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 34
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
After his marriage, Mr. Wyse taught several terms of school in this county, two at Prospect school-house. In 1883 he engaged in company with Mr. Jacobs in the mercantile business at Wayland, the firm opening a new stock of gen- eral merehandise. In February, 1886, Mr. Jacobs retired from the firm, Mr. C. C. Sehantz purchas- ing his interest, and the two gentlemen, Wyse and Sehantz, who were reared together in the Buckeye State, receiving their lesson in the school-boy days within two miles of each other. are now men of ma- ture years, and are partners in a splendid retail store, doing a successful business. In January, 1888, Mr. Wyse was appointed Postmaster of Wayland, under President Cleveland's administration, in recognition of his life-long devotion to the creed of the Demo- cratie party, of which he has always been a hearty supporter. The wife of Mr. Wyse became the mother
321
HENRY COUNTY.
of five children-Ella, Emma, Frank, Lester and an infant. The joy of the parents was greatly en- hanced by their births, but the "silent reaper" marked the loving wife and tender mother for his own. Christmas Eve of 1885, the births of Lester and a twin brother occurred, the latter dying at birth, and the life of their mother ended one week later. Sorrow and joy come to all, but the merry peals of the church bells ringing in the glad New Year, found the bereaved husband full of grief and care for his motherless children, but in him they have found an affectionate father, who sup- plies their every want.
Side by side in the village churchyard the re- mains of mother and child repose. Both herself and husband were faithful members of the Omish Mennonite Church, and Christians in the fullest sense.
W ILLIAM MELTON, one of the prominent and representative farmers of this county, was born in Warren County, Ind., and in that county his boyhood days were spent. He received his early education in the common schools of his native State, and in the year 1858 came West, locating in Henry County, where he resided a short time with his uncle. In the meantime he became acquainted with Miss Sarah Wilson, the acquaintance ripened into love, and in October, 1859, he led her to the marriage altar. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson, were among the very earliest settlers of the county. On the 29th of Feb- ruary, 1836, at the home of Mr. John Wilson, on Brush Creek, Ky., Mrs. Melton, the first white child of Henry County, was born. Mrs. Melton has a most wonderful head of hair, being at the present time long enough to drag upon the floor, and at one time before being cut off it measured seven feet and three inches. Mrs. Melton is a woman of good address and fine intellect. The hospitable door of the home always stands open, and both husband and wife are always ready to welcome the weary traveler. In their home love for each other and their fellowman reigns supreme, and those simple but powerful gifts, a kind word and a cheery sinile, are ready for all. Soon after their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Melton went to Warren County, Ind., where they remained for twenty-five years, until hearing of Mr. Wilson's sickness, when they re- turned home, staying with him until his death.
EWTON MCCLINTIC, a farmer residing on section S, Jefferson Township, Henry Co., Iowa, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., June 11, 1836, and is the son of Alex and Anca (Bates) McClintie. They were married in Ken- tueky, but Alex was born in Pennsylvania, his wife being a native of the former State. The father of Alex MeClintie was also named Alex McClintic, and Thomas Bates was the father of Anca Bates. On the paternal side the ancestors came from Ire- land, and on the maternal side from Germany. The father of our subject, Alex McClintie, was a soldier in the War of 1812 and drew a land warrant for 160 acres of land from the Government. But lit- tle history of either family can be given, as the father of our subject died when Alex was a small boy, and Anca Bates came to Indiana from her na- tive State with relatives, and as both are now deceased, the early history of the family died with them. They came to this State about 1839, enter- ing a claim of one section of land, but later pur- chased several hundred acres more, amounting to about 1,100 acres in the whole farm, a part of which original entry adjoins that of our subjeet on the north. Daniel Eicher now owns the original tract upon which Alex MeClintie settled, and the homestead site is within easy view of where Newton now lives. Dur- ing his lifetime Alex and his sons improved at least 400 aeres. Mrs. McClintic died about five years after she came to this county. She was a most estimable lady, and the mother of nine children : John, who wedded Elizabeth Barelow, resides in Washington County, Iowa; Jane, who married Lucas Covert, and remained in Indiana; Alex, de- ceased, wedded for his first wife May A. Lloyd, and for his second wife llarriet Pangborne, who after his death married Henry Neft, of this county, but now resides in Missouri; Abigail, deceased, married Henry Cohee, a resident physician of Rome, Iowa; she died at Mt. Pleasant in 1881. Olive A. became
322
HENRY COUNTY.
the wife of Robert Scott, a farmer of Plymouth County, Iowa : Robert, deceased, wedded Martha A. Custer, who after his death married Amos Moore, of Washington County, where they reside; Mitchell, deceased, married Hester Ann Custer, who now resides in Jefferson Township.
