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 71
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ston's army. Henee Maj. Bayles had the rare fort- une to be in the vicinity of the surrender of the two great armies of the Confederacy. He took part in the grand military review held at Washing- ton, D. C. The troops composing this command were then disbanded until late in July, and upon the 29th of that month Maj. Bayles was ordered home, from which place he should report to the Adjutant General, United States Army. On Ang. 4, 1865, his order of muster out was issued.
Returning then to the business left to itself when he became a soldier, Maj. Bayles seeured it com- fortably ere his health, which in the army had become impaired, gave way, and he was forced to retire from aetive agriculture and the stock busi- ness. Reenperating somewhat after an enforced rest, he accepted in the spring of 1870 an appoint- ment as Asssistant United States Marshal for Henry County. Ile also engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Mt. Pleasant, at the same time. In 1871 he was elected to the Chair of Geology and Natural History in the lowa Wesleyan University, serving until 1874, when he was elected President of the Western lowa Collegiate Institute at Glenwood, which position he filled but one year. Later his health entirely gave way, and he was forced to re- turn to his home in Mt. Pleasant. In 1876 and 1877 the entire family spent the autumn and winter in Washington, D. C., returning again to their lowa home in the spring. In 1878 Mr. Bayles, accom- panied by his two sons, went to Kansas and re- mained two years, making there a pioneer home. After the return Mr. Bayles removed to his farm in Canaan Township, purchased in 1868, where the family now reside, preferring the quiet, unostenta- tious life of a farmer to the worry of official or other public life.
Four children have graced the union of Maj. Bayles and his wife-Will C., George C., Ollie M. and Helen E., the latter deceased. The education of all has been thorough, and the daughter is an accomplished musician. With a home which any man of taste might envy, a handsome and well- selected library, musie and works of art, in faet with all that makes home life pleasant, this gentle- man and his family are most happily situated.
The proudest moment in the life of our subject
was when the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, received a letter with only one line traeing the page, in relation to the appointment of our subjeet as Captain and Commissary of Subsistence. It was brief and to the point:
" Let this appointment be made at onee.
A. LINCOLN."
We present with pleasure this sketch of the sol- dier, the official, the teacher, the gentleman, and now the genial farmer, to the consideration of the people of Henry County, among whoin his name is so well known.
AMES Il. PATTERSON, son of Ledger- wood and Drusilla Patterson, is one of the prominent farmers and pioneer settlers of Scott Township, Henry Co., Iowa, and was born in Augusta County, Va., Oet. 21, 1834. He came with his parents to this county in 1842, when but a lad of eight years. ITis first education was received in the common schools, and afterward he attended Howe's Academy in Mt. Pleasant. In September, 1861, he responded to the President's call for troops, and enlisted in the 4th lowa Cavalry, Company C. He was mustered into service at Camp Harlan, and the following spring went to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, from there to Raleigh, and subsequently to Springfield, Mo. He enlisted as a private, but at the organization of the company was elected Second Lieutenant, and was later appointed Quartermaster. An order was issued by the War Department in Washington, relieving all supernumerary officers, and he was one of those coming under that designation. Not wishing to go back into the ranks as a private, he resigned, after serving about fifteen months. After his return home he lay sick at Mt. Pleasant for some time.
On the 8th of October, 1863, JJames HI. Patterson led to the marriage altar Miss Fannie Wallace, and the ceremony was performed which made them man and wife. She was a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Wallace. Her parents died with that dread disease, cholera, in 1855, leaving Fannie an orphan at the age of twelve. They were both
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members of the Presbyterian Church, and both were buried at Flemingsburg, Ky.
In 1864 Mr. and Mrs. Patterson removed to Winfield, locating upon a farm adjoining the town. To them have been born six children: Anna, now attending college at Oskaloosa, Iowa; William W., at home; Eva, now attending college at Mt. Pleas- ant; Essie, John H. and James M. C., also at home. In politics Mr. Patterson is one of the stanchi Republicans of Henry County, and an active worker for his party, although not aspiring to office. He is also a great friend to education. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have a fine farm of 400 acres, all of which have been developed since moving upon the land, with the exception of eighty acres, which had been partially broken. A nice home has been erected, which is presided over by a most genial host and amiable hostess. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson stand high in the community where they reside, and have the respect of all who know them. Ile is active in the advancement of any enterprise which is for the good of the township or county. Ile is a member of the Mort Ilobart Post No. 280, G. A. R., and he is also a member of Winfield Lodge No. 154, I. O. O. F., of Winfield.
