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 57
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in his power to help on every effort put forth in behalf of the church and for the glory of God. All through his long and protracted illness, at times painful, almost beyond endurance, he maintained his courage, his faith and his hope in God. He fought a good fight ; he finished his conrse ; he kept his faith, and God took him."
John R. McClaskey, of Toledo, sneceed- ed Mr. Yeiser as Recorder. He was first elected in October, 1870, and being re-elected in 1872, served until January, 1875. le is a native of Indiana, born near Darlington, Montgomery county, December 15, 1842. His parents, David and Mary (Neely) MeClaskey, are now living on an improved farm in Cedar county, this State, to which they moved in the fall of 1851. In Novem- ber, 1861, the subject of this sketch enlist- ed in Co. A, 13th lowa Volunteer Infantry. From Camp WeClellan he went South, participating in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, where he had his collar bone broken by a piece of shell; seige of Corinth, luka, second battle of Corinth, and was with Sherman and Grant through the seige of Vicksburg. At this time the whole regiment veteranized, and went home on a furlough of thirty days ; then · returned to the seat of war, landing at Clifton, Tennessee ; marched across the country and joined Sherman's army at Big Shanty. Early in the morning of the 6th of July, 1864, while on the skirmish line crossing the bridge over Nickeryack Creek, near Sandtown Ferry, Mr. MeClas- key was severely wounded in the left thigh by a minnie ball. Ile was at onee taken to the field hospital, where his limb
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was amputated by Dr. Thomas, who had charge of the division hospital. From there he was taken to Rome, Georgia, where he lay suffering intensely until the latter part of October; thence he was removed to Chattanooga, Nashville, and finally to Evansville, Indiana. Here he remained until in March, 1865, when his father came and took him to his home in Cedar county, Iowa. He remained at home about sixty days, then reported at the hospital at Camp Mcclellan and was discharged in November, 1865 In 1866, Mr. McClaskey came to Tama county, and has since made Toledo his home. Ile was married in March, 1866, at Marengo, Iowa county, this State, to Margaret M. McClel- land, a daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Ball) MeClelland, natives of Ohio. She was born March 18, 1847, in Linn county, in this State. They were blessed with five children, two of whom are living ; John W. and Frankie; Harry, Willie and Jule are deceased. Mr. MeClaskey was called to mourn the loss of his life partner on the 15th of November, 1880. In politics Mr. McClaskey is a Republican. He is at present Justice of the Peace and is serving on his third term. In 1866, he engaged in the drug trade at Blairstown, Iowa, but sold out, after running the business about nine months. In 1875, Mr. McClaskey opened an abstract office in Toledo, and sold the same year to P. G. Wieting. Mr. McClaskey cast his first presidential vote in 1864, for Mr. Lincoln, at Chatta- nooga, while he was in the hospital, the ballot box being brought to his bedside. Mr. McClaskey is a man who has been tried by the people, and found worthy of their respect and confidence. He is well
read, a man of fine appearance, sociable and kind-hearted, and in his business relations, has proven himself a man of strietest integrity.
In the fall of 1874, J. B. M. Bishop, of Crystal township, was elected Recorder, was re-elected in 1876 and 1878, serving until January, 1881.
John B. M. Bishop, son of Jonathan S. and Mary (McGahan) Bishop, was born in Logan county, Ohio, June 23, 1845, and was in his tenth year when his parents came to Iowa. He received the rudiments of his education at the district school, and subsequently attended the high school at Toledo. In March, 1864, he enlisted in Company F., 28th Iowa Volunteers, went South, and joined his regiment at Mansfield, Louisiana. Ile participated in several minor engagements during the Red River campaign, and September 19, 1864, was wounded at the battle of Winchester. He entered the hospital in that town, but after some weeks was transferred to Baltimore, and thence to Turner's Lane Hospital, of Philadelphia, from which he was discharged, in May, 1865. He then returned home, and in the fall of that year entered Iowa College, at Grinnell, where he graduated in June, 1871. lle is at present a member of the Board of Trustees of Crystal township. He was married, in October, 1877, to Alice E., daughter of James Loughridge, of Iluntsville, Arkan- sas. Three children have been born to them-George L., Edith and Agnes,
In the fall of 1880, T. E. Warren was elected Recorder, and two years later, was re-elected. Ile is a native of Iowa, born in Mahaska county, March 27, 1851. 1Ie is a son of Elbert D. and Mary A. (West-
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lake) Warren. When T. E. was less than a year old, his father died, and a few years later, his mother followed, and he was brought up by his grand-parents on his mother's side who gave him good educa- tional privileges. When eighteen years of age, he learned the drug business in Oskaloosa, and afterwards came to Tama ('ity, where he was employed by II Solo- mon, remaining with him some four years. In the fall of 1880, he was elected as County Recorder of Tama county, being re-elected to the same office in the fall of 1882. Mr. Warren is a good business man, a rapid penman and a complete master of the official business entrusted to him. He was married in April, 1872, to Miss Frances E. Goddard, a daughter of George S. and Mary Goddard, natives of New York State, born in 1850. Three children bless this union-Minnie E., Mand M., and Lillie E. Mr. Warren is a member of the Legion of Honor and Knights of Pythias, and in polities is a warm supporter of the Republican party.