Our subject was the youngest of the family. . In Henry County he was reared, educated, married and resides. He early learned to clear the brushy lands, and many broad acres has he grubbed and plowed in making ready for the first erop. He has witnessed since boyhood the building of the towns and cities, the railroads, and the development of almost the entire county has been accomplished in his day. He remembers distinctly when a boy the Indian tribes that for many years had hunted over the prairies and through the woods, fished in the streams, and, though dispossessed by the whites, yet gave the new-comers a fairly cordial welcome and never molested their property.
Newton MeClintic was wedded to Miss Ann R. Kurtz, Oct. 13, 1860. Her parents were natives of Maryland, from whenee they came after marriage and settled near Lebanon, Ohio. They emigrated to Iowa in 1841 and settled on Skunk River, in Henry County, where the parents both died. Six children were born to them in Ohio, and one was born in this county. Their names and location are individually given. Peter died unmarried; John wedded Martha Mason, and is a resident farmer of Jefferson Township: Henry married Hannah Pang- borne, and resides in Washington County; Mary wedded Nimrod Leece, a merchant of Crawfords- ville, Iowa; Susan became the wife of W. R. Mason, also a resident of Jefferson Township; Ann R., wife of Mr. McClintic, and Martha became the wife of Nimrod Long, who is a merchant and also Post- master of Crawfordsville, Iowa. These children are well known in this county, and their names should properly appear in her history. Since his marriage Mr. MeClintic has resided upon a farm. A handsome country residence was erected in 1879. and the family circle is made happy by several chil- dren, all of whom were born in this township. The eldest daughter, Margaret, is the wife of Isaac Van Wagenen, a mechanic of Washington County ; they have three children-James, Alva N. and Anna.
The other children of our subject are: Marietta, Anna M., Susie, Abbie, Angeline, Eva J., deecased, and John N., twins.
One hundred acres of land bring Mr. MeClintie a comfortable ineome, and they live in the cosy style which delights those of taste and culture. Mr. MeClintie has long been connected with the School Board and is greatly interested in the cause of edu- cation. To such families much praise is due, they having done much to elevate the moral and social world in which they live.
OHN MELTON, one of the carly and hon- ored settlers of Henry County, was born in Virginia, and was a son of Allen Melton. Ilis mother died when he was only five years old. He was reared upon a farm, being bound out to a farmer until he grew to manhood. When about twenty-one years of age, John Melton led to the marriage altar Miss Phoebe Heston, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Phineas and Sarah Heston. Shortly after his marriage, he with his young wife emigrated to Ohio, where they lived for a number of years. Thence he went to Warren County, Ind., where he staid several years. In 1839 Mr. Melton removed to Henry County, which place he made his home until his death. He took up his residence on a farm in Center Township, remaining there until 1853, when he removed to section 36, Tippecanoe Township. Twelve children graced the union of John Melton and Phoebe Heston, only three of whom are yet living: John, a miner, residing in California; Mrs. Alfred Doan : and Isaac, a farmer. now living in Republie County, Kan. When the Republican party came into existence, Mr. Melton found the principles enunciated by its leaders were in accordance with those he had held, and therefore acted with it until he departed this life in October, 1870, his wife also dying in the same month of the same year. She was a member of the Society of Friends, and though Mr. Melton was not a church member, his integrity and uprightness were un- doubted. He was a large land-holder iu this county, and one of its best citizens. Having a heart over- flowing with love for humanity, to the poor he was
.
323
HENRY COUNTY.
ever kind and considerate, and no man ever stood higher in the community than Mr. Melton, his high character and many good deeds endearing him to all classes.
G EORGE C. BELL, a blacksmith of Rome, Ilenry Co., Iowa, and a prominent citizen of that village, was born in Greene County, Ohio, June 7, 1825, and is a son of Joshua and Mary (Bales) Bell, the former a native of Mary- land, and the latter of Ohio. Joshua Bell was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born on the 13th of February, 1776, and departed this life in Henry County, July 12, 1856. All his life was spent upon a farm. He took great interest in local politics, always voting with the Whig party. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a sincere, earnest Christian. Nathaniel D. Bell, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated from the North of Ireland to America. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mary Bell, the mother of George, was of German descent. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now deceased.
