USA > Iowa > Wapello County > History of Wapello County, Iowa, and representative citizens > Part 56
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DWIN BETTERTON, one of the most extensive farmers of Washington township. Wapello county, Iowa, owns 410 acres of valuable farming land in sections 10. 20, 21 and 28. He was born in Washington township January 3. 1840. and is a son of William Betterton.
William Betterton was born in Washing- ton. D. C .. in July. 1801. and lived there until he was nineteen years of age. He then moved to Maryland. subsequently to Pennsylvania, then to Indiana, and finally, in 1837. to Iowa. Ile located in Washington township. Wapello
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county, where he lived until his death. In early life he followed the trade of a shoemaker, but was engaged in farming during most of his career. His wife was Mercy Longly, who was born in Pennsylvania in April, 1802, and was married in that state. Twelve children were born to them, namely: Elizabeth ; Rebecca ; Frances; Mary: Minerva; Lucinda. Garner : Edwin : Hettie: and three who died in infancy.
Edwin Betterton first attended school in Van Buren county, Iowa, as there were no schools in Wapello county at that period. He lived on the old homestead until he was twenty- six years of age, and then located on his pres- ent farm in section 21. where he has since re- mained. Ile has been very successful in farm- ing, and has added to his original tract of land until he now owns 410 acres. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising. and his farm is highly improved in every respect. Ile has a comfortable home and substantial out- buildings.
Mr. Betterton was first married to Mary Burbage, a daughter of James Burbage, of Agency. She died in December. 1861, without issue. Mr. Betterton's second wife was Mrs. Mary ( Weaver) Carmack, who was born in Hancock county, Illinois, in 1840. By her union with W. P. Carmack, Mrs. Betterson had one chikl. Ella C., who married N. M. Moore. by whom she has three children,-Maud, Kittie and Louise. Politically, Mr. Betterton is a Democrat, and has served as trustee, clerk, and as a member of the school board of his town- ship a number of terms. Mrs. Betterton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
HOMAS M. THORNBURG, a pro- gressive and enterprising citizen of Ottumwa, Wapello county, lowa, is engaged in dairying, in which line of business he is meeting with much success. He was born at Keosanqua, Van Buren county, lowa. November 17. 1850. and is a son of Lewis W. Thornburg.
Lewis W. Thornburg was born October 26. 1820, and his early life was spent at home in assisting his father. In those days but limited advantages were afforded by the district schools, and his education was mainly self ac- quired. At the age of twenty years he mar- ried and moved to lowa, then a territory. where he engaged in carpentering and under- taking. He later engaged in merchandising. With the accumulations from his work he went into the lumber business at Kersauqua. lowa, and had a flourishing trade, being one of the leading business men of that town. He was generous to a fault, and was ever ready to aid a friend, and this admirable quality cost him dearly. He signed notes for other men and was called upon to pay them, which made it necessary to sell his business. He paid the ob- ligations in ivll, and had enough left to buy a tract of 12 acres of land near the city of O :- tumwa, where he was engaged in gardening and fruit raising until 1800. He is now living a retired life in Ottumwa, where he has a great many friends and acquaintances. He comes of an old Quaker family. His great-grandia- ther. Isaac Thornburg, when ninety - four years of age held a reunion with 3 po of his descend- ants, and upon that occasion read a prem di
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his own composition, without the aid of spec- ticles. A high sense of honor and fair treat- ment to their fellow men seems to have char- acterized this family, as far back as there is any record. Lewis W. Thornburg has been a Republican since 1856. He joined the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows in 1852.
Thomas M. Thornburg remained at home until he reached the age of twenty years, and acquired a good common school education. He then accepted a position in the lumber yards of E. A. Gibbs & Company, being employed in the office. He continued to rise steadily. and in his twenty-fifth year was head sales- man in the yards. Hle next engaged with J. Hl. Merrill & Company, with which company he remained for a period of six years. He then accepted a similar position in the employ of C. W. Major & Company, and remained in their employ for ten years as foreman and salesman. llis health failing, he relinquished that position in 1897, and established a Jer- sey milk route in Ottumwa, which has proved to be a very profitable enterprise. He has a large list of customers to whom he supplies Jersey milk, and has won the confidence and good will of the citizens of Ottumwa to a re- markable degree.
