USA > Iowa > Henry County > Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84
Mr. Smith has taken great interest in Masonry, and was Master of Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 8, for
six years, and was a charter member of Xerium Lodge No. 207, of which he was appointed Worship- ful Master by dispensation, and was elected three successive terms thereafter ; he was also High Priest in llenry Chapter No. 8, R. A. M., for two years, and was a Charter Member of Jerusalem Com- mandery No. 7, K. T., in which he was Captain of the Guard. He has also taken the Consistory do- grees, being a 32ยบ. In 1869-70 he was Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of lowa. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican. As a citizen he stands high in the estimation of the general public, and in every enterprise calculated for the public good he is ready to do his part.
ILLIAM SUMMERS, one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers residing on see- tion 27. Center Township, was born in Warwickshire, England, on the 29th day of No- vember, 1833. His parents were John and Mary ( Hopkins) Summers, and to them three children were born: Richard, a machinist residing in Lon- don : Mary A .. who died in Morgan County, Mo., was the wife of W. C. Wheatley ; and William, our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Summers both departed this life in England. For many years they were earnest workers in the Episcopal Church.
William Summers, deciding to leave his native land and come to America, embarked in a ship at Southampton for this country, in 1856. Soon after landing he purchased some land, but subse- quently removed to Henry County, where he still resides. In those days hogs were worth $1.50 per hundred pounds, and thinking this might be a pay- ing investment he killed and packed several hundred hogs, which he shipped to England in 1862: Corn at this time sold at twelve and one-half cents per bushel, potatoes at fifteen cents, and eggs at two cents per dozen. After remaining in England for about a year Mr. Summers returned home.
Mr. Summers was united in marriage before he was twenty-one years old to Eliza Mary Wood- cock, a native of England, born in Warwick- shire. Mr. and Mrs. Summers are the happy parents of seven children : Joseph, born June 15, 1855. a
175
HENRY COUNTY.
resident of this county ; Theresa, born Dec. 8, 1856, wife of William Rathdon, of Antelope County, Neb. ; Helen, born April 3, 1863, a graduate of the university of Mt. Pleasant, is now a teacher in Fremont, Neb .; Mary, born Dec. 18, 1864, wife of William Moore, of Trenton, Mo .; Colletta, born April 21, 1867, now a student at the University of Mt. Pleasant; Maria, born Aug. 20, 1870; and John F., born March 6, 1874; are still inmates of the parental home. The deceased are William, Ambrose, Lucy and Walter. In politics Mr. Sum- mers is a Democrat, and an active worker for his party ; he has also held several township offices with credit to himself and to his constituents. In edu- cational matters he always takes an active interest, having a good, practical education himself, and has endeavored to give his children such an education. He is a man who keeps well posted on the affairs of the county, and is always ready to advance any public enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Summers are members of the Catholic Church, and are univer- sally respected throughout the community.
YLVESTER SMITH is a farmer and Post- master, residing on section 3, Wayne Township, Henry Co., Iowa. Only one person, Mrs. Elizabeth Woodruff, antedates our subject in priority of citizenship in Wayne Township. He was born in Lake County, Ohio, March 7, 1831, and is a son of Sylvester and Lu- cretin (Woodworth) Smith, both natives of Franklin County, Mass. They were perhaps married in that State, removed later to Warren County, N. Y., and afterward to Lake County, Ohio, where Mr. Smith purchased a tract of woodland, and cleared up a fine farm prior to their removal to lowa in 1812. Sylvester Smith, Sr., came the year previous and purchased lands, to which the family removed the next spring. A house was erected within a few feet of where the fine residence of our subject now stands, and here for forty-five years the represent- atives of the honored father have held possession and wielded a power for good, both in the social and business worlds. Nine children were born be- fore the family removed to lowa, two of whom
died in infancy, and a daughter, Eliza, when twenty years of age; and the following six sons comprised the family in 1842: Dexter (',, husband of Phoebe Pence, both now deceased; Edward, the husband, first of Celia Schockley, and after her death of Mrs. Fannie (Buffington) Haines, all now deceased ; John L., husband of Lucretia C. Woodworth; Elijah P., who wedded Catherine Haines, and after her death Addie Kimbal; Charles A., husband of Margaret Young; and Sylvester. The sous aided in the improvement of the new farm, at that time Wayne and Scott Townships forming one voting precinct, with thirteen polled voters. Through the instrumentality of Sylvester Smith, Sr .. Wayne post-office was established in 1851, and he received in August of that year his commission, and a mail service was established between Iowa City and New London, one round trip made each week, Perry Ketchum was the first mail carrier. After the resignation of his father, our subject was ap- pointed Postmaster of Wayne, Nov. 10, 1858, his commission bearing the signature of Aaron V. Brown, Postmaster General, and from that time has held the place, being to-day the oldest con- tinuous Postmaster in the county, having for more than twenty-nine years filled that position.
