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 83

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : State Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 868

USA > Iowa > Taylor County > History of Taylor County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. : a biographical directory of many of its leading citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of Iowa and the Northwest, map of Taylor County, Constitution of the United States, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 83

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FULLER, N. R., farmer, section twenty-seven, post-office Villisca, a child of the Bay State, was born in Berkshire county, August 14, 1837. When quite young his parents moved to Litchfield county where our subject lived nine years, then went to Wisconsin. In August, 1862, he enlisted in com- pany E, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin infantry, Col. Lewis commanding. Took part in the engagement at Ft. Pemberton, where for five days they were under a raking fire, also in the capture of Little Rock, Spanish Fort and others of minor importance. Was discharged September, 22, 1865, at Madison, Wis- consin, and returned to his home in Jefferson county. Came to Iowa two years later, locating in this county, and was the first settler on the " Ridge." Subject was married in May, 1867, to Miss Louisa Ferguson, of Hebron, Jefferson county, Wisconsin. From this union there are two children: Harry and Maud; the latter is deceased. He is located on a farm of 120 acres of excellent land; has a fine residence with a beautiful yard, also an orchard containing 150 bearing trees and a superabundance of small fruits. In politics Mr. Fuller is a Democrat. He has held many offices of his town- ship, and is one of the most popular men of Taylor county. Subject and lady are members of the M. E. Church.

GILLMORE, D. H., farmer, section thirty-three, post-office Hawleyville, a native of the Emerald Isle, was born in County Sligo in December, 1845. His father being deceased, he immigrated with his mother to America when four years of age, and chose for their home Springfield, Illinois. There he arrived at man's estate and received an excellent education in the schools of that city. In 1863 he enlisted but was not accepted on account of his age. When eighteen he commenced the carpenter trade, served five years; taught school several terms, and in the spring of 1873 came to Taylor county. One year previous to his coming to this State he was united in marriage with Miss Emma J. Cheney of Springfield, Illinois. Of their children three are living: John David, Cecelia K. and William A .; two are deceased: Thomas and an infant. Subject is located on a farm of 245 acres, and owns a good house, barn, orchard, etc. He is a member of the Masonic order, Clar- inda Lodge No. 140.

GUSS, WILLIAM, farmer, section fourteen, post-office Villisca, a na- tive of the Keystone State, was born in Perry county, May 3, 1828. Moved with his parents to Juniata county when ten years of age, and there grew

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to manhood. At nineteen he moved to Peoria county, Illinois, and re- mained there one year when he went to La Salle county. Came to Iowa in 1873, and located in Taylor county. Subject was married November 10, 1853, to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Reed, relict of Dr. T. W. Reed, and formerly Miss Sharpless, of Belinont county, Ohio. She is the mother of seven chil- dren: Henry W., Charles F., Sarah L., Ada M., William H., Nettie E. and L. V. N. J. They are located on a good farm of 315 acres well improved with comfortable house and other buildings. They are consistent members of the M. E. Church. Dr. Reed was born July 3, 1818, in Ohio county, Virginia. He was the first husband of Mrs. Guss. They were married in Illinois, August 6, 1845, and three years later the doctor departed this life. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and eminently successful as a practioner.

HELLER, J., farmer, section twenty-nine, post-office Villisca, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, September 2, 1832. When nine years of age his father, Jacob Heller, moved to Crawford county, Ohio, where our subject grew to manhood. At fourteen he commenced the weaver's trade, served four years and at twenty commenced learning the mason's trade, which he has followed at times since. September 3, 1854, he left his native county for the West; reached Taylor county in the following month, having been on the road forty-eight days. There were only three or four settlers in this township at the time of his coming and trading was mostly done at St Jo- seph, Missouri. Was married November 18, 1852, to Miss Emneline Peterman, of Ohio. Of their children eleven are living: Edna E., William R., Violet A., Ida May, John A., Ina E., Alice J., Martha E., David F., Edward J., and Emma L. Two, Jacob and Laura are deceased. Mr. H. has a fine farm of ninety acres, with necessary improvements for a comfort- able home. He is a man of ability, strict integrity and an excellent neigh- bor. He and his wife are church members.

