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 84
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BEADLE, W. M., farmer and stock-grower, section thirty, post-office Lenox, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, in 1856. Was raised and edu- cated in that State. In 1875 he came to Taylor county and located on his present farm of one hundred acres. Was married in 1879 to Miss Ida In- graham, a native of Wisconsin. They now have a pleasant home which they are continually making more attractive by additional improvements, and though young in life have accumulated ample means to enable them to enjoy its comforts. They are members of the Episcopal Church.
BEADLE, E. N., farmer, section nineteen, post-office Lenox, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, in 1850, and there attained his majority, learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that business about five years. In 1875 he came to Taylor county and located on his present farm. Was married one year previous to Miss Jennie Stone, a native of Illinois. One child, Edith, has blessed their union. She is a bright little girl and the idol of her parents. Their farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres, is in good cultivation and forms a profitable and pleasant home. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Episcopal Church.
BRATTON, GEO. L., section 33, post-office Lenox, is a native of Ohio, was born in Gurensey county in 1851. Came to Iowa with his parents when but a child and located in Jones county. Received his education in the common schools and Bailey's Business College, Keokuk, where he grad- uated in 1876. His life, except when in school, was spent in farming and stock raising. He came to Taylor county in 1876 and engaged in the mer- cantile business at Lenox. Continued in that employment until 1880, when on account of failing health he disposed of his store and purchased a farm and retired from active life. Remained on his farm one year, then sold it, and is now renting land and grazing a large number of cattle. In 1876 he was married to Miss Mary Long, a native of Ohio. They have two children, Jessie and - Mr. B. is a young man of good habits and well qualified for business.
BROOKS, CAPT. L. S., banker, Lenox. Among the prominent business men of Taylor county, none are more worthy of notice than this subject. He
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s a native of the Granite State, and was born February 4, 1826, and is the on of Gardiner T. and Mima Brooks, of New Hampshire. When fifteen years of age his father died, and in 1879 his mother departed this life, leav- , family of ten children. In 1853 he moved to Philadelphia and engaged n the mercantile business. Remained there three years, then came west und settled in Buchanan county, Iowa, where he improved and sold a number of fine farms. Impressed with a desire to go further west he visited the gold ields of California, locating in Grass Valley, and engaged in the mercantile business and mining. He held some valuable mining-stock and realized a con- siderable amount from its operation. He then returned to Iowa, and in 1863 "aised a company for the Forty-seventh Iowa infantry volunteers; was elected captain of company D, and served with distinction in the Union cause. The adjutant of his regiment, Mr. Devin, in speaking of its officers informed the writer that Capt. Brooks was always cheerful and kind to his men, and was never known to be out of humor even in the most trying hours and mnost dis- couraging circumstances of the rebellion. After the war was over and that mighty ulcer, slavery, had been removed, he laid aside the suit of blue as willingly as he had donned it, and returned to the more peaceful pursuits of life. He was discharged in the fall of 1865, and now has the president's thanks, and certificate of honorable service for his gallantry during his ser- vices in the field of battle. It was signed by the president and Edwin M. Stanton. He then returned to his home and remained a short time, then came west, locating at Corning, Adams county, Iowa, and engaged in bus- iness there until 1874; he then became a resident of this county, and has since made it, his home. About one year ago he engaged in the banking business and has since been eminently successful. He now owns a number of fine farms besides valuable properties in this city, and has one of the finest residences in the county. While a resident of Buchanan county, he held many offices of trust and honor, and was president of the county agri- cultural society six years. Subject was married March 10, 1847, to Mrs. Mary A. Reed, of New Hampshire. From this union there were eight children, four of whom are now living: George L., Charles A., Katie A. and Leonard B .; four died during infancy. In 1874 he married Mrs. Charlotte Wilson, of Corning, a lady of English birth, who emigrated to Canada about 1850. Mr. Brooks is a man of sound judgment, posseses extraordinary business qual- ifications, and never allows an opportunity of promoting a public enter- prise to pass without his attention and aid. He counts many warm friends among the rich as well as those who have been the subjects of his philan- throphy.