Le EDGERWOOD PATTERSON, deceased, was one of the pioneer settlers of Henry County, Iowa. He was born in Augusta County, Va., in 1801, and there grew to manhood, receiving his education in the schools of his native county. About the year 1828 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage with Drusilla T. IIenry, of the same county. She was a native of that county, born in 1809. In 1835 Mr. Patterson and his young bride removed to Henry County, Ind., remaining there for seven years, and in 1842 came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, which was then but a small village. Soon after their arrival the husband was taken sick, never recovering from his illness, and dying in November of the same year. Politically Mr. Patterson affiliated with the Whig party. To him and his wife six children were born, four of whom are living : Mary M., wife of James Craig, of
Cameron, Mo .; William W., of San Jose, Cal .; James II., and Elvira, also at Cameron. Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were among the founders of the Presbyterian Church of this county, in fact the society was organized in their home. Mrs. Patter- son died in 1871, in Kansas City, at the age of sixty-two, and she and her husband were buried side by side in the cemetery of Mt. Pleasant. None stood higher in the community than did Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, and their deaths were sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances.
OHN HUBBARD WILLIAMS, a farmer of Baltimore Township, was born near White Water, Ind., in 1842, and is the son of John W. and Catharine (Deardoff) Williams. The former was a native of Maryland, while his wife was of German ancestry, but was born in Union County, Ind. While in Indiana Cynthia A., Lu- cinda, Jonas and John H. were born. In 1843 the family removed to Des Moines County, Iowa, and were among the early settlers in that county. Lands were entered and frequent changes were made by Mr. Williams in real estate, but the lands first entered are now in possession of his son-in-law, Joseph Cresap. After Mr. Williams located in Des Moines County, other children were born-Rebecca, Sarah E., George W., Margaret C., Matilda, Emily M., Franklin B., Algelena, and Laura, who died in infancy. The others reached adult age.
John W. Williams brought considerable money to this State and prior to his death accumulated a large property. He was a heavy dealer in stock, and before railroads were built drove his stock to market. In Indiana he drove his stock to Cincin- nati, and was there, as in Iowa, a large dealer. He was an active business man and died in 1881 at a ripe age. His widow survives him and is now in her sixty- ninth year. John W. Williams was an early official of Des Moines County, Iowa, and several terms served as Trustee. Of his children all were married except the infant mentioned. Cynthia wedded Elias G. Rowe; Lueinda married Elisha Gappen ; Jonas wedded Amanda R. Armstrong; Rebecca was the wife of Alex Jacoby; Sarah A. became the wife of Byron Lilly; George W. married Sarah Sibert;
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Margaret C. became the wife of Joseph Cresap; Matilda is the wife of Emory Knickerbocker: Emily M. is the wife of John Bishop; Franklin B. is the husband of Flora Parrot, and Algelena is the wife of Milton McDonald.
Our subject was married in Des Moines County, Nov. 25, 1862, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Sam- uel and Elizabeth (Mathias) Dickey. Her father was a native of Indiana and his wife of Kentucky. They were married in Des Moines County, in 1843. Burlington consisted of a few log cabins at that time, and Mr. and Mrs. Dicky saw the entire growth of that now prosperous city. Neither of the par- ents of Mrs. Williams are living, but their memory is saered and rendered doubly dear as she was their only child. and upon her a wealth of love and care was lavished. In 1873 Mr. Dickey removed to Oregon. His wife Elizabeth died some years before, and Mr. Dickey became the husband of Mary E. (Furry) Diekey, who was. prior to the latter mar- riage, the wife of his brother Isaac. Mr. Dickey's death took place in Trinity County, Cal.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams remained in Des Moines County until their removal, in 1878, to Henry Coun- ty. He also owned a steam sawmill in that county, which he operated in connection with his farm. His place in this county was purchased in 1878, and is now a handsome and finely improved estate. His taste for machinery still continues. and he is the owner of a mill which he erected on his own land since he came to this county. Ile also runs a steam thrasher, and in 1887 thrashed over 60,000 bushels of grain. Ile is a practical machinist, having learned the trade in MeCormick's great factory in Chicago, in 1864. He is the inventor of one of the most perfect traction engines that has to this date been used on the road, and over all other compet- itors was awarded the first prize at the Burlington Exposition, in 1885. Mr. Williams is an enter- prising and industrious citizen, as was his father before him, and the family are highly spoken of by their neighbors, and by all who know them. A man of enterprise and character he takes a leading place in the community.
