Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 46

Author: Acme Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Acme Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 702


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 46


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in infancy; Susan, living in Hartford, Conn., is the widow of John R. Youngs, who died Feb. 6. 1880; and Louisa J., who was the wife of Edward Beach, died Feb. 26, 1887 ; her husband still survives.


When a boy the subject of this sketch worked in a cotton factory in summer, attending school in winter, and was afterward employed as a clerk and book-keeper. Ile was married, Jan. 1, 1835, to Eliza Chevey, of Worcester County, Mass., a daugh- ter of Pennel Chevey, a prominent citizen of that county, and they have passed together a happy wedded life of fifty-three years, and their friends hope many more are yet in store for them,


The father of Mrs. Tiffany was a gentleman of great reputation for integrity, and in his Eastern home was entrusted with much business of a confi- dential and responsible character, lle was often chosen trustee and guardian, and discharged every trust committed to his care with fidelity. Ile was never a robust man, and lived but a few years after coming West, dying in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1843, at the age of sixty-two. His wife, ITuldah Tardell, also of Sturbridge. Mass., was an enterprising and energetic woman. of great executive ability, and brought her family up very strictly. She died in the house where Mr. Tiffany lives, in 1873, in her ninetieth year, and might have lived longer, but for a trip she took shortly before her death, which over- taxed her strength.


In 1838, attracted like thousands of others by the golden promises of the far West of that day, and by the glowing accounts of a former neighbor who had emigrated to Iowa, Palmer C. Tiffany and his wife, accompanied by her father and brother, undertook the tedious journey to this State. In the company was a child the son of Mrs. Tiffany's brother, she taking charge of him until his mother joined the colony the following year. They also brought with them an Indian girl, Wealthy Buck- ingham, whose father had given her to Mrs. Tiffany's mother. She was brought up with Mrs. Tiffany, and has been a life-long servant and devoted com- panion, still living with Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany.


On leaving the East, the company went to Al- bany, N. Y., by stage, and thence to Utica by rail- road ; thence to Buffalo, N. Y., by canal. and by steamer on the lake to Cleveland, Ohio. From


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Cleveland they pushed on to Portsmouth, Ohio, by canal on a freight boat, as their household goods could not be carried on a packet. From Ports- mouth they went down the Ohio River by boat to Cincinnati, and thence to St. Louis. From there they went up the river to Warsaw. Ill., the nearest point to their destination. On arriving at that point Mr. Tiffany hired a team to take them to their intended stopping-place, which his former neighbor had told him was called "Sweet llome." The jour- ney was attended with many discomforts, and on arriving at the place, instead of the flourishing town they had been led to expect, they found but one small cabin. Starting out to look for a better loca- tion Mr. Tiffany and his brother-in-law reached Farmington, Jowa. where they heard of Mt. Pleas- ant, and decided to see what it looked like. Here they determined to settle, and Mr. Tiffany bought the claim of a squatter named Martin Tucker for $700, which he afterward purchased from the Government. This included the land on which the State Hospital for the Insane now stands. In 1839 he kept a public house in Mt. Pleasant in a rented building. and in the following year bought the lot known as the "Tiffany Corner," on which was a small building. llere he kept a hotel known as the "llawkeye llouse," and later as the "Ilenry llouse." In 1849, on the breaking out of the Cali- fornia gold fever, he joined a company and made the perilous journey across the plains. leaving his wife in charge of the hotel, which she successfully conducted in his absence. The journey to Cali- fornia by ox-teams consumed four months. The company stopped at "Hangtown," now Placerville, and Mr. Tiffany engaged in mining, remaining until 1851, when he returned, going by sailing-vessel to the Isthmus. the voyage ocenpying seventy-two days, for twenty of which they were on short allow- ance. They erossed by mules to the Chagres River, and down that stream to Chagres, where they em- barked on a steamer for New York by way of Cuba. After visiting old friends in Massachusetts and Con- nectient, Mr. Tiffany returned to his home in Mt. Pleasant and again assumed charge of his hotel, to which he added many improvements, and which was thereafter known as the "Tiffany House." He continued in the hotel business until his house was


burned down. Nov. 23, 1857. He then put up a store on the lot, and engaged in selling books, sta- tionery, wall-paper, faney goods, etc., carrying it on until he was again visited by a disastrous confla- gration, Feb. 14. 1882. With characteristic pluck and energy he began again, and has since been in his pleasant trade of dealing in furniture. wall-papers. doing undertaking, etc.