COUNTY TREASURER.
After the separation of the offices of Treasurer and Recorder, A. J. Wheaton served for one year in the capacity of Treasurer.
In the fall of 1865, James II. Struble was elected Treasurer, and two years later was re-elected, serving until January, 1870. He came to Tama county, from Morrow county, Ohio, in 1861, and a few years later became deputy, under A. J. Wheaton, where he remained until elected. In 1867, he was married to Miss Annette Woodward. Shortly after the expiration of his term of office, he removed to Le
Mars, Iowa. He made a careful, correet and industrious official.
In 1869, Theodore Shaeffer was elected County Treasurer, and two years later, he was re-elected, serving four years, to the satisfaction of all.
Daniel Turner succeeded Mr. Schaeffer, and served one term, from January, 1874. Ile was a farmer ; a quiet, sociable and honest man. About 1879, he left the county. He was elected on the "Anti- Monopoly " tieket.
By the October election in 1875, L. B. Blinn became Treasurer; he was re-elected in 1877, and 1879, a testimonial of his efficiency in that capacity
Lyman Cary was elected County Treas- urer in the fall of 1881, to succeed L. B. Blinn, and made a most efficient officer. He was born in Androscoggin county, Maine, on the 18th of July, 1847, being a son of Horace and Lurana (Bradford) Cary. Ilis father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but in connection with this business, he was engaged in farming. Lyman was reared on a farm, receiving an academic education at Auburn Academy Maine. On the 13th of April, 1868, he left his native State, and emigrated to Illinois, where he was employed on the construction corps of the Indiana, Bloom- ington & Western railroad. In 1869, he came to Tama county, purchased a farm in Columbia township, and turned his attention to farming. In 1870, he was married to Lavina, daughter of Jackson Rines and Lavina Rines, of Morrow county, Ohio, born in 1846. Three chil- dren bless this union-Zoe, Jessie and Myrtle. Mr. Cary is a member of the
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Masonic Lodge of Tama City, and also of the Knights of Pythias of Toledo, Iowa. Mr. Cary is making an excellent Treasurer; he is courteous and gentlemanly to all. carefu and correct, and is always found attending to business.
CLERKS OF COURTS.
The first Clerk of Court, of Tama county, was David D. Appelgate. He was first elected at the election temporarily organ- izing the county, in March 1853. He ,was re-elected in the years 1854, 1856, 1858, 1860, 1862, 1864 and 1866. This made a continuous term of from March 1853, until January 1869-nearly sixteen years in one capacity. This is much longer than any other man has ever served Tama county. Mr. Appelgate made a faithful, honest and efficient officer. He still makes the county seat his home, where he practices law.
L. B. Blinn succeeded Mr. Appelgate as Clerk. He was first elected in the fall of 1868, was re-elected in 1870, and 1872, and served from January 1869, until January 1875. In the fall of the year last named, he was elected County Treasurer.
