USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, and representative citizens > Part 46
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ELIJAH JOHNSON.
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George is a farmer of Monroe county, lowa.
Politically, Mr. Cloyd was a Democrat. I 1856 he became a member of the school board in his district, and served in this capacity for a number of years. Mrs. Cloyd now manages the farm which her husband took such pride and interest in improving for so many years. She is a woman of many estimable qualities, and is highly esteemed in the community.
€ LIJAI JOHNSON, whose portrait is herewith shown, is a prominent farm- er of AAgency township. Wapello county, lowa, where he owns 1,200 acres of land. He was born in Morgan county, Indiana, in 1838, and is a son of Nicholas and Diadama ( Henshaw ) Johnson.
Nicholas Johnson was born in North Caro- lina and was a farmer by occupation. He married Diadama Henshaw, also a native of North Carolina, and they reared nine chil- dren, six of whom are now living, namely : Isaac, Elizabeth, Elijah, Rebecca, Mahala and Nicholas.
Elijah Johnson lived in Morgan county, Indiana, until he was ten years of age, when he came to lowa with his parents in 1848, the journey being made by wagon, in two weeks' time. His father located in Washington town- ship. Wapello county, and Elijah remained with him until he reached the age of twenty- five years. He then located on the south- west quarter of section 24. Agency township. and in 1881 moved upon his present farm in
section 25. Agency township. When he first came here he was in debt to the extent of $800, but by hard, energetic work and the ex- ercise of good judgment he wiped out åll in- debtedness and at the present time owns 1,200 acres of excellent farm land in Wapello coun- ty. In 1882 be built his present two-story, eight-room house, which is of good appearance and comfortably arranged. He rents most of his land and is engaged in general farming.
Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Priscilla Johnson, who was born in Ohio, in 1843. and they reared the following children : C. E., V. I., E. D., A. Z ... D. W. and E. H. In politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican, and has served as trustee of his township for six- teen years. Both Mr. Johnson and his wife are members of the M. E. church of Agency City.
ENRY FRITZ is the proprietor of the general store at Blakesburg. Wapello county, lowa, which was established by his father at a very early day. 11e carries a complete line of general merchandise. -the largest line kept by any store in the town, and enjoys the patronage of the leading citi- zens of the vicinity. He was born in Adams township, Wapello county, and is the third son of Benjamin Fritz.
Benjamin Fritz was born in Germany, and at a very early age determined to seek a for- tune in America. After completing his school- ing he came to the United States at a time when the gold fever was raging; contracting
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HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
the fever, he crossed the plains to the gold regions of California. He mined and saved for a few years, and after accumulating a suf- ficiency to establish him in a safe line of busi- ness, in 1857. he returned to the East. Be- lieving the West afforded the best opportuni- ties, he moved to lowa, and his first invest- ment was in a farm in Adams township. Wa- pello county. the old homestead which is still in possession of the family. After improving the land. building a house, and completing every arrangement for settling down, he went to St. Louis to marry a lady with whom he had been acquainted for some time. They re- turned to the farm, and raised a family of four sons and four daughters. Soon after his mar- riage he decided to give up farming, as he was better qualified to be a merchant. He went to Blakesburg, purchased a site, and soon became the leading merchant of that prosperous town. Hle kept in his store almost everything for which there was a demand. and worked up a large patronage. His trade with farmers was especially large, and he traded with them for stock and produce. When the hard times came on he stood by the farmers, and kept them st:11.lied with what they needed to live on until better times should come,-no worthy cus- tomer ever being turned away by him. . ht is doubtful if any other man had the number of friends in the community that he did. He ani his wife died in Blakesburg.
Henry Fritz, as soon as he was old enough. went into his father's store and clerked for a few years, always saving a large portion of his wages, so that when his father decided to re-
tire he was enabled to buy the business. Ile purchased the stock and store in 1887, which were consumed by fire in 1805. Ile imme- diately rebuilt, and now has one of the largest general merchandise stores in Wapello county. Ile has continued as a worthy successor of his father, and is still doing the largest busi- ness of the kind in the town.
In 1887 Mr. Fritz was united in marriage with Milly Barnes, a daughter of Wright and Ellen ( Redding ) Barnes. Her father was t ( Id settler of Wapello county, and her mother was a descendant of Governor Redding. cf In. diana. Two children blessed this union : Ella Fay, born January 7, 1892 : and Ona May. born July 18, 1896. Mr. Fritz has always been a Democrat in politics. He is liberal in his re -. ligious views, and is a generous supporter of all charitable undertakings in the community.
