USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. : a biographical directory of many of its leading citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of Iowa and the Northwest, map of Page County, constitution of the state of Iowa, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 68
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BENDER, JACOB, harness and saddlery, P. O. Shenandoah; born in France, August 8, 1842. Came with his parents to America when two years old. They located on a farm near New Albany, Indiana, on which young Bender resided, receiving his education in the common schools of the neighborhood, until 1860, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, to learn his present trade. He worked as a journeyman until the spring of 1871, when he came to Shenandoah, entering the employment of J. H. Mc- Conn. In 1872 he formed a partnership with Benj. Lake, which was con- tinued until 1878, when it was dissolved, and Mr. Bender engaged in busi- ness in his own name. Married Miss L. Goodyear, a native of Saxony, April 30, 1874. They have two children: Lillie B. and Antrim C.
BANKS, CHARLES, farmer, section 32, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Sweden, March 30, 1852. Came to the United States in 1867 locating at Burlington, Iowa. At the end of six months he went to Warren county, Illinois, working at farming by the month for the following four years. Subsequently, he came to Ringgold county, Iowa, purchasing a farm, on which he labored for a year. Selling this property, he came to Page county, and purchased 160 acres in Morton township. He is a bachelor, and lives on a farm in single-blessedness, "with no one to molest or make him afraid."
BENNETT, J. H. W., lumber merchant, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Montgomery county, Maryland, February 26, 1829. When four years of age went with his parents to Mary county, same state, in which he lived until nineteen years of age. He changed his residence several times to various points in Maryland and Virginia, but in 1855 in the month of August, went to Dixon, Illinois. In the fall of 1879 came to his present home. From 1848 to '70 followed the trade of carpentry. In 1862 en- tered the service sf the United States, serving in the "marine artillery." At the end of five months was mustered out, when he entered the quar-
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ter-master's department, remaining until the close of the war Was mar- ried August 10, 1862 to Miss Mary H-, a native of Maryland. They are the parents of two children: Gracie and Mary.
BOYD, G. W., salesman, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Athens, Illinois, May 2, 1850, in which place he resided until 1869. He then moved to Page county, Iowa, following farming until 1872 when he came to Shen- andoah, which he has since made his home. Entered the employment of R. B. Crose in 1878. Was married October 4, 1877 to Miss Cary B. Crose, a native of Boone county, Indiana. They have one child: Jay E.
BAILEY, E. K., physican and surgeon, P. O., Shenandoah; born in Cook county, Illinois, June 3, 1848. Lived on a farm until twelve years of age. He then was stationed at Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin, as telegraph operator on the C. & N. W. R. R., from which position he was advanced to the general office in Chicago. He thus provided himself with means to finish his college course, which he did in 1875, graduating from Wheaton College in that year. In 1877 he graduated from the Chicago Medical College, and in the same year entered upon his practice in Hep- burn, Page county. The year following he came to Shenandoah. Was married to Miss M. B. V. Myers, a graduate of Wheaton College, June 1, 1876, at Clarinda.
BURKHARD, T. S., grocer, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Erie county, New York, February 28, 1850. When fifteen years of age moved to Omaha, Nebraska, andlearned the blacksmith's trade. Came to Shenan- doah in the spring of 1874, engaging in carpentry for nearly three years. In 1877 began his present business. Was married November 22, 1870, to Miss Jennie V. Tischki, a native of Prussia. They are the parents of four children: John S., Charles F., Albert G. and Francis V.
BADHAM, J. R., P. O. Shenandoah; born in Worcestershire, England, September 9, 1841. Came with his parents to the United States in 1844, with whom he settled in Hancock county, Illinois. After a single year's residence he moved to Iowa, locating on the present site of Council Bluffs, remaining for about fifteen months. His next place of extended residence was in Mills county, where he remained for twelve years. He then started out in life for himself, going to Manti, Fremont county, where he remained for seven years, at which time he came to Shenandoah, of which place he has since been a continuous resident. Was married to Eliza C. Fisher, January 16, 1864. They have had five children, four of whom are now living: Mary C., Frank C., Willard E. and Byron J.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
COX, E. B., farmer, section 23, P. O. Shenandoah; was born in Ross county, Ohio, October 12, 1844. At the age of eight years his parents moved to Stark county, Illinois. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in company E, 112th Illinois infantry, for three years. Participated in the battles of Knoxville, Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Campbell's Station, Kelley's Ford, Beam's Station, Ressaca, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Anderson and Wilmington. Was mustered out June 20, 1865. Returned to Stark county, Illinois, and was married July 3, 1869, to Miss Eliza G. Eastman, of that county. Moved to Page county, Iowa, in the spring of 1871, buy- ing 160 acres of land, which he has under a high state of cultivation. Has ten acres of beautiful grove surrounding his house; has walnut and chest- nut trees bearing plentifully which he raised from seed. Has as fine an orchard as there is in the county. He is the father of five children, four of whom are now living: M. H., Jesse, Albert, Nora and Oliver.
