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 54
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R OBERT HENRY PETERSON, dealer in gen- eral merchandise. New London, Iowa, estab- lished business in that town in the spring of 1871, and carries and manages a stock of $18.000 value, the largest of the local mercantile houses of the town, and one of the most important in the county. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Feb. 22. 1831, and is the son of Elias
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R.A. Peterson
THE NEW/ V . P FUCLIC
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and Margaret (MeCall) Peterson. His father was born in the State of New York, was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that occupation in early life, but later on made farming his business. His father, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of this country. The family is probably descended from a member of a Swedish colony that settled in Eastern New York in Colonial times. The mother of our subject was of Irish descent. Robert II. Peterson received his preparatory education in the public schools. and entered Jacksonville Academy, in Indiana County, Pa., in 1852, and later entered Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Pa., graduating in 1854, in a class of fifty-six, the largest class ever graduated from that institution up to that time. Mr. Peterson had been engaged in teaching school in the winters, with the exception of two years, from the time he was nineteen years old, and in 1855 he went to Mississippi to serve as assistant teacher of Black Ilawk Academy in Carroll County. Ile taught one term there, and then came to Iowa, teaching one term in Boone County, two in Monroe, Jasper County, and then went to Ne- braska, where he was engaged in various occupa- tions. He remained there but a short time, how- ever, when he returned to Iowa and taught at Eddyville and Albia. While teaching in the publie schools in Monroe, Jasper County, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah Elizabeth Shelledy, who afterward became his wife. They were married April 11, 1858. Mrs. Peterson was the daughter of John B. Shelledy, and was born in Coles County, Ill. Mr. Peterson was engaged in farming in Mon- roe County. Iowa, working on the farm in the sum- mer, and teaching school in the winter till 1870, when he sold out and came to New London, in October of that year. IIe spent the first winter in teaching school, and in the spring of 1871 he be- gan business in a small way as a dealer in general merchandise. He increased his stock as his capital permitted, till he now has one of the best stocked establishments of the kind in the State.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have had four children, of whom three are living: Robert Howard, the eldest, died in childhood, aged one year; John Edgar married Miss Flossie Lee, daughter of Sam- uel Lee, of New London Township, and is now at
partner of his father, under the firm name of R. H. Peterson & Son. Ida A. and Laura M. are resid- ing with their father, the elder serving as house- keeper, and the younger attending school. Their mother, an estimable Christian lady, died Oet. 22, 1882.
Mr. Peterson is a Master Mason, a member of New London Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M. He is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and independent in polities, with strong Prohibition sentiments, and is widely known and respected as an upright merchant, an honorable man and good citizen.
We are pleased to present on an adjoining page a portrait of this well-known citizen of Henry County and representative merchant of the village of New London.
L EWIS JOHNSON, a retired farmer, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, has been a resident of Henry County since 1853. He was born in Greene County, Pa., Aug. 2. 1827, and is the son of Isaac R. and Mary ( Barclay) Johnson. His father was a native of Chester County. Pa. His family had been residents of Pennsylvania for many years, first in the eastern and afterward in the western part of the State. His mother was born in Bucks County, Pa. Her family also dated their settlement in that county from pioneer times.
Lewis was reared on his father's farm, and when not quite twenty-two years of age, April 5, 1849, he was married to Miss Mary A. Patterson, daugh- ter of Thomas Patterson. Mrs. Johnson was born in Washington County, Pa. Two children were born to them, a daughter and a son. The daugh- ter, Ella, was born in Greene County, Pa., and is now the wife of S. D. Wright, residing at Beatrice. Neb. The son, Isaac R., was born in Henry County, lowa. He married Miss Donna Mont- gomery, and resides on the old homestead near Winfield, Iowa. Mr. Johnson moved to Henry County in 1853, and settled in Center Township, where he farmed one year. lle then removed to Marion Township of the same county, and six years thereafter to Scott Township, where he purchased a
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farm of 240 acres. He still owns eighty acres of the old homestead, having sold the balance of it to his son. Mr. Johnson continued to reside in Scott Township, engaged in farming and stock-growing till April, 1887, when he came to Mt. Pleasant to live. Hle has voted with the Republican party since its organization, and has held several minor offices in the several townships where he has resided. He is held in high esteem as a neighbor and citizen.
