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 78
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
CHAVASSE, J. H., farmer, section ten, post-office Bedford, was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, April 20, 1856, where he grew to man's estate-his youth being spent in school at Ripton, Derbyshire. At seventeen he went to Burrickshire, Scotland, where he resided about four years engaged in farming. In February, 1877, he sailed for America, and in March following came to this State, stopping for a time in Winneshiek county. He then came to Taylor county, and has since made it his home. He was married June 16, 1880, to Mrs. Mary E. Gilman, of Middleton, England. They are the parents of one child (Thomas John), born May 13, 1881. Mr. C. has a farm of 325 acres in the best cultivation, with good residence, barns, etc. Himself and wife are members of the Church of England.
GARTSIDE, JAS. (deceased), was born in England, November 4, 1822, and was there educated. Immigrated to America when nineteen years of age, first settling in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, where he resided until 1849, engaged in a woolen factory. Came to Taylor county in October, 1850. Was married October 7, 1846, to Miss Ellen Ashworth, also a native of Great Britain. Four children have blessed their union: Orelbia Thomas, Wm. Henry, B. W. and Mary Ann Elizabeth. Mr. Gartside died in October, 1877. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. WILLIAM H. (son of Jas. Gartside, deceased), was born in this county May 21, 1852, and, excepting two years while at work in his father's woolen-mills at Clarinda, has made this his home. He was reared on a farmn, and educated in the common schools. He has an excellent farm of two hundred acres, good buildings, orchard, etc. Is a jovial old bachelor, and possesses excellent business qualifications.
GARTSIDE, BENJ. W., farmer, section twenty-four, post-office Bedford, was born in this county April 21, 1854. Heis a son of James Gartside, whose biography will be found above. Was reared on a farm, and acquired a liberal education in the common schools. Was married August 29, 1878, to Miss Ella Fleming, also of this county. Two children have blessed this union: Bertha Allura and a babe. Mr. G. owns a fine farm of 163 acres, neatly arranged, good buildings, and all the requisites of a pleasant home. Though a young man, he possesses that energy and business capacity which will insure him success in life.
HARBISON, A. J., farmer, section fifteen, post-office Bedford, was born in Dubois county, Indiana, March 23, 1848. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. Excepting the period of his service in the army, his whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. He en- listed in October, 1864, in company E, Thirty-third Indiana, and served un-
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
ler General Sherman. After his discharge he returned to his home in the Hoosier State and remained until 1872. He then came to Taylor county, engaged in farming, and was married in October, 1867, to Miss Mary Potts, Iso a native of Indiana. They are the parents of four children: Thomas E., Miles D., Carrie E., and William B. Mr. Harbison has a fine farm of ighty acres well improved, comfortable house and other buildings. He is neat farmer, good neighbor and an excellent citizen.
HOOVER, D., farmer and stock-grower, section nine, post-office Bedford. Prominent among the enterprising farmers of Jackson township we find Mr. H. He was born September 10, 1825, in Hardin county, Kentucky. When four years of age his father died and his mother moved to Brecken- idge county, of the same State. He there arrived at man's estate and re- eived his education. At eighteen he came to Iowa, stopped in Lee county, There he remained eleven years, then went to Gentry, Missouri, remained ne year, and in the fall of 1854, came to Taylor county. Shortly after rriving here he entered 320 acres of his present farm and at once com- nenced making improvements. He was married December 29, 1849, to Miss Sarah Jane Hinkle, of Lee county, Iowa, formerly of Vermillion ounty, Illinois. Of their children seven are living: Josiah, Edgar D. and 'dward B., twins, Clinton D., Charles S., Mary A. and Lenora. Three are eceased: Josephine, Otho, and Ann Eliza. Mr. H. is located on one of the est stock farms in the county. It contains 640 acres, fine residence sur- ounded with a beautiful lawn, commodious barn, etc. His farm is watered y three never failing springs which furnish him with an abundance of ater. He is now extensively engaged in stock growing and feeding. Has eld the office of county supervisor, is connected with the Masonic fratern- y, and a member of the M. E. Church.
