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 70

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : State Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 868

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 70

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Missouri, and engaged as traveling correspondent for the Kansas City Journal, after which he came to Bedford, and has since made it his home. Was married in 1872 to Miss Ada Bently, of Chicago, who was at the time of their marriage a teacher in the schools of Cleveland, Ohio. They have two children. Dr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Presbyterian Church.

GREENLEE, H. U., mason and builder, Bedford. Born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1843. His early life was spent as a sawyer in his father's mill. His familiarity with steam machinery induced him to stand the examination required by the laws of that State, which he readily passed, and received a certificate from the board of examiners as a steam-engineer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania cavalry, and participated in all the engagements of that famous troop, including Antie- tam, Chancellorsville, Parker's Store, cavalry charge at Aldie, Spottsylvania Court-house, the Wilderness. Was severely wounded, and had his horse shot from under him at Mine Run. Followed Phil. Sheridan in all his raids through Virginia. Was present at the surrender of Lee at Appo- matox, and was discharged at Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1865. He came to Taylor county in 1866, and engaged at his trade, which he still follows and works a number of hands. He also owns and operates a stone-quarry and limekiln. Mr. G. was married in 1871, to Miss Mary Tucker, daughter of Thos. Tucker, one of the first settlers of this county. They have five chil- dren: Minnie, Hattie, Clara and Carrie (twins), and Harry U.

GOLLIDAY, ALFRED M., physician and druggist, Bedford, was born in Indiana, December 14, 1830. During childhood, his parents moved with him to Vermillion county, Illinois, where he attained to his eleventh year. They next became residents of Fulton county, same State. When about twenty years of age, he commenced the study of medicine under the direction of his father, Dr. W. P. Golliday; pursued his studies one year, then entered the drug store of Dr. L. G. Thompson, of Lincoln, Illinois, and continued the study of medicine and chemistry until the autumn of 1857. He then entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, which he attended during sessions of 1857-8. In February, he returned to Bed- ford, and ministered to the afflicted until the following winter, when he again entered college, and graduated with honor in the spring of 1876. He again returned to Bedford, and resumed the practice of his profession. He soon built up a large practice, extending into adjoining counties and Mis- souri. Although not a lucrative business, owing to the indigence of the early settlers, it was certainly a pleasant one for the doctor, who never re- fused his efforts to alleviate the sufferings of his fellow men. In 1866, he began the drug business, and has continued in that line ever since. He

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now carries a complete and select stock of drugs, and enjoys a large trade. Although past the meridian of life, he yet remains an old bachelor and still continues the practice of his profession within the confines of his own vicinity.

HOUCK, EDWIN, founder of Bedford, is a native of Jefferson county, New York; born January 16, 1820. When about seven years of age his parents moved to Chautauqua county, of that State, where young Edwin re- inained until his eighteenth year. While there, in the deep forests of the Empire State, our subject enjoyed the grandeur of pioneer life, and learned the rudiments of an education which he has since put to a commendable use. In 1838 his parents became residents of Crawford county, Pennsyl- vania, where they purchased and improved a farm in what was then a sparsely settled region. While there, his time was spent in attending to the duties on the farm, and teaching. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Johnson, a native of Connecticut. In the spring of 1854, he again started westward, for the purpose of securing for himself a home. Arriving at this place, he purchased eighty acres of land and erected the second building in what is now the city of Bedford. His house was that of a pioneer, built of logs, with puncheon floor, and possessed all the requisites of comfort, if not of luxury. His family arrived in the autumn of that year, and found him comfortably situated on the bleak prairies of south- western Iowa. His farm was divided into lots, and to-day the beauti- ful and enterprising city of Bedford stands on land once owned and tilled by Edwin Houck. Since the founding of the city, he has used every oppor- tunity to promote its interests. He established the first printing office in the county. Although he has never been a political aspirant, he has taken great interest in public affairs, and has ever held tenaciously to the Repub- lican faith. Mr. H. is now extensively engaged in the sale of agricultural implements and farm machinery, and has ample means to enjoy the com- forts of life.

