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 16
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B. Terry, a farmer and stock-raiser of Jackson County, Mo .; Elizabeth Ann, wife of Thomas F. IIull, residing in llardy, Neb .; William Franklin, a merchant of Pomona, Cal. By the second union there are two children, Edna and Georgiana. Mr. Bennett and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being one of its Trustees.
Mr. Bennett has five times been elected Justice of the Peace, and has held various other township offices. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Ben- nett always takes an active part in public enter- prises for the good of the community, and is a liberal friend to education, in fact, is foremost in all good works, and it is with pleasure that we place his sketch in the record of Henry County's people.
S OLOMON II. DOVER, an honored pioneer of Ilenry County, Iowa, of 1834, and a resident of New London Township sinee 1836, was born in Burke County, N. C., in 1806, and is the son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Chil- ders) Dover. Ilis father was also born in Burke County, N. C. His mother was born in South Caro- lina. and was a sister of Mrs. James K. Polk, wife of President Polk. Our subject removed to Warren County, near Bowling Green, Ky., with his parents when an infant, spent nine years in the State, and then removed to Tennessee, locating in Anderson County, later in Overton County, same State, where he married, Oct. 6, 1827, Miss Matilda Davis. Mrs. Dover was born in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Dover began life with a very limited amount of this world's goods, but a good stock of health, hope and pluck, as their history shows. They had little else than a pair of horses, and the least possible amount of household goods. They had the mis- fortune to lose one of their horses just as they were on the point of emigrating to Illinois. Nothing daunted, they packed what goods they could upon the remaining horse-a bed on one side was bal- anced By a bundle on the other. The bride was perched in the center, while the husband trudged along by her side on foot. At times the wife would insist on taking a turn at walking while her husband rested himself by a short ride. In this
manner they made their way to Montgomery County, Ill., and located at Hillsboro. Mr. Dover had $3 when he started on the journey. This was in 1828, when that region was a frontier country. Mr. Dover was a shoemaker by trade, but did not like the business, so engaged in farm- ing in a small way. He worked out to support his family, and earned enough to buy a mate to his horse. To make matters worse the climate proved unhealthful, and they were both sick with the ague, so after a short time they moved to Morgan County, where Mr. Dover taught school a couple of years, and earned some money for a start. They then removed to Macomb, Ill., in 1832. In 1834 he came to Henry County, lowa, and made a claim on section 36, township 71 north, range 5 west, now New London, HIe erected a cheap shanty on the claim, but a big storm coming on he gave up trying to improve his place, and leaving it to the care of his brother Abram, who had preceded him and was established here, he returned to Macomb. In April, 1836, he again started westward, and located his family on his claim, where they made their home till 1882, when Mr. Dover sold out his well-improved farm of 160 acres, and removed to the village of New London, where he now resides.
Mr. and Mrs. Dover were blessed with a large family, having fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters: Andrew, born Dee, 11, 1828. is unmarried, and resides in California; Celina, born Feb. 10, 1831, is the wife of J. A. Hardin, of Beaver City, Neb, : Louisa. born March 16, 1833, died in 1835; Sarah C., born Nov. 3, 1835, is the widow of George Matthews, who was a sol- dier in the late war, and was killed at IJelena, Ark., July 6, 1863; she resides at New London, Will- iam L., born Aug. 29, 1836, was the first white child born in New London Township; he is sup- posed to have been killed in the late war. Ellen E., born Feb. 10, 1838, died aged four years; Cy- rus W., born Nov. 30, 1839, married Elizabeth Hampton for his first wife, and Sallie Hays for his second wife; he was a soldier of the late war, and now resides in Southern Kansas, Henrie Anna, born Nov. 17, 1812, is the wife of J. T. Kennett. of Missouri: Harriet M., born Aug. 18, 1811, is the wife of Henry Hampton, a blacksmith of New
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London; John F., born Sept. 16, 1845, died Aug. 23, 1865; Joel M., born July 29, 1854, married Martha Hiles, and died Oet. 24. 1880; Zachary T., born Sept. 17, 1849, married for his first wife Agnes, daughter of Prof. Mayor, and for his second wife Ellen Rowland, and resides at New London; Win- field Scott, born Ang. 26, 1851, is the editor and publisher of the New London Sun; he married Miss Jennie New, who died in December, 1883. Laura M., born Sept. 23, 1854, is the wife of Will- iam Reese, of New London.
