USA > Iowa > Mills County > History of Mills County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. > Part 76
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
a gentleman of culture and ability, a member of the M. E. church, and an active, enterprising man.
DILL, BENJAMIN, farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, P. O. Pacific Junction; was born in Vinton county, Ohio, March 11, 1820. In 1847 he engaged in the tanning business, and followed this until 1858. He then purchased a foundry, which proved a successful venture until 1862, but continuing operations he was obliged to suspend business in 1865. He then became a resident of Whiteside county, Illinois, and for two years following was engaged in farming. The succeeding two years he con- ducted a meat market, and at the close of 1867 came to Mills county, He subsequently went to Cass county, Nebraska, but remained a short time, when he again returned to Mills county. In 1875 he came to his pres- ent home. He owns a finely improved farm of some one hundred and fifty acres. He was married March 12, 1840, to Miss A. Cathin, a native of Vinton county, Ohio. They are the parents of eight children: Clinton, Sanford, Ellsworth, Andrew, Esther J., Minnie, Benjamin F. and Mitchell E. His father, Andrew Dill, was a native of Ohio; his mother was the daughter of Benjamin and Eliza Yhetter, and was born January 1, 1801, in Pennsylvania. They were married in May, 1819, and were the parents of eight children, the oldest of whom is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Dill has held many local offices of trust, and filled them all with complete satisfaction.
EVANS, HENRY, P. O., Pacific Junction; was born March 12, 1847, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. When nineteen years of age he found employment in the smelting works at Boiler Springs. After fol- lowing this occupation four years he moved to Buchanan county, Mis- souri, and for two years was engaged in farming. Since that date to April, 1871, he has been connected with various railroads. At that date he returned to Pennsylvania. In September, 1875, he went to St. Joseph, Missouri, and has been in the employ of the K. C. C. B. & St. Jo. R. R., ever since. He came to Pacific Junction in April, 1880. He was married February 18, 1865, to Miss Matilda Brewer. They are the parents of two children: Lydia A. and John E. Mr. Evans is a mem- ber of the A. F. and A. M. and I. O. O. F.
EVANS, MEVREL L., farmer, section 8, P. O. Pacific City; born October 9, 1815, in Berkley county, Virginia. He removed with his parents, at an early age, to Belmont county, Ohio, where he remained until he was eleven years old. He then went to Wayne county, Indi- ana, where he grew to manhood His father died when he was small, and he was then apprenticed to Jeremiah Crampton to learn the trade of a tanner. He then went to the western part of Indiana and engaged in farming for three years, and later, worked several years on the Erie canal. In 1842 he went to Holt county, Missouri, where he resided until 1863,
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
when he came to this county. Was married January 7, 1845, to Miss Eliza Jane Templeton, of Hancock county, Indiana. They have had ten children, of whom seven are living: Anna A., Elizabeth E., Laura L., Mollie L., Jennie B., Charles W. and Nannie M. He owns a farm of 200 acres, well improved; excellent dwelling house and barn, and a fruit- ful orchard. Mr. Evans is a good citizen, a kind husband, and with the aid of his good wife, has raised an intelligent and moral family.
GODSEY, D. I., farmer, section 5, P. O. Henton; is a native of Wash- ington county, Virginia, born January 1, 1826. At an early age he went to Meiggs county, Tennessee, and there reached his majority. The greater part of his youth was passed in farm labor. In 1852 he moved to Put- nam county, Missouri, where he remained until 1864. In that year he came to Mills county, and purchased a part of his present farm. He was married February 18, 1851, to Mrs. Margaret T., daughter of Jonathan and Hannah Collins. They are the parents of nine children: Leonidas D., Lycurgus J., Mansfield S., Samuel W., Stephen T., Sarah E., Jack- son, Martha, and William E., (deceased).
GILLILAND, EDWARD, farmer, P. O. Pacific City; born in Brown county, Kentucky, May 6, 1814. At an early age he moved with his parents to Orange county, Indiana, and there passed the major part of his youth. In 1851 he became a resident of Atchinson county, Missouri, and in May following came to this county. He first located in Plattville town- ship, and in 1857 located where he now resides. He was married Feb- ruary 15, 1835, to Miss Florence Wright. They are the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living: Reuben W., John W., Amanda K., Emma, Shirly, and Anna. Mr. Gilliland has long been identified with the best interests of Mills county, and is an honored and exemplary citi- zen.
