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 87
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ATKINSON, SARAH P., relict of Thomas Atkinson, deceased, post- office Bedford, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March 12, 1824. Was married April 19, 1849, to Thomas Atkinson. In 1854 they moved to Han- cock county, Indiana, remained there three years, then became residents of Miami county, where they engaged in farming eight years. In 1865 they came to Taylor county, and purchased the farm on which our subject now resides. Mr. A. departed this life November 15, 1875, leaving four chil- dren: William L., John D., Mary E. and Rachel A., also a devoted wife to mourn his loss. Mrs. Atkinson has a fine farm of eight-five acres, all under fence and in a high state of cultivation. She also has a good house, surrounded with a beautiful grove, orchard, etc. She has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church for many years.
BAILIE, D., farmer, sections twenty-five and twenty-six, post-office Bed- ford; born August 18, 1836, in Knox county, Ohio, where he was reared
31
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and educated. Enlisted August 18, 1862, in company E, Eighty-eighth Ohio. Participated in several of the most hotly contested battles of the rebellion; lost a finger during his service; was promoted to second ser- geant and served faithfully until July 4, 1865, when he was mustered out at Indianapolis, Indiana. Came to Taylor county in 1867 and has since made this his home. Was married December 4, 1856, to Miss Millie A. Redman. They have one child, James L., aged seven. Mr. B. and wife have been faithful members of the M. E. Church for the last twenty years. Has a good farm of 120 acres.
BARNES, D. E. farmer, section thirty, post-office Hopkins, Missouri, is a native of Owen county, Indiana, born July 26, 1844. Was there reared and educated. Enlisted December 14, 1861, in company K, Fifty-first Indiana. Participated in battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Franklin, Nashville, Tennessee, besides numerous skirmishes. Was mustered out at San Antonio, Texas, in December, 1865, and received his discharge papers at Indianapolis, Indiana, January 14, 1866. Returned to his home in Owen county of that State. In Septem- ber, 1869, he became a resident of Hopkins, Missouri; lived there about two years then moved to Arkansas. Resided in Arkansas county, of that State, about eighteen months, after which he came to Taylor county. Was married July 4, 1869, to Miss Anna S., daughter of N. V. and L. A. Wil- lard; have six children : Martha A., Sylvanus C., Fletcher A., Henrietta, Mary L. and Lilian. Mr. B. has a good farm of ninety acres. Both are members of the M. E. Church.
BEARD, H. C., farmer, section twenty-two, post-office Bedford; is a na- tive of the Green Mountain State, born in Orange county in 1826. Lived with his parents on their farm until 1847. He then moved to De Kalb county, Illinois, and lived there until 1872 at which time he came to Taylor county. Was married October 4, 1855, in Kendall county, Illinois, to Miss Sarah F. Sears. From their union there are two children: L. E. and Free- man P. Mr. B. has 320 acres of land all fenced and in good cultivation, large frame house surrounded with a nice grove, commodious barn and other out-buildings. Raises his own stock and grain principally. Aims to ship one car load of cattle and one of hogs each year. Realizes about two thousand dollars per year off of his stock. He is a man of prominence and influence and is considered one of Taylor county's best citizens.
BEAUCHAMP, ENOCH, farmer, section twenty-nine, post-office Hop- kins, Missouri; born December 16, 1826, in Wayne county, Indiana. When eleven years of age he went to Parke county, same State; lived there twenty-one years then came to Iowa and located in this county. Was first
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married to Miss Mary Remington, of Parke county, Indiana. They were the parents of seven children: Emily J., James W., Sarah E., John C., Mary A. and Laura A .; one is deceased. Mrs. B. died August 8, 1871. Mrs. E. S. Bradley became his wife July 4, 1874. She had three children: B. J., L. B. and H. E. Subject has three children by his last w Adelbert E. and Grace. Mr. B. has a farm of 273 acres in good cultiva- tion, large house surrounded by natural grove, commodious barn, orchard, etc. Hees an excellent farmer and takes great interest in public affairs. Mrs. B. is a member of the M. E. Church.
DURFEY, J. S., farmer, section twenty-seven, post-office Bedford, born in Knox county, Ohio, August 12, 1844. Moved to Licking county, same State; resided there several years, and in 1861 became a resident of Cham- paign county, Illinois. Came to this State in 1879 and located on his present farm. Was married October 20, 1868, to Miss Nancy V., daughter of James H. and Henrietta Hamilton. Of their children, Henry C. and Genevia H. are living. One, Florence H., is deceased. Mr. Durfey has a nice little farm of forty acres and has it so improved as to make him a plesant home.
