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 74
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GAY TOWNSHIP.
BEAMER, ISAAC M., farmer, section one, post-office Conway, was born in 1834, in Clinton county, Ohio. When twenty years of age he came to Iowa and settled in Appanoose county, where he remained until the commencement of the war. He then enlisted in company G, Thirty-sixth Iowa, and participated in the battles of Helena, Little Rock, etc. At Mark's Mills he fell into the hands of the enemy; was held a prisoner at Tyler, Texas, for ten months; was then exchanged and returned to his regiment, at St. Charles, Arkansas, and remained with it until the close of the war. He was discharged at Duvall's Bluffs, Arkansas, and returned to Appanoose county, Iowa, remaining there until 1869, when he went to Putnam county, Missouri. In 1876 he returned to Iowa, locating in Tay-
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lor county, where he now resides. In 1856 he chose as his companion Miss Ellen Wells, of Indiana. Mrs. Beamer died in 1866, and the following year he married Mrs. Phobe Wolfinger, a native of Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are Elmer A. and John B. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
BESCO, J. E., section thirty two, post-office Platteville, was born in Scioto county, Ohio, in 1843; there attained man's estate and received a common school education. In 1860 he came to Wapello county, Iowa, with his parents, and in March, 1862, enlisted in company C, Seventeenth Iowa. He was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Ft. Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Hiller's Creek, Big Creek, seige of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, and Mission Ridge. October 13, 1864, he was taken prisoner at Tilton, Georgia; was imprisoned at Millen, and remained three months. He was then paroled and exchanged before reaching the Union lines. He rejoined his command at Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he received a veteran furlough and returned home. He was mustered out at Davenport, and, returning to Wapello county, was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Steele, in 1865. They are the parents of eight children : James E., Charles, John F., Charlotte, George and Henry (twins), Edna and Clara. In 1871 he came to Taylor county, and has since engaged in farming.
BRIGGS, GEO. W., blacksmith, section twenty-three, post-office Bedford, was born in Henry county, Ohio, in 1846, where he spent his boyhood days, attending the common schools. In 1864 he enlisted in company G, One Hun- dred and Fortieth Illinois, and remained in the service six months. He was discharged at Chicago, and returned home. After learning his trade he opened a shop in Mercer county, where he managed a farm, stone-quarry and shop for six years. He afterward disposed of his property and engaged exclusively in farming. In 1879 he came west and located on his present farm, where he has erected a large building, and carries on a wagon, black- smith and repair shop, in connection with his farm. He is also engaged in raising stock. In 1870 he married Miss Laura O. Bears, a native of Ohio. From this union there was one child, Lucy A. In 1875 Mrs. Briggs died, and on July 4, 1876, he married Miss S. S. Willett, by whom he has four children: Bertha May, James Ernest, Edward A. and Etta Alma (twins).
DAVIS, REV. AARON, section thirteen, post-office Conway. Mr. Davis is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was born July 11, 1822. There he grew to manhood, and received a common school education. In 1840 he, with his parents, removed to Morgan county, Ohio, where young Davis remained until 1847, when he followed the advice of the immortal Greeley and came west to grow up with the country. He
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located in Henry county, Illinois. Improved two farms, but not having sufficient land, sold his possessions and came to Iowa, that he might locate his children near him. Finding a tract that suited him, he purchased a section, giving to each of his children a farm, and is himself finely situated. Mr. D. has been twice married, in 1843 to Miss Mercy Palmer, of Ohio, by whom he had seven children: John (who lost his life in defense of the Union), Sarah E. (wife of Asa Stowell), J. D. (deceased), J. E. (wife of J. S. Heasly), Margaret A., D. W. and J. C. S. November 16, 1870, Mrs. Davis departed this life, and the following year subject was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah Jackson, of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who now presides with dignity over his fine home. Mr. D. was once a minister in the Christian Church. In 1871 he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; was licensed to preach, and is at present doing minis- terial work. He is connected with the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M. orders.
