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 80
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738
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
WHITE, DR. A., Mormontown, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1845. Came to America with his parents and stopped in Monroe county, New York, where he received his first lessons in English. In 1855 his parents emigrated to Iowa and settled in Dubuque county. Remained there four years then moved to Delaware county, where he remained until 1865. Commenced the study of medicine with Dr. G. A. Dando, of Worthington, with whom he continued three years. He then entered the Keokuk Medi- cal College and graduated from that institution in 1870. Came to Taylor county in July of that year and commenced the practice of his profession. He is now enjoying a large practice and commands the confidence and re- spect of all.
WILLIAMS, THOS., farmer, section thirty-one, post-office Platteville, born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1838. Came to Tippecanoe county, In- diana, when fifteen years of age. Was educated in common schools. In 1869 he moved to Vernon county, Wisconsin; remained there one year, then came to Taylor county and settled on his present farm of eighty acres. Was married in Indiana in 1861, to Miss Julia House. They have six chil- dren: Camillus, Martin, Ida, Charles, William, Lizzie and Mary. Mr. W. has a fine little farm, good residence and enjoys the pleasures of a home made attractive by his excellent family.
WILSON, W. W., farmer, section ten, post-office Mormontown, was born · in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and received a common school education. At the age of eighteen he had learned the car- penter trade and has followed that business most of his life. In 1853 he left Pennsylvania and started west, stopping for awhile in Ohio and Wis- consin, and reaching Iowa in 1854. Here he remained for two years, then went to Illinois and settled in Knox county, where he resided until 1862, when he enlisted in company A, Fourteenth Illinois cavalry. Was with Shackleford on his raid after Morgan through Indiana and Ohio. Also with Stoneman on his raid to Macon and with Thomas at the battle of Nashville, when, on account of sickness, and the war being over, he was discharged. He enlisted as a sergeant and was promoted to the rank of quartermaster- sergeant of his regiment. He returned to Illinois and engaged in carpen- tering until 1868, when he removed to Des Moines county, Iowa. In 1866 he was married to Miss Lydia A. Enke, of Ohio. They are the parents of five children: Wm. E., Rozella and Rozetta (twins), Mary and Pearl. Mr. W. is a member of the A. F. & A. M.
WILSON, JNO. F., farmer, post-office Mormontown. Subject was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1842, and was educated at home, hav- ing attended school but nine months. In 1857 he went to Illinois and set- tled at Yates City, Knox county, where he remained until August 4, 1862,
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
when he enlisted in company F, Eighty-sixth Illinois, and served until the close of the war. He was engaged in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain and numerous other bat- tles, including Kenesaw, where his brother was killed fighting by his side. The subject was engaged in twenty-seven battles and received three wounds. Was discharged June, 1865, at Washington, and returned to Illinois, where he engaged in teaming. In 1867 he was married to Miss Mary H. Kennedy, of Appanoose county, Iowa, by whom he has five children: Cornelia, Mu- setta, Lulu M., Floyd and Grace. In 1878 he removed to Ringgold county, Iowa, remaining one season, then came to Taylor county, where he now re- sides, and is one of our most successful farmers.
WISDOM, M. B., farmer, section twelve, post-office Mormontown, was born in Boone county, Missouri, in 1834 .. When seven years of age his father came to this State and located in Davis county, where our subject attained his majority. In 1855 he came to this county and entered forty acres of land, which consumed all his wealth. Having a poor yoke of steers he com- menced farming. His plow had a wooden mould-board and his harrow wooden teeth. His first team of horses was stolen. In the spring of 1857 he paid three and a half dollars for three pails of meal, borrowing the money to pay for it. Such are a few of the trials experienced by our subject while en- deavoring to make a home on the bleak prairies of southwestern Iowa. He is now the owner of 500 acres of well improved land and has one of the most beautiful homes in Taylor county. He was married in 1855 to Miss Ann E. Stofle, of Davis county, Iowa. They have eight children: Josephus, Martha T., Silas E., Sherman A., Carleton, Dora, Willis and Sylva M. One is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom are members of the Baptist Church. Although now in good circumstances, all has been gained by good manage- ment, as Mr. W. has not been able to do a day's work since he was twenty- five years of age. He proposes to build a large barn this summer.