In 1839 Mr. Tiffany was appointed by Terri- torial Governor Lucas, Justice of the Peace, and on the office being made elective was elected. and re-elected, holding the position until he resigned to go to California. On his return he was several times again elected to the same office. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and under President Pierce's administration was appointed Postmaster of Mt. Pleasant, holding the position for nearly nine years. Twice he has been elected Alderman of the city on a non-partisan ticket. holding that oflice four years. Always active in any movement for the benefit of his town, he took a prominent part in procuring the establishment of the lowa Wesleyan University, of which he was one of the incorporators, and President of its first Board of Trustees. Ile has always lent a helping hand to any deserving enterprise for the public good. Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany have no children of their own, but adopted and reared two: The son, Samuel, married Louise Osborn; he is a traveling salesman, and at present is living in New York City. The daugh- ter, Eliza W., received her education at lowe's Academy in Mt. Pleasant, and was afterward sent for a year to llartford, Conn., to finish her educa- tion. She became the wife of Gen. Thomas B. Eldridge, well known for the prominent part he took in the Kansas border war. Ile died in Law- rence, Kan., where Mrs. Eldridge now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany are members of St. Michael's Epis- copal Church, Mt. Pleasant, of which he has been Warden for many years. He is also a member of the 1. O. O. F., belonging to llenry Lodge No. 10. Ilis life of half a century in Mt. Pleasant has been one of usefulness and honor, and he is justly re- garded not only as one of its first, but also as one of its best citizens. who is held in esteem by all who know him. Since locating here he has wit- nessed many changes. The beautiful but wild


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prairie has given way to a flourishing city. and where stood the rude cabins of the early settlers, are now to be found splendid buildings devoted to the trade of a thriving business center. Another indication of progress is mentioned by Mr. Tiffany. When he first came to Mt. Pleasant the journey occupied thirty days. and cost the little party $500. now the same trip can be made within for- ty-eight hours. in elegantly equipped railroad coaches. and would cost the same number not to exceed $100. Truly a wonderful progress.


This sketch would be incomplete without a more particular mention of MIrs. Eliza C. Tiffany. A woman of marked individuality. and of rare gifts. she exercised a wide influence in the social and business life of the young city. Her charity was a no less noted trait of her character. No matter how inclement the weather, or how lowly the station of the sufferer. where distress needed relief there Mrs. Tiffany was ever to be found. never hesitatingly or grudgingly. but freely and promptly ministering to the wants of the needy. even though the object was perhaps hardly worthy. With her, charity was first; reproof, if needed. came later. No per- sonal dislike (and she was a woman of strong im- pulses) ever deterred her in the performance of a charity. no fear of contagion frightened her. and her keen judgment and firmness of mind were often tested in trying scenes. As a woman of busi- ness. while conducting the hotel in the absence of her husband in California, and while presiding over the work of the post-office. while her husband was Postmaster, she showed herself possessed of rare executive abilities, and the older residents of the city, who knew her best. speak of her in warm terms of admiration. She is indeed a most estimable lady, and worthy of all the words of praise bestowed upon her.


It is with great pleasure we present the admira- ble portraits of these most worthy living repre- sentatives of the pioneers of Henry County.


E DWIN N. NELSON. Steward of the Iowa State Hospital for the Insane. Mt. Pleasant. Iowa. The subject of this sketch was born in Lowell, Middlesex Co., Mass., Oct. 18, 1848, and


is the son of Henry N. and Mary G. (Holbrook) Nelson. His father was born in Gilmanton. N. H .. and is of English descent. His mother was born at Gar- land. Me. Edwin N. was educated at Gilmanton Academy. N. H. He went to Illinois in 1869, and was connected for thirteen years with the Central Illinois Hospital for the Insane at Jacksonville. and held the re-ponsible position of Supervisor of that institution for many years.


Mr. Nelson was married at Winchester. Ill., in October, 1876. to Miss Mary McEvers. Three chil- dren were born of their union. two sons and a daughter. The daughter. Bessie H .. is the elde-t. The sons are Fred H. and Clarence E. The two elder were born at Jacksonville, Ill .. the youngest at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Mr. Nelson came to Mt. Pleasant from Jacksonville. Ill .. in October. 1882. to accept the position he now holds. that of Stew- ard of the lowa State Hospital for the Insane. He has proved a most efficient and trustworthy officer. and by his fairness and gentlemanly bearing has won hosts of warm friends at Mt. Pleasant during the five years that he has so ably filled the responsi- ble position at the hospital. He is a Republican in polities, and is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. Ile is a Knight Templar and a member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. S. A. F. & A. M .: of Henry Chapter No. 8, R. A. M., and of Jerusalem Commandery No. 7. K. T .. all of Mt. Pleasant. He and his wife are both members of the Congrega- tional Church.