GREESON, D. M., farmer and stock-raiser, section twelve, post-office Bedford, born in North Carolina, January 8, 1831. During his infancy his parents moved to Indiana, locating on a farm, where he engaged in tilling the soil and teaching school until his twenty-fourth year. In 1855 he be- came impressed with a desire to visit Iowa and establish his home within its borders. Accordingly, in the fall of that year he came to Keokuk county, remained one year and then came to Taylor county. During the early years of his residence here Mr. Greeson was engaged in tilling the soil, yet was also identified with the educational interests of his township. Jan- uary 1, 1862, he was married to Miss C. E. Terrill. They are the parents of five children, three of whom are now living. Mr. Greeson is in pos- session of a valuable farm of 160 acres, well cultivated and beautifully situated. Has a comfortable dwelling surrounded by a handsome grove of shade and ornamental trees. Also has a large orchard of select trees, which supply him with an abundance of fruit. Mr. Greeson is now engaged in stock-raising, and has some fine specimens of blooded stock.
HAMILTON, D. H., farmer, section sixteen, post-office Bedford, born May 27, 1830, in Jefferson county, Indiana. While quite young his par- ents moved to Boone county, same State, where he grew to manhood. Was educated in the common schools and Wabash College at Crawfordsville. In 1864 he came to Iowa, stopped about one year in Clarinda, Page county, then returned to his native State. In May, 1862, he enlisted in company
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G, Fifty-fifth Indiana infantry; was sent out as captain of that company. served one year and was discharged by order of Gen. Merton. In July, 1863, he was commissioned major of the One Hundred and Second Indi- ana; served until October following, then resigned and returned to his home. Came to Taylor county in 1870 and located on his present farm of 240 acres. Was united in marriage, December 25, 1855, to Miss Eliza Varenice, a native of Indiana. Eleven children have blessed their union; three are living: Frank M., Jessie A. (wife of W. Rose, of Bedford), and Katie B. Mr. Hamilton has served two years as a member of the county board of county supervisors, and is now serving his fourth year as justice of the peace.
JONES, T. D., farmer and stock grower, section two, post-office Bedford, born in Ross county, Ohio, May 8, 1835. When fourteen years of age his parents moved to Appanoose county, Iowa, where he arrived at man's es- tate. Was married in 1856 to Miss Nancy Alcott, a native of the Buckeye State, and a lady of excellent qualities. They have two children: Harry W. and Lena. In 1872 he became a resident of Page county, Iowa, and remained there four years, then came to Taylor county and located where he now resides. His present farm contains 120 acres of excellent land in fine cultivation, with good buildings, and surrounded with a beautiful grove. Mr. Jones is a member of the Baptist Church, and contributes lib- erally to all measures for public improvement, also takes great interest in the moral and intellectual development of the county.
LARISON, B. F., farmer, section twenty-one, post-office Bedford; born in Shelby county, Indiana, April 15, 1849. His early days were spent in attending school and assisting in the duties of the farm. In the autumn of 1866 he came with his parents to Taylor county, settling in Mason township, and a decade later moved to their present location. Was married August 11, 1878, to Miss S. A. Vancamp of this county. They have one child, Etta May. Their farm consists of 160 acres of excellent land, well adapted to raising stock, at which our subject is at present en- gaged. Mr. and Mrs. Larrison have long been active members of the Bap- tist Church, and are esteemed by their acquaintances.
LARISON, J. B., farmer, section five, post-office Bedford, is a native of Miami county, Ohio; was born January 11, 1823. During his infancy his parents moved to Shelby county, Indiana, where our subject grew to man's estate, receiving a liberal education in the common schools. Was there married in 1847, to Miss E. J. Medkeff, who was born in that county in 1827. In 1866 Mr. Larison came to Taylor county, locating in Mason township; and in March, 1874, he moved to his present location, where he
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owns forty-three acres of valuable land, and has a pleasant home. Mr. and Mrs. Larison are members of the Baptist Church, and for many years have been zealous workers for its upbuilding. They are the parents of eight children, five of whom are deceased. Benjamin F., Kimble and James E. remain to comfort their declining years.