S. PHILLIPS. This gentleman is one of the retired farmers of Wapelio county, lowa, and makes his home in Agency City. Mr. Phillips was born in AAnderson township. Hamilton county, Ohio, September 21, 1822, and is a son of James an ! Eliza ( Douglas ) Phillips.
James Phillips was born in Hamilton con- ty, Ohio, and during his active business career followed the occupation of a farmer. Ile mar- ried Elizabeth Douglas, and they reared the following children: J. S .: James and Jane. deceased : William, who is a ranchman and butcher in California; Charlotte and Luther,
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deceased : and America, who is a farmer living in Lake county, California.
J. S. Phillips, the subject of this sketch. lived in his native county for a number of years. Ile meved to Indiana, and in 1839 settled in Van Buren county, lowa, where he remained until 18.13. He moved to Wapello county soon after, took up a claim in section 27. Agency township, and after making extensive improve- ments on the place lived there until 1856. He built a 16-by-16-foot cabin, and carried on gen- cral farming. In 1856 Mr. Phillips bought his present farm in Pleasant township, and in the fall of that year located there. He now owns 140 acres of fine farming land in Pleasant township, and his son William conducts the home farm. Since 1881 Mr. Phillips has made his home in Agency City, where he lives a re- tired life, after many years of unceasing labor at agricultural operations. He has numerous warm friends in Wapcho county, where he is known for his honest and upright dealing with all his fellow men.
. Mr. Phillips married Sallie Moss, who was born February 11, 1825. in Tennessee. She died December 13, 1890. To them were born 12 children, of whom those living are as fol- lows: Francis, a farmer living in Nebraska. who served in the Civil War, in the 15th Reg .. lowa Vol. Inf. : Amelia, who also lives in Nc- braska: Jane: George, who is employed by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Com- pany, and whose home is in Ottumwa; Mary : William: Ella: Douglas, who lives in Boone county, Nebraska: and Emma, who lives in Agency City, lowa.
Mr. Phillips is a Democrat in politics. The people of his township have shown their con- fidence and trust in him by electing him to various township offices. He has served as jus- tice of the peace and township trustee, and has acted as clerk of the school board in Pleasant township. Fraternally, Mr. Phillips is a mem- ber of the Masonic order.
m RS. CAROLINE HANAWAALT. who for many years has been a well known resident of Agency township. Wapello county. lowa. was horn in Franklin county, Ohio. in 1834. Iler maiden name was Caroline Sprague. In company with her father she moved to Wapelio county, in 1845. They located in Walnut Grove, where she lived until 1849. She then removed to Agency City, and two years later was united in marriage with Maj. John Beach.
Maj. John Beach was born in Gloucester. Massachusetts, February 22, 1812. He was appr inted a cadet at West Point, and graduated in the class of 1832, at the early age of twenty years. He received a commission as second lieutenant in the ist Reg. U. S. L., under Cap. Zachary Taylor, who subsequently became president of the United States. Upon the death of General Street, in 1840. Major Beach received the appointment of agent to the Sac and Fox Indians. He filled this office with much credit to himself and to the government. until 1847. when he was obliged to resign. as his hearing had become seriously affected.
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HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
From 1847 until 1863 he was engaged in mer- cantile pursuits in Agency City, and from the latter year until the time of his death devoted himself to literature. He died AAugust 31, 1874. at two o'clock. A. M., at the age of sixty-three years. He was a member of the Masonic order, and acted as deputy grand ma- ter of lowa. His death was sincerely mourned by all in the community, where he was held in high esteem. Major Beach and his wife reared four children, namely : Augustus and Frank- lin, deceased : Edward, who is manager i.f Barr's clothing house in St. Louis, Missouri : and Frederick N., who lives in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, and is acting as manager of Gimble Brothers' clothing house.