To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born nine children-George W., Charles E., Orel P., Frank L., Hubbard G., Daisy B., Samuel A., Robert C. and
Mary Edith. Theirs is indeed a happy home. The silent reaper has passed it by and the family circle remains nnbroken. There is not a man in this part of the county who does not know and appreciate the genial and gentlemanly J. Hubbard Williams, and in their pleasant farmhouse the good wife and mother does her part to make life pleasant and profitable. We welcome the family to a place among the best in this township.
ON. JAMES C. GREEN, of Trenton, is one of the pioneers of Henry County. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born near Bristol, on Neshaming Creek. Jan. 21, 1815. His parents, Robert and Anna (Page) Green, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the mother being born in the city of Philadelphia. She was a daughter of Stephen Page, a native of Vir- ginia. Robert Green was a son of John Green, who was a native of Waterford, Ireland, and a seaman for many years, and Captain of a merchant ship. The father of onr subject was a farmer through life. His death occurred April 6, 1826, at the age of forty-two years, and the mother died June 5, 1826, at the age of forty years, thus leaving James C. an orphan at the age of eleven. After the death of his parents, James went to live with his grandmother, who, with the aid of his brother, Joseph Green, reared him. Even to this day James Green looks to his brother for help and comfort, and his home is ever a home for his brother.
When twenty years of age, James C. Green left home to figlit the battle of life alone. He went to Louisville, Ky., remaining only two months, then to Madison, Ind., and from there to Indianapolis by rail on the first railroad in the State of Indiana. From Indianapolis, he started by stage to Terre Ilaute, Ind., but on the road the stage broke down. and while waiting for repairs Mr. Greeu met an emigrant farmer who was going West, and as he was ready for adventure, he engaged with the farmer to drive stock for his passage and board, and started for the then wild West of lowa. Mak- ing a slow trip through the State of Illinois, they crossed the Mississippi at Burlington, July 4, 1836.
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There, leaving their stock and wagons, he and his employer, Mr. Updegraff, started on horseback for the interior to seleet elaims for their future homes. They first stopped at Mt. Pleasant, then but the commencement of a village, and then rode to where the village of Trenton now stands, and in that vieinity Mr. Updegraff took a claim. As soon as a cabin could be prepared, he brought his family, and with him Mr. Green made his home for a short time, but soon took a elaim for himself of 160 acres on section 10, Trenton Township. Here he erected a cabin, living alone until the arrival of his older brother Joseph, who had come to take James back home, but liking the country, coneluded to remain, so he and his brother lived alone until September, 1839. At that time James was united in marriage with Jane Morrison, a native of Penn- sylvania, and a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Morrison, whose sketeh appears elsewhere in this work. After his marriage, he and his wife lived in a cabin in true frontier style, but as years have rolled on he has greatly improved their home. They have acquired a large property, and may now be found in a commodious and comfortable resi 1 denee on the original claim on seetion 10, Trenton Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Green have been the parents of nine children: Sarah, residing at home; Anna, wife of Charles Turney, County Treasurer of Saun- ders County, Neb .; Samuel, a farmer residing in Jefferson Township, Henry County; Charles, a farmer of Trenton Township; Emily, who died Jan. 26, 1876, at the age of twenty-seven years; Joseph, residing at home; Alice, also at home; James C., Jr., a merchant of Winfield, Henry County, and Frank, who died Sept. 19, 1875. Mr. Green has been a leader of the Democratie party in this county, and has been elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, which he held for a number of years. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors of the county for six years, and was also elected to the State Legislature, serving one term. Ile is at pres- ent Notary Public, and has been a life-long Demo- erat. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Green is a self-made man; having been left an orphan with but small means, he has fought nobly the battle of life. By his perseverance and energy
and habits of industry and economy, he has aeen- mulated an ample competence, owning 500 acres of land and other property. He has been a liberal and indulgent father, and now in his declining years, he and his estimable wife look with pride upon their sons and daughters, who do honor to their name. Among the pioneers and prominent citizens of Henry County, few are better known and none more highly respected than James C. Green.
