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 76

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 76

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KNOTT, JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-four, post-office, Conway; born in Peoria, Illinois in 1835. When five years of age his father moved on a farm and young Knott spent his early days in the healthful pursuits of agriculture. Was married in 1860 to Miss Clarinda Dickenson, also a native Peoria. They have four children: William J., Matilda, Clara Belle and Minnie Justina. He came to Iowa in 1879 and located in this county where he now resides. His farm consists of one hun- dred and sixty acres well improved, good buildings, an abundance of water and finely situated for a stock farm. Mr. K. is an industrious and thrifty farmer whose efforts are bound to win.

MADDEN, W. S., farmer and stock-raiser, section eleven, post office Lenox; born in Scott county, Iowa, in 1850, and there grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools. In 1874 he was married to Miss Mane Moore, also a native of Iowa. Came to Taylor county the same year and located where he now resides. He has a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, well improved, with good buildings, orchard, vineyard, etc. Is feeding a fine herd of graded stock, forty in number. Raises small grain, but is turning his attention more particularly to the raising of corn and stock. Mr. M. is an intelligent, industrious man, and is considered one of the rising young men of Taylor county. His family consists of four child- ren: John K., William S., David B., and Nettie.

McCOY, M. S., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-three, post-office. Lenox, was born in Ohio in 1849; emigrated to Illinois in 1853. He came to Iowa in 1865 and located in Washington county; remained there until 1878 when he became a resident of this county. Since he came here he has broken and improved the farm he now owns. It consists of one hun- dred and sixty acres of good land, and considering the short time he has occu- pied it, is well improved. Mr. M. intends making a specialty of stock-rais- ing in the near future, and has at this writing a fine lot of horses, cattle

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

and swine, of which he takes the best of care. He was married in 1849 to Miss N. L. Brown, also a native of Ohio. They have four children: Lizzie M., James F., William F. and an infant. Subject came to Taylor county with but little means, but by industrious habits and strict attention to bus- iness he is fast taking rank among the first men of his township.

MILLS, W. S., farmer, section nine, post-office Lenox, is a native of the Buckeye State. Was born in 1840, received his education in the common schools and the Western Reserve Institute at the time that James A. Gar- field was principal. Moved to Adams county, Iowa, in 1871 and engaged in the mercantile business. Came to Taylor county in 1873, bought and im- proved a farm in Grove township, lived there until the spring of 1881 when he bought the farm he now owns. It contains one hundred and sixty acres is nicely situated, good soil, an abundance of water, and will doubtless un- der his skillful management become a most valuable and beautiful home. Mr. Mills was married in 1864 to Miss Pantha Leavitt, who departed this life in August, 1880, leaving a family of five boys: Ernest, Chas., Martin, Herbert and Frank. Mr. M. is a man of excellent judgment, keen concep- tion and good habits. Has filled the offices of justices of the peace and president of the school board, always paying strict attention to his duties.

RIED, JAMES, farmer section one, post-office Lenox, born in Ohio in the year 1844 and there attained man's estate, remaining on his father's farm until twenty years of age. In February, 1864, he enlisted in the Seventy-third Ohio veteran volunteers, and was sent with his regiment di- rect to Atlanta, and participated in the siege and capture of that place; also engaged at Smoke Creek Gap, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Lost Mountain and numerous others. Was with Sherman in his march to the sea and on the return march to Washington. Subject attended the grand review of the armies in that city in May, 1865, and was discharged in June of that year. He was married in Ohio in 1867, to Miss Flora Conley, a native of Scot- land. They are the parents of three children: Margaret J., Joseph Neal and Irena. Mr. R. came to Taylor county in 1868, locating on section fif- teen, Grove township. Bought the farm he now owns in 1880. It consists of eighty acres of well improved land, with good buildings, fences, orchard, etc. He has always taken great interest in the schools of his township, and at present holds the office of school director. He is an earnest and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.

RUPF, J. A.,.farmer and stock-raiser, sections ten and eleven, post-office Lenox; born in Switzerland in 1837. At the age of seven years he, with his parents, emigrated to America, locating at Davenport, Iowa. Here he grew to manhood and learned the sawyer's trade, also that of steam engi-

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neer, which business he followed until 1875. Was married in 1866 to Miss Ellen Murphy, a native of Illinois, He bought the farm he now owns and occupies in 1869 and moved his family upon it the following year. Was in the meantime engaged at his trade and furnished money with which to improve his land. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres of good land, well improved, with good buildings, orchard and a grove of ma- ple and ornamental trees, in full view of the flourishing little city of Lenox. Has one child, Rosa, born in 1868. Mr. Rupf remembers Davenport when it was but a steamboat landing and ferry place, and contained but three business houses.