CALL, SILAS, farmer, section 31, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Merri- mac county, New Hampshire, December 10, 1825. He resided there, following the occupation of a farmer, until 1865, when he moved to Bureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in the same occupation until the spring of 1868, when he came to Grant township. He has, by industry and care, built him a home on one of the finest farms in this township. He was married February 3, 1852, to. Miss L. Bullock, a native of Grafton, New Hampshire. They have had three children, of whom one is now liv- ing: Mary E. Mr. Call is one of the oldest settlers in the township, and a man of strict integrity and sterling worth.
CROSE, C. F., bookkeeper, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Sidney, Fre- mont county, Iowa, March 16, 1856. Lived on a farm until fifteen years of age, since which time he has been in business in Shenandoah, either as salesman or bookkeeper. Was married June 2, 1880, to Miss W. Nixon, a native of Virginia. Mr. Crose is secretary of the school board, and a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W., and other secret organiza- tions of high standing.
CROSE, R. B., merchant, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Boone county, Indiana, January 2, 1846. When eight years of age came to Iowa, locat- ing in Fremont county, where he remained, following the occupation of a farmer, until 1870, when he came to Shenandoah, forming a partnership, and doing business under the firm name of Mettleman & Crose. He sub- sequently purchased his partner's interest, and conducted the business in his own name. Married Miss Clara Porter July 14, 1874. They have four children, three living: Walter P., Newton W. and Reuben B.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
COPSON, W. H., of the Shenandoah Reporter, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Albany, New York, February 17, 1851. Lived in that city and the city of New York until thirteen years of age, when he went to Green county, Indiana. From this place he went to Summerfield, Illinois, re- maining until 1868. Missouri next claimed him as a citizen, when he came to Iowa, locating at Hamburg, Fremont county. He has been con- nected with the Riverton Republican, as well as the Hamburg paper. When he came to Shenandoah he entered the employment of the Repor- ter, remaining until he formed his present partnership. In the early part of Mr. Copson's life he followed the business of broom making, entering the newspaper business in 1868. Was married July 2, 1876, to Miss D. H. Noble, a native of Wisconsin. They are the parents of two chil- dren: Frederick W. and Gertrude M.
CAREY, B. W., farmer and stock-dealer, owns 400 acres of land, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Canada West, June 25, 1830. Brought up and educated in that country, following the occupation of a farmer. In the spring of 1869 he came to Page county, settling in Washington township. Three years afterward he moved with his family to Galesburg, Illinois, his object being to educate his children. The advantages presented by Gales- burg were eagerly improved by them for the three following years, when he moved back to Page and settled in the then youthful town of Shenan- doah, of which he has since been a continuous and honored resident. He was married to Miss Jane C. Whiting, a native of Ireland, February 20, 1855. They are the parents of seven children: Lydia J. (now Mrs. B. C. Welty), Catherine C., John, Richard W., George, Alice and Mabel. Mr. Cary is one of the heaviest stock-dealers in the county, and a man who has been closely identified with all the business interests of his adopted city. He has contribued to its prosperity, coming to it when it was in its extreme youth, and while looking sharply after his own interests, has not been unfaithful to those of a public nature. He is a man esteemed highly among his fellow-townsmen, a strenuous advocate of, and firm friend to, higher education, and of sterling worth.
CASTLE, G. H., attorney and justice of the peace, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Knox county, Illinois, August 30, 1843, in which county he was raised and educated. Enlisted in company A, 9th Missouri infantry, June 25, 1861, serving with that regiment until they were transferred to the 59th Illinois infantry, company A. Was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Perryville, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Pine Top Moun- tain, where he was severly wounded and disabled for three months, and numerous other battles and skirmishes. Was mustered out as orderly sergeant, June 12, 1866, at New Braunfels, Texas. Coming home he en-
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tered Knox college, Galesburg, Illinois, graduating in June, 1872. Came to Shenandoah in the spring of 1876, beginning the practice of law in June, 1879. Was married to Miss Ella Swigart, September 26, 1874. They are the parents of three children: Kittie, Grace and George. Owns 160 acres of splendid land.