FRANKLIN, W. S., farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office Platteville, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1840. When ten years of age our subject moved with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, where he at- tended the common schools, and finished his education in Fostoria Academy. After this he engaged in teaching. In August, 1861, he enlisted in company H, Forty-ninth Ohio, and served until November 30, 1865. During his service in the army he participated in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesborough, and was with Buell in his marches and countermarches through Kentucky and Tennessee. He was then detached and sent home as a recruiting officer. He returned to his regiment at Columbus, and par- ticipated in the campaign through Georgia; was wounded at Jonesboro, and sent back to the hospital at Lookout Mountain. After recovering, he again joined his regiment and served until mustered out. He then re- turned to Ohio, where he remained but a short time. Starting west, he settled in Iowa county, Iowa, and engaged in farming and school-teaching. Was twice elected county commissioner, resigned and came to Taylor county, where he now resides. Since coming to this county he has held many offi- ces of public trust. In 1879 was the Greenback candidate for county treasurer. On the 4th of March, 1860, he was married to Miss S. C. Kum- ple, also a native of Ohio. They are the parents of five children: Omar, Arthur, Harmon, Elmer and Mary Alverda. Mr. F. is a member of the I. O.O. F.
GARROW, GEO., section twenty-eight, post-office Platteville. The subject of this sketch was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1834. There he grew to manhood, and was educated in the parish schools. . When twenty-
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two he came to America and settled in Richland county, Ohio; while there he engaged in tilling the soil. In 1864 he came to Iowa and settled in Taylor county, where he has improved two farms. He now owns an excel- lent farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and is prospering finely. He brought with him to Iowa one thousand sheep, but the country was then new, and after trying the business four years he disposed of the flocks and devoted his time exclusively to agriculture. In 1863 he married Miss Isa- belle Glennie, a native of Scotland, and a very estimable lady. They are the parents of four children: Mary A. (wife of Willis Daily), Margaret E., Phobe J. and John A. Mr. and Mrs. Garrow are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church.
GINN, W. E., section eighteen, post office Conway, began life in Greene county, Ohio, in 1828. He there grew to manhood; received a lib- eral education; learned the carpenter trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years. He then returned to the farm and engaged in stock-raising. In 1846 he was married to Miss Mary Real, of Montgomery county, Ohio. From their union there were seven children: John H. (who served in the Seventy-fourth Ohio during the war), Adaline E. (wife of Nathan Riley), William L. (deceased) and Aaron T. (twins), B. F., Charles, A. L. and O. P. Mrs. Ginn died in 1861, and the year following he married Miss Katie Moody, a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She was educated at Dicken- son College, and is a lady of superior literary attainments. They are the parents of three children: Katie Belle, Maggie B. and Samuel A. In 1868 Mr. G. came to Iowa, and in 1876 to Taylor county, and took charge of a farm of four hundred and eighty acres, the property of B. F. Daily, of Mt. Pleasant. He has growing on the farm five hundred fruit trees, also twenty thousand forest trees, consisting of maple, box elder, coffee nut, wal- nut and chestnut. He is certainly one of our most successful farmers.
HARVEY, R. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-two, post- office Bedford, was ushered into this world in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1830. He there received an excellent common school education, and in 1856 left the Buckeye State and settled in Knox county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming, and remained three years. He then returned to Ohio, and in 1864 enlisted in company H, One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio; served three months, participating in the battles of Paw Paw Station, Vir- ginia, and Oldtown, Maryland; was discharged, returned home and re- mained until 1866, when he again moved to Illinois, and settled in Knox county. In 1870 he came to this State and located in Taylor county, on his present farm. He now owns five hundred and thirty acres, which he has improved since coming to this county. In 1854 Miss R. C. Cazel, of Ohio,
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became his happy bride. They are the parents of nine children; eight are now living: Mary E. (wife of C. C. Welford), Joseph T., Sarah (deceased), George, William A., Ambrose M., Frank A., Clara B. and Hattie C. Sub- ject and lady are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HICKENLOOPER, S. B., section thirty-three, post-office Platteville, is a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1835. When nine years of age his parents became residents of Hancock county, Illinois, and four years later came to Monroe county, Iowa, where he attended the common schools and received a liberal education. In 1858 he became a resident of this county, and engaged in the saw-mill business until recent years. He is nicely located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, well improved, and has an orchard of four hundred trees. He was married in 1860 to Miss Ann E. King, of this county. From this union there are seven children: Josephine (wife of C. S. King), Flora, Sherman, Nathan, Ernest, George and Maud. He and Mrs. H. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a prominent Sunday-school worker. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F.
