USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa, together with sketches of their towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 107
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In 1866, S. S. Mann, and George B. Sharp settled in the township, the latter on section 17, where he remained until 1883, and removed to Sioux county. S. S. Mann was born in 1829, in Sussex county, New Jersey. Ilis parents were Thomas and Catharine ( Straight ) Mann. In 1854 the family emigrated to Delaware county, Ohio, where the father still lives, having lost his wife in 1871. The subject of this sketch came to Spring Creek township, Tama county, in 1866, and settled on sec- tion 29, on land which he had entered in 1855. When he entered the land he had intended to at onee begin farming it, but instead, went to Jackson county, this State, where he served two terms as Mag- istrate, and remained ten years, then, finally, in 1866, he came to his land and commeneed making improvements. Mr. Mann is an ordained minister of the Christian Union Church ; in politics, a Greenbacker or Anti-Monopolist, and has served as Justice of the Peace of Spring
Creek township. He has also been Treas- urer and Secretary of the School Board for several terms. Mr. Mann was married in 1850, to Miss Sarah Allen, daughter of David and Sarah ( Spencer ) Allen. There are eleven children living as the fruits of this union : David llartwell, Thomas E., Senator E., Lee Count, Shuah Milton, Marcus P., Noah F. M., Zorah, wife of Caspar Robinson ; Catherine Alina, now Mrs. Rudson Sanford ; Lilly Orabelle and Sarah N. Mrs. Mann died in 1876. Mr. Mann was again married to Martha Allen, daughter of John and Sarah ( Bolin ) Allen. They have two children-De La Strait and Orlena A. In the spring of 1852, Mr. Mann started on a six months journey from Columbus, Ohio, with an ox team, across the plains to the golden lands of the Eldorado of the far west. Hle arrived at the mining camps at Nevada, on the south fork of Eula river, on the 6th of October, 1852. At that time it was a great undertaking, because of the long and tedious, besides dangerous journey. lle returned in the winter of 1855, on steamers, by way of the Isthmus of Panama. While in the gold regions, Mr. Mann prospected in Oregon, Califor- nia, New Mexico and Central America. Mr. Mann is a member of Toledo Lodge No. 118, A. F. & A. M. He has always been an ardent defender of the interests of labor, and in the fall of 1877, was nominated for State Representative by the National Greenback Convention, and endorsed by the Democratic party. And although running against nearly 1200 majority, reduced it to 300.
John G. Kieser came from Hoeking county, Ohio, in 1866, settling on seetion
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19, Spring Creek township. Mr. Kieser was born 1814, in Wurtemburg, Germany ; bis parents were John G. and Ursula ( Kuntzelmann ) Kieser. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to the United States when he wasa young man. They first settled in Morgan county, Ohio, remained there five years and removed to Hocking county, where the father died in 1850, his mother having been dead sixteen years. The family consisted of seven children : Catharine, wife of J. G. Geyer; Maria, wife of M. Long; Elizabeth, wife of J. F. Geyer; Christiana, afterward Mrs. J. G. Silber; Ricka B. wife of .I. Schultheir and John G. who, in 1883, owned a farm of 160 acres in this town- ship. He was a member of the Evangeli- cal Association. In politics, he was a Democrat, holding the office of School Director for three successive years. He was married in 1837 to Barbara Stimer, daughter of Adam and Maria ( Eckert ) Stimer. They were blessed with seven children : Mary, wife of John Hooper; Frederick, Elizabeth, wife of J. Brown; Hannah, wife of M. M. Modlin; Henry, Daniel and John.
William Sharp was born in Orleans county, Vermont, in 1838. His parents were John and Margaret ( Patterson ) Sharp, natives of Scotland William lived in Vermont until 1867, when he came to Tama county, and settled on see- tion 26, Spring Creek township, where he now owns 120 acres of land. In 1867, Mr. Sharp was married to Elizabeth Cuth- bertson, daughter of John and Ann ( Patterson ) Cuthbertson. They have five children living : Rosa, Mary, Hugh, Anna and George. Mr. Sharp is a Re-
publican in politics, and his first vote for President was cast for Lincoln in 1860.