COX, C. T., livery and feed stable, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Han- cock county, Illinois, Nov. 6, 1844. When he was three years of age his parents came to Iowa, near where Council Bluffs now stands. In 1870 he came to Shenandoah-having previously lived in several states-and en- tered upon his present business. Married Miss Rachael T. Long, a na- tive of Wisconsin, January 24, 1868. He is a member of the city council, now serving his third term.
DAVEY, J., farmer, section 26, P. O. Bingham; was born in Conwell, England, August 13, 1846. At the age of three years his parents moved to Wayne county, Pennsylvania. In 1863 came to Linn county, Iowa, and made one trip back to Pennsylvania, and moved to Page county, Iowa, in the fall of 1871. Was married to Miss Elbina Pierce, of Linn county, Iowa, January 8, 1868. Are the parents of two children: Willie R. and Harry E. Owns eighty acres of land, well improved, orchard bearing fruit, and a new house surrounded by forest trees .. Lives one-half mile from Bingham Station. Holds the office of school director and road su- pervisor.
DRAKE, FRANK, farmer, section 26, P. O. Bingham; born in Har- verfield, Delaware county, New York, June 10, 1833. Resided with his parents until 22 years of age. His time was spent in farming and going to school. Went to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1855. Was keeper of the insane asylum for two years. Went to Boston three years later, and was keeper in the insane asylum for two months. Was then engaged in farm- ing for three years nine miles from Boston. In 1862 he enlisted for three years in the 32d Massachusetts infantry. Participated in the battles of Chancelorsville, Antietam, battle of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, North Annie, Coal Harbor and Petersburg, and was in Grant's campaign until the surrender at Appomattox. Was mustered out near Washington, and returned to Delaware county, New York. Went to Aurora, Illinois, in 1865, and remained there five years. Came to Page county in the spring of 1871. Was married to Miss Eliza Kent, of Clarinda, October 9, 1872. Is the father of five children, four living: Myrtie E., Mattie F., Frank K. and Guy W., and one deceased, Rennie W. Owns 165 acres of land, one-fourth of a mile from Bingham; good house and barn, orchard, small fruits and a fine grove.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
DUFFIELD, H. P., physician and surgeon, P. O. Shenandoah; born in McHenry county, Illinois, January 7, 1845, where he remained until eighteen years of age. Thence moved to Abingdon, Knox county, Illi- nois. Commenced the study of medicine in the fall of 1867, with Dr. Thomas M. Reece. Graduated from Rush medical college, Chicago, February 2, 1870. After a two years' practice in Illinois, he came to Shenandoah in the spring of 1872, and entered upon a successful prac- tice. He entered the federal army as a non-commissioned officer, June 6, 1864, serving five months, when he was mustered out. Married No- vember 10, 1875, to Miss Maggie M. Camp, a native of McDonald county, Illinois, by whom he is the father of three children, one now living: Charles L.
DECLARK, J. B., farmer, section 29, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Rich- land county, New York, November 29, 1835. At the age of nine years, moved to Lexington county, where he remained until twenty-five years of age. In 1860 he was taken with the " western idea," and started for that great country. He located in Fulton county, Illinois, employing his sum- mers with farm work, and his winters in teaching school. From Fulton county he went to Missouri, thence back to Illinois, locating in McDon- ough county, and engaging in the mercantile business. In the spring of 1870 he came to Iowa, locating at Shenandoah. Was married September 1, 1857, to Miss Amelia Stoddard, a native of New York. They have three children: Clara May, Frank A. and James H.
DAVIS, B. J., farmer, section 31, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Pelham, Massachusetts, May 23, 1835. When two years of age moved with his parents to Lake county, Indiana. At the end of a year moved to Illinois, where he remained until the fall of 1870. He then came to Page county, Iowa, locating on his present fine farm. When fifteen years of age Mr. Davis learned the trade of a blacksmith, a business which he followed for a number of years. Was married January 22, 1856, to Miss E. Kenfield, a native of New York. They have five children, three now living: Emma J., Charles W., and Cora Belle.
