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 18
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ENRY COOK, a farmer of Henry County, residing in Baltimore Township, was born near Bealfeldt, Prussia, in 1836. His par- ents, Casper and Elizabeth Cook, were both born, reared and married in that country, and there they reared a family of five children, and the widows of two of the sons yet reside there. Casper Cook was a shoemaker, and worked at the trade during his lifetime. His children were Fred, Henry, Annie, William and Casper.
Our subject left Prussia when a lad of sixteen years, in company with his Uncle Bremger, who settled in Burlington, Iowa, and lived and died there. Only a few dollars were in the pockets of our subject when he landed in Burlington, but he at once secured work on a farm at $4 per month. For seven years he worked in that county, and when his marriage was celebrated in 1860 he was worth all told $125. His wife was Mary A. Hand,
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a lady possessing an equal amount of energy as Mr. Cook, so they concluded to rent a farm near the city, and from the day they were married prosperity has been with them and has come to stay. Who can say that it was not due to the good counsels and associations with a good wife, for from the time they began their united efforts they have reared a fine family of industrious children, and have become owners of a splendid farm; all this, too, in a few years. After a residence in Des Moines County of fourteen years Mr. Cook became a resident of Henry County, and purchased eighty acres of land, on which he now resides, that had once been cleared, but had gone back to brush. He built a small frame house and commenced work. and from four in the morning until ten at night he could be found digging and clearing. A few years later, having brought his first purchase to paying good returns on the investment, he bought other lands, cleared them in the same way, and now has 230 broad acres all in fine order, over 100 in eulti- vation. All his money has been invested in im- provements and land, and his fine house and barn are the best between New London and Lowell. The nice orchard was planted and the well planned arrangements of house and barn were perfected by him. Surely, Mr. Cook and his good wife are en- titled to much credit for such enterprise, and as their children have grown to man and womanhood, they have been taught the same convictions of right and honesty of purpose possessed by their parents.
The names of the children are: Olive L., wife of Charles Ranes; Edward HI., Horace C., Lyman, Martha E. and Florence, The unmarried five chil- dren live in a magnificent home with their beloved parents, who are regarded by their neighbors as a model couple. Both are members of the Christian Church, and as a family we learn of none who are more worthy and entitled to greater honor for having, during a quarter of a century, achieved a competence. Their home is supplied with all that makes life enjoyable. Flowers till the room with fragrance, and the neatest of housewives makes welcome her guests in that cordial manner for which the family are noted. Mr. Cook is largely engaged in raising of stock, and year by year his
income becomes greater. With his indomitable energy, ten years more of active labor will rank him among the wealthiest men of his township, and his reward is and will be a fitting recompense for that labor.
W ILLIAM KEAN, seetion 7, Center Town- ship, is a native of Berkeley County, Va., born Nov. 25, 1815. His father, William Kean, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., in 1774. He married Miss Barbara Spangler, a na- tive of Lancaster County, Pa., born in Septem- ber, 1783 or 1784. There were four children born to them in that State. In 1812 they re- moved to Berkeley County, Va., where six more children were born : Margaret is the wife of John Lee, of Trenton Township; John came to Henry County in 1836, and died some years ago; Eliza- beth is the wife of Chauncey Cole, residing near Salem, Ore .; Percival died in Henry County in 1840; Mary married Thomas Downing; both died in Trenton Township: William and Thomas reside in this county. Sarah A. died while en route to Cali- fornia; Isabel, wife of Charles Dark, resides in Oregon; James died in this county. In 1833 the family left Virginia, and went by team direct to Clarke County, Ohio, and from there to Henry County, lowa, where the father bought a claim to a section and a half of land in Center Township. With the help of his son, he broke and fenced a large share. William Kean, Sr., was an old-line Whig, and a great admirer of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a great reader and one of very retentive memory. While never aspiring for office he was often sought to run for various local offices, and at any time could have received the nomination for the Legislature in his native State. In early life he was a member of the Lutheran Church, of which body his wife was also a member, but after going to Ohio, in 1833, they united with the Reformed Methodists, and after coming to Henry County, Iowa, united with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, with which they affiliated
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until their death. Mr. Kean died in 1849, and Mrs. Kean in 1852. They were people who stood high in the community in which they lived, and were known and respected as honest, upright citizens. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Mr. Percival, was a native of Ireland, where he married, and from whence he emigrated to America, settling in Pennsylvania. In their family were three sons and one daughter-John, Thomas, William T. and Barbara.
