History of Tama County, Iowa. Its cities, towns and villages, with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county, Part 11

Author: Chapman, Samuel D
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: [Toledo] Printed at the Toledo Times Office
Number of Pages: 308


USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa. Its cities, towns and villages, with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county > Part 11


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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C. Vimpany pri, Dec 21st '63, m in Jan 7th '64, from Co G. captd April 9th '64, Pleasant Hill.


P. B. Willey pri Jan 5th '64, m in Jan 230 '64. from Co G.


J. Il. Wilkins pri, Dec 21st '63, m in Jan 18th '64, from Co G, wd and captd April 9th '64, Pleasant Hill, La.


Geo, Yarham pri, Dec 20th '63, m in Jan 19th '64, from Co G.


Fifth Infantry.


Company D.


I. D. F. Lewis 6th Cor, July 1st '61, m in July 15th '61.


M. Carter pri, July 1st '61. m in July 15th '61.


A. D. Eaton pri, July 1st '61, m in July 15th '61, dis July 24th '62, Clear Creek Miss Wm. L. II. Jack pri, July 1st '61, m in July 15th '61, dis at Syracuse, Mo, Jan 2d '62.


John O. Mathews pri, July Ist '61, m in July 15th '61.


F. E. Strong pri, July 1st '61, m in July 15th '61, wd Sep 19th '62, Inka, Miss.


Riley Wescott pri, July 1st '61, mn in July 15th '61,


David Sullivan pri, Jan 3rd '62, killed at the battle of Inka Sep 19th '62.


Eighth Infantry.


GOMPANY D.


Henry N. Tohmpson pri, Ang 14th '61, m in Sep 16th '61, wd and captd April 6th


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141


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


'62, at Shiloh. Tenn.


John S, Hopkins pri, Aug 14th '61,


Ninth Infantry.


Company G.


James H. Sipe 1st Corporal, Ang 12th '61, m in March lith '62, wd May 22d '62, at Vicksburg, Miss.


James Il. Sipe pri, Aug 12th '61, m in Sep 24th '61, March 28th '62.


G. B. Sharp pri, Sep 18th '61, m in Sep 24th '61.


Samuel Sharp pri, Sep 18th '61. m in Sep 24th '61, wd March 7th '62 at Pea Ridge, Joseph Vincent pri, Aug 18th '61, m in Sep 24th '61, killed in at battle at Pea Ridge, March 7th '62,


Tenth Infantry.


Company K.


T. Walter Jackson Adjt com, Sep 24th '61. Ist Lt Company C. res April 26th '62. Frank W. Crosky Q M S Dee Stst '61, wd Oet 4th '62 at Corinth, Miss.


J. W. Paxtonpri Feb 25th '62.


Tenth Infantry.


Company B.


W. H. Hnff pri, July 23d '64, m in July 23 64.


J. W. Porter pri Aug 23d'61, m in Sep 6th 61.


Thirteenth Infantry. Company G.


R. Billingham pri. Sep 27th~61, dis Jan 21st '62.


James Millage pri, Sep 27th '61, m in Oet 28th '61, died at Corinth July 26th '63. Ward B. Sherman pri. Sep 27th '61, m in Oct 28th '61. Adjt Sep 14th '64, ninth cavalry.


G. B. Sharp 1st Lt company G Jan 1st ,65,


Eighth Infantry.


Company G.


S. A. Dobson 7th Cor, Ang 12th '73, m in Ang 27th '62. E. P. Allen pri. Aug 11th '63, m in Aug 27th '63 wd May 28th '64. Wm. E. Appelgate pri, Aug 15th '63, mn in Ang 27th '63. John Lewis pri, Aug 25th '63, refused,


142


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


J. D. Fuller pri, Oct 18th B, m in Nov 20th 1B.


Ninth Cavalry.


Company G.


E. F. Morse pri, Sep 28th '63, m in Sep 27th '63.


Thomas Murphy pri, Sep 24th '63. m in Sep 24th 63.


J. Ray pri. Oct 19th '62, m in Oet 19th 02.


R. Robertson pri. Oct 24th '63. m in Oct 24th 63.


G. Watts pri. Oet 3d '63, m in Oct 3d '63.


Tenth Infantry.


Company D.


