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 81
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
Livingston county, Missouri, and engaged in farming and teaching school for several years. He then returned to Illinois and remained there until the close of the war. Came to lowa in 1865, located in lowa county and tilled the soil for a decade, then came to Lenox, this county, and kept hotel and restaurant for a time but again returned to the farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Came to Conway in 1880 and engaged in his pres- ent business. Was married in 1858 to Miss Hannah Baxter. They have two children: Alice and Emeline, both married. Mr. M. carries a good stock of groceries and is doing an extensive restaurant business.
NATION, J. W., farmer, section four, post-office Conway, is a native of the Hoosier State, born in 1833; moved with his parents to Illinois when but a child. When six years of age his parents again started westward, and located in Linn county, Iowa, remaining in that county about four years. They returned to Illinois and settled near Peoria, where young Nation grew to maturity, receiving his education in the common schools and Lombard University, at Galesburg. In 1861 he enlisted in the Second Iowa cavalry for three years, and was discharged at the expiration of that time. Was wounded twice by gun-shots and draws a small pension. Moved to Guthrie county, Iowa, in 1864, and remained there until coming to this county, in 1879. Was married at Fontanelle, Adair county, in 1871, to Miss Sarah C. Barnes, a Hawkeye by birth. From this union there are four children :: Cora A., Amanda J., Blanche E. and John. Mr. Nation has a nice farm, consisting of eighty acres, good improvements and one of the most beau- tiful maple groves in the county. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M. fraternity.
NELSON, N. P., banker, Conway, was born in Madison, Wisconsin, January 27, 1851. His parents (P. H. and Dorothea Nelson) are natives of Norway. They immigrated to America in 1850. When seven years of age our subject came with his parents to Taylor county, locating in Lexing- ton, Clayton township. He there attended the common schools, and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. While his father was in the army, our- subject (though only eleven years old) farmed twenty acres, and managed affairs with the judgment of a veteran farmer. In 1870 he entered the State Agricultural College at Ames, attended three and a half years, and' was obliged to leave school on account of failing health. After recuper- ating to some extent he entered the State University at Iowa City, and at- tended about five months. He had been elected county surveyor the fall previous, and after returning from college engaged in his official duties- holding that position two years. Located in Conway in the winter of 1874-5. and engaged in the real estate business. In 1879 he also embarked in bank-
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
ing, and now does an immense business in each of these lines. Was mar- ried December 24, 1874, to Miss S. E., daughter of Nathan Hall, of this county. She was born October 17, 1854, in Wayne county, this State. They have two children: Pearl (born October 27, 1875), and Jessie (born Janu- ary 1, 1877). Mr. N. is thoroughly a self-made man. He acquired his edu- cation by his own exertions. Taught school and secured means with which to school himself, and having earned the money used it to the best advan- tage. He is now doing an extensive banking and real estate business, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all. He is also the owner of 480 acres of land, and has a pleasant home in Conway. Has held the office of justice of the peace six years. Is connected with the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fra- ternities.
NELSON, P. H., shoemaker and dealer in boots and shoes, Conway, is, a native of Norway, born March 16, 1829. Was there reared and educated. At sixteen he completed the boot and shoemaker's trade, having served an apprenticeship of three years. Continued at his trade until twenty-one. Immigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Wisconsin. Worked at his trade six years, then engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1858. Came to Iowa in the last named year, and settled at Lexington, this county, where he engaged in farming. Enlisted August 9, 1862, in company F, Twenty- ninth Iowa infantry volunteers, and served three years. Participated in the battles of Helena, Vicksburg and Little Rock. From the last named place he went to Camden, thence to the Sabine River, where he took part in a bloody engagement in which 2,200 Confederates fell. They were then ordered to Texas, proceeded as far as the Rio Grande, and then returned to Mobile, participating in the capture of that place. Was discharged, and at once returned to Taylor county, where he engaged in farming about nine years, then came to Conway, erected the shop which he now occupies, and started in the boot and shoe business. He now carries a fine stock and is doing a good business. Was married in Norway to Miss Dorothea P. Poulson. They have four children: N. P. (now the banker at Conway), Julia R. (wife of C. M. Hall), Martha J. and Mary A. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the M. E. Church.