WISDOM, FRANK M., post-office Mormontown. Of the many excel- lent young men of Taylor county none are more worthy of mention than Mr. Wisdom. He was born in Davis county, of this State, in 1856. Came to this county when two years of age and has since made it his home. His education has been obtained in the common schools and Simpson Centenary College, of Indianola, Iowa. He has also been reading law, with a view to the legal profession. Was married in 1878, to Miss M. E. King, daughter of Thomas King, of Mormontown, and a very excellent lady. As a teacher Mr. W. ranks among the first in Taylor county. As a student in Simpson Centenary College the writer can say from personal knowledge that few better ever entered her walls. Mr. W. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and also brother of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity of S. C. C.
740
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY. ·
MARSHALL TOWNSHIP.
ALTER, ISAAC W., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-four, post- office Conway, was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, in 1850, where he grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools and Mt. Pleas- ant Academy. He was married in January, 1873, to Miss Anna Yound, of Shelby county, Iowa. They have one child (adopted), Harry P. Mr. and Mrs. Altar are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, in which he holds the position of clerk. They own eighty acres of choice land which is in good cultivation, and from their residence have a splendid view of the sur- rounding country.
BOYD, JOHN S., farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-two, post-office Conway, was born in Jefferson county, New York, June 14, 1835. When seven years old his parents, John and Eliza Boyd, moved to Ohio, and set- tled near Cleveland, where our subject was reared and educated. In 1857, owing to impaired health, he followed the injunction of Greeley, and came west, reaching this county July 30, of that year, after having walked from Mt. Pleasant, that being the terminus of the railroad at that time. He then engaged in teaching; organized and taught the first school in Marshall township, receiving eighteen dollars per month for his services. In the spring of 1857 he was chosen county superintendent, to serve the unexpired term of Josiah Litteer, and was elected to that position at the next general elec- tion; served two years, and was succeeded by Mr. Snow, who served one term, when our subject was again chosen to that office. He was married March 21, 1860, to Miss Surrelda E. Raynolds, of Ohio, born February 22, 1839. They are the parents of eight children; four are living: Annie B., Frank N., Jessie E. and Bruce B .; Alice C. died in 1863 and Eliza J., Geo. M. and Martha B. in September, 1875, within twelve days of each other, and all died of diptheria. Mr. Boyd is the owner of 800 acres of land in a high state of cultivation; has a fine house and barn, large bearing orchard, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the M. E. Church, and have always taken great interest in the moral and intellectual development of the country.
BREWER, J. M., farmer and stock-raiser, section one, post-office Lenox, was born in Massachusetts in 1848, and came to Illinois with his parents when three years of age, and there grew to manhood, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools. In 1871 he moved to Adams county, and two years later came to his present location. Was married in Illinois, June 1869, to Miss A. E. Besse. They are the parents of five children: William
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
N., Mabel and -living; Mary L. and Cora are deceased. Mr. Brewer pos- sesses a farm of 120 acres, nearly all in cultivation; has a comfortable house, good barn, young orchard, etc. He commenced on the raw prairie, and has transformed the wild waste into a beautiful home.
DANIELS, J. P., dealer in general merchandise, Conway, a native of Oneida county, New York, was born November 14, 1833, in the city of Utica. His parents being poor he was placed in the cotton-mills to labor for one and a half dollars per week, but being naturally active and quick to learn, he soon became more proficient and commanded two and a half dol- lars per day at the time he retired from that occupation. He then engaged in boating on the canal lines, and followed that business two years after which he purchased a small tract of timber land in Madison county, New York, and made it into a farm. He subsequently sold his farm and moved to Henry county, Illinois, and engaged in farming for fourteen years. He- came to Iowa in May, 1867, and located in this county, three and a half miles north of Conway. Since coming to this county he has improved sev- eral farms. Subject quit farming and came to Conway where he engaged in blacksmithing for several years; he then purchased a stock of groceries and has since been in that business. He was married in 1858 to Miss Sarah Stephens, of Knox county, Illinois. They are the parents of twelve chil- dren, four of whom are deceased. Mr. Daniels is a member of the Christian Church.
