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 86

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 86

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SANFORD, A., farmer, section twenty-eight, post-office Lenx, was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1850. While young he moved with his parents to Illinois and settled in McDonough county, where he attained to manhood and recived a good education. In 1864 he enlisted in company D, One-hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois, served six months and was dis- charged at Memphis, Tennessee, returned home and reënlisted in company A, Eleventh Illinois cavalry and served until the close of the war. Served as body guard for generals Smith and Morgan. Was mustered out at Springfield and again returned to his home. In 1873 he came to Ringgold county, Iowa and engaged in farming. Four years later he became a resi- dent of this county, locating where he now lives. He was married in 1871 to Miss Lydia Crandal, a native of Ohio and a very excellent lady. Mr. S. now has a farm of eighty acres and a pleasant home.

SCROGGS, DR. J. P., physician, surgeon and druggist, Lenox; born in Pennsylvania December 9, 1850. At the age of six his parents became residents of McDonough county, Illinois, where young Scroggs attained his majority and acquired a liberal common school education. He then en- gaged in teaching for three years, and in the fall of 1870 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. H. B. Livermore, a noted physician and surgeon of that county. He subsequently entered St. Louis Medical College and . graduated from that institution in the spring of 1874. He then returned to his native State and commenced the practice of medicine at Colchester with marked success. The doctor came to Lenox in 1874 and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Although eminently suc- cessful in the practice of medicine our subject has won his greatest laurels in the art of surgery. He is of a race of surgeons, his ancestors being no- ted for their skill in that branch of the science. He was married at Pal-

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

myra, Missouri, October 26, 1875, to Miss Jane Doney, a native of the Key- stone State. They have three children: Margaretta, Helen and Fanny. The doctor is a member of the A. F. & A. M., also a member of the M. E. Church, and is at present treasurer of that association.

THOMPSON, C. H., agriculturist, Lenox, a native of Ripley county, Ill- diana, was born April 25, 1849, and spent his youtlı in agricultural pur- suits and in acquiring an education. At the age of fourteen, he, with his parents, moved to Buchanan county, Iowa, where young Thompson grew to manhood. In the fall of 1875 he came to Taylor county, and has since made it his home. Subject was married in Scott county, Iowa, in April, 1873, to Miss M. E. Vanwinkle, a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of one child, William P., born July 16, 1875. Mr. T., although comparatively young, is a number one business man, and commands the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and at present holds the worthy position of N. G. of Lenox Lodge.

VAN HOUTEN, GEO., farmer and stock-raiser, section nineteen, Lenox, whose portrait will be found with this work, is a native of Atchison county, Missouri; was born February 24, 1847. While yet a child his father, John H. W. Van Houten, moved to Madison county, Iowa. From there he went to Cass county in the spring of 1853, and two years later became a resident of Taylor county. His father died in Adams county in 1863. His mother is yet living and resides in Fremont county, this State. He was married December 23, 1866 to Miss Salina A. Jincks, a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of seven children: Darthula, Orzo, Marge, Martel, Vernon, Alii J, and Arthur. January 4, 1864, he enlisted in company E, Fourth Missouri cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He now resides about two and a half miles south of the flourishing village of Lenox, and is engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits. His nursery con- tains a general variety of all the fruits adapted to this climate, and presents a tasty and systematic appearance. He has a large farm well improved with good buildings, fences, etc. Mr. V. is district deputy of P. of H., and is also a member of the A. F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities. He has always taken great interest in the schools and churches of the county and is also an earnest worker in the cause of temperance.

WALLS, DAVID, farmer, post-office Lenox, was born on Prince Ed- wards Island in 1824, and there grew to manhood and cultivated his intel- lectual powers in the common schools. Emigrated to the United States in 1850, locating in Wisconsin where he remained for a quarter of a century. He came to Taylor county in 1875, purchased 160 acres of land which he has improved and made into a valuable farm. In 1852 he married Miss Mar-

HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

garet Bernard, also a native of Prince Edwards Island. From this union there are six children: William A., James T., David J., John W., George E. and Myrie J. Subject and lady are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