11. L. Bigg Sth Cor, Sep 19th '62, m in Sep 28th '61. died May 16th '63. Champion Hills, Miss.


P. Daily waggoner, Sep 5th '61, m in Sep 28th '61, from pri, dis Jan 26th '52. C. L. Bailey pri, Sep 11th '61. m in Sep 28th '61, transfered to Co C. March Ist 62. George Buebanan pri, Ang 18th '61. m in Sep 28th '61.


David Clement pri. Sep 18th '61. m in Sep 28th '61, dis at St Louis Oet 12th C ?. C. T. Davis pri, Sep 5th '61, m in Sep 28th '61, trans to Co C, March 1st '61. P. Daily pri, Sep 5th '61. m in Sep 20th '61.


Francis Fee pri, Sep 13th *61, m in Sep 28th '61, killed May 16th '63, Champion Hills, Miss in battle.


J. H. Fee pri. Sep 10th 61. m in Sep 28th 61. wd May 16th '63. Champion Ilills. Miss.


D. B. Mason pri, Sep 9th '61, m in Sep 20th '61. trans to Co C March Ist. 02.


B. S . Myers pri, m in Sep 28th '61.


D. N. Reedy pri, Sep 18th '61, m in Sep 28th '61. died at Birds Point. Dec 24th '62.


V. B. Rugg pri, Sep 9th '61, m in Sep 28th '61, trais to Co C. March Ist '62.


J. Walmut pri, Sep 9th '61, m in Sep 28th '61.


J. L. Croskres pri. Feb 21st '62. m in Feb 21st 02. trans Feb 15th 64, Champion Hills, Miss to iny corps, wd May 16th '63, Champion Hills, Miss.


G. M. Cooper pri. Feb 10th '62, m in Feb 10th '62.


Henry Cooper pri. Feb 10th '62, m in Feb 24th '62, wd Oet 4th '62. Corinth Miss, dis April 1st '63, Memphis, Tenn.


C. Arnold pri. Feb 20th '62. m in Feb 20th '63.


W. J. Newport pri. Feb 1th '(2. m in Feb 17th '62.


J. F. Bartlett pri, March 10th '62. m in March 10th '62, died July 6th '02.


Forty-Seventh Infantry.


Company G.


John Linsday pri. May 4th, '64, m in June 4th 64.


148


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY


W. D. Williams pri, May 4th, '64, m in Anne 4th, 64.


J. Williams pri. May 4th, '64, in in June 4th, 64.


Light Artillery.


Chas. Andress Sth Cor, Oct 31st, '63, m in Nov 9th 63, S. J. Chapman pri, Nov 6th. '63. m in Nov 9th 63. G. A. Worley pri, Nov 5th '63, m in Nov 9th, 63.


First Cavalry.


Company H.


West MeDowell pri, Ang 31st, '64, m in Ang 31st, 64. Peter Quinn pri, Aug 31st '64, m in Aug 31st 64. J P Ross pri, JJan 1st '64, min Jan 1st, 64. John Wilson pri, Aug 31st '64, m in Aug 31st 64.


Second Cavalry.


Company H


W. H. Anderson pri, Feb 30. '64, m in Feb 30, 64.


J. A. Anderson pri, Feb 3d, '64, m in Feb 30, 64.


A. Heath pri, Feb 3d '64, m in Feb 3d 64.


J. Long pri, Jan 18th '64. m in Feb 3d 64.


E. Pearson pri, Jan 24th '64. m in Feb 30 64,


James Rogers pri, Feb 3d '64, m in Feh 30 64.


Second Infantry.


Company 1.


J. G. Bowen pri, Jan 26th '64, m in Jan 26th 64.


Twelfth Infantry.


Company E.


II. HI. Crowburst pri, Feb 26th '64, m in March 18th '64, wd at Tupelo, Miss July 14th '64, died at Memphis Tenn. Ang 3d '64.


M. Copeland pri, Dec 26th '64. m in Dec 26th '64. W. C. Shafer. pri, Dec 26th '64, mn in Dec 26th '64.


144


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


Thirteenth Infantry.


Company G.