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BROOKS, CHARLES A., grocer, Main Street, Lenox, a native of the Keystone State, was born in Philadelphia, October 13, 1853. When two years of age his parents moved to Buchanan county, Iowa, and settled on a farm where our subject grew to manhood, and received a liberal common school education. In 1869 he went to Corning, Adams county, and in June, 1872, came to this county, locating at Lenox, where he engaged in the har- ness business in October of that year. He was married in this county in 1876 to Miss Ella A. Brock, a native of Manchester, New Hampshire. He was con- nected with E. L. Osborn in the hardware and agricultural business for seven years prior to his establishment in his present business. Although a young man, Mr. Brooks possesses the requisite amount of energy and business qualifications to insure success in any vocation, but seems particularly at- tached to his present work. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. a R. A. mason and also a K. T. of Bethany Commandery No. 29, Creston, Iowa.
BURNETT, R. B, farmer and stock-grower, section fifteen, is a native of her majesty's dominions, born in Canada in 1840. When twelve years of age his parents emigrated to Carroll county, Illinois. He there grew to maturity and attended the common schools. In 1861 he enlisted in com- pany K, Fifteenth regiment Illinois volunteers. Served one year. Parti- cipated in the battle of Corinth and was then discharged on account of sickness. Returning to Illinois he remained one year, then went to Cali- fornia and there enlisted in company H, Seventh cavalry, and served sixteen months, and was again discharged. Returned to Illinois, and in 1872 came to Taylor county, Iowa. Two years previous he had been united in mar- riage with Miss S. A. Todd, a native of the Sucker State. They are the parents of three children: Parlee H., Stella B., and George C. Mr. B. has one hundred and eighty acres of a farm, and is one of the prosperous farm- ers of Platte township. He is connected with the Masonic order.
CAHILL, J. W., fariner and stock-raiser, section five, post-office Lenox, is a native of Illinois, and was born in Peoria county in 1845. He there remained until sixteen years of age, acquiring a common school education. In 1862 he went to California, via New York and Panama, and there en- gaged in mining. Remained one year, then crossed over into Nevada and followed the same business. While there he joined the Nevada militia. In 1864 he went to Idaho, thence to Montana; was there when that Territory was organized. Made Montana his home until 1869. Took part in the Indian wars of 1867, and was engaged in prospecting in all the Territories of the United States, excepting Alaska and New Mexico. Went to Tecomah, Washington Territory, in 1869, thence to California, and subsequently returned to Nevada, where he was engaged
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superintendent of a quartz-mill. In 1871 he visited Salt Lake, then went , the Opis district, and engaged in mining three years, then returned to is native State. After visiting friends for some time he started west again, aveled through Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, then came to Iowa and ttled in Taylor county on his present farm. He has one hundred and xty acres of land, and is engaged in raising horses and cattle. To note 1 the adventures and experiences of Mr. C. while in the Territories would quire a volume. At one time he lived twenty-two days on meat without lt. In 1864 he was caught in a severe storm, lived three days on raw- de and gave an ounce of gold for one of salt. He is a member of the ue lodge of Lenox, chapter of Creston, Bethany Commandery, also a ember of the Holy Land League of Jerusalem.
CAPLINGER, WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-four, ost-office Lenox, was born in Kentucky, in 1822. While yet a child his arents moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he acquired his edu- tion in the common schools. In 1847 he enlisted in the First Indiana giment, and served one year in the Mexican War. Returned to his home id in 1849 emigrated to Iowa, locating in Lee county. Remained there x years, then came to Taylor county and settled on his present farm. In 362 he enlisted in company F, Twenty-ninth Iowa, and served until the ose of the war. Took part in the battles of Helena, Little Rock, Jenkins's erry and the capture of Moultrie. Was discharged at Greenville hospi- 1, New Orleans, on account of sore eyes. Returned home and has since mained. He was married in 1852 to Miss Elizabeth McVey. They have ve children: . Mary E., wife of James H. Read, Jr .; Eliza J., wife of F. .. Lutcorest; James, Jesse and Ollie. Mr. and Mrs. C., are members the Christian Church, and command the respect of all who have the easure of their acquaintance.
