soldiers of the Union army and was made a commissioned officer, serving as a surgeon in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry until 1864. His death occurred July 5, 1899, almost half a century after the demise of his wife. who departed this life in 1850.
Elliott P. Taylor was given excellent home training and attended school both in Keokuk and in Jefferson, county. When only sixteen years of age he was fired with enthusiasm by the thrilling rumors of war which reached their little town in Iowa and thereupon enlisted in Company M, Fourth Iowa Cavalry. They saw active service, Mr. Taylor being mustered out at the close of the siege of Vicksburg. He reenlisted immediately and continued his service during the remainder of the war. He returned to Glasgow and here for a short time engaged in agriculture, renting a farm for this purpose until he bought a tract of forty acres in Henry county, Iowa. He discontinued agricultural labors upon being appointed to the posi- tion of postmaster of Glasgow and for the remarkable period of eighteen years attended to the duties of this office with conscientious diligence and efficiency. During this time and dating back to his association with farm- ing interests he was also engaged in buying and selling stock, carrying on a business from which no inconsiderable profit accrued. Upon retiring from the office of postmaster he removed with his family to Fairfield, Iowa, and there assumed the management of the Gantz Hotel, which he conducted for one year. Pleased with his results in the hotel business, he returned to Glasgow and there opened up a hotel, which he has managed on his own account ever since. It is a most attractive place, cheerful and pleasant in the interior and surrounded by a neat and well cared for lawn. He also owns a valuable residence property here. Mr. Taylor possesses business talent and executive ability and in the efficient conduct of his hotel gives evidence of his ability to manage.
On November 6, 1867, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Strong, a daughter of John and Julia (Carpenter) Strong, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York. Mrs. Taylor was born August 19, 1849, in Jefferson county, Iowa, the family having come here to live in 1844. The father had followed agricultural pursuits in Ohio and on coming here entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Henry county. This farm he cultivated for a number of years, selling it at length in order
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to remove to Fairfield, Iowa, where he worked at the cooper's trade for a number of years. He then moved to Knox county, Illinois, and there again pursued agricultural labors. In 1857 he returned to Glasgow and here worked at the cooper's trade until his death October 30, 1866, at the age of fifty-seven years. His wife survived him more than four decades, passing away September 5, 1908, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Taylor were the parents of six children: Jennie, the wife of James Grant, a farmer of Cedar township; Julia, the wife of Pro- fessor C. D. McLain, of Iowa Wesleyan College at Mount Pleasant ; Ber- nice, the wife of Ralph A. Billingsly, a resident of Glasgow ; Clifford, man- aging a general store in Glasgow under the firm name of Helfenstien & Taylor ; Maude, who died in infancy; and Jesse, who died September 15, 1889, at the age of fourteen years.
The Taylor family holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and politically Mr. Taylor gives his support to the republicans. He is an Odd Fellow, being a member of Lodge No. 45 of Glasgow. In memory of army days he maintains pleasant relations with old-time comrades in the A. R. Pierce Post, G. A. R., of Glasgow. He is not the only member of his family, however, who has won honor on the battlefield, his wife's brother George Strong having met with like distinction. In memory of his service and the fact that he was the first volunteer of his company and the first one to die his comrades have honored his name by incorporating it in the name of one of the posts of their order, the George Strong Post, G. A. R., of Fairfield. In the enjoyment of a fair competence, which puts him beyond the reach of the uncertainties and cares met with in the struggle for a livelihood, Mr. Taylor lives quietly and in comfort, in the enjoyment of good health and a buoyant spirit.
BENJAMIN HANSON.
That success which follows close application and an intelligent direction of labor came to Benjamin Hanson, who for a number of years was en- gaged in fruit-raising near Lockridge, Jefferson county. He made a close study of horticulture and the best methods of cultivating and developing fruit, learning many practical lessons in the school of experience and steadily continuing along the path of progress. England numbered him among her native sons, his birth having there occurred on the 3d of June, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Mary Hanson, were also natives of that country, where the father learned and followed the weaver's trade, always
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utilizing his knowledge of that business in order to support his family. Both he and his wife spent their entire lives in their native country.