HOUCK, A. S., Bedford. Born September 6, 1832, in Chautauqua county, New York. When eight years of age, his parents moved to Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania, bought a farm, and by their united efforts put it in a good state of cultivation. Although circumstances prevented him from obtaining an education while young, he has since, by extensive read- ing and practical study, acquired sufficient knowledge to make a success of life. When seventeen years of age, he commenced learning the carpenter trade, which he pursued for several years with a marked degree of success. In 1856 he became impressed with a strong desire to visit the Great West, and in August of that year came to Bedford. He at once entered one

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hundred and sixty acres of land and erected a small cabin, and began the arduous task of opening up a farm on the bleak prairies of southwestern Iowa. He was also engaged at his trade, and erected the first frame build- ing in Bedford. In the spring of 1860, he, with a party of enthusiastic seekers after gold, started across the plains for Pike's Peak. Before reach- ing their destination, the fever, caused by the excitement which then pre- vailed throughout the country over the reported discovery of untold treas- ures, had somewhat abated. After remaining in the gold-fields two and a half years, he returned to Bedford. In July, 1863, he enlisted in company B, Ninth Iowa cavalry; was with his company on scouting expeditions through Missouri and Arkansas; was promoted to the position of commis- sary sergeant; was taken sick in May, 1865, and sent to the hospital at Little Rock, Arkansas, and subsequently discharged on account of physical disability. In June, 1865, he returned to Bedford. A decade since, he commenced the sale of agricultural implements and farm machinery, at which business he still continues. He was married, October 18, 1867, to Miss Angeline Hunnel, of Argyle, Wisconsin. Two years later she passed from earth, leaving one child, Irving. On February 2, 1873, Miss Laura Blackwell, of Illinois, became his wife. From this union there are three children: Iola, Martin and Jessie. Politically, Mr. H. is a staunch Re- publican, though not a politician in any sense. He has ever been an earn- est advocate in the cause of temperance.

HUSTON, J. E., attorney, Bedford, is a native of her Majesty's Do- minion, having been born in Canada in 1837. When about two years of age his parents became residents of Freeport, Illinois. At the age of six he went to Wisconsin, and in 1848 removed to Jefferson county, Missouri, where he remained about two years. He then returned to Wisconsin, and in the fall of 1862 was enrolled as chaplain of the One Hundred and Sec- ond Illinois, and served in that capacity until the autumn of 1864, when he resigned and returned to Mercer county, Illinois. Remaining there a few months he went to Andrew county, Missouri. In 1866 he engaged in ministerial work, and after one year's labor entered the field of journalism, and conducted the New Era, a newspaper of Savannah, Mo., for about five years. He afterward acted as court reporter for the Third and Thirteenth judicial districts of Iowa for six years. He became a resident of this county in 1878, located at Bedford, and engaged in his present business. He was admitted to the bar, and soon gained an enviable reputation as a practitioner. In February, 1861, he was elected justice of the peace, and is now discharging the duties of that office. Mr. Huston is a gentleman of

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liberal culture and versatility of talent. He is an active member of the M. E. Church, and a zealous worker in the cause of temperance.

JEFFREY, W. P., county superintendent of schools, Bedford, is a na- tive of the Hoosier State; born March 24, 1844. Remained in his native State ten years, then came to the prairies of Iowa with his parents, who were among the earliest settlers of Adams county. The father resides to- day on the land he entered more than a quarter century ago. There it was that our subject learned to use the axe and hoe, and where he attended the common schools of that early day. Being naturally quick to learn, and very studious, he soon prepared himself for teaching, and followed that business until 1864. He then entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, and graduated from that institution in 1867, receiving the degree of A. B. He then took charge of the Quincy (Adams county) schools, and remained in that position four years. Was then appointed superintendent of schools of Adams county, in which capacity he served until the close of that official term, when he was reelected; also took charge of the schools at Corning, filling both positions for two years. From Corning he went to Shenandoah, and took charge of the schools at that place, but was compelled to resign on account of ill health. In the spring of 1877 he moved to Bedford and engaged in the drug business; two years later entered the medical college at St. Joseph, Mo., graduating as an M. D. March 3, 1880. The fall previous he was elected county superin- tendent of schools for this county, which position he now fills to the satis- faction of all. Was married April 23, 1872, to Miss Belle Werdner, of Clarinda, Page county. They have one child, Frank D. Mr. Jeffrey, al- though a young man, has done a great amount of mental labor; in fact, most of his life has been one of constant mental activity. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

