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 55
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Fourteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haines: Mary Agnes died when ten months old; Eliza, wife of George Golston, of Trenton; John William is a farmer of Warren County, Neb. ; Melvina died in childhood; Jonathan, a resident of Warren County, Neb .; Martha A., wife of Richard Lane, of this county ; Ada Belle died when sixteen months old; Charlie resides in Warren County, Neb .; Carrie still lives with her parents; Samuel died at the age of four; Seneth and Hama, yet inmates of the paternal mansion : Geneva died in childhood, and Barbara Ellen is yet living with her parents.
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C HARLES A. HOLWICK, dealer in boots and shoes, and junior partner of the firm of Penn & Holwick, dealers in dry-goods, car- pets, notions, etc., was born in Stark County, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1849, and is the son of John and Martha (Kelley) Ilolwick, both natives of Ohio. The father was of German and the mother of English descent. The father was a manufacturer and coal merchant, and died in October, 1879, aged about
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sixty. His mother survived her husband several years, dying at the old home in Stark County, on Feb. 3, 1888, aged sixty-three. Our subject re- ceived a common-school education and went to Louisville, Ohio, where he was engaged in the manufacture of baskets, till he came to Mt. Pleas- ant in July, 1870. On coming to this city he en- gaged with Mr. E. L. Penn, a prominent merchant, dealing in general dry-goods, boots and shoes, the latter establishment being known as the Boston Boot and Shoe Store." In 1873 Mr. Ilolwick pur- chased an interest in the business, the firm becom- ing Penn & IIolwick. In February, 1885, Mr. Hol- wiek purchased Mr. Penn's interest in the boot and shoe store, of which he has since been sole proprie- tor, and which is now known as the "North Side Boot and Shoe store," in which the average stock carried is worth about $8,000. Penn & IIol- wiek carry about a $15,000 stock of dry-goods, carpets, etc.
Mr. Holwick was married at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Oct. 3, 1883, to Miss Carrie Potter, a daughter of Andrew Potter. Mrs. Holwick was born in Cleve- land, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Holwick are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Holwick is a Republican in politics, but has never sought public office, preferring to give his undivided at- tention to business. Mr. Penn having withdrawn from active participation in the details of the busi- ness, Mr. Holwick has had the general management for the past few years, and has proved himself an energetic, capable business man.
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ON. A. J. BUFFINGTON, a farmer of Salem Township, is the subject of this sketch, and was among the later emigrants who came west to settle in Iowa, and was compelled to endure all the hardships of car travel and reelin- ing chairs, and the upper berth of a sleeper. The family had nothing to eat for a whole day but hotel fare. They occupied a house for more than a year made of nothing but burnt clay, stone, mortar and wood, and contained but seven rooms and a kitchen. They were compelled to go to the cellar for potatoes, and to the orchard for fruits, and had to pay for their privileges to an own aunt of Mrs. Buffing-
ton's, Caroline MeMillain, the unusual and unrea- sonable charge of-nothing.
Our subject was born Aug. 17, 1832, near Bealls- ville, Washington Co., Pa. His parents, both of whom are now living near where he was born, are Joseph and Mary (Thompson) Buffington. Joseph was one of ten children of Seth and Sarah (Millison) Buffington. He was a tanner by trade and a Postmaster during the administration of Jackson, and is now a farmer. Seth and Sarah Buf- fington came to Iowa in an early day, and are bur- ied in the Friends' graveyard at Salem, Iowa. Sarah was the daughter of James Millison, a Friend and early settler in Western Pennsylvania, who was noted as an extensive fruit and fine wool grower. The maternal ancestry is traced back to the Millison family, of whom James was one.
The mother of our subject was the daughter of John and Ruth (Lewis) Thompson, who were energetic and prosperous farmers, the father a native of New Jersey, and the mother of Pennsylvania. A. J. Buf- fington worked on a farm during the summer and attended the country schools during the winter, after which he entered Greene Academy, in which he remained for five sessions. He then taught first in the rural district, then in a village, and next as Principal of the Monongahela City schools. While in that position he was appointed County Superintendent, and elected to fill the next term. At its close he was chosen Principal of the South- western Normal School. He had been connected with this school from its infancy as an instructor, and was mainly instrumental in having it perma- nently located and established in California, Pa. He was twice elected to the Pennsylvania Legisla- ture, and served in the sessions of 1869 and 1870, securing an appropriation of $15,000 for the above mentioned school, which placed it on a solid finan- cial basis and secured its recognition as a State Normal School. In 1878 he was again elected County Superintendent and served for the term of three years. The year after he came to Salem, Iowa, and taught for three years in the public schools of Salem, since which time he has been engaged in stock-raising and farming.