In 1829, when George was a lad of four years, his parents removed to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where they remained until the fall of 1841. Com- ing to Henry County they located in Tippecanoe Township. George was reared upon the farm until his seventeenth year. He then learned the black- smith trade, which he has followed ever since. On the 7th of August, 1846, the marriage of George C. Bell and Delila Grant was celebrated. She was a native of Indiana, being born in Harrison County, Nov. 3, 1827. Her parents were Thomas and Christiana (Davis) Grant. Eight children have gathered round the hearthstone of Mr. and Mrs. Bell: Malinda, now the wife of William Fry; William, an engineer, residing in Rome; John D., who died when five years of age; Naomi J., widow of Reiley Lloyd, residing in Fremont County, Iowa: Thomas I., a resident of Rome; Martha, wife of Charles H. Iluston, a resident of MeLean County, Dak .; Charlotte, at home; and-Mary Rebecca, wife of James Phillips, of Dakota. The mother of these
children died Sept. 16, 1886, at the age of fifty-nine, and great indeed was the grief felt at her death. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and an earnest worker for her Master.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion our subject responded to his country's call for troops, and enlisted Sept. 25, 1863, in the 9th Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, serving two years and seven months. He was engaged in many skirmishes, and was mustered out Feb. 28, 1866, at Little Rock, Ark. After returning home he resumed blacksmithing in Jeffer- son County, where he resided until 1872. He then came to Rome, at which village he has since made his home. IIere he built a blacksmith-shop, and has ever since continued to work at his trade. Mr. Bell served as Mayor of Rome, and as Marshal for a year each, and as Constable for three years. He is a stalwart Republican, and never swerves in his allegiance to that party.
ICHIAEL CLARK is a farmer and stock- raiser, residing upon section 1, Jackson Township. IIe was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Ellen (Smith) Clark. The family emigrated to America in 1815, settling in Sullivan County, N. Y. In 1848 they came to Chicago, but returned the same year to New York. At that time there was but one hotel in that now prosperous city, and the swampy location offered but little inducement for the family to remain. They remained three years in New York, then went to New Haven, Conn., and remained until about the year 1854, when they came to this county. Here the parents lived and died, and were buried in the pioneer cemetery at Mt. Pleasant. They were pions Catho- lies, and were the parents of three children, two of whom died in New York State, leaving our subject the only one to represent a family whose name has been a familiar one in this county for more than a quarter of a century. He was married in this county to Miss Annie, daughter of John and Mary (Cassidy) Courtney, Jan. 4, 1871, Rev. Father Welch, of Mt. Pleasant, performing the ceremony.
324
HENRY COUNTY.
Our subject had earned by hard labor with his own hands every dollar that he paid for his nice farm, which was purchased before the marriage, and the young bride came immediately to the cosy little cabin which her husband had built in anticipation of her coming. From the beginning they have prospered, and their pastures are dotted with herds of cattle, and his well-tilled fields bring abundant crops. A new frame house took the place of the eabin in which their married life was begun, and the union has been blessed with several promising children. The sons are stalwart young men, and the daughters resemble their mother in both intellect and features. They were named in order of their birth : James, John, Ellen, Pearl, Mary, Rose, Kate and Sylvester. The family have ever been reck- oned by their neighbors as one whom they ean value as people of intelligence and thrift. As a self-made man Michael Clark is entitled to credit, and his good wife is an honor to her sex, and the faithful mother of her happy family of children, all of whom were born on the farm in Jackson Township.
At the breaking out of the late war our subject joined Company D, 4th Iowa Cavalry, and for four years braved the shot and shell along with his com- rades under Capt. Spearman. He was in every engagement in which his regiment participated, and was only in the hospital two weeks during his four years of service. All honor is due our gallant men who fought to preserve the Union, and we are pleased to make honorable mention of them, By his gal- lantry as a soklier, his integrity of character, and his honorable record as a good eitizen, Mr. Clark is entitled to a place among the best people of Henry County.