HOOVER, O., post-office Bedford, was born in this township, January 9, 360. He has here grown to manhood and received a liberal education. At le age of nineteen he engaged in teaching school, which business he fol- wed for a time. The greater portion of his time however, he has devoted agricultural pursuits. He is now superintending his father's large farm id has the reputation of being one of the most industrious and promising Taylor county's young men.
LARISON, GEORGE, farmer and stock-grower, section twenty, post- fice Bedford, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, August 11, 1828, where grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools. He came
1 Taylor county in October, 1857, and settled in Benton township near
ledford. He moved to his present location in 1868. January 24, 1850, he Tarried Miss Eliza Jane Halbrook, also a native of the Hoosier State. They
26
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
are the parents of ten children: Robert, Franklin, Mary Jane, now Mrs. J. H. Roe, William C., Elvira, Catherine, John Elmore, Hattie May, Cassie Lillian and Ray. Mr. Larison owns a farm of 170 acres well improved, with good buildings, orchard, etc. Subject is now engaged in stock raising and has a farm well adapted to that business. He and Mrs. L. are mem- bers of the Baptist Church.
LAMUNYON, J. A., farmer, post-office Bedford, was born in March, 1829, in Joe Daviess county, Illinois, and remaind there until he was two and a half years old when his parents moved to Adamson county, Kentucky, and located near the Mammoth Cave; there our subject received a common school education, and remained until he was twenty-five years of age. In 1854 he moved to Warren county, Illinois, where he made his home for twenty years. He came to Taylor county in 1874 and located on his pres- ent farm. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and by properly directing his efforts he has made it a success.
McMURRAY, DAVID B., carpenter, post-office Bedford, a native of Tennessee, was born December 30, 1843. When about three years old his parents moved to Iowa and settled in Appanoose county, and in that county and Davis our subject was reared and educated. In 1861 he left the farm for the field of battle, enlisting in company C, Third Missouri cavalry, and partici- pated in many of the severest engagements of the rebellion. He took part in the fight of Mount Zion Church where two hundred Federals encountered and drove six hundred Confederates, killing twenty-seven and wounding one hundred and fifty, with but slight loss to the Federals. At the close of the war he returned to Unionville where he attended school and prepared him- self for teaching, which business he followed several years. During the time he was engaged in teaching he studied law, and was admitted to the bar by Judge Day in 1872, after which he traveled in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and other Western States; he then returned to Bedford and en- gaged in the carpenter business. He is now contracting and building.
OLLCOTT, A., deceased, born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1833. Remained in his native State about twenty years, then came to Iowa and settled in Wapello county, where he lived until 1874. Came to Taylor county in the last named year and remained until his death which occurred five years later. Mrs. Ann Ollcott, relict of the above, was born in Ross county, Ohio, June 19, 1838. Lived there twelve years, then came with her parents to Wapello county, Iowa. While there she was married to A. Ollcott, the ceremony taking place November 26th, 1856. They were the parents of nine children: Anna, Mattie, Frank, Charles, Norman, Ida, Jen- nie, Maria and Lida. Mrs. Ollcott is located on a splendid farm of 225
.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
acres, good house and other buildings, orchard of twelve acres, and is en- gaged in stock-growing and feeding. She is a lady of extraordinary busi- ness ability and with the aid of her children conducts her large farm suc- cessfully.
ROWE, E. S., farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office Bedford, was born in Lincoln county, West Virginia, September 13, 1840, and when twelve years old his parents moved to Andrew county, Missouri, and remained there six , months, then came to this county. Subject was reared on a farm and edu- cated in the common schools. When twenty-two he went to Nebraska and remained there for a time, then returned, and in 1863 went to Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. He returned after a short visit and remained here two years. He next went to Nodaway county, Missouri, and made that place his home for three years; he then returned again to this county, and in 1870 located on his present farm. He was married December 29, 1863, to Mary Ann Davis of this county, but formerly of Missouri. Four chil- dren have blessed their union: Isaac, Minerva, Eldrad S. and Anna May. Subject is located on a farm of 160 acres with excellent improvement; she also owns another in Worth county, Missouri, and one and a half miles from his present home. He is energetic and industrious, and one of Taylor county's most substantial farmers.