In 1856 he married Elizabeth Taylor, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Morris) Taylor, the latter
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of whom claimed kindred with Robert Morris, the financier of the Revolution, and also of Benjamin West. the distinguished painter. Eight children were born to them : Lulu, educated in Washington Seminary ; Rebecca, now deceased ; Flora, educated in the Washington High School; Anna, in South- western Normal School, all teachers in Western Pennsylvania; George L., a senior in the veterinary course of the lowa Agricultural College; Emma, Ella and Maud are dividing their time between home duties and school. His wife died July 29, 1872, and Nov. 3, 1875, he married the widow of Bailey Fritz Randolph, of Achor, Columbiana Co., Ohio, Mrs. Caroline M. Fritz Randolph, who still graces his home by her fine social qualities, her model housekeeping and cooking, her love of music and flowers, and her whole-hearted hospitality. She was born in East Carmel, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and received a good common-school education. She gave especial attention to and excelled in vocal music, and was married at the age of seventeen. On account of her anti-slavery convictions, she united with the Free Presbyterian Church, but after that issue was settled she united with the mother church, of which she has ever since been a member. Mrs. Butlington is the daughter of George and Deborah (Vale) Ashford. The other members of the family were William, Ammon, Thomas M., John V., Oliver G., Rebecca and Virginia D. The father was a native of Virginia, and a son of Aaron and Rebecca (Nutt) Ashford. George Ashford emigrated to Ohio in early life, and at the age of twenty-one was united in marriage with Patienee Whitaker, who died three years after, leaving two children. Mr. Ashford was a kind father, a good friend and neighbor, and was noted for his honesty. Ile lived and died a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Buffington's mother was born in York County, Pa. As she was by birth of that ancestry, the sketeh of Amos McMillan will give the early history of her family. She was the daughter of John and Debo- rah (McMillan) Vale. The paternal grandfather, Robert Vale, crossed the ocean in company with William Penn, and was instrumental in founding the Society of Friends in the United States. Ile was a native of London, England, and commanded
a merehant vessel in early life for fifteen years.
Mrs. Buflington had one child by her first hus- band, Lemoyne F. Randolph, who was born in Clarkson, Columbiana Co., Ohio, Jan. 31, 1852. lle was educated at the Poland Academy and at Mt. Union College, of Ohio. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced praetieing in New Lisbon, Ohio. Hle married Kate Hoover, the only child of Dr. and C. (Allen) Hoover, and they removed to Bloomington, Ill., and subsequently to Des Moines, lowa, where he engaged in the banking business for five years. He is now chief of the col- lection department in the Plans Manufacturing Company. One child, a daughter in her tenth year, was born to them. Mr. Randolph is an active busi- ness man, but never fails, amid the throng of other duties, to write his weekly letter to his mother.
E DWARD C. HINKLE, editor and proprietor of the Winfield Beacon, of Winfield, Iowa, was born in Calhoun County, Mich., Dec. 28. 1840. Ilis father, Charles Hinkle, was born in Philadelphia County, Pa., in 1800. His mother, Lucy (Callender) Ilinkle, was a native of Living- ston County, N. Y. When young people they emi- grated to Michigan, where they were married, and where their only son, our subject, was born. Mrs. Hinkle departed this life in Michigan, and her hus- band was again married, to Lovina Chase. By this union two children were born, one living, Dora, and Laura, deceased. In 1855 Charles Hinkle de- cided to make Henry County his home. and located on a farm in Scott Township. He died in Henry County in June, 1882. A man of more than ordi- nary ability, delighting in reading, he kept well posted on all the affairs of his country. He stood high in the community where he resided, and was everywhere noted for his honest and upright life. llis wife died in Winfieldl in 1885. They were both members of the New Swedenborgian Church. In politics, Mr. Hinkle was a Democrat, and a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas.
Edward Hinkle received a common-school edu- eation. He was reared upon a farm and commenced
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
1
AMY SPURRIER .
RICHARD SPURRIER.
