USA > Iowa > Mills County > History of Mills County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. > Part 74
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SKADAN, J. EDGAR, is a native New Yorker, where he entered life May 27, 1839, in Cayuga county, and where he lived until he was eighteen years of age, and acquired a common school education, at which age he came to La Salle, Illinois, and resided for twelve years. In 1869 he came to Iowa, where he found his future home. He first remained some five years in Villisca, after which, in 1874, he sought Malvern. Prior to 1869 his pursuits were various; but since that time he has been en- gaged in farming, real estate and general agency business. While a resi- dent of Montgomery county he was honored with the election of school director. He was twice married-first, in 1862, to Maria Good, of Day- ton, Ohio, who died in March, 1869. His second marital alliance was with Julia M. White, of Orange county, Vermont, February 28, 1874. Two children by his first marriage are all he has to hand his name down the line of coming generations. Mr. and Mrs. S. are both members of the Baptist church.
STRAHAN, J. M., is a native of Indiana. Was born in Putnam county, November 17, 1829, where he remained until his seventh year, when he, with his people, moved to Illinois. In 1850 he went to Califor- nia, remaining some three years, when he returned to Illinois. In 1854 he made a second trip to California, driving a drove of cattle overland to that New Eldorado. This time he remained until 1855, when he returned to Iowa, locating in Marion county. Here he resided until 1870, when he moved to Mills county, Iowa. Here he formed a business connection with Mr. John Evans, with whom he pursued farming and feeding cattle for market, the latter to a large extent, from 200 to 1000 head per year. In 1873, he, in company with others, laid out that part of Malvern, known as Strahan's addition, into lots for building purposes. Mr. Stra- han is also the president of the First National Bank, of Malvern, in which he is extensively interested. During the winter of 1879-80, Strahan & Company purchased and shipped over the Wabash road, 400,000 bushels of grain. In 1879 Mr. Strahan narrowly escaped death from the falling of the St. Charles bridge, over the Missouri river. Mr. S. gives these facts: He and six other men occupied the caboose of a stock train of eighteen cars filled with cattle, which he and others were shipping to St. Louis. While upon this bridge, ninety two feet above the river, he heard a sound of rushing water, which caused him to go to the door of his car, where he saw a frightful calamity befalling their train-a three hundred feet span of the bridge had gone down, taking with it seventeen cars and all the living freight therein. With active presence of mind he jumped for the ties when the car he was in was within twenty feet of the terrible
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abyss, which the falling span had opened, and it too, went down, carrying death to the six passengers within save one, who bearly escaped. Mr. S.'s presence of mind and quick action saved him from the frightful doom of his companions, who names were Fred Davis, Josiah Wearen, Mr. Hyde and John Somers. The others were train men. Mr. S.'s farm is in sec- tion 29, and contains 1,200 acres, all under cultivation. Among his vari- ous other business operations, he makes a specialty of raising and dealing in short-horned cattle, the Clydesdale English draft horses, and Cotswold and South Down sheep, which together with his cattle and horses have frequently been awarded premiums for excellence at fairs. Mr. Strahan married Miss F. C. Davis, of Henderson county, Illinois, January 3, 1856, whose father served in the war of 1812, receiving the land on which he lived, for services therein. Lucy, Ella, Frank, Rosa and Otis are the rewards of that union. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Baptist society.
WILSON, H. F., is an Ohio man. His life commenced February 12, 1848, in Perry county. He remained upon his native grounds until 1854, when he came to Warren county, Illinois with his father, where he lived until 1871, when he moved to Mills county, Iowa, where he was employed as book-keeper in the first national bank of Malvern, for about two years. For two years he was also Auditor of Mills county. He is now the cash- ier of Page County Bank, at Blanchard. Mr. W. was educated in the common school, and at the Asbury University, Green Castle, Indiana. He married Miss Hattie E. Ringland, of Malvern, November 7, 1878. Is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias.
