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 39
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 39
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 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
Mr. Williams, whose name heads this notice, was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmer lads, and was educated in the public schools, which he attended through the winter season, while in the summer months he aided in the la- bors of the field. At the age of twenty years he went to Dubuque and learned the carpenter's trade, thus making a start in life for himself. Later hc accepted a position with the Iowa Iron Works of
this city, being employed as pattern maker, and in 1858 purchased an interest in the business, with which he continued his connection for eight years, or until 1864.
In the meantime, Mr. Williams entered his country's service to aid in the defense of the Union. Hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared away, when he donned the bluc, bc- coming a member of Company I, First Iowa In- fantry, on the 23d of April, 1861. The regiment was commanded by Colonel Bates, and joined the army of General Lyons in Missouri, where they re- mained four months. ITis term having expired, Mr. Williams was then mustcred out, but after- wards re-enlisted as a member of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and was appointed by Govenor Kirkwood Captain of Company M. For meritorious services he was subsequently brevetted Major, which rank hc held until the close of the war. He was always found at his post of duty, faithful to the task al- lotted to him and like a valiant soldier followed the Old Flag until November, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.
While at home on a furlough, January 4, 1864, Major Williams was married to Miss Mattie Dcan, a daughter of William Dean, of Fulton, N. Y. Her death occurred in December, 1877, and she left four children to mourn her loss, a son and three daughters, namely: Allie, wife of Edward E. Freeman; Ncilie, wife of John F. Brede; May Louise, wife of W. F. Willmers, with whom Mr. Williams makes his home, and Arthur R.
On his return from the army, Major Williams began dealing in agricultural implements and has since continued business along that linc, being now connected with the wholesale trade. That he has followed this pursuit for so long is a testimo- nial of his success. He has gradually increased his business to meet the growing trade, and now re- ceives from the public a very liberal patronage. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and in 1869 was appointed by President Grant Postmaster of Dubuque, which position he filled in a creditable and acceptable manner for four years. He has also been honored with other public offices. In 1873, he was elected County Treasurer, and dis- charged the duties of that office for two terms of
348
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
two years each. Sceially he is a member of Lodge No. 125, A. F. & A. M. His public and private life are alike above reproach and his honorable, straightforward career has gained him the confi- dence and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in eontact. As a private eitizen he man- ifests the same loyalty which he displayed in fol- lowing the Stars and Stripes on the battlefields of the south.
H ARMON SANDHOUSE. Jones County is indebted to no small extent, for its steady progress and growth, to the indefatigable labors of Mr. Sandhouse, who is one of the largest land holders and wealthiest farmers and stock- raisers within its bounds. He is thoroughly iden- tified with the various interests of his township of Montieello, contributing his efforts to the promo- tion of its welfare and doing all in his power to advanee its material growth.
Mr. Sandhouse is a native of Germany, having been born in Hanover, October 28, 1829. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Schafer) Sand- house, also natives of the Fatlierland, where they were well-to-do farmers. They spent their entire lives in Germany, dying when advaneed in years. Harmon, of this sketeh, attended the model schools of his country until fourteen years old and re- mained under the parental roof, working on the farm, until reaching his majority.
In the year 1858 young Sandhouse determined to try his fortunes in the New World, and embark- ing on the steamer "George," landed in New York City several weeks later. He remained but a short time in the metropolis when he made his way to this state, and the first winter ehopped one hun- dred and twenty-five eords of wood. In the spring, however, he went to work on a farm at $10 per month, and continued thus to be employed for two and one-half years. On the expiration of that time Mr. Sandhouse entered the service of the Du- buque & Southwestern Railroad Company, work- ing as section hand for two years. He was then
placed at the pumps of the same company on the Maquoketa River at Monticello, and for two years did the work of two men.
