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 85
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JOHNSON, JOE C., of Johnson Brothers, dealers in clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes, Lenox, is a native of the Buckeye State, born March 16, 1855. At the age of ten his parents moved to Adams county, this State, where they remained until 1869 when the family came to Taylor county. He came to Lenox in 1876 and clerked one year for Osborne & Brooks; then engaged in the real estate business for six months, after which he was employed as cashier in the banking house of G. L. Brooks, in which capacity he served nine months; then again engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business, which he continued until July 1, when he sold out to Mr. M. A. Lunn; and August 1, engaged in his present business. He ' was married in this county December 20, 1879, to Miss Clara L. Winkley, of Independence, Iowa. They have one child, Willie, born November 20, 1880. Mr. Johnson is an enterprising young man, with excellent business qualifications, and since his residence here has made many warm friends, who attest their confidence by a liberal patronage. He is interested in lit- erature, and has at present a large library, to which he is constantly adding useful and interesting books.
JOP, CHAS. L., farmer, section two, post-office Lenox, is a native of the Pine Tree State, born July 28, 1837. Owing to the death of his parents he was thrown among strangers while quite young and his schooling was curtailed by close application to other duties. In 1857 he came west, stop- ping for a time at Monmouth, Illinois, but soon returned to his native State. Not yet content he again sought the West and engaged with his brother in a woolen mill at Monmouth in which employ he continued until 1873. He then came to this county and located where he now resides. In 18- he was married to Miss Harris, a native of Pennsylvania. They have two children: Nelson and Roxie. Although a sufferer from asthma most of his life, Mr. J. has by industry and good management secured a comfort- able home. His farm of eighty acres is beautifully situated and admirably adapted to the raising of stock, at which he is now engaged. Mr. and Mrs. Jop are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church.
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KEPNER, E. D., grain and agricultural dealer, Lenox, born in Penn- sylvania, in 1842. His early youth was spent on a farm and in acquiring an education. At the breaking out of the war, though young, he deter- mined to aid in preserving the Union; and in 1862 enlisted in company H, One hundred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania infantry volunteers, and served eighteen months. Then came to Taylor county, Iowa, and reënlisted in company D, Forty-sixth Iowa, and served until the end of the war. He then returned to his native State; and in 1869 became a resident of this county. A half decade later he engaged in the lumber and grain business in Lenox, and has continued in that employment most of the time since. He is now the owner of fine property in Lenox besides valuable lands in this county, and rich claims in the gold fields of the West. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Delia Silverthorn, a native of Pennsylvania. From this un- ion there are five children: Helen, Nora, Belle, Alfred and Harrison. Mr. Kepner is an honest and industrious man of social and intellectual worth. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and K. T.
KILGORE, JNO., farmer, section twelve, post-office Lenox, is a native of the Hoosier State, born in Orange county in 1824. He there arrived at man's estate, received his education and learned the carpenter trade. He engaged in farmning in summer and working at his trade in winter until 1850 when he came to Iowa and settled in Monroe county. Two years later he moved to Union county and preëmpted a quarter section of land in Platte township, this county, which he now owns. He planted a cotton- wood tree in the corner of the four counties of Adams, Ringgold, Union and Taylor, which still grows and marks the spot. His mother's was the first death and burial in Union county. Enlisted in the army, but was rejected. He was married in 1845 to Miss Atocia Williams, a native of Indiana. They have eleven children: Taylor, Noah, Martha, William, Francis, Simpson, Helbert, Albert, Mary, Sarah, Curtis and John. Mr. Kilgore's father re. sides with him. He is now eighty-four years old, but still retains the activity and intellect of his younger days.
KING, L. H., farmer and stock-grower, section 11, post-office Lenox; born in Peoria county, Illinois. Was raised on a farm and received a lib- eral common school education. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventy-seventh Illinois, and served until the close of the rebellion. Participated in the bat- tles of Arkansas Post, Magnolia Hills, Champion's Hill, Black River and Vicksburg, where he was wounded and sent to the hospital May 22. Re- turned to his regiment in October following, and took part in the engage- ments at Sabine Crossing, where he was again wounded, Grand Detour, Alexandria. Then went to Fort Gaines, thence to Fort Morgan, and sub-
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equently to New Orleans where he took sick and remained until he was mustered out in 1865. Returned to Illinois and engaged in farming, but zas unable to do much on account of his wounds. In 1870 he came to owa and located in Taylor county, which he has since made his home. He ow owns a farm of 120 acres. He married Miss E. J. Kinkade a native f the Hoosier State. From this union there are six children: Nettie r., Sarah, Charles, Mattie, John W. and Rosa D. Mr. King is a mem- er of the Free Methodist Church.