RUPF, FRANK, farmer, sections fourteen and fifteen, post-office Lenox, was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1848; came to Taylor county in 1871 and located near where he now lives. At that time the beautiful city of Lenox had probably not been thought of. He broke and improved several farms, including the one he now owns, which consists of 200 acres, is well im- proved and in good cultivation. He was married in 1875 to Miss Rosanna Kelley, of Adams county, Illinois. They have three children: Charles, Gertrude and -. Mr. Rupf has perhaps done as much hard work in the same length of time as any man in the county, and has the supreme satisfaction of knowing that it has not been in vain. He has the reputation of being an honest man which, coupled with his industry, insures a reason- able degree of prosperity.

SAPP, SIMEON, farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-one, post-office Conway, was born in Ohio in 1830. He there received a liberal education, and learned boot and shoemaking and engaged in the business for sev- eral years. He was at one time proprietor of a manufactory at Fostoria, and later, superintended one at Millwood, Ohio. Was married in 1855 to Miss Susan Willis, a native of Massachusetts. They have five children liv- ing: Josie, Eugene, Franklin, Rosa and Maggie, and one, Charles W., deceased. Mr. S. became a resident of Taylor county in 1878 and bought a farm of 360 acres and has it well improved, considering the length of time employed upon it. He has a good house and other buildings and purposes making it a number one stock farm. From our knowledge of his industry and perseverance, we doubt not but that he will succeed.

SEIBERT, HENRY, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Lenox, was born n Berkley county, Virginia, in. 1825. When six years of age his parents moved to Ohio, where he attained his majority and received a common school education. While there he was married to Miss Rosanna Ambrose, ilso a native of the Old Dominion. He came to Iowa in 1865, and bought .60 acres of land in Davis county, on which he lived eleven years. He

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

then located in Taylor county, and now owns a farm of 327 acres in excellent cultivation, good buildings, neat yard with a profusion of shade and ornamental trees, and an orchard bearing all kinds of fruit that can be produced in this climate. Everything about his premises bears evidence of system and care on the part of Mr. S. Of their children, eight are now living: Jacob H., George I., M. B., Mary C., Charles E., J. N., Adam A. and Maggie. Two are deceased: F. R., who died in 1876, aged thirty-two and S. F., who died in 1880, aged twenty-three. Mr. Seibert is an honest, industrious man, who is always willing to do a neighborly kind- ness, and his confidence in the integrity of others has caused him many pecuniary losses.

SLATTERY, P. W., farmer, post-office Lenox, was born in Ireland in 1820, and immigrated to the United States in 1847 settling in New York and engaging in farming. In 1851 he went to Canada, bought and improved a farm, and remained there twenty-two years. He came to Tay- lor county in 1878, and purchased the farm on which he now resides. It consists of 160 acres in good cultivation, with good buildings, orchard, groves, etc. Was married in 1856 to Miss B. Cosgrove, also of Irish birth. This union has been abundantly blessed, having ten children: Johanah, Mary, Kate, Margaret, William, Philip, Ellen, Anna, Thomas and John. Mr. Slattery has had a varied experience since coming to this country, but by industry, perseverance and hard knocks has accumulated a valuable property.

STRONG, VAN R., farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-four, post- office Conway, is one of the pioneer settlers of Grove township. Was born in Madison county, New York, in 1830. At the age of eighteen he went to Wisconsin, and after remaining there five years, he removed to Illinois. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the Forty-sixth regiment Illinois veteran volunteers, and served through the entire struggle for the perpetuity of the Union. Subject participated in the battles of Shiloh, Donelson, Bolivar, Tennessee and Vicksburg, where he was taken prisoner, but exchanged after four months' confinement. He then joined his regiment at Vicksburg and took part in all subsequent marches, skirmishes, etc. He veteranized in 1863 and was discharged in February, 1866, at Camp Butler, Illinois. He then returned to his native State and was married soon after to Miss Martha Hodge. From this union there are four children living: George L., Lu- cinda, Lydia and Phebe. Mr. S. came to Taylor county in 1869, and set- tled where he now lives. Previous to his coming there were but three fami- lies in Grove township. He was appointed township trustee in 1861, and has since held many offices of responsibility, always with the strictest integ-

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rity. He now has a good farm of eighty acres, and enjoys the quiet of a comfortable home.