Leaving the employ of the railroad about this time we find our subjeet located in Bowen's Prai- rie, where he superintended the operation of Cap- tain Smith's farm for a period of three years. Ile was then married to Miss Hannah, daughter of John Crane of this eounty, and soon after that event took up his abode on a farm rented from his former employer. He remained upon this tract, cultivating it for one year, when he had saved a sufficient sum of money to enable him to pur- · chase a quarter-section on section 4, Montieello Township, the greater portion of which was wood- land. He set about the arduous task of clearing and plaeing it under improvement until he made of it one of the most productive estates in the vicin- ity. Mr. Sandhouse is now the proud possessor of fourteen hundred aeres of fine farming lands and is a fine type of the self made man, for he had no help either to get to this country or after he came here. He is one of the largest cattle feeders in the township, shipping from two to four earloads of these animals each year, besides hundreds of logs. He has also dealt extensively in sheep raising, and during the year of 1893 sold over two thousand. The following year he fattened two hundred steers which were transported to the city markets. Mr. . Sandhouse does not give his undivided attention to stock· raising, as he devotes hundreds of aeres to general farming and caeh year reaps handsome re- turns from his well cultivated estate. He is some- what interested in the dairy business, having on his place from forty to sixty cows, and disposes of the milk to the Sand Springs Creamery near his home.
Our subjeet is an excellent example of sturdy enterprise, thrifty habits and persistent industry; his large possessions attest his suceess in world- ly affairs and the improved condition and orderly appearance of his place furnish equally good evi- dence of his intelligent conception of the details of his vocation, and his progressive spirit in all that pertains thereto. His barns and outbuildings are of the best and everything about the farm is arranged in a most convenient manner. Deep wells
GEORGE F. LECLERE.
-
351
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
supply plenty of water to the stock and the large barns furnish shelter and room for storing great quantities of grain.
In 1889 Mr. Sandhouse purchased the farm be- longing to the Farwell estate, comprising five hundred and sixty broad acres. On this the family now make their home, residing in a large, substan- tial stone house, which is surrounded by a beauti- ful lawn and plenty of shade trees. Mr. and Mrs. Sandhouse have a family of five children. Adel- bert, the eldest son, is a farmer living in this eonn- ty; Jennie is the wife of Frank Lubben and makes her home in Baldwin, Jackson County, this state; Harry and Wilham are at home assisting their father in the carrying on of his large estate; and Cora, the youngest, is also under the parental roof and assisting her mother.
In politics our subjeet is a true blue Republican and greatly interested in the success of his party. Socially he belongs to the Aneient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Sandhouse resided in Monticello five years; he engaged in the butcher's business two years, and from 1876 to 1881 bought stock for Wales & Noyes.
EORGE F. LECLERE. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is one of the wealthy retired farmers residing in Monticello. He came to Iowa comparatively a poor man and began farming on a tract of eighty acres in Dubuque County. He made a specialty of feed- ing cattle and hogs, and as he prospered invested his money in real estate, until at one time he was the owner of over eighteen hundred acres in this state. He is consequently one of the wealthiest retired farmers in this portion of Iowa and one of its largest landowners, notwithstanding he has giv- en his children considerable property when ready to settle in life.
Mr. LeClere was born in France, January 14,
1817, and is the son of George F. and Catherine (Belea) LeClere, who emigrated to the United States with their family in the year 1828, landing in New York. They made their home on a farm in the woods of Oswego County, which they cleared, cultivated and lived upon until 1852, when the father died. Mrs. LeClere survived him until 1872, when she passed away at the home of her son, G. F.
The subject of this sketch was one in the family of eleven children born to his parents, only four of whom are now living. One is in New York, another in Storm Lake, Iowa, and the third in Du- buque County. Like his brothers and sisters, he attended the district school in Oswego County, N. Y., and remained on his father's farm until attain- ing manhood.
In 1841 our subject and Miss Louisa Laude were united in marriage. The lady was born in France and was the daughter of James and Margaret (Bourquin) Laude. Mr. and Mrs. LeClere located upon a farm in Oswego County, N. Y., where they lived until 1846, the date of their advent into Du- buque County, Iowa. Here he became the propri- etor of eighty acres, which he cultivated in such a profitable manner that he was soon enabled to cn- large his estate, and continued to add to his pos- sessions until he became the owner of one of the largest tracts in the county.