KINGAN, JAMES, dealer in groceries, glass and queensware, third door orth of bank, is a native of New York, born December 10, 1849. Grew manhood in his native State and attended the common schools. He fterward finished his education in the union schools of Panama. Came Taylor county in 1877, farmed three years and commenced his present usiness November 9, 1880. He was married in New Jersey, May 7, 1876, Miss Mary J. Burrell, a native of that State. They have one child, illie M., a very bright little girl; lost one, Arthur G., who died at the age f one year. Mr. Kingan is a young man of good mind, and is doing an ex- ensive business, having many warm friends who encourage his enter- rise.
LUNN, M. A., real estate, loan and insurance agent, Lenox; born in 'hio, September 6, 1846. When twelve years old his parents, Richard and [ope S. Lnnn, moved to Jones connty, Iowa, where our subject was ra sed a farm, receiving a liberal education in the common schools. He was tarried in that county September 28, 1869, to Miss Mattie A. Bratton, a ative of Ohio. They have a family of five children: William B., George ., Thomas D., Pearle M. and Lilian. His first, a son, died when six eeks old. Subject came to this county in 1872, established in his present ocation in January, 1881, and has since done a large business. Mr. Lunn a young man of good habits and possesses that energy and integrity hich alone would insure success. He is a member of the U. P. Church. ee portrait in this work.
LUPTON, H., postmaster, Lenox, is a native of Athens county, Ohio; orn April 27, 1847. Was principally raised in Belmont county of that ate, where he received a liberal education. Moved to Keokuk county, wa, in 1865; remained five years, then went to Poweshiek county where , lived four years. Came to Taylor county in 1874 and in the following Il established the Lenox Time Table, an eight column paper, Independ- it Republican in politics. He donned the editorial garb and "pushed the till" until July 22, 1881, when he sold to Messrs Barns & McGregor. as commissioned postmaster January 15, 1879 and has since performed
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
the duties of that office. September 7, 1865, Miss Susanna Adams, a native of the Hawkeye State, became his bride, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Peter Cartwright, in Belmont county, Ohio. They are the par- ents of two children: Albert S., born September 30, 1869, and Ethel L. born October 1, 1877. Mr. L. is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Perfect Union Lodge No. 277.
LYDDON, WM., farmer, section nine, post-office Lenox, was born in England in 1838. While yet a child his parents immigrated to the United States and located in Warren county, Illinois. There our subject engaged in farming and attending school until he attained his majority. In the spring of 1875 he came to Iowa and settled in Adair county near Dexter where he purchased 420 acres of land, occupying it one year, then sold out and came to this county. He now owns 475 acres, nearly all of which he has improved since coming here. Has a fine orchard and grove, good buildings, etc., and is engaged in raising a high grade of cattle and Poland China hogs. In No- vember, 1865, he married Miss Olive L. Page, a native of the Empire State and a very cultured lady. They have four children: Ida R., Wm. O., John M. and Arthur S .; two are deceased.
MADDEN, HON. JOHN, dealer in general merchandise and stock-ship- per, Lenox; born in Pennsylvania October 16, 1842. When four years of age his parents came west and settled in Jefferson county, Iowa, where they resided a short time then went to Appanoose county, and in 1854 became residents of Union county, locating nine miles northeast of Lenox. There our subject grew to manhood and received a liberal education. His father was one of the first settlers of that county. In 1874 Mr. M. was called upon to mourn the loss of his father, and four years later his mother passed away. In 1874 subject engaged in the mercantile, stock and grain business at that place and in 1876 was chosen by the Independent Democrats of this dis- trict to represent them in the State legislature which duty he performed with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He was married in Union county in 1866 to Miss Lenora Bliss, a native of the Keystone State. Of their children six are now living: William, Nellie, Olive, Laura, Walter and Clara; one, Mary, is deceased. Although compar- atively a young man Mr. Madden has been eminently successful in business and by his industry and integrity of character commands the respect of all with whom he is associated. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F. and Bethany Commandery No. 29, K. T.