YOUNG, AUGUSTUS L., a native of Iowa soil, entered life in Mus- catine, March 12, 1856. At a year of age he moved with his parents to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he remained until his sixteenth year, when he went to Fremont county, and thence to Malvern; Mills county, in Septem- ber, 1879. He received his education in the common schools at Mt. Pleasant and other points where he lived prior to making his home in Mills county, and at Tabor college, while in Fremont county. Subse- quently he was a graduate of the law department of the State University at Iowa City, and there admitted to practice in all the state and federal courts of Iowa, June, 1879. Thus equipped for the battle of life, he took to himself, November 25, 1880, Miss Allie E. Wilson, of Tabor, to aid and cheer him in his struggle for position, fortune and fame. Mr. Young is a member of the law firm of Young & Garrigus, of Malvern, formed in 1879. He is member of the Congregational church.
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ST. MARY'S TOWNSHIP.
ALLIS, SAMUEL, was born in Conway, Franklin county, Massa- chusetts, September 28, 1805. He was reared under christian influences, his parents being members of the Congregational church; his education was limited to the opportunities afforded him by the common schools of that day. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the saddlery and harness maker's trade, and followed this avocation at various localities until 1834. In that year he was appointed as assistant to the Rev. Mr. Dunbar, and by direction of the American Board of Foreign Mission, came to the west, and locating at Belleview, Nebraska, established a mis- sion supported by the Presbyterian and Congregational churches. He remained for many years in that state and section, engaged in instructing the Indians. In 1836 he went to Clay county, Missouri, and was there married to Miss Emaline Palmer, a native of Mansfield, Connecticut. He immediately returned to Nebraska with his wife, and renewed his duties as a missionary. They have four children now living: Henry, Martha, Otis and Harriet. In 1851 he came to St. Mary's township, and three years afterward moved to the farm he now occupies, on section 12, and comprised of some one hundred and fifty acres. Owing to his knowledge of the Indian dialect, gained while missionary among the savages, he was appointed United States interpreter, and in that capacity once visited the city of Washington; this position was retained by him for some seven years. Since coming to this county Mr. Allis has been closely identified with its interests, and has filled various positions of importance and trust. He is the first white man to ever tread the soil of Mills, who is now living within its bounds. The years of the past have witnessed many changes, but to them Mr. Allis has contributed, and from them gained a compe- tence and a home of comfort.
COX, J. H., farmer and mechanic, section 1, P. O. Council Bluffs ; born March 22, 1829, in Highland county, Ohio, and there grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools. He came to Iowa in 1857, locating for a short time on the farm where he now resides, and then went to Cass county and pre-empted a claim. In 1860 he made a tour of the western states and territories, mining and prospecting. He returned in 1868 and began operating a saw mill, which he still conducts in con- nection with his farm. Mr. Cox has served with credit in the capacity of drainage commissioner and justice of the peace. He now owns a neat farm of sixty acres, well improved, with a cosy little house and a thrifty young orchard. He also owns considerable city property at Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He was married in 1874, to Miss Adelia A. Clark, a native of St. Mary's township. They are the happy parents of one son: George Ray.
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
HARRISON, W. H., farmer and stock-raiser, section 13, P. O. Coun- cil Bluffs; born in Ohio, in 1843. At an early age he came with his parents to Iowa, locating in Pottawattamie county. ยท He received his educa- tion in the common schools of his native state and in the city schools at Council Bluffs. In 1857 he went to Douglass county, Nebraska, where his father pre-empted a claim, remained one season, and then moved to Holt county, Missouri. In 1859 he went to Jackson county, Missouri, in which county his father was killed by "Bushwhackers." In company with his mother, he then went to Johnson county, Kansas, and the next spring to Richardson county, Nebraska. He enlisted in 1862 in com- pany C, Second Nebraska cavalry, and served one year in the campaign
against the Indians. He then enlisted in a regiment called the Black Horse Cavalry, with which he seryed two years. The cavalry was then consolidated with the First Nebraska. After leaving the army he made a tour of the western states, returning in 1866 to Council Bluffs, and soon after located on the farm where he now resides. Was married Decem- ber 25, 1869, to Miss Elvira Kratzer, a native of Boone county, Iowa. They are the parents of five children, of whom four are now living: Lil- lie, Millie, Frankie and Ella. He owns a farm of 240 acres, well adapted to the raising of stock, in which enterprise he is largely interested.