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life in limited circumstances. In 1864 he enlisted in the 12th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company C, and was mustered into service at Davenport, and from there proceeded to Cairo. and from thence via New York to Savannah, Ga., where he expected to mcet the regiment. On his arrival at Savannah, he learned that the regiment was at Eastport, Miss .. to which place he proceeded and joined his regi- ment. With the regiment he went to New Orleans and from there to Dauphin Island. He was after- ward engaged in the sieges of Mobile and the Span- ish Fort, and received his discharge at Mobile.
Returning home. Mr. Hinkle again engaged in farming until 1882, at which time he retired from that business and purchased the Beacon, which paper he has ever since conducted. He is a mem- ber of the Mort Hobart Post No. 280, G. A. R., and has acted as Adjutant since its organization. He has held several local offices and has been Town Recorder continuously since the town was organ- ized. In June. 1884, the marriage of E. C. Hinkle and Franc Wise, a daughter of Morgan and Jane Wise, was celebrated. She was born in LaSalle Connty, Ill., and is the mother of a little daughter, Ethel. Although comparatively young in years. Mr. Hinkle has witnessed almost the entire devel- opement of Henry County, and has the universal respect of all her citizens. As an editor, he has shown considerable talent. the Beacon being one of the best local papers in this section of the State.
R ICHARD SPURRIER, merchant. deceased, Salem, Iowa. Prominent among the early settlers of Henry County, and pioneers in business, was Richard Spurrier. who was born in Harrison County, Ohio. Sept. 5, 1812. and was a son of Ralph and Eleanor (Cleary) Spurrier, who were natives of Maryland. Ralph Spurrier was by trade a carpenter, but his principal occupa- tion was farming. and his son Richard learned that business in detail. His parents both lived and died in Ohio, having reared five sons and six danghters, of whom six are now living: Samuel is a resident physician of Clearfield. Iowa: Warner lives in New Lisbon, Linn Co., Iowa, and is married to a cousin
of the late President, James A. Garfield; William married Miss Dungan. and is a resident farmer of Iowa County; Matilda wedded George Heberling, a farmer of Harrison County, Ohio: Elizabeth is the widow of John Matson. and resides in Ne- braska ; Mary A. became the wife of Hezekiah Har- rison, now deceased, and is a resident of New Lisbon. The remainder of the children lived to be married, but those mentioned constitute the mem- bers of the family now living. Warner was the first of the children to become a citizen of Iowa. coming in 1839, settling fourteen miles north of Iowa City.
The subject of this memoir was married in Cadiz. Ohio, in 1833. to Miss Amy Barrett. whose parents, Thomas and Margaret Barrett, were Quakers of the strictest sort. They were natives of Virginia, and when the removal from that State to Ohio was made by the Barrett brothers, to get to their entry of lands they were forced to cut their way five miles through the dense woods. In 1842 Richard and his young wife made the journey from Ohio to Iowa, by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and made their first location fourteen miles north of Iowa City, and eighteen months later removed to this county. After farming a short time Mr. Spurrier began clerking for John Andrews, a mer- chant of Salem, continuing till 1853, when he con- cluded to take an overland trip to California, making the journey with an ox-team, and the trip was made doubly eventful by his having that dread disease, cholera, while en route. After recovering, he tried mining, and later engaged as a general trader, and had in charge a fiume which furnished water for the miners. For his services $13 per month was paid, and he also purchased and sold claims. On his return, the suspension bridge being not yet completed at Niagara Falls, he walked over the falls on the sheeting-boards, and was one of the few men who could tell that story. After reaching Salem he lay sick for almost a year with the Panama fever. and after recovering, engaged for some time as clerk for J. W. Hyatt, and in 1857 pur- chased the stock, and with the exception of a few months, was continuously engaged in the mercan- tile trade up to his death, which occurred Sept. 30, 1887. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
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Spurrier, two daughters and tive sons: Thomas, married to Lavina Woodmanse, is a resident of Wichita, Kan .; John died when two years of age ; Mary, now deceased, was the wife of Thomas Rook ; William II. is a resident of Decatur County, Iowa, and the husband of Jane Cammack; Ralph C. wed- ded Josephine Barton, and also resides in the same county, where the brothers own farms. William owns a section of excellent land that adjoins that of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Elder's son. Josepli, the youngest son, and the only one born to Mr. and Mrs. Spurrier in Iowa, died when eight years of age, a victim of the first cholera epidemic appearing in Salem. Thomas and Ralph were both members of Company D, 14th Iowa Infantry, and partici- pated in many of the most noted battles of the war. Ralph was wounded at Shiloh, and after recovery was appointed clerk of the military court, and later Hospital Steward of his regiment. Both were dis- charged at the expiration of their term of service. and Ralph was offered a good position by his Regi- mental Surgeon, at Dubuque, but this was declined. The children were all given a substantial start in life by their father, and have made a success in every sense.