In 1878 Mr. LeClere removed from his farm to Monticello, where he has since resided in the ease and luxury which his industry so well deserves. To their union there have been born eight chil- dren, of whom four sons and two daughters are living. Charles F. is in Prairieburg, Iowa; Eliza C. is the wife of Morris Bebb, and resides in Mon- ticello; George F. is a farmer and minister of the Presbyterian Church and makes his home in Texas; Albert D. is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of fine farming land in Dubuque Coun- ty; Henry A. has in his possession three hundred and twenty acres also lying in Dubuque County; Lulu is Mrs. Smith; Emily and Susie are deceased.
In polities our subject was in early life a Whig and cast his first Presidential vote for General Har- rison. He is now, however, a strong Republican and takes great interest in the success of his party.
13
352
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Religiously he and liis wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, and their whole lives reflect great credit in that eonneetion.
I SAAC S. BIGELOW, M. D., a physician and surgeon of Dubuque, was born in Dubuque County, January 27, 1859. His father, Dr. I. S. Bigelow, Sr., is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having oeeurred in Westmoreland County of the Keystone State, on the 11th of June, 1819. In 1839, at Adamsburg, he married Margaret Bugli- man, and in 1854 they removed to Buneombe, Du- buque County, Iowa, where they now reside. He is a son of Dr. Israel J. Bigelow, who was born in Dummerston, Vt., in 1794, removed to West- moreland and afterward to Centre County, Pa., where he practiced his profession suceessfully un- til his death, in 1843. After the death of Grand- father Bigelow our subjeet's father studied and later practiced medicine with his unele, Dr. Leb- beus Bigelow, at Adamsburg, where he remained until his removal to Iowa in 1854. He purchased a farm in Washington Township, Dubuque County, where he has since resided and continued the prac- tice of medicine, enjoying for a period of forty years an extensive practice in Dubuque, Jackson and Jones Counties. Politieally he has always been a Demoerat and has taken a prominent part in the couneils of his party.
The Bigelow family is of English origin, and was founded in America by John Bigelow, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Water- town, Mass. His marriage, October 30, 1642, to Mary Warren, was the first on record in Water- town. She was the daughter of John and Mar- garet Warren, natives of England and founders of the Warren family in New England. Israel Bigelow was the great-grandfather of our subjeet, and his father was Isaae Bigelow, a native of Vermont.
The Doctor who is now prominently connected with the interests of Dubuque, passed the days of his boyhood, until sixteen years of age, in Bun-
combe, Iowa, and attended its public sehools. His early edueational privileges were then supple- mented by study in Lenox Collegiate Institute, of Delaware County, Iowa, where he remained for several years. Later, at the age of nineteen, lie took up the study of medicine under Dr. Benjamin McCluer, with whom he continued his reading for one year, and when a young man of twenty he entered Rush Medieal College, of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1881.
Immediately afterward Dr. Bigelow entered into practice of his ehosen profession, opening an offiee in La Motte, Jackson County, Iowa, where he re- mained for three years, when on account of ill health he was foreed to abandon practice for a time. He then pursued a post-graduate course of study in Rush Medical College for one year, and in 1886 came to Dubuque, where he entered into partner- ship with Dr. B. MeCluer. This connection was continued until April 1, 1892, when it was mutu- ally dissolved, sinee which time Dr. Bigelow has been alone in practice.
Turning from the professional to the private life of the Doctor we note that on the 29th of Septem- ber, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss May A. Van Duzee, a native of Dubuque, and a daughter of A. J. Van Duzee, one of the early set- tlers of this eity, who yet makes his home here, and is now serving as Clerk of the United States Courts. For many years he has been prominently identified with the publie interests of Dubuque and is recognized as one of its leading citizens. He married Emily Perrigo, a native of Lockport, N. Y. The Doetor and his wife reside at No. 1057 Main Street with their daughter Emily, an only child. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife belongs to St. John's Episcopal Church. He was a delegate to the first reunion of the Bige- lows of America, held at Woreester, Mass., June 2, 1886. At that meeting steps were taken to com- pile the genealogy of the family, the Doetor being one of the contributors to the same.