OHN MYERS. one of the earliest settlers of Henry County, Iowa, was born in Green- brier County. now West Virginia, in 1799. - There he grew to manhood. and received his education in the subscription schools. He was of German descent, and served as a soldier during the War of 1812, and also in the Whiskey War in Maryland. He married Sarah Rogers, also a native of Greenbrier County. W. Va. They were the par- ents of eleven children, seven daughters and four sons, fonr of whom are living: Mary J., wife of John S. Malcom. of Nicholas County, W. Va .; Susan, wife of James B. Lynch, a resident of Lead-


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ville, Col. ; John L., of Winfield, and Isabell, the wife of David Morley of this county. In March, 1852, Mr. Myers came to Henry County, Iowa, and took up his residence upon the lands now used for a fair ground. Ile cast his vote with the Whig party, and was a great admirer of Henry Clay and Gen. Harrison. He and his wife were both members of the United Presbyterian Church. They both died in this county, sincerely mourned by a large cirele of friends, by whom they were greatly loved and respected.


R. JJOSIAHI DEAL, of Mt. Union, was born near Berlin, Somerset Co., Pa., May 5, 1823, and is a son of Frederick and Catharine (Clotfelty ) Deal, both of German descent, the father of Prussian. and the mother of Swiss par- entage. Frederick H. Dela, the grandsire of our subject, was a Prussian nobleman of great wealth and influence, but becoming concerned in an in- trigue against the King of Prussia, was forced to tly with his family, and his estates were confiscated by the Crown. He was a soldier in the Prussian army, of which he was an officer, and his military knowledge gave him prominence in the movement which forced him to leave his native land. The family reached America prior to the war of the Revolution, and with Washington's army he allied his fortunes, choosing the rank of a private for fear of detection, and to further conceal his identity, the two last letters of his name were transposed, mak- ing the name Dela read Deal, by which name he was ever afterward known, likewise his descendants. Ile served throughout the war and settled in Penn- sylvania, where his death occurred not long after- ward. His wife died while her husband was in the service, leaving Philip, John, Henry, Frederick and Naney, who were also left fatherless in the country then only sparsely settled. They all married before they left Pennsylvania, and were widely scattered throughout the Western States, leaving but little trace of the family history to draw conclusions from.


Of these chiklren, Frederick, the father of our subject, after marriage began life in Somerset


County, Pa., but left that State in 1828, becoming a pioneer of Wayne County, Ohio, near Wooster. After a residence there of three years, he removed with his family to Ashland County, near Ashland, and purchased a small farm. He remained there during his life, dying Nov. 28, 1849. His wife survived him ten years, and all that was mortal of his good wife was placed to rest by his side in the Ashland Cemetery. They were parents of ten chil- dren, seven daughters and three sons: Mary, de- ceased; Julia, wife of Asher Edgerton; Eliza, deceased; Naney, wife of George Yeisley; Lewis, deceased; Sarah, deceased; Josiah and Rebecca, still single; Henry and Harriet, deceased.


Our subject began the study of medicine in the autumn of 1845 with Dr. A. S. Norris, of Orange, Ohio. He continued his studies until after his graduation in 1849, from the Cleveland (Ohio) Med- ical College, after which he began practicing in Orange, and also continued study under Dr. Archi- bald McClelland. beginning business for himself the next year, and continued practicing in that county for almost seventeen years. His wedding to Miss Mary Campbell was celebrated Oct. 29, 1848, and for nearly forty years this couple have shared a happy married life. She was a daughter of Daniel and Anna M. (Biddinger) Campbell, residents of Orange, Ohio, where Daniel was both a merchant and a farmer. His death occurred in 185 1, and in 1865 the widow came to Iowa where some of her children resided, and in the autumn of 1887 her cleath oceurred at the home of our subject in Mt. Union. She reached the age of eighty-four, having lived to see her children all married and settled in life. They were named respectively : Damel, who was the Greenback candidate for Governor of Ohio in 1880; his wife was Eliza Fluke, and resides in Monona County, Iowa. Mary, wife of our subject; Naney, deceased wife of Horace Harkness: Peter, deceased; Sarah, wife of George Crosier, of Well- ington, Ohio; James, husband of Jennie Seifert, resides in O'Neill, Neb. ; Jefferson and Wilson, both deceased : Eliza, wife of Estin Gorham, of Sullivan, Ohio; Samantha, deceased; Orville, husband of Alice L. Willets, of Cheyenne County, Kan. ; Ben- jamin F. wedded Kate Powlus, and after her death Fannie Goodspeed, who is also deceased, and also


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resides in Cheyenne County, Kan., where he is County Recorder.


