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 79
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left in three months and came to Taylor county, Iowa. Mr. Fluke now owns 220 acres of good land, has it well improved, and has turned his at- tention to stock-raising. Subject and lady are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
FORD, DAVID F., section thirty-two, post-office Platteville. Promi- nent among those who have recently found homes in Taylor county we find Mr. Ford. He was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in 1845, and while quite young he moved with his parents to Ohio, and there received a common school education. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio regiment, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Winchester, Virginia, and numerous other en- gagements. Was mustered out at Baltimore in 1865 and returned to Ohio, where he was engaged for a time as a photographer. In the spring of 1866 he went to Illinois and remained two years, then came to Iowa and pur- chased a farm in Dallas county, which he sold, and through the failure of the purchasers lost all. In 1870 he returned to Illinois and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1881 he came to Taylor county, Iowa, and loca- ted on his present farm of 305 acres, on which he proposes building a fine house and barn. He was married in 1868 to Miss Eliza Brown, of Fulton county Illinois. They are the parents of four children: Mary F., William E., Nettie M. and Effie E. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
FORDYCE, A. B., farmer, section four, post-office Platteville, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1842. He there attained his majority and received a common school education.
Also learned the shoemaker's trade and followed that business six years. Came to Taylor county in 1869 and settled on his present farm. He was married in Pennsylvania, June 14, 1866, to Miss Rachael Bowers, of that State. Three children have blessed their union: John, Benson and Fannie Fern. Mr. F. has been a cripple since fourteen years of age. He has now a farm of 380 acres, well improved, and a good house and barn. He is now engaged in farming, stock-raising and shipping; at one time shipping to New York and Phila- delphia. Since coming to Iowa he has made Chicage his market. Mr. For- dyce is a man of energy and excellent business qualifications.
FREEMYER, J. R., section twenty-seven, post-office Mormontown. Sub- ject was born in Washington county, Ohio, in 1840. At the age of thirteen his parents moved to Jay county, Indiana, where they resided four years, then moved to Worth county, Missouri, where he attained his majority. His limited education was obtained in the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in company E, Fourth Missouri cavalry and served three years, par-
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ticipating in all the engagements, raids, etc., in which his regiment took part, among which were the battles of Turkey Creek, Springfield, Pea Ridge, Fayetteville, Ark., besides numerous skirmishes with guerillas; also with Price and Marmaduke. In the fall of 1864 he was thrown from his horse, had his knee dislocated, and suffered from a rupture, but kept his place in the ranks and took part in the engagement with Price at Big Blue. Was mustered out at Warrensburg, Missouri, April, 1865. He returned to Worth county, and on May 14 was married to Miss Leonori Foland. Their union was blessed with eight children, seven of whom are now living: May H., Martha R., John E., Archie M., Sarah E., Ada B. and Myra A. He came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1868 and located on his present farm of 150 acres, which is free from incumbrance. He has paid $1,100 security in the last four years. Mr. F. can relate all the little incidents which occurred during his army life, giving place and dates accurately.
FULTON, S. A., farmer, section nine, post-office Platteville, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1825, where he grew to manhood and acquired a liberal education in the common schools. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed that business five years. He then made several trips to Iowa, and in 1856 came to Taylor county and settled on a farm. In 1865 he concluded that bachelor life was not conducive to his best interests. Cupid, guessing his thoughts, lost no time in marshalling his forces, and presenting himself demanded an "unconditional surrender." Mr. F. was married shortly after to Miss M. Hollingsworth. From this union there were two children. One (James C.) is now living. Mrs. F. died in 1871, and three years later our subject married Miss Barbary Brown, of Atchison county, Mo., by whom he has one child, Alice. In 1875 Mr. Fulton settled on his present farm of 160 acres. He has a fine location, and is making a very attractive home.
GLENDENNING, W. P., teacher, Mormontown. Among those engaged in instructing the youth of Taylor county we find our subject. Mr. G. is a native of Ohio, born in 1850. Finished his education at the age of sev- enteen at Burton Academy. From Ohio he went to Green Lake county, Wisconsin, where he worked in the pine forests about eight months, and then engaged as a clerk in a drug store, remaining in that business for one year. He then came to Iowa, stopped at Cedar Falls about six months, when he went to St. Paul, thence to St. Louis by raft, and then west to Kansas. After spending some time in that State he went to the mountains and engaged in mining. In 1874 he returned to Iowa, settling in Ringgold county, where he has since been engaged in farming and teaching. In 1876 he was married to Miss Matilda Aldridge.