The Doetor, is connected with various medical organizations, being a member of the Dubuque Medieal Society, of which he was President for one year and Seeretary for four years, and also belongs to the Iowa State Medical Society. He is a charter
353
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
meinber of the Cedar Valley Medical Society, was one of the organizers and charter members of the lowa Public Health Association, of which he was the first Secretary, is a member and Secretary of the Board of United States Pension Examiners, and is one of the Board of Physicians for the Home of the Friendless, at Dubuque. He was also City Physician in 1891 and 1892. Socially he is con- nected with Apollo Lodge, K. P., and in politics is a Democrat. His entire life has been passed in this county, and his honorable and straightforward carcer has gained him not only the confidence and regard of his friends of early years but also of those with whom he has since been brought in contact
N OAH BIGLEY is one of the honored carly settlers of Wayne Township, Jones Coun- ty, and after an industrious and useful career is passing his declining years surrounded by many of the luxuries as well as the necessities of life, on his homestead, which has been the scene of his labors for nearly four decades. The property is situated on section 21, and he still possesses the original patents for the land, entered by him in 1854. He may justly be termed one of the founders of Jones County, for almost since its organization his record has been interwoven with the county's history, and in every possible way lie has promoted its welfare.
A native of the Keystone State, Mr. Bigley was born in Beaver County, October 2, 1817, being the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Harriger) Bigley. His father, also born in Pennsylvania, for a time devo- ted lis attention to boating on the Ohio River, and was drowned about 1820. He was a son of Philip Bigley, who came of an old Pennsylvania family. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Michael Harriger, of Pennsylvania nativity. Af- ter surviving her husband for over half a century she was called from this life, in 1872. Her son, Noah, is the youngest in the family of five children, which comprised three sons and two daughters, and
he is the only surviving member of the family cir- cle. At the time of his father's death he was only three years old, and was carly obliged to make his way in the world though he was given the advan- tages of a common-school education. He remained on the farm until he was fifteen years old, when he decided to take up the trade of a currier, and afterward worked at that occupation until attain- ing his majority.
For some years Mr. Bigley gave his attention to carpenter and contract work, and in 1845 com- menced carrying out some large building enter- prises. In 1853 he worked on the Toledo & Ohio Bridge Construction Department, and later con- tinued in the same line with an Illinois railroad at La Salle. In 1854 he came to Iowa, and after mak- ing thorough investigation in different parts of the state, wisely decided to settle in this county. In company with David Reid he entered a tract of eight hundred acres on section 21. His present farm con- tains within its boundaries three hundred and ninety-five acres, a large proportion of which is un- der cultivation. The farm contains considerable land valuable for pasturage, and the owner keeps from twenty-five to thirty cows, selling milk to a creamery company. He has also been very suc- cessful in raising hogs, and keeps from fifty to one hundred cach ycar.
In 1859 a marriage ceremony was performed in this county by which Mrs. Eleanor Benjamin be- came the wife of Noah Bigley. This lady was born in New Hampshire and came with her parents to this locality. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. Big- ley, Hannibal A. L., is married and lives upon the old home farm, in the cultivation of which he lias proved himself to be enterprising and practical. He is a young man of ability, industrious and thoroughly abrcast of the times in all matters re- lating to agricultural pursuits.
Believing that our public school system is thor- oughly worthy of the substantial support and in- fluence of every patriotic citizen, Mr. Bigley has always been greatly interested in educational af- fairs, and for twelve years served as Director. Up to 1854 he was a supporter of thic Democracy, but after the formation of the Republican party he be- came an adherent of its principles and has since
354
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cast his ballot, in national elections, for the nomi- nees and principles sustained by that party, al- thoughi in local affairs lie chooses to use his disere- tion, regardless of political lines. For a number of years he served acceptably as Township Trustee, and though preferring to give his attention strictly to the duties of his farm, he has nevertheless found time to sustain public measures tending to advance the best interests of the community.
.
B RADLEY STUART, formerly one of the most prominent and successful lawyers in Jones County, is now living retired in the city of Monticello. He realized the full im- portance of his calling and added rank and dig- nity to the profession. Mr. Stuart was born in Hillsdale, Columbia County, N. Y., October 10, 1814, and was the son of Waitman Stuart, native of Connecticut, where he carried on the trade of carpenter and joiner. He in turn was the son of Albert Stuart, an old Revolutionary soldier of Scotch deseent.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was Ruth Ferguson. She was a well educated lady and a native of the Empire State. Her son Bradley, of this sketch, was the fourth in order of birth of hier ten children, six sons and four daughters, only four of whom survive. Our subject was given a good education in Connecticut, and for nine win- ters taught school in both New York State and Iowa.