W. G. Bates pri, Jan 4th '64, m in Jan 231 '64, Co unknown. wd April 9th '64. J. Briek pri, Jan 5th '64, m in Jan 23d '64, Co unknown. Died July 21st '64. E. Kern pri, Jan 4th 64, mn in Jau 231'64, reported wd and, captd April 9th '64. J. R. Thomas pri. Jan 1st '64, m in Jan 23d 64 died April 13th 64. Win. S. Townsend pri, Dec 23d '63, m in Jan 23d '64. killed in action April 9th '64 Win. Wade pri. Dec 29th, '63, m in Jan 23d, '64, died April 1st '64.


Tenth Infantry.


Company C.


Wm. II. Stoddard 1st Lt, eom Nov 26th '63.


J. H. Larimer Ser, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64.


V. P. Gray Ser, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64.


J. K. Lux Ser, Feb 1st '64 m in Feb 1st '64.


J. M. Hillmon Ser, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st, '64. A. M. Roberts Ser, Feb Ist '64, m in Feb 1st '64 J. H. Richardson Cor, Feb Ist '64 m in Feb 1st '64. Thos. S. Brannan Cor, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st :64


J. H. Smith Cor, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. B. J. Howard Cor, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. C. L. Bailey pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64, E. B. Bailey pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. Thos Clem pri, Feb Ist '64, mn in Feb 1st '64. J. W. B. Cole, pri Feb 1st '64, m in Feb Ist '64, G. W. Guilford pri, Feb Ist '64, mn in Feb Ist '64. P. Piggins pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. C. Maholm pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. S. D. Newton pri, Jan 1st ' 64, m in Jan 1st '64. M. Rhoads pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb Ist '64. John Sawyer pri, Feb 1st '64, mn in Feb 1st '64. E. M. Stevens pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. U. P. Stevens pri, Feb 1st '64, mn in Feb 1st '64. S. Walker pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64,


Forty-Seventh Infantry.


Company K.


C. L. Bailey 1st Lt, May 24th '64, m in June 4th '64.


J. D. Jackson 1st Ser, May 20th '64, m in June 4th '64.


Denton Camery 3d Cor, May 23d '64, mn in June 4th '64, from 4th Cor June 4th. O. H. Cobb 4th Cor, May 14th '64, m in June 4th '64 from 5th Cor.


145


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


John Aldrich pri. May 21st 64, mn in June 4th '64.


L. Allman pri, May 12th Ch. m in June 4th '64.


J. B. M. Bear pri, May 16th '64, m in June 4th '64,


F. M. Brieker pri. May 16th 64 m in June 4th 64.


II. A. Bunce pri. May 30th '64, m in June 4th 64, died at Helena Ark. August 7th '64.


I. F. Coff pri, May 9th '64 in in June 4th 64.


R. M. Coffin pri, May 11th '64 m in June 4th 64.


J. C. Flathers pri, May 230 '64, m in June 4th '64.


W. F. Hillmon pri, May 9th 64 m in June 4th 64.


G. M. Hall pri, May 9th 64, m in June 4th '64.


G. R. Hershey pri. May 13th '64 m in June 4th '64.


S. E. Hall pri, May 13th '64 m in June 4th '64 died at Helena Ark, July 1st '46.


R. Lotzenhizer pri, May 23d '64 m in June 4th 64.


W. MeLawry pri, May 20th '64, m in June 4th '64.


11. W. Nungesser pri, May 19th '64 m in June 4th '64.


L. Park pri, May 23d '64 m in June 4th '64.


W. Rittenhouse pri, May 9th '64 m in June 4th '64.


O. II. Stewart pri, May 13th '64 m in June 4th '64. C. Soleman pri, May 9th '6f' m in June 4th '64.


C, E. Sullivan pri, May 13th '64 m in June 4th '64.


L. II. Stoddard pri, May 14th '64 m in June 4th '64.


J, S. Vancuren pri, May 16th '64 died at Helena, Ark, August 23d '64,


F. A. Vaneuren pri, May 12th '64 m in June 4th '64 died at Helena Ark. Ang 12th 64


A. Zehrung pri, May 230 '64 m in June 4th '64.


Ninth Cavelry,


Company K.


J, HI. Brush pri. Oct 6th '63, mn in Oet 30th '63.


Tenth Infantry,


Company F.


J. N. Paxton pri, Feb 25th '62. m in Feb 25th '62.


Jacob Yeiser pri, Aug 220 '61, m in Sep 2th '61, wd Nov 28th '63 Missionary Ridge Tenn, dis Nov 23d '64, Chatanooga Tenn.


