USA > Iowa > Clayton County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 37
USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 37
USA > Iowa > Jones County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 37
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Mr. Barnes, of this sketch, spent the days of his childhood in his native city, and was educated in
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the common and high schools, being graduated from the latter in the Class of '82, when twenty years of age. Looking about him for some occu- pation or profession which he wished to make his life work he determined to take up the study of law, and to this end entered the law department of the University of Iowa at Iowa City, from which institution he was graduated after the com- pletion of a two years' course.
In 1885 Mr. Barnes was admitted to the Bar in Dubuque, and soon after began practice in this place. The following year he entered into partnership with II. T. MeNulty, at that time a prominent attorney of Dubuque. The connection continued until the death of Mr. McNulty in 1889, since which time Mr. Barnes has been alone in business. He is now engaged in general law prae- tice and has many clients among the best citizens of this community. He is a thorough student, a man of deep research and is rapidly making his way to the front ranks among his professional brethren. He carefully weighs all evidence and his speeches are therefore logical and con vineing.
Mr. Barnes was married September 22, 1892, to Miss Etta M. White, a daughter of W. S. White, a well known merchant of Dubuque. They reside at No. 1 Platt Street. Mr. Barnes is a member of Orient Lodge No. 210, K. P., and in his polit- ical affiliations is a Republican. IIe takes quite an active part in politieal affairs and the growth and success of his party. A rising young lawyer of whom the eity may well be proud, we take pleas- ure in presenting the record of his life to our readers.
J OHN PRESTON, who for over half a century has been a resident of Joncs County, is one of the wealthy and extensive agriculturists of Cass Township. His home is on section 4, and his farm comprises three hundred and twenty acres. He is a native of England, having been born near Appleton, Yorkshire, September 29, 1814. His early years were passed in his native country, and when ten years old, in 1824, he set
sail for America, and after a long voyage of about seven weeks landed at his destination, New York City.
The father of our subjeet, William Preston, whose birth likewise occurred in England, married Ann Powell, and in 1824 came to America. Pro- ceeding to Ohio, he located in Marion County, and there his death occurred when he was in his eighty-sixth year. His wife's death also occurred in the Buckeye State when she was eighty-five years of age.
The subject of this narrative received a common school education in Marion County, Ohio, and there learned the duties and labors of farm work. About 1840 he concluded to try his fortunes in the west, and coming to Jones County, wisely de- eided to east his lot with the pioneers of this vi- cinity. In publie improvements and school mat- ters he has always taken an active and leading part. For five years he served as Supervisor of Cass Township, and politically is a true blue Re- publican.
In 1837 John Preston was united in wedlock with Miss Hannah Peel, the ceremony being per- formed in Ohio. Mrs. Preston was born in Eng- land, being a daughter of Samuel Peel, a well-to- do citizen of that country. Five sons and a daughter graced the union of this couple. William is now engaged in operating a farm in Kansas; Theodore and Samuel are agriculturists of Wayne County, Iowa; Charles and George are practical young farmers of this township; and Mary Ann, the only daughter, is the wife of George Walters, of Anamosa. The faithful wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1880, and left a wide circle of sineere friends, who deeply mourned her loss. Mr. Preston, though well along in years, has been very temperate in all of his habits, and as a consequence enjoys good health and is strong and robust.
In his political affiliations Mr. Preston is a Re- publican of no uncertain stripe, and is strongly in favor of the protection of American industries and workmen. In his business affairs he has been very successful, and particularly in the raising and feeding of cattle and hogs, of which he lias large numbers every year upon his farm, His farm
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is conducted in a practical and thrifty manner, and abundant harvests are reaped eacli season, bringing to the owner a good income. Though his educational privileges were not of the best in his early years, he has kept up his extensive read- ing, and is well posted on what is going on in the world. He is an interesting conversationalist, and has many reminiscenees of the pioneer days and experiences in this county.