ELLIOTT, J. S., dealer in agricultural implements, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Fleming county, Kentucky, September 3,1825. When eight years of age he moved to Owen county, Indiana, residing on a farm until the fall of 1855. He then came to Iowa, locating in Jasper county, remaining one year, when he removed to Afton, Union county, entering the general mercantile business with the second stock of goods ever brought to that town. He came to Shenandoah in March, 1878, entering his present busi- ness. In August, 1862, enlisted in company H, 29th Iowa infantry; went
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
in as second sergeant; was promoted in 1862 to a second lieutenancy; re- signed his commission in 1864.
FIELD, S. E., farmer, section 32, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Franklin county, Massachusetts, July 8, 1834. When nineteen years of age moved to Knox county, Illinois, remaining until the fall of 1869, when he came to Page county, Iowa, locating on his present farm. Some of the earlier years of Mr. Field's life were passed in teaching school, both common and high schools. He entered the service of the United States in May, 1864, joining company E, 138th Illinois infantry. Was mustered out the same year, having enlisted for only 100 days. He married Miss E. J. Eastman, November 6, 1870. They have four children, three living: Henry A., Helen E., Martha L.
FRIESZ, FREDERICK, farmer, section 14, P. O. Shenandoah; born in St. Clair county, Illinois, April 5, 1846, where he resided until the spring of 1873, when he came to Page county. He was married March 14, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Shaubert, a native of St. Clair county, Illinois. They are the parents of five children: Catherine, Mary Elizabeth, Mary, An- nie, and Rosa. Owns 320 acres of fine and well improved land.
FRIESZ, ADAM G., farmer, section 14; born in St. Clair county, Illi- nois, October 9, 1845. Resided there until 1873, when he came to Page county. Was married February 17, 1864, to Miss Mary Shaubert, of St. Clair county, Illinois. They are the parents of seven children: George, born August 29, 1865; Leana, born March 20, 1867; Peter, born April 23, 1869; Lewis, born December 23, 1870; George Adam, April 3, 1873; Mary Elizabeth, born November 26, 1875; and Eliza, born December 26, 1877. Mr. Friesz began his life with a capital of two thousand dollars; by judicious investments and careful work, he now has 800 acres of the finest land in Page county, well improved, and valued at $25,000.
GWYNN, G. N., grain and stock buyer, P. O. Bingham; was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1850. His youth was spent in at- tending school and farming. In 1867 he came to Iowa, and followed the business of buying, feeding and shipping stock, living in Fremont and Mills counties, and sometimes teaching school in winter. Bought grain for L. B. Day & Co., of Shenandoah, for three years. Moved to Bingham, Page county, Iowa, December, 1879. Was married to Miss. Mary E. Sexton, of Tabor, Fremont county, Iowa, December 19, 1872. They are the parents of five children: Richard M. and Gertie M .; three died at birth. Owns 80 acres of land in Fremont county, and house and eight lots in Bingham. He holds the office of notary public.
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GOODWIN, MATT, Secretary Iowa Home insurance company; P. O; Shenandoah; born in Dublin, Ireland, October 25, 1848. He emi- grated to Canada, settling at Toronto. For two years he filled the posi- tion of teller in the Forest Branch of the City Bank of Montreal. From Montreal he went to New York City, and found employment as book- keeper in the general ticket office of the New York Central & Hudson River railroad. He held this position for three years, when he became possessed of a desire to "go west," and did so, locating at St. Louis, Mis- souri. He became bookkeeper and auditor to the St. Louis Life Insurance Company, remaining in that position for three years. He then went as supervisory agent and adjuster for the same company, working in the South. Shortly after this he came to Iowa, connecting himself with the Hawkeye insurance company, as special agent, until his election as sec- retary of the company he now represents. His education was obtained at Trinity College, Dublin. Married August 5, 1875, to Mrs. A. M. Man- ning, a native of Texas. They have one son: Robert N; and Mrs. Goodwin, by a former marriage, has a son: Hugh L. Manning.
GUNNISON, GEO. W., editor and proprietor Shenandoah Reporter, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Burlington, Iowa, August 22, 1855. He has lived successively in Concord, New Hampshire, whither he went when one year old, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Erie, Pennsylvania, Maysville, New York, and Pella, Iowa. While living in the last-named city his mother died. His father, who was president of the Baptist college at Pella, moved back to Pennsylvania, taking with him the subject of this sketch. In 1865 he came to Fremont county, Iowa, entering upon the occupation of farmer. At the end of two years he went to Chicago, engaging in the hardware trade. Two years later he came to Red Oak, Iowa, in the employ of an express company in that place. In December, 1874, he purchased the Shenandoah Reporter, which he at present edits. Was married May 1, 1878, and has one child: Sarah L.