Mrs. Dover, who had been her husband's faithful helpmeet through all the trials and hardships of their daily life and through the later cares and re- sponsibilities of rearing up so large a family, passed to eternal rest Sept. 3, 1869. Mr. Dover was mar- ried again. April 7, 1870, to Mrs. Eliza Beardsley, daughter of Benjamin Matthews, and widow of Lu- cian Beardsley, who died in March, 1857. Mrs. Dover was born at Yarmouth, Barnstable Co., Mass., Dec. 22, 1828. Iler family were of English descent, but had been residents of Massachusetts for generations. She had four children by her former marriage, two sons and two daughters: Horace M., born Feb. 6, 1850, married Clara Ashley, and resides at Springfield, Mass .; Lorinda C., born Nov. 1. 1853, unmarried and lives at Danville, Iowa ; Edwin D., born June 12, 1855, died aged twenty- one months; Harriet L., born in March, 1857, died aged two years. One child, a daughter, Lulu Belle, was born of the latter marriage, now a beautiful girl of sixteen years.
Mr. and Mrs. Dover are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dover was a Whig in his political affiliations in his early life, but since the formation of the Republican party has voted with that organization. Ile has always been a hard- working, temperate man, upright and honorable in his relations with his fellowmen.
E NOS GHEEN, a prominent farmer and stock- raiser residing on section 21, Marion Town- ship, Henry County, was born in Chester County, Pa., Dec. 24, 1844. From his old home could be seen the Brandywine battle-field, and the
old Friends' meeting-house that was used for a hospital, and where the blood-stains may yet be seen. In this meeting-house Enos received his early religious instructions, his parents attending the same. His father, Enos Gheen, Sr., was of Seoteh descent, and his mother, Ann (Seeds) Gheen, of Irish, though both were natives of Chester County, Pa. They were the parents of five chil- dren, the two eldest dying in infancy: Hannah A., wife of Samuel Guss, emigrated to Linn County, Mo., where he died in 1872, while she departed this life Sept. 8, 1882, leaving three children-Mary A., Enos and Frank. Mary lives with her grand. ma Gheen ; the sons are now living with our subject. Mrs. Guss was a member of the Congregational Church of Hickory Grove. The second child was Mary E., wife of John Dugdale, a resident of Mt. Pleasant.
The father of our subject came to Henry County in the fall of 1862, and bought 190 acres of land on see- tions 2 and 9, Marion Township, eighty acres of which were improved. In the spring of 1863 he removed with his family to his farm. In his native State he was a devoted member of the Society of Friends, and was one of the Stewards of the old Birming- ham meeting-house, spoken of in the first part of the sketch. His occupation has always been that of a farmer and drover. He died Dee. 16, 1871, from typhoid fever, after six days' illness. Ile was a public-spirited man ; his time and money were always ready to advance any interest for the good of the community. Hle was a noble and faithful friend to those who needed a friend and a highly respected citizen. Ilis wife survives him, and at the age of seventy-two is a well-preserved lady both physically and mentally. She is a member of the Congregational Church, and does her part in all church work.
Enos Gheen spent his early life in attending the district school in winter, and working on the farm in summer. In the winter of 1860-61, he attended the academy of Malboro. After coming to lowa he attended Howe's Academy at Mt. Pleasant, and in the winter of 1865 he commenced teach- ing in Louisa County, continuing in that occupation two years, when he took charge of the home farm. Ile bought 120 acres on section 2, Marion Town-
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ship, and was united in marriage, Aug. 13, 1874, . with Miss Sarah A. Beeson, who was born Jan. 19, 1848, in Henry County. Her parents were Ames and Lydia (Pickering) Beeson, the father a native of Ohio and the mother a native of Virginia. Her parents came from Ohio to Henry County in 1846. Mr. Beeson departed this life May 26, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven. His wife still resides in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Gheen remained on his first farm until Nov. 23, 1886. He then bought 2 10 acres on sections 16 and 21 in Marion Township, upon which he now lives; he also owns ten acres of timber land on section 17, Trenton Township, and in Monroe County, eighty acres on section 17, Urbana Town- ship, making in all 450 aeres. He also has four lots in Mt. Pleasant. He takes great interest in all public matters. Mr. and Mrs. Gheen are the parents of three sons and two daughters. Anna was born Ang. 18. 1876; Fred was born Oct. 28, 1878; John was born April 30, 1880; Elizabeth was born April 6, 1882; Benton H. was born Feb. 23, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Gheen are kind friends to the needy. Though not members of any church, they have always taken their part in all good works. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M .. and politically a Democrat.