D ANIEL HALLAHAN, an able, energetie and practical agriculturist of extended experienee, has prosperously won his way upward to assured suecess, and manages one of the model farmns of Iowa. Beginning some thir- ty-three years ago upon eighty acres of wild prairie land he now owns a magnificent homestead of three hundred and sixty aeres, two hundred of which are located on seetions 4 and 9, Prairie Creek Township, Dubuque County, Iowa. The land, brought up to a high state of cultivation, is finely improved with substantial structures, a eom- fortable and commodious residence, barns and out- buildings. An earnest and intelligent man of up- right character, Mr. Hallahan has worthily occu- pied the official position of Township Trustee, and commands the full esteem and confidenee of liis fellow-eitizens. Our subjeet was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1822. His parents, Jolin and Julia Hallahan, were both natives of County Cork, and were reared, married and died in their early home. The father was an exeellent Irish farmer and thoroughly understood the tilling of the soil. He and his good wife lived to serene old age and were highly respected by all who knew them. They were Roman Catholics, and brought up their family of three sons and four daughters in the faith of their forefathers.
Of the seven children of the parental family, but two are now living. Two sons eamne to Amer- ica, John, who settled in Lincoln, Neb., where he died August 27, 1891, and our subject, Daniel, who began to follow the plow when he was only
eight years of age. He was thirty-two years old before he finally determined to leave his native land and try his fortune in America. During his boyhood lie enjoyed the advantages of instruc- tion in the common schools, attending when lie could be spared from farming duties. In 1854 Mr. Hallahan sailed from Liverpool, bound for the land of promise beyond the broad Atlantic. Leaving the Old Country April 1, he was six weeks upon the Atlantic, encountering terrible storms, and landing safely in New York, speeded by cars to Dubuque, Iowa, reaeliing his destina- tion May 20. Immediately receiving employment, he worked steadily for five years upon a farm, and in 1859 bought eighty acres of his present exten- sive liomestcad and began life for himself upon the unbroken land purchased with his hard-carned money. His first care was to build a habitable shelter, and then began the patient eultivation of the fertile soil, which well repaid its culture. Neighbors were few and far between in those early days, and our subjeet being a single man experieneed loneliness until his marriage in 1865 witlı Miss Margaret Ragan; she was born in Florida, but was reared in Jackson County, Iowa.
The parents of Mrs. Hallahan were Dennis and Mary (Desmond) Ragan, natives of County Cork, Ireland, but early settlers of Florida, and later well known residents of Iowa. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents of eight children, who are in the order of their birth as follows: Jolın, Daniel, Jeremialı, Dennis, Michael, Pat, Julia and Maggie. The father, mother and chil- dren are valued members of the Catholic Church and are ever ready to aid in any worthy enterprise or good works. They enjoy an extended acquaint- ance, and are highly respected and esteemed by a large circle of old-time friends.
Mr. Hallalian, aside from the profitable culture of the soil, has made a pronounced success of stock-raising, and upon his extensive farm some of the best eattle, horses and hogs in this part of the country are bred. His finaneial prosperity was wrought by his own self-reliant efforts and un- flagging industry, rewarded in thesc later years by a comfortable competence and annual returns for all investment of time and money expended.
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Politically, our subject is a sturdy Democrat and an ardent advocate of the "party of the people." As Township Trustee he has materially aided in the progress of local improvements, and is ac- tively identified with the best interests of Dubuque County, with whose upward growth and rapid de- velopment he became associated more than a score and a-half of years ago.
M INOR DAVIS is a retired farmer who is still living on his old homestcad, which is located on section 8, Wayne Township, Jones County. He was one of the early settlers and has long been an estecmed resident of this community, to which he came in 1858. He is a self-made man, having become well-to-do through his own industrious and persevering efforts. On his arrival in Wayne Township he purchased one hundred and sixty acrcs. He lived in a slab shanty and began his business career in a truly primitive fashion, the usual hardships and privations of life in a new country falling largely to his lot.
A native of Connecticut, Minor Davis was born on a farm in Fairfield County, on February 3, 1822. His father, Daniel Davis, was born on a farm in the same county and was of Welsh descent, though his father, who bore the Christian name of Steven, was, like him, a native of the Nutmeg Statc. The wife of Daniel Davis bore the maiden name of Pamela Hodge and she also was born in Fairfield County. By her marriage with Daniel Davis she became the mother of four children, of whom our subject is the only son, and the others are in order of birth as follows: Anna, Julia and Flora.