KELLEY, R. V., farmer, section thirty-four, post-office Hawleyville, a native of Orange county, New York, was born November 5, 1840. The first twelve years of his life were spent in his native county. In 1852 he moved with his father, Robert Kelley, to Steuben county, same State, re- mained there for a time then went to Canada. Remained in Her Majesty's dominions one year then returned to the States and settled in Carroll county, Illinois. One year later our subject returned to Steuben county, New York, where he attended the schools of Bath six years, after which he entered Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, and attended one term. Feeling that his country needed his aid he enlisted in August, 1862, in company K, Tenth Ohio cavalry, Col. Smith commanding. During the winter of 1863-4 he

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was detailed as a scout under Col. Palmer of the Ninth Pennsylvania cav- alry. In the following March, he was ordered to report to his regiment and was detailed as receiving clerk and scout under Gen. Kilpatrick. At Re- saca, where the general was severely wounded, subject assisted him from his horse and conducted him to the rear. Was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, after having served faithfully three years. He then went to Minnesota, thinking to settle there, but not liking the country returned as far as Chicago and remained there during the winter of 1865-6. He then went to Kansas but not liking that country returned to Iowa and decided to make Taylor county his home. Was married February 4, 1868, to Mrs. Isabelle Flemken of this county. They have four children: Laura Jane, George W., John A. and Eliza Belle. Subject has a large farm of 585 acres mostly in cultivation, with a fine res- idence surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, commodious barn, and large orchard. He is now engaged in growing stock. Mr. and Mrs. K. are members of the M. E. Church.

LEMLEY, G. O., farmer, section twenty-nine, post-office Villisca, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, November 12, 1838. Remained in his native State until thirty years of age. He was raised on a farm and re- ceived a liberal education. In 1861 he engaged in the mercantile business at Davis county, Pennsylvania. Continued in that occupation seven years, then disposed of his interests and came to this county. In August, 1860, he was married to Miss Phobe Ann Swan, also a native of Pennsylvania. Four children have blessed their union: Leisure S., Cidaty, Ida May, and John William. Mr. Lemley is located on as good a stock farm as there is in southwestern Iowa. It contains 562 acres, and there are three strong springs which furnish his farm and yards with an abundance of water. He also has timber, rock and coal on his farm. His residence is situated in a beautiful natural grove and is one of the finest. in the township. Has a commodious barn and other buildings. Subject is extensively engaged in stock-feeding, also deals in fine stock. His sales for the year 1880 amounted to nearly eleven thousand dollars. Mr. L. is a man of industry and pos- sesses more than ordinary business qualifications. He and his lady are mem- bers of the M. E. Church.

MOATS, H. B., farmer, section fourteen, post-office Villisca, a native of West Virginia, was born in Ritchie county, July 3, 1850. When five years old his mother died and his father emigrated to Des Moines county, Iowa, where our subject was educated and followed the healthful vocation of farm- ing. In 1874 he moved to Henry county and two years later came to Tay- lor county, where he has since remained. Was married in March, 1876, to

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Miss Alice Hamill, a lady of great culture, and daughter of John Hamill, whose biography appears elsewhere. They have three chil- dren: Lotta G., Mattie B. (deceased), and Estley. Mr. Moats has a fine farm of eighty acres in a high state of cultivation, with good buildings and an orchard of 200 trees. Subject has a good knowledge of music and has taught singing-school several terms. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church and are esteemned by those with whom they are asso- ciated.

MCMILLIN, T. A., farmer, section three, post-office Nodaway, was born in the Buckeye State, October 28, 1824. While quite young his parents moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood and ac- quired a liberal education. He also engaged at milling, which business he followed until thirty years of age. Subject was united in marriage with Miss Susan M. Smith, of Fountain county, Indiana. To them were born eleven children: Alice, Allen, Amanda, Alexander S. S., Angelina, Aurea, Boner S., are living; Arthur, Thomas R., Mary E., and -, are de- ceased. Mr. M. came to Taylor county in 1854, being one of the first set" tlers in the county. He departed this life January 15, 1880, leaving behind an interesting family and large circle of friends to mourn his loss. His family reside on a large farm of six hundred and seventy acres, well im- proved, good house, barn, and other buildings. The farm is being con- ducted by Allen, eldest son of the deceased, and a young man of good hab- its and excellent business qualifications. Theirs is one of the best farms in the township.

