USA > Iowa > Lucas County > History of Lucas County, Iowa containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc > Part 80
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McGINNIS, JOHN F., section six, post-office, Chariton. Born December 20, 1836, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. In 1840, with his mother (his father having died), he moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood on a farm, being educated in the com- mon schools. His first venture in a business capacity, was the cultivation of a rented farm, a quarter interest in which he fell heir to, some two years afterward. Was married January 19, 1861, to Miss Susannah Dotts, who was born January 26, 1837, in Ohio. He enlisted in the 194th regi- ment, Ohio infantry, February 23, 1865. Went to Harper's Ferry ; thence to Charlestown, Virginia, where John Brown was hung. Was under the
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command of General McCook. Before reaching the rebel front, Lee had surrendered; mustered out October, 1865, returning to Ohio. Came to Iowa in 1870, locating where he now resides. His wife died November 14, 1872. Married again June 7, 1874, to Mrs. Elizabeth C. Taylor, widow of Jacob Taylor, and daughter of Edwin and Mary J. Plymate. She was born October 23, 1848, in Illinois. His farm is in a good state of cultivation, with a comfortable house and good orchard. By his first wife he had two children: James S. and Minerva J., both living.
MILNER, JAMES, farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-two, post- office, Derby. Born November 1, 1814, in Belmont county, Ohio, where he grew to man's estate, learning the blacksmith's trade and at times working on a farm by the month. Married September 5, 1839, to Christiana, daughter of John and Mary Lee. She was born April 3, 1812, in Belmont county, Ohio. Moved to Tuscarawas county, and engaged in farming. Thence to Iowa, in 1855, stopping in Jefferson county for one year, thence to Wayne county, where he remained two years, and then to his present residence, settling on unimproved land. Eleven children have been born to them, eight of whom are living: Joseph W., Andrew T., Isaiah, Sarah, Catura, Elizabeth, Margaret, and James are living. Theudas, May and Ann, deceased.
PLYMATE, EDWIN, farmer, post-office Chariton. Born January 7, 1828, in Cabell county, Virginia. In 1835 he came to Des Moines county, Iowa. Next year to Henry county. The next year he went to Washing- ton county. Was raised on a farm, and was ducated at the common schools. His father was a carpenter, and Edwin assisted him when not engaged on the farm, until he became so proficient that he has followed it all his life in connection with farming. In 1847 he moved to Warren county, Illinois, and in 1851 he came to Lucas county, Iowa. Was mar- ried in Des Moines county, Iowa, September 27, 1847, to Miss Mary J., daughter of Samuel and B. Ritchie, a native of Illinois, and who was raised on a farm, learning the tailor trade. They have had thirteen chil- dren: Elizabeth C., William A., Oliver, Oscar, Joseph, Peter, Matilda, Charity, David and Thomas, living. Samantha, Sarah A., and John E., deceased.
ROSE, S. G., post-office, Chariton. Born March 8, 1820, in Franklin county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the old log cabin style. He has made farming his business all his life. Came to Iowa in 1859, locating where he now resides. He has made the most of his large estate through his own efforts. Has been county supervisor one term and has held most of the township offices, having been justice of the peace twelve years, and is now making his sixth assessment of his township. Was married September 8th, 1842, to Miss J. Ogden, a native of Ohio. They have had thirteen children:
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Wm. A., Electa T., wife of Frank Allen, of Guthrie county, Iowa; S. H., C. W., Lizzie, Nellie, Jessie, Frank L., living, and five deceased.
STAFFORD, JAMES G., farmer and stock-raiser, post-office, Char- iton. Born October 12, 1829, in Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood on a farm, obtaining his education in the common schools. In 1851, he moved to Warren county, Illinois, where he engaged in plastering. In 1855, he moved to Chariton, where he pursued his busi- ness as a plasterer. Was married May 28, 1857, to Miss Lovisa S. Cilley, a native of Pennsylvania. She was educated in the common schools, and taught school before and after her marriage. Moved on a farm in this township in 1868. Lost his wife October 25, 1872, by an attack of asthma. For a time he engaged alternately in farming and working at his trade. Married his second wife, Mary E., daughter of David J. and Mary Miller, December 16, 1873. She was born April 21, 1835, in Brown county, Ohio, and was brought up a farmer's daughter. Moved to his present residence in 1875. Owns 200 acres of land, all under cultivation. Made a trip to Pike's Peak in 1860, full of hope, having his means all invested in an outfit. He was taken sick, and remained so during his entire absence (eight months), and returned financially "busted" and physi- cally broken down, and has not yet regained bis health. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He had, by his first wife, four children: Charlie F., Elmer S., and Ida M., living, and Mary E., deceased; by his second wife, one child, Mary F., living.