Alvin Benson settled in this township in 1868. lIe was born July 8, 1809, in Rutland county, Vermont, his parents being Allen and Lorena (Brumley) Ben- son. The father died when the subject of this sketch was but one year old, leaving a widow and three children: Hulda, now wife of David Valentine; Elihu and Alvin. The latter remained with his mother until he was eleven years old, since which time he has been depending upon himself. He acquired a common school education, and at nineteen years of age learned the carpenter's trade, which occupation he followed for thirteen years. In 1832, he moved to New York State, where he lived until 1848, then removed to Wiscon- sin, and followed farming. Mr. Benson came to this county in 1868, settling on a farm on section 7, Spring Creek township, where he lived until 1882, then retired from active life and moved to Gladbrook, his present residence. In politics Mr. Benson is a Republican, and has affiliated with that party since its organization. He was married in 1835, to Miss Mary Dalforth, daughter of William and Mary Dalforth. They have five children: Laura Jane, wife of G. C. Wescott; George W., Charles A., Lovina M. and James W. Mr. Benson lost his first wife in 1854, and was again married, to Mrs. Diademe Miller, widow of John Miller. This union was blessed with one child- Walter E. His second wife died August 17, 1861, and in 1862, Mr. Benson was again married, to Mrs. Lorena Cole, widow of Inther Cole. Mr. Benson is a
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
In 1868, Louis Gethmann settled on sec- tion 11, in Spring creek township. He was born in 1818, in Waldeck, Germany, his parents being Philip and Frederika (Budde) Gethmann. In 1854. Louis came to America and settled in Scott county, Iowa, where he followed farming for fourteen years, then sold his farm of eighty acres, came to Tama county, where he now owns 180 acres of good land. Mr. Gethmann was married in 1845, to Maria Berend, daughter of Johann and Wilhel- mina (Oxxe) Berend, natives of Prussia. By this union there are nine children living: John Louis, Henry W. C., Wil- helmina C. L., wife of P. II. Shultz; Wil- liam C. L., John W. E., Charles C., Fred- erick L. C., Adolph F. L. and Mary C. W. The entire family are members of the Methodist Church of Gladbrook. Mr. Gethmann is a Republican in politics.
H. A. Pond came from Illinois in 1869, locating on section 17. He was a native of Vermont, born in 1817. His parents were Levi and Olive Pond. Mr. Pond resided in his native State until 1832, then moved to Knox county, Ohio, and engaged in farming, remaining until 1849, when he removed to Carroll county, Illi- nois. Ile followed farming in Illinois until he came to Tama county, locating in Spring Creek township, where he has since resided on his farm. Mr. Pond was mar- ried in 1842 to Miss Mary Ann Scott, daughter of John H. and Sarah (lloff- meyer) Scott. By this union there are four children: Liddie J., wife of George White; George W., Edward B. and Fred G. Mrs. Pond died February 9, 1873,
and Mr. Pond was again married in 1876, to Elizabeth Horning, a daughter of Henry and Hannah Horning.
Joachim Voege is a son of Peter and Trina (Wiese) Voege. He was born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, in 1820, and came to the United States in 1852, lo- eating first in Davenport, this State, where he resided until 1863. Mr. Voege then moved to Cedar county where he fol- lowed farming for three years, and then returned to Scott county. In 1869, he came to Tama county, locating in Spring Creek township, on section 14, where he now owns 160 acres of land. Mr. Voege was married, in 1847, to Trina Stolten- berg, daughter of Claus and Abel (Sindt) Stoltenberg. They have two children : Peter, born May 22, 1848 and Alvena. born Angust 4, 1864. Peter Voege was married, November 6, 1880, to Trina Kock, daughter of Joachim and Ester (Klindt) Kock. They have one ehild, Amanda, born October 10, 1881.