Benjamin Hanson was reared in England and his early experiences impressed upon his mind the value of industry, determination and perse- verance. He was twenty-five years of age when he determined to try his fortune in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He therefore saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to make the venture and after his arrival in the United States he was employed on a carding machine in a woolen factory in this county. He worked in that way for twelve years until his industry and careful expenditure had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own account. He purchased eleven acres of land near the town of Lockridge and turned his attention to the raising of fruit, devoting the remainder of his life to that business. He closely studied the question of the best methods of caring for the trees and thus enhanced their productiveness. He was an earnest and untiring worker and did everything in his power to attain suc- cess that he might provide a comfortable living for his family.
On the 16th of May, 1868, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Lilly Hopkirk, a daughter of William and Jane (Redpath) Hopkirk, both of whom were natives of Scotland who about 1834 came to the United States, settling in New York, where for several years the father worked at the dyer's trade, which he had previously learned in his native country. He subsequently went to Ohio but after a short residence in that state came to Jefferson county, Iowa, and in 1842 entered land here when Iowa was still under territorial government. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the land when it came into his possession but he at once took up the arduous task of breaking the sod and improving the fields. His first home was a log house and his barn was also built of logs. The farm is located in what is now Lockridge township and to its further cultivation and improvement he devoted the remainder of his life, becoming recognized as a leading agriculturist of the community, whose methods were at once practical and progressive. He also figured promi- nently in public affairs and was a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party, which elected him to represent his district in the fifteenth general assembly. That he proved a worthy member of the state legisla- ture is indicated by the fact that he was returned to the sixteenth general assembly and at different times he filled many township and county offices, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him the high commendation of all concerned. In an early day he served as justice of the peace and held court in his own home. He lived to see many notable changes in the county and was an active participant in the work which led
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to its substantial development and improvement. He died in 1892 at the age of eighty-one years, his birth having occurred in 1811. His wife, who was born in 1813, passed away in 1869, at the age of fifty-six years. In their family were eleven children, of whom four are deceased. Three of the number still reside in Fairfield, one in Sheldon, Iowa, one in Lockridge township, one in California, and another in the state of Washington. Of these, their daughter, Mrs. Hanson, is now living in Fairfield. By her mar- riage she became the mother of one child, Mary J., who is now the wife of George W. Unkrich, a merchant of Fairfield, with whom Mrs. Hanson now resides, their home being at No. 401 West Washington street.
In his political views Mr. Hanson was a republican, supporting his party from the time that he became a naturalized American citizen. He always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day but never sought nor held office. He and his wife held membership in the Baptist church at Lockridge and Mrs. Hanson now is a member in the Congregational church at Fairfield. Closing a life ever upright and honor- able, always loyal to high and manly principles, Mr. Hanson died January 12, 1893, amid the deep regret of all who knew him, for he had come to be recognized as a worthy citizen, who well merited the respect of his fellowmen.
· WILLIAM WALLACE JUNKIN.
The name of William Wallace Junkin is deeply inscribed upon the pages of Iowa's history and honor and respect are accorded him whose work in the editorial field, in the government service and in every connec- tion has been so directly beneficial to the state and of such permanent use- fulness. Mr. Junkin became a resident of Iowa when it was still under territorial organization, arriving in the year 1843. He was then a lad of twelve years, his birth having occurred in Wheeling, West Virginia, Janu- ary 26, 1831 .. His parents were Joseph and Sarah (Rambo) Junkin, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born October 20, 1788, and the latter on the 3d of June, 1790. They were married on the 20th of December, 1808, and became the parents of six sons and five daughters. David Finley, the eldest, who was born February 12, 1810, was married November 13, 1834, to Harriet Walker, and died September 8, 1844. Eleanor, born September 24, 1811, was the wife of James Gibson and died in 1848. Joseph, born May 2, 1813, passed away on the 14th of August of the following year. Joseph, the second of the name, born February 10. 1815, was married November 8, 1836, to Mary M. Cotton
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and died recently at Red Oak, Iowa. Nancy Galloway was married May 3, 1836, to Robert S. Hunter and resides in New Castle, Pennsylvania. John George, born February 10, 1819, died October 19, 1837. Saralı Margaret, who was born June 16, 1821, became the wife of George W. Clutter, who served as a captain in the Mexican war and died July 16, 1857, after which his widow, on the 21st of September, 1865, became the wife of the Rev. Frederick A. Shearer and is now living in Colfax, Iowa. Mary B. F., born February 24, 1824, died June 18, 1833. Narcissa Dodd- ridge, born April 2, 1826, was married March 1, 1849, to James Shriver Beck, of Fairfield, Iowa. Matthew Johnson, born May 16, 1829, died, a few years ago in Fairfield. He had been married on the 15th of March, 1855, to Ellen E. Moorman who passed away in 1869. The other member of the family is William Wallace Junkin, of this review. The father died January 22, 1857, in Fairfield, where the mother also passed away on the 17th of April, 1865.
