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 32
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Mr. Morehous was married, Dec. 24, 1853, to Elizabeth A., daughter of William and Sarah E. Meredith. She was born in Indiana, Feb. 18, 1832. Her father was a machinist by trade. and removed from Greensburg to Mt. Pleasant in the fall of 1850. In 1852 he started for California, but died of cholera when near Ft. Laramie. His widow continued to live in Mt. Pleasant, where she died in May, 1875. at the age of sixty-seven.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Morehous was blessed with three children. The oldest son. James Frank- lin, is married to Nellie Clark, whose parents eame to Henry County from Boston, and lived here a few years, when they returned to Massachusetts, where both now reside. James F. has one child. named Ethel. A daughter, Laura Belle. is the wife of At- wood T. Porter, and a resident of Canton, Ill. The youngest of the family is Frederick D., who is mar- ried, assists his father on the newspaper, and lives with his parents. Mr. Morehous and wife are estima- ble people, who have the respect of all who know them.
C. MARTIN, a farmer residing on section 10. Jefferson Township, Henry Co .. Jowa. was born in Greene County, Pa., April 8. 1834, and is a son of Bonham and Phoebe (Conkling) Martin, both natives of Greene County. Pa., where they were reared and married. The origin of the family is presumably German, as the grandparents spoke the German language. Louis Martin was the grandfather of our subject. and both himself and wife lived and died in Greene County, they each being over ninety years of age. They reared a family consisting of James. Daniel, William, John, Bonham, Hannah. Mary and Bettie. All of these were married except Mary, but Bon- ham, the father of our subjeet. is the only one who came to Iowa. Perhaps none of these children are living, at least no obtainable faets can be secured. All the children of Bonham Martin and wife were born in Greene County, Pa .. and with the excep- tion of the two eldest, came with their parents to this State in the spring of 1845. All finally be- came residents, however, of Henry County. of whom
A. C. Martin is the only representative in this State. Bonham Martin entered the southeast quar- ter of section 1, in Jefferson Township, this county, but really began making a farm and home on the east half of section 11, but this was entered after his settlement by another man, and Bonham had to purchase it of the man. although by right its real possessor. The tract on section 1. and an 80-aere traet in Washington County, were entered with a soldier's warrant, which two of his sons improved. the father making his home during the remainder of his lifetime on section 11. For almost thirty years Bonham Martin resided on that tract. His wife died in 1865. aged sixty-eight years. Ten children graced the union. Susannah. now deceased, the eldest daughter, married Henry Roop in Penn- sylvania; they removed to this county and later to Schuyler County, Mo., where her death occurred. Louis died in Pennsylvania unmarried: Ananias also married in Pennsylvania, Margaret McCormick becoming his wife: her death occurred in Ore- gon, where he yet resides, and is the husband of Mrs. E. T. Mitchell. Daniel wedded Rachel Pech- over. and resides in Schuyler County. Mo. : James M. became the husband of Caroline Mathew, also of Schuyler County. Mo., then comes our subject, followed by Simon, who wedded Adeline Mathew; Elizabeth wedded Amos Adams. of Jefferson Town- ship ; two children, Samnel and David, died in Penn- sylvania, which completes the family. After the death of his wife, Bonham Martin married Miss Ester Meyer, of Washington, in Washington County, who became the mother of two children : Ella, wife of Silas B. White, of Keokuk County : and Frank, now a lad of twelve years. The death of Bonham Martin occurred in 1876, being then in his seventy- seventh year. His widow yet resides in Washing- ton, Iowa.
A. C. Martin, our subject. was married, Dce. 25. 1856. to Miss Sadie M. Matthews, whose parents, Madison and Lanah (Coleman) Matthews. came from Gallia, Ohio, to this county in 1849. Joeating on section 2, Jefferson Township, bringing two chil- dren, Sadie M. and Ester C. After their coming four other children were born-Charlotte, Brazilla. Catherine E. and Emma R. The parents are yet living on the same section. where for thirty-seven
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years everything which brings joy and happiness to a home has been theirs. All their children are married : Ester is the wife of W. W. Woods, of Jef- ferson Township; Charlotte' became the wife of Harvey Leeper; Catherine is the wife of Andrew Johnson : and Emma is the wife of Harvey John- son, no relation to Andrew.