MOATS, GEO., fariner, section twenty-two, post-office Villisca. Born in West Virginia, February 16, 1826. Remained in his native State twen- ty-eight years. Received his education in the subscription schools of that State. In 1854 he came to Iowa and located in Des Moines county. Be- came a resident of Taylor county in 1875, and has since made it his home. Was married in December, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Ireland, a native of Tyler county, Virginia, She departed this life in June, 1855, leaving four children: Eliza Jane, H. B., Laura Dora, and Elizabeth Ann. Subject was again married in 1856, to Miss M. C. Wigner. From this union there are eleven children: Spencer, Mary Alice, Clara Belle, Harland, Ortus E., Emma, Maggie G., Willie, Alva and Alpha (twins), and Bertie. Mr. M. has one hundred and twenty acres of a farm, with good orchard, etc. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church.

NICHOLS, R. J., farmer, section thirty-six, post-office Holt, was born in Essex county, New Jersey, February 9, 1827. Was there reared and re- ceived a limited education in the common schools. In 1855 he became a

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esident of Warren county, Illinois, and there engaged in the mercantile usiness three years, then followed agricultural pursuits. Came to Taylor ounty. in 1873, and has since made it his home. In 1850 Miss Margaret 'ountain, of Staten Island, New York, became his wife. They were the arents of one child, Margaret. One year after their marriage Mrs. Nichols ied, Jeaving her little one in the care of a bereaved husband. Two years iter our subject was married to Jane E. Ackerman, of Bergen county, New ersey. They have nine children: Ida Kate, Mary E., Joseph, Margaret V., bewis, Gertrude A., Jennie, Fred J., John F. Mrs. N. departed this life pril 25, 1873. Subject has a farm of two hundred acres which is well dapted to stock growing in which he is now engaged. He is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church.

PATTON, WILLIAM, section 18, post-office Villisca, is a native of cotland, born in Ayrshire, September 22, 1830. Was there raised and edu- ted. In the spring of 1851 he emigrated to Canada; stopped at Mon- real, where he resided about four years. He then came to the United tates, stopped in Ohio for a time, and in 1856 came to this county. Shortly ter coming here he entered eighty acres of land and commenced making a ome. Was married June 28, 1851, to Miss Ellen Bryson, also a native of cotland. Of their children eight are living: Jane, John, Mary, William, ellie, Dora, Cora and Arthur. Three, Jannette, Jennie and Annie, are eceased. Mr. P. now has a good farm of one hundred and forty-seven tres in good cultivation, comfortable house and other buildings. He em- aced religion in 1859, and united with the M. E. Church. Three years ter he joined the Christian Adventists, and in 1874 was ordained minister the gospel in that church.

PIERCE, G., farmer, section eight, post-office Villisca, is a native of the mpire State; was born in Erie county June 18, 1837. Subject was raised a farm and educated in the common schools. Came to Taylor county in e spring of 1868, and has since made it his home. He was united in arriage July 4, 1860, to Miss Jane Mallory, also a native of New York. hey were the parents of five children: Carrie, Ellen, Grace, Herbert and Lewis. Mrs. Pierce died March 28, 1876. Subject was again married June $ 1879 to Susan Stebens, of this county. Mr. P. now owns 160 acres of hd, well improved, good house, barn and an orchard of two and one-half ares. He is a kind father and good neighbor, and a gentleman in every spect. Mr. and Mrs. P. are worthy members of the Christian Advent Church.

REEVES, JNO., farmer, section twenty-six, post-office Villisca, was born i Pennsylvania, April 27, 1840. When four years of age his parents 29

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moved to Washington county, where our subject remained until 1856. He then removed to La Salle county, Illinois, where he attained his majority, and received a good common school education. Came to this State in No- vember, 1868, located in Page county, and six years later came to Taylor county, and settled on his present farm. Was married in January, 1874, to Miss Frances Reed, of La Salle county, Illinois, but a native of the Em- pire State. They are the happy parents of three children: Olive, Myra and James Harrison. Mr. K. has a good farm of 160 acres, and is exten- sively engaged in stock growing. Has held the offices of justice of the peace, supervisor, etc., and is a genial whole-souled man.

SPAULDING, D. E., farmer, section two, post-office Brooks, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, September 17, 1830. ' Was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. In the spring of 1852 he crossed the plains and visited the gold fields of the Pacific Slope. Stopped in Califor- nia and engaged in mining two years. He then returned to his native State and spent one year in roving about. Settled in Marshall county, and remained one year, then came to Iowa and located in Taylor county. Shortly after coming to this county he entered 160 acres of land and at once commenced transforming the raw prairie into a farm. He now owns 360 acres of as good a land as the county affords. Has it well improved with a fine residence and other buildings, groves of shade and ornamental trees and is engaged in growing stock. Subject was married in the spring of 1855 to Miss C. C. Kearns, of De Kalb county, Illinois, a very accomplished lady.