ONATIIAN PHELPS, farmer in Jackson Township, seetion 36, was born in Randolph County, N. C., July 5, 1823, and is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Newby) Phelps, who owned a plantation in that State, but never owned a slave. They emigrated to Henry County, Ind., in 1812, and purchased a farm, where both died. Their children were all born in North Carolina ex-
eept Mary, Joseph and Jabez, whose births took place in Indiana. Jane was the wife of Joseph Small, a farmer of Ilendrieks, Ind., and both she and her husband are deceased: Elias, who is married to Anna Hill, and is a resident farmer of Henry County, Ind .; Eleanor, deceased, who became first the wife of John Hodson, and after his death married Will- iam Stanley ; Frederick, who wedded Dorcas Boone, and both died, he in Indiana and she in Poweshick County, lowa; prior to his death lie was married to Sarah Newby. Bethany married Robert Cross, and formerly resided in Boone County. this State, but both are deceased; Mary, also deceased, was wedded to Abner Ratliffe, who is again married, and resides in Henry County, Ind. ; Ezekiel married Sarah lloover, and also resides in Henry County, Ind .; Joseph died unmarried while a young man ; Jabez married Miss Hodson, after whose death he married agam; Jonathan, the subject of this sketeh, is the second son, and was married in Henry County, Ind., to Asenath Jay, April 13, 1848. She was born in Randolph County, Ind., Feb. 1, 1825, her parents being Joseph and Edith (Mills) Jay, who were Friends. They were among the first settlers of that county, and came from Belmont County, Ohio. The death of Mr. Jay occurred in Randolph County., Ind., his widow afterward mar- rying Thomas Kirk, and both dying in Henry County, Ind. Three children were born to the first marriage: Ruth A., deceased, who wedded Davis Grey; Hugh, who became the husband of Mary J. Martin, both deceased, and the wife of our subject, Asenath.
After his marriage, Jonathan Phelps farmed in Indiana for five years, and in 1853 the young couple eame to Lee County, Iowa, and purchased the farm now owned by Henry Minke, which they disposed of in 1865, and became residents of Henry County. When the war broke out he was full of patriotism, and was one of the first to volun- teer in the 100-days service. After his term was served he returned home, was drafted, and this time sent a substitute. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have two children, both born in Indiana-Seth and Joseph J. The first was educated at Burlington, and married Rose Miller; Joseph J. became the husband of Ad- die Lessinger, whose father has always been a
325
HENRY COUNTY.
prominent man in this county, and is now manager of the Henry County Infirmary. Joseph was a teacher in this county for several years, but resides upon the home farm, and is one of the enterprising young men of Jackson Township. He is the father of four children : Rudolph, deceased ; Fred, Carl and Maud. He is a prominent local politician, and has held many offices within the gift of the people of his township, having been Assessor, Township Clerk, Trustee and Justice of the Peace, and for years has been connected with the School Board. Ile was educated in the public schools and is fitted to fill any position of trust. Of the Phelps family we are pleased to make mention, for they honor the community in which they live. The father is comfortably situated, and the sons possess his characteristics.
For thirty-two years Mr. Phelps has been en- gaged in the sheep business, in which he has made a fortune, and no man in the county or State is more widely known in business circles. He and his good wife have no need for further labor, and their home is always bright, but years of labor have so imbued them with the spirit of enterprise that it is impossible to refrain from work. We find Mr. Phelps holding the plow while this sketch is written, and he is yet hale and hearty and as jovial as in his boyhood days. In private and public life he bears the repute of a man of uprightness and integrity.
L. WHITE is a merchant, and is also Post- master of Swedesburg, and is now one of the oldest business men in the northern part of Henry County, being a resident since 1846. Ilis parents, Thomas II, and Elizabeth (Kibler) White, were among the early and well- known residents of the new State, but the death of Thomas White occurred ten years after locating in the county. Ilis wife reached the ripe age of sev- enty-two, and died in 1875. They were former residents of Berkeley County, Va., where our sub- ject was born. Ile was ten years of age when his parents removed to this county. Here Mr. White has grown from boyhood to manhood, and here he was married, and in this county his children were
born. Ile has seen the entire county transformed from its virgin state to one of cultivation and wealth, villages and cities have been created, and the log cabins of early days have been replaced by modern residences.
Ilis brothers and sisters were: George H., now deceased, who wedded Maria Tedrow; Mary E. be- came the wife of Emanuel Ernst; Deborah wedded J. W. Bird; the next was our subject; Sarah, who died unmarried; Thomas W. married Rebecca Tedrow; and Jacob L., who became the husband of Phemia Perkins. Thomas W. was a member of Company B, 25th Iowa Volunteers, and served throughout the war.