WILLIAMS, THOMAS S., farmer and stock-raiser, section eighteen, post-office, Derby. Born January 11, 1827, in Franklin county, Ohio. In 1837, his parents moved to Delaware county, Indiana, and in 1843, to Wayne county, Indiana, where he grew up a farmer, with a limited edu- cation; made his start in life by working on a farm by the month for four years. In 1851 he moved to Lee county, Iowa, where he drove stage for a year. Having saved his wages, he was able, in 1852, to go to Clarke county, Iowa, and enter 120 acres of land, on which he has made a farm. Married March 7, 1861, to Miss Nancy A., daughter of Amos and Nancy Lock. She was born August 26, 1838, in Monroe county, Iowa. He was a member of the home guards in 1861; called out, and made a trip to St. Joseph, Missouri; also to St. Louis, being absent about thirty days. In 1864 he sold out, and moved to Henry county, Iowa, and in 1868 came to where he now resides. Not being blessed with children, they raised two orphans, one of whom is dead.
WOODS, ISAAC W., farmer and stock-raiser, section eight, post- office, Chariton. Born September 20, 1836, in Ashtabula county, Ohio. Moved with his parents, in 1838, to Rockford, Illinois; thence to Wiscon- sin, in 1843, where his father died. In 1846, he moved to Pike county, Illinois, where he attained his majority, on a farm, and has followed that
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avocation all his life. Enlisted August 4, 1861, in company C, first Mis- souri engineers. Served his country three years, and was discharged, by reason of expiration of term of service. He returned to Monmouth, Illi- nois, and re-enlisted October 31, 1864, in company B, 12th Illinois. Was discharged at the close of the war, at Louisville, Kentucky, July 10, 1865. During the same year he moved to Benton county, Iowa, remained there two years, then came to Lucas county in 1868, and purchased the land on which he now resides. Married September 8, 1868, in Lucas county, to Miss Jennie M. Hunsher, a native of Adams county, Illinois. They have five children: , Lizzie M .; Charles H., George O., Bell, and an infant, not named.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
ALLEN, ELIJAH, carpenter, post-office, Russell. Born September 24, 1823, in Barton county, Kentucky, where he was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools. When thirteen years old, he moved with his parents to Putnam county, Indiana. He came to this county in 1854, located on a farm in Cedar township, and resided there until 1876. He then came to the village of Russell, where he has since resided, work- ing at his trade, dealing in coal, and writing insurance. He was married February 1, 1844, to Miss Mary J. Kurtz, of Putnam county, Indiana. They are the parents of seven children: Zerilda, Mary A., Elam M., Louisa E., and Cora T. Mr. and Mrs. Allen and four of their children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Allen was one of the first settlers of Lucas county, and has noted with pride the rapid strides of the land that was but a wilderness when he first looked upon it.
BAKER, WESLEY C., farmer, section thirty-two. Was born in Maine, 1831. At the age of fourteen he came to Illinois, and remained there till 1854, at which time he came to Lucas county. In 1860 he started for California, walking from Omaha to Carson City, Nevada, arriving there under a flag of financial distress, having but ten cents. He stopped at Carson two years, and "cleaned up" with $6,000. He then returned to Iowa, by way of San Francisco, Cape Horn and New York. At New York he sold his gold, $3,000, at $1.60 currency, and came to Iowa. In 1864 he married Miss Vesta A. Dunn. They have three children living: Evan R., Hiram A., and William W. Was drafted into the army in 1864, and served in the Sixteenth Iowa regiment. Was with Sherman to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was sent to the hospital at Philadelphia, and discharged June, 1865. Mr. Baker has a farm of 500 acres, on the Chariton. May he never live to see another war.