GUNSOLLY, THOMAS, farmer, P. O. Pacific Junction; was born October 3, 1851, in Oak township, Mills county, and has been a continu- ous resident of the county. His education was wholly received in the common schools, and his youth was passed in the farming vocation. He was married June 24, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Allison, of Cumberland county, Illinois. They are the parents of four children, Samuel C., Wil- liam T., Sarah C., and Nettie V.
GREEN, GEORGE W., farmer, section 30, P. O. Pacific Junction; was born in Brown county, Missouri, October 27, 1838. When thirteen years of age, in company with his parents, he removed to Monroe county, Iowa, and there grew to manhood, acquiring his education at the common school. From 1859 to 1865 he resided in California, where he engaged in various kinds of business. In the fall of the latter year he came to Mills county, Iowa, and has succeeded since that time in acquiring a good farm of eighty acres.
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
GREEN, LEVI, the father of George M., is a native of Henry county, Kentucky, where he commenced life as a farmer, which pursuit he still follows. He was married to Nancy Green, of Henry county, Kentucky, by whom he became the father of three children: James, Matilda, and John. His first wife having died, he remarried in 1836, taking for his wife Evaline Little, of Henry county, Kentucky. The result of this union was five children, four of whom are now living: George, Elizabeth, Wil- liam, and Mary Ann; Caroline having died. At the age of twenty-five Mr. Green removed to Missouri, and in 1852 came to Iowa, locating in Mills county in 1862, where he was one of the earliest settlers.
GREGORY, CHARLES H., furniture and lumber dealer, Pacific Junction; was born December 17, 1831, in Steuben county, New York. He was there educated and grew to man's estate. In March, 1852, he went to Jackson county, Michigan, and after a short time went to Rock Island county, Illinois. Two years after this he became a resident of Henry county, same state. While there he enlisted in company B, 25th infantry, August 15, 1861. He was in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, and numerous other engagements. He was discharged for disability, October S, 1864. Soon after the close of the war he engaged in the stock business in Mon- tana territory, where he remained some four years. He then went to Utah; from Utah to Nebraska, and to this place in 1880. He was mar- ried in 1855 to Miss A. E. See, a native of Indiana. They are the par- ents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living: James C., Porter B., William H., Jane E., Samuel T., Corwin I. and Sarah M.
GILLILLAND JOHN W., farmer, section 8, P. O. Pacific City; born February 2, 1842, in Pulaska county, Indiana. When quite young he came with his parents to this county. His youth was passed on his father's farm and in attending the district schools and the Glenwood city schools, where he received a good business education. He was mar- ried September 14, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth E., daughter of William and Mary Stone. Eight children have been born unto them, of whom seven are living: Viva, Clyde, Carrie, Walter, Gertude, Bernard and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. G. are worthy members of the Congregational church. He has always been identified with every move that had for its object the advancement of his township and county. He has frequently been elected to the office of township trustee, and is at present one of the mem- bers of the board of county supervisors; in all cases giving satisfaction to his constituency. He owns a fine farm, well improved, with a good substantial barn, and a large and productive orchard. He began life with very limited means, but by industry and strict economy has secured his present enviable position.
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
INGRUM, JAMES, farmer, section thirty-two, P. O. Pacific Junc- tion; was born in the state of Illinois, February 12, 1844. At a very early age he moved with his parents to the state of Wisconsin, and when five years of age to Richland county. When twenty-one he went to Califor- nia, and for fourteen years resided there, engaged in mining for the prec- ious metal. In 1876 he came to Mills county, and has since been engaged in farming. He was married in April, 1867, to Miss Mary Williams, a native of Erie county, New York. They are the parents of six children: E. Ellsworth, Carrie E., Ella E., Oscar L., Jessie and Martin.
KENNY, HUGH, farmer, section 18, P. () Pacific Junction; was born May 23, 1834, in Ross county, Ohio. He there grew to man's estate, and passed his youth in farm labor, and obtaining the rudiments of an educa- tion. In 1854 he came to Iowa, and located in Wapello county, but two years thereafter he came to Mills county and located at Glenwood. The year following he went to Pacific City, and was one to lay out that vil- lage. In 1855-56 he was employed by the government as a freighter across the plains; and after leaving this business, confined his exclusive attention to farming. The farm he now occupies was purchased in 1874. He was married in 1860, to Miss Adaline Fowler, a native of Jackson county, Ohio. They are the parents of four children: David W., Nancy V., Sarah and Walter L. Mr. Kenny has long been a settler in his neighborhood, and has filled various offices of trust and prominence.