The family had become residents of Iowa in the spring of 1843, settling first in Lee county, whence they removed the following year to Louisa county. In 1845 they came to Jefferson county and two years afterward took up their abode in Fairfield. Before coming to this state, when a lad of about ten years, William W. Junkin had been employed in a printing office, working as typesetter on the Argus of Wheeling, West Virginia. After coming to Fairfield he secured a position in the office of the Iowa Sentinel which that year was established in this city by A. R. Sparks. In the summer of 1848 the owner of the paper sold out to Ezra Brown and R. B. Pope and thus Mr. Junkin was thrown out of employment, but through. the influence of Mr. Sparks he secured a position under Colonel Barlow Granger, of Des Moines, whom he assisted in issuing the first number of the Star in June, 1848, this being the first paper printed in the capital city. After a residence of several months in Des Moines Mr. Junkin returned to Fairfield. During the winter of 1848-9, however, he was employed in the office of the Ottumwa Courier which was published by Street & Warden, and in November, 1849, was employed as a compositor on the Fairfield Ledger which had been established a short time before by Orlando Mc- Craney. Mr. Junkin occupied his position on the Ledger until the spring of 1851, when he went to Richmond, Virginia, where he was employed for two years in the state printing office. He had become attached to the west, however, and on the 16th of May, 1853, returned to Fairfield where ten days later he purchased a half interest in the Ledger, then owned by A. R. Fulton, the purchase price being four hundred and sixty dollars. Thus for the first time he became part owner of a newspaper. The business connection was continued until August 14, 1854, when Mr. Junkin became sole proprietor. The paper has since been published by members of the
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY
family although at different times Mr. Junkin was associated with different partners. On the 8th of August, 1868, he formed a partnership with Ralph Robinson, receiving twenty-five hundred dollars for a half interest in the office. This relationship was maintained until January 5, 1875. when Mr. Robinson retired and owing to the increase in circulation and the improvements made in the office he was able to secure forty-five hun- dred dollars for his share in the business. At that time Charles M. Jun- kin, the eldest son of William W. Junkin, became manager of the paper and brought with him to this new connection not only the experience he had acquired under the careful direction of his father but also the knowl- edge gained while in the government printing office in Washington, D. C. On the 26th of May, 1878, he was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of W. W. & C. M. Junkin. He is still one of the owners of the Fairfield Ledger and has raised it to a high standard of newspaper publication.
While private business interests have made large demand upon the time and energies of William Wallace Junkin he has yet found opportunity for cooperation in the public life of the community. On the 22d of April, 1889, he was appointed inspector of Indian agencies under the administra- tion of Benjamin Harrison, being one of five employed in that department of public service. His political allegiance had been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and his efforts in its behalf were of a character which contributed largely to its local success. He stands for progress and improvement along all lines, was active in the construction of the new Methodist Episcopal church, has been a liberal contributor to the support of the public library and did much to encourage the building of railroads and thereby advance the interests of the state.
On the 14th of September, 1854, Mr. Junkin was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Patrick, a daughter of William and Amy ( Morris) Patrick. Mrs. Junkin was born in Ross county, Ohio, and was brought to Fairfield county by her parents in 1847. She became, by her marriage, the mother of eight children, the eldest of whom, Charles Monroe, is mentioned else- where in this volume. May, born August 19, 1856, was married on the 16th of May, 1877, to Nathaniel McGiffin and resided for a time in Mon- tana but is now deceased. Gertrude, born September 7, 1858, was married January 3, 1878, to W. W. McCracken, president of the Ravalli County Bank at Hamilton, Montana. Virginia, a twin sister of Gertrude, is the wife of J. B. Swinburne, a resident of Washington, D. C. Amy, born February 5, 1862, is the wife of the Rev. J. F. Hintshouse, now of Fair- field, Iowa. William David, born April 14, 1864, is now in partnership with his brothers in the ownership of five newspapers of Iowa. Paul
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