DANIELS, THOMAS W., dealer in furniture, Conway, was ushered into this life, in Oswego county, New York, September 12, 1841, and re- ceived his education in the Utica high school. When about fifteen years old he moved with his parents to Illinois, and settled in Henry county, engag- ing in farming for a time, then learned the carpenter trade, and followed that business until 1861. At the first call for troops he determined to lend his aid to the Union cause, and accordingly enlisted in company D, Twelfth Illinois infantry volunteers, and served three months, then reënlisted in the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana volunteers and served nearly three years. Took part in the battle of Jackson, Tennessee, also in the siege and capture of Vicksburg; engaged in scouting in Arkansas about two years and was mustered out at Pine Bluff, June 12, 1865. At the close of the war he returned to Springfield, Illinois, and engaged at his trade. In 1871 subject moved to Kansas and remained four years, then came to Taylor county and worked at carpentering. Visited California in 1878, and returned in the fall of that year, and in the following spring made a second trip to the gold fields. He again returned to Taylor county, and in the fall of 1880 engaged in the furniture business at Conway. He was
742
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
married in 1867 to Miss Sarah E. Griffith. They have five sons and one daughter. Mr. Daniels is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
DOCKSTADER, K., proprietor Conway Grain Elevator, is a native of the Empire State, born August 25, 1846. Three years thereafter his pa- rents moved to Lee county, Illinois, where our subject grew to manhood and acquired a liberal education. In 1872 Mr. D. engaged in the grain trade at Paw Paw, Lee county, which business he has since made his chief study. Came to Taylor county in 1880, for the purpose of embarking in the grain trade, and selected Conway as his place for operations. In October of that year he began the erection of an elevator, which for convenience and ca- pacity is not excelled in southwestern Iowa. Its storage capacity is up- wards of 20,000 bushels. The facilities for handling grain are much greater than those of any other elevator in the county. Every improvement of im- portance is to be found; the wagon-dumper, an ingenious contrivance, en- ables the patrons of this market to unload with ease and dispatch. Subject is possessed of ample capital to do an unlimited independent business, thus assuring the highest market price for everything in his line. Was married October 26, 1869, to Miss Marietta Griffin, also a native of New York State. Mr. D. and lady are a very estimable couple, are popular in the community in which they live, and possess sufficient means to enjoy the comforts of life.
DUNN, D. M., proprietor Union House, Conway, is a native of the Empire State, born in Ontario county in 1827, where he was educated and grew to manhood. He is a son of the Hon. Hiram Dunn, of New York, who represented his district in Congress several terms. He was married when in his nineteenth year to Miss Eliza Walters, daughter of the cele- brated Dr. Luman Walters, of New York. In 1849 subject moved to Bat- tle Creek, Michigan, where he engaged in conducting a large, first-class hotel. He was also engaged in an extensive clothing business for several years previous to his coming to Taylor county. In the spring of 1878 he settled in Conway and engaged in the hotel and livery business. In January, 1881, he became proprietor of the Union House, which is one of the finest hotels in the county, being a large three-story frame with stone basement, contain- ing thirty well-furnished sleeping rooms, besides parlors, office and billiard hall, and will compare favorably with any house in southwestern Iowa. Mr. D. is a man of active and energetic business disposition, and has done much to further the interests of Conway since locating there. In 1874 Mrs. Dunn was taken away, leaving one child, Cora, which he has given a liberal edu- cation, she being a graduate of Battle Creek high school, of Battle Creek, Michigan, and is now a teacher in that institution. Subject was again mar-
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
ried in 1874, to Mrs. Mary Tottle, a widow lady of Battle Creek, and a lady of excellent taste and refinement.
ELLIS, W. C., of Ellis Brothers, grain-dealers, Conway, is a native of Wisconsin, born May 6, 1845. His youth was spent on a farm and in at- tending the common schools. In 1864 he came to Iowa, locating in Polk county and engaged in farming in summer and teaching during the winter months. He moved to Taylor county in 1875, located on a farm and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1880, at which time he engaged in the grain business at Con way. On the first of January, 1881, he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements with his brother, T. G. Ellis. The firm is now doing a prosperous business. Subject was married in August, 1871, to Miss Emma Faucet, of Polk county, Iowa. They have three children, a son and two daughters. Mrs. Ellis is engaged in the mil- linery business on Main Street, where she carries a large stock of the best goods, and receives a liberal patronage.