WOOD, W. J., farmer and stock-grower, section twenty-one, post-office Bedford, a native of the Sucker State, was born in Edgar county, March 1, 1837. There he tilled the soil and attended the schools of his neighbor- hood. In 1855 he moved to Nodaway county, Missouri, and remained there until 1875, excepting the period of his services in the army. He enlisted July 7, 1861, in company I, First Nebraska, for three years. Participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Cape Girardeau, Black Water and others. The last year of his service was spent in fighting bush- whackers. Was discharged November 10, 1864, at Omaha, Nebraska. At the battle of Shiloh he had his clothes riddled with bullets. He came to this county in 1875. Mr. Wood was married January 29, 1864, to Miss Asenath Ray of Nodaway county, Missouri. Of their children five are liv- ing: Antoinette, John H., Daisy D., Ella and Otho Don; one, Leon, is de- ceased. Subject has a good farm of 100 acres, a fine large house and barn, and an abudance of fruits.
WOOD, JOHN W., farmer, section seventeen, post-office Bedford, a na- tive of the Empire State, was ushered into this life October 30, 1829. His early youth was spent in agricultural pursuits and in attending school. When fourteen years of age our subject went to Michigan and remained there about three years, spending the last two working at the harness trade.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
He then returned to his native State, where for half a decade he made his home. In 1853 he came to Iowa, locating in Scott county, where for a time he tilled the soil. Three years later he came to this county and settled in Washington township, residing there two years, he then moved to Bedford and made that his home until 1869. While there he took two trips to Cal- ifornia prospecting. In the last named year he purchased his present farm, , and at once took possession. He was married June 3, 1849, to Percy Mar- tin, a native of New York. This union has brought them sixteen children, nine of whom are living: Maynard W., Harry A., Emma A., Waddie, Jas. G., Frank M., Albert E., Carrie M., and Alta J .; seven are dead: Ellen E., Elsie M., George W. H., Charles and three babies. Mr. Wood is located on an excellent farm of 427 acres, well improved with a magnificent three-story house, large barn, orchard of 500 trees, and as fine a vineyard as the county affords. He has held the office of justice of the peace seven years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
ANDERSON, B. C., farmer, section ten, post-office Mormontown, born in Morgan county, New York, in 1838, where he grew to manhood and passed his youth in school. In April, 1861, he,enlisted in company K, Twenty-eighth New York. Served two years as a musician, participated in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Second Bull Run. Was discharged in 1863 on account of expiration of time, returned to New York, reënlisted in the Eighth New York heavy artillery and served until the close of the war. He took part in the battles of The Wilderness, Coal Harbor, Siege of Petersburg and Richmond. Was promoted from corporal to orderly-sergeant and was discharged at New York City in 1865. Re- turning to his home he engaged in farming until 1866 when he came west and settled in Worth county, Missouri. While there he engaged in mill- ing. Three years later he returned to the Empire State; remaining there five years he again sought the west and this time settled in Taylor county, Iowa. In 1866 he wedded Miss Mary Rybold, of Missouri. From this un- ion there are six children; Eunice, Minnie, Clark, Mariett, Nellie and Maud. Subject is connected with the I. O. O. F. and A. F. and A. M. or- ders.
BABSON, J. E., druggist, Mormontown, is a native of Rhode Island, born in 1833. He there received a common school education and learned
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
the painter's trade. In 1856 he emigrated to Illinois and made that his home until 1871. Enlisted in 1862 in the Thirty-first Wisconsin, and served three years. Participated in the battles of Marretta, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Allesborro, Bentonsville, besides others of minor import- ance; was with Sherman on his march to the sea and at Washington during the grand review of the armies. Was discharged at Madison, Wisconsin, and there engaged in farming. Came to Franklin county, Iowa in 1871 and tilled the soil a half decade. Then came to Mormontown and engaged in the drug business. He has since added a stock of groceries and imple- ments. Was married in Wisconsin in 1857 to Miss Emaline Williamson. They have two children: Burton and Dora Etta. Mr. B. lias also a farm of eighty acres in section twenty-four. He is now doing a good business and has the respect and esteem of his fellow men.