Charles A. Smith, one of the brothers, was a volunteer in Company G, 11th lowa, and served from 1862 until the close of the war. He was cap- tured at the battle of Atlanta, July 27, 1861, and was confined in the prison pen at Andersonville for several weeks, but was later sent to Florence where he was exchanged.
Our subject, Sylvester Smith, is the son of a sol- dier of the War of 1812, and Sylvester Smith, Sr., laid his land warrant, received at that time, after he came to Iowa. He was an able man and one who aided largely in the culture and improvement of this community. Being a professed Christian, a member of the Congregational Church, the family were in attendance at the organization of the Craw- fordsville Congregational Church the next Sunday after they came. and when sufficiently strong to organize a church in Wayne Township, both him- self and wife aided in its establishment, Sylvester Smith, Sr., becoming its first Deacon, and remaining in that capacity the remainder of his life. The
176
HENRY COUNTY.
death of that good man occurred Dee. 21, 1863, lle was known far and wide as " Yankee Smith," and was one of the organizers of the Republican party in this county, being an avowed Abolitionist for years, His wife survived until Aug. 13, 1875, having lived to see the principles so long advocated by her husband fully established.
Sylvester Smith, Jr., was married, Feb, 18, 1857, to Miss Delilah J. Coen, of this county, born in Washington County, Ohio, and a daughter of Will- iam and Rachel Coen. Both parents are now deceased, and only three of their children are liv. ing: James S,, who married a lady of Kansas, near Garden City ; Susan, wife of Perry Ellis, of Carroll County, Mo. ; and Delilah, wife of Mr. Smith,
Since the spring of 1842 our subject has never known any other home but his present ; changes, of course, have been made; the roomy mansion has taken the place of the unpretentious home of almost half a century ago: children have been born, reared and married; one generation. has passed away, and the second is of mature years, and wealth has come as he and his good wife have grown in years. Five children have graced their home, four now living : Charles S,, a resident farmer of this township, wedded to Charlotte Kitch, of Marion Township; Harry K. is the husband of Margaret McKee, and also resides on a farm near the Smith homestead : William E. almost reached the age of manhood ere summoned from earth; Francis 1. and Rosa J. are unmarried and still inmates of the parental home. Francis has become an expert telegraph operator, and if his health permitted would make that his business. We are pleased to present this brief sketch of one of the oldest and best known families of the township, as they deserve this recognition of their long, useful, prosperous and happy domestic life within her boundary.
S AMUEL CANTWELL. a farmer of Henry County, fowa, resides on section 32, Wayne Township. With pleasure we pre- sent this sketch of Samuel Cantwell, one of the best known men of Wayne Township, who has for many years been a resident, and always ac-
counted one of her most worthy citizens. He was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and is the son of Thomas and Jemima (Kelley ) Cantwell. Thomas and probably his wife were of Irish parentage. They were married in Coshocton County, and during his lifetime Thomas Cantwell resided there. Ten children were born to them in that county, three only of whom are now living : our subject; Rachel, widow of Daniel Ryan, a farmer of Muskingum County, Ohio, and Hezekiah, a tailor of Coshocton. and the husband of Mary Rannels, After the death of Thomas Cantwell his widow married John Baker, a farmer of Muskingum County.
Onr subjeet was carefully reared until his seven- teenth year, when his mother died and Samuel was allowed to make his own living. Ilis step-father removed to Southern Illinois, where the remainder of his life was spent. Samuel Cantwell remained in Ohio, working by the month, having had nothi- ing left from his father's estate to begin business on. lle saved his money carefully, and in 1846 made a trip to this county, and purchased forty acres of timber land. He returned to Ohio and continued farming in partnership with his brother Barnabas, who was also well known in this county as one of the early settlers, coming first in 1846 and later becoming a permanent citizen, and until 1874 was a familiar figure in Wayne Township. Hle removed to "Adams County. Neb., and died there in 1883. In 1850 Samuel Cantwell returned to lowa from his native State and made a purchase of 200 acres of land in this county. and went back to Ohio, where he remained until 1860, lle was rapidly merging into bachelorhood before selecting a wife, and was thirty-three years of age when his marriage to Miss Charlotte Campbell was cele- brated. The ceremony was performed March 1. 1852, by Rev. Wolf, a Methodist Episcopal minis- ter. Miss Campbell was the daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Harris) Campbell. Her father was born in Ireland, and came a single man to Virginia. in which State he was married to Lydia Harris. who was born near Wheeling. W. Va, They be- came residents of Washington County, and seven children were born before the death of the father. By trade Mr. Campbell was a miller, but in Ohio made farming his occupation. John, his first son,
177
HENRY COUNTY.