After the Doctor and his wife decided to move westward, they chose the State of Iowa, coming direct to Morning Sun. Louisa County, where he both practiced medicine and managed a farm for six years, regaining in a perfect manner his health, which had almost broken down. In 1869 the Doc- tor purchased a farm in Henry County near the present village of Mt. Union, to which he removed. remaining both in practice and agricultural life as he was in Louisa County. When the village of Mt. Union was fairly started he sold his farm, pur- chased land in town, and since March. 1879, has done a continuous practice, and is the only physi- cian in the village., Forty of the best years of his life have been devoted to the profession, and it is needless to say that he is as noted for his skill as he is for the correct habits which have ever character- ized the man. Dr. Deal is known far and wide as a physician and surgeon, and to many homes has his skill brought back to healthy life those whom it was feared would never recover.


Five children grace the union: Helen E. and Flora B. are deceased ; Ida M. is the wife of C. G. Clough. a merchant of Stanton. Neb .; Frederick O. is Deputy Sheriff of Wano. Cheyenne Co., Kan. ; and Lizzie J. is the wife of J. W. Gorham, a me- chanic of Mt. Union. We are pleased to give the good Doctor and his family a deserved place in the history of the county, with which for so many years they have been identified.


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BNER FORMAN, a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 3, Marion Township, Henry County, was born in Preston Conn- ty, Va., April 7, 1815. His parents were Samnel and Elizabeth (Willits) Forman, the father being a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Maryland. His father went from Pennsylvania to Virginia in an early day, and here became ac- quainted with and married Miss Elizabeth Willits, in 1805. They were married in Preston County, Va., where they resided and reared a family of nine


children : Jesse, deceased : Deborah, living in Tay- lor County, lowa; Annie, deceased; Rhoda, aged twenty-eight; James, aged nineteen, and the mother, all died in 1841, within four days of each other. IIannah, deceased; Abner, our subject, is sixth in order of birth; Ellis, deceased, and Richard. Sam- uel Forman during all his life was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Forman were for many years mem- bers of the Society of Friends. Ile was a man highly esteemed by all. No one in need ever came to him for help but found in him a faithful friend. HIe was called to his final home, in Preston County, Va., in 1847.


Our subject received his education in the com- mon schools. Until his father's death he remained on the farm, when he received it as his share of the property. On the 11th day of June, 1846, he wed- ded Miss Hannah B. Johnson, who was born in Greene County, Pa., Nov. 7, 1821. Her parents were Isaac and Mary (Barkley) Johnson, natives of Bucks County, Pa. Her father died about the year 1844. He also was a member of the Society of Friends. After Mr. Forman was married he re- mained on the old home farm in Preston County until 1854, when he sold his farm and removed to Knox County, Ohio, where he rented a farm of 100 acres for two years. In 1856 he bought 130 acres of land in Knox County, Ohio, remaining there un- til the fall of 1866. Having sold his farm he then came to Henry County. buying 160 acres of land on seetion 3, Marion Township, where he has since re- sided. Mr. Forman has added many improve- ments to the farm till it is one of the finest in the county. He is a practical farmer, knowing how to use his means to the best advantage. He has been very successful, the farm each year yielding good crops, and the stock also has been a source of rev- enue to him. Upon the farm may be found a fine grade of Short-horn eattle, the best grade of Poland- China hogs, and a good grade of Norman horses.


Mr. and Mrs. Forman are the parents of seven children : Rhoda, born April 2, 1847; Willits L., born April 10, 1849, married Ruth A. Vore, a na- tive of Ohio, and to them were born three chil- dren-Rachel May, Lee W. and Elva. He is a farmer in Taylor County, Iowa. They are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Isaac J.,


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born Ang. 29, 1851, wedded Luella Darlington, a native of Marshall County, Iowa. By this union there were three children: Edith died in infancy ; Murrel T. and Lloyd; he is a farmer of Taylor County, Iowa. but at present in California for his health. Solon B., born Feb. 10, 1855, died Ang. 20, 1883; he was a successful educator and a young man of more than ordinary ability, and was highly esteemed by all. Ellis F., born July 15, 1858, is with his brother in California; Jesse Jay, born May 28, 1862, has charge of the home farm, and is a young man of steady, industrious habits; Mary B., born March 7, 1865, died Feb. 2. 1886; she grew up as a flower, but was cut down in her prime. One could not know her but to love her. She was a young lady having more than ordinary musical talent, and was a leader in the church to which she belonged. The life of such a one should lead many to the throne of Him who is the giver of all good. Mr. and Mrs. Forman have given their children good educations. They have taught them to love and fear God, that by their example others may seek the light that leads to life everlasting. They are members of the Society of Friends. As citizens, they rank high, and none more truly deserve the respect of all than do Mr. and Mrs. Forman. In politics he is a Republican, and a great temperance worker.