Chauncey J. Stevens, of Montour, was elected Clerk of Courts, in the fall of 1874, re-elected in 1876, and 1878, and served until January, 1881. Channey J. Stevens came to the county in June, 1855, and located at Indiantown. In the spring of 1856, he taught the first school in that place, after which, he again returned to the employ of Phineas Helm, whom he had served before teaching the school In 1859, he was married to Miss Mary Dingee, daughter of Allen Dingee. Mr. Stevens then engaged in farming, and continued
at this calling until 1864, when he located at Montour and established the first lumber yard at that place. From this time his business began to be complicated; he turned his attention to anything he thought he could make pay. Ile was station agent for several years, also served as Justice of the Peace, during which time he attended largely to collections. He also dealt in agricultural implements, and farm produce. In August, 1873, he purchased an interest in the Montour Exchange Bank, and in 1875, became sole proprietor. " lle contin- ued to conduct this business until 1883, when he sold to Matthews & Young. At this time, he was largely interested in real estate, was Vice President of the Amazon Mining and Smelting Company, of Boulder, Montana, and largely interested in other branches of business. Mr. Stevens' wife died in August, 1873, leaving two children, Ada and Ray. In September, 1875, he married Miss Mary Graham, daughter of Judge T. A. Graham, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Lucy. Mr. Stevens is a Republican in politics, a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Congregational church. He is plain and unassuming in manners, courteous to all and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
S. C. Leland succeeded C. J. Stevens as Clerk of Courts. He was elected in the fall of 1880, and re-elected in the fall of 1882. He is a lawyer by profession, thoroughly educated, a gentleman in every sense of the word, and is discharging his duties in a most able and satisfactory manner.
SHERIFF.
Norman L. Osborn was the first elected
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to the office, which took place at the March election, in 1853, although he never qualified. Not much is remembered of Osborn, except that he settled in the county in 1852, and took a place where Traer now is, in Perry township. IIe had a family and was an intelligent man. 1Ie left many years ago, going to Missouri.
In August, 1853, Miron Blodgett was elected Sheriff, and was the first to qualify and serve in that capacity. Blodgett came from Jackson county, Indiana, in 1851, and settled with his family, near Montour, where he engaged at farming. Although a man of ordinary ability, he was a good hearted and square man ; genial and social, he was well liked by the pioneers. Politically, he was a Whig, although political matters did not enter into the campaigns in early days, to any great extent. He remained in the county for about ten years, when he removed to Lucas county, and after a few years, went to Dakota.
In August, 1855, William Garner was elected Sheriff of Tama county. Garner came to the county in 1854, and settled in Toledo, where he engaged in the grocery business; he was a tailor by trade, and also ran a farm in connection with his mercantile pursuits. He came here from Indiana, bringing his family with him. HIe was a Democrat, politically, and was the first of that creed elected to office in the county. In 1864, he removed to Louisa county, this State. Ile was agenial, pleas- ant man, was honest and thought every one else was. llis good heartedness was just what spoiled him as a business man. Ile ran a store directly where the Toledo Ilotel now is. He would sometimes go
to see some one on the street, and tell Tom, Dick or Harry to run the shop till he came back, and be gone sometimes an hour. Any.one wanting anything, he would say, " Help yourself and put the money in the drawer." The belief that because he was honest everyone else was, did not prove substantial, or profitable, in his case. Early in 1857, he resigned the office to which he was elected.
II. C. Foster succeeded Garner as Sheriff ; was elected, and served the bal- anee of the term. Ile is a native of Ken- tueky, born in 1825. He was brought up on a farm, having limited educational ad- vantages, and at an early age moved with his father to Montgomery county, Indiana. In 1849 he came west and settled in Linn county, Iowa, and engaged at carpenter work. In May, 1853, he came to Tama county, took land and returned to Linn county. In June, 1853, he came to Tama county to stay, and has made this his home ever since. In 1856 he was married to Mary J. Olney. Mr. Foster in 1883 was living in Toledo, and was janitor of the court house.
In August, 1857, Thomas Murray was elected Sheriff ; in 1859, was re-elected, and served until January, 1862, with honor to himself and satisfaction to all. lle is a native of Jefferson county, New York, where he was born February 7, 1829. He is the youngest son of P. and Mary (Martin) Murray, who were natives of Ireland. Thomas' father died when he was so young that he has no recollection of him. llis life, until 14 years of age, was spent near his home with friends. His educational advantages were very limited, but by a never-tiring zeal, he has
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
stored his mind with a fair classical and a good business education. At 20 years of age, he began learning the trade of harness making, in St. Lawrence county, New York, and after completing it, in 1852, he went to California for the purpose of seeking his fortune in the gold fields of that State. He remained there nearly three years, engaged in mining, a d met with a fair degree of success. In the fall of 1854, he returned to his native State, and in the spring of the following year, removed to Tama county, Iowa, locating at Toledo, where he immediately opened a harness shop, which was the first one in the county. Mr. Murray then engaged in general merchandise at Toledo, remaining there until April of 1865, then removed to Tama City (then known as Iuka). He followed the same business here until 1882, with the exception of one year. In 1879, he was appointed Postmaster of the town, which office he continued to fill until April 1, 1883. He was the second Postmaster of Iuka also, and after holding it a year resigned the position. Ile was one of the founders of the Hydraulic Water Power Company, being Treasurer and Director during its building and completion, and held a Directorship for six years. He was elected one of the first officers of Tama City. He belonged to the Democratic party until the firing upon of Fort Sumter, since which time he has been a staunch Republican. Mr. Murray · is deeply endowed with the spirit of progress, and has always been among the foremost ranks, in the building up of Tama county. He is an upright, honest and genial gentleman, and generous almost to a fault; he wields a great
influence in the county, both in business and political circles, and is one who is universally respected by all who know him. On the first day of January, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Williams, a native of New York State. Four children bless this union- Arthur W., Walter C., Florence and May. It should have been mentioned that he was also the third Postmaster in Toledo, and held the office for about a year and a half, when he resigned.