The first years of Minor Davis passed uncvent- fully in his native county, his time being divided between assisting his father in his farm work and in attending the district schools. So well did he improve his educational facilities that while still quite young he scoured a certificate and taught school for four terms before leaving the east. On arriving at a suitable age he married Niss Mary Ann, daughter of Stephen and Thalia (Leecli)
Osburn. Soon after this event the young couple settled upon a farm in New Fairfield Township, wlicre Mr. Davis conducted a farm until 1858. In that year he came to the west, and as before men- tioned, purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Wayne Township, where he has since made his home. He has succeeded admirably in carrying out his plans and enterprises and is one of the sub- stantial farmers of the county. Much of his time has been devoted to raising hogs and cattle.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of three sons, the eldest of whom, Stephen D., died at the age of fourteen years. Charles H., the second son, is now a resident of Epworth, and Marshall T. is assisting to carry on the old homestead belong- ing to his father. The latter in his political faith is a Republican and in 1860 was elected to the position of Justice of the Peace, which he held continuously for fourteen years. He has been quite active in local politics, being much interested in the triumph of his party and its principles. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are very active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which the former has lent his support and influence for over forty years. During this time he has held various offices in the congregation, having been Class-leader for thirty-five years. In his personal life Mr. Davis has ever been most exemplary, honorable and upright in his dealings with his neighbors. For his many worthy qualities he has won the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact, and the history of the worthy pioneers and sturdy settlers of this region would be incom- plete without his life's history.
J A. WHITE, M. D., well known as one of Olin's skilled and successful physicians, was born in Upper Canada, near the city of Chat- ham, in October, 1840. The family of which he is an honored representative, originated in Irc- land, whence his paternal grandfather, James White, emigrated to America and settled in New York. This was prior to the War of the Revolu-
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tion, in which he took an active part in defense of the Colonies.
The parents of our subject, J. A. and Candace (Whitzell) White, were natives respectively of New York and Canada. The mother traced her lineage to Germany, and was a daughter of Jolin Whitzell, a Hessian by birth, who during the Rev- olutionary War fought in the British army and later settled in Canada, where his death occurred. J. A. White, Sr., removed from the Empire State to Canada, where he married and resided some years thereafter. Later, coming to Iowa, he died at Wyoming when eighty-one years of age.
Of the province of his birth the subject of this notice retains little recollection, for he was only five years old when he accompanied his parents to the States. Settling in Michigan he was a student in the schools of St. Clair County until sixteen years of age, and from there removed to Iowa, the four ensuing years being spent at Maquoketa. The year 1860 witnessed his settlement in Wyoming, this state. About that time the Rebellion opened and heroic men were called upon to fight for the preservation of the Union. He was one of the first to respond to his country's call for help in the time of need. In 1861 his name was enrolled as a member of Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infan- try, commanded by Colonel Hare and assigned to the army of the Tennessee.
Marching to the front, Company E bore an hon- orable and valiant part in numerous closely con- tested engagements. They were at Shiloh, took part in the siege of Corinth and the battle tliat followed, and were present at Iuka and Kenesaw Mountain. After the siege of Atlanta, in July, they accompanied General Sherman on the famous march to the sea, and returning thence through the Carolinas took part in the battle of Benton- ville, N. C. At the close of the war they were honorably discharged, with a record for valor of which every member may well be proud.
After the close of the war our subject spent one year in the literary department of the University at Iowa City, after which he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. McGrew, of Wyom- ing. Later he entered Rush Medical College, Chi- cago, from which he was graduated in the spring
of 1871. He opened an office at Olin and com- menced a general practice, which he has since con- ducted with an ever-increasing success. As a phy- sician, he is careful in the diagnosis of cases and skillful in their treatment, and well deserves thie confidence in which he is hield. He takes an ac- tive interest in everything pertaining to his pro- fession and in the latest advances and discoverics in the science of therapeutics, and socially holds membership in the Iowa Medical Association.
As a veteran of the late war, Dr. White finds pleasure in the comradeship with other veterans belonging to Carpenter Post No. 191, G. A. R. He is a member of Chapter No. 36, and Encamp- ment No. 36, K. T. Politically he gives his alleg- iance to the Republican party, which he frequently represents as a delegate at local and district con- ventions. On the 15th of June, 1875, he married Miss Virginia Herrick, a native of Ohio and a cultured lady, who is prominent in social circles and an active worker in the Congregational Church of Olin. Three daughters and two sons have blessed their union, namely: John, Candace, Sew- ard, Virginia and Marjorie.