KERR, J. C., principal Bedford schools, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, July, 1850. When but a child his parents moved to Iowa, and settled in Appanoose county, where our subject was raised. on a farm and attended the common schools. He entered the high school at Garden Grove, Decatur county, graduating in 1874; then became a student of the Iowa State University, and graduated from that institution in the spring of 1877. He then came to Bedford and took charge of the public school, which at that time was not graded. He at once graded the school, prepared a course of study, and established what is now the Bedford high school. Although he has been here but four years, he has perfected an excellent system, and is meeting with the greatest success as an instructor-gradu-

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ating a class of eight in 1880, and another of nine in 1881. Prof. Kerr is a young man of extraordinary ability, and is fast gaining a reputation as one of the leading educators of the State.

KING, P. C., county treasurer. Subject was born in Lee county, Iowa, July 31st, 1845. When five years of age his parents moved to Appanoose county and there remained a half decade. Then came to Taylor county, locating on a farm in Jefferson township. There his days were spent in agricultural pursuits and in acquiring an education. At the breaking out of the war he became impressed with the justness of the Union cause and desired to lend his efforts to preserve the Republic entire. He enlisted August 5th, 1861, in company K, Fourth Iowa infantry. Was with his company during many "storms of shot and shell" among which were the battles of Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi; Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and numerous others. Was with Sherman in his march to the sea. During service he was promoted to a lieutenancy. He was mustered out August 5th, 1865, having faithfully served his country and having braved the storms of many bloody fields. He then returned to his home and engaged in teaching. In the fall of 1877 he was elected county treasurer which office he has filled efficiently until the present time and has proven a most obliging and worthy officer. March 15, 1867, Miss I. O. Hillyer became his bride. From this union there are four children living: Rollin A., Paschal E., Rowena and Dell.

LEWIS, L. N. attorney at law, and real estate dealer, Bedford, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Susquehanna county November 5th, 1823. His father being a farmer our subject spent his youth in that healthful employ- ment, receiving his education in the common schools. Removed to Wis- consin when about twenty-seven years of age and engaged in the manufac- ture of wagons and carriages for a time. Came to lowa in 1858, settling in Ringgold county and engaging in farming near Mormontown. Tilled the soil four years then went to Mt. Ayr and commenced the study of Jaw. Was admitted to the bar in Bedford before Judge Day in 1864. Commenced the practice of his profession at Mt. Ayr; remained there about three years when owing to the excellence of the schools at Clarinda Page county, he removed to that place that he might educate his children. In 1867 he came to Bedford, purchased fifty acres of land adjoining what is known now as "Lewis' Addition" and engaged in the practice of his pro- fession and in real estate business. Since coming to this city he has been very successful as a practitioner and has accumulated a considerable property.

HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY. 651

Was married in 1851 to Miss Hasley A. Ressegue, a native of the Keystone State. Their union has been blessed with five children, all living.

LONG, W. M. P. farmer and stock-dealer, Bedford, was born in Mon- roe county, West Virginia, December 25, 1801. When about nineteen years of age he moved to Kentucky and settled on the Big Sandy River and at twenty-five located at Pine Hook, Indiana. While there he was married to Miss Hannah Pope, a daughter of Samuel Pope, of Lebanon, Ohio. In 1833 he settled near Indianapolis where he remained two and a half years, then went to Greencastle, Indiana where he followed stone-masonry until he removed to Iowa in 1850. He first settled in Lucas county but in 1854 came to Taylor county and located at Bedford. February 22, 1871 Mrs. Long died and our subject married Miss C. A. Byers, a native of New York State. Of their children eight are now living. Mr. Long has been closely identified with the social, moral and religious interests of the county and has also been an active worker in the cause of temperance.