MADDEN, E., junior member of Madden Bros., dealers in general mer- chandise, Lenox; born in Union county, Iowa, October 25, 1855. He has the proud distinction of being the first white child born in that county. He
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
grew to manhood employed on the farm and in attending school, where he received'his education. Subject located and commenced business in Lenox in the fall of 1874. Was married in Jefferson county, Iowa, in 1877, to Miss Alice Greenland, a lady of excellent qualities. They have one child, Millard, and lost one in infancy. Mr. Madden, like his brother, senior member of the firm, possesses fine business qualifications and is a popular salesman.
MAHER, J. W., real estate, exchange, loan and insurance agent, Lenox, was born in Knox county, Illinois, in 1842, where he was reared and edu- cated, his early youth being spent in agricultural pursuits. In 1871 he took Greeley's advice, came west, and located at Lenox, where he has since remained and established an excellent business. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Kelley, a native of Quincy, Illinois. Their family consists of five children: Arthur C., Clara M., Ethel M., John W. and Grace. Mr. M. is a very genial gentleman, of good habits and good business qualifi- cations, a man of unquestionable integrity, industrious, and thoroughly awake to the interests of Taylor county.
, MEAGHER, THOMAS F., of Meagher & Maloney, dealers in grain and general merchandise, corner Main and Ohio streets, Lenox, is a native of the Emerald Isle. Was born in 1844. When five years of age his par- ents emigrated to America, and settled in Sullivan county, New York, remained two years, then went to Canada West, where they stopped about eighteen months, after which they moved to Chicago, and remained there two and a half years. They next went to McHenry county, thence to Whiteside county, Illinois; in 1856 moved to De Witt, Clinton county, Iowa, and came to Lenox in 1876. During all these changes our subject was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and acquired a liberal high school ed- ucation. After arriving at Lenox he established what is known as the Cen- tennial Store. Was married in Scott county, Iowa, April 9, 1872, to Miss B. G. Maloney, a native of Canada West. Their family consists of four children: William F., John J., Mary A. and Nora. As a business man Mr. M. has been very successful. Although he has been a resident of Lenox but half a decade he has ingratiated himself with the people of Taylor county, and secured a goodly portion of their patronage. He is a member of the Catholic Church and adheres tenaciously to the faith.
MERCER, WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, section five, post-office Lenox, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1824. Moved with his parents to Belmont county, Ohio, at an early age, and was there educated. He also learned the tailor trade, and worked at that business for sixteen years. Moved to Henry county, Illinois, in 1856, where he
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remained eight years, tilling the soil and raising stock. He then came to Taylor county, and located on his present farm of eighty acres, which he has improved and made one of the nicest homes in the county. Mr. M. was married in 1845 to Miss Clarinda McKessen, a native of the Buckeye State. From this union there are five children: L. E., Sam O., Elmira J., wife of E. E. Rhodenbaugh, Ben. G. and William. They are members of the M. E. Church.
MORROW, O. S., principal public schools, Lenox, is a native of Monroe county, Ohio. Was born March 4, 1857. He is a son of Marshall and Sarah Morrow, of that State. When twelve years of age his parents moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where subject grew to maturity, engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. He graduated in 1874 from Platteville Normal School and taught ten terms in that State. Then went to Nebraska, and remained until the fall of 1880, when he came to Lenox. Since here he has taught three terms, two in the public schools and one select school. Mr. M. is a fine musician, is the anthor of several pieces of instrumental music, which are said to possess considerable merit. He is a young man of good habits, naturally industrious, and as a teacher is probably not excelled in southwestern Iowa.