SAAC J. JENNINGS, farmer, residing on sec- tion 23, Canaan Township, Ilenry Co., Iowa. was born in Brown County, Ohio. in 1830, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Reese) Jennings, both natives of Ohio. Isaac Jennings, Sr., was a pio- neer of Brown County. All the children were born in Ohio: Elizabeth wedded Israel Ross, a well- known resident of Scott Township; Israel, husband of Delilah Ross, a resident of Brown County, Ohio, died from a wound received in the army; Charity, widow of David Ross, resides in lowa; Abel mar- ried Sarah Bowyer, and lives in Virginia, a deerepit and aged soldier, who was wounded while in line of duty, now an inmate of the Soldiers' Home; De- Witt died in childhood; Isaac J., our subject; William died in infancy ; Strange also died in child- hood; Mary married William Fithen, a resident of Scott Township, and Daniel married Elizabeth Wills. The parents came to this county about 1870, and both died at an advanced age.
Our subject was married to Miss Addie Wood, Aug. 16, 1855, in Adams County, Ohio. They came to llenry County in 1868, locating soon after upon their present farm. No improvements had been made and the raw land was cultivated to a high degree by Mr. Jennings. His original dwell- ing was consumed by fire July 21, 1887, but from its ashes has risen a handsome frame structure, now complete in its appointments, adding largely to the appearance of the farm.
Three children were born in Ohio, two living: Elmer, husband of Clara Baldwin, residing in Canaan Township, and Eva, who is yet with her parents, the life and joy of the household. One grandchild, Lola, has graced the home of his son.
The original quarter section purchased is still Mr. Jennings' residence, and as he looks over the fine farm a feeling of satisfaction comes over him. We are glad to speak of his enterprise. The loss of a valuable farmhouse means a great sacrifice of com- fort and a corresponding loss of money. Without one dollar of insurance, the fire destroyed every- thing of value. A fine library, which had taken years to secure, furniture, carpets and even cloth- ing of inmates was swept away, they barely eseap- ing unharmed. Valuable papers were also burned, and that memorable night in July will be long thought of by the Jennings family. The enter- prise of our subject is again shown in the erection of a handsome residence, and his riper years can be passed in a home pleasantly picturesque, and with one of the most social and genial wives that ever graced the hearthstone of a good man, Mr. Jen- nings' cup of happiness may be considered complete. Together they have toiled and shared both the hard and the pleasant lot, and their married life of thir- ty-three years has brought with it a fitting reward. With their children within call, and yet scarcely past the meridian of life. every prospeet for many happy years yet remains to this worthy couple.
OIIN HOLLOWELL, residing on section 35, in Tippecanoe Township, is a native of Ohio, being born in Morgan County, April 8, 1817. Ilis parents were Reuben and Abigail (Brown) Hollowell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and pioneers of Morgan County, Ohio, moving there in 1832.
Our subject spent his early years upon the home farm, and in attending the district schools of his native State. On the 20th of April, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Thompson, a native of Morgan County, Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph B. and Mary Ann (Wood) Thompson, who were natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. HIollo- well came to Henry County in 1875, his father having bought 375 aeres in Salem Township, on which John lived from the time of his marriage until 1885. He and his brother Benjamin purchased ninety-six acres of land on section 35, Tippecanoe
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Township, in 1877, and in 1885 he purchased his brother's interest in the farm, on which he now resides. Mr. Hollowell is extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding Merino sheep. In connection with his father and brother he has thirty head of recorded sheep, and always has specimens of this breed on his farm for sale. Mr. Hollowell is at present one of the Board of Trustees of the township, and is also Secretary of the School Board. He holds the politi- cal views of the Republican party. It is to such citi- zens as Mr. and Mrs. Hollowell that Henry County owes its prosperity. They are always ready to aid in the advancement of any publie enterprise, and are greatly esteemed by all. Mr. and Mrs. Hollowell have a family of four children, two sons and two daughters: Garfield A., who was born Aug. 2, 1880; Howard J., Sept. 29, 1881 ; Anna Mary, born Oet. 1, 1883; and Edith Emma, born July 2, 1887.