NYE, REV. C. L., pastor M. E. Church, Conway, is a native of the Bay State, born May 14, 1854. Was educated at Nicholas Academy. Entered the ministry and in coming west received his first appointment in Potta- wattamie county, Iowa. Remained there one year then moved to Green- field, Adair county, where he labored one year. Was next sent to Fon- tanelle; preached in that place two years and in September, 1880, took charge of the work at Conway. Since coming to this charge he has labored
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
alously for the upbuilding of the church and has been favored with great iccess. Was married May 5, 1876, to Miss Ada Cummins, a lady of cul- ire and refinement, and also a native of Massachusetts. They are the par- nts of two children: Grace A. and Charlie C. Mr. Nye is thoroughly de- oted to his ministerial duties and is worthy the respect and esteem of all r his indefatigable efforts in the cause of Christianity.
PITMAN, A., grocer, Conway. Born in Mercer county, Illinois, No- ember 13, 1852. When eight years old his parents became residents of nox county, same State; remained there about three years, then went to [enry county, where they resided until 1876. Subject was raised on a irm and received his education in the common schools. In the last named ear he came to Conway and engaged in the livery business two years; then loved upon a farm and followed farming two years. He then returned to onway and engaged in his present business. Was married in 1871 to Liss Sophia Cary, of Illinois. They have three children: Lillie M., Villiam and Blanche. Mr. P. is an energetic, industrious man, and is bing a good business.
RITNER, J. B., farmer, section twenty-four, post-office Conway, is a na- ve of the Keystone State, born in 1839. Came to Iowa in 1841, locating Des Moines county, where he remained until 1844, then returned to umberland county, Pennsylvania; thence to Franklin county, and in 1858 › Washington county, where he remained, farming and teaching school ntil the spring of 1861. He then enlisted in the Twelfth Pennsylvania ifantry for a three months' call, served four months and was discharged. aught school the following fall and winter and in the spring of 1862 en- red Lewisburg University, where he remained three years. He then re- ilisted, in August, 1864, in the Two Hundred and Second infantry for one bar. Was first sergeant at the time of his discharge, which was in August, 365. In November, 1866, he returned to Lewisburg University, remained x months, then went into the employ of the Penn Railroad Company, irving in various capacities, for nearly seven years. Resigned his position i conductor on that road in 1873, moved to Ohio, and went into the employ ' the P. C. & St. L. R. R., as conductor. Resigned that position and came , Des Moines county, Iowa, in 1875, where he engaged in farming and aching. In 1876 he became a resident of Taylor county and has since ught school and farmed. He was married March 19, 1868, to Miss E. C. lter, by whom he has had three children: H. A., E. C. and J. C., all ving. Mr. R. and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of hich he is an ordained minister. He is a grandson of Ex-Gov. Joseph
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
Ritner, of Pennsylvania, and also a member of the Masonic lodge of Con- way.
RUTLEDGE, WM., farmer, section ten, post-office Conway, was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1853. His youth was spent on a farm and attend- ing the common schools. Was married in 1857, to Miss Louisa Biggs, of Ohio. They are the parents of seven children: Mary F., wife of W. J. Smith; Kate, Alice, Abraham E., Thos. T. and Clara P., living, and Chas. S., deceased. During the war he enlisted in company H. One Hundred and Sixtieth regiment Ohio national guards, 100-day call, and at the expiration of his service was honorably discharged. Mr. R. owns 331 acres of good land, 250 of which are in good cultivation, with a new house and other build- ings, large orchard, etc. He is now largely engaged in stock raising and is one of the leading men of Taylor county. He is a member of Right Angle Lodge No. 340, A. F. & A. M .; also of the I. O. O. F.
SCHWEMLEY, WILLIAM, farmer, section 27, post-office Conway, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, February 21, 1838. There he remained until 1856, when he came to this county, and has since made it his home. He has filled various township offices during his stay here, and always per- formed the devolved duties with the strictest integrity. Was married in this county, January 15, 1861, to Miss Lucinda Allison, a native of Ken- tucky. They are the parents of seven children: Mary A., George W., James W., Henry A., Franklin P., Lewis S., and Charles. One, Leopold S., de- ceased. Mr. S. came to this county with very limited means, but by indus- try and economy he has acquired a comfortable home. His farm consists of 205 acres of well improved land. He is of Lutheran faith.