In 1872 Mr. Thornburg was united in mar- riage with Mattie J. Collins, a daughter of Au- gustus and Eliza Jane ( Kincade ) Collins, who were of Scotch-Irish descent, although the family has been established in this country for many generations. Augustus Collins was a sol- dier in the Civil War, belonging to Company F. 65th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf .. and was in the
battle of Gettysburg and many other important engagements. He was finally taken prisoner and incarcerated at Andersonville, and died one year later from the treatment there re- ceived. His son, George, enlisted as a drummer and went through the war, taking part in 17 different engagements: he was promoted on several occasions, the last time to a captaincy. because of the capture of a Confederate flag. Eliza Jane Kincade, wife of Augustus Collins, came of a wealthy Ohio family,-all her brothers being lawyers. She was of Revolu- tionary steck. She died October 18, 1901. aged seventy-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Thornburg have one daughter. Helen Collins, born in Ot- tumwa. November 16, 1885. In politics Mr. Thornburg is a Republican. Hle belongs to Camp No. 31. Woodmen of the World. of Ot- tumwa. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ORRIS ULMER. This gentleman is the owner of 280 acres of very valuable farming land in Green township. Wapello county, lowa, where he has lived for a number of years. He was born in Germany, in 1825, and there re- ceived his early mental training. At the age of twenty-five years he came to America and sought employment from railroad companies, and worked in that connection for a number of years. He also farmed. and by strict economy managed to save enough to give himself a small start in the world.
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In 1855 Mr. Ulmer bought So acres of un- on the place now owned by hus sen. When cultivated land in Green township, going into debt for the greater part of it. Being a care- ful manager and a hard working man, he soon had the So acres paid for, and purchased 40 acres more. Ile built a comfortable home. fences and all necessary outbuildings, and grad- ually increased the farm by purchases from time to time until now he possesses 280 acres of the finest farming land in Wapello county. Instead of being a borrower of money. he is now a lender to those who apply. Mr. Ulmer is a man of wide knowledge in farming mat- ters, and also takes an active and deep interest in the questions of the day.
Mr. Ulmer was united in marriage with Victoria Edleman, who was born in Germany in 1820. She came with her parents to this country, in 1847, and resided in Philadelphia until her marriage. Eight children were born to this couple, and those living are as follows : Frederick: Elizabeth: Charles Henry: Ma- tilda: and Paulina. Mr. Ulmer has always been a member of the Democratic party. The family are members of the Catholic church.
OSEPIE B. CARMAN. a prosperous agriculturist, residing in section 27. Pleasant township. Wapello county. lowa, was born in Columbiana coun- ty. Ohio, March 5, 18443, and is a son of Ed- ward and Mary (Clark ) Carman.
Edward Carman was born in Mercer coun- ty. New Jersey, in November, 1802, and dier
eighteen years of age he started about for St. Louis, walking all the way from New Jersey to that trading post. He averaged 15 miles a day. and when he failed to cover that distance con sidered himself lacking in energy and spirit. Before he settled permanently in lowa he made four trips to St. Louis, always walking the en- tire distance, something that would certainly appall the most hardy and ventures me in these days of rapid transit. He left Ohio with his family and resided in Quincy. Illinois, for several months, and then moved to lowa. stopping at Keokuk. From there the journey by wagon was resumed to Wapello county, lowa. Pleasant township took the fancy of the land- seekers, and August 17. 1840, they settled upon the farm now owned by Joseph B. Carman. which was chosen for a home. Edward was .1 plasterer and bricklayer, and until 1856, when he sustained an injury. he deveted himself to that trade. From that time until his death, in 1875. he remained upon the farm. He helped to no small degree in opening up and develop- ing Wapello county, and endured many hard ships in making an anchorage in the new county for himself and family. He often rode to miles to the mill located at Bonaparte, and was ire quently compelled to wait there three weeks at a time for his grist. In these days the neigh bors established a custom of taking turn about in going to keokuk. 75 miles distant, there lay in a supply of groceries, and, especially. i salt. Mr. Carman was always ready when called upon, and generally came back with his wagon loaded. While peaccable and slow to
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take umbrage, he was firm in maintaining the respect due him, and he permitted no man to trample on his rights. Here is an instance of this phase of his character. From the opening of the county and for years after Mr. Carman became one of its citizens, there was a great deal of contention in regard to claims. Squat- ters made much trouble, and one of them at- tempted to settle on the Carman land. There was no controversy over the affair. The set- tler simply got his trusy ritle, and the intruder, seeing determination and a keen eye back of the gun, packed up his effects and left that im- mediate locality. He was a good man behind a gun, and an excellent huntsman. He was united in marriage, in 1835, with Mary Clark. who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, i: 1812, and was a daughter of Hugh and Eliza- beth ( Fishel ) Clark. She died in 1871, on the home farm. To this union nine children were born, as follows: Elizabeth ; Charlotte : Julia .A. : Mary O .: Joseph B .; Edward : Margarer, deceased : Thomas C. : and Emma.