TANDO, EDWARD, farmer, section twenty-seven, post-office Lenox, is a native of Connecticut, and entered this life in 1834. At the age of nine his parents died, since which time he has necessarily depended upon his own efforts. He left his native State when twenty years old, and went to Bureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming, and remained seven- teen years. He came to Taylor county in 1871, bought and improved a farm of 160 acres, which he subsequently sold, and in 1880 purchased the farm on which he now resides. It is finely situated and contains 120 acres, and is within six and one-half miles of two flourishing railroad towns. He was married early in life to Miss Mary Mathews, of Connecticut, who died in 1873, leaving five children: Henry, John, Julia, Sarah and Hattie. In 1875 Miss Evangeline Shaw became his wife. They are the parents of four children: Albert, Mary, Belle and Elsie.

TEDFORD, WILLIAM, farmer, section twenty-two, post-office Lenox, was born in Tennessee in 1807. When twenty-four years of age he moved to Carrol county, Indiana, being one of the first settlers of that county. In 1853 he came to Iowa and located in Louisa county, where he remained fifteen years, and then moved to Washington county, where he resided until is removal to Taylor county in 1879. Soon after his arrival in this county ne purchased a farm and caused it to be conveyed to his son George. Be- 'ore leaving Tennessee he was married to Miss Mary B. Orr, a native of hat State, by whom he has five children: Elizabeth A., Margaret A., Mary E., Sarah J. and George B. The latter served his country during the ebellion, enlisting in August, 1863, in the Twenty-fifth Iowa volunteer in- antry. He was engaged in all the battles fought by Gen. Sherman from is investment of Vicksburg to the termination of his " march to the sea." Ie was also at the grand review of the armies at Washington in 1865, and zas discharged in June of the last named year. Mr. Tedford has lived a ong and eventful life, and now, as the shades of his career are falling oward the east, he enjoys the quiet of a peaceful home.

VINCENT, E. G., farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-two, post-office Jonway, was born in Tennessee in 1848. He moved to Illinois when six- een years of age, and after two years returned to his native State. In 1868 e came to Taylor county for the purpose of improving a portion of a large 'act of land which his father and uncle had purchased in 1856. The pur- hase consisted of 1,800 acres situated in Taylor and Adair counties. He rst settled upon and improved a farm of 160 acres in Jackson township, ad in 1876 commenced improving the farm on which he now resides, con- 25

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sisting of 160 acres of good tillable land. He now has it well fenced (partly with osage orange), and will soon make it one of the most valuable stock farms in his township. Mr. Vincent was married in February, 1881, to Miss Clara Steele, a native of Ohio, and a lady of intelligence and refine- ment.

WILLIAMS, I. F., farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-three, post-of- fice Conway, was born in Illinois, in 1846. He there grew to manhood and received his education, and came to Taylor county in 1869, located, and broke a part of his farm, then returned to Illinois, and was married in 1872, to Miss C. B. Robbins, of Wisconsin. After marriage he went into business at Chicago, and remained there eighteen months, then returned to this county. His farm consists of 320 acres in good cultivation, with or- chard, vineyard, grove around the house, and large barn with lots for hand- ling and feeding stock. They have two children: Jesse E. and Mystic Belle. Mr. Williams is a man of energy and doubtless will become one of our most successful farmers.

WINSLOW, RUFUS W., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-six, post-office Lenox, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1812. He there grew to maturity and followed farming and lumbering for many years. Was mar- ried in 1833 to Miss Nancy Guick, also a native of the Keystone State. From this union there are six children: Harriet, Oliver, Warren, Samuel Gardiner and Abbie. Our subject moved to Illinois, and while there Mrs. W. passed away. Mrs. Laura Palmer then became his wife, but in two years after this marriage departed this life, leaving one child, Isabelle. In 1866, he married Mrs. Sarah Smith, his present wife, and came to this county in 1869. They lived under their wagon-cover while erecting a cabin, and shortly after taking possession of their new made home it was destroyed by a storm, losing all papers, family records, etc., and his family narrowly escaped from the wreck. Mr. Winslow has now as nice an eighty acre farın as there is in the township. It is all in good cultivation, fenced with osage orange hedge, and has a good house, orchard, vineyard, etc.