Our subject was educated at the Iowa Wesleyan University, and his attention was given to the pro- fession of teaching for many years, his first term being at the Union School, in Wayne Township, in 1857. For sixteen consecutive winters he taught school in this county, and among his scholars who have become noted we mention : Wesley James, now a student in the State University, J. E. Con- nor, son of the County Recorder, and quite a well- known teacher; and many of the resident farmers, who have grown to manhood in this county, were members of his school. During the time Mr. White was engaged in teaching, he was married to Miss Drusilla Havens, who was a pupil in his school in this township. The marriage was celebrated March 6, 1861, at the home of her father, Thomas Havens, of this township. Her mother died in New Jersey, and was the mother of George, Drusilla; Mary A., deceased ; Martin, deceased ; and Alexander. The mother, Phoebe (Case) Havens, was a native of New Jersey, of English origin. After her death Mr. Havens wedded Mrs. Cordelia (Scoville) Jameson, near Columbus, Ohio, where the Havens family at that time resided. In 1853 they removed to this county, and until 1866 they resided here. Mr. llavens died in Crawford County, Kan., in 1876, and his widow now resides in this county. One childI was the result of the second marriage, Carl- ton, unmarried, and residing with his mother.
S. L. White, our subject, taught school in the win- ter, and farmed in summer until 1866, when he removed to Sedalia, Mo., and for six months was as- soeiated in business with the Hon. Samuel L. Steele,
326
HENRY COUNTY.
now a member of the Iowa General Assembly for Henry County. The same year he returned to Wayne Township, and improved a tract of land owned by him. and there made his home until 1875. when Swedesburg was surveyed. Ile came to the new town. rented the store built by a company known as the Prairie Ilall Association. and for nine years did business in the hall. In 1884 he erected his present store building. and his residence was con- pleted in 1882. From 1875 to this date, Mr. White has done an extensive business. and from a trade in 1875 of 813.000. the business has increased to over $20.000 in 1887. Mr. White handles hardware in connection with his general stock of merchandise, and a fair invoice will rate it above $8,000.
In September. 1876. Mr. White assumed the office of Postmaster at Swedesburg. to which he was ap- pointed in August of that year. He has served in that capacity for eleven years, and is the present in- enmbent. Five children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. White. but two only are now living-Edmund E. and Thomas L. Those de- ceased are Mary. Anna and Elizabeth. all nearly grown when summoned from earth. The loss brought great grief. not only to the parents. but to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
As a business man. Mr. White is a fine representa- tive of Henry County's sons. and his eldest son is chief clerk in the store and office. Ilis education was received at the noted academy founded by Prof. Howe, and in business he will receive a practical education in the trade at Swedesburg. We welcome our subject and family to a place among those of the pioneers who remain, and are among the reliable business men of the county.
OHN WILSON. one of the pioneer settlers of Henry County, was born in Clay County, Ky., July 10, 1809. He was reared in Clay County, receiving his education in a log school-house. He was married in that State to Miss Mary Thomas, and in 1835 they left Kentucky on horseback, bringing with them their three chil- dren and all the worldly goods they possessed. They first stopped for a short time on Brush Creek,
and shortly after they purchased a claim on section 20, Center Township. Mr. Wilson building a log cabin where they lived for four years. At the end of this time a fire destroyed their cabin, which was their all. This was supposed to be the work of an incendiary, the fire probably being kindled by a man who wanted the claim. Before leaving Ken- tucky this same misfortune happpened to them. and now for the second time a fire destroyed their home, but a kind neighbor, Mrs. Maulding, gave them shelter until Mr. Wilson could provide an- other home for his family. A rude log cabin was constructed and into this they moved before the floor was laid. They had no bedstead, but putting up poles on which they placed some straw, with a free conseience they slept better than many a mil- lionaire in his luxuriant home. Mr. Wilson was taken siek about this time, and without money the future indeed looked dark, but Mr. Rea gave him $75, which was truly a godsend to him, and in this way he was enabled to keep the wolf from the door. At this time a little child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, and their noble friend, Mrs. Willeford, took the mother and her baby to her own home, caring for them for seven weeks until they could care for themselves. As the darkest hour is just before the dawn, so in the case of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, the clouds now began to vanish and pros- perity to smile upon them ; Mr. Wilson worked hard and soon accumulated a competeney.
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.