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BARTLETT, HERBERT, post-office, Russell. Born December 24, 1839, in New York. He lived with his parents on a farm, until fourteen years of age, and was then sent to Amherst College, where he remained five and one-half years. He took a classical course and graduated in 1858, receiving the degree of A. B. He entered the government survey- ing service immediately after graduating, and was geologist and natu- ralist, with the party who were engaged in surveying on the Amazon river in South America. In 1861 he returned to the United States and was placed in charge of the construction of railroads in the department of the Tennessee, and acted in that capacity until 1865. He was then transferred to the Union Pacific survey, under direction of General G. M. Dodge, chief engineer, and continued with this department until the road reached Ogden, Utah. He next received orders to report at San Fran- cisco, where he was placed on the coast survey, in which he remained twelve years. After leaving the survey he engaged in the manufacture of plows, at Peoria, Illinois. He is at present engaged with Mr. B. F. Litzenberg, in the manufacture of the celebrated Russell plow attach- ment. He was married Janaury 11, 1880, to Miss Mariah F. - , ot Grundy Center, Iowa. They have an infant child, unnamed. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and member of the M. E. Church.
BENTLEY, JOHN, clerk of Washington township, post-office, Rus- sell. Born December 7, 1829, in Mercer county, Penn., where he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He came to Iowa in 1855, and soon after located on a fine farm in Lucas county, where he resided until quite recently, when he moved to Russell. He is one of the pioneers of Lucas county, has an excellent memory, thereby enabling him to narrate many of the scenes and incidents of pioneer life in this county. Mr. B. has held many township offices since coming to the county, was for a number of years clerk of Cedar township, township trustee, and secretary of the board of directors of the district township of Cedar. He was married December 29, 1859, to Hiss Maggie L. Roseman, of Cedar township. Mr. Bentley is a zealous member of the M. E. Church.
BOGGS, GEORGE C., grain-dealer, post-office, Russell. Born Feb- ruary 13, 1847, where he resided until the spring of 1865. He was edu- cated in the common schools, at the. California Academy at California, Pennsylvania, and graduated at Duft's Commercial College, in Pittsburg. After leaving school he was employed by a mercantile firm in Pittsburg, with whom he remained one year. He then engaged as traveling sales- man for the firm of Adams & Co., remaining in this business three years, and during that time traveled in twenty different states. He came to Russell, January 1, 1870, and engaged in the milling business. He pur- chased the interest of his partner, Mr. Morgan, in 1871, and continued in that business two years. He then sold his mill and formed a partnership
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with Mr. George W. Plotts in the grain business. This is the only firm in the city that deal exclusively in grain, consequently they have an excel- lent trade, and deserve it. Mr. Boggs was married December 16, 1867, to Miss Martha E. Ferry. They are the parents of two children: John M., and Helen. Mr. B. owns two good farms and a fine residence prop- erty at Russell.
BRANHAM, W. H., justice of the peace, post-office, Russell. Born May 15, 1840, in Cook county, Illinois, where he resided until about thir- teen years of age, working on his father's farm in summer and attending the common schools during the winter. In 1853, he went to Chicago and attended school about three years. He then came to Iowa and located on a farm in Wayne county. In 1869, he went to Oregon, where he was engaged in stock raising and farming about three years. He then returned to Lucas county, where he has since resided. He was married in 1862, to Miss Louisa Wilcoxson, by whom he is the father of four children: Belle, Christopher C., Ida and Nitha. He was married a second time, December 3, 1874, to Miss Amanda Crawl. They are the parents of two children: Mertie and Emmet.
COLDGROVE, M. B., farmer, section 15, post-office, Russell. Born in New York, in 1839, where he grew to manhood. Educated in com- mon schools. Enlisted in the army in 1863, in the 147th New York, and served until the close of the war. Was in all the battles in which his reg- iment engaged, and was slightly wounded in the battle of the Wilderness. Was mustered out at Albany, July, 1864. Returned to his home in Che- mung county, staying there until 1867, when he came to Lucas county, Iowa.' Married in 1872, to Miss Sarah Mckinley, of this county, by whom he has three children: Pearl, Jay T., and Roxy J. Has a farm of 194 acres. Has been township trustee and treasurer.
CROZIER, T. S., farmer and stock-raiser; section three. Was born November 18, 1842, in Shelby county, Ohio, where he resided until about twelve years of age. He then moved with his parents to Mahaska ' county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm and attended the common schools until the beginning of the war. He enlisted in August, 1862, in company K, Thirty-third Iowa infantry volunteers, with which he served three years, participating in the battles of Helena, Arkansas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Poisoned Springs, Prairie Decue, the Yazoo expedition, and Spanish Fort. He accompanied the expedition to the mouth of the Rio Grande river, from which his regiment was sent to New Orleans, and was discharged August 7, 1865. After his discharge he returned to Mahaska county, Iowa, and engaged in farming until the spring of 1871. He then came to this county aud resumed farming. He owns a good farm of 209 acres, two and one-half miles east of Russell. Was married in 1869, to Miss Martha J. Wright, of Highland county, Ohio. They
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have had three children, one of whom is now living, Walter S. Mr. C. is now serving his second term as township assessor.