WHERRY, J. T., dealer in general merchandise, Lenox, whose portrait appears elsewhere in this work, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, Novem- ber 17, 1829. His early life was spent on a farm, during which time he received a high school education, and afterward taught school for eight years. In 1856 he came to Iowa, locating in Cedar county. Here in 1861 he engaged in the mercantile business, pursuing it until 1875, at which time he came to this county and purchased a half section of land, one half mile east of Lenox, on which he resided for one year, when he resumed the mercantile business in Bedford, and in the following October returned to Lenox and established his present business. He was married in Cedar county in 1857, his wife being Miss Hannah M. Bratton, a most estimable lady, also born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in the year 1839. They are the parents of six children : Calvin C., James W., M. M. Eva, Adell A., Tol- bert F. and John L .; all living and residents of this county. Mr. Wherry is well known in this county and elsewhere, and is recognized by all as a man of integrity and sterling worth, jovial and courteous in manner, and takes great interest in schools and churches. He has just completed one of the finest residences in Taylor county.

WHITE, H. H., blacksmith, wagon and buggy manufacturer, and general repair shops, Lenox, whose portrait appears in this work, a native of the Empire State, was born July 14, 1846. He was reared and educated in his native State. On October 23, 1861, he enlisted in company H, Twenty-third infantry volunteers, and served the unexpired term of that regiment, May 22, 1863. In January following he reënlisted in the Fifteenth New York cav- alry volunteers, and served as first duty-sergeant until the close of the war, or August 9, 1865, participating in the battles of second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and all others in which his regiment was engaged. When the war was over he returned to his home and remained until Sep- tember, 1865, then went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he made his home for three years, then came to this State, locating at Independence. He be- came a resident of Lenox in January, 1873, and established his present business. He is a number one mechanic, and has in his employ some as good workmen as there are in the State. His work gives the best of satis- faction, being first-class both in style and durability. He was married in 1869 to Miss Isora E. Winkley, a native of New Hampshire. They have no children. He is a member of Tremont Lodge.No. 343, A. F. and A. M., Eureka Chapter No. 77, and Bethany Commandery No. 29, Creston, Iowa.

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

WILSON, C. W., grocer, provision dealer and resturateur, Lenox, native of Ohio, was born July 31, 1845. He was reared to manhood in he Buckeye State, and spent his time in tilling the soil and attending chool. In 1861 he answered the call for troops by enlisting in company E, Fifty-ninth Ohio infantry volunteers, and served three years, participat- ng in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Kenesaw, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta nd Stone River, where he was wounded and taken prisoner. He was con- ined in Libby Prison six months, then exchanged and again took his posi- ion in his company and engaged in all the battles in which his regiment ook part. Mr. Wilson was a faithful soldier and has a record of which he nay well be proud. After the war was over he returned to Ohio, visited he "old folks at home" about one year, then crossed the plains, stopped n Wyoming Territory three years, and returned to the States and located n Nodaway county, Missouri. While there he married Miss Mary Car- lett, a native of that State. He came to Lenox in 1874, and four years ater established his present business with a capital of forty dollars. He low owns a good business house, and has ample means to carry on his pres- nt employment.

WILT, J. M., farmer and stock-raiser, section twelve, post-office Lenox, vas born in Darke county, Ohio, in 1832. There arrived at manhood and vas educated in the common schools and academies. He followed farming nd came to Iowa in 1857, locating in Clarke county, and engaged in break- ng prairie. In 1861 he came to Taylor county and settled on his present arm. Mr. W. relates many interesting incidents of the early settlement of his county. 'At one time he with two other gentlemen, set out for Queen Jity to mill, got lost on the prairies and after wandering about for some ime and nearly freezing, found a house and stopped for the night. Next norning they returned home leaving the grist. Going back the following Monday they went to the mill and were informed that if one of their num- er would stay and run the engine they could have the meal by the next Friday. One remained while the others returned to their homes. Our ubject went ten miles to borrow meal to live on until his friend returned. Ie purchased a hand-mill and for a time ground his own meal. Salt at hat time was $8.35 per barrel; hogs sold at from $1.50 to $2.50 per hun- red. He was married in 1856 to Miss Catharine Hamilton, a native of Ohio. They have six children: Hassius M., Samuel P., Eli U. S., Harry, `rank and Dora. When Mr. Wilt came to Iowa he had an ax and nine- een dollars and twenty-five cents in money. He now owns 340 acres of zell improved land, fine house and barn, large orchard and a forest of about en acres. His is one of the nicest homes in Taylor county.