Our subject and his young wife began their domes- tic life on section 12 in Jefferson Township, remain- ing there until 1873, when his present home farm was purchased. The history of the family is that of a successful one. The eldest child of A. C. and Mrs. Martin is Mary L., wife of William Nichols. of Yam Ilill County, Ore .: Elmer wedded Mary Johnson, a sister of Andrew, and lives with our subject near Wayland; Cora completes those of the children living. Madison B., named in honor of his two grandsires, died in infancy. We need only add that this family have always been foremost in enterprise, in moral and social life, and that their home near Wayland is one of the most commodi- ous and pleasant ones in the neighborhood. In 1884 Mr. Martin served his township as Trustee, and his official acts were such as made him the choice of his party in 1887 for the same position. In Jefferson Township there is a large Republican majority, but he was only defeated by eight votes. He was for several years a member of the School Board, and his only son completed his education at lowe's Academy in 1880. This son is the father of two children-Edwin Richard and Maxie G. The daughter, Mary L., is the mother of Martin M., Wellman D. and Blanche M.
ETER M. ANDERSON is a farmer, resid- ing on section 29. Wayne Township, Henry Co., Jowa. One of the prominent families and one of the most substantial men of Wayne Township is our subject, who was born in Kristeanstad, Sweden, in 1830, and is a son of N. B. and Nellie (Christianson) Anderson. The father of our subject died when Peter was four years of age. The widowed mother was left with three sinall children-Peter, Christiana, and a son who died in childhood. The mother is yet a resident of
Sweden and finds a home with her daughter, who married a soldier, Mr. Lindo, who is yet a member of the regular army. Peter Anderson was adopted by his uncle, Hans Malm, who lived in the village mentioned. He learned the trade of brick-making. and in 1854 decided to try his fortune in America, He made the voyage in a sailing-vessel, the trip between Liverpool and Quebec lasting eight weeks.
Peter had just enough money to pay his passage to Galesburg, Ill., where he secured work with a farmer, and two years later went to Biggsville, Ill., where after two years he was married, Miss Mary Mahnburg becoming his wife. The young couple began life upon a rented farm, Peter's earthly pos- sessions at that time consisting of a team and wagon, and for seven years they prospered, and when they left Illinois in 1867 he brought money enough, the result of their thrift, to buy the farm upon which they now live. This for a score of years has been their bome, and here their children have grown to man and womanhood, and here all except the three eldest were born. Here they have become impor- tant factors in the church and in society. and as Peter and his good wife near the meridian of life, they feel that a useful and happy wedded life has been theirs. Their children are -- Edwin O .. Charles E., John M., Minnie D., JJoseph A., Nellie, Bertha, Tillie and Lilian J. The two eldest sons have taken a classical course at llowe's Academy. Charles is a clerk in a dry-goods store at Mt. Pleasant; Edwin is with Keys & Bros., hardware dealers of Red Oak, Iowa. All the others are residents beneath the pater- nal roof.
Mrs. Anderson was also born in Sweden, and is a daughter of John and Christiana (Nelson) Mahn- burg, who were married in Sweden, and were the parents of seven children before they left their native land for America. They sailed in 1863 and settled in Biggsville, where their daughter lived. There the father died seven years later, and the mother survived until 1887, and died in Red Oak, lowa, at the age of eighty-five. Three of their children are hving: Andrew, who resides in Glad- stone, Ill .. the husband of Helena Knutstrom ; John, residing at Red Oak, lowa, is a grocery merchant. and the husband of Sophia Haugland; and Mrs. Anderson completes the family. Of her and her
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RESIDENCE OF LEONARD FARR, MT. PLEASANT, JOWA.
52529
CHE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDAT
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family we are pleased to make mention. Their home is a pleasant one, and books. music. and all the evidences of wealth and culture grace that home. All this too has been brought about in a few years, for when they were married only a few dollars composed their united fortune.
ILLIAM F. NIXON. J. P., a wealthy and influential farmer, residing on section 17, Marion Township, was born in Washing- ton County. Ind .. April 26. 1824, and is the son of Foster and Susanna (Jordan) Nixon. They were natives of North Carolina. and to them were born six children: Thomas died in Helena, Ark .: Zach- ariah died in Washington County, Ind .. in 1886; William F .. of Mt. Pleasant : Benjamin T., a silver- smith of Louisville, Ky .; Cyrus. editor of the Chanute (Kan.) Times; Margaret, deceased. The father with his two eldest children removed to Washington County. Ind., in 1825, where he was engaged in mercantile business. and in partnership with his brother was running the Nixon Mills at the time of his death, which occurred in 1832. lle was a man full of energy and life, and no enter- prise was undertaken by him but what it was ac- complished. At one time while shipping a boat load of goods to New Orleans he was robbed of $1,000; the money was recovered, but being a very tender-hearted man, he did not prosecute the of- fender. Foster Nixon was a fine business man, and was highly respected in the community. By his death the family lost a kind and indulgent parent, and the county of Washington a good citizen. Mrs. Nixon was again married, to Jehosaphat Mor- ris, and by him she had one child. Mr. Morris died in 1872. She was united in marriage, the third time, with Levi Knight. Mrs. Knight yet resides in Washington County. Ind .. at the advanced age of ninety, and is a wonderfully preserved lady for her age, being able to take care of her own house. She was clerk of the Society of Friends for many years, of which she and her three husbands were all mem- bers.