AMES PARROTT. Among the citizens of Jones County who can look with pride on an honest, industrious and successful past is the subject of this sketch, who is now living re- tired in Monticello. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Warren County, September 7, 1826. His parents, Henry and Mary (Price) Parrott, were born in Maryland and Delaware, and werc well- to-do financially. The father was a prominent physician, and ranked high in the profession in Warren County, Ohio, whither he had removed with his parents, William J. and Matilda Parrott, when quite young.
The original of this sketch emigrated to Indiana in 1836, first locating in Franklin County, where he was engaged in the lumber business. In 1854 le came with his family to this state, and was en- gaged in general farm pursuits in Dodge Town-
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ship, Dubuque County, until the year 1889, the date of his advent into this city, where he has since made his home, and is numbered among its most substantial and respected citizens. His es- tate comprises nearly two hundred acres, adorned with a comfortable house, commodious barns and all the necessary machinery. This farm is in Du- buque County. Mr. Parrott owns considerable real estate in Montieello, including several houses, which he rents to good advantage.
In 1854 Miss Elizabetli R. Whitelock became the wife of our subject. She was born in Franklin County, Ind., and departed this life in 1873, leav- ing a family of eight children, namely: Charlotte, Melvin, Mary, Frank; Emma, now deecased; Delia A., Ada and James C. The second union of Mr. Parrott took place in 1882, at which time Miss Sarah A. Calkins bceame his wife. She died April 22, 1890, and his present wife, to whom he was mar- ried July 4, 1893, was prior to that event known as Mrs. Martha Allen, widow of William Allen. Her maiden name was Miss Shenn, and the state of her birtlı West Virginia.
In politics Mr. Parrott is a stanchi Demoerat, and is a devoted member of the Baptist Church. He is one of the best known residents of the city, and is a man who enjoys the respeet and esteem of every- one with whom he is brought in contact.
ILAS MOORE. This gentleman, who is one of the most prominent general farmers of Taylor Township, Dubuque County, has spent many years of his worthy life helping to make the community what it now is by his indus- try and thrift, and setting an example of what honesty and perseverance ean accomplislı. He was born in Pennsylvania February 9, 1824, and is the fourth child comprised in the family of John and Sarah (Powell) Moore, both of whom were also born in the Keystone State, where the father died when only thirty-six years of age.
The mother of our subject eame west with her family in 1855, locating on the place where Silas
is now living; she made it her home there until April 16, 1877, when she too passed away, at the age of seventy-seven years, five months and four- teen days. After the death of Mr. Moore, the mother of our subjeet married a Mr. Magill.
The original of this sketch was given very lim- ited opportunities for gaining an education, but improving each hour at school he gained a fair knowledge of books, and is to-day well informed on all current topies. His early life was spent on the farm, and when attaining his majority young Moore began the struggle of life on his own ae- eount. He was variously employed until 1855, the date of his coming to this state, wlien he lo- eated on his present property. He first engaged in the hotel business, building his own house, and carried on the business of "mine host" until he had the misfortune to lose his wife, in 1883, when he abandoned that business after a successful ea- reer of twenty-seven years.
Mr. Moore is the proprietor of considerable property in this county, and has carried on farm- ing for a number of years. In faet, as he ex- presses it, he "is a natural farmer." IIe has also been Notary Publie, and since 1857 has repre- sented several prominent insurance companies.
Silas Moore was married July 8, 1845, to Miss Eliza Wyant, daughter of Jacob E. and Margaret (Besore) Wyant, also natives of Pennsylvania. Their union has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, of whom three are deceased. John married Jesse Verguss, and resides in this county; Jacob became the husband of Lena Wag- ner, and makes his home in Kansas; Sarahı M. mar- ried John Grafferd and makes her home in Missouri; Eliza J. is now Mrs. A. McKee, of Roek Rapids, this state; Frank is a resident of Epworth; Charles, who married Charlottie Strain, also makes his home in the above city; Maria Ann is married and lives in that city, and Fanny W., who is the wife of John Benger, is a resident of Farley, this state. The wife and mother departed this life September 17, 1883.