CHENOWITH, J. F., retired farmer, post-office Lenox, is a native of e Buckeye State. Was born in Ross county, in 1822. Received his ed- Cation in the subscription schools of the county and engaged in teaching. 1842 he came to Warren county, Indiana, remained one year, thence to adison county, same State, where he engaged in milling until 1863. He fen came to Taylor county, Iowa, and settled on a farm of two hundred res in Holt township, which he improved. In 1881 he retired from tive work, bought a ten-acre lot in Lenox, on which he now resides. Juring the eighteen years that he lived on his farm no one was ever turned bom his door, except in one instance, when it was impossible for him to Tep him. On his arrival in this county he visited Bedford, Quincy and arinda to procure furniture, but found none for sale in either place. Sub-
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ject was married in 1846 to Miss Clarissa Foster, a native of Kentucky. They have six children: Mary J., Asbury, Belle, Fannie, Laura and Ben- son. They are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. is connected with the A. F. & A. M.
CHILDS, H. A., dealer in drugs, books, stationery, etc., Lenox, is a na- tive of Bureau county, Illinois. He was born May 2, 1854; was raised on a farm, and received a liberal common school education. Also learned te- legraphy, and was employed as an operator one year. He then moved to Red Oak and kept hotel for a time. Came to Lenox in the spring of 1875, and at once entered into the drug business. He was married in Lenox in 1876, to Miss Emily Ingraham, a native of Michigan. They have two children: Carrie and Hal A. Subject is a man of fine business qualifica- tions, carries a full stock of the best goods, and justly merits the generous patronage he receives. One peculiarity about his store is that it always presents a neat appearance, the goods being arranged in a tasty manner, instead of the grog-shop style so common in the smaller, and very fre- quently in the larger cities of the West. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M.
DETAR, REV. J. D., pastor of M. E. Church, Lenox, was born in Jef- ferson county, Iowa, December 10, 1843. When four years of age his par- ents moved to Henry county, Iowa, where he grew to man's estate, and received a classical education, graduating from the Iowa Wesleyan Uni- versity at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1869, and at once took charge of Chester Church, in Poweshiek county. From there he went to Linnville circuit, Jasper county, where, owing to poor health he was compelled to give up the ministry, and for four years engaged in farming in Cass county. Re- gaining his health during these years, he resumed his ministerial labors, and took charge of the Union Grove circuit for one year. He was then sent to Memory circuit, and was stationed at Mormontown for two years, after which he came to his present charge, and has filled the pulpit of this place nearly one year. He was married in Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1870, to Miss Mary A. Taylor, a native of Noble county, Ohio. They are the parents of three children: Sarah, John D. and William P. One, Theo- dore R., died in infancy. Mr. D. is thoroughly devoted to his charge, and is a fine orator and theologian.
FORMAN, W., farmer, section thirty-three, post-office Lenox, was born in Preston county, Virginia, in 1849. When five years of age his parents moved to Knox county, Ohio, where he attained his majority and received a common school education. In 1866, he came to Henry county, Iowa, re- mained there eight years, then came to this county and settled on his pres-
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ent farm of eighty acres. Subject was married in 1875, to Miss Ruth Ann Vore, a native of Ohio. Their union has been blessed with two children: Rachel M. and Lee W. Mr. F. is a good farmer and commands the confi- dence of his neighbors.
FRANKLIN, JOEL M., farmer, section twelve, post-office Lenox. Prom- inent among the old settlers of this county we find Mr. F. He was ush- ered into this world in 1822. Is a native of Kentucky, where he arrived at man's estate and received a liberal education. Engaged for a time in ship- ping stock to New Orleans. He moved to Warren county, Illinois, in 1851 and located on a farm where he engaged in farming and stock-growing un- til June, 1866, at which time he came to Iowa, locating in Adams county. Remained there two years then came to this county and settled on his pres- ent farm. It consists of 149 acres well improved and in a high state of cul- tivation. He has it divided into small fields convenient for raising stock. Was married in 1850, to Miss Sarah Jones, also a native of Kentucky. They are the parents of eight children: William H., John W., Sarah E., wife of D. C. Markley; Eliza J., wife of Clark Brown; James V., Marion H., Mary B., Ulysses S. The family are all members of the Baptist Church except the youngest. Mr. F. has been a deacon in the church ever since its organization and is an earnest advocate in the cause of temperance. Their home is one of refinement.