F. Martens was born in Holstein, Ger- many, November 30, 1828, and is a son of Christian and Leonora (Davids) Martens. Ile came to the United States in 1858, set- tling in Philadelphia, where he followed his trade, that of a coppersmith. Hle went to Cuba in 1861, where he was also en- gaged at his trade on a plantation. He returned to the United States in 1865, and moved to Davenport, Iowa, where he re- sided until 1869, then came to Tama coun- ty, settling on section 14, Spring Creek township. Ile engaged in farming and now owns 160 acres of land. He is a member of the Masonic order, having be- come a member of Hermann Lodge No. 125, of Philadelphia, in 1858. Ile is now
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Township Trustee and School Director of his district. He was married, in 1864, to Anna Vierecke, daughter of Henry and Lena (Hoeck) Vierecke. They have had nine children : Mary D. E., born August 14, 1865; Clara A, born April 4, 1867; Harriet, born August 5, 1869; Helena, born September 10, 1871; Frederick E., born December 24, 1873; Martha, born July 17, 1876; George L., born May 26, 1878; John Garfield, born November 11, 1880; and Herman, born May 6, 1883. Mr. Martens was a Republican until the fall of 1882, since which time he has voted with the Democrats.
G. P. Allard located on section 21, in 1869. Ile is a son of John and Jane (Marston) Allard, born October 28, 1838, in Shefford county, Canada. His mother died in 1849. Mr. Allard followed farm- ing in his native country until 1869, when he came to Tama county, where he pur- chased 160 acres of land. Ile still lives there, having a fine farm and a comforta- ble home. Mr. Allard was married, in 1860, to Miss Emily L. Berry, daughter of Freeman and Amanda (Lawrence) Ber- ry. By this union there were two chil- dren : Orion J. and Willie G. Mrs. Al- lard died in 1872, and Mr. Allard again married to Melissa E. Taylor, daughter of W. W. and Sarah (Allard) Taylor. This marriage has been blessed with two chil- dren: Wallace Henry and Albert Everett. Mr. Allard is a member of the Church of the Restitution. He is a Republican in politics and his first vote for President was cast for R. B. Hayes. He has served his township as Assessor and his school district as Director.
Gerhard Pageler came to Spring Creek township, in 1869, and settled on section 19. Ile was a native of Oldenberg, Ger- many, and a son of Gerhard and Elizabeth (Mnesegars) Pageler. Ile came to the United States with his parents in 1850 and settled in Ohio, where his father died about ten years ago, and where his moth- er is still residing. Gerhard came to Clay- ton county, Iowa, in 1855, where he worked at his trade of coopering until he came to Tama county. Ile bought 160 acres on section 19 and still lives upon that farm. Mr. Pageler was married, in 1863, to Mary lleiller, daughter of William and Sophia (Mueller) Heiller. They have five chil- dren living: Anna, Lizzie, Alvina, Wil- liam and John.
Charles Ilaagen settled on section 36, in 1876. Ile was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born in 1833. He is a son of George and Emily (Knaus) Ilaagen. His father was a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and died in 1880, leav- ing a family of four children : Emilie, wife of H. Stachli; Lottie, wife of A. Stachli; George and Charles. Charles received his education at the gymnasium of Stutt- gart, and afterward continued his studies at the Agricultural Academy of Hohen- heim. After leaving the academy he pur- sned the occupation of farming, being em- ployed as overseer on a large farm. He came to the United States in 1856, and settled at Davenport, Iowa, where he was engaged in the grocery trade until 1876, then sold ont and removed to Spring Creek township, Tama county, and en- gaged in farming, which he now continues on his fine farm of 550 acres, on section 36. Mr. Haagen enlisted in Company I,
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12th Missouri Infantry, in 1861, and served about eighteen months, receiving his discharge at St. Louis, Missouri. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Emilie Haer- ling, daughter of William and Frederika (Tauber) Haerling. Six children have been born to them : Gustav, Oscar, Ella, Alfred, Edward and Charles.