In the year 1857 Mr. Stuart came to Jones County, this state, teaching school during the win- ter months and farming in the summer until 1864, when he enlisted his services in the Union army, joining Company D, Ninth Iowa Infantry, under Colonel Carskaddon, of Marion, this state. The regiment was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and from there went on the Atlanta campaign, taking part in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, Dal- las, New Hope Church, etc.
After a service of sixteen months our subject
received his honorable discharge in July, 1865, and returned home to this city, where he com- pleted his law studies and engaged in practice. He was then a young man of unusual ability and soon won several important cases by reason of his in- telligence and eloquence. Mr. Stuart was more than ordinarily successful as a lawyer and gained an enviable reputation among the fraternity in this portion of the state. He is now, however, re- tired, residing in a beautiful home in the city and surrounded by his family and numerous warm friends.
Bradley Stuart and Miss Ann Murray were mar- ried in 1838. They lived happily together until 1885, when Mrs. Stuart departed this life. The following year our subject married Anna, daugh- ter of Jolin and Mary Lacy, residents of Dubuque. To them was born a son, John M., who is living at home. Mr. Stuart served several terms as a mem- ber of the City Council and aided in the organi- zation of the School Teachers' Association in Jones County, of which he was made President. In pol- itics lie is a stanch Democrat, casting his first Pres- idential vote for Van Buren. He is a citizen most highly respected by the entire community, and in all the affairs of life he has conducted himself creditably and honorably.
.A GIBSON SMITH, M. D. This young gentleman, who is a successful and pros- perous physician and surgeon residing in Monticello, has an excellent and rapidly increasing practice in his neighborhood and is well known as an able, intelligent and energetic citizen, worthy of confidence and esteem.
Our subject was born in St. Marys, Perth Coun- ty, Ontario, Canada, November 7, 1866, and is the son of Alex Smithi, who was a prosperous farmer of the Dominion. The mother of A. Gibson was known in her maidenhood as Jennie Taylor. She was a native of Canada and with her husband
355
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
continued to make her home there until her de- cease.
The subject of this sketch enjoyed excellent educational advantages and attended the schools in Montreal and New York City until commenc- ing his medical studies in Magill Medical College, from which institution he was graduated after taking the regular course in 1891. He then crossed the line into New York State and spent eight months in the Bellevue Hospital, where he ob- tained valuable experience.
When looking around for a suitable location Dr. Smith came to Monticello and opened an office, where he has won the regard of the general public and is rapidly building up a lucrative practice. Although carnestly devoted to his profession he takes interest in the local progress and leading movements of the city and is proving an impor- tant factor in its upbuilding. He is considered a fine surgeon, to which profession he gives special attention, and in 1894 was appointed a member of the Board of Pension Examiners.
J AMES PARTCII is numbered among the hon- ored early pioneers of Clayton County, where he settled when the land was wild and bore little promise of tlie great future in store for it. For a number of years he devoted himself to the pursuit of agriculture, improving and bringing under good cultivation a valuable farm. For nearly forty years his home has been made in Elkader, and during that time he has been promi- nently identified with all progressive and public movements of this placc. Coming to Iowa almost without means, Mr. Partch by reason of his indus- trious qualitics and good financial methods was soon enabled to acquire a competence, becoming well-to-do and influential in the history of the county.
The birth of our subject occurred in the town of Hincsburgh, Chittenden County, Vt., March 8, 1817, and of that county, his father, James Partcli,
was also a native. His death occurred in the Green Mountain State, when his son James was still an infant, and his wife, who was in lier girl- hood Tamar Hayes, also died in that state when her son was quite young. The paternal grand- father, Thomas Partch, was a native of England, and coming to America, settled in Connecticut in an early day. The boyhood of our subject was passed uneventfully in his native state, where he learned the details of farm work and attended the common schools. After he came to his majority he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for a time. In 1839 he removed to Pennsylvania, where he carried on a farm and also worked at his trade.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.