December 2, 1876. the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with her present huis- band. John Hanawalt, a carpenter, who has lived in Wapello county since 1870. Mrs. Ilanawalt has lived in her present home, which is the first brick house erected in Wapello coun. ty, since 1849. She is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. She is a lady of many estimable qualities, and her friends are
ILLIAM DENNY. postmaster of the village of Dahlonega, and act- ively engaged in mercantile busi- ness in that place, has been a resi- dent of Wapello county, Iowa, since 1881. lle was born in Keokuk, lowa, in 1859, and is a son of Benjamin and Martha ( Brooks ) Denny. Benjamin Denny was born near London,
England, in 1823. He came to the United States when twenty-one years old, and located in Keokuk county, Iowa. There he still re- sides, engaged in farming. He married Martha Brooks, who was born in Ohio in 1831, and they reared the following children: George, who is a farmer near Hedrick, Iowa: Rachael. who married T. J. Williams : Samuel, who is a farmer in Ida county, lowa: William, the subject of this sketch ; and Alice, who married Arselus Sykes, of Ida county, lowa.
William Denny, whose name heads these lines, left Hledrick in 1881, and located in Dahlonega, where he clerked for six months. lle then entered the mercantile business with William Anderson. They conducted a general store for one and a half years. Mr. Denny opened his present store in 1886. In 1901 he completed a new two-story, frame building 00 feet long and 20 feet wide. He carries a full line of groceries, rubber goods and hard- ware. Mr. Denny treats all his customers with fairness and is honest and upright in all his dealings. Ile owns a farm of 155 acres in sections 4. 9 and 16, and in addition is the possessor of 40 town lots, and three houses, which he rents.
Mr. Denny married Mary A. Goehring, who was born in Dahlonega township. They have been blessed by the birth of the following children : Benjamin L., who assists his father in the store: Thomas F .: W. Burton: Philip 11. : Leslie D. ; Mary R. ; and Victor S.
Politically, Mr. Denny is a Democrat. He has served as postmaster of Dahkmega since January 25. 1894. He has served as clerk of
LAFAYETTE DUDGEON.
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his township for the past fourteen years, and no public enterprise is undertaken without his assistance. Mr. Denny belongs to the Wood- men of the World, Camp No. 302.
L MAYETTE DUDGEON, Son of An- drew and Elizabeth Dudgeon, was born in 1857. in Knox county, Ohio. The Dudgeon family moved to Wa- pello county, lowa, in 1865, and purchased of S. Rayl 320 acres in section 14, Competine township. On this farm "Lafe" remained un- til he attained his majority. Having acquired a good education. he taught school from 1879 to 1886. In 1882 he wisely and fortunately be- came the husband of Mary E. Scott, a daugh- ter of Jesse and Elizabeth Scott, who were pioneers in this locality .- having located in the township in 1843. Mr. Dudgeon made his first purchase of 80 acres, and has from time to time acquired additional land, until now he is the possessor of considerably more than the average farmer, which ownership represents an unusual degree of wealth for a compara- tively young man, not yet forty-five years of age. Ile is a type of the model farmer, and his sturdy manhood and sound information on all social and governmental questions has made him a leader of men.
In observations made in this county no farm was visited that revealed a higher state of cultivation, or was nearer to the top price of farm valuations than Mr. Dudgeon's. It is bountifully supplied with running water and
wells, and is well fenced and improved. It has upon it the best stock barn in the county, al- though it is not, perhaps, the largest. It was built in 1894. The design, for room and con- venience, is ideal. The center entrance from the west approach is 16 feet wide, with stalls to the right and granaries to the left, and hay lofts above. Here and there are noticeable many late patterns of ornamental steel fix- tures and other artistic finishings, which give the interior a pretty and substantial appear- ance. Around the front acre-lot enclosure are 30 maple trees, and a large tank of 30 barrels capacity fed from a never-failing well by wind- mill power. is so placed that stock in three different lots may drink their fill in long. cool draughts. To the careful observer it seems that not even a suggestion could be offered by way of improving the plans for the casy and expeditious care of stock. At present the farm contains about 500 Merino sheep, an in- dustry which engages the proprietor's almost exclusive attention. Mr. Dudgeon has attract- ed much attention by the activity he has shown in recent campaigns on reform lines involving the questions of money, land and transporta- tion. In 1892 he accepted the nomination for county supervisor, tendered him by the Peo- ple's party, in the face of certain and inevitable defeat, and his earnest and eloquent speeches. made during the few weeks preceding the elec- tion, were commendable efforts. In 1893 he responded, being called upon to run for the legislature, and again his stirring speeches marked the sincerity of the man and won many accessions to his party's vote. In 1896 he
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HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
was again nominated by the Democratic party for the legislature, and added materially to the strength of that ticket by his vigorous canvass. As in former instances, he accepted the nomina- tion from a sense of duty and for the sake of the principles embodied in the platform upon which he stood. He was thrice a delegate to state conventions. Mr. Dudgeon is a frank and pleasing speaker, and gains friends among his audience. He is one of Wapello county's most enterprising business men. He and his family are members of the Baptist church at Competine, which has the finest country edifice of worship in the county. He has for years been the superintendent of his Sunday-school. Mr. and Mrs. Dudgeon have two children: Winfield S. and Millie Ellen, who is eight years of age. Ile is a Mason, holling membership in Martinsburg Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & .1. M., of Martinsburg, lowa. His portrait ac- companies this sketch.