WOODRUFF, C. L., farmer, section nineteen, post-office Lenox, was born in Lee county, Illinois, in 1839. At the age of nineteen he went to California via New York and Panama, staid five years on the Pacific slope engaged in freighting from Sacramento, California, to Virginia City, Ne- vada, and returned to Illinois in 1864, via Isthmus and Lake Nicaragua. Shortly after his return he enlisted in the Fifteenth regiment Illinois vol- unteers, and joined his regiment at Morehead City when Sherman was marching to intercept Johnson. He was with the army on their return to Washington, D. C., also at the grand review of the armies at that city, and

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

was discharged in June, 1865. He then returned to Illinois and engaged in farming for one year, then came to northern Iowa, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Lewis, a native of Indiana and a lady of unusual intelli- gence. They have two children: Josie May and Willie Ward. Our sub- ject became a resident of this county in 1872, located in Holt township but afterwards disposed of his property and came to where he now lives. His present farm contains eighty-nine acres of excellent land with good build- ings, young orchard and ornamental trees.

WRIGHT, JAMES D., EsQ., farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Conway, was born in Lewis county, New York, in 1815. When twenty years of age he shipped aboard a Nantucket whaler, and sailed to the South Seas, Indian Ocean and other foreign waters. He visited many of the South Sea Islands, and has now in his possession many curiosities which he gathered from the shoals of the " mighty deep." After a voyage of two years he returned to his native State and cleared up a farın in Lewis county, on which he re- sided twenty-six years. Mr. Wright was married in 1842 to Miss Jane Ann Parkhurst, a native of Hermiker county, New York. They are the parents of six children: Mary E., Lydia M., Charlotte C., R. J., Sanford P. and Willie E. Mr. and Mrs. Wright became residents of this county in 1869, and were among the first settlers of Grove township. They now own a farm of 120 acres, well improved, with fine orchard and vineyard. The grove'which surrounds their residence is one of the finest in the town- ship. Mr. Wright was the first justice of the peace in his township.

HOLT TOWNSHIP.

BEEMER, JUDSON, farmer, section three, post-office Holt, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Luzerne county, May 20, 1836, and moved with- his parents to Lee county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and received ¿ liberal education. In 1878 he traveled for six months in search of a place to locate, concluded that Taylor county suited him, and accordingly pur- chased his present farm. He was married March 2, 1863, to Miss Esther Mill, a native of her majesty's dominion. They have four children: Simon, Seeley, George and Elsie D. Mr. Beemer is located on a farm of 340 acres of as good land as Taylor county affords. He has it well arranged, good buildings, and a fine orchard of 600 trees. He is a good farmer and has a comfortable home.

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

BOSISTO, REV. REUBEN, section five, post-office Brooks, was born in Cornwall, England, October 15, 1820. He there grew to manhood and ' received his education. The earlier part of his life was spent in gardening. At the age of seventeen he commenced wagon making and continued in that business until 1849, when he immigrated to this country, settling in La- fayette county, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1871. He came to Tay- lor county in the last named year and has since made it his home. He was reared under the influence of the Baptist Church and embraced religion at the age of twenty. Three months after, he was licensed as a local preacher. He was ordained as a minister of the gospel October 13, 1880, and at pres- ent has charge of the Sommerset Church in Adams county. He was mar- ried July 1, 1845, to Miss Mary Ann Cocking, of Easton, Cornwall, Eng- land. Of their children six are living: Joseph P., Mary, now Mrs. E. L. Cundy, John, Henrietta, now Mrs. H. Smith, Emily J. and Albert H. Three, Elizabeth, George J. and a babe, are deceased. Mr. Bosisto is located on a fine farm of 247 acres, with good buildings, orchard, etc. His grounds are adorned with a variety of shade and ornamental trees. He has served as justice of the peace eighteen years and has long taken an active part in all measures to promote the social, political, and moral interests of the country. Mrs. Bosisto and two daughters are members of the Baptist Church, and two sons and one daughter are devoted members of the M. E. Church.

- CHAPPELL, WILLIAM C., farmer, section five, post-office Brooks, first saw the light February 8, 1845, and when eleven years of age his par- ents moved to Lafayette county, Wisconsin. Subject was reared on a farm and has followed that occupation all his life. He came to Taylor county in the fall of 1871, bought wild prairie land and improved his present farm. Mr. Chappell was married November, 1871, to Miss Martha Rogers of Lafayette county, Wisconsin. Two children have blessed their union : Charles and Bertie. He owns a farm of 167 acres, good buldings, orchard, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Chappell are consistent members of the M. E. Church, and are respected for their exemplary lives.