KROON, CHARLEY, merchant, P. O. Pacific Junction; was born June 5, 1845, in Sweden, where he reached maturity. He came to Amer- ica in 1868, and located for a brief period in the city of New York. He afterwards went to Porter county, Indiana, and engaged as a farm la- borer, working for seventy-five cents per day. Better employment pre- senting itself to him, he began work on a railroad, and continued this until September 12, 1872. His steady habits led to promotion, and he became baggage-master at Shenandoah, Iowa. November 12, of the same year, he was transferred to Pacific Junction, and became, in addition to his other duties, local mail agent. After a service of five years he formed a partnership with George Alden, and engaged in the mercantile business. Mr. Kroon came to this country with nothing save a will and persever- ance. He now owns the best stock of goods in Pacific Junction, and besides his business interests, looks after some public matters, as he is now school director, and has been township trustec.
KLINE, JOHN, P. O. Pacific Junction; is a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, where he was born November 19, 1838. At an early age he moved with his parents to Morgan county, Illinois. July 20, 1862, he enlisted in company E, One hundred and first Illinois Infantry, and was engaged in numerous battles, among which were Lookout Mountain, Resaca, Dallas, Cassville, Kenesaw Mountain, and Atlanta. At the bat-
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
tle of Dallas he received a slight flesh wound. He was discharged as an orderly, June 18, 1865. Mr. Kline has been a resident of numerous pla- ces, and been engaged in many kinds of business. For a number of years he was employed in railroading, and successively promoted from the lower positions to that of conductor. He became a resident of Pacific Junction in 1877. He was married September 23, 1875, to Miss Lizzie Barbar, a native of Canada. They are the parents of one child: John R. B.
LUNGER, E. J. proprietor of the Painter house, Pacific Junction, is a native of New York, born December 10, 1857. He came to Iowa in January, 1874, and located in Cass county, finding employment in a drug store at Oneida. The following summer he engaged in farming, and then in the hotel business. He came to Mills county, and entered in the hotel business at Glenwood. In May, of 1880, he came to Pacific Junc- tion and began in the same business at his present stand. He was mar- ried October, 1877, to Miss Mary L. Schall, a native of Philadelphia. They are the parents of one child: Maggie B.
LILLY, J. J., P. O. Pacific Junction; born May 23, 1853, in Pennsyl- vania, and at an early age moved to Freeport, Illinois. When fourteen he became a resident of Ogle county, and there reached man's estate and received his education. He learned the plasterer's trade, and followed it some ten years. He engaged in his present business in 1880.
MARTIN, H., foreman in car shops C., B. & Q. and K. C. R. R., was born November 26, 1847, in Schenectady county, New York. He passed his youth in acquiring an education and in learning the trade of a machin- ist. At twenty-one he became a foreman in the locomotive works in his native city. In 1869 he went to Utah, where he remained a year and a half; he then became an engineer on the Missouri Pacific R. R., which business he followed for one year. He then went to Laramie City, Wyoming Territory. He afterward returned to New York, and then again came to the west, locating at Creston, Iowa, in the employ of the C., B. & Q. R. R. In September, of 1880, he came to Pacific Junction, as foreman. He was married in November, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Whalon, of Albany county, New York. They are the parents of four children: Maggie, Ellen, Annie and William R.
MITCHELL, HOWARD A., painter, P. O. Pacific Junction, is a native of Warren county, Illinois, where he was born March 5, 1840. He began to learn his trade in 1864, and has followed the same until the pres- ent time. He came to Mills county in 1868, and located at Malvern. In 1880 he came to Pacific Junction, and entered upon his trade. He was married in 1871 to Miss Laura Stafford, a native of Indiana. They are the parents of four children : Martha J., Albert E., Abbie and Howard A. Jr.