Richard Spurrier was the oldest continuous mer- chant in Salem. He resided in Salem since 1845, and saw the town built up, later destroyed by fire, and again rebuilt. As a man of business he had no superior, and a large fortune was the result of his life's work. He kept no clerk, and managed his store alone, and he could measure calico and do up the bundles as neatly and quickly as a lad twenty years old. llis fifty-fourth wedding anni- versary had been passed, and many happy years had this honored pair passed together. Mr. Spurrier and Lloyd Chambers were the originators of the project and charter members of Salem Lodge No. 18, 1. O. O. F., and he was the oldest member of that order in the village. He was also a member of Salem Lodge No. 17, A. F. & A. M., and President of the Ok Settlers' Association of Henry, Lee, Van Buren and Jefferson Counties, to which position, since its or- ganization, with the exception of one year, he had been successively elected, and the last meeting, held at Salem Aug. 18, 1887, was its fifth and most successful reunion. It gives us pleasure to give
full mention of this association elsewhere; also to give Mr. Spurrier a deserved place among the old settlers in the history of his chosen county.
Richard Spurrier was seventy-five years and twenty-five days of age at the time of his death. and his remains were interred at Salem by the Ma- sonie and Odd Fellow fraternities, of which he was so long an honored member. He was a noble, gen- erous man, and without placing his name on sub- scription papers for money to relieve those in dis- tress, he in advance found his way to their homes, and with arms loaded with the necessary articles to relieve their present necessities, brought tears of gladness to many eyes since his residence in Salem. He was a member of no church, but liberal in theo- logical and social matters. Ile sleeps that dream- less sleep from which none awaken, and the last tribute of respect was paid his remains by hundreds of his pioneer friends and old acquaintances, when the funeral rites were held.
The life-like portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Spurrier. on an adjoining page, will add value to this sketch of their history, and will be a source of great gratification to their many friends.
OHN ABRAIIAM, deceased, was numbered among the pioneers of Henry County of 1841. lle was a native of Butler County. Ohio, born in 1805, and there grew to manhood, and received a limited education in the old log school- house. By reason and reflection. in after years he became well read and posted in general affairs, In about 1827 he was united in marriage, in Butler County, Ohio, with Miss Sarah MeCue, a native of Pennsylvania. Lot Abraham, his father, was an extensive dealer in hogs, and in consequence of the hard times following the panic of 1837, failed in business. John, not willing to see his father suffer, or be harrassed by creditors in his old age, sold his farm, and divided the proceeds with him, thus en- abling him to settle with his creditors. With the sum remaining, amounting to about $1,400, in 1841 John Abraham emigrated to Henry County, Iowa, and purchased 100 acres of land, for which he paid $1,600. He at once commenced to improve the
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land but was not long permitted to enjoy the fruits of it. He died in 1843, leaving a wife and seven children, of whom six yet remain: Susan, residing in Center Township; Rebecca, wife of A. H. Jack- man, now of Ft. Robinson, Neb .; Sarah is the wife of Noah Johnson, of this county ; Lot resides on the old homestead; Jolin M. lives in Douglas County, Neb .; Catherine married E. W. Roberts, and died in this county in 1871; Margaret is the wife of Samuel Grafft, of Butler Connty, Ohio. Politically Mr. Abraham was an ardent Democrat. Mrs. Abra- ham was a member of the Christian Church for twenty years prior to her death.
ON. LOT ABRAHAM, section 35, Center Township, was born in Butler County, Ohio, April 18, 1838. In 1841, when but three years of age, he came with his parents to Henry County, Iowa, where he grew to man- hood, and received his education in the common schools. In September, 1861, he enlisted as a pri- vate in Company D, 4th Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered into the United States service at Camp Harlan. After remaining in camp for a short time, the company was ordered to Benton Barracks near St. Louis, from which place it was sent to Rolla and Springfield, Mo., and at Pea Ridge joined the com- mand of Gen. Curtis. It was next ordered to Bates- ville, Ark., and then to Helena, in the same State, operating as scouts. From Ilelena the regiment was sent to Vicksburg, participating in the siege of that city. It was next ordered to Jackson, Miss., where it took part in two battles. Returning to Vicksburg, it was sent up the Yazoo River, and was on what is known as the Winslow raid, engaged in destroying railroads, being in the saddle thirteen days and nights, stopping only long enough to feed their horses, and returning north to Memphis, Tenn. In this raid 300 cars and fifty engines were cap- tured, some of which they destroyed. From Mem- phis the regiment was sent by boat to Vicksburg, where it went into winter quarters. The Meridian raid next occupied their attention, from which they again returned to Vicksburg, where almost the en- tire regiment re-enlisted, after which they received
a furlough to return home. Much of the credit for the re-enlistment of the regiment was due to Capt. Abraham, who worked hard among the men for that purpose.