GOLLIDAY, REV. U. P., was born in Ohio, February 24, 1810, and re- ceived such an education as the common schools of his native place and the Lancasterian seminaries of Hillsboro and Dayton could confer. In 1825, he was in Indiana helping to clear the heavily wooded lands of Bartholo- mew and Shelby counties, at one dollar and fifty cents per acre. In 1828, he lived in Mays Lick, Mason county, Kentucky, where he made the acquaint- ance of a physician who, perceiving his love for books and fondness for study gave him access to his library. In 1831, he lived in Vermillion county, Illinois, near the Indiana State line, and by the kindness of Dr. Clarke, of Eugene, was enabled to pursue his favorite studies. By dint of perseverance, amid difficulties of the greatest character, sometimes making rails at twenty-five cents per hundred to pay for corn at thirty-five cents per bushel to make bread for his family; by working a small farm in the summer and teaching school in the winter, economising all his leisure time of rainy days and winter nights, he felt himself ready in a few years to en- gage in the practice of medicine, and in a few more years received the de- gree of M. D. from the Rush Medical College of Chicago. Years before this period he became a member and a licentiate of the M. E. Church. In 1854, at the earnest solicitation of his presiding elder, Rev. C. C. Best, he
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discontinued the practice of medicine and entered the itinerancy of the church. After filling several charges in the Rock River Conference he was transferred to the Iowa Conference and became a resident of Taylor county. Since then he has made this county his home, though the duties assigned him as pastor, Bible agent, presiding elder, etc., have called him into al- most every county in western Iowa. In 1872, he was a delegate to the Gen- eral Conference at Brooklyn, New York. In 1874, Simpson Centenary College, at Indianola, Iowa, conferred upon him the degree of D. D. He is now, in all probability, the oldest and longest resident minister in Tay- lor county, and is holding a superannuated relation to the conference. He has a pleasant home in Lenox.
HART, J. L., farmer and stock-raiser, section sixteen, post-office Lenox, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, in 1834. He moved with his par- ents to Huron county, Ohio, when but a child and there received his education in the common schools and Oberlin College. Learned the carpenter and joiner trade and followed that business for a time, then went to Michigan, located in Eaton county and engaged in farming. In 1872 he became im- pressed with the idea that the prairies of Iowa offered superior induce- ments and accordingly came to this State. He now owns 160 acres of as good land as Taylor county affords. Has it well improved with good build- ings and is engaged in raising stock. He was married in 1859 to Miss M. S. Thomas, a native of the Buckeye State. They have two children: Henry G. and Edmund T. Mr. H. is a man of energy and possesses excellent business qualifications.
HAYNES, J. M., farmer and stock-grower, section sixteen, post-office Lenox, was born in Frederic county, Maryland, in 1843, and there arrived at man's estate, receiving a liberal education. Also learned the cooper trade and followed that business for some time. In the fall of 1863, he em- igrated to Ohio, located in Butler county, and engaged at his trade four years. He then became a resident of Peoria county, Illinois, where he re- mained until 1875. He came west in the last named year and settled in this county. Was married in 1865, to Miss Margaret A. Leslie, a native of the Buckeye State. They have five children: William S., Charles E., Jacob M., Hattie E. and Luther E. Mr. H. owns a large farm consisting ·of 320 acres, beautifully situated and well improved. He is a man of en- ergy and enterprise, has held many and important offices in his township, and is one of the most propsperous farmers.
HEWIT, J. B., farmer section twenty, post-office Lenox, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1837. Was there educated, learned the carpenter trade and engaged in that business eleven years. In 1866 he bid farewell
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to the State of of his nativity, and starting westward, came to Iowa and for five years made his home in Van Buren county. During that time he worked at his trade. He then came to this county and settled on his pres- ent farın. In 1860 he chose as his life companion Miss Rebecca Mathews, also a native of Ohio. They are the happy parents of four children: Mary B., Francis M., Clement D. and Minnie D. They have a valuable farm of 200 acres, and are counted among the prospering people of Platte township. Are members of the Presbyterian Church.
HOLBROOK, W. A., farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office Lenox, was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, in 1829. When a child his parents moved to Bureau county where subject arrived at man's estate and received his education in the common schools. In 1866 he went to Vernon county Missouri, remained there twelve years then came to Taylor county and lo- cated on his present farm. He was married in 1854 to Miss S. J. Woods, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of seven children: Ben F., Mar- ietta, Lincoln (deceased), Cora B., Maggie, Kate and Alice. Have a fine farm of 160 acres, and are members of the Christian Church. Mr. H. is connected with the Masonic fraternity.
