USA > Iowa > Taylor County > History of Taylor 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 Taylor County, Constitution of the United States, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 69
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
CONNETT, A. H., physician and surgeon, Bedford. This repre- sentative of the "healing art" is a native of Clermont county, Ohio, and was born December 30, 1848. When about two years of age his parents be- came residents of Madison, Indiana, where our subject remained until his ninteenth year. He then came to Iowa and located at Bedford and com- menced the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. M. C. Connett. In the fall of 1875 he entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, but graduated in the spring of 1878 from Keokuk Medical College, Keokuk, Iowa. Mr. Connett was married March 14th, 1878, to Miss Harriett A. Fosdyce, a native of Pennsylvania. This union has brought them two children: Bessie and Mary. The doctor is a man of strict integrity and is acquiring an en- viable reputation as a practioner.
COMBS, CAPT. J. W., Bedford, whose portrait appears in this work is a native of Clark county, Indiana, where he was born November 3, 1833. In the autumn of 1851, he removed to Achison county, Missouri, where he made his home until the fall of 1854, when he returned to the scenes of his childhood. He again returned to Missouri and in February, 1856, was married to Miss Rebecca J. Cagg, a native of Athens, Ohio ... They soon removed to Athens, where they made their home until 1858, then went to Portsmouth, same State, thence to Greenup county, Ken- tucky, where they resided at the breaking out of the war. Up to that time he had been an advocate of State rights and was renting land of a gentleman who had joined the Confederate ranks leaving his lands in charge of a Mr. Briggs, an extensive land and slave holder, who made our subject the liberal offer of three years clear rent, three hundred dollars in money and a colonelcy in a Confederate regiment that was being organized, if he would lend his efforts to the Confederate cause. Although possessed of but limited means, he had that spirit of patriotism which is always character- istic in those of Buckeye birth, and refused to divorce himself from the right, and defend a cause which he did not think just. He accordingly enlisted in a Missouri recruiting company, and in September, 1861, was as- signed to company B, Thirteenth Missouri volunteers and was with his reg- iment in all its campaigns until after the battle of Shiloh. In April, 1862, he was mustered out of that regiment which was subsequently changed to the Twenty-second Ohio volunteers, and returned to his home, but was- soon mustered in again as first sergeant of company A, Twelfth Ohio in- fantry volunteers. He was with his regiment in all its campaigns, battles, marches, etc., in Kentucky and Tennessee until the spring of 1863. He then received authority, with rank as second lieutenant, to recruit men for the Thirteenth Ohio cavalry, which duty he performed promptly. In July,
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1864, he was again commissioned to recruit men for different regiments with quarters at Athens, Ohio. In September of that year he was appointed captain of infantry and was detailed to organize all recruits in camps at that place for his regiment, the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio, but before the organization was completed, his company, together with the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio, was ordered to the front and placed in the third brigade, first division Twenty-third corps. He was with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Charleston, June 28, 1865, and immediately returned to his home, having served his county for more than four years, during which time he endured the hardships of many wearying marches, braved the blasts of bat- tle and received two slight wounds. In July, 1865, he came to Iowa, locating in Ringgold county, and in 1868 came to Bedford and now enjoys the com- forts of a pleasant home. He is at present engaged in the furniture business and carries the largest stock in that line in the county. His family consists of six children: Lafayette, Mars B., Jno. Wesley, Sherman Bird and Frank.
COMBS, LAFE, postmaster, Bedford, was born in Athens, Ohio, No- vember 24th, 1856. In 1865 he came to Iowa and located in Ringgold county, where he resided until 1868, when he came to Bedford. He was married in Kirksville, Missouri, October 21, 1878, to Miss Addie Wilson, a lady of varied accomplishments. Mr. Combs was appointed postmaster November 14, 1877, and took charge of the office January 1 following, and since that time has filled the position with credit and to the entire satisfaction of all.