Samuel E. McAlevy was born in Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of William and Asemath (Sample) Mc. Alevy. Ile remained in his native State until 1869, following farming, when he came to Grant township, Tama county, Iowa, where he polled the first vote in the township. In 1871, he moved to Crystal township, and in 1879, came to Spring Creek township, where he now resides. In 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Fleming, a daughter of William and Mary (McHolley) Fleming. By this union there are eight children: Asemath, James, Alexander, Luther, Jane, Eliza- beth, Mand and Samuel.
ORGANIC.
Spring Creek township was formerly in- cluded in an election precinct, comprising, with itself, Lincoln and Carlton town- ships. A petition was presented to the county court in March, 1858, signed by W. Bowen and others, praying for a di- vision of Carlton township, and the for- mation of a new township to be called Spring Creek township, which was granted, and the first election was held at Union Grove.
In 1883, the officers of Spring Creek township were as follows: Justices of the Peace, Robert Yeomans and E. E. Blakely; Clerk, James Ellwood; Trustees,
Groddis Wescott, G. W. Hess and Fred Martens; Constables, C. F. MeGee and Peter Kammerer; Assessor, William Pond.
VARIOUS ITEMS.
The first birth in the township was a son to Mr. and Mrs Thompson Jukes in the fall of 1855 The child lived only about four months, when it died. This was the first death in the township.
The first religious service was held at the house of W. C. Bywater, in the summer of 1854, by Rev. C C. Levan, of Dubuque. L. S. Frederick was the first Class Leader.
The first postoffice was established in 1856 or 1857, and was kept at the house of W. B. King, who was the first postmaster.
The first school house was built on sec- tion 32, in 1856, and was called Union Grove school house. Miss Wiley was the first teacher.
The first burial ground was laid out on section 32, and was called Uuion Grove cemetery. The first burial here were the remains of Stephen King, who died in 1866.
BADGER HILL.
This was a small village established about 1874 in the northern part of Spring Creek township, but afterward the busi- ness was moved to Gladbrook. Various branches of trade were there represented, including the Badger Hill Flouring Mill, erected by Wescott & Myers, in 1871. The mill was located on Wolf creek, run by water power, and furnished an excel- lent brand of flour. The mill also did an exchange business, enabling those living at a distance to visit the mill and return the same day.
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
One of the proprietors of this mill, D. G. Wescott, was a native of Onondaga county, New York, born in 1827. His parents were Samuel and Bethiah (Cuddeback) Wescott. The family moved to Wisconsin while it was yet a territory, and the parents resided there until 1872, then moved to Marshall county, this State. The father still resides in that county, having lost his wife in 1874. After receiving his education, D. G. Wes- cott engaged as millwright, and followed that business for several years, then came to Tama county, in 1864. Ile bought some land on sections 5 and 6, in Spring Creek township, and shortly after returned to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1869, then returned to this county and engaged in the construction of the present Badger Hill grist mill, being in partner- ship with J. H. Myers. In the spring of 1870, Mr. Wescott was married to Mary Dibble Watson, a daughter of Elah and Clarrissa F. (Hollister) Dibble. They have been blessed with two children: De Witt O., born July 21, 1871, and Mabel M., born January 30, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Wescott are members of the M. E Church of Gladbrook. Mr. Wescott has been a Republican since 1856. He is a charter member of Olivett Lodge, U. D. A. F. and A. M. of Gradbrook.
GLADBROOK.
This thrifty and enterprising place is located on section 9, on Wolf creek, a branch of the Cedar river. The location of Gladbrook is indeed fortunate, sur- rounded as it is by some of the very finest agricultural lands, including in its trade territory no waste or unproductive swamp lands, while directly within reach is one
of the finest marble and stone quarries in the State, it seems to have been the design of nature that this point become a com- mercial center of much importance.
The town has exceptionally fine railroad facilities. The Toledo & Northwestern was constructed through here in the spring of 1880. The Wisconsin, Iowa & Ne- braska, or as it is generally known, "The Diagonal," was built in the spring of 1883. GROWTH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.