MORRIS, J. D., of the firm of Morris & Parish, publishers of the Republican-Leader and Pacific function Gazette. Mr. Morris is a
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
1
native of Monmouth county, New Jersey, where he was born January 12, 1834. Completing the studies of the common school, he further prosecu- ted his education at Burlington university and Franklin college. He graduated from the Chicago medical college in 1862, and began the prac- tice of medicine in Vermillion county, Indiana. In 1868 he moved to Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa, continuing the practice of his profession until 1876. He then purchased the Bedford Argus and began his career as a newspaper man. After a year's successful publication he moved to Des Moines, and began the publication of the Beacon Light, a religious paper devoted to the interests of the Baptist denomination. This venture was not a financial success. In October, 1877, he established the Capital City Record, which, in the summer of 1878 was changed to the Des Moines News. In February, 1879, he assumed the management of the Malvern Leader, a paper which, the following year, was consolidated with the Mills County Republican, under the title of the Republican-Leader. December 4, 1880, he established, in connection with Mr. Parrish, The Pacific Function Gazette. He was married November 4, 1858, to Miss Mary J. Hancock, a native of Illinois. They are the parents of three children: Margaret E., Lydia L. and Joseph C. During his residence in Bedford he was a member of the city council, and mayor for a term of two years.
MOON, HENRY, farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, P. O. East Plattsmouth ; was born May 1, 1818, in Ireland. Ot the age of twenty- five he came to the United States and located at New York. Shortly afterwards he went to New Orleans, where he remained five years. He lived in various states and cities previous to coming to this county. He is one of the early settlers of this county, and has contributed to its growth and prosperity. He was married November 12, 1856, to Miss R. McPar- land. They are the parents of nine children, six of whom are living: Mitchell, Hugh, Henry, Annie M., William J. and Rosa C. The farm of Mr. Moon comprises some two hundred acres, all in a splendid state of cultivation, attesting his skill as a farmer.
PAINTER, J. A., Pacific Junction; is a native of Green county, Penn- sylvania, where he was horn July 27, 1815. He moved to Ohio at an early age, and there reached his majority. In 1842 he moved to Andrew county, Missouri, and remained until 1851, when he came to Mills county. He first located in Glenwood, and in 1857 went to Pacific City. He came to Pacific Junction in 1873 and engaged in the hotel business, keeping the house known as the Painter House. He was married March 22, 1838, to Miss Nancy Graham, also a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of nine children, four now living: John, Martha J., Libbie and Andy.
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RUSSELL, SAMUEL S., farmer section 25, P. O. East Platts- mouth; was born May 29, 1826, in Glitford county, North Carolina. At an early age he moved to Orange county, Indiana, with his father's fam- ily, where was passed his youth, and received his education. At the age of eighteen he moved to Boone county, Missouri, and after a residence of six years came to Iowa, locating in Monroe county. In 1865 he came to Mills county and has since resided here. He has been thrice married; he first married Miss Mary Gleason a native of Henry county, Kentucky, by whom he is the father of three children, all now deceased. He mar- ried Miss Mary A. Little, a native of Henry county, Indiana. They are the parents of ten children, five of whom are now living: Sarah, Ner- ton J., Emaline, Jefferson A. and Sampson R. May 16, 1870, he was married to Miss Margaret McDaniel, a native of Nodaway county, Miss- ouri. They are the parents of four children: William T., Andrew J., John A. and Julius F. Mr. Russell is an active member of the United Breth- ren Church, to the interests of which he has devoted much time and energy.
OAK TOWNSHIP.
ALLIS, OTIS E., farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, P. O Council Bluffs; born December 4, 1844, on Loup Fork, Western Nebraska. He shared the fortune of his father in that wild country until he arrived at manhood. When seven years of age he was shot in the eye by an Indian lad, from the effects of which he lost that member. He came to this county with little capital, but by industry and economy he was soon able to purchase one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he has since added three hundred acres. His farm is well improved, an elegant dwell- ing-house, nestling among a beautiful grove and ornamental trees, a good barn, and many other substantial improvements. The farm is well shel- tered and watered, and otherwise well adapted to the raising of live stock. Mr. Allis was married May 21, 1871, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Hiram and Agnes Edward, of Lincoln, Illinois. They are the parents of four children; Elsadie A., Oliver E., William R. and Samuel. Mr. Allis has been closely identified with the interests of his county, having filled many important local offices with credit to himself and constituents.
ALLIS, HENRY, farmer and stockraiser, section 17, P. O. Council Bluffs; born March 2, 1839, in Nebraska. His youth was passed on the frontier among the Indians. He received his education in the mission schools, that were established in the Indian country. He served some time as an Indian interpreter for traders, and in the employ of the gov-
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ernment, and was at one time clerk in a trading store on the Pawnee res- ervation. In 1862, he went to California, where he engaged in farming. He came to this county in 1868. He owns a well-improved farm of 200 acres. Mr. Allis is the oldest white person now living who was born in the state of Nebraska.