In September, 1889, Mr. Moore married for his second wife Mary J. Bucknam. In religious mat- ters he is a member of the Methodist Church. In polities our subject has been a life-long Democrat,
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and has been an active worker in his party. Al- though never aspiring to political honors, he has at various times been elected to positions of prom- inence and trust within the power of his fellow- townsmen to bestow.
H ENRY HOLSCHER, deccased, was for three years Mayor of Dyersville, Dubuque County, and at the time of his death left a large fortunc. No family is more favorably known in this locality than the one of which he was a member. Hc was born in Telgte, West- phalia, Prussia, February 23, 1832. He was the second in order of birth of a family of four sons. His father was a farmer in the Fatherland, and as such our subject was reared, having but a limited education. In 1853 he came to America, and for a time worked on the railroad. In 1857 his brother Bernard also came to the United States, and though neither had any great amount of money, they put together what little they pos- sessed and started a small store in Dyersville. From this beginning they built up one of the largest mercantile trades in the county. This they conducted until the death of our subject, which occurred February 23, 1883. His brother and partner survived him until March 6, 1893, when he was also called to his final rest. He was Presi- dent of the German State Bank of this place at the time of his demisc, and, like his brother, left valuable estates.
For his wife our subject chose Miss Catherine Schultz, who was also a native of Prussia, and who still survives. They had ten children, six daugh- ters and four sons, all of whom are living. Their record is as follows: Maggie is the wife of Her- man Goerdt, of this place; Lizzie became the wife of I. Summer, a prominent business man, and one of the present Board of Aldermen of Dyersville; Threaine is the wife of Jacob Reiff, a business man, and also an alderman of the city; Frank, who was born February 9, 1868, was educated at Prai-
rie du Chien, Wis., and in company with his brother Bernard conducts the extensive business that his father built up in his life time. He is a popular and rising young business man, and will inake his mark in the world. He married on Oc- tober 8, 1889, Miss Frances Meis, of Dubuque, by whom he has one child, a daughter, Leona. Annie, the fifth of the family, is the wife of John Schelty, a business man of Dubuque. Bernard, who is next in order, is a member of the firm of Holsclicr Bros., as previously mentioned; Henry is in the machine business in Dyersville; Katie, Lena and Theodore are still living with their mother.
For ycars our subject was thoroughly identified with all movements tending to benefit the com- munity in which he made his home, and it was, therefore, little wonder that when he was cut down by the hand of death his loss was felt indced an irreparable one for the people at large. He was a man of true worth and merit, and it was duc to his enterprising, industrious qualities and correct business methods that he achieved the success which he obtained in the mercantile field.
A LBERT W. HOSFORD, a real estate and insurance agent of Dubuque, is one of the worthy citizens that the Buckeye State has furnished to this community. He was born in Lorain County, Ohio, June 14, 1839, and is one of a family of four children, whose parents werc Snel and Elizabeth (Kendigh) Hosford. The father was a boot and shoe manufacturer, and at an early day in its history took up his residence in Ohio, where his death occurred about 1885. His wife passed away in that state in 1892.
Albert W. Hosford attended the public schools of his native state until fifteen years of age. He then left home, and in 1855 came to Dubuque, where he spent two years. In 1857, however, he
J. M. HOFACRE.
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returned to Ohio and entered Oberlin College, wlicre he pursued a two years' course of study, after which he engaged in teaching, following that profession until 1861. Text books were then abandoned for the rifle and army service in the south. Prompted by patriotic impulses, he en- listed in the First Iowa Cavalry under Col. Fitz- henry Warren, and the regiment was assigned to frontier service as a member of the Thirteenth Army Corps under General Stcelc. Mr. Hosford participated in forty-two engagements. Ilis mer- itorious and valiant service on the field of battle won him promotion, and in 1864 he was given command of his company. Hc thus served until February, 1866, when, on the 13th of that month, he was mustered out at Dubuque. Hc was always found at his post of duty, faithful to the trust re- posed in him, and stood by the Union as one of its defenders until the Stars and Stripes waved over a united nation.
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