CRUM, W. E., attorney and banker, Bedford, was born January 22, 1845, in Johnson county, Iowa. His youth was spent in acquiring a classical edu- cation with a view to the legal profession. When about twenty-one years of age he entered the State University, at lowa City, and graduated from the law department in the spring of 1868. After practicing about one year he came to Bedford and has since made it his home. In 1870 was married in Iowa City to Miss Hattie, daughter of Jno. R. Vanfleet, a lady of great cul- ture and refinement. From this union came four children: Jno. V., Mary L., William E. and Helen. Mr. Crum is now enjoying a large practice in the District and Circuit Courts, and has won an enviable reputation as an attorney. He is associated with his father-in-law, Mr. J. R. Vanfleet, in the banking business, with Mr. Haddock in the law and collection business, and with F. E. Walker in an extensive lumber business. He is possessed of ample means to enjoy every comfort of life, and is now confining himself to the study and practice of his profession.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
DELONG, G. E., sheriff of Taylor county, was born in Zanesville, O., May 21, 1843. When fourteen years of age his parents moved to Iowa, locating in Henry county, where our subject spent his youth in working on the farm and attending the common schools. Although yet a boy at the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in company K, Sixth Iowa infantry and served with distinction until the close of the war. Was taken prisoner at the bat- tle of Shiloh, conveyed to Montgomery, Alabama, thence to Macon, Geor- gia, and after a confinement of about seven months in the " Rebel Hell " at that place, was paroled, and joined his command at Memphis, Tennessee. Participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, battles of Missionary Ridge, Jackson, Mississippi, and all the engagements of the Atlanta cam- paign. Was promoted to the position of sergeant during his service and was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, in the fall of 1865. After remain- ing a short time at his former home he came to Taylor county, purchased a farm in Dallas township, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the gen- eral election of 1878 he was chosen sheriff, which position he has since held and has proven a competent and trustworthy officer. Mr. D. was married at Hawleyville, Page county, in 1867, to Miss Mary E. Burge, a native of this State. Of their children five are now living: Mary Elizabeth, Ma- tilda Converse, Guilbert E., William Daniel and James Clyde. Our sub- ject owns a farm of two hundred acres, which is well improved and pos- sesses all the requisites of a comfortable home. Personally Mr. DeLong is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, careful, energetic and thoroughly awake to the interests of Taylor county.
DUNLAVY, LEVI, lawyer, Bedford. He was born in Putnam county, Indiana, June 23, 1843. In 1848 his parents moved to Iowa, locating in Davis county. Here he attended school. His father, William Dunlavy, was a minister of the Christian denomination and a gentleman of exem- plary life and active in ministerial duties. When the war broke out Levi enlisted in his country's service. His regiment was the Thirteenth Iowa, and his company, B. He was in the battles of Arkansas Post, Chickasaw Bayou and Vicksburg. In 1863 he contracted an illness, and in one year and a few months was honorably discharged because of disability. In 1865 he entered Oskaloosa College and was a student there until the following spring. Afterward he taught school and served his country as an insurance agent. Having passed some time in the study of law, in 1872 he was ad- mitted to the bar. In 1875 he came to Bedford and is now a partner of Hon. J. P. Flick, in the practice of his profession.
EVANS, LYMAN; attorney at law, Bedford. Is a native of the Hawk- eye State, born in DeWitt, Clinton county, September 1, 1847, where he
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remained until sixteen years of age. He then entered the State University at Iowa City. Attended college two years and then commenced the study of law with Judge Palley, of Detroit, with whom he remained for three years. Was admitted to the bar in Clinton county in 1870, and was at once chosen to the position of assistant superintendent of the Orphans' Home at Cedar Falls. Came to Bedford in 1872 and commenced the practice of his profession. On Christmas Day, 1872, Miss Mary A. Wallace, of Mon- mouth, Illinois, became his bride. She is a native of the Buckeye State. They have two children, Helen and Wallace. Mr. Evans, though a young man, has been eminently successful in his practice; has, by strict integrity and attention to business, gained not only an enviable reputation as a law- yer, but the entire confidence of the people, and will, doubtless, if there be no preventing misfortune, become one of the leading lights of the Iowa bar.