The subject of this sketch came to Henry County in 1838, making the trip from Ohio on horseback. Soon after arriving here he entered a tract of land and began the improving of his farm. In March, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda McMillen, a daughter of Thomas McMillen, who was also one of the pioneers of Henry County. By this union there have been four children: Mary is now the wife of Robert Lynn, of this county ; Charles resides at home ; Laura is the wife of Cary Cox, of Marion Township; Willis died March 3, 1851.
For a period of fifty years Mr. Kean has been a citizen of Henry County, and in common with the early settlers experienced the toil and privation in- cident to pioneer life. He has sold wheat for twen- ty-five cents per bushel, and hogs for $1.25 per hundred, and for years lived alone upon what the country could produce. In looking back over the past, and reflecting upon what he has passed through, he has little sympathy with those to-day who plead hard times, when surrounded by all the comforts which wealth can procure.
Few men are better known in this section of the county than William Kean, and none are more uni- versally respected. In early life he was a Whig, and on its formation affiliated with the Republican party, voting with that party until 1872, since which time he has been liberal in his views, voting for the best man nominated. Like his father before him, he never sought office, but has filled several posi- tions of trust in his township, among which is that of Township Trustee, an office which he filled for several years. He has always been a friend to edu- cation, and has given much of his time to that cause. Religiously he is connected with the Chris- tian Church, and for many years he has been a mem-
ber and an Elder of the congregation in Mt. Pleas- ant. Well posted in the Scriptures, he can express himself fluently and intelligently upon all subjects connected therewith.
E VAN DAVIES, farmer, residing on section 4, Jefferson Township, Henry Co., Iowa, is a prominent member of the family whose earlier history is noticed under the name of an elder brother, David Davies, elsewhere in this volume. Evan Davies was born in South Wales, Aug. 3, 1842, and came here when his father emigrated in 1853. His education was received here, and his father's house, near where he now lives, was his home until after his marriage. After getting such education as was afforded by the district schools he attended Howe's Academy in Mt. Pleasant for two years, and afterward graduated from the Great Western Business College, at Mt. Pleasant, re- ceiving a diploma as "Bachelor of Accounts." His subsequent life has been passed in agricultural pur- suits, and the farm on which is his home was in- herited from his father a few years after his marriage. He is noted as one of the intelligent and successful men of Jefferson Township, and has hekdl nearly all the township offices. He is now Township Clerk and Treasurer of Independent School District No. 5, and has been Justice of the Peace and Trustee. He is a member of Wayland Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is Parsonage Trustee. His wife is likewise a member of the same church, and the family are held in high esteem. He was mar- ried, Nov. 29, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth Williams, the history of whose parents will follow. Upon their present homestead a happy and prosperous married life was begun, and to this day no nicer home or happier family graces Jefferson Township. Their new mansion was completed in 1874, and in 1884 the great barn was erected. Thousands of dollars have been spent by Evan Davies in improvements, and his farm, consisting of 172 acres, adjoins the northwest corner of the village plat of Wayland. Six children were born to this couple, three now
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deceased-Eva, Ira and Isa, twins. Those living are Addie B., Annie R. and Gracie E.
As will be seen in referring to other pages in this volume. Wales furnishes some of the most distin- guished families of this part of the county, and among her sons and daughters are those whose life's history no stain or blot has ever marred. Hopkin Williams was born in Wales, and in that country he was married to Wennie Jones, and had a family of four children before they emigrated to America. Hopkin Williams was a farmer in his native country. There is no obtainable history of either the Williams or Jones families back of Hopkin and his wife, but we propose to give their children data that to them will be valuable. In 1832 the family sailed for America, and located first in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, remaining there about two and a half years. where they purchased a farm. The Germans rapidly settled about him and later purchased his farm. Having a desire to live further West, Hopkin packed his goods upon a steamer and with his fam- ily started down the Ohio. Before reaching the Mississippi he decided to land his goods and buy a team, which he did, and overland in a covered wagon the family made their way to Iowa, crossing the Mississippi at Burlington in the summer of 1835. After prospecting a few days, Mr. Williams pushed farther westward and found a traet with water, timber and prairie, which suited his ideas of what a farm should be. He selected a large claim, but after it was surveyed by the Government found that others had taken part of it, consequently he entered different tracts in this and Washington County.