COULTHARD, H., farmer, post-office Corning, was born in England September 15, 1834. His youth was spent in working in the lead mines and attending school. He learned the mason's trade, and in the spring of 1854 emigrated to America, settling in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, and engaged in lead mining. In 1856 he went to Worth county, Virginia, where he remained for five years; he then returned to Wisconsin and remained in that State three years after which he removed to Missouri, and in 1866 became a resident of the Sucker State. He came to Taylor county in He was married in May, 1853, to Mary Hutchingson, a native of Yorkshire,

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

England. From this union there are eight children: Robert H., Henry D., Mary E., Joseph W. Sarah Isabelle, Margaret Ann, George T. and Lilly Jane. His farm consists of 160 acres. Mr. Crowell is an obliging neigh bor, a kind father and a worthy citizen.

CROWELL, T. H., farmer, section ten, post-office Corning, a native of the Buckeye State, was born December 16, 1844. He remained in Trumbull county until he was twenty-one years of age; he then went to Cleveland and engaged as clerk in a store for two years; was conductor on a street- car for two years more, then went into the lightning-rod business. In 1871 he came to Taylor county where he has since resided. Miss Delia L. Pond of Cleveland, Ohio, became Mrs. Crowell October 23, 1868. Their children are three: Charles E., Evaline B. and Harry T. Mr. Crowell has a nice little farm of eighty acres, which he has so improved as to make a comfor-, table home. They are members of the Christian Church.

DAVIS, T. J., farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office Holt; born in Mansfield, Ohio, December 19, 1844. While quite young his parents moved to Mercer county of that State, and in 1850 became residents of Decatur county, Iowa, and came to this county in 1858. He acquired a good educa- tion in the common schools and at home, his father having been an experi- enced teacher. He was married April 15, 1875, to Miss Mary G. Harlam, of this county, formerly of Montgomery county, Indiana. They are the parents of one child, Ida Florence, born January 22, 1876. Subject has a good farm, consisting of one hundred and fifty-five acres, and is a neat farmer, having everything arranged in systematic order. He has held sev- eral township offices, and takes great interest in social and political affairs.

DENNIS, W. T., farmer, section thirty-one, post-office Holt, was ush- ered into this life in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1821. While quite young his father moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, and there young Dennis grew to manhood. His early days were spent on a farm, and he acquired his education in the public schools. His father being a car- penter, our subject began that trade when a mere boy. In 1843 he came to the Hawkeye State, settling in Johnson county. At that time Iowa City contained only twelve log cabins. In 1852 he went to California overland, stopped for a time at Salt Lake City, saw Brigham Young and heard him expound the doctrine of Mormonism. While in California he' was engaged in mining. Returned to Iowa and in August, 1862, enlisted in company G, Twenty-second Iowa, Col. Stone commanding. He partici- pated in the battles of Raymond, Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion's Hill and Black River Bridge, and was also engaged at the siege of Vicksburg; he was discharged at that place June 9, 1863. He then returned to his

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home in Johnson county, and in 1871 came to Taylor county. He was mar- ried February 27, 1855, to Miss Sarah Dungan of Beaver county, Pennsyl- vania. Mrs. Dennis departed this life the following year, and on April 21, 1857, subject received in marriage the hand of Miss Carolina G. Duff of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of seven children: C. W., educated at Ames college and engaged in the study of medicine; W. S., teacher; Anna, also a teacher; Grant, Minnie, Euna and Lyman. Mr. Dennis is located on a fine eighty acre farm with good improvements and has the reputation of being an honest, industrious and enterprising man.

DUNKIN, R. H., farmer, stock-raiser and feeder, post-office Holt. Sub- ject was born in Morgan county, Indiana, February 17, 1831. His early days were spent on a farm, engaged with the plow and hoe. Was educated in the subscription schools of his native county. In the fall of 1856 he re- moved to Ringgold county, in this State, remained about three years, and came to Taylor county in 1859. Shortly after his arrival he purchased a tract of land, thirty acres of which had been broken, and at once com- menced improving it for his future home. Mr. D. has been twice married; first to Miss Susan McCartney, of Louisville, Kentucky, in March, 1852. Of their children seven are living: John H., Benjamin F., Abram L., Ulysses S. G., Mattie Nora, Lorenzo Dow and Rufus. Seven are deceased. December 29, 1872, Mrs. Dunkin passed away to join her loved ones who had gone before. Subject was again married, this time to Amanda Ev- erson, of Champaign county, Illinois. They are the parents of five children; three, Charley, Mary and Freddy K., are living. Mr. Dunkin is located on an excellent farm of five hundred and sixty acres, mostly in cultivation, and is largely engaged in growing and feeding stock. His sales for 1880 amounted to nearly three thousand dollars. He is an energetic, industrious farmer, of good business qualifications, and is closely identified with the in- terests of Taylor county.

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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