Our subject lived with his mother until the age of seven. when he was adopted by his grandfather
Nixon, living there until the age of twenty. After whipping the wheat out of the straw to feed the cattle he trudged off to the little log school-house, where he received his education. Ater the death of his grandfather. in 1844, he bought the old mills, taking charge of them for about a year. but was forced to quit this business on account of illl- health, and selling out, he went to work by the month. receiving but $9 per month. On the 17th day of March. 1847. he led to the marriage altar Miss Nancy J. Davis, who was born in Washing- ton County, Ind., Jan. 20. 1833. and was the daughter of Farlow and Sophia (Spoon) Davis. natives of North Carolina. Three weeks after their marriage Mr. Nixon and his young wife started for Henry County. Iowa. traveling from Keokuk to Ilenry County in wagons. Settling in Marion Township he rented a farm for four years. and in 1851 he bought forty acres of land on section 17. He erected a little log cabin in which they began housekeeping, living here until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enrolled his name among the many brave boys of the 4th Iowa Cavalry. For many weary months he lay sick in the hospital. and was discharged after having been in the service for three years and six months. Returning home he again turned his attention to farming, adding to his first purchase until he now has 120 acres of fine land. all under cultivation. The little log cabin has long since given place to a beautiful two-story resi- dence, and the little saplings have developed into large, stately trees.
Mr. Nixon began life a poor man, but with the aid of his estimable wife, who has truly been a helpmeet to him, he has become indepen leut. They are the parents of five children: Margaret. born Feb. 23. 1849. died in September. 1854. She had gone with her father on a visit to the old home, when she was taken sick and died on the re- turning journey. Sophia, who was born March 21. 1851. is the wife of John Cubbison. and to them two children have been born-Vinnie and Frank; Benjamin F., born March 27, 1855. is in partnership with his brother-in-law. John Cubbison. in the mercantile business at Fairmont, Neb. : Sarah Belle, born May 2, 1858. is the wife of Levi Miller, a fariner of Cheyenne County, Neb .. and to them
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have been born three sons-Charles, Jesse and Ira D .: Enoch D., born Jan. 28, 1866, is now clerking in a store at Fairmont, Neb.
Politically Mr. Nixon is a Republican; he has held many township offices of trust with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his eontituents, and is now serving his fourth term as Justiee of the Peace. having held the office for six years. Mr. Nixon has given his children good educations, and all of them have been teachers in the county. Mrs. Nixon is a great worker in the temperance cause. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have the respect of all who know them, and they are always ready with their time and money to aid in all charitable, temperance and church work. In him the poor find a helper, and his acquaintances a noble friend.
G EORGE W. MARTIN, residing on section 23, Marion Township, was born Nov. 25, 1809, in Fredericksburg, Lebanon Co., Pa. Ilis parents, Frederick and Sarah (Wolf) Martin, were natives of Pennsylvania, but of English ancestry, and to them were born four children : Will- iam, deceased, whose widow now resides in Potts- ville, Pa .; Jesse died at the age of eighty-one in Fredericksburg, Pa .; Sarah, wife of Jacob Hoffey, a resident of Fredericksburg. Pa .; our subject is the fourth child in order of birth. His father died at the age of fifty-one and his mother at the age of forty-five, in Fredericksburg, Pa. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and took great interest in all the church work. Mr. Martin held the offices of Surveyor and Recorder of Public Deeds, and was celebrated far and near for his ex- eellent penmanship. He was a fine scholar, though entirely a self-educated man, and none in the com- munity were more respected and liked than Fred- erick Martin.