J. C. Kollogg pri, Feb 20th 62, mn in Feb 20th '62, dis Sep 17th '62. St Louis, Mo,


Tenth Infantry.


Company H.


D. II. Anderson pri, March 10th '62. m in March 10th . 02.


146


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


S. Shreeves pri, March 10th 62, m in March 10th 62, wd May 16th '63, Champion Ilills, Miss.


B. F. Zeller pri. Feb '64, 62, m in Feb 24th 62, dis Sep '62, Corinth. Miss.


HI. P. Strain pri, Aug 28th '61. mn in Sep ith 61. died Feb 7th '62, Birds Point.


W. Strain pri. Ang 28th '61, m in Sep 2th '61.


Tenth Infantry.


Company K.


P. Herrington pri, Jan 30th '62, m in Jan 30th '62, trans Feb 15th '64, to iny corps J. N. Paxton pri, Feb 24th '62.


Eleventh Infantry.


Company B.


B. C. Stevens musician Sep 18th '61, m in Oet Ist '61, died JJune 30th '63,


Twelth Infantry.


Company E.


S. J. Crowhurst pri, Oct 15th '61, m in Oet 26th '61, wd at Ft Donaldson.


C. B. Hayward pri, Oct 21st '61, m in Oet 26th '61, dis May 16th '62, Pittsburg Landing. Tenn.


Sixteenth Infantry.


Company I.


HI. Sipe pri. Dec 17th '61, m in March 24th '62, wd Sep 19th 62, Inka, Miss, dis March 16th '63.


Eighteenth Infantry.


Company A.


B. F. Smith pri, July Tth '62, m in Ang 6th '62, captd April 13th 64, Poison Creek Ark.


Twenty-Eighth Infantry.


Company B.


B. W, Wilson Capt July 24th '62, m in Oct 10th '62, Com Oct 10th '65.


147


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY


J, M. Brothers 2d Cor Ang 7th '62, m in Ang 19th 62.


B. Wilkins Sth Cor Aug Eth '63,


G, Crittenden wagoner. Ang 19th '62, m in Aug 19th '62,


N. Devore pri, Aug 19th '62, m in Aug 19th '62, died Aug 27th '63, Corinth, La.


A. Felter pri, Ang 6th '62, m in Ang 19th '62, wd May 16th '63, Champion Hills, Miss captd Sep 19th ,64, Winchester, Va.


11. M. Howard pri, Ang 15th '62, m in Aug 19th '62, died April 3rd '63, Helena, Ark.


E. D. Howard pri, Aug 19th '62, m in Aug 19th '62, died Jan 15th '63, Vicksburg Miss.


G. T. James pri, Ang 12th '62, m in Ang 19th '62, wd May 16th '63, Champion Hills, Miss, died Aug 18th '63, Corinth. La.


G. R. Walton pri, Jan 5th '64, m in Jan 5th '64, wd Oct 19th '64, Cedar Creek, Va.


Twenty-Eighth Infantry.


Company I.


C. P. N. Barker pri, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 10th '62.


Second Cavalry,


Company B.


Wm. F. Eshbangh bugtr, July 30th '61, m in Aug 19th '61, captd Boonsville, Miss July 1st '62.


T. J. Cady farr, July 30th '62, m in Oct 15th '61, from pri, wagoner July SIst '61, Win. F. Burley pri, July 30th '61, m in Ang 31st '61.


W'm. Paxton pri, July 30th '61, m in Aug 31 .. t '61, killed in skirmish Monterey, April 29th '62.


Fourth Cavalry,


Company E.


A. Spade pri, Sep 24th '61, m in Nov 23d '61.


J. J. Toland pri. Oct 1st '61, m in Nov 23d '61, died West Plains, Mo '62.


Sixth Cavalry.


Company A.


T, C. Williamson pri, Dec 1st '62, m in Dec Ist '62,


Sixth Cavalry.


Company H.


J. Hunter 3d Cor Sep 26th '62, m in Jan 31st '62.


14>


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


R. Stevens sadler Oet 6th 62, m in Nov 14th 63. C, S. Sanborn wagoner, Oct 1st '62. m in Nov 1st 62. JJ. Middleton pri, Nov 1st '62, min Jan 19th '63.