HILLYER, HON. L. W., section twenty-one, post-office Platteville, was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1818. There he arrived at man's estate and finished his education in Granville College. At an early age he learned the dry goods business with his brother-in-law, and did business with his brother in Utica, Ohio, until 1849, when he accepted a position as salesman in the wholesale house of Avery, Butler & Cecil, which position he held for seven years. In 1858 he came to Iowa and located in Taylor county. Since then he lias been engaged in agriculture, and has ever been found identified with measures for public improvements. Mr. H. has held many offices of responsibility, having been sent to the State senate in 1860, and serving in that body during the dark and trying hours of the rebellion. He has also filled tlie office of county commissioner for several terms. During the whole of his public life he proved himself eminently deserving of the trust bestowed by his constituents; and now, while the shades of life are falling toward the east, he enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. Has a farm of two hundred and six acres, well improved. Subject was married in 1837 to Miss Mary Fuller, of Ohio. Four children sprang from their union: Justin, George K., J. O (wife of P. C. King), and Frank E. In July, 1880, Mrs. Hillyer passed away, after a married life of forty-two years. Mr. H. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also of the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M.
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PINER, R. W., farmer and stock-grower, section one, post-office Conway. Born in Onslow county, North Carolina, in 1822, and there attained his majority. In 1854 he left the State of his nativity and located in Indiana. Remained there two years and then went to Illinois. Stopped one year at Monmouth, after which he moved to Minnesota, locating in Wabashaw county, and was soon after appointed deputy sheriff. Subject served in that capacity for a short time, when the sheriff resigned and he was ap- pointed to serve his unexpired time. At the next general election he was chosen to that position and served until the beginning of the late war. He then enlisted in company G, Fifth Minnesota; served fifteen months; par- ticipated in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Jackson (Tennessee), and was dis- charged at Memphis on account of physical disabilities, and returned to Minnesota. Recovering somewhat from his injuries he reënlisted in the First Minnesota heavy artillery, and remained in the field until the South laid down their arms and acknowledged the supremacy of the general gov- ernment. He again returned to his northern home and soon after came down the Mississippi on a raft. Stopping at Burlington he engaged with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company to work on bridges, and remained with thein six years. He came to Taylor county in 1875 and settled on his present farm of eighty acres. In 1873 he married Miss Car- oline Bye, of Knox county, Illinois. They have two children: Roberta and Charlie. Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
PROPST, DANIEL M., section thirty, post-office Platteville. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Virginia in 1837, and spent his early youth in acquiring an education in the subscription schools of Virginia. In the fall of 1856 his parents became residents of Iowa, settling in Scott county. There they remained two years when they came to Taylor county. Mr. P. has an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres, well improved, fine barn and other buildings, and is a very successful farmer. In 1869 he was married to Miss Mary Burnside, a native of Ohio. From this union there are four children: Nannie, Allie, Elsie and Stella. Mr. Propst has held many offices in his township, and enjoys the confidence of all his neigh- bors. He and his estimable lady are members of the Baptist Church.