MARTENS, HERMAN H., farmer and stock dealer, section 7, P. O. Council Bluffs; born March 16, 1857, in Stacy Hollenstine, Germany. When about a year old he immigrated with his parents to America, and immediately located in this vicinity, where he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common schools and at Tabor College, and is well advanced in both German and English. His father died in this county October 1, 1880, leaving a family of five children, of whom Herman is the eldest, who, with the other members of the family, Sophia, Lewis, Henry and Charley, resides on an excellent farm of 450 acres, well im- proved, with an elegant dwelling house, substantial barn, and a large and productive orchard. Mr. Martens has had charge of the farm since the death of his father, and has conducted it in able manner. He is a young man of high moral character, an enterprising business man, and has a large circle of friends.
MARKS, WILLIAM, farmer, section 1, P. O. Council Bluffs; born February 22, 1854, in Hanover, Germany, where he grew to manhood. He was thoroughly educated in both German and English and prepared for a professional life. At the age of nineteen he immigrated to America, and established his first permanent residence in this vicinity. On his arrival he was engaged as a teacher in the German families of the neigh- borhood. Later he went to Council Bluffs, where he was engaged as a clerk about nine months. He was married December 5, 1875, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Hoyer, a German lady of culture, which union has
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. brought to them three sons: Gustave, Otto and Arthur. He enjoys the possession of a neat little farm of eighty acres. Mr. Marks is a young man of marked ability, and is respected and admired by the community in which he resides.
ROENNAN, HENRY, farmer, section 36, P. O. Henton; born July 3, 1804, in Hollenstine, Germany, where he was educated in the state national schools. When quite a young man he commenced keeping a hotel, which he conducted twenty-four years. His building was then burned, and he immigrated to America. He arrived at Davenport in 1855, and two years later came to Mills county, locating at St. Marys. Here he purchased a farm of eighty acres, on the banks of the Missouri river, which was soon engulfed in that turbulent stream. He then purchased another farm, which was destroyed in like manner, together with some valuable property in the town of St. Marys. In 1867 he located on the farm where he now resides, which consists of 160 acres, a good dwelling house, commodious barn, and other substantial buildings. His extensive feed yards are well filled with horses, cattle, sheep and swine. He is one of the oldest and most successful farmers in Mills county, and is honored by the people of his community for the interest he has shown in the advance- ment of the county. Was married in 1834 to Miss Christina Shreader, by whom he is the father of three children: Dora, John and Emma. The family are members of the Lutheran Church.
ROENNAN, JOHN, farmer, section 31, P. O. Henton; born January 26, 1847, in Germany. He immigrated with his parents to America, when he was eight years of age. He was educated in the German lan- guage in his native country, and received a good English education in the common schools of this country. Was married December 13, 1871, to Eliza Glemann, a native of Germany. They have five children: Henry, Emma, Dora, Mollie and Rudolph. His farm consists of 160 acres, on which is an excellent dwelling house, commodious barn, and good orchard. He is largely interested in live stock, to the raising of which his farm is well adapted.
TURNER, ALFRED S., farmer section 19, P. O. Council Bluffs ; born January 1, 1845, in Great Grunsby, England. He immigrated to America when nine years old, coming directly to this county and locating in Platteville township. In 1854 he went to St. Marys township, where he grew to manhood, and was educated in the common schools. In 1862 he engaged in freighting across the plains, remaining in this business four years, and then commenced farming, in which occupation he has con- tinued until the present time. He was married in 1868, to Miss Isabel Runkles, a native of Ohio. Mrs. T. died April 15, 1877, leaving five children: Lettie May, Charley, Augusta, John and Leroy. He was married a second time March 20, 1879, to Miss Lillie Finney. She was
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born in St Marys township, October 30, 1855. They are the parents of one child, Dolly T. Mr. Turner has served his township officially four years. He owns a neat little farm of 40 acres. His parents were among the early settlers of the county, and both died here.