GAFF, D. R., proprietor of the Shenandoah Republican, P. O. Shenan- doah; born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1848. He lived in the county of his birth until twenty years of age, when he moved to Carroll county, Illinois, and subsequently to Stevenson county, same state. In July, 1871, he came to Shenandoah, of which place he has since been a continuous resident. He established the paper with which he is" now connected in September, 1877, having previously established and owned since 1871 the Shenandoah Reporter, which paper he sold to G. W. Gunnison in 1874. Was married to Miss Belle M. Miller, a native of Henry county, Illinois, in January, 1879. They are the parents of one child: Morrill.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
GRIFFITH, JOHN X., farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1837. When three years of age moved with his parents to Muskingum county, Ohio, remaining in that state until the year 1852, when he moved to Knox county, Illinois. Many of the earlier years of Mr. Griffith's life were passed in the grand old state of Illinois, but when in the full prime and vigor of manhood he came to Shenandoah, Page county, and has since been an honored citizen of the " daughter of the stars." He has been intimately identified with the business interests of the town, regarding its prosperity as his own. First in every business project that meant well for his adopted county, lib- eral and whole-souled, it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Griffith has gained and held the utmost confidence and esteem of his fellow towns- men. In addition to his business interests in the city, his energy has ex erted itself in another and not a whit less honorable direction, that of rais- ing blooded stock. His farm of four hundred acres, well stocked with- the choicest cattle, situated one and a half miles northeast of the city, is one of the very finest in the county, well improved, with fine buildings, and an excellent orchard with small fruits. When his country called, Mr. Griffith was not slow to hear, and in the fall of 1862 was mustered into service with company A, 77th volunteer Illinois infantry, as a non-com- missioned officer. His experience during the war was an arduous and va- ried one. He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Port Gib- son, Champion Hills, Black River, and in the assault on Vicksburg, in which he was captured March 22, 1863; was taken into the city, and pa- rolled the next day. He was again captured at Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864, and taken into Texas and held until the war was over, hav- been released May 18, 1865. Mr. Griffith was married on February 18, 1866, to Miss Kate C. Castle, native of Knox county, Illinois, by whom he is the father of five children: Florence Mabel, Eliza Blanch, Gaylord C., Mary Emma, and Ethel. Of Mr. Griffith's worth as a man, and character as a gentleman, nothing need be said. There are few men who have en- joyed so generous a share of the public confidence as he. A patron of the county fair, and a liberal contributor to its success. To him the far- mers of western Page are greatly indebted for added impetus to their labor and the successes they have achieved. He has been county super- visor, and ably looked after the interests of his constituency while in that position. A man of strong will and stable character, whom all love and none hate. May his days be full of usefullness, and his experience en- rich the county of his adoption.
GURNEY, C. H .; was born July 17, 1847, at Stanfordville, Dutchess county, New York. At the age of ten he moved, with his parents, to Henry county, Illinois. In the winter of 1866 he first taught school, at
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Saxon, Illinois. In the fall of 1868 he entered Hillsdale College, Michigan, and, on June 19, 1873, finished the classical course of study. In 1876 Hillsdale College conferred the degree of A. M., on completion of past graduate course. January 3, 1874, he took charge of schools at Salem, Nebraska. In 1875 he had grasshoppers "bad," and fled to Illinois. July 10, 1876, he was elected principal of public schools of Villisca, Iowa, and remained four years in charge of same. On September 6, 1880, he took charge of Shenandoah public schools. On April 3, 1878, he was married at Salem, Nebraska, to Miss Mary Abbey Rising. On July 7, 1879, May Belle Gurney was born at Villisca, Iowa. His religion is to do right; his politics, to cast one honest vote; his social creed, to mind his own business.
HALL, W. D., barber, P. O. Shenandoah; born in Lee county, Iowa, December 27, 1846. In 1867 he moved to Hamburg, Fremont county. His business then was farming, which he followed until the fall of 1872, when he came to Shenandoah, engaging in his present business. Mr. Hall was married January 6, 1875, to Miss T. Redfield, a native of Iowa, by whom he has three children: Arthur D., May and Earl.
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