SHOEMAKER, A. C., grain and coal dealer, Conway, was born in Perry county, Indiana, February 27, 1837. When about ten years of age his parents moved to Henderson county, Illinois, where our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He remained with his father until he became of age, then engaged in farming for himself. Con- tinued in that business about nine years. He then embarked in the mer- cantile business at Briggsville, Illinois, in which he continued until 1872. Subject then came west and engaged in the grain business at Bedford. Came to Conway in 1877 and has since engaged extensively in the grain and coal business. Mr. S. was married December 29, 1859, to Miss Sophia Jamison, a native of Illinois, Mrs. Shoemaker died in 1866, leaving three children. Two years later our subject was married to Mrs. Drucella Boya, a lady of excellent qualities. They have three children. Subject is pos- sessed of more than ordinary business qualifications and is a man of un- questioned integrity. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
STUMBAUGH, WILLIAM H., farmer, section thirty-two, post-office Conway, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1838. At he age of thirteen his parents moved to Clinton county, Iowa, where he re- nained until coming to this county, in the spring of 1871. He was mar- ied in Clinton county, August 28, 1864, to Miss S. E. Porter, a native of Pennsylvania. In June, 1881, Mrs. S. gave birth to twin babies, which only lived to see the light, and on the 15th of that month the mother de- parted this life and followed her little ones to that "Better land." May 22, 1878, his only daughter was burned to death by falling into a kettle of boil- ng soap, and now left with five children to care for to mourn a mother's oss, Mr. Stumbaugh is placed under trying circumstances. His children iving are Edward W., John H., George W., Albert B. and Ralph B. He s the owner of 150 acres of excellent land, and is a model farmer.
SWAN, THOMAS D., blacksmith, Conway, was born in Shelby county, Kentucky. Moved with his parents when three years of age, to Jefferson county, Indiana, and a decade later, became a resident of Lawrence county, same State, where our subject learned the blacksmith trade and followed hat business five years. He then moved to Stark county, Illinois, and con- ;inued at his trade until the breaking out of the war. Subject enlisted in company G, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois infantry volunteers. Took part in the engagements at Campbell's Station, Knoxville, Dalton, Rocky Face, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, und Nashville, Tennessee. Joined Sherman at Raleigh, North Carolina, and remained with him until the surrender of Johnson. At the time of the surrender he was one of the fifteen that were detailed to take charge of the rebel arms. Was present at the grand review at Washington, and was discharged at Chicago, July 6, 1865. Returned to Galena, Illinois, and in he following year came to Afton, Union county, Iowa. Remained there
three years then moved to Hopeville, Clarke county. He came to Conway n 1880, and has since made this his home. Was married in 1856, to Miss Mary J. Wilson, a very estimable lady, who died in 1877. Was married a second time, January 25, 1881, to Mrs. M. R. Smith, of Bedford, this county. He had three sons by his first wife.
THOMPSON, B. F., of Thompson, Church & Co., merchants, Conway, a native of Highland county, Ohio, was born December 18, 1843. His early youth was spent in school. When thirteen years of age his parents moved co Keosauqua, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until 1862. He then en- isted in company K, Second Illinois cavalry and did valuable service for three years. Was engaged at Bolivar, Tennessee, at Corinth, Mississippi, October 3d and 4th. Was in the expedition against Holly Springs and
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
engaged at Oxford. At the surrender of Holly Springs his regiment re- fused to surrender and cut their way out with a loss of seventy-nine men out of three-hundred and fifty. Subject was taken prisoner, and subse- quently liberated by a saber charge by a company of his own regiment. He also took part in the Franklin expedition against Shreveport. They were engaged nearly every day for two moths. Was mustered out May 24, 1865, at Mobile, Alabama. He then returned to the Hawkeye State and engaged in the grocery business, at New London, Henry county. Remained there three years, then came to Conway and engaged in the grocery and hardware business. The firm has since added a stock of dry goods, and are now do- ing an extensive business. Mr. T. was married May 21, 1868, to Miss Clara A. Church, a daughter of one of his partners.