EVANS, W. F., editor and treasurer of Bedford Argus. Among the many enterprising business men of Taylor county none have been more closely identified with its interests than the subject of this sketch. Mr. E., a son of Rev. John Evans, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, April 25, 1840. His youth was spent in attending school and aiding his parents on the farm. When fifteen, he came with his parents to Taylor county, and for seven years engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the breaking out of the war Mr. Evans became an earnest sympathizer with the Union cause, and in the spring of 1862 determined to aid in the defense of its princi- ples. He accordingly enlisted in company F, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry, was promoted to second lieutenant, and subsequently to captain of the com- pany. He participated in the battles of Helena, Arkansas, battle of the second of April, Jenkins's Ferry, Spanish Fort and many other hotly con- tested engagements; was discharged August 10, 1865, and returned to his home in this county and once more engaged in tilling the soil. In 1873 he was elected county auditor on the Anti-monopoly ticket, and filled that po- sition for six years, and proved himself a competent and acceptable officer. In March, 1880, he was elected by stockholders of the Argus printing and publishing company to the position of treasurer, and in the summer of 1881 to the editorship of the paper. Mr. Evans has won the favor of the reading public, being a faultless writer and always giving expression to his honest convictions. Politically he is a Republican, and being an indefati- gable worker is an earnest advocate of its principles. He was married Feb. 14th, 1862, to Miss Amanda Lewis, a native of Indiana. They are the parents of three children, living: Charles Ira, Omer E, and Arthur B.
EVANS, REV. JOHN, residence, Bedford. Born in Augusta county, Virginia, December 27, 1815. At an early age he left the Old Dominion
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and became a resident of Fountain county, Indiana. There he resided until 1856, when he came west and settled in Taylor county on a farm, in what is now known as Benton township. During the early years of his life Mr. Evans become converted to the Baptist faith, and has long been an earnest worker in the vineyard of the Lord. During the time of the re- bellion he was much interested in divine labors and looking to the protec- tion and comfort of many families that were then in a deplorable condition. But during these dark hours a sad affliction fell to his lot. On February 14, 1864, his beloved wife breathed her last and her pure spirit winged its heavenly flight. The sad affliction was borne with a fortitude such as only Christians can realize. They had shared each other's pleasures and sorrows for a quarter of a century. From their union nine children are living. He was again married February 5, 1865, this time to Miss Anna M. Probst, a native of Virginia, and a lady of excellent qualities. Mr. Evans has taken a great interest in educating his children and fitting them for the higher walks of Ife. He has also been an active worker in the cause of temperance, and has done much to abate the evils of drunkenness. By industry and careful management he has succeeded in accumulating ample means to enable him to enjoy the comforts of life. He is still in posses- sion of a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres, besides some valuable city property, and has given to each of his sons eighty acres of land-to a daughter forty acres.
EVANS, JESSE J., merchant, Bedford, is a son of Rev. John K. Ev- ans, and was born in Fountain county, Indiana, March 23, 1844. In 1856 he came with his parents to this county, where he remained until the late civil war. He then enlisted in company G, Fourth Missouri cavalry; was through all the campaigns in which his company was engaged. Was mus- tered out at St. Louis, in 1865. Three years later he was married to Miss Clara E. Bray, who died the following year. In October, 1872, he was again married, Miss Clara J. Creek becoming his bride. Their union brought them three children, Mary, Harry and Ruth. Mr. Evans is now extensively engaged in grocery and produce business, and is numbered among our most substantial business men.
FLICK, HON. J. P., district attorney, residence Bedford, is a native of the Keystone State, and was born in Allegheny county August 28, 1845. When seven years of age his parents moved to Iowa, locating on a farm in Wapello county, near Ottumwa. In the spring of 1857 they came to Tay- lor county and settled near Platteville, where our subject remained until the spring of 1862. At the breaking out of the rebellion he became an earnest advocate of the Union cause, and with a patriotic zeal, characteristic of his
21
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. ancestors, he enlisted April 3, 1862, in company K, Forty-fifth Iowa in- fantry, and served his country faithfully until the close of the war. Al- though but a boy he endured the hardships of war for upwards of three years with great courage and fortitude. He was with his company in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Jackson, Miss., Vicksburg, Ringgold, Ga., and all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign. Soon after his return home he devoted his en- tire attention to the study of law, at which profession he has since contin- ued. In 1868 he was elected county recorder and filled that office two years; was elected to the legislature and represented his district in the Seventeenth General Assembly. In January, 1881, he was appointed dis- trict-attorney, and is now discharging the duties of that office with marked ability. Although comparatively a young man he has the confidence of the people, and is one of the brightest legal lights in southwestern Iowa.