BRITTAIN, WILLIAM, farmer and minister. Mr. Brittain is a na- tive of England, where he was born October 30, 1818. He resided in England, engaging in farming, during his early manhood, or until 1846, when he came to America and located in this connty. He was probably the first settler in this county, and a further and more complete account will be found in a preceding chapter on early settlers and settlements. In July, 1846, he located at a point some ten miles southwest from Glenwood, and remained two years, at the expiration of which time he moved to Glenwood, and became one of the founders of that city, under the name which it then bore of Coonville. His was the first house ever built in place. August 14, 1843, he was married to Miss Nancy Bayners, who was a native of England. They became the parents of twelve children, six of whom are now living: Catherine R., wife to Edward Anson; Caro- line, the first person born in the county and now living in Glenwood; Mary A., Julia, wife to P. Tyson; Williard B. and Lucy A. Mr. Brit- tain was ordained a minister of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints, May 19, 1864, and he is to-day a staunch adherent of this faith. Most of the remarks made under early settlers will apply with marked emphasis to Mr. Brittain, who is both honored and influen- tial as a citizen.
BUFFINGTON, E. H., farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Glenwood; was born in Illinois in the year 1844. In 1853 his parents came to this county, and with the county young Buffington grew to man's estate. The country was new and schools were scarce, hence the major part of his education has been derived from experience. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mattie Frizzle, a native of Missouri, born in 1849. They are the parents of five children: Eva E., Mary E., George W., Meda L. and Marion A. Mr. Buffington is of German and French parentage. He has. long been identified with the county and its interests; and while public spirited has not neglected matters relating to private ends. He owns a farm of 96 acres.
BYERS, JOHN, farmer, stock-raiser and fruit-grower, P. O. Glen- wood; was born in Morgan county, Ohio, February 23, 1838. His youth was passed on a farm, and his education received in a common school. In 1856 he came to Iowa and located in this county and became one of the first settlers in Oak township. He served with credit in the war of the rebellion, in company H, 13th Iowa infantry. In 1860 he was mar- ried to Miss Rebecca J. Buffington, of Illinois. They are the parents of
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five children: Mary O., Frances J., Rosa E. and Charles F., living, and Nellie M., deceased. Mrs. Byers died November 3, 1874. August 14, 1879, Mr. Byers was married to Miss Sarah A. Thompson, by whom he has one child, Edwin M. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Byers has always been deeply interested in the religious and educational developement of his community, and withal is a man of great enterprise. His farm comprises some 166 acres of choice land, well improved, with buildings and orchard.
BARRETT, JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Hen- ton; born in 1825, in county Mayo, Ireland, where he resided until twelve years of age. He then went to Scotland and at the age of fourteen immi- grated to America, first locating at New Orleans, where he remained one year and then went to St. Louis. He came to this county in 1857, loca- ting in Lyons township, and two years later purchased the farm where he now resides, consisting of 300 acres, well improved. He was married December 25, 1855 to Miss Ellen Whalen, a native of Ireland. They are the parents of ten children of whom eight are living: Mary B., Kate, John T., Frank, Timothy, Henry, Edward and Peter. The five years preceding his arrival in this county were passed in steamboating. Since coming to Mills county he has been continually engaged in farming. He came here without means but by good management and economy has reached his present enviable position in life.
CATTRON, JAMES H., farmer, P. O. Glenwood; was born in Ful- ton county, Illinois, in 1839, on the 5th day of September. While he was yet a child his parents moved to Lafayette county, Missouri, where he matured and was educated. In 1853 he came to this county, thus becom -ยท ing one of its early settlers. In 1868 he married Miss Mary E. Buffing- ton, by whom he is the father of two children: Almira G. and Mary G. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cattron are members of the M. E. Church. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and thirteen acres.
FOWLER, H. P., P. O. Glenwood; among those who came to Mills county at an early day, and contributed to make it what it is. None are more worthy a place in this volume than Mr. Fowler. He was born in Tennessee, in the year 1825, and when a child removed to Lafayette county, Missouri. In the spring of 1855 he came to this county, and located some six miles north of his present home, and to the farm he now occupies in the year 1862. He was married in 1857, to Matilda Cotton, a native of Missouri. They are the parents of six children: Emma F., Martha, John W., Etta E., Verna E., and Robert A. Mr. Fowler is a member of the M. E. Church, in high standing, and consecrated to its service. His farm comprises one hundred and ten acres.
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