ILLIAM LAUDER is a prominent farmer residing on section 25, Seott Township, Henry Co., Iowa. From Scotland eme- nated the ancestry of our subject on both sides, but they have been citizens of the United States for more than three-quarters of a century. and three generations have been born under its flag. Alex- ander Adair was the maternal, and William Lander the paternal grandfather of our subjeet, both families coming to this country about the same time, Mr. Lauder settling in Schenectady County, N. Y., and the Adairs in Montgomery County, in the same State. James Lauder, father of our sub- jeet, was the eldest born in that family, he being but an infant in arms when the voyage from Scot- land to America was made.
Both the grandparents on the Adair side lived and died in Montgomery County. Their children were: Jane, the mother of our subject; Jeannette, John and Alex. The sons were both married, but died soon afterward, John leaving two daughters, consequently the Adair name from this branch of the family has ceased to exist. Jeannette became the wife of Robert Little, a resident farmer of Southeastern Michigan, near Ypsilanti ; Jane became the wife of James Lauder, and from this date the history proper of the family can be reliably traced. William Lander, the grandfather of our subject, was the father of five children-James, John, Will- iam, David and Mary. The parents both lived and died in Schenectady County, and their children all married and reared families, but none are now living with the exception of Mary, who wedded John Robinson, of Ohio. James Lauder became the husband of Jane Adair, and the farm be pur-
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chased was in Florida Township, Montgomery Co., N. Y., upon which they lived until his death, which occurred thirteen years after the birth of his son William. Three daughters and two sons graced their union, namely: Jane, now a resident of Amsterdam, N. Y., is the widow of James H. Merry ; Ann became the wife of W. D. M. Condon, a well-known resident of Mt. Union, Henry County : Jeannette resides in Denver, Col .; John, wedded to Ann Bowman, became a resident farmer of Norton Mills, Ontario Co., N. Y., and at his death in 1885, left one heir, a son Jolm, who is also married, and resides on the home farm; William was the youngest of the family. The mother of our subject made her home with her eldest daughter during her lifetime.
William Lauder, the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., Nov. 13, 1833. Reared on a farm and educated in the district schools, he grew to manhood with a practical education, and a perfect physical organization, and thus the foundation was laid for a successful busi- ness life. His marriage to Miss Prudence Butler was celebrated Feb. 22, 1854. Prior to this be had purchased the homestead, but after their marriage the young couple removed to Michigan, and later to Knox County, Ill., near Galesburg, and in November, 1856, their removal was made to Henry County, Iowa, Mr. Lauder locating in Scott Town- ship, on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 36. Upon this he erected a frame house, which still stands. The land was in a virgin con- dition, and before he left this farm it was all placed under cultivation. It is needless to enumer- ate the hardships and toil of the life of a pioneer farmer. Suffice it to say, that his energy, with the encouragement and aid of a true wife, have brought him and his a fitting reward. Mr. Lauder purchased his present homestead May 1, 1865. The first eighty acres have grown into 375, a half section of which is comprised in his farm in Scott Township. Their roomy house was completed in 1879, and the large barn and out-buildings testify to the thrift of the owner.
Their home has been blessed by the birth of eight children, all living except the eldest daughter, Florence, who was born in Illinois. They are:
Schuyler E .; William J., husband of Viola Lagel; they having one son, Walter. These two sons reside in Moscow County, Ore., and are owners of a sheep ranch. Nettie, wife of Frank Edgerton, a farmer of Riverton, Fremont Co., Iowa, has one son, Willie; May A., Charles E., Carrie and Gene- vieve complete the family, all of whom are at home. Charles E. is completing his education at the Iowa Wesleyan University, in Mt. Pleasant, with the expectation of graduating later in law. All the children have been carefully educated. The daughter, May, is an artist of note in the neighborhood, and her productions, both in oil and crayon, give ample proof of her talent. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lauder are members of the Winfield Presbyterian Church, of which their daughters are also members.
We now present a brief history of the ancestry of Mrs. Lander. She was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1835, and is a daughter of Jeremiah M. and Ruth (Gates) Butler. He was of Irish-American nationality, his wife of German origin, remotely connected with Gen. Gates of Revolutionary fame. Jeremiah Butler had one brother, James, who wedded Mary Bell, of Mont- gomery County, N. Y. They had several children, all dying young, except two, Daniel C. and John. Jeremiah and Ruth Butler were parents of five children: William H., husband of Mrs. Lizzie (Seaton) Reed, whose brothers are noted men, one being a General in the Canadian army; William H. resides in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, a very wealthy retired gentleman; Prudence is the wife of William Lander; Polly wedded Wilson Duncan, of Scotch ancestry, a resident of Council Bluffs, and for many years a business man of that city; Hannah E., deceased, was the wife of William Peck, who died in the army, and afterward of Ezra Swickard, who still lives in Council Bluffs, and his youngest son, Charles Edward, is a member of William Lauder's family ; Jeremiah M., the hus- band of Mary Wood, resides in Neola, Pottawat- tamie County, and was for many years a prominent Justice of the Peace, marrying many couples who were descendants of the original pioneers.