John H. Wallbank owns the farm upon which Hopkin Williams built his first cabin, which was later destroyed by tire, and at the same time the family records and other valuable property was burned. While in Ohio, a daughter, Rachel, were born; she is now the widow of Amos Montgomery. Ann, the wife of Evan Evans, was born in Wales. also her brother William and two other children who died unmarried. In this county were born Sarah, who wedded David Davies, of whom mention is made elsewhere; Jane, who wedded Solomon Cavenec, a resident of Henry County ; Benjamin, who wedded Jennie Benham, and is a farmer of Page County, lowa, and Elizabeth, the honored , MI. Alter, of Taylor County, lowa; Frank is in Mit.
wife of Evan Davies. A long lifetime was spent in happiness by Hopkin Williams and his good wife. He was an industrious man, and his wife was one of the most amiable of ladies. She was a member of the first Methodist Episcopal class organized in this township, and was during her lifetime a firm believer in the faith. Some of her children fol- lowed her example, and all were numbered among the best residents of the community.
" Williams Creek " was named in honor of Hop- kin Williams; it passed through his elaim, and his being the only white family in this part of the county nearer than Trenton, the name naturally followed. The Indians made sugar during the early spring months of each year in the maple groves skirting Mr. Williams' farm, and their dusky faces were more common by far than white ones. Ilop- kin Williams died at the age of seventy-three, and his wife survived him several years, making her home with her children.
M ONROE SWIFT. miller, of New London, has operated the New London Mills almost continuously since April. 1862. He was born in Milan. Ripley Co., Ind., Feb. 12. 1832, and is the son of Mason and Mary (Han- nan) Swift. His father was born in Connecticut, and his mother on the eastern shore of Maryland : both families were long time residents of this county. The subject of this sketch spent his boy- hood on his father's farm, and when sixteen years of age began life for himself as a miller's apprentice. Hle worked at all sorts of milling business, both in sawmills and gristmills, and was married. April 7, 1852, in his native State to Miss Sarah Jane Court- ney, daughter of John and Miranda Courtney. Mrs. Swift was born in Jerseyville, Ill. Five children were born of their union. three sons and two daugh- ters, two of whom died in infancy : Sadoras, aged thirty-seven. is a machinist, and a resident of Argen- tine, Mo .: Estus resides at Mt. Pleasant, and is employed in a mill; Mary Ellen is the wife of E.
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Pleasant; Anna Belle, the youngest, keeps house for her father.
Mr. Swift emigrated from Indiana to Henry County, Iowa, in October, 1854, and for the next eight years was employed in the sawmill business. Ile engaged as a miller in the New London Mills in April, 1862, and has had charge of them ever since. Mrs. Swift, an estimable Christian lady, Zdied Sept. 26, 1885. Mr. Swift is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of New London Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M .; of Henry Chapter No. 8, R. A. M., and of Jerusalem Commandery No. 7, K. T., the two last named of Mt. Pleasant. He is an out-and-out Re- publiean, and a member of the Baptist Church, and has held several offices in the township since he has resided here. He is well known and highly re- spected in the community.
OHN BLACK, a son of William Black, was born in Knox County, Ill., March 14, 1838. When but two years old he was taken by his parents to Ilenry County, where they resided in a log cabin. IIere he received his primary edu- cation in a pioneer school. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the 4th lowa Cavalry, and was mustered in at Camp Harlan, and was afterward sent to Keo- kuk hospital. He was in the battle of Guntown, but being in very poor health, was taken to the hos- pital where he remained a year. He was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn., at the expiration of his term of service. From the war he returned to his home, where he was married, in March, 1865, to Harriet Jameson, a daughter of James and Cordelia (Scoville) Jameson, who were the parents of two children, Harlan and Ilariet. Mr. Jameson died in Ohio. Mrs. Jameson came to Henry County, Iowa, in 1858, and in 1866 removed to Crawford County, Kan. She was afterward married to Thomas Havens. By this union there was one child, Carlton I.