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OHN K. DUMARS, a tinner of Winfield, Jowa, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., Jan. 3. 1841, and is the son of William G. and Han- nah (Paul) DuMars, both of whom were also natives of Pennsylvania. They were the par- ents of ton children. seven of whom are living: Mary L., wife of Maj. William Ernest, of Harris- burg, Pa. : Elizabeth, also a resident of Harrisburg : Caroline is the wife of Samuel Franklin : Cornelius, a resident of Harrisburg, was also a soldier. a mom- ber of a Pennsylvania regiment, and was captured and confined in Libby Prison; James and Maggie are also both residents of Harrisburg, and John is our subject. Those deceased are : Thomas; Susan, who married Capt. William Miller, a soldier during the late war. and George, who died in infancy. Mr. DuMars was a tinsmith, which occupation he fol- lowed for five years. Before the breaking out of the
Rebellion he was a Democrat, but after that war he voted with the Republican party. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He departed this life in 1878, his wife surviving him one year.
John K. DuMars is a prominent citizen of Win- field, lowa. He is a tinner by trade and one of the best mechanics in the State. He was reared at Harrisburg, Pa., where he received a liberal educa- tion. When fifteen years of age he began an ap- prenticeship of three years, receiving for his serv- ices for the first year 832, the second. $40, and the third, 860, and he was to board himself. He was also under instructions in New York for a year. where he received $1 a day. On the 18th of April. 1861, Mr. DuMars enlisted in the 1st Penn- sylvania Infantry, when Lincoln called for 75,000 men for three months. During that time he was mostly on guard duty, though he participated in some skirmishes. Hle re-enlisted at the end of that time in Battery D. 5th United States Artillery. under Gen. Griffin, and was mustered in at Harris- burg. The command was then sent to Arlington Ileights. He participated in the battles of York- town, Hanover Court- House, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill in the seven-days fight. Manassas Junction, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville. Alton. Antietam, Blackman's Ford, Gettys- burg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Bethesda Church, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Todd's Tavern. Petersburg and Weldon Railroad. where, as his time had expired, he was discharged. He re-en- listed in the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, and while in that command participated in the battle of Five Forks. He was mustered out at Lynchburg, Va., at the close of the war. He was a brave soldier and was always found at his post of duty. At one time he was thrown from his horse, having been ambushed ; at the battle of Gaines Mill he was cap- tured. but was recaptured iu about twenty minutes by his comrades, He was at one time offered the command as Second Lieutenant but would not ac- cept.
Returning to his home in Harrisburg, Mr. Du- Mars, in 1866, was nnited in marriage with Miss Fannie Hutchins, a daughter of David and Mar- garetta (Woods) Hutchins. She was a native of
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Ohio, her parents being early settlers of that State. In the same year they were married Mr. and Mrs. DuMars removed to Elmira, N. Y., but later re- turned to Harrisburg, where Mr. DuMIars worked at his trade. In 1872 they again removed, this time settling in Columbus Junction, lowa, from thence came to Crawfordsville in 1883, and the fol- lowing year to Winfield, where they have ever since resided. Mr. DuMars is a member of Scott Tent No. 6, Knights of the Maccabees Insurance Company, and Mort Hobart Post, G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. DuMars have had twelve children, four of whom are living-Anna M., William G., John B. and Frankie D. The remainder died in infancy. Mrs. DuMars and her daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. DuMars is a stanch Republican, and an earnest worker for his party.
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ENRY DAVIES, JR., a retired farmer, re- siding on section 10, Jefferson Township, HIenry Co., Iowa, is a member of one of the oldest and wealthiest families of Jefferson Township, and we add with pleasure his sketch in this volume. He was born Dec. 22, 1833, in South Wales. His education was commenced in Wales, and completed in Jefferson Township. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Mary Davidson, of Wash- ington County, Iowa, a daughter of John and Elnora Davidson. The young wife was brought to a new home on the farm owned by her husband, a part of the Davies' land. On this farm their mar- ried life was begun. Here their children were born, namely: Sarah E., wife of William Henss, Jr., a resident on the home farm, and Jesse E. In 1883 Mr. Davies became a resident of Wayland, pur- chasing twenty acres of the Warren addition, ad- joining the original village plat. After the marriage of their daughter the husband occupied the home- stead and has since engaged in farm work, although by trade a mechanic, and the son of one of the old- est residents of Wayland. One grandson, Lester, plays gladly in the arms of the fond grandparents, who on both sides are living. No better name than that of Davies can grace these pages, and in pre-
senting their history we offer the public a record of a people who have no superiors in social and moral virtues. Henry Davies, Jr., broke with sev- eral yoke of cattle all the sod of his, and a part of the David Davies' tract, and with pleasure he re- lates his love for the work, and the way in which he could manage his cattle in turning down the tall hazel brush and the long prairie grass.