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

WOODS, H. B., proprietor of feed-stable and livery line, also marshal of the city of Lenox, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and was born Decem- 13, 1830. When four years old his parents moved to Kosciusko county of that State where our subject remained until he was seventeen, then went to Bureau county, Illinois, and resided there until the breaking out of the war. He enlisted April 6, 1861, in company H, Twelfth Illinois infantry volun- teers; served two years and was discharged on account of physical disabil- ities. He returned to his old home and remained two years, then visited the gold fields of California and Colorado, remaining on the Pacific slope four years. He then returned to the States, and in 1868 located in this county, where he has since remained. His early youth was spent in agri- cultural pursuits, not having an opportunity of gaining more than a common school education. Mr. Woods was married in Illinois, in 1863, to Miss Eliz- abeth Knox, a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are now living: Elmer E., Katie, Franklin and Derbin. Mrs. Woods died June 10, 1878, her remains being interred in the cemetery at Conway. Mr. Woods is a man respected by all who know him. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 343.

POLK TOWNSHIP.

BAILIE, JOSEPH B., farmer and blacksmith, Buchanan, a native of the Emerald Isle, was born in 1833. When eleven years old his parents emigrated to America and settled in New York State, where he remained until 1851; he then moved to Illinois and in 1868 came to Taylor county where he has since resided. At the age of eighteen he learned the black- smith's trade, and with the exception of one year, has since engaged in that business. He was married in Illinois in 1856 to Miss Sarah Umbarger, a native of that State. They are the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are now living: Elizabeth J. (wife of Charles Clayton), Mary M., Sarah Annie, Othello, Lucinda and an infant. Mr. B. owns 255 acres of land well improved which brings him a handsome income each year; besides, being a fine mechanic he realizes a considerable amount from that source, and has now ample means to enjoy the comforts of life. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

CADWALLADER, DR. J. M., a native of Ohio county, Virginia, was born June 1, 1851. When but a mere child his parents moved to Clear-

797

HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

eld county, Pennsylvania, and in 1859 became residents of Summit county, thio. There our subject grew to manhood and was educated in the com- hon and high schools of that county. At the age of sixteen he commenced eaching school and continued in that business about six years. He then tudied medicine and in 1873 commenced the practice of his profession, aving attended two terms of lectures. In 1881 he completed his course, raduating with honors from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, t. Joe, Missouri. In May, 1881, he had nine cases of small-pox. The atients all recovered. He married June 22, 1874, to Miss Mary Pratt, a ative of Ohio. They have two children: Nellie A., aged six; and Condie, ged six months. One, Lena Leota, is deceased. The doctor is now enjoy- ng a large practice and has a pleasant home.

CARSON, THOMAS, farmer and stock-raiser, section five, post-office iam. The subject is a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, where he was aised and educated. When quite young he learned the carpenter trade, which e followed several years, then laid the saw and hammer aside and chose the arm for future operations. When twenty-one years of age he went to Bel- hont county, Ohio, and worked in a machine-shop for a half decade, after which he located in Hocking county, same State, and remained until 1867, Then he came to Iowa and settled in Union county. He became a resident f this county in the fall of 1868, and has since engaged in agricultural pur- uits. He was married in Ohio, in 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Crawford, a ative of Ohio. This union has brought them three children, two of whom re living: Margaret and Anna J. Mattie E. is deceased.

CLAYTON, D. E., farmer, section five, post-office Siam, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, was born July 17, 1836. Was raised on farm and received a liberal common school education. In 1858, he emi- rated to Tazewell county, Illinois. Came to Iowa the year following and ettled in this county. In 1862 he answered his country's call, enlisted in ompany G, Ninety-second Ohio infantry volunteers, and served three years. Participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, charge at Jonesborough, Fort McAllister, Ben- onville, etc. Was mustered out at Washington City. He was married in 866, to Miss Hariett E. Griffith, a native of Ohio. This union has brought hem four children: Ora G., Mary H., Alva J. and Eliza E., all living. Mr. ). is the owner of 280 acres of well improved land; is a splended farmer ind successful stock-raiser.