LITTEER, A. J., retired farmer, Bedford. Among those who left com- fortable homes and came west to establish civilization-to brave the hard- ships of pioneer life, none are deserving of more credit than is Mr. L. He was born November 7, 1828 in Sussex county, New Jersey, and spent his early youth in attending school and aiding on the farm. In 1848 he went to New York City where he remained until 1851. He then moved to Yates county of that State and in 1855 came to Taylor county Iowa. He bought and improved a farm near Conway. A decade later he moved to Bedford where he has since remained. Churches, schools, etc., were unknown at the time of his coming to this county, but by active measures adopted by our subject and others these requisites to civilization were established. He was married in this county September 23, 1858, to Miss Mary Lewis, a na- tive of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and a lady of culture and refine- ment. She is a classical graduate of Chester county institute of Chester county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Litteer has witnessed nearly the entire growth of this county and has manifested great interest in its development. His success in business may be inferred from a knowledge that he began here with limted means and by industry and careful management has succeeded in securing a valuable property and a quiet comfortable home. He also owns a most desirable stock farm of four hundred and sixty acres in Marshall township. As a public servant Mr. L. has always commanded the admira- tion and esteem of his fellow men.

LONG, H. P., auditor of Taylor county, Bedford, is a native of Indiana, born in Greencastle, February 22, 1852. During his infancy his parents brought him to Chariton, Iowa and in 1857 came to Taylor county. Here

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young Long attended school, gained a liberal education and has since put it to excellent use. Although a young man, Mr. L. has filled many posi- tions of responsibility and has always discharged his duties with the strict- est integrity. Politically he has ever been a staunch Republican. He was married in October, 1878, to Miss Carrie F. Parks, a native of Michigan.

MEEK, A. S., jeweler, Bedford, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Tuscarawas county May 30, 1838. When about ten years of age he moved with his parents, Joseph M. and Eliza Meek, to Washington county, Iowa. There our subject engaged in farming and attended the common schools. Completed his education in Washington College, of Washington, Iowa. Engaged in teaching during the winter of 1861-2. Became a resi- dent of Page county in the last named year, and followed various occupa- tions, running a threshing-machine, etc. In 1864 he engaged as clerk in the mercantile house of J. D. Hawley, Clarinda, and continued in that employment one year; he then became interested in the carding and woolen manufacturing business at that place in which he continued five years. Came to Taylor county in 1870, located on a farm near this city, and engaged in agricultural pursuits for a time. Became a resident of Bedford in 1872, and has since conducted his present business. Subject was married July 12, 1863, to Miss Mary E., daughter of David and Fransinkie Abbott, of Page county, formerly of Indiana. Of their children, three are living: Luella May, born November 23, 1864; Georgia Estella, born September 8, 1866; and Harry Alexander, born October 16, 1874; one, Gracie Deett, was born October 11, 1870, and died May 23, 1872. Mr. Meek is thoroughly a self-inade man, acquiring his education by his own exer- tions, and, though not a practical jeweler, he understands well how to con- duct a business of that character; by keeping in his employ the best work- men and attending closely to his business, he has gained the confidence and esteem of the public and receives a liberal patronage. He also keeps a good supply of sewing machines, machine fixtures, etc. Subject possesses extraordinary qualifications; always courteous and obliging, he has gained an enviable reputation as a business man. He is surrounded by an inter- esting family which makes his one of the happiest of homes.

MOHLER, HENRY, attorney at law and real estate dealer, Bedford, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, July 16th, 1850. When about three years of age his parents came to Taylor county and settled near this city. Here he was reared and attended Bedford schools. Having a desire to complete his education, he took a course in the Bryant Business College, at St. Joseph, Missouri, and graduated from that institution in September, 1872. He then engaged in teaching in the common schools of this county several

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years, and was subsequently employed as instructor in the third department Bedford high school. His next employment was the arduous task of com- pling a set of abstracts for Taylor county, for which he realized one thou- sand three hundred dollars. After completing these, he engaged in the real estate business and remained in that occupation until February, 1878. He then commenced the study of law with Lyman Evans and one year later was admitted to the bar and has since practiced his profession in con- nection with the real estate business. Mr. Mohler is one of the rising young men of Taylor county, is far seeing, energetic and possesses extraordinary talent as a member of the bar. By his industry and economy he has accu- mulated considerable wealth since coming to this county, and by his courtesy and obliging disposition has won the confidence and respect of the people.