ENRY LEIGHTON. This gentleman is one of the well known residents of Dahlonega township. Wapello county, lowa. He was born in Oma- ha, Nebraska, in 1873, and is a son of A. C. Leighton.
Mr. Leighton, the subject of this sketch. was reared in Ottumwa, lowa. and since 1896 has managed his father's farm of 380 acres. It is considered one of the best farms in the township, and is kept in excellent condi- tion. Mr. Leighton is a thorough business
man, and has always assisted in any move- ment which is for the good of the community in which he resides.
Henry Leighton was united in marriage with Oral Gardner, and they have reared one chill .- James. Mr. Leighton is a Democrat in politics, and is at present serving as trustee of Dahlonega township.
V. BARE, a resident of Ageney town- ship, Wapello county, lowa, is at pres- ent living in section 23. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1825, and is a sen of Thomas and Catherine ( Nibel) Bare.
Thomas Bare was a native of Pennsylvania. and was, by trade, a blacksmith. He died when J. V. was but a small child. Thomas Bare married Catherine Nibel, and their union was blessed by the birth of 12 children. J. V. at this date being the only living child.
J. V. Bare lived in his native county until he reached the age of seventeen years. In 1842 he removed to lowa, and in 1846 located in Davis county, lowa, where he bought a farm on which he lived until he removed to Wapello county. In 1865 Mr. Bare bought a farm four miles north of Ottumwa, and on it lived for a period of thirty-two years, engaged in carrying on general farming. In 1807 he located on his present home farm in AAgency township, hav- ing owned it for over twenty years. He carries en general farming, and is highly successful. Mr. Bare is considered one of the best farmers
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in the county, and is well known in the con- munity in which he lives.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Caroline Burkhalter, who was born in Ohio in 1838. She is a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth ( Young) Burkhalter. Adam Burkhalter was born in Germany, as was also his wife. They came to the United States in 1833. and located in Ohio. In 1856 Mr. Burkhalter removed to Davis county, Jowa, where he died two years later, his wife having died in California in 1876. He and his wife reared six children, of whom these surviving are: Mrs. E. B. Vogel, of Ottumwa. Iowa; Caroline, the wife of J. V. Bare: Charles, au astronomer and teacher in Oakland. California : and Mrs. Mattie Martin, of Washington.
Mr. Bare has one daughter,-Rachael .- by a former marriage. Politically, he is in- dependent. His wife is a member of the Meth- udist church.
ORMAN RENO, who first came to Wapello county, lowa. in 1854, has a fine farm in section 12. Pleasant township, and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He is well known throughent his section of the county, and has been very successful in his work. He was born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania, in 1836, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Cowell ) Reno.
John Reno was born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania. in March, 1813. and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He first married Rebecca Cowell, who was born in
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and they reared three children: Norman, the subject of this biography ; Elizabeth and Benjamin, deceased. Ilis second wife was Elizabeth Barris, by whom he had ti children, namely: Ludlow B .; Lorenzo D .: Susannah: John S .: Lucy: Willis: Francis M .: Catherine, deceased : Clara : Milo and Dora.
Norman Reno was seven years of age when he moved to Indiana with his parents, and in 1854 came to Wapello county, Iowa. where his father located in Pleasant township He resided with his parents until 1857. and then went to Southwestern Missouri and fol- lowed the carpenter's trade until the Civil War began. He then returned home. enlisted in Company F. 3rd Reg .. lowa Vol. Cav .. in 1861. and served until the close of the war. Hle endured much hardship and was in the battles of Gun Town and Tupelo. Mississippi. and fought against the raid of Price, and in that of Wilson. lle received an honorable discharge at Davenport. lowa, and located on his present farm in Pleasant township. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising .of all kinds, and owns 700 acres in the town- ship. He is one of the substantial and intlu- ential men of the community, and has a large circle of friends.