ON. JOHN POSEY GRANTHAM, whose death occurred May 15. 1887, was a pioneer of 1837. The following sketch of his life appeared in the Mt. Pleasant Journal: "Mr. Grantham was the ninth in a family of nine chil- dren of John and Elizabeth Grantham, was born in Henderson County, Ky., Oct. 25, 1812, emigrating at the age of fifteen, with his father, to near Ilills- boro. Montgomery Co., Ill., in 1827. The name is essentially English, and is traceable in this country back as far as three brothers, two of whom settled in the higher latitudes of the Eastern Atlantic coast, the other, following the fortunes of the colony planted by Oglethorpe. settled in Virginia. John Posey was descended from the Virginia branch, his grandfather having been attracted to the 'dark and bloody ground' which constituted the theatre of action of the Kentons and Daniel Boone, probably before the beginning of the present cen- tury, at the time before the institution of slavery had established caste and its consequent innova- tions in Southern society, and when it possessed men of great natural force of character which was well sustained in the subject of this sketelı.
"Though inured by long indoor life in the vari- ous publie offices, and never of robust constitution, Mr. Grantham joined with other fortune seekers, in the spring of 1849, the then untried and unknown journey to California, when that overland trip consumed the time of four months, and when a return along the same route was impossible. He was the chronieler of the pilgrimage, and the com- munications he sent back afforded a guide book for such as might wish to follow. Returning the next year. 1850, he was elected Clerk of the Dis- trict Court by a large majority, though a Democrat and living in a county where his party, politically, was as much in the minority as it now is, compara- tively, though the issue has been changed. He continued in the office through biennial elections through a period of sixteen years, and at last de- elined another renomination. He was one among the number of Democrats who ceased to act with that organization after the rupture the party suf- fered in the controversy over the repeal of the slavery restriction compromise line of 1820. Ally- ing himself to neither faction, he lent himself act- ively to the work of organizing the Republican party. He served the city one term as Mayor, and was Postmaster by appointment by Fillmore, from 1846 to 1849. Ile represented Henry County in the Twelfth General Assembly, 1867-68. Soon after the close of the session, having been appointed to a position in the General Land-Office, he removed his business life to Washington, D. C., where ever since he was actively employed, until ill-health incapacitated him from further duty. He claimed always a residence here, returning each year to cast his vote with the neighbors and friends of his early life. Ever faithful and efficient, the change in the administration wrought no change in the position he held under Republican rule, but declining health compelled his resignation, when he and his life-long and now widowed partner took up their abode with their son-in-law and daughter at Keokuk, where he died. His personal and business relations, and indeed all his personal relations, were entirely beyond censure and complaint. If he ever had a personal quarrel, no one, it is believed, can now recall the recollection of it. He and his widow left behind were the parents of ten children, only four
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of whom are now living, three daughters: Mrs. Irene Ballard, of Hastings, Neb. ; Mrs. Julian Mc- Gavic, Keokuk, Iowa, and Mrs. Joanna Sparks, Washington, D. C., and one son, Charles F., of Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Grantham was the daughter of John Jenkins, who came to Iowa in an early day, bringing with him a large family of children; one son, Warren L. Jenkins, represented Henry County in the Territorial Legislature.
ON. CHARLES W. PAYNE, residing on section 36, Jefferson Township, Henry Co., lowa, was born in this county, June 1, 1840, and is a son of Henry and Margaret J. (Boak) Payne, both natives of Berkeley County, Va., where they were married, and four daughters were born to them prior to their emigration west. In the spring of 1836 they left their home in old Virginia, all their goods packed in covered wagons, and the journey was completed in the autumn of that year. Iowa was then a part of the Territory of Michigan, and as lands were not subject to entry, Henry Payne claimed the 200 acres upon which our subject resides, and eighty acres of timber land in Trenton Township. He bnilt a hewed-log cabin in 1837 and moved his family into it, and there the rest of the children were born. The old cabin was later weatherboarded, and still stands as a land- mark of fifty years ago, and a relie of pioneer days. Its roof covered a family who have risen to a high position in the social, business and polit- ical world, and the old homestead was the play- ground of a family of children who now rank among the oldl settlers of the county. Eight children blessed the union of Henry and Margaret J. Payne, as follows: Rebecca, the deceased wife of Joshua Gardner: Martha, wife of L. M. Rhodes: Isabella, wife of J. D. Smith; Rachel, wedded to M. M. Culver, all born in Virginia. Henry, now a farmer in Jefferson Township, was born in Illinois, while the family were en route for Iowa ; and our subject was the first child born in this county. His birth was followed by that of Hayden. the husband of Sarah McPheron; and Elisha, who wedded Amanda
Leach. All grew to maturity in this county, and all but the youngest sister were married here. The father of our subject reached the age of seventy- nine, and his wife survived him several years. She lived to be seventy-three, and saw all her children happily married and settled in life.