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HANKINS, D. G., farmer, post-office Platteville, was born in Ohio, in 1854. When but one year old he came with his parents to Iowa, settling in Lee county. While there his father died, and the mother, with her family of small ones, came to Taylor county. Here young Hawkins re- ceived the most of his education, and is at present engaged in farming. He enjoys the confidence of his employers, and by his energy bids fair to be- come a useful man.
HOLLINGSWORTH, E. P., proprietor hotel, Mormontown, was born in Indiana, November 15, 1820; was educated in the common schools. Learned the shoemaker's trade, and engaged in that business eighteen years at Perkinsville, Indiana. In 1864 he came to Iowa, locating at Centerville, and the following year moved to Unionville, Mo., where he made brick and built a seminary for the town. Remained there one year, then went to Sullivan county, thence to Macon county, and in 1869 returned to Iowa, lo- cating in Appanoose county. Moved to Ringgold county two years later, where he engaged in brick-making and farming. Came to Taylor county in 1878, and located at Mormontown. Was married in 1843 to Miss Mary J. Morrow, of Indiana. They have eight children: John, Martha, Mary, Elsie, William, Lucy J., David and Elias. Mr. H. is now engaged in farm- ing and hotel keeping. Himself and wife have been members of the M. E. Church for upward of forty years.
JARVIS, WILLIAM H., section seven, post-office Platteville, entered life in Highland county, Ohio, in 1848, and there grew to manhood, receiv- ing a common school education. In 1861 he enlisted in company I, Twenty-fourth Ohio, and served with gallantry until the close of the war, taking part in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Chickamagua, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, etc .; veteraned at Chattanooga, after which he served in the Eighteenth Ohio and was promoted to sergeant; was with Sherman at the battles of Rocky Face and Buzzard's Roost. He was then furloughed, and after his return took part in the battle of Nash- ville. He was discharged at Augusta, October 24, 1865, and returned to Ohio and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1867 he married Miss Mar- tha J. Simpson of Ohio. They were the happy parents of six children : Chas. B., Elmer N., Clinton B., Orie S., Anna B. and Myrtia S. Mrs. Jarvis died April 8, 1881, of consumption. The subject came to Iowa in 1871, and to Taylor county in 1873, where he has since remained.
JOLLEY, S. H., section twenty-two, post-office Mormontown, was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1838. He there grew to manhood, receiving such education as could be obtained in the public schools. In 1862 he en- listed in company E, Eighty-ninth Ohio; was a sergeant and participated in
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
the battles of Hooker's Gap and Chickamauga, where he fell into the hands of the enemy and was taken to Belle Island. After lying in Libby Prison for three months he was taken to Danville, thence to Andersonville where he remained thirteen months. There disease and hunger reduced him to a mere shadow. An order came for a part of the prisoners to be taken to Florence, South Carolina; determined to escape if possible, he gathered up his crutches and hobbled into the ranks. Fortunately he procured some apples from a negro which checked the scurvy and ameliorated his suffer- ings. In March, 1865, he was sent inside of the Union lines, after having been a prisoner for nearly eighteen months. Of the one hundered and ninety-two men of his regiment that were captured, only twenty survived the horrors of prison. He returned to his former home weighing less than one hundred pounds. He was mustered out at Columbus, and, after re- gaining his health, again engaged in farming. In 1874 he accepted a po- sition as traveling agent for Boyd & Bros., lumber merchants, of Savannah, Ohio. This he followed one year, then engaged in a tannery until 1877, when he came to Iowa and located where he now resides, on the farm of his brother, Col. Jolley, of Conway. The farm consists of 200 acres and is well managed. In 1867 he was married to Miss Ella, daughter of Robert Hunt, of Georgetown, Ohio, a most estimable lady. They have three children: Alma, Fred and Georgia, and manifest great interest in their education. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