MAY, H. E., farmer and liveryman, section two, post-office Bedford, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, January 8, 1836. Moved to Jay county, Indiana, when about ten years of age and made that his home until 1874. At the breaking out of the war he became an enthusiastic advocate of the Union cause and in 1862 enlisted in company H, Thirty-ninth Indiana in- fantry. Participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and others of equal importance. Was honorably discharged in the winter of 1863-4 and re- turned to his home. He came to Taylor county a decade later and engaged in the livery business four years. Erected and still owns the elegant brick stable now occupied by Giles & Mossman, which in point of elegance and arrangement is not excelled in western Iowa. In 1881 Mr. May moved to his present location, where he owns a farm of 120 acres of excellent land within one and a quarter miles of this city. Subject was married June 27, 1878, to Mrs. E. C. Golden, a daughter of Rev. John Evans, of Bedford. He is now giving most of his attention to farming and raising stock, and is numbered among the most substantial business men in the county.
MOON, R. G., farmer and stock-grower, section one, post-office Bedford, born in Cattaraugus county, New York, August 26, 1839. Remained in his native county until fifteen years of age. He then moved to Michigan, lo- cated in Eaton county and engaged in farming about fifteen years. Came to Taylor county in 1859, purchased a part of his present farm and once more settled down to business. Since coming here Mr. Moon has been con- tinually making improvements and has now one of the finest arranged farms in the county. It contains 280 acres in good cultivation, excel- lent dwelling, commodious barn, feed lots, etc., and an orchard of upwards of a thousand bearing trees. Has also a magnificent grove of shade and ornamental trees. Subject is now extensively engaged in stock-raising. Has on his farm a large number of fine cattle, horses and swine. Miss L. C. Newell, a native of Ohio, became Mrs. Moon December 25, 1868. She is a lady of great moral and intellectual worth.
MOORE, JOHN E., farmer, section thirteen, post-office Bedford, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1826. Was there edu- cated, learned the carpenter's trade and worked at that business for a time. Moved from Pennsylvania to Knox county, Illinois. Was there married to Miss Adaline V. Wells, in 1858. They are the parents of eight children:
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S. Wells, John C., C. M., Willis K., Minnie M., L. R., S. S. and L. D. Two are deceased. Mrs. Moore was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and has for a quarter of a century been a consistent member and earnest worker in the Presbyterian Church. Subject has also been a member of the same church for twenty years. He has a farm of 160 acres of land well im- proved and admirably adapted to raising stock and grain. He is a practical farmer and commands the respect of all who have the pleasure of his ac- quaintance.
PAYTON, J. H., farmer and stock-grower, section twenty-four, post-of- fice Bedford, was born in Fayette county, Indiana, August 9, 1821. Grew to manhood in that State and received a common school education. Moved to Henry county, Illinois, when twelve years of age. Came to Iowa in 1873, locating in this county, east of Bedford, remained there eighteen months, then moved to his present farm November 10, 1875. The principal part of his life has been spent in farming although he has also engaged in teach- ing. Has held numerous district and township offices, including assessor, justice of the peace, etc., and has taken great interest in the management of the schools. Was first married April 1, 1844, to Miss Emily Worley, of Indiana. They had one child which is now deceased. Was married a sec- ond time, Miss Mary Jane Worley becoming his bride. They have seven children : E. P., W. F., J. S., L. F., L. C., I. A., and one deceased. Mrs. P. died July 8, 1862. He was again married May 11, 1863, to Miss Ellen N. Dailey. Two children have blessed their union: E. E. and M. E. Mr. and Mrs. P. have long been members of the M. E. Church and have been offi- cially identified in the church. They have a fine tract of 360 acres of fine farming land situated where he lives and adjoining the State of Missouri, and has ample means to enjoy the quiet of his beautiful home.
RISSER, T. D., farmer, section fifteen, post-office Bedford, was born August 17, 1844, in Ashland county, Ohio; there grew to maturity and re- ceived a liberal education. In September, 1862, he enlisted in company H, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio. Took part in the battles of Port Gib- son, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge and Mobile, also in the siege of Vicksburg. Was mustered out in October, 1865, at Houston, Texas. He then went to Colorado, lived there three years, came to Taylor county in March, 1871, remained here six years, then moved to Platte county, Kansas. Re- turned to this county in 1879, and has since remained. Was married in 1870 ยท to Miss Mary Hensley. They have been blessed with five children : Pearl V., Frank A., Ermy, Mary A. and Minalove. Mr. R. has a number one farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and has a comfortable home.