Charles W. Payne was a member of Company B, 25th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and his two younger brothers were members of the 4th Iowa Cavalry during the Civil War. Elisha was severely wounded at the battle of Guntown, and was later discharged on account of the same. Our subject was engaged in many of the prominent battles of the war, and at the battle of Arkansas Post he volunteered to carry the colors (the color bearer being ill), and the report of Gen. Wood in his History of the Soldiers of Iowa, pays Mr. Payne a high compliment for bravery displayed upon that occasion. From that date he was appointed by Col. George A. Stone color bearer of his regiment, and served till the end of his term of enlistment as Sergeant. He was on duty, with the exception of thirty days, from his enlistment until his discharge. At the siege of Vicksburg he faced the shot and shell; at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge he was at the front ; at the siege of Atlanta, and in every engagement fought during the campaign he participated. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and from thence to the surrender of Johnston at Rolla, N. C., and took part in the great military review at Washington after the close of the war.
In 1868 his marriage to Miss Maggie Patton was celebrated. She was born in Ohio County, W. Va., in 1841, and is a daughter of Matthew and Naney Patton, who came to lowa in 1856, settling in New London Township, this county. They now live on a farm adjoining Mr. Payne's, and are well ad- vanced in years. Their living children are: James, a farmer in Center Township; Agnes, wife of T. J. Sparks, attorney, of Bushnell. Il .; John, living in ,Jefferson Township, this county; Etta, wife of Oliver Newell, a farmer at Bushnell, Ill .; Jennie, unmarried, and living in Lneas County. Iowa; and Mrs. Payne. Several children died young.
C. W. Payne and wife began their married life on the old homestead, and in the same cabin in which he was born. Nineteen years of happy
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wedded life have brought great changes to this couple. An interesting family has graeed their home. The old cabin has been exchanged for a mansion of more modern architecture. The husband has been honored by the people of his eounty with one of the highest places they could bestow. He was the choice of the Republican party, and was eleeted member of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth General Assemblies, receiving a popular vote far in advance of his ticket. His official acts were satis- faetory to his constituents, and Mr. Payne retired from his position with the esteem of the people he had faithfully represented. As a farmer Mr. Payne has been suecessful. His farm is well stocked, and no happier home can be found in the township, and everything about the place betokens prosperity.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Payne are named : Frank, Clyde, Blanche and Mabel. The eldest son is a graduate of the Bushnell (Ill.) Iligh School, and all are at home. His many friends will read with interest this sketeh of the family of the soldier, the legislator, and the useful and well-known eitizen and representative of one of the pioneer families, and a son born upon her soil, and we welcome him to a place in the history of Henry County.
ENNIS IIUMMELL, a prominent citizen of Center Township, was born in Henry County, lowa, in 1840, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Barton) Hummell, the former born July 3, 1814, in Pennsylvania, and the latter June 18, 1814, in the State of Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living: Dennis, our subject ; John, now re- siding in Jewell County, Kan., was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in the 25th Iowa Volunteers, serv- ing three years, and taking part in all the battles with his regiment; William, who also served his country for four years, in the 11th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, was captured at Atlanta, Ga., July 28, 1864, and sent to Andersonville Prison six months, is now Principal of the South Boundary Schools of Bur- lington, which position he has held for nineteen
years; Thomas, now a farmer in Marion County, Mo., enlisted in the 14th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving four years; George, who enlisted in the 11th lowa Volunteer Infantry in the spring of 1864, served until July 22, when he was wounded in the arm at the battle of Atlanta, and died from the effects of his wound; Joseph, who enlisted in the 45th Iowa Volunteers, serving three months, now resides in Burean County, Ill .; and Henry is a farmer in this county.