Norman Reno was united in the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Gillis, who was born in Pleasant township, and they reared tu > children,-Cora and Maria, deceased. Mrs. Reme died in 1871. and Mr. Reno was united in marriage, in 1872, with Matikla Smith, who was born in Wapello county, lowa. in 1853.
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HISTORY OF WAPELLO COUNTY
Four children resulted from this union, as fol- lows: John E., a farmer in Pleasant town- ship: Mary E. : Frank IL., a farmer of Pleas- ant township; and Effic G., who is living it home with her parents. Mr. Reno is a Re- publican in politics, and served on the county board one term. He served on the school board for about twenty years, and is now a township trustee.
L. TROUT, a veterinary surgeons. farmer and stock raiser of Dahlonega township. Wapello county, Iowa, was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1850. Ile is a son of Mathias and Mary ( Ire- land) Trout.
Mathias Trout was born in MeMinh coun- ty, Tennessee, and was a farmer and veterinary surgeon. He died in 1893. He married Mary Ireland, who was also a native of Tennessee. and they reared the following children : Kate; Melvina: Dr. A. W. : Imogene : and H. L., the subject of this sketch.
11. L. Trout, whose name opens these lines, was reared on his father's farm. He attended the Tremont High School, and the veterinary school at Pekin, Illinois, for three months. Ile has been a veterinary surgeon since he was fifteen years okl. March 3. 1896. Mr. Trout bought a farm known as the J. V. Bare farm. in Dahlonega township. This farm consists of 160 acres of well improved land, and is in section 5. Mr. Trout carries on general farm- ing and stock raising. He has a thorough
knowledge of farming matters, and takes great pride in the management of his property.
Mr. Trout married Elizabeth Owens. She was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1855, and is a daughter of John and Martha ( Lack- land ) Owens. John Owens was born in Me- Minn county, Tennessee, and his wife is also a native of that county. They were the par- ents of several children, whose names are: Georgine: Adolphus; Laura: Emma: Eliza- beth : Stephen: and John. Mr. Trout and his wife have reared the following children : Ger- trude, who married Charles C. McCoy, of Center township, Wapello county ; Luella (Mc- Clung). who lives in Dahlonega township; and John, and Nina B. who are at home.
Politically, Mr. Trout is a Democrat. He has served as trustee of the township, and is at present a member of the school board. Fra- ternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has many friends in Wapello county, where he has become well known and is highly respected.
1 OHN M. WILSON, who has for many years been a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Wapello county, Towa. is now making his home with his son, Hamilton C. Ile was born in the northwest part of Pennsylvania in 1823, and is a son of Alexander Wilson.
Alexander Wilson was born in Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania, and was a farmer and miller by occupation, who owned three
MR. AND MRS. ADAM DECKER.
WILLIAM J. DECKER.
CORA E. DECKER.
ELIZABETH DECKER.
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farms in Pennsylvania. He lived to reach the remarkable age of ninety-nine years and six months. He was joined in matrimony with Jane McCombs, who was born in Indiana coun- ty, Pennsylvania, and they reared the follow- ing children: Allen; llettie : Hannah : Jane; Elizabeth: Robert: Mary; Alexander: John M .: and Jemima .A.
John M. Wilson was reared on a farm, and early in life learned the trade of a miller. At the age of nineteen years he commenced boat- ing on the Allegheny River, and followed this line of work for about fifteen years. He left Pennsylvania in 1855, moved to Jowa with his wife and family, and located on Grove Creek in Jones county, where he lived for nine years. In 1864 he came to Wapello county, and first stopped in Ottumwa. He rented a farm in Richland township two years, and in 1866 bought his present farm in section 26, where he successfully carried on general farming and stock raising until 1900. He now resides with his son. Hamilton C., who purchased the home farm. With the exception of two winters spent in California, he has lived in Wapello county. lowa, continuously since 1804.
Mr. Wilson formed a matrimonial alliance with Jane (. Guthrie, who was born in West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1823. and died in 1898. They reared the following chi !- dren: Mary O. (Kitterman), of Richland township: Chambers, deceased : Thomas A., a merchant in California : Hamilton C., a farmer of Richland township, who married Lucinda Shepherd, who was born in Ohio in 1854: George Allen, superintendent of the W'apello
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