Sixth Cavalry.


Company I.


A. N. Dodd pri, Oct 31st 62, m in Feb 2d '63, S. A. Lewis pri, Sep 27th '62, m in Feb 34 '63,


W. A. Morgan pri, Sep 27th '62, m in Fob 2d '63.


S. Peck pri, Sep 27th '62, m in Feb 2d '63.


J. A. Twogood pri, Sep 27th '63, m in Feb 2d '63.


O. A. Terpenning pri, Oct 28th '62, m in Feb 2d '63.


II: Terpenning pri. Oct 28th '62, in in Feb 2d '63.


Tenth Infantry.


Company D.


G. W. Buchanan pri. Feb 1st '64. m in Feb 1st '64.


J. N. Paxton pri, Feb 26th '64, m in March 30th '64


Tenth Infantry.


Company H.


D. H. Anderson pri, March 12th '64, m in March 12th 64.


Twelth Infantry.


Company D.


S. J. Crowhurst Cor, Dee 25th '64, m in Jan 5th '64.


Fourteenth Infantry.


Company G.


J. 11. Luke pri, Dec Ist '63, m in Dec Ist '63, pro 5th Cor June Ist 'Gf, J. Mills pri, Dec 1st '63, m in Dee 1st '63,


Fifth Cavalry.


Company I.


Joni Mathews pri, July 1st '61, m in July 15th '63, vet Feb 8th '64, from Co D.


149


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


B. H, Martin pri. June 24th '61, m in July 15th '61, vet Feb 6th '64, from Co G.


J. G. Martin pri, June 21th '61, m in July 15th '61, vet Jan 5th '64 from Co G.


Twenty-Fourth Infantry.


Company D.


E. A, Burnham pri, Feb 26th '64, m in March 11th '64


Twenty-Seventh Infantry.


Company D.


N. IJuff pri, Feb 20th '64, m in March 16th '64, dis Dec 8th '64.


J. B. Vananken pri. Feb 26th '64, m in April 6th 64,


Sixth Cavalry.


Bompany F.


A. A. Myers Ist Ser Sep 15th '62, m in Der 29th '62, dis July 25th 'CA.


B. B. LaDow 2d Ser Oct 23d '62, m in Nov 27th '62.


J, Smith 5th Ser Nov 13th '62, in in Nov 27th '62.


D. Rosenberger 30 Cor Nov 13th '52, m in Nov 27th '69.


J. O. Beadle 6th Cor Oct 9th '62, m in Nov 15th '62.


C. Roberts teamster Oct 29th '62, m in Nov 22d '62.


W, G. Armstrong pri, Oct 9th '62, m in Nov 12th '62, killed Sep 3d '63 White Stone Hills D, T. in battle.


W. F. Alden pri, Oct 18th '62, m in Noy 12th '62.


M. D. Betts pri. Oct 9th '62. m in Nov 17th '62, died Sep 8th '62, D. T. of wds.


J. Cunningham pri, Nov 14th '62, m in Nov 17th '62.


E. Davis pri, Oct 9th '62. m in Nov 14th '62.


T. Everett pri, Oet 12th '62, m in Nov 12th .62.


F. Eshbaugh pri. Oet 9th '63, m in Nov 12th '62.


A. Fedding pri, Nov 8th '62, m in Nov 18th '52.


G. Fox pri, Nov 1st '62, m in Nov 14th '62.


J. Galaspie pri. Oct 19th '62, m in Nov 17th '62.


S. Hallett pri, Oet 4th '62, mn in Nov 17th '62.


F. Hubell pri, Nov 10th '62, m in Nov 27th '62.


W. IInbell pri, Nov 13th '62, m in Nov 27th '63. . is Nov 31st '64, Ft Randall, D T.


J. Kenhn pri, Dec 6th '62. m in Dec 15th 62.


J. Kerns pri, Nov 13th '62, m in Nov 27th '62.


L. D. Knight pri. Oct 28th '63, m in Nov 19th '62. N, MeKune pri, Dec 4th '63. m in Nov 12th '62.


J. Muddel pri, Nov 14th '62, m in Nov 27th '62.


A, Palacheck pri, Nov 13th '62. m in Nov 27th '62.