HORNADAY, HON. N. S., physician and surgeon, Lenox, a native of Hendricks county, Indiana, was born August 5, 1845 .. At the age of eleven . years his parents, Elisha and Nancy Hornaday, moved to Appanoose county, Iowa, where our subject attained to man's estate and received an education in the select schools of that county. In 1864 he enlisted in com- pany B, Forty-seventh Iowa infantry volunteers, and served until the end of the civil war. He then returned to Appanoose county and commenced the study of medicine in 1867 with Dr. S. H. Sawyer, a prominent physi- cian of Unionville, that county. He then attended the medical lectures at Cincinnati during the sessions of 1869-70. Then practiced three years as a partner of his preceptor, Dr. Sawyer. He came to this county in August, 1873, and in 1879 was chosen by the people of Taylor county to represent them in the Eighteenth General Assembly. He was married at Unionville, Lowa, August 27, 1868, to Miss N. J. Miller, a native of Tennessee. Of their children there are living, Kate, Inez and Eveline. One, M. Claudius, died at the age of two years. The doctor enjoys a large practice in this and ad- joining counties. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and of Bethany Commandery No. 29, Creston, Iowa. See portrait elsewhere.
HOWE, GEO. W., attorney at law and justice of the peace, Lenox, was porn July 31, 1843, in Knox county, Illinois, and there grew to manliood. His youth was spent on a farm and in attending the common schools where, with the exception of two terms in a select school, he acquired his educa-
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tion. He came to Taylor county in 1864, where he learned the carpenter trade; engaged in that business in the summer and taught school during the winter months, spending his leisure time in the study of law. He was admitted to the bar September 8, 1874, before Judge Samuel Forey of the third judicial district and located at Lenox in March, 1874. Mr. Howe may be truthfully called a self-made man. He has gained all by industry and perseverance, always meeting discouraging circumstances with that fortitude and determination which never fail to surmount ordinary obsta- cles, and has established a reputation which, if rightly guarded, will insure him the greatest degree of success: He is also a lover of music and pos- sesses considerable musical talent. Subject was married in this county August 15, 1868, to Miss Orilla P., daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Walker, of Buchanan county, Iowa. They are the parents of three chil- dren: Charles C., Albert H. and Marietta; Charles C. and Marietta are living. Mr. H. is a member of A. F. & A. M., and at present is N. G. of the I. O. O. F.
HUDSON, DR. J. A., Homeopathic physician, Lenox (see portrait on another page). Prominent among the many physicians of that school in this State, is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of the Keystone State, was born June 4, 1847. When but a child his parents moved to Ohio, where he resided several years and then returned to Pennsylvania. Soon after his return he was married to Miss Maria Ball, of Philadelphia. They are the parents of two children, Marie and Dollie. Dr. H. commenced the practice of medicine in Illinois in 1870. Two years later lie became a resi- dent of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where he did a successful practice for two years. He then came to Iowa and located at Mt. Ayr, where he remained until coming to this county in 1879. Since locating in Lenox the doctor has built up a splendid practice. He is gentlemanly and courteous on the streets as well as in the sick room and is said to be one of the finest schol- ars in southwestern Iowa. No better evidence of his skill as a physician could be adduced than the fact that his practice (already large) is steadily increasing as he becomes more widely known. He is thoroughly a self- made man and possessed of considerable power of oratory.
HUMPHERY, J. H., of Humphery & Morrill, dealers in groceries, pro- visions, queensware, etc., Lenox; is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1849. While yet a youth his parents moved to Benton county, Iowa, and located near Cedar Rapids. His early days were spent in agricultural pursuits which engaged his attention to such an extent that he received only a com- mon school education. He came to Lenox in 1876. During the first year of his residence here he conducted a livery stable, but disposing of that, es-
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tablished his present business in 1877. In 1871 Miss Martha Miller, of Linn county, Iowa, became his wife. Four children have blessed this un- ion: Bertha M., Hugh and baby are bright and promising; one, Ethel, died June 22, 1881, aged twenty-eight months. Mr. Humphery is a prac- tical business man, understands perfectly his present work and together with his worthy partner presents the public an obliging and reliable firm. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church and takes great interest in the moral and intellectual development of the country.
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