YOUNG, M. C., farmer and stock raiser, section 29, P. O. Council Bluffs; born May 29, 1836, in Granger county, Tennessee. When quite young he moved with his parents to Sullivan county, Indiana, where he remained until five years of age, and then went to Schuyler county, Mis- souri, where he grew to manhood. His youth was passed in acquiring an education and working in a steam grist mill. When he was about twenty years of age his mother died. In the summer of 1861 he enlisted in a company of home guards, remaining with them about six months. He then went to Arkansas, remained a short time, and then went to Falls City, Nebraska, when he enlisted in company F, second Nebraska Cavalry. He served with this company about nine months, participating in the battle of White Stone Hill, and also many important engagements against the In- dians. In the following season he was engaged in farming and freighting from Nebraska City to different western points. In 1865 he came to Iowa, first locating in Fremont county, but soon after came to Mills county, and was engaged in farming about two years. He then went to Utah, and from there to Nevada, where he worked in the mines about eighteen months, and then returned to Iowa, and purchased a part of the farm where he now resides. Was married July 14, 1872, to Miss Jane Wilson, who was born in Mills county, February 26, 1856. Two of their children are now living: John W. and Charles C. Mr. Young is a mem- ber of the Christian church, in which denomination he is a zealous worker. He has held various township offices, at the present time being justice of the peace. He owns a good farm of 160 acres.
WHITE CLOUD TOWNSHIP.
AISTROPE, WALTER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Malvern; born April 16, 1831, in Lincolnshire, England, where he grew to man- hood. Immigrated to America in 1852, first locating in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in coal mining for two years. He then went to Chicago and was employed in the brewery of Lill & Co., in whose employ he remained for nearly three years. He then came to Van Buren county, Iowa, and was there engaged in farming some two years. Leaving Van Buren county, he made a trip to California and worked in the mines three years. He returned to Iowa and located on section 19, in White Cloud township, and now owns the entire section
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with the exception of eighty acres. His farm is beautifully situated and has many substantial improvements. Was married March 16, 1868, to Miss Eliza J. Kesterson, a native of Tennessee. They are the parents of three children: George B., Charles R. and Mary B.
ANTRIM, ELIAS, farmer, P. O. Randolph; born October 17, 1853, in Wabash county, Indiana. When about seven years of age he came with his parents to Fremont county, Iowa, and there grew to manhood. He commenced life as a farmer, which has been his avocation until the present time. In 1878 he located on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 34, in this township, where he now resides. Was married March 20, 1878, to Miss Minnie A. Parks, who was born in Wis- consin, September 1, 1859, L. W. Archer performing the ceremony. They are the parents of two children: Howard F. (deceased) and John L.
AISTROPE, THOMAS M., farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Malvern; born December 11, 1828, in Lincolnshire, England, where he remained until nineteen years of age, and then moved into Yorkshire and engaged in farming. He then commenced running a grist-mill, which he operated for more than three years. In 1855 he immigrated to America, landing at New York. From there he went to Chicago, where he remained one week, and then went to McHenry county, Illinois, and worked for one season on a farm. He then moved to Van Buren county, Iowa, locating near Plymouth, where he was engaged in coal mining, railroading and farming for about three years. He next located in Clark county, Mis- souri, rented land and farmed about four years. He then came to Mills county and lived in various parts of the county until the spring of 1863, when he settled on section 17, White Cloud township, where he now re- sides. Was married to Miss Jane Whatt, who was born in Yorkshire, England, December 3, 1830. They are the parents of eleven children: Mary J., Margaret, Elizabeth, Walter G., Sarah A., Thomas M., Jr., William W., Alice M., Nellie V., Anna E. and Henry P. V. Mr. Ais- trope owns a fine farm of 1,046 acres, which has many substantial im- provements. He came to this country without a dollar, and by his indomitable will and untiring energy has succeeded in amassing a compe- tence.
BAXTER, WILLIAM S., farmer, P. O. Hastings; born September 30, 1831, in York county, Pennsylvania. When about eight years of age he went with his parents to Hanford county, Maryland, and remained there until twenty-nine years of age. He then went back to York county, Pennsylvania, remaining there about four years, and then emigrated to Henderson county, Illinois, residing there about nine years. He then came to Mills county, and located near Hastings. He now resides two miles southwest of Hastings, in White Cloud township. Was married August 9, 1855, to Miss Sarah J. Knight, a native of Maryland. They
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are the parents of four children: William F., Charles H., Emma J., and Annie E. The aged father and mother of Mr. Baxter reside with him, and are aged respectively seventy-seven and seventy years.