GEABHART, J. H., blacksmith, Conway, a native of Orange county, Missouri, born November 12, 1845. He grew to manhood in liis native county and was educated in the Jefferson City schools. His father being a blacksmith he was taken into the shop as a helper and there learned the trade. On March 6, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixth Missouri cavalry and served three years, participating in some of the hardest fought battles of the war; engaged at Champion's Hill, Vicksburg and Jacksonville, Misissippi; was with Banks in his unfortunate Red River expedition, also in the seven day fight on the retreat to Alexandria; returned to New Orleans and after- ward took part in the operations against Mobile; was mustered out in Feb- ruary, 1865, and returned to Missouri, where he engaged at his trade for a time, then became irregular in business, visiting cities in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, finally settling in Conway in the spring of 1881. Was married in 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Vannice. They are the parents of six children: Addie, Asher, Cora, Hartford, Guy and Harry. Mr. Gearhart is a member of the A. F. & A. M.
GOODSILL, M. C., of Goodsill Brothers, merchants, Conway, is a native of McHenry county, Illinois, born May 17, 1851. His youth was spent on a farm and his education obtained in the public schools and in a commercial college, which he attended after he had arrived at man's estate. Came to Conway in January, 1879, and has since made it his home. Subject is now managing the large mercantile business of Goodsill Brothers & Anderson, Conway. The firm occupies a handsome building and carries one of the largest stocks of general merchandise in the county. They are also mem- bers of the Conway Lumber Company and have an interest in the Conway
744
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
Mills. Mr. Goodsill is a man of extraordinary business capacity, is indus- trious, enterprising, and has done much for the upbuilding of the town. In 1877 he was married in Mills county, Iowa, to Miss Effie Lockwood, a lady of great culture and refinement. They are a very estimable couple, always ready to contribute to those in need, as well as to every worthy enterprise, and possess a pleasant home.
HARREL, J. M., farmer and fruit-grower, section 21, post-office Con- way, born in Greene county, Indiana, December 4, 1840, was raised on a farm and received a common school education. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in company D, Fourteenth Indiana infantry volunteers and served nineteen months and was discharged on account of gun-shot wound in left knee; was in the battles of Rich Mountain, Green Brier, Cheat Moun- tain, Winchester (below Richmond), Harrison's Landing, Second Bull Run, South Mountain and Antietam. At the last named place he was wounded, also again at Fredericksburgh; was honorably discharged and draws a pen- sion of twelve dollars per month. Subject moved to Wappello county, Iowa, in 1869, remained there until the spring of 1875, when he came to this county. He was married in 1862, to Miss Elnora Neil, then living in Indiana, but a native of the Buckeye State. They have had eleven children: Abraham L., Clara A., Elmer N., Thaddeus V., Lovel! L. and Ralston G., living; William M., Francis M., Sarah A., Emma M. and John R. deceased. Mr. Harrel owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres of splendid land and has a good home. He is a dimitted member of the I. O. O. F. and also a member of the Christian Church.
HOWARD, H. M., blacksmith and wagon-maker, Conway, a native of the Empire State, born July 29, 1825. While an infant his parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Ashtabula county, where our subject was reared and educated. When about sixteen years of age he learned the blacksmith trade, after which he purchased a shop and engaged in business for himself. In 1861 he enlisted in company I, Twenty-second Ohio infantry volunteers, and served three years. He enlisted as a private but was promoted to the position of second lieutenant on account of meritorious service which he performed. Participated in battles of Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Mount Union, Gettysburg and many others equally important. Resigned his po- sition in the early part of 1865, and returned to Morrow county, Ohio, where he worked. at his trade two years; came to Taylor county in 1867, and has since made this his home. Mr. Howard owns a good farm in Washington township besides a fine residence and large shop in Conway, and is doing an extensive business in blacksmithing and wagon making. Was married in November, 1848, to Miss Olive Avery, a lady of intelli-
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
rence and taste. Of their children three are living and three are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal hurch.