R. McPHERSON, residing on section 8. Scott Township, Henry Co., Iowa. was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, near Cin- cinnati. Feb. 2. 1812. His parents were Robert and Margaret (McCormick ) MePherson. the former born in Virginia in 1769, the latter near Baltimore, Md., in 1784. In 1811 they went to Hamilton County. Ohio, and near Cincinnati, which was then but a small village, they made a home. Eight children were born to them, four sons and four daughters, five of whom are living: George; Mary J., wife of Dr. Jordan, now deceased ; Mar- garet married lohn Myers, of Lieking County, Ohio; John lives in Lieking County. Ohio, and A. R., the subject of this sketch. Those deceased are : Adah, Elizabeth and William. Mr. McPherson was a prominent Mason, and he and his wife were reared, lived and died in the Presbyterian faith.
The early life of our subject was spent under the parental roof, remaining on the farm until he was twenty years of age. In 1832 he left home, going to Illinois, but returning the following year, he sub- sequently made two trips to New Orleans. His father, anxious that he should receive a good edu- cation, gave him $50 with which to pay his tuition at a school in Athens. About this time the Texas rebellion broke out, and, in company with James McDonald, Mr. MePherson went to New Orleans, where he enlisted with the Texas Rangers under Gen. Morgan. 3 He went with that command to Texas, where the Rangers were employed as scouts. doing some hard fighting, and having some hair- breadth escapes. At one time a company of ninety- six men were ambushed by the Comanche Indians and Mexicans, and out of that number only thirty- two escaped, they having a hand-to-hand light.
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Mr. MePherson received several lancet wounds, but escaped otherwise uninjured. He served in the war until its close, receiving half a league of land for his services, which he afterward sold for $500. For several years he worked on the river, accumu- lating considerable money.
In Hamilton County, Ohio, in 18-41, he was joined in marriage with Miss Jane Daniels. Seven children came to make glad the parents' hearts: William, now a civil engineer, served in the late Rebellion with honor; Joseph, now deceased, en- listed in the 30th lowa Volunteer Infantry, and was afterward promoted to the rank of Lieutenant ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Josephus Brown; Or- man, also a soldier, in the 19th Iowa Volunteer lu- fantry, resides in Mercer County, Ill .; Emma wedded Hl. White, of St. Louis, who is connected with the Globe Democrat; R. Franklin, of Chariton, Mo., and one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. McPherson was taken from her happy home in 1850.
In 1846 Mr. McPherson enlisted in the Mexican War, serving in Company (, 6th United States Infantry. He was appointed to the command as Second Lieutenant, but served as First. He partici- patted in the Battle of Palo Alto, where the regi- ment lost heavily, and also in the capture of Vera Cruz. In 1853 Mr. MePherson was again married, to Miss Martha M. Morris, a daughter of William and Abigal (Elwell) Morris, one of the pioneer settlers of Louisa County, lowa. Again seven chil- dren brought joy and gladness to their home, and six of these children are yet living: Clara, wife of A. R. Dayton, of Sherman County, Kan. ; Grant, a resident of Henry County ; Sherman, Ettie, James and Charles, who still reside with their parents; Adah died in infancy. In 1862 Mr. McPherson with his family settled in Louisa County, Iowa, but in 1883 decided to make Henry County his home, and here he has since resided. Success and losses come alike to all, and Mr. McPherson's life has not been an exception to the general rule. He has traveled extensively over our country, and has seen much that was pleasant, and this beautiful land of ours. In all his wanderings never during his life has he used tobacco or whisky. A remarkable rec- ord, truly. In many of his transactions he has been very successful, but on the other hand he has met
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with several losses, which he paid dollar for dollar. At one time he lost, through a partner, $30,000, but were it not for these very trials we could not fully appreciate our blessings.