Joseph B. Carman came to Pleasant town- ship. Wapello county, Iowa, with his parents at a very early age, and has always been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns and cultivates 85 acres of land where he lives, and is also possessed of 800 acres of land in Colo- rado. lle is a practical and methodical farm- er. In 1864 he enlisted in the 7th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., and was a member of Company F. Hle was in all the battles of the Atlanta cam- paign, and sustained injuries on three different occasions,-the most serious being at the battle of Dallas, Georgia, where he was hurt by the
recoil of a cannon. Before being mustered out of the service, he was commissioned second lieutenant, but through some mishap the papers never reached him. His discharge was issued in 1865. at Davenport.
In 1874. Mr. Carmen was united in mar- riage with Nancy L. Wiley, a daughter of John and Maria ( Warder ) Wiley. Her father was a native of Virginia, and moved to Ohio at the age of three years. From there he went to Illinois, thence to Missouri, and finally lo- cated in Competine township. Wapello county. lowa, in 1860. Joseph B. Carman and his wife have had five children, as follows: Florence E., deceased: John E. : Lawrence W .: Laura : and Mary Helen. Mr. Carman is a member of the Free Will Baptist church, while his wife has adopted the tenets of the Christian sect. Both husband and wife are held in the highest esteem by their neighbors, and lead fru- gal, industrious and blameless lives. Mr. Car- man is a good business man and has a fine farm, taking especial care of his fruit-growing .- particularly of his peaches. In politics, he has always been a Republican. While he has not sought office, the office has sought him, for when a young man he was elected trustee of his township, and in 1900 he was the census enumerator for the same locality. There is one little incident which occurred when Mr. Carman was three years of age, that he likes to dwell upon. One day there came to his father's house three Indians. They wanted something to eat, and the boy's mother pre- pared it for them. After eating a hearty meal and before departing, one of them placed his
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hand on the lad's head and grunted : "Ugh, Big Chief." Ile afterward learned the Indian was a son of the great chief. Keokuk. In his lifetime, Mr. Carman has visited 4t different tribes and remnants of tribes of Indians.
EWIS SPANGLER. a prosperous farmer of Green township, Wapello county, Iowa, has an excellent farm township 71, range 14. He was born on this farm in 1853, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah ( Standerford ) Spangler.
of 200 acres located in section 30, of wheat by a failure of crops. He was united
Samuel Spangler was born in Zanesville. Ohio, and at an early age began steamboating on the river at $13 per month. He continued with his employer at the same wages for a period of seven years, and each year laid by a portion of his salary, until he was twenty-one years old. He then married and moved west, in 1853. to Wapello county, Iowa, where, in the spring of 1849, he had purchased the farm on which his son is now located. This tract of land was thickly covered with brush, and he immediately set about clearing it, and put in crops as it was cleared. He was blessed with bountiful crops, and soon had his farm nicely fenced. a good farm house erected, and also other buildings necessary for housing his stock and grain. His success continued, and in 1875 he was enabled to replace the old house with a new one of comfortable size, in which to enjoy himself during his declining years. He was not permitted to enjoy it long, however, as he
was taken with typhoid fever, in 1877, and died ; his wife was also stricken with the same disease and died seventeen days later. He was held in the highest esteem by his fellow men, and was always an excellent provider for his family. His family was ever fore- mest in his mind, and each year he serupulously set aside two bins of wheat, sufficient to keep his family in bread for a year, and never sold it until his next crop was assured. Thes he was never caught out in marriage with Sarah Standerford, who was born in Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of eight children, as follows: Lewis; Mary, wife of Joseph Proctor, of Adams town- ship: Susan, who is still at home: George, who died at the age of six months: Clara, who is the wife of Clayton Smith, of Adams town- ship: Mice, who died at the age of nine years ; Charles, who died at the age of thirty-one years ; and Laura, who is living at home.