MOHLER, L., retired farmer, Bedford, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 13th, 1813. When about twelve years of age his parents, Jno. A. and Catherine Mohler, moved to Richland county, Ohio, and in 1831 became residents of Morgan county, same State, and en- gaged in farming six years. He then went to Muskingum county, located at Zanesville, and engaged in the manufacture of furniture about two years, after which he embarked in the grocery and confectionery business for a time. Tried wholesale peddling for two years, then engaged in the marble and tombstone business; came to Taylor county in 1855, locating in Clay- ton township and tilled the soil for nearly a decade. Came to his present location in 1863 and has since made this city his home. Was married April 12th, 1837, to Miss Lucinda Pletchar of Morgan county, Ohio. She was born in 1819. They are the parents of fourteen children. Nine are living, Christopher C., Sarah Ann, Henry, Lucinda, George S., Charles M., Jno. F., William Alexander and Douglas C. Mr. Mohler has a farm of two hundred acres well improved with comfortable house, large barn, good orchard, and has ample means to enjoy the comforts of life during his de- clining years. His experience with the Indians when a pioneer, together with his connection with the development of Taylor county, will be found elsewhere. He and Mrs. Mohler are members of the Lutheran Church.

MOSER, HON. R. A., Bedford, is one of the pioneer settlers of this county. He was born near Bethlehem, Northampton county, Penn- sylvania, October 9, 1825. He there remained until his fifteenth year when he removed with his parents to Pike county, Ohio. In 1849 he was married in Scioto county of that State, to Miss Rebecca Reynolds. Having a strong desire to visit the West and believing that Iowa offered superior inducements to men of industry, he came to Wapello county in the spring

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of 1850 and located near Eddyville. There he remained conducting a farm until 1852, when he moved to Marion county. In the autumn of 1854 he came to Taylor county and located near Lexington, where he purchased and improved a farm. In 1868 he commenced the mercantile business. Mr. M. has witnessed almost the entire growth of Taylor county, has filled many positions of public trust, always preserving the strictest integrity. At the election of 1859 he was chosen to represent his district in the legis- lature, and was reelected and served in the Eighth and Ninth General As- semblies. He has ever been closely identified with measures for public im- provement. He aided materially in the construction of the railroad in this county, being associated with E. T. Smith in several grading contracts. In 1877, owing to physical disabilities, Mr. Moser retired from active life. Although afflicted physically he yet retains his intellectual powers, and has for several years given his attention to the literary field. He is now en- gaged in writing a novel which doubtless will possess rare literary merit. His family consists of five children: Dorus C., Elmer E., Ulysses Grant, Mary F., and Eddie Sherman.

McCONVILL, H., lumber merchant, Bedford, is an Eastern man; was born in New York City in 1843. When about ten years of age he went to Woolworth county, Wisconsin, thence to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he resided until the breaking out of the war. In May, 1861, he enlisted in company C, Twelfth United States, regular army, and participated with his company in many of the hardest fought battles of the war, among which were the battles of Antietam, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Laurel Hill, North- Anna, Bethesda Church etc. Was taken prisoner at Cold Harbor and was held in Libby, Andersonville and other prisons until near the close of hos- tilities in 1865. He was paroled, returned to his home in Fillmore county, Minnesota, and shortly after went to the pineries of Wisconsin, and en- gaged in the lumber business. He came to this county in the spring of 1871, established a lumber trade and is now doing an extensive business. · In 1869 he took unto himself Miss Kate Riley of Fillmore county, Minne- sota. This union has brought them four children. Mr. McConville has been eminently successful as a business man and now enjoys the comforts of an elegantly arranged home.

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Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Des Moines : State Historical Co. Number of Pages: 868

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : State Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 868