ESSE KETCHUM, of Mt. Pleasant, was born at Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y., on the 9th of April, 1809. His father, Timothy Ketchum, was born at Huntington South, Long Island, in 1731. He served through the Revolutionary War, and at Fairfield, Conn., was wounded in the head, necessitating the removal of some pieces of skull. After the war he returned to Danbury, Conn., where he had previously located. He was twice married; his second wife was Miss Rebecca LaDue, a native of New York. By this union there were nine children, three of whom are now living : Jesse, of Mt. Pleasant; James Madison, of Long Island; and Mary, of Queens County, Long Island, widow of George W. Anderson. Those de- ceased are Charity, Samuel, John, Ebenezer. Timo- thy, and an infant. Timothy Ketchum was a man who was highly respected for his honesty and integ- rity, and his word was as good as his bond. His motto was "to do good for evil." In politics Mr. Ketchum was an old-time Republican, and was a great admirer of President Madison. At the time when Dr. Barton White was elected to Congress he told Mr. Ketchum that when he went to Washing- ton he would get him a pension. Mr. Ketchum said he did not want one, but when the Doctor re- turned he had a pension of $1,800 for him, but he would not receive a cent, returning it to the Gov- ernment, saying: " I did not tight for money ; it was for liberty, the country, and my God." Mr. Ketchum died at the advanced age of ninety-eight. Mrs. Ketchinn was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an earnest Christian. She died at the age of forty-nine, in Dutchess County, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Dutchess County, N. Y., and was educated in the primitive school-houses of those times, his books consisting of a Testament and a Webster's spelling- book. He was married to Miss Eliza Churchill, of
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Dutchess County, July 30, 1830. She was the daughter of John Churchill, a soldier of the French and Indian wars. Eight sons and three daughters were born to them : JJulia A. is the wife of Richard Armstrong, of Tuttle's Point, Ill .; Oscar C., a resi- dent of Southern Kansas; William B., living at Mt. Pleasant; Leander, also of Mt. Pleasant; Edward D., who enlisted in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, died of disease contracted in the army; Eliza is the wife of John Peterson, of Mt. Valley, Kan .; Frank, of Henry County ; Winfield, of Mendota, Mo .; Albert, now deceased; Hattie, at home, and Jesse, Jr., at home.
In 1855 Mr. Ketchum came to Henry County and located, and the following year moved his family. He worked at the carpenter's and jomer's trade for a short while, but afterward became a butcher, and gave that up to live on a farm. In 1865 he removed to Mt. Pleasant, at which place he has since resided. In politics he is a stanch Re- publican. Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum stand high in the community where they have so long resided. They are both members of the Baptist Church, always living a true Christian life, and are only waiting the call of their Master to their final home.
AVID KINNEY, deceased, was a prominent pioneer settler of Henry County, Iowa, having come to this county first in 1845 from Ohio. Remaining some six months lie returned home, and again, in April, 1850, came to Henry County, at which time he purchased 160 acres of land on seetion 33, Trenton Township. Ile removed to this farm the same year, and by his own labor transformed it into one of the best in the county, residing upon it until his death. He was one of the successful farmers of Henry County, and in time became owner of 532 acres of land. Mr. Kinney was born Jan. 9, 1814, and died April 5, 1883, mourned by a large circle of friends as well as relatives. Having lived in this county for so many years he was universally known, and was respected alike by old and young, rich and poor.
On the 22d of December, 1835, he was united in marriage with Margaret Johnson, a native of
Ohio, and a daughter of Frederick Johnson. Five children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kinney : Mary Catherine, wife of Thomas J. Wilson, now residing in Harvey County, Kan. ; Frederick .J., re- siding in Tippecanoe Township, married Mary Bon- field, 25th of March, 1870, and died on the 29th of September, 1881 ; they had one child, Franklin I., who died in infancy ; Elizabeth S., died when eleven years of age; Rosamond, wife of Warren Chandler, a resident of Jefferson County, Iowa, died June 27, 1877 ; and Franklin T.
R. OBERT S. GILLIS, Cashier of the National State Bank, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, was born in Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa., May 1, 1840, and Dis the son of lIon. James L. and Cecilia A. (Berry) Gillis. He passed his childhood and youth in his native State, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1859, his father having been appointed Indian Agent by President Buchanan, the family, including our subject, removed to the Pawnee Indian Reservation in Eastern Nebraska, and later to Omaha, from which place Robert S. entered the United States Naval Service in 1862, as Paymaster's Clerk in the North Atlantic and Gulf Squadron, and served till the close of the war. He was on board the United States man-of-war " Mil- waukee," which was commanded by his brother, James H. Gillis, when she was blown up by a tor- pedo in Mobile Bay. In 1865 he went to Wash- ington with the Paymaster, and was connected with the Treasury Department till the fall of 1868. Hle then returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, and two years later came to Mt. Pleasant, lowa. On coming to this city he was employed as bookkeeper in the State Bank, and was next made Assistant Cashier, and later was made Cashier to succeed Mr. J. 11. Whiting, and has since held that position.
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