Onr subject remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, and during this time he attended the public schools, walking three and a half miles both morning and evening. His parents died when he was thirty years of age. In 1830 he wedded Miss Mary Pefley, a native of
Lebanon County, Pa., born in 1809. Four children have graced their union: Josiah, a resident of Delaware, Pa .; Sarah A., wife of Jerry Martin, a brieklayer in Shamokin, Pa .; William, who has been married twiee, his first wife being Mary Bealer, and to them were born a son and daughter. Thornton and Ida; Mrs. William Martin died in 1880, and he was again united in marriage, with Mrs. Elizabeth Baxter, and now resides in Marion Township. Rebecea, wife of Joseph Howard, a resi- dent of Mt. Pleasant. Mary, the mother of these children, died in 1842 in Pottsville, Pa. Mr. Martin was a second time united in marriage, on the 21st of December, 1843. to Miss Eliza Bird, a native of Catawissa, Pa., and by this union there were seven children : Emma, wife of Alva Lindley, a resident of Mt. Pleasant; Grace, at home; George, a farmer near Hastings, Neb., wedded Mary Reed; Elliot P. married Emily Orr, now residing at Plattsmouth. Neb. ; Maggie, wife of Collins Lindley, a farmer in Taylor County, Iowa ; Charles, a resident of Platts- mouth, Neb., was united in marriage with Susan Greusel; Mary, wife of Robert Garard, residing near Plattsmouth, Neh. Mrs. Martin departed this life March 5, 1876. She was a kind mother, a de- voted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was greatly esteemed by all. Mr. Martin's third union was with Mrs. William Ogg, and her maiden name was Sabina J. Frame. She was born in Laporte County, Ind., Feb. 24, 1838, and by her first husband she had two children: Nellie and Jennie. who are both at home. By this third union there is but one ehild, Clifford.
In 1856 Mr. Martin came to Henry County, purchasing eighty aeres of land, on which he still resides. He now owns 160 aeres of as finely in- proved land as there is in the county. He has been a hard worker and all that he now possesses has been made by his own industry. He and his es- timable wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Mr. Martin has always borne his part in every public enterprise, and in politics casts his vote with the Republican party. Being honest and upright in all he undertakes, Mr. Martin has the respect of all.
Mr. William Ogg was born Sept. 23, 1831, and was Mrs. Martin's first husband, and father of Nel-
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lie and Jennie. Mr. Ogg enlisted in Company K, 4th lowa Cavalry, Oct. 5, 1861, at Mt. Pleasant, and was discharged from the United States service Dec. 18, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss., by reason of re- enlistment on the 19th of December, 1863, at Vicksburg. He served until Ang. 8, 1865, and was discharged at Atlanta, Ga., after serving nearly four years. His death occurred at Mt. Pleasant, March 23, 1871, of consumption, contracted while in the army.
AMES M. MITTS, prominent among the well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers, resides on section 19, Marion Township, Henry Co., Iowa, and was born in Center Town- ship, this county, April 6, 1837. He is the' son of James and Martha (Moffett) Mitts. Ilis father was born July 11, 1807, and his mother March 5, 1809. Iler maiden name was Moffett, and she was first married to Calvin Stevenson, by whom she had one child, whose name was also Calvin, who is now a farmer of Marion Town- ship. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Stevenson married Mr. James Mitts, by whom she had thirteen children, eight of whom are now liv- ing. The record is: William, born in Sangamon County, III., Aug. 5, 1832, now resides on a farm in Macon County Mo .; John, born Feb. 5, 1834, in Sangamon County, Ill., died about the year 1872: Thomas Calvin Stevenson, born April 30, 1833; James M. and Margaret J., born April 6, 1837, in Henry County, Iowa; Margaret married Stephen M. Cook, M. D., and now resides at Belle Plaine; Sarah M., wife of John W. Lee, was born Nov. 9, 1839, and resides on a farm in Trenton Township; George H. was born July 18, 1841, and was married to Lyda Ogg, who died in March, 1865; he was again married, to HIettie McCormick, and now resides in Wichita, Kan. Mary E., born March 25, 1843, was the wife of Wesley Allender, a farmer of Marion Township; she is now de- ceased. Abraham W., born Nov. 8, 1846, died at the age of two years; Franklin, born June 5, 1847, is now a farmer of Barber County, Kan .; Oscar and Osbert, born Oct. 20, 1849; Osbert
died in 1875, and Oscar is a farmer in Marion Township, and his wife was Elizabeth Ogg. Mar- tha L., wife of James Logston, was born Dec. 29, 1852, and now resides on a farm in Trenton Town- ship.