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RUSSELL, G. W., dealer in general merchandise, Buchanan, is a native of Holt county, Missouri; born in 1852. His father, R. H. Russell, is the oldest resident in that county, and has been for years closely identified with its interests. He was the first sheriff, and is now serving his fourth term - as probate judge of that county. Young Russell spent his early years on a farm, receiving only a common school education. In 1871 he chose for his companion Miss Emily Reid, also a native of Missouri. They are the par- ents of three children: Ollie, Jesse and Maud May, the last being named by the writer. In 1879 subject succeeded Mr. Dyke in the mercantile business at this place, and have enlarged the stock to meet the demands of increased trade. Mr. B. possesses extraordinary business qualifications, and commands the esteem of all .*
RYSOR, RICHARD, farmer, section thirty, post-office Hopkins, Mis- souri, is a native of the Hoosier State; was born in Howard county, Feb- ruary 14, 1846. When seven years of age he came to Montgomery county, Iowa, lived there one year, then came to this county. February 22, 1874, he married Miss Susan M. Simmons. They have one child, Archibald, aged two years. Mr. R. has an excellent farm of eighty acres, all in culti- vation, well improved, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He and wife have been earnest members of the Christian Church for the last twelve years, and are honored and respected by all.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
ADAMS, W. H., farmer and stock-raiser, section fifteen, post-office Bed- ford, was born in Parke county, Indiana, May 6, 1840. Moved with his par- ents to Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1849. Enlisted August, 1862, in the Sev- enth Iowa cavalry. Was assigned to service on the plains against the hos- tile Sioux, Kiowas and Camanches. Had many skirmishes with the " noble red men." He served through Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming. Was discharged November, 1865. Returned to Keokuk county, and worked his father's farm. Was married in 1869 to Miss Katie Blakely, a native of Iowa. Came to Taylor county the same year, bought and im- proved a farm in Benton township, on which he lived five years. Bought the farm he now owns in 1874, at that time raw prairie. It is now well improved and in good condition, has good orchard, shade trees, wind- breaks, etc., well watered and well fenced. The family consists of three
* Misplaced. Resides in Polk township.
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children: Arty Pearl, Jessie, and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Adams is an enterprising farmer and good citizen.
AKERS, RICHARD T., farmer and stock-raiser, section one, post- office Bedford, was born in Pennsylvania in 1847. Served his country du- ring the war of the rebellion, enlisting at the age of seventeen in company G, Thirty-fifth Iowa, afterward transferred to Twelfth Iowa regiment, where he served the remainder of his term. Was engaged at the siege of Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, etc. Two years after his discharge from the service he returned to his native State and engaged at lumbering, and remained there five years. In 1870 he married Miss Amanda Slyker, a native of Penn- sylvania. Returned to Iowa in 1874, locating where he now lives. Has a good farm of one hundred acres, all under cultivation. Is a self-made man; commencing without means, but with true grit and indomitable energy, he has been able to meet his obligations, and can now see his way clear. Has five children living: Herby, Ira, Espy, Oscar and Philena (one, Carrie, died in infancy). He takes great interest in their education. His farm is well fenced, and has a good young orchard, many shade trees, wind- breaks, hedges, etc.
AKERS, B. F., farmer and stock-raiser, section one, post-office Bedford, born in Pennsylvania in 1842. Came with his parents to Iowa in 1857. At the age of eighteen joined the Twenty-second Iowa volunteer infantry, com- pany A, in June, 1862; promoted to corporal in 1863; engaged at the battles of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Mississippi; Black River Bridge, assault and siege of Vicksburg; Winchester, Virginia; Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Virginia, and numerous skirmishes, forced marches, etc. Indeed, was in every action of the regiment, and was never off duty a single day during three years' service. After being discharged, July 25, 1865, he doffed the union blue of the army and doned the jeans of a farmer, which business he has successfully followed since. Was married, in 1867, to Miss Harriet J. Banister, a native of Illinois. Came to Taylor county in 1868, locating where he now lives. Has a fine farm of 180 acres of well- improved land, with good substantial buildings, orchard of apples, peaches, pears, plums and an abundance of cherries and small fruits. Has a family of four children living: Robert H., Cora A., Lutie E. and Roy F. Is a good citizen, industrious and prosperous.