married Yurith Lane, and resides in Douglas County, Ill .; Lavina wedded Thomas Kinney, a resident of Great Bend, Kan .; Phabe, deceased, beeame the wife of William James, who later re- moved to Kansas; Jane married William MeKane, now deceased, and resides in Coshocton, Ohio; Mary, also deceased, was twiee married, John Cochrane becoming her first husband, and William Dewson her last. Josephus died unmarried, and Mrs. Cantwell completes the family list.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cant- well before their removal to lowa: Mary J., the wife of Presly Allender; Margaret, wife of George Meeker; Sarah E. died in childhood, and Matilda, wife of Samuel Taylor. In 1860 Samuel Cantwell and his family removed to Wayne Township, and upon his land he erected a small house the same year. Every improvement, every tree, fence and building, has been placed upon this traet since 1860. Here his children'grew to maturity. Besides those named, other children were born in their new home: Emma, wife of Henry James; William H., now deceased; Alonzo, completing his education at Mt. Pleasant; Nora, Frances, Elma, Jessie M. and Annie M., all unmarried and inmates of the par- ental home. Here the family live in that style that comes to those of ample means, and as the family have increased in years so has the prosperity of the parents, who for more than a quarter of a century have been ranked among the best families of Wayne Township. For several terms Mr. Cant- well has been connected with the School Board, and careful attention has been given to the education of his children. To such families as this Henry County is indebted for the business growth, pros- perity and social eulture which so largely abound within its borders.
D ANIEL M. CAMPBELL, farmer and dairy- man, residing on section 31, New London Township, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Sept. 12, 1843, and is the son of Robert and Margaret (Archibald) Campbell. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in West- moreland County, Jan. 26, 1800, and was descended
from the Scotch. He married Miss Margaret Archi- bald in that State, by whom he had nine children, seven now living: the eldest, Dr. John Campbell, residing in Gallion, Ohio, married Rachel Bryan; James married Ruth Cole, and is a farmer of New London Township; William married Lizzie Spear- man, and resides in Centre Township; Sarah Jane, wife of Thompson Chambers, a farmer of New London Township; Milton Mi., of Denver, Col., wedded Luey Weston; Daniel M., a farmer of New London Township, wedded Mary Rhodes: Mary, wife of James Patten, of Centre Township. Robert Campbell removed to Ashland County, Ohio, in an early day, and went from there with his family to Henry County in 1865, and located in New London Township, where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in June, 1877. Ilis wife, an estimable lady, died in November, 1872. He spent his whole life in tilling the soil.
Daniel M. was reared on a farm, and learned the plasterer's trade, at which he worked several years. lle came to Henry County in the spring of 1865, and was married near Salem, this county, May 30, 1872, to Miss Mary Rhodes, daughter of John W. and Sarah (Thompson) Rhodes. Mrs. Campbell was born in Morrow, Warren Co., Ohio, Oet. 28, 1844, and came to Henry County with her parents in 1851. Five children have graced their union, three of whom are now living. Daisy May, the eldest, died when four and a half years old; Ross A. died when two and a half years old. Those liv- ing are Florence A., aged seven; Daniel W., aged five, and Mary Helen, one year of age. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of the First Presby- terian Church of New London. Mr. Campbell is a Democrat in politics. He has a fine dairy farm of 240 aeres, on which he keeps a large herd of cows, and manufactures butter and cheese.
Mrs. Campbell's father, John W. Rhodes, was born near Georgetown, Va., July 10, 1800, and was descended from an old and highly respected Virginia family. He witnessed the burning of Washington by the British in the War of 1812. He moved to Morrow, Warren Co., Ohio, in his youth, and there married Sarah Thompson, a native of Virginia, born of New England parents. Her family were natives of Maine and were of
178
HENRY COUNTY.