TALCOTT, J. S., druggist, was born in the State of New York, Novem- ber 13, 1848. His youth was spent in a drug store. At the age of twenty- four he commenced the study of medicine, and in 1875 entered the eclectic school of physicians and surgeons, of Cincinnati, graduating from that in- stitution in 1878. During the time he was pursuing his medical studies he was engaged in the drug business at Elk Point, Dakota Territory. After graduating he came to Taylor county, and engaged in the drug business, at Conway, where he now resides. During the short time of his residence here, he has built up a large trade and now carries a large stock of the best goods to be found in the Eastern markets. Was married in 1874, to Miss
Josephine Calvin. From this union there is one child, now four years of age. In 1878 Mrs. T. died leaving her little boy in the hands of the be- reaved father. Subject is a member of the Masonic order.
WALLACE, G. W., Conway, a native of Randolph county, Missouri, was born May 13, 1839. In 1844 his father died and five years thereafter our subject moved with his mother to Davis county, Iowa, where his days were spent in agricultural pursuits. In the winter of 1856 he came to Tay- lor county and settled near Conway on a farm which he conducted until the breaking out of the war. Being in sympathy with the Union cause he de- termined to help fight its battles, and enlisted in company F, Twenty-ninth Iowa, in the autumn of 1862. He was with his company until the close of the war participating in all its engagements, an enumeration of which will be found in another part of this work. Being mustered out with his company in September, 1865, he returned home and once more took up the peaceful pursuits of the farm. Mr. Wallace was married April 24, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Beal, daughter of V. Beal, an old settler of this county. This union brought them eight children; five are now living. In 1881 Mr.
Geo, Beach
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
. removed to Conway where he is now conducting a sample-room and is spected as a citizen and business man.
WEST, DR. A. T., Conway, a native of the Hawkeye State, was born pril 9, 1850. His parents were among the pioneers of central Iowa, lo- ting in Marion county when there were but two or three buildings in noxville, the county seat. There our subject grew to manhood and re- ived his education in the public schools. He commenced the study of edicine when eighteen years of age, with Dr. Duncan in the city of Chicago. he doctor being a professor in the Bennett Medical College, and lecturer on seases of women and children, our subject had unusual advantages which made good use of. Graduating from that institution May 20, 1871, he turned to Iowa and commenced the practice of his profession at Derby, icas county, and came to Conway in the fall of 1877. Since coming to is county the doctor has been very successful in his practice, and now eps his own drugs and medicines. In October, 1874, he chose for his mpanion through life Miss Ochlemann. They have one child, Francis. ne doctor is connected with the I. O. O. F. fraternity.
WOOLLEY, R. B., blacksmith, Conway, a native of Knox county, Illi- is, was born October 29, 1843. Was raised on a farm an'l educated in e common schools. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in company B, One- indred and Second Illinois infantry volunteers, and served through the tire war. Participated in battles of Dallas, New Hope Church, Kene- w, Pine Mountain, Marietta, Atlanta, Jonesboro and others of importance. as with Sherman on his march to the sea, was present at the capture of vannah, also at the surrender of Johnson, and finally at the grand review Washington. He returned to his home and engaged in farming two ars, then came to Iowa, located at Mitchellville, Polk county, and in 1867 oved to Worth county, where he remained until 1874. He came to Con- ay, built his present shop and followed blacksmithing four years. Went California in 1878, but returned the following year, and has since made is his home. He is now doing a good business, and has a pleasant home. e was married in 1857, to Miss Mary Faucett, of Polk county, Iowa. They ve five children; four sons and one daughter.
WRIGHT, SIMON, retired farmer, post-office Conway, a native of cking county, Ohio, was born in 1832. He was raised on a farm and ob- ined his education in the commnon schools, and Ohio Wesleyan Univer- y. In the fall of 1853 he removed to Knox county where he engaged in ·ming four years. Came to Taylor county in 1857, hence he is one of pioneer settlers. At that time there were not over two hundred voters the county. There were six townships in one election precinct, and fif- 28
.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
teen votes cast at the first election he attended. He located on sections one and two in what is now Clayton township, and improved a farm of 640 acres' to which he added until his farm at one time contained 1,000 acres. He has since, having more land than he desired, disposed of several farms, por- tions of his large tract, and now has 480 acres which are admirably adapted for raising stock, and well improved. He has retired from the active duties of farm life and is at present residing in Conway, where he has a beau- tiful residence, well furnished and surrounded with shade and ornamental trees. He was married in October, 1853, to Miss Ellen Lindsay. They are the parents of ten children, four of whom are deceased. Mr. Wright is con- nected with the Masonic, Knight Templar and Odd Fellow orders.