ALGEO, J. I., farmer and stock-raiser, section three, post-office Holt. The subject of this sketch was born in West Virginia in 1832; from there he moved with his parents to Henry county, Indiana, in 1846. Came to Tay- lor county, Iowa, in 1859, since which time he has been a resident of this
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county. Was married in 1862, to Miss Louisa Harlan, a native of Indiana, who came with her parents to Taylor county in 1854. They are the par- ents of two children: George S. and Anna E. He located where he now lives the year of his marriage. The farm is one of the first places in the township, and consists of 179 acres, well-improved, good substantial build- ings, built from native lumber, framed after the old style, braced and pinned. Mr. Algeo thinks it would try the strength of a Missouri cyclone to move one of them. Mr. Algeo is a man well known and respected in the community. Has held the office of sheriff of the county, and many places of trust in the township. Has engaged at merchandising but pre- fers tilling the soil. Takes more than a passing interest in public affairs. Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
BARNETT, GEORGE, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Holt, was born in England in 1831. Immigrated to the United States in 1860. Lo- cated at La Salle, Illinois, engaged at farming, also coal-mining. Was mar- ried in 1867 to Miss Jane Leavitt, also a native of England. Came to Taylor county in 1871, and located where he now lives. Has a well im- proved farm of 120 acres in a good state of cultivation, good bearing orch- ard, shade trees, etc., well fenced with osage orange hedge. A good citizen, honest and upright, and well thought of in the community.
BLAKELY, REV. J. L., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-three, post-office Bedford. The subject of this sketch is a native of Illinois, and was born in 1834. His parents came to Iowa when he was a child of seven years, and located in Jefferson county. There the subject grew to manhood, and received his education at Fairfield Seminary, at that time under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. Was married in 1857 to Miss Lydia Sampson, a native of England. Came to Taylor county in 1870 and was ordained a minister of the Baptist Church in 1875, and had charge of the Union Baptist congregation near Hopkins, but was compelled to abandon it on account of the death of his wife, in May, 1877. She left a family of nine children: Theodore, Preston, Ernest, Katie, Wilbnr, Vinnie, Percy, Ellen and Edna. Since the death of his wife he has turned his attention entirely to the management of his farm, which consists of 160 acres well improved, well watered, and has every facility for a good stock farm. Mr. B. has been an earnest worker in the cause of Christianity since 1853.
BURGE, W. D., farmer and stock-grower, section ten, post-office Holt, a native of the Buckeye State, was born in Licking county in 1829. While quite young his parents moved to northern Illinois. Remained there two years, when, on account of the Black Hawk War the family was removed to Sangamon county for safety in case the father, who was a volunteer, should
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be called out. When nine years of age our subject came with his parents to this State, locating in Henry county. They were among the first settlers of the Hawkeye State. At that time Iowa was a Territory. The wigwam of the red man could be seen along the streams while an occasional trader's cabin was the only evidence of civilization. It was there on the bleak prai- ries of Iowa that our subject experienced pioneer life in all its various vicis- situdes. In 1853 he moved to Council Bluffs but returned in the follow- ing year to Henry county. Came to Taylor county three years later and located where he now resides. Was married in 1849 to Miss Elizabeth Rondey- bush, a native of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of two children: Oliver, now in Montana, and an infant which died five hours after birth. Mrs. B. soon followed her babe. In the following year (1856) Mr. B. was again married, this time to Miss Ellen Morewood, a native of Maryland. From this union there are six children living: Mary E., James H., George H., Martha, William C. and Pearl. Mr. Burge owns a fine farm of 404 acres in a high state of cultivation, good buildings, three large orchards, vineyard, and a fine grove of shade and ornamental trees. He also has a nursery of young fruit trees, shrubs, etc. He is a man of extraordinary ability, honest, conscientious and dignified, ever ready to aid those in need or to forward public interests. He is worthy of the confidence and esteem of all. Is a member of the Baptist Church.
CARPENTER, E. D., farmer and stock-raiser, section seventeen, post- office Bedford, was born in the State of New York in 1827, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1832. Removed to Illinois in 1839, and in 1853 he went to California overland. Returning to Illinois in 1856, he bought and improved a farm in Fulton county of that State. He again went to California in 1860, and traveled extensively in the far west, through California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho, after which he returned to Illinois in 1865, and lived upon his farm until 1876, when he became a resident of Taylor county, and bought the farm he now occupies, and has since then added much to its improvement. It con- sists of eighty acres in good state of cultivation and well fenced; good substantial buildings, bearing orchard, etc. Was married in 1872 to Miss Eva Tucker a native of Indiana. They have five children living: Benjamin, Lorenzo D., Lucy A., Alma A. and an infant boy. Mr. C. has probably traveled over more western land than any man in Taylor county. Likes this county well, and is contented, prosperous and enter- prising.
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