E. A. Richards pri, Nov 25th '69, m in Nov 29th '62,


150


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


S. Strong pri, Oct 26th '62. in in Nov 17th '62, died June 8th '65, Crow Creek D T. B. F. Sanborn pri, Oct 9th '22, m in Nov 17th '62.


J. Shaler pri, Oct 18th '62, m in Nov 15th '62, wd Sep 3d '63, White Stone Hills D T.


J. Sullivan pri, Nov 1st '62, mn in Nov 12th '63.


J. Ghampron pri, Oct 4th '62, m in Nov 12th '62.


CHAPTER XVI.


BIOGRAPAPHICAL.


J. C. Vermilya, first Judge of Tama County, is a native of the State of Delaware and was born on the 11th day of Septem ber, 1803, his parents being Edward and Joanna, (Right) Ver milya. When but about six months of age his parents emigrated to New York settling in Putman County where they remained uutil 1818 when they emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Jackson County. Shortly after settling here his father and mother both died, leaving young Vermilya with but little means, nothing but a common school education, no home, to do and provide for himself. With a good will and a strong constitution he determined to learn a trade and immediately went to work as a hatter which business he followed eight years, when he went to farming. In 1852, Mr Vermilya came to Tama County and en- tered land on section 26, in Tama township, and commenced to improve the same, which business he has followed ever since.


Mr Vermilya was elected to the office of County Judge in the year 1853, and was the first one in Tama County. This office he filled with honor, and from that date has held a high reputation over the County as a man who is striekly honest, and one who works for the best interest of the community in which he lives.


Mr. Vermilya was first married in the year 1823 to Miss Cath- arine Murphy of Jackson County Ind., with whom he lived twenty


152


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


three years when she passed to the other shore, one child accom- panied her. After the death of his first wife he married a Miss Mary Ann Carter, by whom he had four children, two of when are dead, the other two are married, one is the wife of J. G .. Strong of Grundy Center, the other the wife of A. L. Brooks, of Tama City. In 1870 his second wife was carried off by disease leaving Mr. Vermilya again to mourn the loss of one whom he loved and cherished. Mr. Vermilya was again married to Miss M. A. Carpenter, with whom he is still living. Ilis farm is located about one mile north east of Tama City upon which he has made some fine improvments, His house and out buildings are among the best in the County and Mr. Vermilya in his old age has a happy home with all the enjoyments of life.


CHARLES MASON.


Few men are better known in York township, than the sub- jeet of this brief sketch-Charles Mason-who for a period of sixteen years has made his home on section three. His parents were natives of New York, where Charles their son, was born in Oneida County, December 28th, 1829. Here he remained until eight years of age when his father and family moved to Marshall County. Indiana. After remaining a number of years in this State, he emigrated to Illinois, where he remained until the year 1865 when he settled in this County in York township. Mr. Mason now owns one of the finest farms in Tama County, consisting of two hundred and twenty acres in sections two and three all under cultivation, with the beautiful little village of Waltham on part of it. This town was laved out by order of Mr. Mason in the year 1868 by H. Jacobs, containing about fifteen acres. His house is located upon a slight elevation facing the sonth and is surround ed by a beautiful grove together with a fine orehard covering about four acres. In this grove we find the American and Euro- pean larches, furs, chestnut, iron wood and several varieties of cherries, both wild and tame pears, peaches and the white and yellow willow, which makes it very beautiful and attractive. In his garden, he raises large quantities of small fruit consisting


153


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


of Russell's Great Prolific, Wilson's Albany and many other kind of strawberries, all kinds of grapes, raspberries, etc, and is suc- cessfully raising the bucklebury which is a very rare fruit in this County. Mr. Mason is what we may call a "willow man" be- lieving that they are the only successful hedge to be used in this country. His entire farm together with the edges of sloughs are surrounded by the white willow which besides making a splendid fence, beautifies the place and gives it a neat appearence, while for about twenty or thirty feet upon the inside he has tame grass and clover sown making it very convenient in cultivating the field


In 1850 when but twenty one years of age he led to the hy- menial alter Miss Mary Ann Thompson. Today he has a family of nine children, two boys and seven girls. His oldest son Albert Mason, is married, and besides carrying on his own farm assists in carrying on that of his fathers.


ABRAM TOMPKINS.