OHN GILLASPEY is a farmer residing on section 29, Wayne Township, Henry Co., Jowa. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1820, and is the son of William and Jane (Penny) Gillaspey. The par- ents were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father of Westmoreland County and the mother of Alle- gheny County, in which latter they were married. William had purchased a farm lying in both these counties, and the house stood upon the line. Upon this farm the young couple began their domestic life, and there all their children were born, namely : Mary, now the widow of William Davis, of Cass County, lowa; Matilda, wife of Robert Miller, of the same county ; John, our subject ; Elizabeth, who wedded Owen Carmichael and after his death Alex-


ander Barr, and both he and his wife died in this county ; Thomas was married in Canada, reared a family of five sons, and died near Windsor. where his widow yet resides; Margaret wedded Jolm Davis, and both are now deceased, though after her death he again married; William, the husband of Margaret Redsworth, of Pennsylvania, removed to this county in 1855, and later to Lucas County, lowa, where he died; Jane and Charles died in Pennsylvania, unmarried.


The father of these children was called to his final home when our subject was but six years old. Left fatherless at an early day. the mother with a large family and only a small farm that brought in a light income, our subject received but little help save what his own hands earned. The mother remained during her lifetime on the Pennsylvania farm. The brothers, William and John, were the first to come west, locating in Jefferson County, Ohio, and purchasing a farm in partnership. William was married, and later sold his interest to John and purchased a mill property on Island Creek. Two years later he sold that and came to Henry County. settling three miles east of Mt. Pleasant.


In September, 1849, John Gillaspey was married in Jefferson County, Ohio, to Miss Rachel A. Max- well. She came from a noted family, William W. and Sophia (Duvall) Maxwell being her parents. Mr. Maxwell was born in Maryland and his wife in Ohio. The maternal ancestors of William Maxwell were noted as being one of the wealthiest and best known families, as well as one of the most prolific in the country east of the mountains, and numer- ous families yet bear the name of Weierman in Adams and Cumberland Counties, Pa .. adjoining the Maryland line.


In the spring of 1856 John Gillaspey and his wife decided to come West, and selling their Ohio farın, embarked upon the Ohio River and made the journey to Keokuk by boat. They found a home in Mt. Pleasant, where for three years the husband engaged in different occupations. He then rented a farm four miles northeast of Mt. Pleasant, from W. R. Cole, remaining there until his present farm was bought, in 1863, His first purchase of land in this State was in lowa County. but he never lived upon that farm, and subsequently selling it made


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his permanent investment in Henry County. This farm was partly improved, but all the trees and permanent improvements stand as monuments to the enterprise of John and Rachel Gillaspey. They, during the last quarter of a century, have raised the seed, planted the twigs, and now sit in the grate- ful shade of lordly maples that lift their tops toward the sky. Their three eldest children were born in Ohio: William A., now a dairyman of Gunnison, Col. ; Sophia M., wife of Albert Meeker, a farmer of this township; and George W., the husband of Sarah McPeek, of New Cambridge, Ohio, but the young couple reside in this county. Three chil- dren were born in this county: Alonzo B., born during their residence in Mt. Pleasant, is married to Miss Ettie Meeker, of Scott Township, and now lives in Marion Township, Henry County. John T. and James H., born on the homestead, and the family circle has never been broken by aught save marriage. Mrs. Gillaspey is a granddaughter of Capt. Duvall, of historic fame in the War of 1812, and we are pleased to record this fact in their history, as only a few persons are now living who carry in their veins the blood of either Revolution- ary or patriots of the War of 1812. Our subject and his good wife have gained a competence for old age, and although but little past the meridian, their life's work is almost completed, and the period for its enjoyment has just begun. Both are mem- bers of the Baptist Church and are highly respected in the social and business world. Mr. Gillaspey has held several township offices, and for many years has been Treasurer of Independent School District No. 9.




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