SHEARER, DANIEL S., section eight, post-office Conway. Born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1820; seven years later his parents moved to Indiana and settled near Indianapolis, where our subject attained his ma- jority and received an education in the common schools. In 1848 he came west and settled in Washington county, Iowa, where he improved a farm and remained five years. He then moved to Wapello county, remaining
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eleven years; thence to Monroe county, and in 1868 came to Taylor county. He now owns eighty acres of land, nicely improved, and has a pleasant home. In 1850 he took unto himself Miss Sarah F. Trailor, a native of Illinois. Mrs. S. died five years later, leaving three children. Two are now living: Nancy E. (wife of Frank Drew, of Creston), and William H. In 1856 he was married to Miss Mary Williams, of Kentucky. They are the parents of five children, living: John S., Lanra I., Leonora E., Martha J. and Eddie K. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SMALLEY, J. C., farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office Platteville, commenced this life in Ross county, Ohio, and received his education in an old log school-honse. In 1857 he started west, having with him about two hun- dred and fifty dollars. He came down the Ohio River to its mouth, thence up the Mississippi and Missouri to where Hamburg now stands, and loca- ted in Fremont county, having spent over half his money on the voyage. He remained in Fremont county three years, then came to Taylor county and settled on his present home. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres. He built the fourth honse in Gay township, assisted in its or- ganization, and at the first election was chosen justice of the peace, which office he held eleven years in succession. His long continuance in office, and the fact that not one of his decisions was ever reversed by the Circuit Court, are evidences of his excellent judgment and the justness of his de- cisions. He has always taken great interest in public improvements. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret M. Murray. The cer- emony took place at the old Woodbridge House, Chillicothe, Ohio, and was performed' by Rev. P. P. Ingalls, now of Des Moines, Iowa. From this union came six children. Four are now living: Oliver C., Joseph W., Wil- liam F. and Isa. Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
VAN REENAN, M. J., section thirty, post-office Platteville. Our sub- ject is a native of Holland, was born in Utrecht in 1830; learned the trade of brass founder with his father. When a youth his parents emigrated to the United States and settled in Pocahontas county, Virginia. There young Van Reenan grew to manhood. In 1861 he came to Iowa and settled in Scott county and engaged in farming until 1870. He then came to Taylor connty, having but fifty dollars. He now owns two hundred and twenty- five acres of good land, one hundred and sixty of which are improved and well stocked. He has lately turned his attention to the raising of onions and sorghum, with great success. In 1852 he married Miss Lizzie Hannah, a native of Virginia." They have four children: Margaret J., wife of Jos.
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Watterman, John D., Robt C. and Mary T., wife of John Hartley. Mr. and Mrs. Van Reenan are members of the M. E. Church.
WILCOX, JOHN W., farmer and stock-grower, section thirty, post-office Platteville, born in Erie county, Ohio, in 1843. When two years of age his parents moved to Adams county, Indiana. Here young Wilcox tilled the soil and attended school, enlisting when nineteen in company F, Eighty- eighth Indiana, and served faithfully during the entire years of the re- bellion. Took part in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, Stone River, Chickamagua, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw, Snake Gap Creek, Siege of Atlanta and Jonesboro. His regiment was engaged in seventeen battles, only one of which he missed; participated in the grand review at Washington; was discharged June 7, 1865 and returned to his home and engaged in tilling the soil. In 1867 he came westward and located in Adams county, remained there twelve years, then came to Taylor county and has since made it his home. He was married in 1867 to Miss Sarah A. Peckham, of Indiana. They have four children: Wm. B., Esther M. J., Emma J. and Bertha B. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the M. E. Church. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity.
GRANT. TOWNSHIP.
BUCHANAN, DR. H. M., section twenty, post-office Conway. Promi- nent among those who have prospered this country by transforming it from a bleak waste of prairie to one of fine farms and beautiful homes we find Mr. B. He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1822. Was educated in Washington county where he attended Jefferson College and afterward studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Miller, completing his course in a private medical school in Philadelphia. Although possessed of an excellent knowledge of the science of medicine the doctor has never nade the practice of it a specialty. In 1853 he emigrated to Illinois and remained in that State until 1871, engaged in improving several farms ,nd also in the drug business in Mercer county. Was a member of the board of supervisors of that county for four years. He came to Iowa in 871 and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, and retaining ighty acres gave the balance to his sons. His is one of the most pleasant omes in the township. The doctor is still compelled by his neighbors to practice medicine, though much against his will. In 1844 he was united in
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marriage to Miss Elizabeth Foster, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1822. They are the parents of five children: John A., Theodore C., Frank M., Anna, wife of Harris Wright, and Libbie. The people of this township have elected him to the office of assessor three times since his residence here. The first election he attended polled four- teen votes.