BLAKEMORE, FRANK, section eight, post-office Platteville; born in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1842; received a common school education. At the first call for troops he enlisted in the Twenty-second Ohio and served four months with Gen. Schenck in West Virginia. Was discharged at Ma- rietta, Ohio; returned home, remained about two weeks, then enlisted in the Fifty-fourth Ohio Zouaves and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Corinth, where he was taken sick and sent back to Cincinnati. Here he was discharged on account of disability. After remaining at home for four months he again enlisted as a recruit in the First Ohio cavalry. Was in the engagement at Cullpeper, Virginia. Then went with Gen. Kilpatrick to Tennessee, where he took part in the battle of Nashville un- der Thomas. Thus he deserves much credit for services rendered in the dark and trying hours of the rebellion. At the close of the war he returned home and engaged in the dry goods business for two years. Then came to Taylor county, Iowa, and settled on his present farm. In 1872 he was mar- ried to Miss A. K. Dodge, who was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, in 1845. After graduating at New London, New Hampshire, she engaged in teaching at Indianapolis until the time of her marriage. They are the par- ents of two children: Fannie D. and Puss P. The farm consists of 240 acres and is in good cultivation. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity.
BELLUS, DR. G. W., physician and surgeon, Mormontown. Prominent in the medical fraternity of this county we find the subject. He was born in Middlebury, Vermont in 1838. When three years of age his parents re- moved to St. Lawrence county, New York, where our subject grew to ma- turity, and received his education in the St. Lawrence Academy at Potts- dam. He learned the carpenter and joiner trade at an early age under his
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
father, who was a contractor and builder. Commenced the study of medi- cine when twenty years of age but continued at his trade until 1873. At that time he commenced the practice of his profession at Hampton, Iowa. In 1875 he came to his present location and has since enjoyed a good prac- tice. In 1878 he graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago. Was married in October, 1860, to Miss Julia A. Lockwood, of Norfolk, New York. They are the parents of five children: Clara E., Leslie A., Ma- rion A., Forrest E. and George E. The doctor is doing a very successful practice in the counties of Taylor and Ringgold, also in the adjoining counties of Missouri. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.
CAMPBELL, ENOCH, farmer, section twenty, post-office Platteville, was born in Ohio in 1833, was there reared and educated; moved to Indi- ana in 1852 and made that his home for thirteen years. In June, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-first Indiana and served eighteen months. Was promoted to the position of commissary-sergeant and served faithfully until discharged at Ship Island (Gulf of Mexico) in 1863 on account of physical disabilities. . He returned to Indiana, remained two years then moved to Illinois. . Came to Taylor county in 1875 and settled on his present farm of 160 acres. Was married in 1855 to Miss Sarah Sharp, of Indiana, by whom he has seven children: Robert, Emma, Miles, Mattie, Frank, Ma- rietta and Catharine J. Mr. Campbell is an energetic, enterprising farmer, a good neighbor and worthy citizen. He and lady are members of the Bap- tist Church. Subject is connected with the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fra- ternities.
CHIPMAN, VIRGIL, dealer in hardware and furniture, also undertaker, Mormontown; born in Licking county, Ohio, October 28th, 1830. Learned the carpenter trade with his father and came with him to Iowa in 1849, lo- cating in Washington county. He followed carpentering about ten years, then engaged in cabinet making at Richmond in that county. In 1862 he enlisted in company K, Thirtieth Iowa and served until April 11th, 1863, when he was discharged on account of physical disabilities. He then returned to Washington county and worked at his trade about three years. Went to Worth county, Missouri, in 1866 and came to Taylor county a dec- ade later. In the spring of 1876 he engaged in the furniture business at Mormontown and in February 1881 added a stock of hardware. Mr. C. was first married in October, 1851, to Miss Malinda Moore, of Washinton county, Iowa, by whom he has four children: Richard, Clark, Orrin and Harriet. Mrs. Chipman died in the spring of 1859 and in March of the following year subject was united in marriage with Miss Deborah Hand, also of Washington county. They have one child, Clara; one is deceased.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
Mr. Chipman is now serving his second term as justice of the peace of his township. Is a member of A. F. & A. M.