FINE, PETER, farmer, section nineteen, post-office Hopkins, a native of he old North State, was born August 13, 1808, and was there reared on a arm. Moved to Fountain county, Indiana, in 1830, where he remained

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

until 1857, at which date he became a resident of this county, locating where he now lives. He was at one time the owner of a fine tract of land, but gave to each of his children a farm, as they became of age, and reserved 125 acres to provide for his wants during the decay of life. He has the satisfaction of seeing his children living and prospering in the homes he so freely gave them, and awaits the call of him who has promised a better home when the sands of this life are run. He was married in 1835, to Miss Eliza A. Hyburger, a native of Tennessee. They are the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are living: Amanda C., John M., Aaron C., Mar- tha P., Harriet A., Ephram J., America M. and Stephen A. D. Samuel A. and two infants are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fine are members of the Meth- odist Church and are respected by all who have the pleasure of their ac- quaintance.

FINE, JNO. M., farmer and fruit-grower, section thirty, post-office Siam, is a native of Fountain county, Indiana, born May 13, 1842. His parents, Peter and Eliza Fine, moved to this county in 1857. Here he grew to man- hood, and owing to the scarcity of schools, received but a limited education. In 1863 he was married to Miss R. Emerick, a native of the Hoosier State. They are the parents of seven children: Win. T. S., Albert A., Mana C., Peter D., Ada A., Rhoda B., and Ira E., all living. Mr. F. has a beautiful farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in a high state of cultivation, good buildings, orchard of five hundred and fifty bearing trees, all of his own planting, and is prospering finely. He has always taken an active part in measures for public improvement and contributes freely to every worthy enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Fine are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FINE, A. C., farmer, section nineteen, post-office Hopkins, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, March 15, 1845. At the age of twelve years his parents moved to this county and settled on the section on which he now re- sides. Was married August 21, 1864, to Miss Arminda Davison, a native of Missouri. They are the parents of seven children: L. E., Laura B., Perry P., Amanda F., Abija B., Dilbert and Cora M. Mr. F. now has a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres, and is one of Taylor county's most successful farmers. He and his lady are members of the M. E. Church.

JEFFERS, DENNIS, of Dale & Jeffers, dealers in hardware and lum- ber, also farmer and stock-raiser, Hopkins, Missouri, was born in Preston county, Virginia, February 7, 1821. Came to Iowa when eighteen years of age and engaged in farming in Lee county. Moved from there to Mus- catine county, remained three years, then visited the gold fields of California.

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

ollowed mining for six years, then returned to Muscatine county, this tate, and married Miss Catharina Beem, September 25, 1856. They have family of four children: William, Nevada, Abraham and Belle. Lost ne at the age of seven. In 1858 he moved to Nodaway county, Missouri, ad in 1870 came to this county, locating on his present farm. Mr. J. now wns over one thousand acres of fine land, and is extensively engaged in ock raising. He is a self-educated, self-made man, very intelligent, con- ibutes freely to those in need, to every public enterprise, and is one of aylor county's best citizens.

LOSSWELL, JESSE, farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-six, post- fice Hopkins, Missouri, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, January 0, 1824. Moved with his parents to Perry county, Indiana, when four ears old; remained five years, then went to Sullivan county, where he at- ined to man's estate. His youth had been spent in the " backwoods " ding on the farm and attending school in the log house of the pioneer, id now having grown to manhood he resolved to make use of the educa- on which his father had been so careful to give him. He came to Iowa 1 1857 and located where he now resides. Was married, November 20, 348, to Miss Sarah Parker, also a native of Kentucky. She died one onth after their marriage, and in September, 1853, he was again united matrimony, this time to Miss Lee Ann McKee, of Indiana. They are the arents of five children: Benjamin and Mary are living; John, Jesse and annah are deceased. Since coming to this county he has held various d important offices, including justice of the peace, county commissioner c. He now owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and is one : the most successful farmers in Taylor county. Mr. Losswell is a mem- er of the Christian Church.