OSBORNE, E. L., dealer in hardware, agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, etc., Lenox, whose portrait will be found elsewhere, is a native of Scott county, Iowa. He was born January 1, 1846. His early life was spent on a farm and attending the public school. He finished his educa- tion in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, at Davenport. In 1863, though quite young, he enlisted in company K, Twentieth Iowa infantry volunteers, and served faithfully until that mighty ulcer, slavery, had been removed, and the Union preserved. He participated in the bat- tles of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, siege of Fort Morgan, Alabama, charge on and capture of Fort Blakeley, Alabama, and in all subsequent engagements in which his regiment took part. At the close of the war he returned to Davenport and remained one year. He then visited the gold fields of Col- orado, and after two years experience, returned to his old home. In 1870 he went to Council Bluffs and worked at the carpenter trade for one year, then came to this county and located at Lenox in 1872. After coming here he worked at his trade for about six months, after which he engaged with G. L. Brooks in the mercantile business, under the firm name of G. L. Brooks & Co., but afterwards Osborne & Brooks. In 1879 he purchased the interest of C. A. Brooks, and has since conducted the business for him- self. He was married in Henry county, Iowa, in 1873, to Miss Martha H. Brice, a native of that county. They have four children: Nellie B., George
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L., Lulu B. and baby. Mr. Osborne has a full stock of everything in his line, is doing a remunerative business, and merits the generous patronage he receives from the public. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lenox, Iowa.
PAGE, G. W., farmer, section twelve, post-office Lenox, is a native of Brown county, Ohio, born in 1835. In 1857 he moved to Livingston county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming eight years. Came to Iowa in 1865, locating in Warren county, where he remained eight years, then came to Taylor county. Was married in September, 1869, to Miss Mary J. Livingstone, a native of the Buckeye State, Six children have blessed their union: Betsy A., Rosetta, Etna B., Abraham, Janette and Emma. Mr. P. has a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, well improved, with good orchard, grove and buildings, the most of which he has made since coming here. He is honest and industrious, and is considered one of the best farm- ers of his township.
PENNELL, EDSON, of Pennell & Woods, livery, feed and sale stables, Lenox, is a native of Ontario county, New York, born in 1832. He was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1863 he moved to Michigan, remained one year, then came to Clarke county, Iowa, and en- gaged in sheep raising. He returned to Michigan in 1866, and three years later became a resident of this county and engaged in raising stock. May 6, 1881, he commenced his present business. He was married in Michigan November 2, 1862, to Miss Jennie Bray, a native of New Jersey. They are the parents of three children: Fenella, Hattie and Alvira, all living. Mr. Pennell's great-grandmother on his mother's side, was a niece of Jolin Hancock of revolutionary fame. He and his partner are both gentlemen in the fullest sense, and the firm are doing a thriving business.
PHILLIPS, S. N., farmer, section thirty-four, post-office Lenox, is a na- tive of Connecticut, born in 1832. He there attained his majority and re- ceived a liberal common school education. In 1854 he became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, and remained in that county until 1863, when he crossed the plains, stopped in Nevada and engaged in the freight busi- ness. After remaining there three years, he returned to Vernon county, Missouri, located on a farm and engaged in stock raising. Went from there to Kansas, and in the fall of 1878 came to Taylor county and located on his present farm of eighty acres. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Miss Kate Woods, a native of Indiana. They have two children: Florence L. and Prentice.
PORTER, W. L., farmer, section one, post office Lenox, born in Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, there grew to manhood and received
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his education. In 1855 he went to Warren county, Illinois, where he en- gaged in farming. In 1862 he returned to the Keystone State, remained one year, then went back to Illinois and lived there until 1877. In the last named year he came to Iowa, locating in Adams county. He became a res- ident of this county in 1880, and located on his present farm of eighty acres. In 1867 he was married to Miss Annie Gensimore, a native of Pennsylvania. From this union there are six children: Cora M., Elmer L .. Laura E., Clara M., Eva M., and Frank J. On January 16, 1881, Mrs. P. departed this life, having been a tender mother and devoted companion. She was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Porter is also a member of that church, and is connected with the Masonic fraternity.