Lewis Spangler took the home farm upon his father's death, and purchased the interests of the other heirs. He has a fine farm of 200 acres and the same business ability character- izes his transactions that marked his father's in that he uses good judgment in farming, and in laying up a portion of his earnings. He rebuilt, after his own ideas, the barn erected by his father, greatly enlarging it and making it one of the best arranged barns in the coun- ty. He has about 35 head of high grade cat- tle, which he feeds with the grain raised on the farm, and also seven head of horses, which are used in the farm work. He is a prosperous
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man, and is popular among his fellow citi- zens.
Mr. Spangler was united in marriage, in 1879, with Laura E. Arnold, and three children were born to them, namely : Samuel W., born January 18, 1880; Elma, born June 29. 1883: and one who died at birth. Mrs. Spangler died in 1887, and on March 26. 1890. Mr. Spangler was united to Ella E. Berry, of Adams town- ship. He has always been a Democrat, and is serving as township trustee. He is liberal in his religions views.
OTIX O'BRYANT, a pioneer settler of Wapello county, Iowa, located in Pleasant township in 1849. He was bern in Pike county, Ohio, September 4, 1819. and is a son of Joseph and Sallie ( Bar- ker ) ()'Bryant. The O'Bryants who founded the family in this country came from Ireland at a very early period. The Barkers came from England, and both families settled in Virginia. Joseph and Sallie ( Barker ) O'Bry- ant were the parents of six children, namely : Lemual: Parmenus: Lavinia : John: Melinda ; and llarriet.
John O'Bryant, the subject of this sketch. was very young when his parents sickened and died, both within the same year. This threw him upon his own resources at an early age. but being a boy of much determination and energy, he set out resolutely to battle with the world, confident of success in the end. In 1849 Mr. O'Bryant removed to Wapello county and
located in section 20, Pleasant township. He owns 160 acres of fine farming land, which he has always kept in a state of high cultivation. Ile has met with much success in his chosen occupation.
Mr. O'Bryant married, in 1849. Mahala .1. Colvin, a daughter of Solomon and Easter ( Mason) Colvin. This marriage took place in Scioto county, Ohio. Three boys were born to Mr. and Mrs. O'Bryant, namely: David Mor- rison, deceased; Lemuel; and Cassius LeRoy. The last two are living in the neighborhood in which they were born, maintaining the family reputation for industry, and enjoying the es- teem and respect of all who know them.
Politically, Mr. O'Bryant is a Democrat, and although he has never sought political pre- ferment. he has served as township trustee, and also in the capacity of school director. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
AFAYETTE S. GOSNEY, who lives in section 36. Polk township, Wa- pello county, lowa, was born in Ken- tucky. December 1, 1841, and came i lowa in 1804. He is a son of Bartlett and Mary H. ( Hopkins) Gosney.
Bartlett Gosney was born in Kentucky, Sep- tember 2. 1805. his father being a Virginian, who located in Kentucky in 1795. Bartlett moved to lowa in 1864, and died September 4. 1870. He married Mary 11. Hopkins, who was born June 17, 1804. a daughter of Samuel Hopkins, a Virginian, and died May 3. 1847.
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They were parents of the following children : Rachel M., born January 4. 1828, who is the widow of Thomas Baker and lives in Kansas : William W., who was born April 23. 1830. and died June 28, 1831: Nancy F., born May 5. 1832, who married Robert H. West, and lives in Greenfield, lowa : Maria L., born Jan- uary 23. 1835, who married William H1. Smith (deceased February 24. 1876), and now lives at Elliott, Iowa: George W., born May 8. 1837, who died March 26, 1800; Mary E .. born January 7. 1839, who married 11. Il. Tobias, and lives in AAssumption, Illinois ; and Lafayette S. Mr. Gosney took a second wife in the person of Rachel B. Hopkins, a sister of his first wife, and they had one child. Amelia B., who was born December 20, 1848, and died August 8, 1876.
Lafayette S. Govney came to łowa in 1804. after working in Illinois the previous summer. Ile enlisted in the Confederate service in 1801. in the 2d Battalion, Kentucky Mounted Ritle- men. Major Cameron commanding. He served eighteen months and was captured near West Liberty, Kentucky. He was paroled, but never exchanged. He is now living in section 3'. Polk township, where he owns 120 acres of land. He is engaged in farming and carries a Stock of general merchandise. He is a success- ful business man and stands high in the es- teem of the citizens of the community.