BROWER, D. M., farmer and stock-grower, section fifteen, post-office Conway, is a child of the Buckeye State, born in 1844. When fourteen years of age he came to Iowa, stopping in Mahaska county where he at- tained his majority, and attended the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in company D, Thirty-third Iowa, served until the close of the war. Took part in battles of Helena, Jenkins's Ferry, Mobile, and Ft. Blakely. Was mus- tered out at New Orleans and returned to Mahaska county and remained there until 1867. He then went to Colorado, engaged in freighting about two years, then recrossed the plains; stopped in the Indian Territory and continued in the same business. In 1872 he returned to Mahaska county, and two years later came to this county and has since made it his home. Was married in March, 1875, to Miss Louisa Weltner, of Washington, Iowa. They have three children: Raymond, Ethel and Sadie. Mr. B. owns a large farm of three hundred and thirty acres which he has improved since coming here and is now engaged in raising Short-Horn cattle. Is connected with the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M. orders.
DEAN, G. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty, post-office Con- way; born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1838. When eight years old his parents emigrated to Illinois and located in La Salle county, re- ceived his education in the common schools, Aurora Academy and Fowler's Institute. At the breaking out of the rebellion he enlisted at the first call for troops in company H, Tenth Illinois and served until expiration of his time. After discharge he returned home and remained until Aug. 1, 1862. Reënlisted in company H, One hundred and fifth Illinois and served un- til the close of the war. Participated in battles of Resaca and all suc- ceeding battles until the capture of Atlanta. Marched with Sherman to the sea, then to Washington where he participated in the grand review of the armies. Was then discharged and returned home where he engaged in farming until 1869. He then came to Iowa, engaged for one year in farming; in the hardware business for one year at State Center and in 1870 came to this county, locating on his present farm. Mr. Dean is the largest land owner in this township having nine hundred and sixty acres all well improved, and is known as one of the most generous and enterprising of its citizens. He was married August 20th, 1876, to Miss Addie J. Nible, a
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native of the Empire State. They have three children: Charles, Freddie and Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the M. E. Church. He is also connected with the A. F. & A. M. fraternity.
EMMETT, H. I., farmer, section thirty-three, post-office Conway, is a native of McLean county, Illinois, born October 7, 1858. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and in attending the common schools. By diligent study at home and in school, he acquired a liberal education. He came to Taylor county, and in the spring of 1880 purchased his present farm. Was married September 13, 1877, to Miss Minnie M. Clark, of McLean county, Illinois, a very estimable lady. Mr. Emmett, though a young man, is possessed of energy and good business qualifica- tions. He has a fine farm of 180 acres and is considered one of the most promising of Taylor county's young farmers.
EMERY, C., farmer, section eleven, post-office Lenox, born in Knox county, Illinois, in 1836. When fifteen years of age his parents emigrated to Clark county, Iowa, where our subject received his education. In 1862 he enlisted in company L, Third Iowa cavalry and served faithfully until the close of the rebellion. He participated in the battles of Little Rock, Independence, Missouri, Tupelo, Mississippi, besides others in which his company took part. Was mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia, and returned to this home. He came to Taylor county in 1875, and settled on his pres- ent farm. In 1858 Miss Sarah E. Gregg, of Ohio, became his wife. They are the parents of five children: Margaret A., wife of Philip J. Ray; Han- nah J., and Jesse J. Mr. and Mrs. Emery are intelligent and industrious and have a comfortable home.
FAWCETT, REV. T. L., section thirty-one, post-office Conway, was born in North Carolina in 1826. When six years of age his parents became res- idents of Indiana. There our subject was educated and learned the black- smith trade. In 1851 he moved to Illinois and located in Mercer county, where he remained until 1864. Came to Iowa in the last named year, stopped at Mitchellville and worked at his trade one year. He then pur- chased a farm and improved it, and at the same time did a good business in his shop. He was employed for a time as smith for the Des Moines Valley Railroad Company. He came to Taylor county in 1875, and located on his present farm. The year previous he had been licensed by the Des Moines Conference of the M. E. Church as a local minister, in which capacity he severed until 1879. He then severed his connection with that body and united with the Methodist Protestant Church and is now actively engaged in ministerial work. Our subject is the only resident minister in Grant township. In 1864 he married Miss Mary J. Tate, of Orange county, Indi-
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