Gladbrook was płatted by W. F. John- ston and Leander Clark, of Toledo, abont the 1st of May, 1880, on the farm origi- nally owned by Peter H. Shultz. The 15th of May, 1880, was set for a public sale of lots. Early in the morning of this day, a large number of anxious purchasers, coming from many parts of the east, were upon the grounds, all apparently anticipa- ting the future importance of the town, and almost clamorous in their endeavors to get favorable locations Lots sold very rapidly, and in a few hours the sales amounted to several thousand dollars. In the morning there was not to be seen a piece of lumber upon the ground; but in the evening the whole business plat was strewn with building material, and the foundation of several business houses well under way. Then for six months ensued a building boom almost unparalleled in rapidity, in which about forty business houses and twenty-five residences were erected. Since that time the growth has been steady and sure. The business por- tion of the town is spread over the north- east slope of a beautiful elevation, within a short distance of the Chicago & North- western Railroad depot, while the depot of "The Diagonal" is a short distance west
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
of this. The residence portion inclines to the southeast and southwest and makex a fine appearance.
The first building erected and completed was the dry goods store of R. F. Hodgin and the hardware store of Cameron & Penrose. Itis now occupied by the Peter- son Brothers. The first dwelling house was erected by George C. Ellwood. on East Hill, which he still occupies. The first store was opened by R. F. Hodgins, consisting of a stock of dry goods and clothing; he is still in the business.
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About the first to open a general mer- chandise store were the Hess Brothers. About the same time the Shultz Brothers, Fedderson & Peters and J. A. Smith began business. In the spring of 1883, this line was represented by Fedderson Brothers, Schultz Brothers,.Joseph Schieht}, Elmer & Co. and Peters & Schmidt, all. carrying good stocks.
Peter H. Shultz, of the firm of Shultz Brothers, was born November 12, 1849, at Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, and is a son of Marx HI and Magdalena (Unran) Shultz. His parents followed weaving in their native land until the spring of 1865, when they came to America and settled in Jackson county, lowa. In 1871, they came to Tama county, and located in Spring Creek township. There were four sons: Henry, Peter II., Fred and August, all of whom were residents of Iowa in 1883. Pe- ter Il. received his early education in the public schools of his native land and lived with his parents until the fall of 1872, when, on the 10th of November, he was married to Miss Minnie Gethman, daughter of Lewis and Maria (Behrens) Gethmann, of this township. This union was blessed
with four children: Henry F., born No- vember 6, 1874; Frederick William, born June 3, 1879; Lydia H., born March 4, 1881; and Alma, born Jannary 8, 1883. May 22, 1883, Mrs Shultz died, mourned by a wide circle of sincere friends. Mr. Shultz continued farming on the northeast quarter of section 9, then owned by Lewis Gethmann, which place he purchased in 1876, and in 1878, purchased the southeast quarter of section 9. October 29, 1878, he sold his farm to W. F. Johnston and Le- ander Clark, who laid out the town of Gladbrook thereon. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Shultz engaged in the stock business at Garwin and followed this until June, 1880, when he came to Gladbrook and erected the store building now occupied by himself and brother. For a time they kept a grocery and boot and shoe store, but, in the fall of 1881, added dry goods to their stoek and now do a general merchan- dise business.
The firm of Fedderson Brothers, mer- chants at Gladbrook, consists of Paul L. and Julius T. Fedderson. They are sons of Andrew and Emma (Nissen) Fedder- son, all natives of Schleswig, Holstein, Germany. Julius T. came to the United States in search of a fortune in 1874, and was for a time engaged as elerk in a store at Charles City, this State. He here got his experience in running a mercan- tile business, which fitted him for his present position. Paul L. left his native land and came to this country in 1877. lle got employment as elerk in a store at Dy- sart, this county, and remained there until the fall of 1880, when. he removed to Gladbrook. In September, 1882, he and his brother, Julin- T., purchased the busi-
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
ness of Fedderson & Peters, at Glad- brook, and are now doing a large business in general merchandise.