JOLLEY, COL. J. H., attorney at law and real estate agent, post-office Jonway, a native of Brown county, Ohio, born November 6, 1836; was here reared to manhood and educated in the schools at Ripley; worked on farm until seventeen years of age, then engaged in the milling business. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the State service and remained on the border until 1862, when he reënlisted in the Eighty-ninth Ohio in- antry volunteers; was elected captain and served in that capacity for some ime. As senior captain he had command of his regiment for six months; vas then promoted to position of major and served in that capacity until he close of the war, having command of his regiment most of the time. Iis title "Col." was a brevet title received during the war. As com- nander of his regiment he participated in many hard fought battles, always cquitting himself with distinction. When the war was over he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming for two years. Came to Taylor county in 868, farmed for two seasons, then moved to Bedford and engaged as sales- nan for Richards & Thompson, in the mercantile business; served in that apacity for four years, then removed to Conway and embarked in the lum- er trade two years, sold out and engaged in the real estate business with N. P. Nelson. He then took up the study of the law; was admitted to the ar in 1870, and has since dealt in " Legal Lore." Mr. Jolly was married n 1875 to Miss. Mary E. Fulton, of this county; two children have blessed heir union: Warde S. and Bessie B .. He is connected with the Odd Fellow und Masonic orders.
LIGGETT, DR. H. B., Conway, born in Summit county, Ohio, September 0, 1844. While quite young his parents became residents of Cardington, f that State. There our subject was reared, receiving a liberal education n the high school of that place. In 1862 he enlisted in company C, Eigh- y-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry; served four months and was discharged at Columbus, his time having expired. He then returned to Cardington and ttended school until 1865 when he came to this county. Remained here ne year then returned to Ohio and engaged in the study of medicine at Jardington with Dr. E. B. Mosher with whom he continued his studies . wo years. He then attended medical lectures at Cleveland, after which he ocated in Schuyler county, Illinois, and commenced the practice of his pro- ession. Attended the School of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk during he winter of 1879-80 and graduated from that institution March 2, of the ast named year. He then came to Conway and has since made that his
746
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
home. Was married in February, 1872, to Helen E. Shadrach. They have two sons and one daughter. The doctor has a wide and increasing practice and enjoys the full confidence of the public. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity.
LINDSEY, HUGH M., farmer and carpenter, section thirty-three, post- office Conway, born in Pennsylvania in 1820. Moved with his parents to Ohio when nine years of age and there remained until 1855. Was educated in the common schools. In the last named year he moved to Knox county, Illinois, thence to his present residence. Was married June 2, 1841, in Delaware county, Ohio, to Miss Margaret J. Graham, a native of Pennsyl- vania, by whom he had five children: Chas. M., Margaret E., Adaline C., and Anna A., John C. died in 1848. Mrs. L. died April 9th, 1854. He was again married November 15th, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Deal, also a na- tive of Pennsylvania. From this union there are six children: Mary F., Samuel N. S., Dora B., Kitty May, Albert E. and Leonard L .; one, Wm. D. died April 6, 1859. Mr. L. enlisted in August, 1862, in the Eighty-third Illinois infantry; was discharged July 7, 1863, on account of physical disability. Has had the office of justice of the peace almost continuously since coming to this county. He owns a good farm of ninety-seven acres, sixty of which are in good cultivation and well improved.
LITTEER, JOSIAH, farmer, section thirty-four, post-office Conway, whose portrait will be found on another page, is a native of New Jersey; was born April 12th, 1822. At the age of eighteen he moved to Coshocton county, Ohio. Remained there seven years then came to Monroe county, Iowa, located, and engaged in farming. He came to this county in 1854 and settled on a part of his present farm. Was married in Richland county, Ohio, May 9th, 1848, to Miss Margaret Kepper, a native of that State. They have eight children: Clarissa, wife of Salem Robinson, Sylvina, wife of J. O. Duffield, Monroe C., Miles H., Cleveland O., Henry K. and -; lost one at the age of three. Mr. L. came to this county with very limited means and the county being new, necessarily endured many hard- ships and privations. The first election in Marshall township was held at his house. There were thirteen votes polled. Mr. L. now has a farm of 320 acres, well improved with good orchard, buildings, etc., and has a pleas- ant home.
MATHEWS, I. H., grocer and restaurant keeper, Conway, born in Ohio, March 23, 1834. Was raised on a farm and received a liberal common school education. Came to Iowa when seventeen years of age and settled in Van Buren county where he engaged in farming one year. He then moved to Hancock county, Illinois; remained there two years, then went to
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