The subject of this sketch is a native of New York, having been born in that State September 23rd, 1811. His praents K. and Catherine (Brown) Tompkins were also of the same State. and in very limited circumstances, so poor, in fact, that their son was only permitted to attend the common subscription schools, from the time he was five years of age until he was old enough to do for himself.


The father of Abram Tompkins was a God fearing man, and an earnest christian, one who endeavored to bring up his children in the "fear and admonition of the Lord, " and when his son was yet an infant he carried him in his arms to the Sabbath School. Here and at the family alter, was sown the "good seed of the word" which in after years bore fruit, and we trust will continue to bear by the hundred fold.


After living at home until he was twelve years of age Abram decided on leaving home to seek his own fortune. He did not leave the vicinity of his old home immediately, however, but


-


154


HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.


hired to the neighboring farmers, earning enough to supply his wants and save a little for a rainy day.


In 1831 he left the State of New York and went to Michigan where he enlisted in the Black Hawk war as a private and after receiving his discharge returned and was united in marriage November 20th, 1833, to Miss Mary A. Eatin, by whom he had ten children: G. W., born in 1835 and died at St. Louis in 1862; C. M., now living in Kansas, born January 14th 1838; B. T., now living in Iowa County, this State, was born January 2nd 1840; Catherine J., born January 22nd, 1842: S. M., born March 16th. 1844; A. E., born June 30th, 1846; M. T., born October 18th, 1848; Z. A. E., born December 19th, 1850; Sumner, born March 26th, 1855; Z. E., born July 12th, 1857.


Shortly after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins wisely came to the conclusion that the advantages enjoyed in that State was not such as they desired and therefore determined to seek a home and fortune in a better country where the advantages would be greater. They came to this County in the year 1853, when all was a blank wilderness and have lived to see it "blossom as a rose".


Abram Tompkins is a large man of splendid appearance, pleasant and agreeable in his intercourse with friends and neigh- bors. In the family circle, he is kind to his children. strict in discipline and teaches each member to know that his yea means yea, and his nay means nay, from which can be no appeal. In business with the world his word can always be relied upon, his promises always being held sacred, and invariably carried out to the letter. He is a good friend and neighbor, living at peace with all men and a hard working farmer.


In 1859 Mr. Tompkins received the nomination for Represen- tative in the Iowa Legislature and was triumphant. In this ca- pacity he served his constituents in a faithful manner. attending closely to the business for which he was elected and afterwards retired from office bearing the laurels that none but the faithful can bear. Taking all in all Mr. Tompkins is a man possessing


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such qualifications as to place him high in the niches of the history of Tama County.


WEST WILSON.


Among the carly pioncer settlers, and one who has watched the growth of this populous County from a mere wilderness of but few inhabitants to its present proportions, and has seen it take its place among the most important of Iowa's Counties is the person which heads this sketch. Mr. Wilson is a leading farmer and stock raiser of Crystal township. Ile was born in Ayrshire, Scotland in the year 1820. His parents were James and Jane (Lnsk) Wilson, who were both natives of that country. He had very little opportunity for education in his early youth but acquired a fair education at the common schools being at the same time engaged in aiding his father to carry on the farm. Leaving Scotland Mr. Wilson emigrated to Connectiontt where he remained until the year 1856, when he came to this State and settled in Crystal township, Tama County, on section 13. IIc has a beautiful farm consisting of six hundred and sixty-six acres, the most of which is under cultivation and pasture. Of late years Mr. Wilson has been paying considerable attention to the raising of fine stock and now he has a large number of the best blooded cattle. Mr. Wilson, besides carrying on this immense farms, is engaged in the grain business at Traer, where he handles thousands of bushels annually through his elevator and ware- houses. He is also interested in a lumber yard at Morrison Grundy County. In all the various changes of an active life Mr. Wilson has gained the respect of a large circle of friends and the confidence of the community.


JASPER HI. SCOTT.


This gentleman is a native of Ohio having been born in Iligh- land County of that State, in the year 1820, and when but two years of age came with his parents to Columbus O. where they set- tled upon a small farm. His mother died when he was small leaving a family of six children. Jasper being the youngest, was


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bound out to one of the neighbors, who was poor and could not give him such advantages as they desired, he only having been permitted to attend the common subscription school; which was all the means of education that he enjoyed, but natural good sense and a determined will have in a measure overcome every difficulty in this respect.




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