KING, THOMAS, merchant, post-office Mormontown, was born in the Buckeye State in 1836. Came to Iowa Territory when three years of age, and to Taylor county in 1855. He was educated in the common schools, and shortly after coming to this county he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Platteville. He opened up the first store in that place, and re- mained there two years; he then moved to Kansas where he resided four years, after which he returned to Taylor county. He was the first post- master at Platteville. In 1867 he came to Mormontown and in company with his brother built the Mormontown Mills; since then he has made this place his home and has engaged in milling and the mercantile business. Was first married in 1855 to Miss Louisa J. Moore, of Appanoose county, by whom he has two children: Albert E., now practicing medicine at Red- ding, Iowa; and Dora, wife of F. M. Wisdom, of Mormontown. In 1862 Mrs. King departed this life, and two years later our subject was united in marriage to Miss Villiara Propst of this county. They have two children: Sumner E. and Zollah. Mr. King is an enterprising business man, and a worthy citizen. He is connected with the I. O. O. F. Subject and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
KING, DR. V. R., Platteville, was born in Lee county, Iowa, in 1844, und was educated in the common schools, and at Rush Medical College, Chicago. He came to Taylor county with his parents in 1855. In 1861 ie enlisted in company K, Fourth Iowa infantry, and served three years. Participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, etc., and was with Sher- man in his memorable campaign to Atlanta. Received his discharge at Jonesborough, North Carolina, and at once returned to his home. He then commenced the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. J. King (now de- ceased). Attended the Rush Medical College during the seasons of 1866-7; he then returned to this county and practiced one year, then went to Wy- ming Territory and engaged in the tie business at Laramie City. In 1873 he was elected to the legislature from Albany county, served one term, and hen returned to Iowa, and again entered the Rush Medical College in 1876, attended one term, and has since engaged in practice. He graduated from hat institution in 1881. Was married to Miss F. L. Hamilton, of this county, in 1878. They have one child, Ida. The doctor has a good prac- ice and has the requisite energy to make a success of his chosen vocation. He is connected with the I. O. O. F., and Masonic fraternities.
KENEDY, JACOB B., section twenty-one, post-office Platteville, was born in 1829, in the Keystone State. He received a common school edu- ation; learned the wagon and carriage making trade, which business he followed until 1857, when he went to Illinois and located at Abingdon, Knox county, and continued at his trade for about eighteen years. Leaving Illinois in 1875 he came to Taylor county, Iowa, and settled n Benton township. Although living on a farm, he continued at his rade for three years; since then he has devoted his attention to farm- ng. His present farm consists of eighty acres which he intends to improve und then turn his attention to raising of Poland-China hogs. In 1854 Mr. Kenedy took unto himself Miss Mary Best of Pennsylvania. They nad eight children, four of whom are now living: Samuel A., John S., Mar- ha E. and Leannah M. In 1879 Mrs. Kenedy died, and the following year he was married to Ellen Stephens, relict of Jacob Stephens of Indiana, by whom he has one child, James. Subject is a member of the I. O. D. F.
LARGE, WM., farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office Platteville, is a native of the Keystone State, born in Fayette county in December, 1822. Remained there until eighteen years of age and acquired his education in the subscription schools of that time. Moved to Ohio in 1841; resided there ifteen years. Engaged as a brick mason, which trade he had previously
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
learned. Was married in 1849 to Miss Larina Hankins, of Fayette county, Ohio. They are the parents of six children: A. T., Mary E., Sarah A., John W., Stephen A. D. and Alma J. Came to Iowa in 1856, located in this county and engaged in farming. Has a farm consisting of 160 acres in Iowa and 540 acres in Missouri, all in good cultivation. He is a model farmer and is among the most successful of Taylor county's business men. Is connected with the Masonic fraternity.
LOVE, T. J., carpenter, section thirty-one, post-office Platteville, was born in Ohio, in 1830. He. there reached man's 'estate, and received a common school education. At the age of nineteen he learned the carpenter trade, which business he has since followed. In the spring of 1855 he came to Iowa, and was one of the first settlers of Montgomery county. In 1861 he returned to Ohio on account of his wife's health. Mrs. Love died the following year, leaving a family of three children: Annetta, William L. and Orma. In 1866 he was married to Miss Eunice Allen, and two years later returned to Iowa, leaving his family in Ohio, intending to improve a farm in Page county. Sickness again called him to Ohio, and Mrs. Love died in two weeks after his return. She left two children: Ora and Joseph M. In 1871 he took unto himself Miss Hannah Roberts, by whom he has two children; Marion S. and Lewis E. In 1880 he came to Bedford, remained about four months when he purchased the farm where he now resides. Mr. Love is one of seven brothers, six of whom served in the army, he remain- ing at home.