Mrs. Lander is a lady of culture and taste, and their home is noted for its hospitality. She is a
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILD N FOURRA !
S. P. RATLIFF.
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HENRY COUNTY.
near relative of Attorney General Benjamin F. Butler, who served during the administration of President Van Buren, and is also distantly related to the celebrated Gen. Benjamin F. Butler. The mother of the husband of the eldest daughter, Jeannette, is a second cousin of Jeff Davis, President of the Confederacy. The courtesy of the old settler is yet a characteristic trait in William Lauder, and stranger or friend alike find a cordial welcome. In easy circumstances, with a pleasant home, children who do honor to the name and example of their parents, and with grandchildren prattling around their knees, this worthy couple are enviably situ- ated.
S AMUEL P. RATLIFFE was born in Ran- dolph County, N. C., March 16, 1813, and is the son of Joshua and Letitia (Prevo) Ratliffe. The ancestors of the Ratliffe family are of Scotch and Welsh origin. William, the great-grandfather of our subject, came with his family from England, settling near Elizabeth City, N. C., prior to the war of the Revolution. He was one of the men who purchased a large tract of land in North Carolina, of the English Crown, thirteen miles square. After the settlement upon this land by the family, William engaged in seafaring, own- ing several vessels plying between England and America, one of which he commanded in person. During one of his trips his death occurred, and his men favored throwing his body overboard, but his faithful negro servant prevented it, and the body was brought to the United States and interred at Elizabeth City. On the same vessel his wife re- turned to England to settle the estate, and neither she nor the vessel was ever heard of again. Thomas, his son, the grandfather of our subject, was thus left an orphan. Upon reaching manhood he mar- ried Catherine Bundy. Their children, nine in number, were named Joshua, Benjamin, Ephraim, Phineas, Margaret, Asa, Elizabeth, Sarah and Han- nah, all now deceased. Joshna, the father of our subject, was born in North Carolina. Thomas Ratliffe, with the other children, all minors, after the death of their parents were cared for by resi- dents of the locality until their estate was disposed
of. He, with Cornelius, Richard and two daugh- ters, comprised the family, and the sons later removed to Indiana and died, and were buried in that State. One of the daughters married William Newby, who subsequently died in Indiana. Joshua married Letitia Prevo, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Gibson) Prevo, of French nationality. They probably came from the Island of Guernsey, but this is not authentic. Samuel Prevo was a son of Sir Robert Prevo, who was engaged in some of the reformatory wars which proved unsuccessful. His death occurred in England, and his son Samuel came to America, and in Lancaster County, Pa., wedded Rachel Gibson, and they emigrated to North Carolina. They were the parents of several children, and several of the sons, as they became old enough, participated in the war of the Revolu- tion. John, Samuel and Alexander were among these, but James and Asa were too young to be of service, but the elder brothers held commissions in the army. The daughters were Mary, Letitia and Rachel, the latter dying in infancy. The parents lived and died in North Carolina. Letitia was the mother of our subject, and removed with the family to Wayne County, Ind., locating there in 1821. The parents of Mr. Ratliffe, with their children, started from Indiana for Henry County, lowa, but the father died just as they got loaded up ready to start. After his burial the family, as soon as legal forms could be complied with, separated, bnt finally all came to this county. Their children were Ruth, Mary, Hannah, Thomas, Samnel P., Ephraim B., Joseph B. and Emily L. The mother and son Thomas afterward returned to Hendricks County, Ind., where both died. Hannah, Emily and Joseph died unmarried; Ruth became the wife of David Hiatt; Mary wedded Robert Price; Thomas married Jane Small, and Ephraim wedded Annie Small, in Rush County, Ind., Dec. 12, 1836. Samuel P. Ratliffe, our subject, was wedded to Mary Hobson in Salem, Iowa, in July, 1839. She was the danghter of Joseph and Mary (Gibbs) Hobson, who were early settlers of this county. Samnel P. had taken a claim east of his brother Ephraim, and their first experience in married life was had in a shanty far worse than a pole cabin. The house was not yet completed when the first
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