Il. L. Marston, of the firm of Elmer & Co., was born on the 30th day of August, 1854, at Mount Morris, Illinois, and is a son of A. C. and Mary (Laurance) Marston. Ilis father followed the carpenter trade until 1858, when the family came to Tama county and settled on section 27, in Spring Creek township, buying a farm of 160 acres which is now owned by O. F. Elmer and HI. L. Marston. The subject of this sketch was educated at the Academy at Le Grand. In 1871, he engaged as an apprentice in the Badger Hill Flouring Mills, and fol- lowed milling until 1879, when he came to Gladbrook, this county, and in 1880 formed a partnership with O. F. Elmer to carry on a mercantile business. Ile is now a partner in the firm of O. F. Elmer & Co., dealers in general merchandise. Mr. Mars- ton is a member of the Masonic Order. In March, 1880, he was married to Miss Emma Elmer, daughter of O. F. and da V. (Muckler) Elmer. Mr. and Mrs. Mars- ton have one daughter-Edna.
Mr. Marston's father-in-law and partner in business, O. F. Elmer, was born in 1828, in the State of Vermont, his parents being Orrin and Catherine (Lyford) Elmer. O. F. was educated at Peacham Academy, in Vermont, learned the carpenters trade and followed the business in his native State until 1859, when he came to this county. Ile first located in Toledo, where he worked at his trade until 1875, then opened a grocery store and conducted that business until in 1880, when he closed out, came to Gladbrook and commenced a general merchandise business in partnership with
his son-in-law. He is now senior member of the firm of O. F. Elmer & Co. Mr. Elmer is a member of the Masonic Order,and dimitted from the lodge at Toledo, this county, to help organize a lodge at Gladbrook. His first vote for President was cast for Mr. Fremont, and he has voted the Republican ticket ever since. In 1861 he was married to Miss Ida V. Muckler, daughter of John Muckler, of Toledo, this connty. They have one daughter-Emma, wife of H. L. Marston.
Henry Peters, of the firm of Peters & Schmidt, is a native of Lenden provinz Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, and a son of Claus and Andge (Dose) Peters, Ile . was born on the 4th of August, 1846. His father and mother died in 1862. Ile re- ceived his education at his native town, and came to the United States in 1867, set- tling in Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa, where, after farming two years, he engaged in the lumber business in Carroll county, Iowa, until 1874, when he came to Tama county and was engaged as clerk in a grocery house at Traer until 1880, when he came to Gladbrook and opened a second s'ore, forming a partnership with C. P. Fedderson, under the firm of Fedderson & Peters, carrying general merchandise. In 1882 he sold his interest in that firm and formed a partnership with II. L. Schmidt, under the firm of Peters & Schmidt, and they are now doing a prosperous business in the general merchandise line. In 1875 he was married to Emma Hoehl, daughter of Clans and Therese (Schultz) Hoehil. They haye two children : Margaret M., born October 14, 1876 and Harry, born March 7, 1882. Mr. Peters owns his store
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
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building and lot. He is a member of the Traer Lodge, No. 301, I. O. O. F.
R. F. Hodgin, born on the 7th of July, 1856, in Washington county, Ohio, is a son of Thomas and Adeline (Arnold) Hodgin. His father was a tanner of Plymouth, Ohio, and followed this busi- ness at Chester Hill, Ohio, until 1874, when he died leaving four children : Sa- rah D., wife of W. S. Smith; Ferna Eliza- beth, wife of Osborne Smith; F. L. and R. F. The last named, after finishing his schooling, embarked in the sewing machine business, and in the fall of 1873, engaged in learning tailoring, which he followed until the spring of 1875, when he went into business for himself at Chester Hill, Ohio, and remained there until 1880. lle then came to Gladbrook, built the first store, opened a dry goods and clothing establishment and is still en- gaged in the business. On the 29th of June, 1876, he was married to Miss Liddie J. Van Law, daughter of Thomas E. and Amy (Branson) Van Law, of Chester Hill, Ohio. By this union there was one son : Thomas B., born October, 14, 1877. In the spring of 1880, he joined the Mount Olive Lodge, No. 148, A. F. and A. M., of Ohio, and is a member of the I. L. of H. In politics he is a Republican.
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