MINOR, JESSE, farmer and stock-raiser, sections twenty-one and twenty-two, post-office Mormontown; born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1853. Received a common school education, came to Iowa in 1874 and stopped for a short time in Jasper county. He subsequently went to Ne- braska but returned to Iowa and engaged in cattle-feeding. In the spring of 1876 he settled on a farm of 360 acres owned by himself and father, where he is engaged at present in farming and stock-raising with success. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Ollie J. Simms, of Worth county, Missouri. They are the parents of one child, Delia May. Mr. M. is one of the most enterprising farmers of Taylor county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
OLDER, WM., section thirty-six, post-office Mormontown, was born at Albany, New York, in 1841. While yet a child his parents removed to Vernon county, Wisconsin, where his father founded the town of Viroqua the county seat. Remaining there eight years he came to Independence, Iowa, where he resided seven years. While there his father went into the army. In 1863 Mr. O. went to Dakota and settled at Elk Point, Union
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
county, where he made a claim and engaged in farming. Here he was un- successful. Grasshoppers feasted upon the products of his toil for three seasons. His house with most of its contents was burned. Becoming dis- couraged he sold his only cow to raise means to get away. He removed to Worth county, Missouri, and engaged in farming. In 1879 he came to Taylor county, Iowa, and located on his present farm of eighty acres. Not- withstanding the many reverses with which he has met he has overcome them all and now has a beautiful home. In 1866 he married Miss Elizabeth J. Furzee, of Montreal, Canada. They have four children: Albert F., Ida May, Anna A. and Francis M.
PAGE, L. H., farmer, section nine, post-office Platteville, a native of Massachusetts, was born in 1832, and at the age of five years came with his parents to the Territory of Iowa. They settled in Lee county, where young Page attained his majority and received a common school education. Their journey from Massachusetts to Ohio was made in a sled, and from Ohio to Iowa in a wagon. Subject remained in Lee county until 1856, when he came to Taylor county and settled on a farm one-half mile north of the one where he now resides. In 1857 he purchased his present farm. It contains 125 acres and is well improved. He was married in 1853, to Miss Eliza- beth King, of Lee county. They are the parents of one child, Sarah Adassa. Mr. Page has in his possession the ax with which was made the first rail in Taylor county. It was given him by Jesse Guill. Mr. and Mrs. Page are members of the M. E. Church.
PROPST, DANIEL, farmer, section thirty, post-office Platteville, was born in Virginia in 1837. There grew to manhood, receiving his edu- cation in the subscription schools. In the fall of 1856 he came with his parents to Scott county, Iowa. Remained there two years then came to Taylor county and has since engaged in farming. Was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Burnside, a native of Ohio. From this union there are four children: Nannie, Allie, Elsie and Stella. Mr. Propst now has a fine farm of 126 acres. He has held various township offices and always performed his duties with the strictest integrity. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Baptist Church. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M.
REED, J. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section nine, post-office Platte- ville. Prominent among the early settlers of this county we find Mr. R. He was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1825. When ten years of age his parents emigrated to St. Joe county, Michigan. There he remained until he was sixteen, then he went to Huron county, Ohio, and engaged at farming. He again returned to Michigan, then went to Chicago and engaged as a teamster, but becoming discontented made several trips
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across the lakes and spent considerable time in traveling. Subsequently he engaged as a lielper in an iron mill at Danville, Pennsylvania. He was soon given a furnace of his own and continued at the business eight years. In 1853, he started westward leaving his family in Michigan. Arriving at Davenport he became so favorably impressed with the country that he de- termined to remain and accordingly settled in Keokuk county, near South English. He became intoxicated with the idea of crossing the plains and settling on the golden shores of the Pacific. Accordingly he started, reached Worth county, Missouri, when sickness in his family compelled him to give up the trip. Not wishing to live in a slave state he came to Taylor county, Iowa, and settled on his present farm of 1,970 acres. He is exten- sively engaged in stock-raising. In 1880 he handled 350 head of cattle and over 800 head of hogs. He was married in 1847, to Miss Clarissa Kennedy, of Danville, Pennsylvania, by whom he had five children. Three are living : Clarence M., Vincent, and Sylva G. In 1862 Mrs. R. died, and in 1864, he married Miss Martha E. Pestol, of Worth county, Missouri. She was the mother of two children, both deceased. She also died, and in 1869, the year following her death he married Miss Sarah A. Brown, daugh- ter of Elias Brown, an old settler of Jackson township. They are the par- ents of five children: Miles A., Jacob W., Dilla A., and Elsie and Isie, twins. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the M. E. Church. He is also con- nected with the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. fraternities.