II. A. Williamson succeeded Mr. Murray as Sheriff, being elected in October, 1861, and re-elected in 1863. He served until 1864, when he died from injuries received from being thrown from a buggy. Mr. Williamson came to Tama county at an early day, from Ohio, with his family. He was a good officer, and a genial, pleasant and honest man. Ilis widow, in 1883, was living in Toledo.
In November, 1864, Knight Dexter was elected Sheriff of Tama county. In 1865, 1867, 1869 and 1871, he was re-elected, and served until January, 1874, making a faithful and satisfactory official.
In 1873, R. E. Austin was elected to succeed Mr. Dexter. IIe was twice re- elected, and served until January, 1880.
J. C. Fitzgerald was elected Sheriff of Tama county in 1879, and re-elected in 1881, and makes a careful and thorough officer. He was born in Du Page county, Illinois, March 23, 1847. His parents, Peter H. and Mary (Barry) Fitzgerald, were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to America when they were under age. Peter Fitzgerald located at Half Moon, Cattaraugus county, New York, where he remained engaged in farming until 1836.
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Ile then removed to Du Page county, Illinois, entered 160 acres of land, and engaged in farming, until 1853, then sold, and removed to Whiteside county, his present home. Mrs. Fitzgerald died on the 4th of March, 1857. There were eleven children in the family, seven boys, six of wh m are living, and four girls- M. B., contractor and builder in White- side county, Illinois ; W. H., now living in Kansas, engaged in farming ; James M., a resident of Marshalltown ; Thomas, a bridge contractor of Iowa ; R. P., lately admitted to the bar of Tama county, Iowa ; J. C., subject of this sketch ; Julia A., wife of W. H. Harrison, of Whiteside county, Illinois ; Ellen, wife of C. II Galbreath, of Crawford county, lowa ; Mary, wife of David Bryson, of O'Brien county, Iowa ; and Frances, wite of John D). Moore, of the same county. J. C. Fitzgerald was reared on a farm, receiving a liberal education. In his sixteenth year, he enlisted in the 140th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, his brothers, R. P., and J. M., being members of the same regiment. After leaving the service, Mr. Fitzgerald came to Tama county, locating in Carlton township, where he purchased 240 acres of land, and engaged in farming, until he was elected Sheriff of Tama county. This election occurred in the fall of 1879, and Mr. Fitzgerald has held the office since that time, being re-elected in 1881 by 1300 majority, this being about the largest majority cast for any office. In July, 1870, he was married to Miss Elva E. Burrows, a daughter of James Burrows, of Kendall county, Illinois. By this union there are three daughters-Leonora E., Mary M., and Bessie. In politics, Mr. Fitzgerald is
a Republican, having cast his vote with that party since reaching his majority. COUNTY SURVEYOR.
In early days this was the most lucrative of any of the county offices, and it was often difficult to find a man among pioneers who was thoroughly competent to discharge the duties devolving upon the office. Dr. Wesley A. Daniel was first to fill the office for Tama county. He was elected in March, 1853-the first election held in the county. In August following, he was re-elected for the regular term of two years, and was again re-elected in 1855, serving until January, 1858. Hle discharged the duties of the office most efficiently. In 1883 he was still a resident of Bucking- ham township.
In Angust, 1857, Charles W. Irish was elected successor to Mr. Daniel. He came to Tama county from Iowa City, and settled upon a piece of timber land near Toledo, with his family, a short time prior to his election. He was a pleasant, gentlemanly fellow, and was well educated in his profession. Ile remained in the county until about 1870, when he returned to his old home in Iowa City.