Mr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of four chil- dren-Charles, Delia, Birdie and Maggie. In politics, he is a Republican and an active worker in
the party. Mr. Black has been identified with the county all his life, and has witnessed its growth from infancy. As he is one of the oldest, he is also one of the most respected citizens of the county.
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h OUSTEN CULBERTSON, proprietor of the Hawkeye Honse, Winfield, Iowa, was born in Richland County, Ohio, near Mansfield, April 5, 1835. His father, John Housten Culbertson, was a native of Fenton, County Tyrone, Ireland, in about the year 1798. We can not give the early history of this family, as the records were lost during the voyage to America. Mr. Culbert- son, bidding good-bye to his friends and the Green Isle of Erin, crossed the ocean and landed in America at Boston, Mass., on the country's birth- day, July 4, 1811. He soon after went to Phila- delphia via New York, and later, he and his brother started a manufactory in Delaware. The war with Great Britain causing them to lose their property, they went to Baltimore, where they accumulated means to take them to the then far West. Going to Wheeling, W. Va., they continued their mechan- ical pursuits, and subsequently removed to Ohio, following the same occupation. Mr. Culbertson was a millwright by trade, and built many of the largest woolen and cotton mills in the East. In 1822 he wedded Miss Mary Culbertson, who, al- though of the same name, was no relation. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson both united with the Presbyterian Church at Crab Apple, Ohio, where he became a Ruling Elder. About 1830 he purchased a farm some six miles from St. Clairsville, abandoning to a great extent his mechanical pursuits.
In 1833 Mr. Culbertson removed with his family to the homestead near Mansfield, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was the father of twelve children, five yet living: James C., a resi- dent of Central Tennessee; Jane, the wife of J. W. Pollack; Agnes, wife of Dr. J. R. MeCullough, a prominent physician and surgeon of Chicago; Hlousten, of Winfield, Iowa, and Martha, wife of David Dean, of Huron County, Ohio. Three died in
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infancy ; Mary Ann, wife of Dr. J. J. Loughridge, deceased; William W. died in California, Feb. 18. 1851; John married Maria Campbell, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh: Chalmers P. married Miss Curtis, and was killed by an engine at Crest- line, Ohio. Mr. Culbertson was a man of great en- ergy and decision of character, and in no relation of life was his influence more felt than in matters pertaining to the church. Ile accumulated con- siderable property, but gave it to the church with a generous hand. He planned and helped to build many church edifices. Before the days of excite- ment in regard to temperance, he practiced ab- stinence from intoxicating liquors in the face of fashion, and though it cost him extra wages he would not give his harvest hands spirituons liquors as a beverage. The lesson learned when but eight years old, from seeing a dreadful drunken tight, he never forgot. Perhaps no Ruling Elder in the West was more fully informed as to church matters and more zealous for true doctrine than Mr. Culbertson. During the last three or four years of his life he was unable to join in the publie worship of God, but the interval was spent in the most careful study of the Bible. Apparently conscious to the last, he straightened himself in bed, closed his eyes, and calmly fell asleep on the 12th of September, 1871. Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved employ : The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy.
Mrs. Culbertson died Dec. 21, 1868. She was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington County, March 5, 1802. She was a child of the Covenant. and possessing a strong judgment, she bowed in devotion to high Christian principles. In all rela- tions of mother, wife and friend, her memory will be most affectionately cherished, for "the memory of the just is blessed."
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm in Richland County, Ohio, where he received a liberal education. He was married, May 3, 1859, to Miss Sarah MeKee, who was born in Richland Connty, where she had the advantages of careful Christian culture, and in her twentieth year pub- liely confessed Christ, connecting herself with the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Culbertson and
his young wife removed to Crawfordsville, Towa, at which place they both united with the Presbyterian Church. They returned to Mansfield in 1862, but in 1869 again removed to Towa, settling in Wash- ington in the month of April. Mrs. Culbertson was siek for several years, but bore her suffering, with great patience. She was a consistent Christian ; her conduct during her sickness was an example of her whole Christian life. She died Sept. 2, 1871, in Washington, at the age of thirty-seven, leaving three children, two now living : James W., a teacher : and William W .: Ida J. is deceased. In May, 1875, Mr. Culbertson came to Winfield, where he clerked in a dry-goods store for a short time. He was again married, Nov. 13, 1875, to Miss Fannie A. Hough, a native of Pennsylvania. Hle soon after erected the Hawkeye House, where ever since he has been mine host. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson have two chil- dren-Leila Estella and Le Roy G. He is one of the stanch Democrats of the county, having atlili- ated with the party all his life. Mr. Culbertson is a social, genial companion, always looking on the bright side of everything. He has the respect and confidence of all who know him.