DAILY, JOSEPH T., farmer, post-office Platteville, is a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, where he was born in 1842. His parents moved to Iowa in 1848 and settled in Henry county, where our subject grew to man- hood. In 1861 he enlisted in company G, Eleventh Iowa, and served three years and ten months, participating in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, second battle of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, then with Sherman to the sea and around to Washington, where he took part in the grand review. Was twice wounded while in service, and was discharged at Davenport July 22, 1865. He then returned to Henry county, where he engaged in farming and milling. In 1865 he married Miss Harriet J. Eliot, of Henry county. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are now living. He removed to Ringgold county in 1877, remained there two years and then came to Taylor county. In March, 1881, he lost all his household goods, papers, etc., by fire. Mr. D. is a poor but honest man, and certainly deserves re- muneration for wounds received while in defense of his country.
DODGE, JOSEPH B., farmer, section seven, post-office Platteville, is a native of the Bay State, born in Essex county in 1851. He there attained his majority, receiving a common school education. Came to Taylor county in 1874 and purchased the farm on which he now resides. Two years later he returned to his native State and married Miss Anna M. Wyatt, a highly educated and very excellent lady. They have a farm of 305 acres, well im- proved, have an elegantly arranged home and enjoy the respect and esteem of their neighbors. Mr. D. is now serving in the capacity of justice of the peace to the satisfaction of all.
FENDER, ISAAC, farmer, section nineteen, post-office Platteville, is a native of the Hoosier State, born in March, 1842. Moved with his parents to southern Illinois while quite young, and to Mercer county, in that State, in 1858. Was educated in the common schools. He was married in 1865 to Miss Mary A. Debord, of Illinois. They were the parents of five chil- dren: Allie J., Margaret E., Martha E., John H. and Sarah Jeanette. Mrs. F. died in 1873, and in February, 1878, our subject married Miss Malinda A. Bowman, of this county. He had come to Iowa one year previous and lo- cated on his present farm in Jefferson township. Mr. F. has a farm of 145 acres, all good tillable land, and is one of our substantial farmers.
FLICK, W. H., farmer, section eight, post-office Platteville. The sub- ject, though a young man, is one of the early settlers of this county. He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1850, and came to Iowa with his parents in 1851. Here in Taylor county he has grown to man-
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
hood and received his education. In 1871 he married Miss Elsie Warner, of Battle Creek, Michigan. They have two children: George B. and Jas. P. In 1877 he emigrated to Sumner county, Kansas, where he settled on a farm, and remained nearly three years. He then rented his farm and re- turned to this county, locating on his present farm of 280 acres. Mr. Flick is a man of energy, and will make a success of life.
FLICK, CAPT. JOHN, farmer, section five, post-office Platteville, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1817, where he was raised and received his education in the common schools. Learned the tanner's trade at the age of sixteen, and four years later opened a tannery at Bakers- town, Pennsylvania, which he conducted eight or nine years. Came to Iowa in 1849, and settled on a farm in Wapello county, where he remained nearly five years, then came to his present home in Taylor county. He helped to organize the county. In September, 1861, he was commissioned captain of a militia company by Gov. Kirkwood, and in the following No- vember was commissioned by Gov. Gamble, of Missouri, to organize a com- pany in that State. He promptly performed that duty, served six months, and was mustered out at St. Joseph. Returned to the Hawkeye State and was commissioned captain of company B, Second battalion southern border brigade, and served fourteen months. He then received a lieutenant's re- cruiting commission from the United States government. Held that posi- tion six months, resigned, and was mustered into the Ninth Iowa cavalry as captain, in which capacity he served two years and eight months. Was inspector of government horses for a time; also had command of the gov- ernment post at Fayetteville, Arkansas, for several months. Was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, and returned to his home. He was married in 1842 to Miss Margaret Patton, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of six children: James P., William H., Abraham, Mary, Sarah and John C. Mr. Flick now has a farm of 525 acres, all in good cultiva- tion. Has given to his children considerable land. He has one of the best arranged homes in Taylor county. Himself and wife were formerly mem- bers of the Associate R. P. Church, and are now enjoying the confidence and esteem of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
FLUKE, J. F., farmer and stock-raiser, section eighteen, post-office Platteville, born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1851. In the fall of 1855 his parents became residents of Fulton county, Illinois. There he grew to man- hood and received an education in the common schools. In 1872 Miss Mary E. Brown, of Fulton county, became his bride. They are the parents of four children: Nora E., Minnie J., Mary E. and Alice G. In 1880 he re- moved to Gage county, Nebraska, but becoming dissatisfied with the country
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
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