Horace Jacobs was the next Surveyor. He was elected in October, 1859, re-elected in 1861, 1863, and 1865, serving eight years in all. Ile remained in Toledo until a short time after the expiration of his term of office, when he removed to a farm in Otter Creek township. A few years ago his wife died, and he went to some point west of here. Jacobs was a slow and easy going individual, honest and frank, and a good surveyor.
In October, 1867, C. W. Hyatt was elected ; he was re-elected in 1869.
J. C. Parkeer.
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
483
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W. II. Holstead was elected in 1873, was re-elected in 1875, 1877, 1879, and 1881.
William II. Holstead was born in Oneida county, New York, on the 12th of August, 1840. His parents were John B. Holstead, a native of New York, and Emma Ann Bloss, of Connecticut. Ilis father died in March, 1871 ; his mother is now living in Oneida county, N. Y. Mr. Holstead was reared in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools, then attended the Oneida Confer- ence Seminary, and was for two years a student at Poughkeepsie Business College. April 19, 1861, he enlisted at Utica, in Company C., 26th, N. Y. Vol. Inf'ty, and joining the army of the Potomae, partici- pated in the first and second battles of Bull Run, the battle of Chantilla, Rappa- hannock, South Mountain, and Fredericks- burg, where he was wounded in the face by a rifle ball. He was discharged in May, 1863, and returned to his home in New York, attending the Seminary and Business College, as stated above. In 1865, he opened an insurance office, and general store eight miles from Jersey City ; this, however, proved a failure, and in 1866, he came to Iowa, locating in Tama county, on section 11, of Spring Creek township. He remained at work on his farm until 1871, at which time he was elected County Surveyor, which office he has since held, being the present incum- bent. In March, 1873, Mr. Holstead moved to Toledo, where he now resides. He was married, May 9, 1865, to Miss Carrie E. Horne, daughter of Lynch and Elmira ( Mallery ) Ilorne, both of whom now reside at Gladbrook, Iowa. Mr. and
Mrs. Holstead have had four children born to them, three of whom are living : Gazelle, born, April 29, 1866; Grace, born, June 24, 1877; and John, born January 24, 1880. Howard, born October 29, 1871, died, February 27, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Ilolstead are members of the Regular Baptist Church of Toledo. Mrs. Holstead was educated at the Troy Conference Academy, Poultney, N. Y., and made a special study of painting, becoming quite skilled in the use of the brush. Mr. Itol- stead, in politics, has always adhered to the Republican party.
COUNTY CORONER.
Franklin Davis was the first Coroner of Tama county. He was first elected in August, 1853, and re-elected two years later." He was born in Harrison county, West Virginia, May 2, 1817. He is a son of Phineas and Rhendamah (Randolph) Davis, who were natives of the same State, and were both born in a block-house, which was built to serve as a refuge from the Indians. His parents had five sons and four daughters, all but two sons of whom are now living. Ilis mother died, and his father married Miss Eliza Maxon, by whom there were four children, all now living in Ohio. The subject of this sketch was the oldest son, and was reared on a farm, receiving but a limited education in a log school house. The first school he attended was in a log cabin, which could boast of no better floor than the solid earth. The seats were made of slabs, wi.b holes bored in each end, and pins driven in for legs. He remembered well one mode of punishment-the victim was required to hang his coat on a stake, which was driven into the floor, and was then
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
made to whip it until the teacher told him to cease. In the fall of 1831, Mr. Davis left Virginia and went with his parents to Champaign county, Ohio. He was mar- ried, April 6, 1837, to Miss Maranda Brit- ton, a daughter of Nathan Britton, of Pennsylvania. By this union there were four children, two of whom are now living, Sarah J. and Charles B. In the fall of 1845, he emigrated to Iowa, locating in Linn county, where he purchased land and remained eight years. In May, 1853, he came to Tama county and located on the place where he now lives. Throughout his career, Mr. Davis has maintained a high character, and, wherever known, is honored and respected. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Regular Baptist church, of which they have been warm supporters for many years. In politics he is a Repub- lican, having affiliated with that party since its organization.
Clinton Olney succeeded Mr. Davis as Coroner, being elected in August, 1857, and serving two years. Ile was a native of New York State, born in July, 1805. lle came to Tama county with his family from Michigan, in June, 1855, and located in Toledo, where he was engaged at teaming, filling mail contracts and various occupations. He remained in Toledo until the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1880. He was quiet and rather retired in disposition, and was a man of striet integrity. ITis son is now Deputy Auditor.
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