REED, J. H., SR., farmer and stock-raiser, section two, post-office Lenox, born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1826. While there he received his ed- ucation and learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1852 he left his native State and emigrated to Oregon, locating in Oregon City, where he worked at his trade for a time, then went to California and engaged in mining and fighting Indians. He remained in that State until the fall of 1863, then re- turned to the Buckeye State via the Isthmus of Panama. Came to Iowa in 1856, entered land in Union county, and improved a farm of two hund- red acres. Remained there until 1879, when he came to Taylor county and located on his present farm. In 1851 he was united in marriage to Miss Adaline B. Hurd, a native of the Green Mountain State. They were the parents of one child, James H., now a resident of this township. Mrs. R. died in 1855, and two years later our subject married Miss Damaris J. Bliss, also of Virginia. From this union there are nine children: Orlando, J. C. Fremont, William, Emma, Thurman, Demaris, David B., Sarah L. and Hattie A. Subject owns a beautiful farm of six hundred and ten acres which he has admirably improved. Has good buildings, fine orchard of two hundred apple and eighty peach trees, and unquestionably possesses one of the finest stock farms in Taylor county. He is a member of the M. E. Church.
REES, REV. JAMES M. (retired), section five, post-office Lenox, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1836. When twelve years of age his parents moved to Freeport, Illinois, where young Rees grew to manhood and received a common school education. Read law for a time then at- tended a commercial college at Rockport, Illinois. In 1867 he entered the Missionary Institute at Selims Grove, Pennsylvania, and graduated from that institute in June, 1871. He was ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church; returned to Illinois after a short time and took charge of a field in Mills county, Iowa. Was located at Hastings three years then
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went to Clinton county and took charge of a field at Elvira one year. He then moved to Green county, Wisconsin, serving three and a half years when he was obliged to resign his pastorate on account of ill health. After traveling in Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa he came to this county and located on his present farm of 160 acres. He was married March 30, 1873 to Miss Mary, daughter of Rev. Francis Plumb, of the M. E. Church, and a native of Lincolnshire, England. They have four children: Birdie O., Aimie C., Mand M. and Leslie E. Mr. Rees is still a member of the Synod of North- ern Illinois.
REEVE, GEO., farmer and stock-grower, section two, post-office Lenox, a native of Kentucky, was born in 1827. When three years old his par- ents moved to Indiana, and there on the prairies of the Hoosier State our subject was reared and given a common school education. In 1855 he came west and settled in Henry county, Iowa; remained there a quarter of a century engaged in farming. Came to this county in 1880 and purchased his present farm of 120 acres. In 1848 Miss E. V. Dancer, of Indiana, became his bride. They are the parents of twelve children: Win. H., J. S., R. W., A. R., Lena A. (wife of J. J. Thorp), Nora A. (wife of W. Sander- Bon), J. H., Adah M., Otis D., G. W., Carrie E. One is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Reeve are members of the M. E. Church, and are respected by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
RHONDENBAUGH, E. E., farmer, section three, post-office Lenox. The subject was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1839. Moved at an early age to Northumberland county where he grew to manhood and re- ceived a common school education. He moved to Illinois in 1859, and located in Mercer county where he engaged in mining; remaining there a short time he then went to Henry county of that State, and in the spring of 1874 came to Taylor county, Iowa, locating where he now resides. In 1865 Miss Elmira J. Mercer, of Ohio, became his wife. Mr. R. possesses a good farm of 160 acres and, together with his excellent companion, enjoys the quiet of a nice and comfortable home.
SALSBURY, DR. G. R., physician and surgeon, Lenox. Of the many enterprising young men of Taylor county, none are more worthy of notice than the subject. He is a native of Oswego county, New York, born July 12, 1850. His early years were spent on a farm, where he tilled the soil and attended school. After becoming sufficiently well informed he commenced teaching and engaged principally in that business for eight years. He also engaged in the excursion business, and was known through- out the Empire State as " the young excursionist.". In 1876 he ran an excursion train from Central New York to Niagara Falls, and in the opera-
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tion cleared eighteen hundred dollars. He chartered another train and carried passengers from Niagara Falls to the centennial at Philadelphia, and cleared a handsome sum. In 1871 he entered college at Oberlin, Ohio, remained in that institution three years, then went to Vermont and attended Middlebury College one year, after which he entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, graduating from that institu- tion in 1878. He then cime west, located in Lenox and commenced the practice of medicine. The doctor, though young, is perhaps as well read as any M. D. in southwestern Iowa. Since graduating in one of the best medical institutions in the East he has passed the required examination of the Commission of Pharmacy for the State of Iowa; received a diploma from that body and is now a registered pharmacist. He now enjoys a good practice and commands the respect of all who know him.
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