h OWARD CARTER, residing on section 12, Marion Township, is one of the early set- tlers of Henry County, Iowa. He was born in 'Muskingum County, Ohio, April 7. 1825, and is a son of Isaac G. and Harriet (Josselyn) Carter, both natives of Waldo County, Me. They both removed to Muskingum County. Ohio, when quite young, and Dec. 16, 1819, were married in Perry County, Ohio. Hle was the son of Isaac P. and Joanna (Gay) Carter, and was born Sept. 6, 1797. His wife was born June 9, 1802, and was the daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Chapman) Jos- selyn. Mr. and Mrs. Carter had a family of ten sons. the first dying in infancy : Ira J., yet living on the old homestead in Grant County. Ind. ; Howard, our subject, being third in order of birth; Joseph, a farmer of Cass County, lowa; Elijah, a black- smith of Jonesboro, Grant Co., Ind .; John II ..
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a merchant of New Cumberland, Grant Co., Ind. ; Albert died at the age of two, in Grant County, Ind. ; Lewis, a farmer in Grant County, Ind. ; Oliver died at the age of twenty-four, in Grant County, Ind .: Alfred died in infancy. The seven oldest of these children were born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and the three youngest in Grant County, Ind. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Carter moved to Muskingum County, Ohio, where for a few years he engaged in brick-making. In the year 1835, with his wife and children he moved to Grant County, Ind., where he bought 160 acres of wild land, transforming it into a fine farm. He was called to his final home Jan. 29, 1869, at the age of seventy-two, his wife having preceded him six year», dying April 1, 1863, at the age of sixty-one. Mr. and Mrs. Carter were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was Steward for a number of years.
Our subject received his education in the district schools of his native State. He remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age. He led to the marriage altar Miss Eleanor Lyon, on the 18th of February, 1851. She was a native of Ohio, having been born in Guernsey County, Jan. 22, 1831. ller parents were James and Nancy (Slater) Lyon, the father being a native of Virginia, and the mother of Ohio. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Carter with his young bride moved upon a farm that he had purchased of eighty acres. He added to this until he had 160 acres well cultivated. In 1864 he sold his farm and came to Henry County, and in June, 1865, moved upon the wild land of section 12, where he immediately began to break the sod and fence the wild prairies. Now his land is in excellent condition, and his buildings are models of convenience. He came to this county with his wife and eight children in the full hope and happiness of a bright future, but Nov. 24, 1870, his wife was taken from his happy home. She was an active worker in the Methodist Episco- pal Church. In her death the husband lost a lov- ing wife, the children a kind and indulgent mother. Mr. and Mrs. Carter were the parents of nine chil- dren : Nancy M., who was born in Grant County, Ind., Jan. 24, 1852, is the wife of William II. Snell, a farmer in Wayne Township, Henry Co., lowa;
Sarah J., born July 1, 1853, is the wife of John Seberg, a farmer in Kearney County, Neb. ; Harriet J., born March 3, 1855, died Nov. 27, 1870; Leroy P., born Feb. 4, 1857, is a telegraph operator and Station Agent on the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad, at Sandstone Junction, Minn. ; Rhoda C., born Nov. 6, 1858, is the wife of Frank Tallman, a farmer in Osborne County, Kan .; M. Alice, born Oct. 12, 1860, at home; William E., born Oct. 12, 1862, died May 1, 1887 ; George H., born April 8, 1865 ; Eva I., born July 25, 1867, in llenry County, Iowa, was married to Alfred II. Anderson, Jan. 4, 1888.
Mr. Carter is now one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Henry County, but all that he has was made by his own frugality and industry. lle has one of the most excellent farms in the county, and upon it may be found a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. Mr. Carter has held various township offices of trust with credit to himself and his constituents. Politieally he is a Republican. HIe contributes liberally to all charitable and public enterprises, and as a neighbor and citizen none stands higher than does Mr. Carter.
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