FARLOW, WM. N., Bedford. Born in Miami, Miami county, Indiana, October 10, 1852. In 1856 his parents moved to Taylor county, locating in Benton township, where his youth was spent on a farm, during which time he acquired a liberal education. When nineteen he began teaching school, and continued in that calling until 1878. In 1875 he entered the State Ag- ricultural College, at Ames, remaining one year. The following year he was appointed to the position of book-keeper in the Bedford Bank and filled that position efficiently until February, 1881, when he accepted a position as assistant in the county treasurer's office, which he still occupies. Mr. Farlow has seen many changes in Taylor county; was a pupil in the first school taught in the county. He has since been closely identified with the moral, social and educational interests of the community in which he re- sides.
FRANKLIN, L., real estate dealer and abstracter, Bedford. No sketch of the business interests of this city would be complete without favorable mention of this energetic and enterprising citizen. Although he has been in this county but a short time he has gained the confidence of the people and won an enviable reputation as a business man. He is at present a partner of P. C. King, and the firm is doing an extensive bus- iness.
GREEN, CAPT. J. T., proprietor of Bedford House, Bedford, is a native of Owens county, Kentucky, born in New Liberty, September 12, 1838. There grew to manhood and attended school. Completed his education in the Western Military Institute at Drennon Springs, of that State. His father, E. H. Green, was engaged in the mercantile and hotel business at New Liberty. Was proprietor of the Owens House. He was also largely
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interested in the cultivation and manufacture of tobacco. Had a large plantation and at one time owned and employed upwards of one hundred slaves. When fifteen years of age his parents emigrated to Ray county, Missouri, purchased a large tract of land and engaged in agricultural pur- suits. Though he was reared in the South and had pro slavery principles instilled into his youthful mind, he never forgot the teachings of Clay, and when the cloud of war o'erhung our land, threatening destruction to our sa- cred institutions, he was among the first to respond to the call for troops. Enlisted as captain in the Sixth Missouri cavalry and went at once into active service. Took part in the battles of Blue Mills, Missouri, Lexington and Lone Jack. Engaged in the cavalry charge at Independence and re- ceived a saber wound in a hand to hand fight; also at Cabin Creek, where his regiment captured the rebel Marmaduke and several pieces of artillery. Was in the engagement at Fort Smith, where the Union forces again de- feated the enemy; drove them twelve miles, to Devil's Backbone, where they made a stand. The Union forces were again victorious and captured several pieces and one thousand prisoners. Was mustered out at Spring- field, Missouri, in 1864, and proceeded at once to organize the Thirteenth Missouri veteran cavalry, for three years. He was then ordered to Benton Barracks, St. Louis; remained there until his regiment was thoroughly or- ganized and drilled. Moved out in pursuit of Price; drove him out of the State of Missouri into Arkansas, and had several skirmishes with him. At the close of the rebellion his regiment was ordered to the plains to protect the settlers, stage lines and assist in opening the famous Butterfield, or Smoky Hill route from Ft. Reily to Denver. Arrived at Denver October 1, 1865, and took up winter quarters at that place. During the winter they engaged in protecting the line from Denver to Central City. Mr. Green considered the days he spent on the plains the most pleasant of his military life. He was ordered to Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was mustered out May 16, 1866. He then located at Junction City, Kansas, at that time the terminus of the K. P. R. R., and engaged in the hotel business. Re- mained there seven years, then moved to Arnell Junction, Missouri, and kept the "Arnell," a large eating-house on the Wabash Railroad. He then moved to St. Joseph and engaged in the commission business. Followed that line six months, became dissatisfied and moved to Hopkins, Missouri, and kept the Hopkins House eighteen months, after which he came to Bed- ford and purchased the Bedford House. Was married October 7, 1867, to Miss Mary J., daughter of William Joiner, of Ray county, Missouri. They have three children: Olive, born January 26, 1868; Ella, born May 12, 1871, and Lottie, born September 24, 1874. Subject has been burnt out by
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fire once since his residence here. He. is now proprietor of the Bedford House, a large three story brick, nicely furnished and first-class in every re- spect. It may be said of him as of Logan, that no one ever " entered his house hungry that he gave him not meat." The colonel is one of those genial, courteous and whole-souled gentlemen who can one moment " be a boy with the boys," and in the next " assume the dignity of a czar." He is always happy, has an inexhaustible supply of "pleasing stories," and is unquestionably one of the most popular landlords in the West.