McKEE, MARTIN L., farmer, section fourteen, post-office Hopkins, [issouri, is a native of Wayne county, Indiana, born June 21, 1833. When x years of age his father died, leaving him in a mother's care. He as reared on a farm and enjoyed the advantages of attending the pub- e schools. In 1850 he moved to Parke county; remained six years, then ime to Iowa, locating in this county where he now resides. Was married [ay 26, 1853, to Miss Martha Logan, of Parke county, Indiana. Mrs. icKee is a lady of refinement and culture, and is to Mr. M. a faithful and evoted companion. They have an excellent farm of three hundred and rty acres, with an elegant residence and everything systematically ar- nged. In short, a model home. Mr. McKee is a man of great executive bility, and is honored and respected by his acquaintances.

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

REECE, R. M., farmer, section fifteen, post-office Hopkins, Missouri, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, October 1, 1841. When eight years of age his parents moved to Peoria county, Illinois. In 1851 he came to Iowa, and located in Louisa county. At the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in company C, Eleventh Iowa infantry, and served until the close of the rebellion. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Kenesaw Mountain, and others in which his regiment was engaged. Was honorably discharged after three years and ten months' hard fighting during which he contracted the rheumatism, from which he still suffers. He was married in 1868 to Miss Margaret A. Swaim, of Park county, Illinois. They are the parents of seven children: Albert, George, Alice, Levi and Mary (twins), William and Martin. Mary is deceased. He is now located on a fine farm of two hundred acres, in a good state of cultivation, and is engaged largely in stock-raising.

STICKLEMAN, HENRY, farmer, section sixteen, post-office Siam, is a native of Ohio. Was born June 16, 1844. He was there reared on a farm and received only a limited educated. He was raised on the site of the battle- field where the gallant St. Clair suffered his terrible defeat. His father was the first to discover the bones and pit where the unfortunate men were buried. On November 1, 1861, he enlisted in company K, Fortieth Ohio infantry volunteers, and served three years and one month, participating in some of the hardest-fought battles of the war. Came to this county in 1870, and has since made it his home. Was married June 10, 1872, to Miss Mary B. Harris, a native of Missouri. Of their children three are living: Alta M., Esina and Lona. One, John R., is deceased. Although a young man, Mr. S. is one of Taylor county's most successful farmers, owns a fine farm of one hundred and one acres of excellent land, well adapted to stock-raising. He is a good neighbor, kind friend and pleasant companion.

WILDER, ABIJ AH, farmer, sec. twenty-nine, post-office Hopkins, Mis- souri, was born in Kentucky in 1844. When eight years old his parents, Nel- son and Elizabeth Wilder, moved to Page county, Iowa. Remaining there a short time, they next became residents of this county, and have since made it their home. In 1863 subject enlisted in company C, Eleventh Missouri cavalry, and served about two years. Was taken prisoner once during the Red River expedition, and confined three days. Was then paroled, en- gaged for a time in St. Louis, then rejoined the army and served until the close of the war. He was married in this county in 1867, to Miss Martha Fine, a native of Indiana. They have three children: Eliza E., Alta and John. Three died during infancy. Mr. W. has eighty-five acres of land, in good cultivation, and is doing well. He is a faithful member of the M. E. Church.

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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.

ROSS TOWNSHIP.

ANDREWS, J. W., farmer, post-office Bedford, was born in Richland county, Ohio, October 3, 1840. While yet a babe his parents moved to Knox county, Illinois, where he remained until seventeen years of age. He then engaged with Buchanan in his trouble with the Mormons at Salt Lake. Was in the service four years, then re-crossed the plains, came to Taylor county, and has since made it his home. Was educated in Knox county, Illinois, and was married October 4, 1864, to Miss J. Perdue, of that State. Mr. A. now has a fine farm of one hundred and twelve and a half acres, all under fence, in good cultivation, and is considered a practi- cal farmer. They have been members of the Christian Church for seven- teen years.

ASHER, JAMES B., farmer, section one, post-office Bedford; born in Hendricks county, Indiana, May 6, 1838. Remained in that county until twenty-one years of age. Came to Iowa in 1859; settled in Monroe county, remained there nine years then came to Taylor county. Was married May 12, 1864, to Miss Mary C. Stoddard, daughter of John and Sarah Stoddard, of Monroe county, Iowa. Mrs. A. was born in Montgomery county, In- diana, August 25, 1838. They are the parents of but one child, Minnie B., born September 27, 1867. They have a good farm of 272 acres, in a high state of cultivation and are engaged in farming and raising stock. They are both consistent church members and are respected very highly as earn- est workers for the moral and intellectual development of all.

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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