The record of this family for patriotism has not often been equaled. Of the seven sons all but Henry, who was too young, gave themselves to their country in her hour of need, and all proved brave and gallant soldiers. One yielded up his life in her service, and all were willing to if needed. They shunned no risks, and ever bore themselves as brave soldiers and good citizens, and among the families of Henry County none are more worthy of recognition than they.
Our subject received his education in the district schools of his native State. He remained upon the farm until the age of twenty, when he went to Bu- reau County, Ill., working on a farm until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in May, 1861. On account of the quota being full he was not accepted, so he returned home, and on the 1Ith of October he again enlisted in the 14th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was with his regiment through the following engagements: The battle of Ft. Donelson; at Pittsburg Landing, where he was captured and held as prisoner for fifty-two days; at Maeon, Ga., nearly all of the time, then paroled and sent to St. Louis, where he remained until he was exchanged. Returning to his regi- ment he was engaged in the battle of Ft. DeRussey, also at Pleasant Hill, La., Marksville Plains, Old Oaks, Yellow Bayou, Old Town Creek, Tupelo, Miss., and in numerous skirmishes of less note. Ile was mustered out in November, 1864, at Daven- port. On returning home he again gave his atten- tion to farming, in which business he has since been engaged,
He was united in marriage, on the 16th of Feb- ruary, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Jane Faucett, a native of Indiana, and the daughter of Isaac and Mary (Southern) Faucett, the former a native of
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North Carolina, and the latter of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel are the parents of six children: George W., who resides in Center Township; Mar- tha Florence, James F., Charles, Minnie and Isaac J. In politics Mr. Hummel is a Republican, and has been Township Assessor, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. Hummel is one of the pioneer settlers of Henry County, and has witnessed the many changes civili- zation has made, and has done much toward plac- ing the county in its present position among the first of the State.
S AMUEL R. HAINES, residing on section 26, Trenton Township, Henry Co., Iowa, is a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born March 13, 1831, and is a son of Job and Mary (Black) Haines, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were pioneer settlers of this county, locating on a rented farm in Tippecanoe Township in 1838, where they remained for two years. Job: Haines entered a farm of 160 aeres on section 26, Trenton Township, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in the winter of 1856, when sixty- one years of age. At his death he owned 230 acres of land. Ile was a man who took great in- terest in political affairs. He and his wife were both members of the Methodist Protestant Church. She died in December, 1864. They reared a family of eleven children, all of whom yet live: Charity, wife of Allen Jay, now in the Indian Territory; Mary Jane, wife of Joseph Jay, a resident of Tren- ton Township; Joseph, of Mills County, Iowa, is a farmer; our subjeet; JJames, now living in Mills County, Iowa; Elizabeth, wife of Mell Petty, now a resident of Dakota; Sarah, wife of Obed Ward, resides in Dakota; Barbara Ellen, wife of Arthur Clarkson, of Mills County, Iowa; Jonathan. also a resident of Mills County ; Job, residing in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and Jerusha Susan, wife of Asbury Ford, of this township.
Our subjeet grew to manhood upon a farm in this county, receiving his education at the district schools. At the age of twenty-two he began work-
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ing as a farm hand, continuing for a year, and for several years afterward rented farms. Ilis first pur- chase of land consisted of sixty acres on Mud Creek. Samuel R. Haines was united in marriage, Feb. 22, 1857, with Eliza Jane Mercer, a native of Guern- sey County, Ohio, where she was born Nov. 8, 1837, and is a daughter of Hiram and Barbara (Miller) Mercer, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, though the mother was of German descent. The young couple began their domestic life on the estate of his father, he buying the inter- ests of the other heirs, until he owned the place, adding to this until he now has 334 acres of land. Mrs. Haines owns forty acres, making 374 acres all told; they have one of the finest residences in the township, it being erected at a cost of $2,200. Ilis principal business is raising stock, shipping a car- load per year. Mr. and Mrs. Haines are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which they are earnest workers. Among the citizens of Ilenry County none stand higher in the esteem and con- fidence of all than this worthy couple. Mr. Ilaines affiliates with the Republican party.
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