GILES, J. L., livery and feed stable, Bedford. Was born February 22, 1827, in Marion county, New Jersey. While yet a child his parents moved to Marion county, Ohio, where our subject was educated and learned the cooper's trade, which he followed until 1858. He then came to the Hawk- eye State, and located in Mahaska county; while there he engaged in farming. Moved to Wapello county in 1866, remained there one year, then went to Page county, where he resided until coming here in 1879. Shortly after his arrival in this city he entered into a partnership with W. S. Mossman in the livery business. They have a large brick stable, one of the finest in southwestern Iowa, and are doing a good business.
GOODSILL, N., of Goodsill Bros. Among the many enterprising busi- ness men of this county, no one has a more enviable reputation for integrity and business capacity than Mr. G. He was born in Canada, in 1841. His parents were formerly from Vermont, but had made a brief sojourn in Canada, returning to his home in Vermont during our subject's childhood. In 1847 they removed to Illinois, locating in McHenry county on a farm, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until the summer of 1863, when he enlisted in company I, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois infantry. After serving about six months on detached duty, he was mustered out with his company in October of that year. He then went to Chicago, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed until 1870. He then moved to Hopkins, Missouri, and there engaged in the lumber business with his brother, who had previously located there. December 25, 1870, they established a lumber business at Bedford, which has since grown, and is now one of the largest in the country. In 1871 they embarked in the hardware business, and are numbered among our most substantial firms. In 1874, feeling the want of banking facilities to accommodate their im- mense trade, they established the Bank of Hopkins, and in 1878 organized and established the Citizens' Bank of Bedford, both of which are conducted on sound financial principles, and are possessed of ample capital to enable them to do an extensive volume of business. The firm is also engaged in a general merchandizing business at Conway, where they deal extensively in
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dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, groceries, agricultural implements, etc., etc. They have also erected a large flouring-mill at Lenox, which is worth at least $20,000, and is a valuable addition to the industries of the town. They also possess improved farms that are worth $25,000; and it can truthfully be said that every enterprise of moment that would enhance the interests of the county has received their earnest support and encouragement. In their history we see the rise of inen of limited capital to a place among the wealthiest of southwestern Iowa, men who have by their indomitable courage, persistent efforts and close application to business accumulated much of this world's goods, and secured pleasant homes for the decline of life.
GUTHRIE, DR. J. W., physician and surgeon, Bedford, is a native of Ohio, born in Holmes county, July 30, 1827. Was raised and educated in Holmes and Wayne counties. Commenced the study of medicine in Wayne county under Dr. Martin, with whom he pursued his studies three years. He then entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and took a course in the medical department, also a course in chemistry, and graduated in the spring of 1862. After graduating he went to Massilon, Ohio, and commenced the practice of his profession. Was appointed assistant sur- geon of the Twentieth Ohio infantry volunteers, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. Operated on the fields of Burnsville, Corinth, Vicksburg, etc. Of the forty-two battles inscribed on the flag of the Twentieth Ohio, the Dr. has a distinct recollection, he having taken a great part in caring for the sick and wounded. He at one time had charge of the hospital at La Grange, Tennessee, and again, in front of Kenesaw Mount- ain, took charge of a host of maimed whose piteous cries for help would have moved a heart of steel, yet through all these trying scenes the Dr. remembered his duty and labored to ameliorate the sufferings of his fellow beings. On the 22d of July, 1864, while the army was investing Atlanta, the Dr. stood on an eminence and witnessed Gen. J. B. McPherson leading the Sixteenth army corps into the fatal gap from which the gallant general never returned. He was also at the capture of Savannah, and witnessed the surrender of Gen. Joseph E. Johnson to Gen. Sherman. Was made pur- veyor of the Fifteenth army corps, and had charge of all the medical sup- plies, which position he held at the close of the war. When his services were no longer needed in the field he came to Iowa, located in Scott county, and engaged in the practice of his profession. Remaining there a short ime he returned to Worcester, Ohio, and engaged for a time in the drug business, then returned to the Hawkeye State and practiced medicine at Clarinda, Page county, for about six years. He next went to Kansas City,
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