On their return from veteran furlough, the regi- ment was sent on the raid to Bolivar and Guntown. Their next fight was at Tupelo, where they fought and defeated Forrest. Returning to Memphis, it was next sent to Holly Springs, and was there when Forrest made his raid. Sept. 2, 1864, they crossed the river and went to intercept Price, and partici- pated in all the fights of that campaign. The regi- ment was next ordered to St. Louis, where it was supplied with new uniforms. Here Capt. Abraham was left in command of the regiment, and it was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and subsequently was sent to Louisville, Ky., where they refitted, and later was on the Wilson raid. After the close of the war, and while the armistice was still pending, Capt. Abraham being at Macon, Ga., with his command, with Lieut. L. Mann and fifty enlisted men, he was sent to Washington, Ga., to parole Wheeler's cav- alry, which consisted of 4,000 men and eight Gen- erals, among whom were Gen. John Vaughn, who had displeased Jeff Davis, and was under arrest, Gen. G. G. Gibbrel, Gen. Williams of Kentucky, and others. They arrived there the day after the last cabinet meeting of the Southern Confederacy was held. At Washington Capt. Abraham met Toombs and had a long talk with him, and was re- quested by the latter to come down and get some money which he had at his house. The Captain got the money and gave his receipt for $5,180, which he soon after turned over to the General Government. At Washington he remained for ten days, and then reported to Gen. Wilson at Macon, Ga., but was sent back with his company to look after rebel property, and there remained until the 4th of July. They were then sent to Atlanta, Ga., where they were mustered out Aug. 8, 1865, re- ceiving their final discharge at Davenport, Iowa, August 24 of the same year.
On receiving his discharge, Capt. Abraham re- turned to Henry County, where, on the 13th day of September, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah C. Alden, a daughter of Zephaniah and Damaris (Thompson) Alden. She is a native of
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Guernsey County, Ohio, and came with her parents to Henry County, Iowa, in 1841. Four children have been born unto them: John G., now a student in the Ames Agricultural College, in the class of 1888; Sallie, also attending the same school; and Mary and Katie at home.
On her father's side Mrs. Abraham traces her ancestry back to the celebrated .Jolin Alden, who came over from England in the "Mayflower," in 1620, and who has been immortalized by Longfel- low in his celebrated poem, "The Courtship of Miles Standish," where John was pleading the cause of Miles to the beautiful and loving Priscilla, urging her to wed his friend, while at the same time his heart had been lost to the one with whom he was so eloquently pleading, and who, unknown to him, re- turned his love, and in reply said : "Why don't you speak for yourself, John ?" The result of this ques- tion was, that Jolm did speak for himself, and of their union was born Joseph Alden, of Bridgewater. Mass., who was the father of a son, also named Joseph, and who died at the age of seventy-three. The second Joseph also lived in Bridgewater, and died at the age of eighty, leaving a son Daniel, who resided at Hartford, Conn., and who also lived to the ripe old age of eighty. Ile had a sou Daniel, who made his home in Lebanon, Mass., and who lived to the age of seventy. Both Daniels were well known in their native State, and for many years held the honorable position of Justice of the Peace. Daniel, of Lebanon, had a son Barnabas, who died aged sixty, leaving a son bearing the same name, who passed away at the age of seventy. Ilis son, Jonathan, lived to be eighty years of age. Jonathan was the father of Zephaniah, the father of Mrs. Abraham.
Zephaniah Alden was born in Massachusetts, in 1812, and there learned the trade of a stone-eutter. In 1837 he wedded Damaris Thompson, in Guern- sey County, Ohio, to which place he had previously removed, and four years later the young couple removed to Henry County, lowa, where Mr. Alden died in 1850, at the age of thirty-eight, being the youngest member of the family to ever pass away. On coming to this county, for a time he combined farming with his trade of stone-entter, but in con- sequence of ill-health could not follow the plow, 1
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