COOK, J. H., merchant; post-office, Russell. Was born May 6, 1843, in Henry county, Iowa, where he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was the third white child born in Henry county. His father was one of the pioneers of Henry county, and assisted in the survey of the county before it was inhabited by white men. He enlisted August 9, 186-, in the Fourth Iowa cavalry, and participated in the bat- tles of Batesville, Champion Hill, Vicksburg and Jackson. Was mustered out in August, 1865, at Davenport. He then returned to Henry county, where he was engaged in farming four years. He next came to Lucas county, where he farmed until 1871, when he came to Russell and engaged in the mercantile business. He is now a member of the firm of Cook Brothers. They carry a large and selected stock of general mer- chandise, and have an excellent trade. Mr. Cook was married Septem- ber 17, 1867, to Miss M. J. Leach, of Henry county, Iowa. Three child- ren have been born to them: Artie, Mertie and Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the M. E. Church.
COOK, JOHN C., merchant, post-office, Russell. Born January 23, 1845, in Henry county, Iowa, where he was brought up on a farm, and educated in the common schools. In 1865, he enlisted in company A, Forty-fifth Iowa infantry, in which regiment he served one hundred days, and was honorably discharged. He then returned to Henry county, and engaged in buying and shipping live stock until 1874. In that year he came to Russell, and is now a member of the firm of Cook Bros., gen- eral merchants. He was married December 25, 1878, to Miss Louisa Vanboskis. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has held many offices in that fraternity.
COMSTOCK, MANUEL F., post-office, Russell. Born March 24, 1824, in Ohio, where he resided until ten years of age. He moved with his parents to Indiana, locating near Lafayette. In 1836, he went to Wisconsin territory, locating near where the city of Muscatine, Iowa, now stands, and has been a citizen of Iowa ever since. He lived in the counties of Cedar and Muscatine, until 1868, when he went to Wayne county and resided one year; then came to this county, and located at Russell. Mr. Comstock has probably done as much as any man for the improvment of the city in which he resides. In 1872, he purchased a mill in Russell, which has been greatly improved since coming under his con- trol. He owns good residence property, and a fine store building in Russell. He also owns a farm, and is now raising some fine blooded horses, among them " Honest John, " who has earned a state reputation, having made the last quarter in a race at Cedar Rapids, in 35 seconds, and Roly Bashaw, a fine young stallion, costing Mr. Comstock $1,500.
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He was married September 1, 1844, to Louisa Robertson, by whom he was the father of seven children, four are now living: Angeline, Daniel A., Celestia and Hannah. Mrs. Comstock died August 10, 1865. He was married a second time, July 4, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Sterns. They have one child, Maggie.
CLINTON, J. H., merchant, post-office, Russell. Born March 18, 1823, in Warren county, Ohio, where he remained until eleven years of age. He then moved with his parents to Warren county, Indiana, where he was educated in the common schools. When twenty-one years old, he began teaching school, and was thus occupied until 1864. He then went to Lodi, Illinois, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. He moved to Rus- sell in 1877, and now has a fine stock of general merchandise, and does a thriving business. He was married in 1853, to Miss S. H. Foster, of Warren county, Indiana, by whom he was the father of one child: Mary. Mrs. C. died in about fifteen months after her marriage. He was mar- ried a second time in 1861, to Mrs. iMartha E. Knowlton, of War- ren county, Ohio. They are the parents of three children: De Witt, Bruce and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Presbyterian Church.
CUMMINGS, H. M., carpenter, post-office, Russell. Born October 16, 1825, in Oneida county, New York. He resided in that state, and principally in Livingstone county, until he was twenty-one years of age. When but a small lad he commenced work on the Erie canal, and was thus occupied until 1846. He then commenced railroading, starting as a brakeman, but was socn promoted, and was employed on different roads as a conductor, for fourteen years. He was three and one half years on the Milwaukee & St. Paul, and the same length of time on the Central Branch of the Union Pacific. He learned the trade of a carpenter at Milwaukee, and after leaving the railroad, he began to work at his trade, at which he is still engaged. He came to Iowa in 1875, worked in Colum- bus Junction, Osceola and Chariton, and has worked in Russell, since 1880. He has been extensively engaged in contracting for and building school houses along the line of the C., B. & Q. railway in Iowa. He was married June 21, 1846, to Miss Julia E. Birdsall, of Lockport, New York. They are the parents of two children: Harry W. and Adelaide A., both married and living in Burlington, Iowa.