THAYER, JOSEPH, farmer, section five, post-office Nodaway, is a native of Ohio, born in Highland county, January 24, 1833. Was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In the spring of 1864 he came to this county and settled on his present farm. Was married Janu- ary 22, 1852, to Demaris Blunt, also a native of the Hawkeye State. Four children have blessed their union: Winfield, Frank, Andrew and Hattie. Mr. T. is located on a farm of one hundred and eighty acres, good house and barn, orchard of two hundred trees and good grove of timber. He is a neat farmer, good neighbor and a pleasant man.

TOMLINSON, J., farmer, section six, post-office Villisca. - Born in Rowan county, North Carolina, June 13, 1800. When six years of age his parents moved to Highland county, Ohio, and there young T. arrived at man's estate and received his education. His boyhood days were spent on a farm, where he developed his physical, as well as his mental powers. In 1859 he removed to Clinton county, resided there six years, then came to Iowa, located in Taylor county, and has since made it his home. Subject was married in July, 1828, to Miss Sallie West, a native of Pennsylvania.

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Six children have blessed their union: Charity, Barbara Ann, Sarah, Jo- siah, Creighton C. and Oliver. Mrs. Tomlinson died January 14, 1879. C. C., son of J. Tomlinson, was born in Highland county, Ohio, August 21, 1837. Spent the first twenty years of his life in agricultural pursuits and in attending school. Moved to Clinton county of this State with his father in 1857, and came to this county in 1865. He is now located on a fine farm of four hundred acres, well adapted to growing stock in which he is largely engaged.

VAN WERT, REUBEN, farmer, section eight, post-office Villisca, is a great-grandson of Isaac Van Wert, who captured Andre. He was ush- ered into this life April 29, 1843, in Geneseo county, New York. Was raised in a city and educated in its schools. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighth New York heavy artillery, and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Coal Harbor, Spottsylvania, and Petersburgh. Was dis- charged in June, 1865, at Rochester, New York, and returned to his home. Remained in his native State one year, then went to Kansas, thence to Michigan, and finally came to this county in the spring of 1869. Was married in January, 1871, to Miss Sarah Ester, of Taylor county. There have been born to them three children: Wesley, Isaac and Laura. Mr. Van Wert has a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and is considered one of Nodaway township's most successful farmers. He and lady are members of the Christian Church.

WILCOX, NATHAN, farmer, section twenty-nine, post-office Villisca; born in Union county, Ohio, April 15, 1837. While quite young his par- ents moved to Indiana and remained in that State three years. Came to this county in 1856 and has since made it his home. Subject was raised on a farm and received a limited education in the commnon schools. In the spring of 1858 he was married to Miss Sarah Jane Broyles, a native of Mis- souri. From this union there are six children: Amanda, John Wesley, William Robert, Nancy Jane, Mary and George. Mr. W. owns a good eighty acre farm, has it well improved and is proprietor of the coal mine bearing his name. During the coal season of 1880-1 he took ont 10,000 bushels.

WOODS, W. J., proprietor " Maplewood" farm, section nineteen, post- office Villisca; born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1806. Was there raised and educated, his youth being spent on a farm. When seventeen he commenced the cabinet trade, served an apprenticeship of four years, then established a shop of his own at West Greenville, Pennsylvania. Continued in business in that place until 1842 when he sold his interests and moved to Pike county, Illinois. In 1849 he became a resident of

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Galesburg, same State, and engaged in the furniture business until No- vember, 1854. He then became proprietor and publisher of the Galesburg Free Democrat, a neat four page paper and a fearless exponent of the rights . of the colored race-Mr. W. was an Abolitionist when it cost something to espouse that cause-its motto, "Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty." August 18, 1855, he disposed of his paper to J. H. Sherman, of that city. Two years previous a number of the leading citizens of Galesburg met at the residence of our subject for the purpose of organizing to establish an . institution of learning (similar to Knox College) somewhere in Iowa. The college was located at College Springs or Amity and is now one of the most flourishing colleges in Iowa. Mr. Wood was one of the committee on loca- tion and selected that place because of its many natural advantages. He was once proprietor of that portion of Galesburg known as " Wood's Addition." In 1858 subject moved to College Springs, this State, and seven years later became a resident of Taylor county. Was married November 2, 1829, to Miss Sarah Mann, a native of the Keystone State. Of their chil- dren eight are living: Marietta, Newton, Addison, Narcissa, John Robert, Isaac, William P. and Welleston B., twins; one, Sarah J., is deceased. Mrs. Wood died August 16, 1875. "Mapleside," the home of Mr. Wood, is one of the most beautiful farms in Taylor county. He has a magnificent residence surrounded with shade and ornamental trees arranged in a very tasty manner.