James Mitts. Sr., moved from Kentucky to San- gamon County, Ill., about the year 1831, where he remained until 1837, when he removed to Henry County, Iowa, and first settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Carnes, in Center Township. Thus Mr. Mitts was a pioneer settler of both Illinois and Iowa, moving with teams from Ken- tueky to Illinois, and in the same year from there to Iowa. He made a fine farm of his first settle- ment, which he sold, and then bought 158 acres in Marion Township, which is now owned by David Harper. Mr. Mitts was of a retiring dis- position, but a man who won the hearts of all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred July 13, 1884, and that of his wife Jan. 10, 1865. They were both earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a member for forty-five years, and she for thirty. They were very active in both church and Sunday-school work. and instructing their children in the teachings of the Bible, and were always ready to help along any enterprise of worth.
James M. Mitts, Jr., spent his early life at home on the farm, getting his education in the common schools of early days in Henry County. Ilis home has been in this county for over fifty years, and he has seen the county pass from a state of wildness to the condition when a church and school-house grace each billtop, and fine farmhouses and well- filled barns have taken the place of the log cabin and straw shed. At the breaking out of the Rebel- lion Mr. Mitts did not stop to debate as to what was his duty, but at once offered his services to his country, and enlisted in Company K, 4th Iowa Cav- alry, for three years. His first four engagements were at the siege of Vicksburg; he was in both en- gagements at Jackson, Miss., also at Black River, and was in the campaign in Missouri when they drove Price out of the State; was with Grant and Sherman in their campaign through Louisiana and Mississippi and at Mechanicsburg, also in the chase after the rebel General, Forrest. IIe was with
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"the regiment in all its engagements, exeept for four months, during which time he was in the hospital at Keokuk, with a low grade of fever. After serving three years and two months he was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn., and received his discharge at Cairo, Ill.
After returning home he again turned his atten- tion to farming. On the 23d of March, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mus- grove, who was born in Clark County, Ill., June 18, 1837. She is a daughter of Henry and Eliza- beth (Croy) Musgrove. Her father was from Vir- ginia, and her mother from Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mitts' union has been blessed with seven children : James H. was born July 8, 1866; Mary F., born Sept. 12, 1867; Martha L., born April 18, 1870; Anna A., born Oct. 29, 1871, and died Aug. 14, 1873; one died in infancy ; William A., born May 23, 1882, and Nellie May, Oct. 24, 1883.
Mr. Mitts owns a farm of 132 acres, where he has lived since February, 1866. Hle and his wife are both active members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and he is also a member of the Tren- ton Lodge No. 55, I. O. O. F., and of McFarland Post No. 20, G. A. R., of Mt. Pleasant. In politics he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in church and political matters.
b ENRY MUSGROVE, deceased, a minister of the Christian Church, was born May 23, 1800, and was united in marriage to Eliza- beth Croy Nov. 1, 1820. He was a native of Virginia and his wife was a native of Ohio. By this union there were born unto them seven children : John, born April 21, 1823, who enlisted in the 25th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service of his country ; Keziah, widow of W. M. R. Forbes, was born Sept. 5, 1825; Benjamin B., born Feb. 5, 1827, died March 6, 1856; Henry, born March 20, 1829, died in 1876; Tabitha, born April 27, 1832, died in 1881; Christopher, born March 3, 1834, died May 2, 1847 ; . Elizabeth, born June 18, 1837.
Mr. Musgrove and family moved to Ilinois in 1836, where they remained until 1855, when they
removed to Henry County, Iowa, where they made their home until the time of their death. They resided in Mt. Pleasant until a few years before their death, when they went to live with their daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. James Mitts, of Marion Township. Mr. Musgrove de- parted this life in September. 1869, and his wife in April, 1870. He devoted many years of his life to the preaching of the Gospel as taught by the Apostles, in its primitive truth and holiness, and under his teachings many were led to seek that better way which leads to life eternal.
OB MESSER, a prominent farmer of Trenton Township, Henry Co., Iowa, was born Nov. 16, 1847, in the township where he now re- sides, and is the son of John and Rhoda (Miller) Messer, both of whom are natives of Guernsey County, Ohio. They had a family of fourteen children, two of whom died in infancy : Josephus married Rebecca J. Huffman ; John mar- ried Cornelia Hollowell; Mary married James Scarff; Job is our subject; Simon married Jane llenthorn ; Alfred married Maria Hemsler for his first wife, who died in 1877 ; he was married again, to Rebecca Richards; Jane married George Allen- der; Calvin married Lizzie Smith; Alvin; Iliram Lincoln ; Rebecca Ann married Isaac Shook. They came to Iowa in an early day. Jobn Messer was a soldier in the Graybeard regiment. but was dis- charged for disability. He died Feb. 7, 1865. at the age of seventy years. He was a farmer all his life, and at his death owned a fine place of eighty aeres. Politically, he was a Republican.
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