ELLIOTT, W. H., stock dealer, post-office, Russell. Born August 16, 1843, in Jackson county, Indiana, where he was educated in the com- mon schools. Enlisted July 13, 1862, in company B, 54th Indiana volun- teer infantry, for three months. A short time after enlisting he partici- pated in a skirmish at Red River Bridge, where he was captured and soon after paroled. Was discharged September 2, 1862. He re-enlisted February 2, 1865, in company G, 145th Indiana volunteers, with which he
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served until January 21, 1866. While with this company, he was the greater portion of his time on detailed duty, serving as post-master at the post of Dalton, Georgia, and later, as special provost guard at Resaca, Georgia, and on general provost duty at various places, Was discharged at Macon, Georgia, and returned to his home in Indiana. In 1867, he came to Russell, in this county, and opened the first store ever conducted in this place, which he continued to operate until 1879. Mr. Elliott has been a successful business man. He now owns a fine brick store building and two residences in Russell, two farms near the same city, and another three miles west of Chariton. Was married in 1872, to Miss M. L. Ken- nedy, a lady of taste and refinement, who devotes her time to the care of her children, which are three in number: Jessie E., Maud B. and Edgar E.
FERGUSON, J. B., music teacher, post-office, Russell. Is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1836. He was raised and educated in the land of his nativity. Has been a successful teacher of music for twenty-five years. In 1845 he married Miss Carrie Woods, of Pennsylvania, by whom he has had ten children. J. W. is a practicing physician. Mr. F. enlisted in the 148th Pennsylvania, at Pittsburg, in 1862; was promoted from the ranks to first lieutenant. Took part in the battles of White Plains, Hay Market, and Gettysburg. Was discharged in 1863, on account of dis- abilities. He then remained at home till 1864, when he re-enlisted, in the 206th Pennsylvania, getting the appointment of major. Was ordered to Bermuda Hundred, September 28, 1864, on provost duty, remaining till December 28th, then joining his regiment. His was the first white regi- ment in Richmond after its fall. In 1870 he came to Illinois, and in 1873 came to Lucas county, Iowa. He owns 170 acres of good land, well improved, and a fine home in Russell. He is the author of two music books, Song Garner and Normal Gems, both popular with musicians. .
FOGG, R. R., lumber merchant, post-office, Russell. Born December 19, 1843, in Somerset county, Maine, where he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common and select schools of Cornville. When twenty-one years of age he commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter, and worked under instructions until 1869. He then came to Lucas county, located at Russell, and was engaged in contracting and building until March, 1879. At this time he opened a lumber yard at Russell, and now has the only business of this character in the city. He carries a full and complete stock of lumber and building material, and as a business man has the entire confidence of his customers. He was married December 25, 1869, to Miss Julia Woodman. Two children blessed this union, both of whom are now deceased.
GOODWIN, ALFRED, postmaster at Russell, Lucas county, Iowa. Born December 25, 1833, in Clinton, Kennebec county, Maine, where he grew to manhood. He was educated at the academy at Waterville, and
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when seventeen years of age, commenced teaching school, which occupa- tion he continued until twenty-two years old. He then went to California and engaged in mining until 1857, when he returned to his native place. He remained but a short time, and then went to Urbana, Illinois, and taught school until 1859. He then went to Pike's Peak, where he remained nearly a year, and then returned to Illinois. In 1861, he enlisted in company D, 17th Illinois infantry volunteers, under Captain Henry H. Busk, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and the siege and capture of Vicksburg, at which place his regiment was the first to mount and cross the works of the enemy after the surrender. His regiment belonged to Logan's division of McPherson's corps. After the surrender of Vicksburg, Mr. Goodwin was detailed for the reconnoitering depart- ment, and thus continued until his term of service expired. Was mus- tered out June 4, 1864, at Springfield, Illinois. He came to Russell in 1869, where he has been engaged in various occupations; has twice been postmaster, has served the township in the capacity of justice of the peace . and township clerk, and is at present postmaster. Was married Novem- ber 2, 1870, to Miss Ellen Sweet, of Buda, Illinois. They are the parents of three children: Olive E., Cyrus R., and Henry C.
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