English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes had a family of eleven children, six sons and five daugh- ters. Clarkson went South prior to the late war and was a Captain in the Confederate army; his death occurred in 1881. Samuel was a soldier in the Union army, a member of the California battalion, enlisted for a Massachusetts regiment, was cap- tured while on a scouting expedition, but escaped soon. Franklin was a member of a Kansas regi- ment, was captured, and he also soon escaped; Newton, Milton and Wesley were in the 14th Iowa Volunteer Infantry; Wesley was wounded, Newton and Milton were taken prisoners at Shiloh, and both escaped from Macon, Ga. Caroline is the wife of Joel Jones, of Salem Township; Hen- rietta is the wife of Caleb Trapp, residing in Florida; Eliza died at the age of twenty-eight: Mary is the honored wife of D. M. Campbell, of New London Township; Emma is the wife of Oliver Garretson, of Buffalo, N. Y. Mrs. Rhodes died in Ohio in 1848, Mr. Rhodes came to Henry County in 1851, and settled in Tippecanoe Town- ship, where his death occurred in the spring of 1880.
Mr. Rhodes was a second time married, to Mrs. Damaris Alden, by whom he had four children, two of whom are living. Julia married Addison Frasier, living in Lincoln, Neb .: Edwin married Melissa Frasier, a sister, also living in Lincoln, Neb. Those deccased are Alice P', and Jennie. The mother is still living at an advanced age with her daughter.
0 LIVER STEPHENSON, farmer and Trustee of Wayne Township, Henry Co., Iowa, re- siding on section 18, was born in Sonthern Sweden in 1834, and is the son of Stephen and Christiana C. (Poulson) Stephenson, who in 1819 emigrated to America, settling in Trenton Town- ship, Henry County. They brought with them eight children-Paul, Oliver, Charles J., Stephen, Caroline, Christiana, Mary and Louisa. The latter died in Chicago of cholera while on the way to lowa. Stephen Stephenson, Sr., purchased the farm upon which Daniel Vorhies now lives, in Trenton Township, and upon this the parents, two brothers
and one sister died. Besides Oliver, two sisters are now living. Caroline wedded Peter Alsen, who resides near Madrid, Boone Co., Iowa; and Chris- tiana is married to James Sexton, a native of Ohio, a commercial agent for a Chieago firm, and a resident of Pella, lowa.
Our subjeet grew to manhood in Trenton Town- ship, and from boyhood developed the character- isties which have been so marked during his later years. Ile received but a limited school education, but, as his business habits were formed he secured a practical one, and to-day takes front rank among the prominent farmers of the county. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary HI. Johnson, also born in Sweden, who came alone from that country in 1858. The young couple began their domestic life in Jefferson County, and six years later moved to Wayne Township, this county, Mr. Stephenson purchasing a quarter section of land. He has made this one of the most beautiful farms in the town- ship, and has expended large sums of money in the ereetion of a mansion and fine out-buildings, and as his means increased, his broad aeres have grown to a half section of land, where he resides; and he also owns other farms, in Nebraska, Kansas, and in this township and in other parts of the county, showing what can be accomplished in a few years by industry and thrift, backed by good judgment. When Oliver was a lad he worked for twenty-five cents per day, but is now one of the largest tax- payers in Wayne Township, and every dollar he is worth is the legitimate result of a successful busi- ness.
Since their marriage ten children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson: Tillie, wife of John Lindell, a farmer of Wayne Township; Caro- line, Charles, Clara, Solomon, Archie, Alma, Melvin ((ieeeased), Ettie and George. Charles has taken a course at llowe's Academy, Mt. Pleasant, and in point of education the children are all intended to have every advantage.
Oliver Stephenson has filled almost every town- ship office, and for years was President of the School Board, and also Treasurer from the organization of the independent district. lle has repeatedly filled the offices of Township Supervisor, Township Trustee, and is the present incumbent and his own
179
HENRY COUNTY.
successor. He was one of the original members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, at Swedesburg. and was one of its first Trustees, being both Trustee and Deacon, with the exception of one year, from its organization. He was elected one of the Board of Directors of the Augustana College, of Rock Island, Ill., in 1885, and has another year to serve. As a useful citizen the township and county are proud of Oliver Stephenson. As a family, all are held in high esteem, and with pleasure we offer this sketch of one of the best known men of his nation- ality in Wayne Township.