December 21. 1865. Mr. Gosney was united in marriage with Malinda Van Cleave, who was born August 27. 1842. and was a daughter of Albert and Massa Van Cleave. Her father. who was a native of Kentucky, came to Iowa in
1849 and died April 2. 1886. Her mother was a native of Ohio and died in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Gosney had the following children: Eleanor, born December 11, 1866, who married Harry Rose and lives in Polk township: Lo- rena. born December 10, 1868, who married Henry Martin and lives in Center township : Bartlett, born February 1. 1871, who live. at home : Albert. born June 16, 1873, who lives in Polk township: Harold, born June 14. 1875; Georgia, born February 5. 1878, who lives at Cripple Creek, Colorado, where she is a cash- jer in a large clothing store : Mary Pearl, born February 19, 1882, who is bookkeeper for W. P. Chisman, a feed and flour dealer at Ottum- wa. lowa: Ray, born July 28, 1884: and Car- liste. born June 4. 1886. Mrs. Govney die September 19, 1880, and Mr. Govney married Mrs. Minnie Smith, a widow, August 31. 1893. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as township trustee.
5 ARMAN G. DINSON. who has been engaged in agricultural pur- suits in Wapello county, lowa. since 18- 2, is located on section 30, 201- ship ;2. range 15. Polk township, where he owns to acres of land. He was born in Sweden. December 30, 181), and is at son of Gustav Dixson.
Gustav Disson was born in Sweden and died there in 18of, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife. Margaret, died in Sweden in 1802. at the age of seventy-three years.
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They had six children, as follows: John, ,tie, who lives in Monroe county, Iowa, and is Sophia, Charles, Johanna, Harman G. and Francis. John lives in Kansas. Sophia lives in Stockholm, Sweden; for faithful service as a housekeeper for twenty-five years, she was pre- sented by her wealthy employers with a hand- some medal. Charles lives in Sweden. Jo- hanna is a widow, residing in Springfield, Mas- sachusetts. Francis died at the age of twenty years, while on the ocean, en route to this country.
Harman G. Dixson came to the United States in 1869, and located on a farm near Dudley, Columbia township, Wapello county, Iowa, in 1870. The first year, however, he spent in Illinois, where he worked by the month. Upon moving to lowa, he followed farming near Dudley until 1892. when he moved to his present farm of Go acres in Polk township. Hle follows general farming and has been very successful. He has won his way to a position of prominence in the community and has established many warm friendships.
December 25. 1872, Mr. Dixson was joined in matrimony with Mary M. Fox, who was born March 23. 1855. near Terre Haute, Indi- ana, and is a daughter of Michael and Mary ( Hampton ) Fox. Her father was a native of Ireland, and came to the United States in an early day. He died in 1863, leaving his widow with four small children. His wife was born January 13, 1836, in Ohio, and died April 13. 1894. Their children were as follows: Mary M., wife of Mr. Dixson : Catherine: John F., who lives in Kansas City, where he is pastor of the First Congregational church : and Hat-
the wife of James Miller. Rev. John F. Fox, son of Michael and Mary Fox, was a boy when taken to raise by a neighbor. He was taught carpentering and worked at his trade until twenty-six years of age. Craving an educa- tion, he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he graduated from the normal school. He then attended a theological seminary at Chicago, , Illinois, and there obtained a license to preach. Ile is a man of great attainments, and is in constant demand as a lecturer. lle is presi- dent of the Kansas Christian Endeavor So- ciety, and moderator of the Congregational . Is- sociation of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Dixson have two adopted children: Bert M., who was born October 7. 1870, and was adopted at the age of thirteen months; and Hattie T., born January 3. 1886, who was adopted at the age of three and a half years. They are consist- ent and hard workers of the M. P. church. Fraternally Mr. Dixson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Political- ly he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
R J. OLDILAM, a prosperous business man of Eddyville, Wapello county, lowa, is a prominent stock dealer. He was born in Mahaska county, lowa, October 29. 1857, and comes of a prom- inent old family of that county. He is a son of Abram and Sarah .A. ( White) Oldham, and a grandson of Robert and Nicey ( Bolli- baugh) Oldham.
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Robert Oldham was born in Kentucky, and his wife in North Carolina. They moved to Indiana at an early date, and settled in Shelby county, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1848 he sold out, moved to lowa. and purchased land in Mabaska county, which he cultivated the remainder of his days. He died in September, 1887, at the age of seventy- nine years. His wife survived him two years, and died at the age of seventy-eight years. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Abram was the next to the oldest.
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