DAVIS, M. T., farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Malvern; born March 5, 1847, in Jackson county, Ohio. When about eight years of age he emi- grated with his parents to Montgomery county, Iowa, locating about six miles south of the present site of Red Oak, remaining there but a short time, and then came to Mills county and located about three miles west of the town of Emerson. After residing in various parts of the county, he finally located on section 30, White Cloud township, where he now resides. His farm is peculiarly adapted to stock-raising, in which he is extensively en- gaged. Mr. Davis is an active, energetic business man. He was a mem- ber of Captain Tubbs' home cavalry company, which was organized for home protection during the war. Mr. Davis has considerable stock in the bank of Strahan, Davis & Bentley, known as the Page County Bank, located at Blanchard, Page county, Iowa. Was married August 16, 1871, to Miss Mary J. Aistrope, a native of England. They are the parents of three children: Minnie, Maggie, and Mary E.
DYSON, JOHN, farmer, P. O. Malvern; born July 10, 1830, in York- shire, England, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. He then immigrated to America, first locating in McHenry county, Illinois, where he remained one year, and then went to Hancock county, Illinois, where he resided about eighteen months. He next came to Iowa, first locating in Lee county, and remained there engaged in farming about eighteen years. He then came to this county and located one mile south of Malvern on section five, where he now resides. He has a good farm, upon which are many modern improvements. Mr. Dyson is a live, ener- getic man, and is at present a member of the board of supervisors, in which capacity he is giving entire satisfaction to his constituents. He was married May 8, 1852, to Miss Sarah Duckels, a native of England.
DAVIS, STEPHEN D., farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Malvern; born October 25, 1820, in Jackson county, Ohio, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. He came to Iowa in 1855, and located about six miles south of the present site of Red Oak, in Montgomery county. He remained in Montgomery county a few months, and then came to Mills county and located near where the town of Emerson now stands. After residing in various parts of the county, he finally located in Spring Valley, White Cloud township, in March, 1861. Here he purchased a farm of 400 acres. and has since made several purchases adjoining, until his farm now consists of 2,000 acres, 1,200 acres of which is tame pasture and meadow land. He has on his farm a spring of water which has a flow of about forty gallons per minute. He has constructed a fine fish pond, which is supplied by water from this spring, and contains an abun-
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dance of fish. Mr. Davis is one of the most extensive farmers in Mills county. He pays particular attention to stock raising, and has sold this season 194 head of fat cattle, and as many fat hogs. He has an exten- sive interest in the First National bank, of Malvern, and is also connected with the banking house of Strahan, Davis & Bentley, known as the Page County bank, located at Blanchard, in Page county. Was married April 7, 1842, to Miss Mary Parker, who was born in Virginia, September 17, 1821. They have five children living: Granville T., Marion T., Tacy L., Minervia A. and Charles F.
DAUGHERTY, CHRISTOPHER C., miller P. O. Malvern; born October 10, 1844, in McDonough county, Illinois, where he remained until twenty years of age. In 1864, he emigrated to Mills county, Iowa, first locating at White Cloud, where he remained about ten years, engaged in farming and milling. He then assisted in constructing the Buffington Mills, where he is now engaged as chief miller. Mr. Daugherty was married January 1, 1870, to Miss Eliza Hughes a native of Mills county, Iowa. They are the parents of two children: Lillie L. and Verrill A.
EHRENHARDT, MATTHEW, farmer, P. O. Clark; born Septem- ber 14, 1856, in Biern, Germany, immigrated to America when ten years of age and located in Knox county, Illlinois, near Knoxville, where he was engaged in farming for twelve years. He then came to Mills county and went to work for Mr. Hambsch, and has been with that gentleman ever since. He is a hard-working, industrious young man, and will ere long be one of the substantial citizens of the township.
ELROD, JAMES M., farmer, P. O. Clark; born December 18, 1840, in Butler county, Pennsylvania. While yet young he immigrated with his mother and family to La Salle county, Illinois, and remained there about twelve years. He enlisted from this county in the Eighty-eighth Illinois volunteer infantry, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face, Resaca, Calhoun, Adairville, Dallas, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Altoona, Jamesborough and Love Joy. Was mustered into the service August 12, 1862, and mustered out June 9, 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee. In the fall of 1871 he immigrated to Lancaster county Ne- braska, where he remained about four years, and then came to Mills county, and finally located in White Cloud township. Was married De- cember 21, 1868, to Miss Annie M. Willey, who was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, September 23, 1846. They are the parents of three children: Mary E., Celia C. and Myrtie. Mr. E. was wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge, in the thigh, and was also slightly wounded in the cheek at Resaca, Georgia.
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