-
OIIN BANGS, a prominent pioneer of Henry County, Iowa, first settled in the township of New London May 29, 1838, in company with his father and family. He still re- sides on the old homestead, where he has a finely improved farm of 440 aeres, situated on section 36. Mr. Bangs was born in Yarmouth, Barnstable Co., Mass., Oct. 10, 1826, and is the son of John and Polly (Clark) Bangs. His father was born in Brewster, in the same county. The family is of English origin, and the first to emigrate was Edward Bangs, who landed from the English ship, "Anna," at the Plymouth Colony, Mass., in June, 1621. John Bangs, Sr., was born June 5, 1791, was a sailor in early life, and later a salt manufacturer. llis father, John Dillingham Bangs, was born in Massachusetts, Dec. 30, 1757, and his mother, Con- tent (Smith) Bangs, daughter of Charles and Content Smith, was born May 16, 1757, in the same county as her husband. John Bangs, Sr., father of our subject. emigrated from Massachusetts with his family in May, 1838, and purchased a claim on what is now section 36, New London Township, and moved into a little log cabin which the former proprietor had built. His family included his wife and five children, two boys and three girls; one had died in Massachusetts. Polly is the widow of William M. K. Finley, now residing in Davis County, lowa; Emeline was the wife of O. D. Laughlin, and died Sept. 6, 1851; Bethiah is the widow of O. D. Laughlin, and now resides in New London; John married Miss Lavina Cresap, and is
a prominent farmer of New London Township, liv- ing on the old homestead; James II., who married E. E. Burge, died in 1876. John Bangs, Sr., died July 29, 1860, and his wife on the 10th of Sep- tember, 1866. They were both honored members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Bangs was a Demoerat in his political views in early life, and most uncon- promising in his opinions. He was a strong free trade man, and opposed to National banks and monopolies. Later in life he became a Republican, and was just as ultra in his views from that stand- point. He was earnestly patriotic in his sentiments and was a soldier of the War of 1812.
John Bangs, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was married in Danville, Des Moines Co., lowa, July 2, 1864, to Miss Lavina Cresap, daughter of Joseph Cresap. Mrs. Bangs was born in Maryland. and came to lowa with her parents in 1850. Three children were born of their union, one son and two daughters: Emma, born July 14, 1865, now the wife of Charles Watkins, resides in New London Township; Cora, born Sept. 24, 1868; and William II., born Jan. 17, 1877. The two youngest reside at home. Mr. Bangs has passed nearly half a cen- tury in Henry County as a resident of New London Township, during which time he has contributed his share to the improvement and development of the county. His residence, a fine brick structure, occupies the site of the pioneer cabin of 1838. Mr. Bangs is a Democrat in his views, but not an office- seeker, never having held office except as Super- visor, ete. He is a member of Charity Lodge No. 56, I. O. O. F., of New London.
C HARLES S. HOWE is a dealer in staple and faney groceries, west side of Square, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1846. and is the son of Joseph and Fanny E. (Marsh) Howe. The father was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 21, 1819, while his mother was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 22, 1823. The parents removed to Los Angeles. Cal., in 1877, where his mother still resides. His father died there May 2, 1883. The family, including Charles S., removed from Ohio to Taylorville, III.,
180
HENRY COUNTY.
in 1852, and from there to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1854. Charles learned the tinner's trade in this city, and opened a shop in that line in 1868, at Marshall, now Wayland, Iowa. Shortly afterward he started in business with his father in a general store at Marshall, and carried on the business until 1870, when they returned to Mt. Pleasant, moving the stock of goods to this place. He eontinned in business with his father until 1875, and in May of that year he sold out to his father and was employed as a clerk till 1878, when he formed a partnership with S. and L. W. Sutton in the grocery trade, under the firm name of Howe & Sutton. This con- neetion continued from Sept. 1, 1878, till April, 1884, when Mr. Howe purchased his partner's in- terest, and has since condueted the business alone.
Charles S. Howe was married at Mt. Pleasant. June 6, 1872, to Miss Mary Sutton, daughter of Philip Sutton, a native of Greene County, Ohio. Four children were born of their marriage, three of whom are now living: Charles R., born July 14, 1873; Frank S., born Nov. 24, 1875; Laura E., born Oet. 6, 1880: Bert, born Sept. 22, 1884, died Sept. 25, 1884. Mrs. llowe died May 10, 1885. Mr. Howe was married again, Jan. 2. 1887, at Mt. Pleasant, to Miss Nina Abbe, a daughter of Henry D. Abbe, and a native of Henry County, Iowa. Her father was a soldier in the late war, and was one of the early settlers of Henry County. Mr. and Mrs. Howe are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Howe is a Republican in poli- ties. Ile is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of Xenium Lodge No. 207, of Mt. Pleasant.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.