SCHRAM, SIDNEY, post-office Mormontown, was born in Her Majes- ty's dominions in 1838. Was there reared and educated, and also learned the blacksmith trade. He came to the United States in 1860, stopped in Atchison county, Missouri, one year, then went to Pike's Peak and engaged in mining for a short time. He returned to Missouri in the fall of 1861, made that his home four years, then moved to Page county, Iowa, and en- gaged in farming and the mercantile business at Union Grove. In 1868 he went to Isadora, Missouri, and there embarked in the mercantile busi- ness. Six years later he came to Mormontown and in the fall of 1878, was elected to the office of clerk of the courts. He served in that capacity two years, then returned to his farm. Was married in 1862, to Miss Clemen- tine Woodhull, also a native of Canada. They have three children: Anna E., William B. and Arthur L. Mr. S. has a fine farm of 350 acres in this and Ringgold counties, and is engaged in farming and stock-growing. He is at present deputy sheriff of Taylor county.
SEVERNS, JOHN, section three, post-office Mormontown, is a native of Fulton county, Illinois, where he was born in 1845. When ten years of age he came with his parents to Lucas county, Iowa, and from thence to Taylor
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
ounty, in 1857. In 1863, he enlisted in company B, Ninth Iowa cavalry, nd served until the company was discharged, when he returned home and ngaged in farming. He now owns a farm of eighty acres and has a beau- iful home. In 1876, he married Miss Nancy Birdwell, of Illinois. They re the parents of four children: Riley, Jesse, Nellie and Minnie.
SEVERNS, J. R., section eight, post-office Platteville, a native of the Buckeye State, was born in 1844. While young his parents moved to Ful- on county, Illinois, where his father died, and he with his mother and rother came to Lucas county, Iowa. Remaining there a short time, he rith his brother, went to Missouri, and in 1859 they came to Taylor county, owa. At the breaking out of the war, his brother went into the army. Subject remained at home, and in 1867 married Miss Florence A. Burrell, f this county. They have six children: Ulysses, Amanda, Benjamin, Al- ert, Eustace and William. He is now located on a farm of 160 acres of ;ood land and is a member of the I. O. O. F.
STEVENSON, JNO. J., hotel-keeper, Mormontown, is a native of the Keystone State, born in 1833. He there attained his majority, receiving is education in the common schools. He learned the carpenter trade and ngaged for some time in that business. In 1863 he emigrated to Warren punty, Iowa, remained there during the winter, then came to Taylor punty. In 1867 he moved to Ringgold county; lived there two years then eturned to this county, and seven years later engaged in the hotel business t Mormontown. He was married in 1854 to Miss Lucy Long, daughter f Jno. Long, Esq., of Greene county, Pennsylvania. They own the Mor- hontown Hotel and are making it first-class in every respect. Mr. and Irs. S. are careful and attentive, always ready to consult the wishes of their nests, and are fast becoming popular as landlord and landlady.
SWETT, CYRUS, farmer, section eighteen, post-office Platteville, was orn in the Green Mountain State, in 1823. When five years old his par- nts moved to Ohio, where he grew to maturity and received a liberal edu- ation. When seventeen, he engaged in carpentering, and followed that usiness for a tim'e. In 1844 he went to Philadelphia, where he remained short time, then returned to Ohio on foot. He came to Iowa in 1848, and he following year located at Des Moines, where he engaged at his trade. 'ecame a resident of this county in 1854, entered land in section 19, and nproved a part of his present farm. He was married in Des Moines in 852, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Morris. Of their children, nine re now living: William T., Catharine, Caroline, Charles H., Ida A., Rosa 'elle, Dora Francis, Cyrus V. and John. Subject now owns 160 acres of und well improved, and is among our most substantial business men.
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