PLATTE TOWNSHIP.

ALLEN, HON. N. J., dealer in all kinds of agricultural implements, Lenox; was born in Pennsylvania in 1842, where he remained until his six- teenth year. He then came west, stopping one year in Jackson county, Iowa, then went to Kansas and remained there until the breaking out of the war. Determined to lend his aid to the Union cause, he enlisted in com- pany F, First Kansas infantry for three months and at the expiration of that time reenlisted in the Seventh Kansas cavalry volunteers. Was chosen first lieutenant and served three years, participating in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. He acted as regimental quarter- master during the last nine months of his service. When the war was over he laid aside the suit of blue and engaged in the more peaceful pur- suits of life. Coming to Union county, Iowa, he remained there until 1869 when he returned to Kansas and in the fall of that year was elected to

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represent the seventy-ninth district in the legislature of that State. His record as a legislator was so satisfactory to his constituents that he was re- turned after his first term by an increased majority. In February, 1872, he located in Lenox, built his present residence and opened the second busi- ness house in the town. He was married in Ringgold county, Iowa, --- 1862, to Miss Sarah C. Bauman, daughter of John G. Bauman, one of the oldest settlers of that county. They have four children: Hannah J., Ag- nes M., John F. and N. J. Mr. Allen is a member of lodge No. 343 A. F. & A. M., chapter No. 77 R. A. M. and Bethany Commandery No. 29, K. T., Creston, Iowa.

BARNES, JOHN W., of Barnes & McGregor, editors and proprietors of the Lenox Time Table. He was born in Delaware county, Iowa, May 30, 1850, and there engaged in farming and attending school, finishing his education in Lenox Collegiate Institute of that county. He then spent two years in teaching, came to this county in 1873, and bought and improved a farm near Lenox. Taught school in winter and farmed during the re- mainder of the year until 1676, when he located in Lenox and opened a fur- niture store, also sold pianos, organs, and sewing-machines. Since purchas- ing the Time Table he has disposed of his furniture store, but still remains in the piano, organ and sewing-machine business, which will be conducted by his partner, he having editorial control of the Time Table. Mr. Barnes was married at Dubuque, Iowa, in 1871, to Miss Mary C. Bargett, a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of three children; Archie C., Alva E. and Edna B., all living. Mr. Barnes is a man of enterprise, attends closely to his business, is an excellent writer, and enters the field of jour- halism with the brightest prospects for the future. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M. fraternity. See portrait elsewhere.

BAXTER, JOHN, real estate dealer and mayor of the city, is a native of England; was born December 12, 1842. When eleven years of age his par- ents immigrated to the United States and settled in Boone county, Illinois. There they remained a short time and then moved to Missouri, thence to Towa county, Iowa, where they resided until coming to this county in 1868. Located in Lenox in 1876, and two years later was elected justice of the peace; served in that capacity for two years, and in the spring of 1881 was elected mayor of the city. Mr. B. now owns a fine farm of 240 acres in this township besides a valuable residence and business houses in Lenox. He was married in Iowa county, September 11, 1874, to Miss Mary E. Spinner, a native of Ohio. They have six children living: Anna E., Stella M., Samuel W., Jno. F., Alonzo and Jesse. One, Ida, is now deceased. Mr. and

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Mrs. Baxter are both members of the M. E. Church and take great interest in the moral and intellectual development of this county.

BEADLE, P. G., farmer, section nineteen, post-office Lenox, was born in Illinois, in 1853, where he grew to manhood and was educated. Came to Taylor county in 1875, and located on his present farm of 120 acres. Al- though a young man Mr. B. has by industry and economy acquired a splen- did home and is continually increasing his store of this world's goods. He is yet unmarried and resides with his father.

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Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Des Moines : State Historical Co. Number of Pages: 868

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : State Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 868