MASON TOWNSHIP.
BUCHANAN, J. A., farmer, section eleven, post-office Bedford, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1844. When nine years of age he came with his parents to Mercer county, Illinois, and engaged in farming. Came to Taylor county in the spring of 1869, and purchased a farm of 160 acres in section eleven. Was married October 15, 1868, to Miss Rovilla P. Bundy, a native of Michigan. They have three children: Bessie E., Ralph M. and Robert Ray. Mr. B. has a splendid farm well adapted to either grain or stock-growing, plenty of timber, good building, etc. He is a good farmer and a worthy citizen.
GARNER, J. C., farmer, section twenty-seven, post-office Bedford, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, March 14, 1831. Was there reared and educated, engaged in farming until twenty-four years of age, then came to Iowa, and in 1856 became a resident of Taylor county. Was mar- ried December 14, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Ford. They are the parents of five children: Charles A., Fannie R., Elizabeth C., Eliza A. and George T. Mr. G. was the first peace officer of Mason township. He is located on a fine farm, well improved and stocked, and is one of the most enterpris- ing and obliging citizens of Taylor county.
GANT, SAMUEL, farmer, section thirty-three. The subject of this sketch was born in Norfolk county, England, January 9, 1830. At the early age of fourteen he went to work for himself, and engaged to a neighboring farmer as general overseer, with whom he remained for seven years. In 1854 he came to America settling in Grant and Lafayette coun- ties, Wisconsin, remaining in that State for one year. On the fourth day
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
of July, 1855, Mr. Gant landed in Bedford, Taylor county, and 'settled in Ross township, where he remained for one year, and then entered 160 acres in section thirty-three, Mason township. He at once moved on and com- menced improving the same. All the hardships of a pioneer's life stared him in the face. No fences, bridges, or any improvements were then to be seen. The broad and fertile prairie, in panorama-like view, lay stretched before him, and its resources he resolved to test. Roaming over the prai- rie were to be seen deer and wolves. Mr. Gant's first house was much
after the primitive order, being built of rough logs. His first frame house was built in 1860-1 in which he lived until 1876, when he built his present substantial frame dwelling. In August, 1861 he enlisted in the service in company F, Twenty-ninth Iowa infantry. In the following October he was mustered into service at Council Bluffs. Was under generals Sol- omon, Fisk and Prentiss. Was in the Arkansas expedition and a sharp engagement on the Little Missouri, also several engagements of lesser im- portance on the retreat to Little Rock. Shortly after this his regiment was stationed at Mobile, and from there Mr. G. returned to New Orleans. Pre- vious to this he was in the battle of Helena, and when at Yazoo Pass near Vicksburg, came near losing his life by the sinking of the boat which he was on. The boat and contents went down but the crew fortunately es- caped. In May, 1865, Mr. G. was honorably discharged. During his ser- vice he met with the loss of one of liis eyes, an ever present reminder of his sacrifice for his country in the cause of right and justice. After his discharge Mr. Gant returned to Taylor county and to his famiy. He was married March 31, 1859 to Mrs. Mary A. Mapes, a widow lady and a native of Putnam county, Illinois. By this union they have had ten children, as follows: Lorenzo D., born July 7, 1861 and died the same year; Samuel W., born March 11, 1863; Sarah M., August 16, 1866; Delphia F., born August 13, 1868, and died September 30, 1872; Mary J., born June 30, 1870, died September 22, 1872; David J., born May 18, 1872; Charles Newton, born May 5, 1874; Pamelia A., born January 26, 1876; Hattie J., one of twins, born August 18, 1878, her twin deceased. Mr. G. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, to which he has belonged for ten years. Also of Siam Grange, No. 285. Is also a member of the Chris- ian Church as is also his wife. Mr. G. has been justice of the peace four years in his township, and secretary of the school board and director in his own district. He now owns 307 acres of good farming land, 257 of which are inder cultivation. Farm is well stocked, and he makes a specialty of rais- ng hogs and cattle for market. He has also made a specialty of raising sheep during the past twenty years, and has been bothered with dogs be-
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
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